Sylvia Ann (Mack) Trumbo passed away on March 16, 2023 in Billings, Montana, while surrounded by love from her family. She was born May 9, 1940 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Jordan, Montana to Alfretta Kountz Mack and Coral LaVine Mack. She was the third of four siblings: sisters Hazel (Leo) Meyer and Dorothy (Dunc) Stephenson and brother Hugh (Beth & Glenda) Mack.
In the early days they lived at Van Norman, a small community 30 miles east of Jordan. The Mack family raised sheep and horses. They also milked many cows. Coral Mack passed away December 9, 1947 and the family leased the ranch out and moved to Jordan. In 1949 Alfretta married Harry Ofstedal and together the family moved to his farm and ranch in the Brusett Community.
Sylvia attended Garfield County High School in Jordan for three years before transferring to Laurel, Maryland her senior year, graduating in 1958.
On May 25, 1957, Sylvia married John Trumbo, a local rancher. This May would have marked their 67th year of marriage. Sylvia spent their first year of marriage at Elkridge, Maryland while John was stationed at Fort George Meade. Upon John’s discharge from the service and Sylvia’s graduation the couple returned to the Trumbo ranch on Hell Creek.
John and Sylvia were blessed with three wonderful children: Connie (Marvin) Loomis, Mike (Mary Beth) Trumbo, and April Trumbo.
Sylvia was an accomplished lady and will be remembered for her many talents and her love of life and all it had to offer. Some of her talents included cooking, baking, knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, and gardening. She will also be remembered for her excellent housekeeping and her ability to help out on the ranch, working cows and the like. One of her adventures included having her own trap line, which she would tend to daily. Sylvia left behind a pig collection of at least 200 pigs! In 2021 Sylvia and John fulfilled a lifetime dream of traveling to Nashville, Tennessee and attending The Grand Ole Opry.
Sylvia was very community minded and left her mark on Garfield County and the surrounding area. She served on many boards and helped out with many organizations and events. These included Hosting the Paleontologists “Bone Diggers” during the summer, Leading 4-H, Member of Lutheran Church, Blackfoot Home Demonstration, VFW Auxiliary, Garfield County Museum, Wool Growers Association, Outfitter and Guide Association, Garfield County Senior Center and Pioneer Cemetery cleanup and maintenance, and more…
John and Sylvia took on the Hilltop Café, which they ran from 2002 to 2016. Sylvia and her special friend, Meredith Saylor, would meet there on a regular basis for coffee and delicious soft-serve ice cream.
Sylvia is proceeded in death by her parents, mother and father in-law Elmer and Ruth Trumbo, son Mike Trumbo, brothers-in-law Dunc Stephenson, Philip Trumbo, and Ed Trumbo, and nephews Kenny Meyer and Lyndon Meyer.
Sylvia is survived by her husband John of Jordan, MT, her daughter Connie (Marvin) Loomis of Jordan, MT and their children Annette Thomas and Dave Feyereisen of Jordan, MT and Majesta and Gary Bollinger of Helena, MT, her daughter-in-law Mary Beth Trumbo of Sioux Falls, SD and their children Matthew Trumbo of Omaha, NE, Marcus (Jordan) of Brookings, SD, and Maria and Ryan Soto of Volga, SD, her daughter April Trumbo of Bozeman, MT and her children Catie Wagner of Bozeman MT and Stephanie Wagner of Billings, MT, her great grandkids Kaiden Thomas of Jordan, MT, Trayton Thomas of Jordan, MT, Karson Bollinger of Helena, MT and Deacon Trumbo of Brookings, SD and sister Dorothy Stephenson of Great Falls, MT. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Jordan. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Jordan. Graveside services will follow at the Pioneer Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
If one wishes, memorials can be made to the Garfield County Senior Center or the VFW Auxiliary in Jordan.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday March 22, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
401 Main Street
Jordan, Montana 59337
Interment
Following Funeral Service
Thursday March 23, 2023
Pioneer Cemetery
Jordan, Montana 59337
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday March 22, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
401 Main Street
Jordan, Montana 59337
Interment
Following Funeral Service
Thursday March 23, 2023
Pioneer Cemetery
Jordan, Montana 59337
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Beverly Harris says
Oh Sylvia,
I am in shock.
Rae (Frady) Losing says
I have a lot of fond memories working at the Cafe when Sylvia owned it. Including peeling potatoe peels I hadn’t been quite careful enough peeling, and her doing emergency sewing repairs for me when my shirt ripped while on shift.
Many prayers for the family.
Rita Wemmer says
I am so saddened by this. Always a pleasure to see and visit with Sylvia..anytime we met. I am so going to miss it. My prayers to you John and your family. Such a wonderful person a will be missed by so many. Hugs 🫂 love ❤️ and prayers 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Karen Barnes says
My sincere condolences to all of the Sylvia Trumbo families. May all your good memories bring you comfort at this sad time. God Bless all
karen frost says
my god She will be missed
Slade and Lynnette Bumgardner says
John, sorry for your heartache. May you find comfort in Gods love, and your memories.
May God comfort you in every way during this season of life.
Slade and Lynnette Bumgardner
Sandra Barclay says
So sorry to hear of Sylvia’s passing. Thinking of all of you.
Myron &. Mary Beth Kibler says
John and all your kids, grand kids, our deepest sympathy and prayers for comfort to you all. John, you and Sylvia opened your home and life to our Rick, giving him his first job. I remember the summer after he graduated, he wanted one more summer with you before going forward with life. He had a job offer at Bob’s pickup and delivery that summer, but decided they could hold it or give it away. They held it for him and I’m glad he followed his heart. We so appreciate your friendship.
Meredith Saylor says
Rest in peace my dear friend
You will be missed
Prayers for John and family
Connie Blonigen says
My sincere condolences to Sylvia’s family. May your many happy memories of her give you some measure of comfort during this difficult time.
Bill & Ellen Valburg says
John-we are so sorry to hear of Sylvia’s death. We always enjoyed visiting with you when you came to see Mike & Maribeth. You will be in our prayers,
Margie Trumbo says
John and family want to say how sorry I was to here about Sylvia.
Was always happy to come back and see family in the summers,memories
I’ll never forget.My heart and love go out to you all.
Louise de Montigny says
Thanks for all those good meals and warm welcomings Sylvia. My sincere condolences to the Trumbo families.
Sheila Johnson says
So sad to hear of Sylvia passing. I will miss her so much. John and Sylvia always welcomed us like family. Her smile and hugs each time I saw her where the best. These are loving memories that I’ll always cherish.
Roxie Saylor says
Condolences to John,Connie,April,Marybeth and all your family’s.We where saddened to hear of Sylvias passing.We always enjoyed our visits at the cafe or the Senior Center.We where always made welcome at your place.Your family where a great place for our kiddos to go.Rest in Peace my friend.We will miss you.
D. J. and Gloria Rath Milroy says
Sincere condolences to all of Sylvia’s loved ones. May your many memories be a comfort to each of you. Those we hold close in our hearts and memories are never truely gone from us. May God walk with each of of you.