Thomas John “Tom” Lala was born on February 22, 1949 to Roman and Loretta (Skallicky) Lala at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, MT. Tom attended grade school through high school in Miles City but left during his senior year to enlist in the Army. He finished his basic training at Fort Lewis and then transferred to Fort Ord, in California. Unfortunately, during a visit home he was involved in a bad car accident and finished his Army career at Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Colorado.
After being discharged from the Army, Tom came home to Miles City and worked for his father at the Eagle’s Club. He then moved on to work at the Pine Hills and then L.P. Andersons before going to work for his brother Ron at Buttery’s in the Bakery. Buttrey’s bakery led him to Kalispel for two years and eventually Prosser, Washington, where he lived for thirty years.
While in Washington he met Wilma Esty. Tom and Wilma built a beautiful home together. He was very proud of his home and little country farm, as he had a couple horses and even a couple calves at one time. Of course, you can’t forget the cats and dogs.
After twenty years of baking, he left Albertson’s and started working for the City of Prosser, Washington. Working for the City required Tom to earn a high school diploma, so he worked hard and earned his GED. He was very proud of that accomplishment! Tom often spoke of his grandkids and their families in Washington with a big smile and light in his eyes. They were his joy!
Thomas eventually moved back to Miles City in 2015. He never missed an opportunity to pick up his mother from extended care and chat over a cup of coffee in the cafeteria. He and his siblings always loved to get together with their mother and extended family to BBQ in the summer heat. He also never lost his love for animals and found himself the perfect “best friend” Max. Anywhere Tom went, Max was sure to follow! The two were never separated. When Max eventually crossed rainbow bridge, a part of Tom followed him. He was always looking to replace his Max but that was impossible.
Tom started to develop medical issues a little over three years ago. He slowly went downhill after the cancer diagnosis, though never lost his mischievous smile, laugh and sense of humor. Tom passed away March 24th, 2023 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings surrounded by the love of his family.
Thomas was preceded in death by his father Roman Lala, brother in laws Casper Schaefer and Jim Robinson.
Thomas is survived by his mother Loretta Lala, brother Ron, sisters Connie Schaefer and Mary Lynn Robinson, grandchildren Frank (Stephanie) Titus, John Paul Esty, Carly (Andrew) Scholz, and Lauren (Jay) Hart, great grandchildren Cooper Titus and William Scholz, as well as nieces, nephews, several aunts and uncles and many cousins.
We would like to thank his neighbors Joe and Cathy Donnelly for keeping an eye on Tom and his palliative nurse Holly. Also, thank you to Rick and Marti and Sara Klaboe for helping him throughout the years.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Custer County Animal Shelter to continue to support Tom’s love for animals
.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 13, 2023 with family receiving friends from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. A prayer service will follow at 6:00 pm at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday April 13, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Prayer Service
6:00 PM
Thursday April 13, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
11:00 AM
Friday April 14, 2023
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
259 Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday April 13, 2023
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Prayer Service
6:00 PM
Thursday April 13, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service with Full Military Honors
11:00 AM
Friday April 14, 2023
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
259 Cemetery Road
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Dave@Agnes Atkinson says
Sorry to hear of your loss!
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Linda Hodgson says
Lala family I’m so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. Prayers for the entire family.
Mike Archdale says
So sorry. My memories of Tom go back to the 7th grade.
Kathy Marks says
Connie, Mary, and family
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Hugs and prayers for all of you.
Cathy/Joe Donnelly says
To the Lala family:
We are so sorry for the loss of Tom. He was such a great neighbor and friend. We have many cherished
conversations over the fence and in his living room with Tom. Of course, we so enjoyed his dog Max and Sam also. They were all considered part of our family as well. We will miss him very much. Hugs to you all.
Janet Klein says
Oh my, what a shock to see this! My sympathies to Loretta, Tom, Connie and Mary. Hold on to those special memories and let them sustain you through your grieving. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sherri Prevel Schneidt says
To the Lala family my sincere condolences. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May your memories give you peace during this difficult time.
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
I am so sorry for your loss
Chris and Patty Brookman says
So very sorry to hear about Tom. Our prayers are with you all as you grieve for Tom at this time.
Eugene and Connie says
Loretta, Tom Connie and Mary this is always a difficult time , please accept our condolences and prayers to help you through this and the future
Connie and Gene
Josephine Meidinger says
Loretta and family so sorry to hear about Tom hugs and prayers
Bonnie mace says
To the Lala family
So sorry to hear about Tom. Prayers to all of his family
Pam Rogge says
Loretta, Ron, Connie, and Mary,
My prayers and condolences are with you and your families at this time and in the coming days.
Becky and Ed Gergen says
Sorry to hear that Tom passed on. He was always friendly and nice to us.
Laura Bennett says
I am sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers
Jim & Cathy Bastian says
So sorry! you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda and Dale Marcil says
So sorry to hear about Tom, remember all the good times.
TomPatch says
My sincere sorrow and thought are with you and the rest of the Lala family. We all grew up together next door to each other and had a good relationship for years. Tom is now in a better place . I will always remember our summer in Mexico and Texas. RIP my brother Tom Patch
Richard and LInda (Stevens) Meidinger says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Lala family. So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Hope your great memories help you through this difficult time.
Ginger Huckins says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers are with you.
Linda Walker says
Connie and Mary, so sorry for your loss.
David & Danette Olguin says
We are so sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort and healing during this difficult time.
Carol Schneider says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. As a young girl hanging out at the Lala family home was a great memory to carry through my life. Blessing to all of Tom’s family and friends.
Linda Moore says
Mrs Lala and all her wonderful families please take care of yourselves at this sad time. I’ll b praying for all of you. Sincerely. Linda
Don Pesek says
Our deepest sympathy to Aunt Loretta, cousins Ron, Connie, Mary and your families. We had the honor to spend some time with Tom about a year ago at Aunt Loretta’s 100th birthday celebration. It is a visit we will always remember..what a wonderful family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Don and Lorna Pesek
Doug Damm says
Rest in Peace cousin Tom.
Linda Cory says
Praying for the Lala family. May The Lord give you His peace that passes all understanding. In Christ , Linda Cory
Double T Tree Service says
Such a nice guy. Did a couple of jobs for Tom and he was so genuine to me and my crew.
Kim Kelly Peterson says
I am sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers
Joe and Cathi Peila says
Lala family: Sending our sincere sympathy. We are so sorry for your loss and carry you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Deb Bartholomew and Family says
Lala Family:
I am so very sorry for your loss. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. He will always be Treasure in your hearts and not forgotten. Treasure your memories as they will help thru difficult days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Susanne Mentikov-Galbraith says
Dear Lala Family,
Sending my sincere sympathy to you. May your memories be a blessing.
Sandi Kohones and Jon Wilkerson says
We send our condolences and prayers for healing during this sad time.
Marvin & Lynne Brush says
Ron, Connie, Mary and the rest of the family:
Sorry for your loss. Marvin enjoyed visiting with Tom during sprinkler service work.
Audrey Haumschild and Greg Blind says
Hugs and prayers are with you all 🙏❤
Ruben and June Opp says
Lala family, Loretta, Ron, Connie& Mary. We are so sorry to see where Tom passed away, what a shock. Our thoughts and prayers are that God will bless and comfort you all during these difficult days and in the day ahead.
Ruben and June Opp
Dennis and Chris says
So sorry for your loss.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Sending prayers and condolences during this difficult time.
Diane M Welbes says
My thoughts and prayers to you all. So sorry for your loss.
Carolyn E Hays says
I’m saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. We were in the same class in high school and I always thought he was the nicest kid. Very quiet and shy. My sympathies to all of you on your loss! Carolyn (Cooky) Emerson Hays
Everal Nelson says
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. My love goes out to Loretta, Ron, Connie and Mary at this difficult time. I can still hear Mary telling us about Loretta calling him for supper. Tom and Ron used to come up to the Eagles and I always had a hard time remembering which one was Tom and which one was Ron. Wonderful family, good friends. Love to all of you and give Loretta a big hug from me.
Everal
Darla says
So sorry about your brother, Ron. May he rest in peace.
Janet Edmonds says
Loretta, Ron, Connie and Mary, my deepest sympathy. God bless.
Gena and Larry Major says
Loretta, Ron, Connie, Mary
We were so saddened to hear of Tommy’s passing.
I have wonderful memories of growing up together and living next door to each other, playing in the alley, sharing the “party line “and so many more.
Our prayers are with you and we hope you will find some comfort and peace in the days to follow.
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
So sorry for you loss. Hugs.
Karla says
Very sorry to hear of Toms passing. You are a very strong and loving family, and let that be your guide through this sad time
Joan Smith says
Lorette,Ron,Connie and Mary,
Oh, how I wish I could be there for my Lala family as they lay my cousin Tom to rest. We celebrated a lot of holidays together when we were growing up and picnics at the pumping plant are cherished memories. I especially wish I could give Loretta a hug as I can’t imagine how hard this is for her to lose Tom.
God bless you all,I love you and you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Joan Damm Smith
Barbara Ashley says
So sorry for your loss.
Anita says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss of Tom.Our prayers and thoughts are with you all!
Jim and Anita Scheeler
Tom and Melanie Patch says
Dear Lala Family,
We send you big huge hugs. Tom sure was a great guy. My dad shared some stories with me for a few chuckles. They involved fast cars and Mexico.
Condolences from Melanie and Tom Patch
LeAnne & Jim says
Loretta, Ron, Connie & Mary & Families,
So sorry to hear of Toms passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. With the deepest sympathy.
Melissa says
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone at this rough time.
With our deepest sympathy,
Leonard Schaefer and Family
Sandy Rabe says
To the Lala Family. So sorry for your loss. May God wrap in his loving arms and give you comfort.
God Bless.
Sandi Bruce says
Connie and Mary. I’m so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Loretta, Ron, Connie, Mary and families-
My sincere sympathy to all if you in the loss of Tom. Seems like our families have suffered the losses of spouses and siblings at basically the same time frames, so I feel very close to you all in that regard. Hold each other close and remember the great times your family enjoyed tigether.