Tillie C. Carrico, age 89 passed away on March 10, 2016 at the Friendship Villa Nursing Home in Miles City, MT.
Tillie, the sixth of 8 children, was born to Lydia and August Miller on the farm at Lindsay, in Dawson County, November 28, 1926. Starting school at age 4, Tillie excelled in her studies and attended a one-room schoolhouse through 8th grade. Determined to finish high school, she moved to Glendive and boarded with an aunt. Tillie supported herself by working as a cashier and usher at the local theater and still managed to graduate high school at 16.
Town life appealed to Tillie. She later told her daughters that to avoid falling in love with a farm boy; she would not even consider dating one. She had no desire to return to the daily challenges and hardships of prairie farm life. Instead, she trained as a dental assistant for a Glendive dentist. It was there she met her future father-in-law, Noel Carrico, who so liked Tillie, that when his son came home on leave during WWII, he introduced them to each other. The attraction was instantaneous and strong. Tillie married Frank Carrico July 20, 1946.
Tillie and Frank settled in Billings, where they raised two daughters: Diane (Dennis) Powers and Debra (John) Moore. Tillie was her daughters’ Girl Scout leader and the PTA president. She was an excellent cook who entertained often. She and Frank enjoyed fishing on the Soda Butte River in Yellowstone National Park, a few miles from their mountain cabin in Silver Gate. Tillie also filled her deer tag every fall, hunting alongside her husband. Tillie loved gardening, raising vegetables and tending her flowers. An avid bridge player, she belonged to 2 different bridge groups; playing bi-weekly for 5 decades. For 27 years, Tillie worked part-time at The Billings Clinic as a receptionist. Tillie’s warmth, charm and beauty drew people to her wherever she went. Frank and Tillie enjoyed 64 years together before he passed away in 2012.
Along with her daughters, Tillie is survived by 5 grandchildren: Brooke, Kelly and Meagan, Jesse and Andrea, along with their families, which include 12 great-grandchildren. Her sister, Norma Harrison, sister-in-law Marie Miller and many nieces and nephews also survive her.
A memorial service will be held at King of Glory Lutheran Church at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2016 in Billings, MT. Memorials may be made a nonprofit of your choice. Private family interment will follow in the Terrace Garden Cemetery in Billings. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Tillie Carrico, age 89, of Miles City.
November 28, 1926 – March 10, 2016
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Oh, sweet Tillie. She will be missed, but we know that her life continues in heaven where her vision is restored and she is once again healthy. Deb, you were a wonderful daughter and care giver.
Luanne (Hoesel) Mauch says
A note to Tillie’s family:
I worked with Tillie at the Billings Clinic for many years. She was always so kind, and I always enjoyed the days I got to work with her. I was in my mid twenties at that time, and I thought that she was such a pretty lady! I am now in my sixties and over the years there are many people that I have worked with that I hardly remember..Tillie is not one of them! My thoughts are with you all for the loss of a very special person!
RUBY WIRTANEN says
TILLIE AND I WORKED TOGETHER FOR MANY YEARS AT THE BILLINGS CLINIC, SHE WAS ALWAYS A JOY TO BE AROUND. SHE TAUGHT ME ALOT IN THE TIME WE SPENT TOGETHER. SHE WAS ALWAYS HAPPY AND SMILING. MAY HAPPY MEMORIES HELP YOU THROUGH YOUR LOSS.
Jessica Driskell says
Tillie was such a wonderful lady; I’m thankful for the brief period of time I got to know her. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Pam & Karl Rogge says
My prayers and condolences to Tillie’s family. Tillie dined at the same table as my mother at the Villa and I always enjoyed seeing her when I would visit at meal time. I remember how she loved to hear her daughter play the piano (also enjoyed by my mom). Cherish the good memories and God Bless.
Ana Walker says
Tillie was the true definition of a lady. I enjoyed listening to her adventures. She will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to her family….my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know her new adventures will be the best
RussellMcDonough says
Dora Jean (Bidwell) McDonough and Swede McDonough send our condolences to the family. We went to high school together with Frank and Tillie. And we were together with them at times during the courting period after the war. We always enjoyed meeting with them over the years.
JIm & Bettylou Anderson says
I first met Tillie through my wife, they went through early school years and high school.
I had heard about Frank and Tillie for years before I met them in 1958, my first trip to Montana..Tillie was a real lady and pretty as can be. We spent many hours at their place in Silver Gate fishing the Soda Butte Creek and having a fish fry at their cabin. I could probably write a book about our times with Frank & Tillie and those were very fine memories.
My wife is Bettylou (Tilton, Hildebrand) Anderson. Two of the them were the sweetest ladies I have ever known.
Bruce Clausen says
My condolences to the family and friends of Tillie Carrico. I used to enjoy visiting Tillie and Frank at their residence in Billings. Franks brother Bill was my father in law for a brief time while I was married to his wife Mary Lou’s daughter Terri, and I used to bring them to Billings for visits with Frank and Tillie on occasion. I did meet Diane during one of those times. Tillie was a warm, & friendly lady and was good to visit with.