Thelma June Robison Meade: June 26, 1923-December 14, 2020
Thelma June Robison Meade was born in Broadus, MT, on June 26, 1923, to Arthur & Barbara Robison. Thelma went to heaven on December 14, with her three children at her side. Thelma grew up in a sod house, without water, electricity or plumbing, until the age of 12. She was the oldest of four children. When her father abandoned the family, her mother moved them to the Russell Ranch, near Broadus. There, her mother cared for the aging parents of Carl Russell. On the Russell Ranch, Thelma & her two siblings lived, with their mother, in a simple, log house. During high school, Thelma and her sister Laura moved to a small trailer house in Broadus, to attend school. The trailer had no water, no bathroom and a wood burning stove. They used the bathroom at a local motel and took showers at the high school. Thelma graduated from the Broadus High School, where she played trombone in the band and participated on the volleyball team. Her post-graduation goal was to become a Registered Nurse. She attended the nursing school in Aberdeen, SD and at the Presentation School of Nursing in Miles City. Thelma graduated on June 30, 1945, as a Registered Nurse, certified by the Montana State Board of Examiners for Nurses. Thelma met her future husband in Broadus, MT. Hap saw her downtown, walking with a classmate, and asked her to go to the movie with him. Hap had to borrow another five cents from a friend to be able to pay for the movie, popcorn and drinks. While on military leave, Hap took a train from Seattle, to MN, then caught another train to Glasgow, MT, where his nephew, Bud Meade picked him up. He borrowed Bud’s car and drove to Broadus to propose to Thelma. They were married in Ekalaka, MT, on July 13, 1944. Three days later, Hap returned to Seattle and the US Army. Thelma stayed in Miles City, to continue her nursing degree. In that era, married students were not allowed in the nursing program. Since Hap was drafted into the military and out of the country, the school made a special concession for her to continue her nursing courses. Thelma had once wanted to become a flight nurse, but once she was married, that was no longer an option. Hap returned in 1946 and they settled in Belle Fourche, SD, where Hap constructed the first on several homes. They then moved back to Miles City, where Hap had dance band work and another home to build. To this union, their first son, Lester Allen was born, on November 21, 1948. Next, they moved to Osborn, ID, where Hap built two family homes. When the Idaho homes were completed, they moved to Brainerd, MN, where their daughter Melody Rae, was born in 1951. Hap’s carpentry jobs and dance work took them back to Belle Fourche, where their second son, Randy Lee, was born in 1953. Thelma was the Head Nurse at Holy Rosary Hospital for OB/GYN, for 14 years. She was very proud to be a nurse. There were times when she delivered babies, by herself, when the OB doctor didn’t get there in time. She was also the Head Nurse at the Custer County Rest Home for 14 more years. Since her husband Hap had already retired as the hospital carpenter, they embarked on several trips. They went to Branson, MO, Alaska, Arizona, Washington D.C, Hawaii & California. Thelma enjoyed taking care of her tulips & peonies in her yard. She did some sewing, knitting and embroidery. Thelma was on a ladies bowling team, with other nurses, at the Red Rock Bowling Lanes, for several years. She was Hap’s painting, staining, and clean-up helper for many homes that were built, including their three family homes, and a four-plex, in Miles City. They moved to Billings, MT, in 1991, for four years. They remodeled & sold a family home, near their son’s home. They enjoyed several school activities with their granddaughters Tonya & Kerri in Billings. Mom’s constant companion for the last five years, has been an Australian Miniature Labradoodle dog, named Abby Marie. Their son, Randy, moved into their home, to take care of his father, Hap, in 2015, until 2017, when Hap passed away with cancer. He remained at their home to care for his mother, until December 15, 2020. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Barbara & Arthur Robison, brother John Robison & infant brother Sam. Thelma is survived by her children: Les (Carla) Meade of Boise, ID, Melody (Bob) Haynes & Randy Meade of Miles City. Her grandchildren Vicki (Glenn) Larson, of Justin, TX, Travis (Jessica) Haynes of Billings, MT & Spencer (Rachel) Haynes of Miles City; Tonya (Tony) Veches of Boise, ID, Kerri (Gregg) Solarz, of Missoula, MT. Great grandchildren: Axel (7), Ares & Iris (5) Larson of Justin, TX, Amelia & Destiny (8) & Austin (5) Haynes of Miles City. Brogan (15), Camden & Dresden (11 ) of Boise, ID. Thelma’s sister Laura Parra lives in Mt. Juliet, TN. She is survived by numerous nieces & nephews. A military graveside service will be held in June, 2021, for both Hap & Thelma Meade. We would like to thank Holy Rosary Healthcare Medical staff, including Dr. Davison, ICU nurse Lori and the ICU Staff, Holly Parsons, Palliative Care, Jessica Rosenkranz PT, for their tender, loving care of Thelma, in her last days.
Should friends desire memorials can be made to the Miles Community College Nursing program in the name of Thelma Robinson Meade. Condolences can be made to the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
10:00 AM
Monday June 28, 2021
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
10:00 AM
Monday June 28, 2021
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Janet (Jones) Edmonds says
Meade Family, I am sad to read of the passing of your Mom. Hold tight all of your memories. The Meade Families were so wonderful to our Mom, Ruth Hagan, for the 20+ years she rented from you. Mom always enjoyed the visits from Thelma and Hap.
Denise Harvey says
Our thoughts and prayers are as you bid farewell for now to your precious mom, grandma, and great-grandma. She has left a wonderful legacy in all of you.
Denise and Jay Harvey
Becky Gergen says
Sorry to hear of the passing of your mother and grandmother.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
my sympathy
Ginger. Huckins says
Deepest sympathy to the Meade family.
Ruben and June says
Meade family,so sorry to see where your mom went to join her beloved husband Hap. Hang on to all the memories you all have about both of your parents,your dad was a great carpenter and your mom was a great nurse in the Miles City area. God Bless
Ruben and June Opp
Diane Welbes says
The loss of a family member is like that of a limb, time may heal the anguish of the wound, but the loos cannot be repaired. Thoughts and Prayers to you all.
Carol Schneidt says
My thoughts and prayers to the Meade family.
Sandi Bruce says
My thoughts and prayers to the Meade family
Doug Benge says
Condolences on the passing of Thelma. She was a good friend of my parents and they highly regarded her professional skills. She and Hap were long time clients and I very much enjoyed visiting with them every year and valued their loyalty. She will be missed. Best wishes to all family.
ArLynn and Walter Archer says
Thoughts and prayers.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Lester, Melody, Randy and all the rest of your family-
I’m so sorry to hear of your Mother & Grandmother leaving you at this time. Draw close to each other with comfort & memories.
Lila stark says
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing
Linda R Losinski says
We are so sorry for your loss. Your mom lived a full happy life because of her family whom she loved with all her heart. You should be proud of the care you gave her and Hap. God Bless.
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Thoughts and prayers to the Meade !Family
Gary Coffrin says
Lester alerted me to the sad news of Mrs. Meade’s passing. I am sorry for your loss, sad for your pain. Randy, Melody, and Les are in my thoughts.
Janet Klein says
Thoughts and prayers to the Meade family as you grieve the passing of your mother.
Yolanda Ferguson says
My thoughts and prayers go to the Meade family with the passing of a wonderful lady, Thelma.
Kent W. Frette, says
Melody – My thoughts and prayers are with the Meade family with the passing of your mother.
Linda & Richard Meidinger says
Thoughts and prayers to the Meade family. I worked with Thelma years ago at HRH always thought she was so
sweet and kind. May your memories help you through this difficult time. Linda Meidinger
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Sending prayers and condolences to all.
Kolleen (Waldo) Forsyth says
My sincere sympathies to the Meade family.
Tom Zuelke says
Randy and family,
So sorry for the loss of your mother. My thoughts are with you.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Carolyn Hays says
to all 3 of you, Les, Mel and Randy-so sorry to hear about your mom. She had a long and varied life with lots of accomplishments. You all have some wonderful memories to hold dear and help you keep her with you always. Sincere sympathies, may God hold you near during your time of sorrow.
Kriss Erickson says
Les, Carla and Tonya and Kerri we have not seen you for ages, but, hold you and your families in our heart. My parents (the late Ross & Avis Erickson) always spoke highly of Thelma & Hap. I now know how much your mother wanted to be a nurse. Thelma was a legend in Miles City nurses. Our parents went through a lot to become “The Greatest Generation.” Please accept our condolences.
Maureen Larson says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Meade family during this difficult time.
Marla Malley says
So sorry for your loss
Marc & Denise Hartse says
Our deepest condolences to the Mead family.