Winnie Wambolt, age 97, of Miles City, MT passed away peacefully, with the love of her family surrounding her, at her home at Holy Rosary Residential Living on September 3, 2024 in Miles City, MT, 2 months shy of her 98th birthday.
Winnie was born on November 2, 1926, the second daughter of Albert and Catherine (Gatwood) Garwood in Saffron Waldon, Essex, England. She grew up in the neighboring village of Great Chesterford on the same road as her paternal grandparents, aunts and uncles. When her family moved into a new manufactured home, she remembered needing to feed the coin-operated electricity meter in the entry way to get the lights on before dark. Winnie attended primary school in England, which is where she learned to crochet. As a teenager, Winnie’s quick math skills led to her first paid job collecting fees and checking tickets at the Great Chesterford railway station.
In 1943, Winnie snuck her father’s bike to ride down to the general store, where a young American soldier caught her eye. Sergeant Fred Wambolt Jr had been stationed, with his unit, across from her village and on November 25, 1944, they were married at Great Chesterford Church in England. When WWII ended, her husband was sent back to the United States, and it would be 11 months before Winnie would see him again.
At the age of 19, Winnie left her home in England and traveled across the ocean arriving in New York on July 3, 1946. Because of the holiday she spent the weekend aboard the ship until they opened Ellis Island, and she was able to enter. Winnie traveled alone by train until she reached the Milwaukee Depot in Miles City. Fritz and Winnie made their home at Kinsey, MT where they farmed until 1953. They lived in various other places before returning, in 1962, to Kinsey where Fritz worked as the Water Master for the Kinsey Irrigation Project. That is where they made their forever family home- raising their 4 beautiful children, Patricia, Sandra, Fred and Pamela. Winnie worked at the Kinsey store off and on but most of her time was spent doing what she loved most- being a mother and wife and making their house a home. Winnie and Fritz were happily married for 42 years before his passing in 1986.
Even after living in the United States for 78 years, she never lost her quiet English accent or her love of England. Winnie was proud to gain her United States Citizenship in 1960 – becoming an official American Citizen. Her citizenship was celebrated at every 4th of July gathering by telling her, “We are sure glad they let you off the boat”. Winnie was able to live, on her own, in her house on Woodbury Street until 2017 when she moved to Holy Rosary Residential Living.
Winnie loved her family wholeheartedly and was the epithet of resilience, strong work ethic and respect for all. She loved being at family celebrations and holiday dinners year-round. Seeing her family together and watching all the smiles and laughter, she would comment, “Boy, are they loud”. Winnie enjoyed spending time at the senior center and spent some time on the dance floor. She enjoyed playing Bingo- and took great joy in being the first to get BINGO and get the pick of the prizes when played at family gatherings. Winnie loved to knit, crochet, sew and quilt and her blankets are sprinkled among her children and grandchildren. Halloween was her opportunity to get first pick from any willing grandchildren’s trick or treat bags to get a few of her favorites. She led the countdown to every Easter Egg hunt—purposedly slowing down as she got closer to 1. Winnie enjoyed “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy”- watching them nightly. She celebrated many birthdays at the Airport Inn, rarely straying from her chicken strips and a baked potato dinner. Winnie loved the Atlanta Braves and her hometown favorite, the Custer County Cowboys. She faithfully listened to all of their games on the radio.
Winnie was a woman of strong faith. She attended First Lutheran Church in Miles City, sitting on the right side, 7 rows back, on the aisle seat. She was a classy woman always wearing a dress with a matching heels, necklace and purse. Prayer during family dinners ended with “Now you can all go to bed”, because that is what Grandpa said.
Winnie is survived by 4 children, Patricia Gardner of Miles City, MT, Sandra (Jerry) Meidinger of Miles City, Fred (Mary) Wambolt III of Miles City and Pamela (Dave) Kaderis of Gulf Breeze, FL, 14 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Pauline Wambolt and Helen Dloughy, brother-in-law Jack Sherman and numerous nieces and nephews. Winnie was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother, Ernest, sister Sylvia Eileen, her husband Fritz, an infant daughter Rose Marie, son-in-law Kenneth Gardner, grandson-in-law Archie Rickett, granddaughter Lindsay Gardner and dear friend and sister-in-law Mary Watts.
Winnie’s family is especially thankful for all of the caregivers at Holy Rosary Residential Living and Hospice for the loving care she received while she made her home there.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2024 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City.
Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Stevenson & Sons of Miles City has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday September 8, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday September 9, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday September 8, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday September 9, 2024
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Kim Stanton says
Dear Wambolt family,,
Very saddened to read your beloved mother and grandmother has passed. I enjoyed reading her lovingly, thoughtfully written obituary— She was obviously a talented and much loved woman with an incredible history. She led an amazing life! Sending you all prayerful condolences as you celebrate her life and grieve her loss. May the gentle peace of our Lord be your comfort today and in the coming days.
With sympathy, Kim Stanton and family
Diane Peanust Money says
What a wonderful lady Gramma Winnie was! She will on with the beautiful memories she has left behind! Thinking of you Fred and Mary and families!
Jim & Cathy Bastian says
We are sorry to hear of Winnie’s passing. She was a special lady and I enjoyed her. You are all in our prayers.
Cathi Peila says
Winnie was a classy lady beautiful lady inside and out. Visiting with her was always such a pleasure. Much sympathy to all of her family as you remember and celebrate her amazing life and legacy.
Phyllis Stevens says
Pat, Sandy and all the other Wamboldt families,
I am so sorry to hear of Winnie’s passing! I have such fond memories of her! May the peace of our Lord sustain you through this trying time!!
Love,
Phyllis
Marvin and Lynne Brush says
Wambolt family, so sorry for your loss.
Deanne and Quinn Wright says
Dear Wambolt family
My prayers go out to all of you for your loss of dear sweet Winnie, what a lady.
Thank you for sharing her with us, what a privilege.
She will be greatly missed by many.
Deanne Wright
Sherri Schneidt says
Awe sad to see this. Such a sweet soul. I still have the baby blanket she made from 55 yrs. ago. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Maureen Larson says
Dear Wambolt Family,
So very sorry to hear of Winnie’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time. The many memories you have with her will live on in your hearts and will bring you comfort and may God bless you all.
Martha Crandall says
Loved to see Winnie. My sympathy
Troy and Dolly Ferris says
We will always cherish the smile Winnie had when we would bring our grandbabies to Residential Living to see their great grandma (GG). We would always try to stop and say hi just to see Winnie’s bright smile; we were so lucky to have those moments. We are thinking of all of Winnie’s family and sending our love. Winnie will sure be missed by our family!
MaryAnn Stoltz says
Sorry for your loss and prayers for the family!
Shannon Holmen says
So sorry Wambolt family. She was always so cheerful and kind. My prayers.
Diane Welbes says
Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Sheri Conley says
My sympathies are with you Fred and Mary, and with Winnies entire family. She left us with wondrful memories and her mark of love upon our hearts. I enjoyed her so much and will miss her. She put sunshine and smiles in my life on the night shift. What a Lady.
Richard and LInda (Stevens) Meidinger says
Our sympathy and thoughts go out to the Wambolt family. I met winnie when her husband was in the VA nursing home and I worked there. Them famly would visit them and I remember talking to them all when they came to see him. I pray all your awesome fun family memories help you all through this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Karson and Marie Kluver says
Dear Pam and the Wambolt Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Bloom says
Fred, Mary and family so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chuck and Maureen Celander says
Fred, Mary & Family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom and Barb Finneman says
To Winnie’s family. So sorry to hear of your loss. We loved Winnie. We always enjoyed visiting with her. We had so many laughs and recollections of the past. Will always remember her smile and kindness. Many prayers and much sympathy.
Floyd & Myra Gabel says
We remember Winnie from years ago. She was a fine lady. We are so sorry about her passing. But you were so fortunate to have her so long. We are so sorry.
Pam Rogge says
Prayers and condolences to the family.
Sheila and Jim Hagemeister says
To all of Winnie’s family, so sorry for your loss. Winnie was such a wonderful women. I knew her from the time I was little, while staying at my grandparents, Alfred and Eunice Hirsch’s. Then as a neighbor after Jim and I married. She always had that smile with the twinkle in her eye. Those that we have laughed with, learned from, loved most leave us the best memories. Honoring the memory of a very special person.
Sue Jens says
So sorry to hear of your loss. It is never easy, no matter the age. She lived a life full of love & family, leaving many cherished memories. You are in my thoughts & prayers.
Sue & Scott
michael & myrna higgins says
Deepest condolences for all of Winnie’s family. Praying for peace and comfort for all of you. Makes me homesick for Kinsey when I think of our days spent there. Myrna and Mike Higgins
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Sandy & Jerry and all of Winnie’s family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Your Mother was a very special lady to our family and she will be remembered by many people. I enjoyed wheeling Mom to Winnie’s room so they could have a little visit at Residential Living. My sincere sympathy to all.
Sue Jens says
Wambolt family I am sorry to hear of Winnie’s passing. I remember seeing her when I’d visit my Aunt & Uncle, she would always speak or wave to say hi. She lived a long life, seeing many new family members, which sure brought her joy. You are in my prayers.
Sue Jens
Samantha Perkins says
My sweet Winnie. I’m proud to call you my friend. We shared many laughs and your caring heart was precious. My thoughts to the family and thank you for blessing my heart with your mother
Josephine Meidinger says
So sorry for your loss. Winnie was a good friend to my mother. Allows enjoyed visiting with her.
Skin and Betty Collins says
I am so sorry for your loss Winnie’s family. She was right across the hall from my husband for the last year and 3 months that he lived in Holy Rosary Residential Living. Skin Collins was my husband. I got to be a good friend with her
A very fine woman. I lost Skin on April 15th and only got to see her a few times after that
Wish it could have been more. God Bless all her family and rest in peace dear Winnie. Until we all meet again.