Viola Wilson Goodale (b. Mildred Viola Mason) passed away May 30 2017 at Westpark Village in Billings. Grandma Vi was born November 18 1920 in Turtle Lake ND to Charles and Minnie Mason. She was the fourth of 10 children. She lived in Vida MT and graduated from High School in Terry MT in 1938.
Vi said she wanted her obituary to simply state “Vi died.” However, her life was so much more. She married Gordon Wilson on July 4 1941. They lived in many places along the Milwaukee RR for which Gordon worked including Mildred, Baker, Ryegate and finally Miles City. She and Gordon had two sons, Doug and Bruce. Vi was a single mother for many years after Gordon had a traumatic fall and eventually passing away. She worked for many years to support her boys at JM McDonalds in Miles City as office manager and top sales clerk. She especially enjoyed working 50-60 hours a week in December, then going home, and decorating for Christmas until midnight to make it very special. Because of her hard work, the boys did not realize they were poor. She would often put items on layaway right after Christmas so they would be paid off by the next one.
In 1975, she married Hank Goodale and they lived for many years in their beautiful home in the Yellowstone Valley east of Miles City. He quickly convinced her to retire and she really enjoyed cooking and entertaining, always with class. They enjoyed a special trip to Germany where they met friends and relatives. Thanksgiving at her house is something all of us will remember and cherish. Wednesday evening taco salad, Thursday morning walks along the river, riding a tarp on the snow behind Hank’s pickup (or basketball if no snow) and of course, the most amazing Thanksgiving feast. Friday would be spent playing football, shopping and eating finger steaks at the Airport Inn. Doug, Bruce and Hank would do their “shopping” at the Log Cabin Bar where they always met old friends. They moved to Billings in 1997 and Hank passed away in November of that year. She lived for the next 10 years in a cozy patio home with beautiful rose bushes. Her final years were at Highgate Senior Living and Westpark Village. At both places, she had many friends and received great care by wonderful people. In addition, a special thanks to Compass Hospice.
Vi is survived by her boys, Doug Wilson (Joan) and Bruce Wilson (Patty); step-son John Goodale (Janet); special daughters-in-law Bobbie Tryan and Linda Fink; 8 grandchildren, Todd Wilson (Laurie), Chad Wilson (Ann), Gina Joyce (Kale), Maile Ewalt (Kent), Mark Wilson (Melissa), Jason Goodale, Jennifer Goodale and Joel Goodale; 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her especially close niece Ginger (K) Huckins, and their daughters Debbie Beley and Darcy Corbridge.
She was preceded in death by her husband Hank, parents, first husband Gordon, 7 siblings and great-granddaughter Shannon Wilson.
A memorial will be held at Faith Chapel in Billings on Saturday July 1st at 11AM. Please use the Broadwater entrance to the chapel.
Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Billings, 505 Orchard Ln, Billings MT 59101.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday July 1, 2017
Faith Chapel
517 Shiloh Road- Please use Broadwater Entrance to Chapel
Billings, MT
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday July 1, 2017
Faith Chapel
517 Shiloh Road- Please use Broadwater Entrance to Chapel
Billings, MT
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Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Love to the Wilson families. Vi was an incredible woman. I will always remember her smile. Praying for Vi’s family and friends as we grieve.
Mark Browning says
Sorry to hear the news of our dear Vi. We’ll remember her pretty face, hearty laugh and times shared.
Journey in peace.
Doug and Lucy Benge says
Bruce and Doug:
Lucy and I extend our sympathies to you upon noting Vi’s passing. Always friendly, happy to see you. Had many lunches during noon band practices at football field. Great memories. Best from Lucy and me.
Sandy and Pat Anderson says
Vi was always such a nice lady. The Parker families would like to extend our sympathies. She was always so enjoyable.
Todd Jourdan says
Bruce and family: my deepest condolences with the passing of you Mother/Grandmother.
With sympathy,
Todd & Christie
Deb Bartholomew says
To All The Families of Vi:
I am so very sorry to hear about Vi’s passing. She was a great lady. We lived next door to her and Hank out in the Valley in Miles City and when she moved to Billings I would stop in and see her. I will always remember her beautiful smile, laughter and the kindness she had for all who knew and loved her. She will be truly missed but not forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mike Schmitz says
God bless her soul. I have fond memories of Vi,during the time I worked at McDonalds,when I was 17. She treated me like a grandson,never forget that.
Duane Strohmayer says
Doug & Bruce
So sorry to hear of your Mothers passing. Our sympathies go out to you. Mr & Mrs Duane Strohmayer & Family
Dana Donovan says
I am so sorry for your loss. Vi will always have a special place in our hearts.
Nancy Foley says
To the family of Viola Wilson Goodale. My family sends their deepest sympathy to you. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to you. John 5:29
John & Lynda Neitz says
What a lovely woman our Aunt Vi was…thoughtful, godly, and loving to all who knew her. Two Aunties now…Lisa (Elsie) in Boga Raton FL and Lu in Lake Stevens WA – The quiver was full for the Mason family with WAY TO MANY descendants to list. God was VERY good to the Mason clan. Many of them will greet us in Heaven.
Kris and Kerry Kilen says
I did not know Vi but from reading her beautiful obituary I couldn’t help but intrude with my thoughts of the wonderful lady she must have been. I apologize it is from a stranger. You see, I now live in the home in Yellowstone Valley that was once Hank and Vi Goodale’s. I know from my neighbors of her kindness and talents with creating a beautiful home and yard. I wish I had her green thumb, and perhaps it is the good tidings Vi left behind but I will say the festivities of the most important Thanksgiving holiday live on. We love our Yellowstone River walks, my boys play basketball in the drive still. My husband and I refer to our home as the “Goodale Place” and are honored to live here; thank you for the glimpse of Vi’s life that makes our honor all the more important to uphold. Peace be with you, and truly our sympathies in losing your beloved Vi.
Cecil Cain says
Bruce and Doug,
Really saddened to note your loss. Vi was a wonderful lady. I so enjoyed working with her so many years ago. I am glad she had many years to enjoy herself and your families.
Cecil