Fred Albert Thoeny, age 79, passed away at home on December 12, 2015. Shirley Ann Thoeny, age 77, passed away at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City on December 13, 2015.
Fred was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on November 19, 1936. His parents were George and Anna Thoeny. Fred lived in Centerville Township, Minnesota until he was 13 and then moved to Brockway, Montana with his family riding the train in a boxcar. He joined the Army in December of 1958 and served until December of 1960. During one of his leaves he toured Europe, Italy and Switzerland. While in Switzerland, he had the opportunity to visit his parents relatives.
Shirley was born in Miles City, Montana on September 3, 1938. Her parents were Clarence and Mollie Holman. Shirley grew up on a ranch near Volberg, Montana. She graduated from Custer County High School in 1956. Shirley married Lloyd Wayne Elliot in March of 1957. They lived in Las Vegas, Nevada and Shirley enjoyed playing the slot machines and worked at various jobs. A son Leslie Elliot was born.
Fred and Shirley met while learning to square dance in Miles City, Montana. They kept in touch by writing letters. Fred was living at the ranch southwest of Brockway and Shirley lived in Miles City. The letters were saved and shared with their children later. They were married on February 24, 1963 in Circle, Montana on a rainy day. This union blessed them with children Molly, Marie, Georgia and Michael. Fred ranched and Shirley was a homemaker and helped Fred on the ranch. Fred was involved with several community organizations. He also served as a county commissioner. Shirley enjoyed sewing clothes and making delicious shrimp salad, cinnamon rolls and cookies.
Fred and Shirley retired in 2001 and moved to Miles City. Fred volunteered at the senior citizen Drop Inn Center and enjoyed helping with bingo. Shirley joined TOPS and enjoyed doing cross stitch and computer games. They enjoyed nickel gambling at the local establishments. The most enjoyable vacation was the Charlie Russell Chew-Choo train ride and the mock robbery that occurred during the ride. Fred and Shirley loved it when the grandkids came to visit.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Clarence and Mollie Holman; brother Howard and sister Arlene. Fred is survived by brothers: Matt (Marie), Henry (Frances), Simmy; and a sister Annie (Merle) Vine. Shirley is survived by a sister Esther Culpepper; a son Leslie (Barb) Elliot and grandchildren Chris, and Khristi. Fred and Shirley are survived by their daughters: Molly (Button) Lloyd; Marie (Vernon) Swecker; Georgia (KB) Sweten and a son Michael (Sheena) Thoeny; and grandchildren: Desiree, Alighta, Mariah, David, Sierra, Gracie, Katie and Jake.
Family will receive friends on Friday, December 18, 2015 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post 1579. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Senior Citizen Drop Inn Center in Miles City or the charity of one’s choice.
Special thanks to the Drop Inn Center, Cottonwood Care Home, Holy Rosary Hospital, Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home and anyone else we may have forgot to mention.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday December 18, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 19, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Saturday December 19, 2015
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday December 18, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 19, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
Saturday December 19, 2015
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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troy n holly n family says
Heart be still. Shirley, may you n Fred RIP together forever
Julie Long says
Mark and I are so very sorry for your loss. Please know you are held in our prayers. May God’s peace and the promise and hope of this season bring you comfort.
Vic and Laura Lee Ullrich says
Thinking of you and lifting you all up in prayer. We are so very sorry for your loss. Please allow us to help in any way needed.
Karen gunther says
I am so sorry for your loss Molly, you are in my prayers.
Dee Dee Culpepper Rice says
To Thoeny family – So sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom and Dad. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Vanna Byrd says
Molly and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am here for you! Whatever I can do please don’t hesitate to ask!
Melissa Stroh Franklin says
Thoeny family..I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom and dad..my prayers are with you
Abby Jones says
Dear Molly, James “Button”, and Daughters,
I was so very sorry to have learned of your parents passing. They must have been kind and caring people, as you certainly are. Words simply cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. God be with you during this most difficult time.
Mrs. Williams says
May the hope of Psalms 34:18 bring the family of Mrs. Shirley A. Thoeny much comfort during this time, God’s word assures us that he sees the difficulties and hard times that we go through. He will help you and your family in this time of sorrow. We can also look forward to a time when death will be no more (Revelation 21: 3, 4). Taking in accurate knowledge of the living God Jehovah assures us better times. The Bible can be read or listened to online at http://www.jw.org for more encouragement during this difficult time.
Wayne & Anita says
Please know that we are just sick of hearing this news. Know also that you are in our thoughts & prayers. IF…anything we can do, please let me know.
Colette Schlehuber says
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your families during this difficult time. Your Montana Silversmiths family will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We hope God grants you the strength and serenity to find eternal peace as you bid farewell to your loved ones. Take care and please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
April Thompson says
Oh Fred and Shirley,
You will be missed. My thoughts and prayers to the family.
Pat Hanlan says
Molly , Button, and girls, Your parents will be together in eternal peace; my prayers are with you during this time.
Wade and Donna Larson says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to the family. Aunt Shirley and Uncle Fred will be missed by all.
Janet Buraas Klein says
Thoeny family…I am so very sorry for the misfortune of losing two of your family members. You are in my thought and prayers.
Charla K. BORDER says
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom also. I can’t imagine what you all are going through. Sending prayers to all. Another guardian Angel to watch over all of you.
Jackie Johnson Boysun says
My heartfelt sympathy with you all. May you find peace in your memories.
Cathy (Hubing) Workman says
So very sorry to hear about your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers,
Claude & Claudia Carlson says
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Praying for friends to comfort you. Faith to uphold you, and loving memories to carry you through.
Sherri Sutton says
I’m sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed coming over to the farm and playing with you girls and the horses. Shirley was always smiling and supportive. She’s with Fred now.. Prayers
Heather Moon says
Thoughts and prayers as you face this time of grief. These days and this time of year are hard but Shirley would want you to put on a smile and go on. She was a warm, friendly woman. She will be missed.
Marge Griebel says
My deepest sympathy to the family. I never met Shirley but I met Fred at the Drop In Center in Miles City. I saw him there nearly every Sunday. He was one of the nicest men I have ever met. He was so friendly and thoughtful and such a gentlemen. We will really miss him at the Drop In. Marge Griebel
Kimber Emmons says
Sending love and strength to all of you. May the Lord wrap his arms around you and keep you whole. ~Brett & Kimber and family
susie robertson says
so sorry for your loss. we are all thinking of you at the nursing home in anaconda. friend susie
Barbara Ashley says
Thoughts and prayers to you family. Georgia, KB and Gracie My heart goes out to you at this time. I did not know your mother but you father was a patient when I worked at the VA- He was such a kind person, I enjoyed always visiting with him. My Aunt Ruth and I went on a Charlie Russel Train Trip and the only person I knew on the trip was your dad and It was a wonderful trip and I am so glad to have known you Dad. Love to all – Barb Ashley
Tanna Schaff says
Molly and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. It’s apparent that your parents were meant to spend eternity together with no time apart. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Always,
Tanna
Sharon Kemp says
Very sorry to hear of the loss of two wonderful people, Fred and Shirley. My prayers are with the Thoeny Family. Blessings Be for all of you.. Sharon Kemp (Gary)
Marie Nagle Hoth says
Molly and family and Marie and family i am so sorry for your loss. There are no words to take the hurt away. May Gods love and grace be with you in the days to come
Della Greslin says
Molly & family so sorry for your loss may your treasured memories of your parents help you through a very trying time. I hope the happy memories will help you during this Holiday Season.
Lon and Vicki Reukauf says
Thoeny Family, We were so very sad to learn of Fred and Shirley’s passing. We never knew where we would run into them, but always enjoyed our visits. The world has lost two very thoughtful people. We are keeping your family in our prayers for peace and comfort beyond all understanding.
Brenda (Southern) Riedel says
Molly (and family )
Spoken words can not ease your sorrow. I hope the prayers that are lifted up to heaven are felt in your soul.
Sending you all my deepest sympathy.
John and Lana Smith says
Thinking of you and your family, Molly. We offer up our prayers not only for your healing but also that despite your terrible loss that you will find peace and joy in this Christmas Season.
John and Lana Smith
Michele (French) Mickolio says
In time, peace be with you as you feel Gods arms around you. I am sorry. Your parents were wonderful people.