Ruthann “Happy” Dorothy Stewart, age 69, passed away on October 6, 2021 at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings, MT surrounded by her daughter and sons.
Happy was born on October 25, 1952 in Miles City to Gottlieb and Ruth (Volkert) Wemmer, joining her older siblings. She attended school in Miles City up until her senior year, moving to Springfield, Oregon where she graduated in 1972.
On March 1, 1977 she married Donald Ellis Higbee in Miles City. She worked as a librarian at the Miles City Public Library and followed Don as he worked various jobs throughout Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. She embraced becoming a homemaker and proudly raised five children. She worked hard at earning a college degree and graduated from Miles Community College with an Associate’s Degree in 1999 and from Dawson Community College with an Associate’s Degree in 2007. Above all, the job and title she loved the most was Grandma. On February 9, 2013 Happy married Raymond Stewart.
Happy enjoyed taking care of others and was so glad to be able to do this while working with Seniors at Action for Eastern Montana until her death. She enjoyed traveling with her son Josh to all of her grandchildren’s birthdays, school activities, and just to enjoy their company. The time she gave her family was her biggest gift to them. They both enjoyed going to the various sporting events cheering on the Miles City Cowboys/Cowgirls. They also enjoyed dancing at the VFW, Elks and the yearly Bluegrass Festival. Happy enjoyed her flower garden, especially her yellow tea roses and geraniums. She was very active in the First Baptist Church, rarely missing a Sunday service. She was also a member of the VFW and American Legion. Happy embraced all of her children and grandchildren’s family and friends as if they were always a part of her family.
Happy was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Don and Ray; siblings Martin Moye, Carol White, David Wemmer and Gerome Wemmer, brothers-in-law: Neil Higbee, Lloyd Higbee, Rodman Higbee, Randy Billing and sister-in-law Janet Higbee. She was also preceded in death by her youngest son Joshua Higbee on October 3rd.
She is survived by her children and grandchildren, Trixie (Dustin) Muggli, Tristin & Amanda, Bruce (Melissa) Higbee, Cassie, Amber, Bruce Jr., Madison & Kaitlynn, Will Higbee, Cash and Donald (BeLinda) Higbee, Gabrielle, Connor, Elliana & Leah; Her siblings Joan Putnam, Robert Wemmer and Pearl Billing; sisters-in-law: Bonnie Wemmer & Rita Wemmer; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 19, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 19, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday October 20, 2021
First Baptist Church
914 Palmer Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
To follow immediately after Funeral Service
Wednesday October 20, 2021
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 19, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday October 19, 2021
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday October 20, 2021
First Baptist Church
914 Palmer Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
To follow immediately after Funeral Service
Wednesday October 20, 2021
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Ben and Kylie Hill says
We are absolutely heartbroken to hear this news. May you and Josh fly high together as the angels you are!
Bernadette Miller says
Trixie and Family
I am just heartbroken to see this. To loose a brother and mom, oh my gosh, my prayers are with you, let me know if there is anything I can do.
Floyd & Myra Gabel says
Higbee family–so very sorry to hear this news. Rest in peace, Happy & Josh. Prayers to the family.
Rhonda Erlenbusch says
Trixie and Family, My heart breaks for you all ! My thought and prayers are with you. May God comfort you through this sad time. God Bless, Rhonda Erlenbusch
Pam Rogge says
Trixie and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and in the days ahead.
Michele Trimble says
Trixie and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Denise Harvey says
My prayers are with your precious family as you navigate this difficult journey.
Take care and may you be comforted with sweet memories.
Edith says
Sorry for your loss praying for your family
Diana Robinette says
Sending my condolences and prayers to the family, I have known Ruthann since the day my Sister married her brother Dave, she was a very kind person. Brings tears to my eyes the lost in their family.
Dolores H. Steiner says
Trixie so sorry for your loss God be with you at this time.
Danel and Rob Purvis says
Higbee Family;
We are so sorry for your tremendous loss. May the Lord grant you equally tremendous peace and blessings as you move forward.
Chris & kayla Carpenter! says
Oh Happy, I am so saddened to hear of you and your sons passing. The neighborhood will not be the same with out you or Josh! May you and Josh fly high. Rest in peace! My thoughts and prayers go out to Trixie and family!
Terry Billing says
Higbee family, I’m so sorry sorry to hear about your brother and mother. I always loved running into them when I was in town and visiting with them. They will be truly missed. If you need anything let me know
Rita O'Connor says
Trixie and family. I am so sorry for your loss and you are all in my heart. Prayers for you always.
Vikki Bradley says
Trixie and family, I am so very sorry of the loss of your mother and brother. May all of you find comfort during this time.
Molly Fjell says
Oh Trixie,
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother and brother. Sending hugs and prayers.
Lynn Hager says
Higbee family, I am so sorry for your losses this week. Happy and Josh will truly be missed. May you receive comfort in your sorrow.
Amanda Dunwald says
Sending prayers and hugs to the family. May you and Josh have so much fun in heaven like you did here on earth. I will miss seeing you two running around
Raylynn Sleight says
Mamma Higbee was always a shining example of kindness & love. May her memory forever be a blessing. My deepest condolences to your family as you grieve her loss along with Josh.
Garth Sleight says
Raylynn said it best for me: Happy was indeed a shining example of kindness and love. I enjoyed having her and some of her children as students at MCC. What a shocking and heartbreaking turn of events.
Shane & Holly Harbaugh says
To the Higbee and Wemmer families, so very sad. Sure will miss our quick visits! She was truly “Happy”. God’s Blessing to each of you.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
I am so very sorry to see that Happy has passed on. My sincere sympathy to all her family and friends. She certainly was a loving caregiver to many. We will all miss seeing that beautiful smile.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
Don, Belinda and family,
We were so sorry to hear about your brother and mother. Sending our deepest sympathy to all the family. Will keep you in our prayers.
Glen and Teena
Marty & Jeanette O'Dea says
Don,Will,Trixie and families,we are so saddened to hear of the death of your Mother and Brother. What a good lady your Mom was “Happy” was a perfect name for her. She was always smiling and always had time for a chat. Our deepest sympathy at your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
sandra stoltz says
Trixie and family, we are just shocked to hear of the losses of your mom and brother. Words cannot express the sorrow we feel with you all. Please remember that you are always in my prayers. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time. Find comfort in God’s love and remember all the good times you shared together.
Joanne Richardson says
Trixie and family So very sorry to hear about your mother. Praying for you during this most difficult time. Happy and Josh will be so missed in our community. They both enjoyed getting out to attend many functions over the past years. May their many memories bring you much comfort and peace.
DaleLynn Lapuh says
Our hearts go out to your family. They will be missed.
Kim Gebhardt says
Oh, Trixie, I’m so sorry to hear this news. My heart breaks for you! Please know that I’m will be praying for you and asking God to give you peace and understanding! Love and hugs.
AUDREY HAUMSCHILD says
This is so sad to see . RIP Happy and Josh.
Susan Ochs says
I got to know Happy from my sister Linda . She was a special lady .sorry for your loss
Donnie Rooney says
Higbee family I’m so sorry for your loss of your mom & brother.Happy was a great woman to talk & Josh was a good friend.The church fanily will miss them deeply.R.I.P. Happy. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal Author Unknown.
Danette & David Olguin says
Trixie and family we are so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother and now your mother. Our prayers are with all of you and please let us know if there is anything we can do. God Bless
Shirley Lund says
Trixie & family, May God bless you with comfort & peace. Happy had the kindest heart. Josh & Happy are together at eternal rest. Shirley
Fred and Marge Tetschner says
So sorry about the loss of Happy and Josh. They will be missed. You are in our thoughts and paryers.
Joann Serquina Watson says
I met Happy and Josh thru my sister Carol. Happy was such a good caring person. She was so kind and thoughtful when my sister passed away …she set up the reception at the VFW for after the funeral service.
Our family was coming from Bozeman, MT to bring Carol ashes home so we were so appreciative of Happy’s suggestions and ideas. Happy and Josh were special friends!
Rest In Peace…you two will be missed!
Cindy Berg says
Tracie and family,
So sorry about your mom and brother. My heart breaks for you all. Hugs and prayers.
Cathy says
Trixie and family I am saddened to hear this. I’m sorry sorry, sending prayers your way
Cathy Johnson
Melanie Florey says
Very sorry to see of Happy’s passing. She was a caregiver to my mom (Kay Fiechtner) before she passed. Mom so enjoyed when Happy came. All she ever wanted was for Happy to sit and visit with her. She always seemed to be doing better when Happy came. May you have peace at this very difficult time.
Wanda Bankey says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of your families.
Dawn Marie Kellmer-Anderson says
So sad to hear of Happy’s passing. She was a wonderful person. God gained an angel. May she rest in peace. And bring peace to the family.
Jeanne Huston says
To the Higbee family. My heart breaks 💔 for you all during this time. Happy was a wonderful loving lady.
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Higbee Family
So Sad I hope the memories of Happy and Josh will help you in the days ahead. You are in our thoughts and Prayers.
Patsy & Mike Davis says
Trixie, Dustin & family and all the Higbee family,
Sending our sincere sympathy in the double loss of your Mom & Josh. We always enjoyed our visits and recently at Gallagher’s.
Love and prayers to all at this sad time.
Michele Mickolio says
I am so so sorry to hear of this. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I enjoyed visiting with Josh and Happy. I wish you peace in the sweet memories you have if them. God Bless you.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Ray and Terri Schmidt says
We were so so sorry to hear about your mom and brother. Your mom was such a sweet lady with a sweet spirit. Please know Ray and I are thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Cindy Stanton says
Dear Higbee kids & grands & Pearl & family,
I am so, so sad to hear of Happy & Josh’s passings. You have truly had more than your fair share of sorrow & loss this last year. I’m praying for you all to have comfort & peace during this dark time.
Sherri Henderson says
I am so sorry to hear of Happy’s passing. She was a great lady. Sending prayers to her family and friends.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
So sorry to hear about your mom. Prayers and condolences to her family. So
Shawn & Joanie Niedge says
Sorry for your loss. Prayers to the family.