Sylvia Hafla, age 78, died peacefully on Friday, January 8, 2016 at Holy Rosary Residential Living in Miles City, Montana after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.
Sylvia Mae Taylor was born in Forsyth, Montana on March 11, 1937 to parents Harry and Cecil (Anshutz) Taylor. Sylvia was the second child, making one son and one daughter for Harry and Cecil. She grew up in many places in eastern Montana, as her dad worked on various ranches. Mom shared many fond memories of growing up on the ranches and her adventures with horses. Mom has always loved dogs but only had cats growing up. Sylvia attended schools in Colstrip, Jordan, and Miles City. She acted in plays and loved going dancing. She graduated from Custer County High School in May of 1955. She married Vince Hafla on June 16, 1956. Their first child, Clifford Joseph, went to be with God after only a week on this earth. They raised 4 daughters: Janice, Joan, Julie, and Janine.
Sylvia was an expert seamstress and made most of her daughters’ clothes through grade school. She also made many of her daughters’ dresses for drill team and formals as well as sewing Joan’s wedding dress and veil. Sylvia taught her daughters to sew, cook, and know how to manage a household, for which her daughters are eternally grateful. Sylvia was active in the Sacred Heart Altar Society. She also worked at the Sacred Heart Rectory and Parish Office. For fun, Sylvia liked playing cards, board games with her girls, reading and going dancing. Her favorite vacation was a cruise to the Bahamas. She and Vince opened Miles City Video in 1983. They were very proud of this business. They closed the Video Store to retire in 1998. Sylvia and Vince camped, boated, and fished (mostly at Fort Peck Lake) until Vince’s passing in 2002.
Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents Harry and Cecil, her brother Steve Taylor, her husband Vincent Hafla, and son Joseph Hafla. She is survived by Janice Warn (Rob), Joan Sleeth (Tim), Julie Gamble (Derek Dey), Janine Hafla (Ben Lizares), 8 grandchildren (Nathan, Heather, Nick, Virgil, Christina, Matthew, Rio, Benny), and 5 great-grandchildren (Destry, Hunter, Julian, Michael and Emma).
Mom, we are so glad you are free from pain and struggles, but you will be greatly missed.
Thank you to all the nurses, CNAs and other support staff who took care of our mom through her years of struggle with Alzheimer’s at Home Health, Cottonwood Care, Friendship Villa and Holy Rosary Residential Living.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials/Donations can be made to: online at alz.org Alzheimer’s Association PO Box 96011 Washington D.C. 20090-6011.
Miles City Public Library 1 South Tenth Street Miles City, MT 59301
Holy Rosary Healthcare Hospice 2600 Wilson Street Miles City, MT 59301 A visitation will be held on Friday, February 5, 2016 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with Family Receiving Friends from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m., followed by a Rosary and Vigil service at 6:30 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Services are under the direction of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday February 5, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Sreet
Miles City, MT
Rosary & Vigil
6:30 p.m.
Friday February 5, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Saturday February 6, 2016
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana
Miles City, MT
Rite of Committal
Following Funeral Service
Saturday February 6, 2016
Calvary Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday February 5, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Sreet
Miles City, MT
Rosary & Vigil
6:30 p.m.
Friday February 5, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Saturday February 6, 2016
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana
Miles City, MT
Rite of Committal
Following Funeral Service
Saturday February 6, 2016
Calvary Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Share
Denise and Jay Harvey says
What a precious lady with wonderful family who cherish her!
May God Bless You!
Denise Harvey
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
You are in our thoughts and prayers. She was a wonderful lady
Keith and Cheryl Fuhrman says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kim R. Smarsh says
Jan, my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the passing of your mother. May your memories comfort you during this difficult time.
Elin Ahmadpour says
To: Joan, Jan, Julie, and Janine;
Your mom was such a beautiful and precious lady. I really enjoyed working with your mom at Miles City Video. We’re so sorry for your loss. Your mom is not suffering anymore. God has his loving arms wrapped around your mom.
You have our deepest condolences.
God Bless You!!
Naser, Elin (Fretland), and Parsa Ahmadpour
Karen & Jobie Morris says
Losing a parent is one of the most difficult experiences in life–even if there are health issues and you know they are no longer suffering, it is still hard to see them go. Cherish your memories and know that your Mom will never really be gone as long as you carry her with you in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sherry Oster says
Dear Jan, Rob and the rest of Sylvia’s family,
Please know you ate all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Hugs to you.
Sincerely,
Sherry
jeanne Green says
My prayers are with all of you . There is an empty spot at that table.
Kuchynka Family says
Janice and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless! Ricky, Tanneil, Kaden, Claire and Connor Kuchynka
Brian and Maggie Dice says
Janice and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through this difficult time. Your Mom is at peace now and with your Dad. Take Care!
Kelsey Lee says
To the family of Sylvia Hafla,
I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing that “Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18) With sympathy,
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Sylvia’s daughters and families: I continued to visit Sylvia after she was admitted to extended care, and was the beneficiary of either her wonderful smile or of her staring into my eyes with her look of determination. Sylvia holds a special place in my heart. My prayers for all of you that your memories will help you through this time of sorrow.
Alvin and Barb Hirsch says
So sorry to hear about Sylvia’s passing, but there is no pain any more and she and Vince are together once again..
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Jan and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God bless you all.
Kerry and mark mccullough says
To the hafla girls, I am sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.she is in a better place now. Prayers for you all.I went to school with Janice at sacred heart.bless you and yours.kerry hom mccullough.
Donna Leitholt Taylor says
Jan, Joan, Julie & Janine
Your mom was a wonderful person. I have many fond memories of her.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Katie Dyba says
Fred & Katie Dyba
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mother.She is with your Father Vince now AND MAY THEY REST iN PEACE. She was a wonderful lady.
Carol and Warren Schuetzle says
So sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Big (((HUGS))).
Diane Welbes says
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing–she is with Our Lord now, and what a great place to be. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Brian & Peggy says
Janice and family,
With sympathy on the loss of your mother.
May your precious memories sustain you.
Blessings, Brian & Peggy Certain
Tony & Helen Dyba Billings says
Tony Dyba & Family of Billings, are so sad to hear of Sylvia’s passing, a special Lady, & I was always proud to have Her in Our family, Vince was My younger Uncle. I left Miles City in 1956, &
didn’t get to see them often, & am sad about that.
Blessings to You All. TD.
Tracee Raymond & family says
Julie, Janice, Joan and Janine,
I’m really sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. May time ease your pain. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kevin and Lori Donnelly says
Am sorry to hear of your loss. May God be with your family. We still have the memories of them to treasure.