Irma A. Lovely

Irma Wilson Lovely went to her Lord and Savior on January 16, 2022, at the age of 94 in Livingston, MT. After a full life she passed peacefully with her children by her side. Irma was born to George and Hettie Wilson on April 7,1927 in Wilsall, MT, at the Bliler Place. While her father was in the civil contractor business, they moved all over the United States but always kept Wilsall as their home. After the untimely passing of her older sister, Margaret (Marty), Irma became the protector of her little sister, Georgia, a role she fulfilled throughout her life. Upon graduation from Wilsall High School in 1946, she received her teaching certification in Billings, and subsequently served as a teacher at Horse Creek Country School with three students. During that time, Irma married her soul mate, Bryan Kenneth Lovely, on December 21,1947. She quickly fell into the role of ranch wife on the Lovely Ranch and then mother with the birth of their three children, Connie, Doug and Kathleen. After Kenneth suffered an injury in a logging accident, the family moved from the Lovely Ranch to Livingston. The years that followed were focused on building a new life together off the ranch and in town. Irma was dedicated to being a wife and mother, and this was her life's work. Kenneth and Irma enjoyed many years at two Smith Creek cabins, building an addition on one and building a second cabin from the ground up. Upon Kenneth's retirement, they built a house on Cottonwood Bench and enjoyed several years there. Both Kenneth and Irma loved the country life and getting back to their community roots. Over the years Irma enjoyed spending time at the family cabins, attending church, Pinochle Club, hiking, fishing, cards and coffee time with her friends, picking wildflowers, driving country roads, attending and organizing family events, sewing, embroidery and dancing. She was a life-long church member and served as a Worthy Matron of Eastern Star. Although petite, Irma's slight stature belied her roles as a protector and a mama bear, who was also thoughtful, determined, quiet, feisty, and marched to her own drum. Her strength and independence were on full display when she checked off a life goal of hiking the Montana State University "M" under her own power at the age of 89. The family was thrilled when her accomplishment was featured in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. A true matriarch who made family her life's priority, she was loved by many. Irma was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and older sister. She is survived by her sister, Georgia Hogenson; children, Connie (Gordon) Elley, Doug (Sara and Parker Gunderson) Lovely, and Kathy (Jon) Moullet; six grandchildren , Kylee (Tyson) Naffziger, Ryann (Paul) Steffensen, Abbey (Ben Godfrey) Kennedy, Aly (Corey) Peterson, Megan (Ken) Jordan, and Evan (Jessica) Lovely; 15 great-grandchildren, Alex Kapsner, Addison Kapsner, Morgan Peterson, Mckinlee Naffziger, Bode Naffziger, Mylee Peterson, Neely Jordan, Ryker Peterson, Alyson Naffziger, Bryan Jordan, Dayler Rivard, Paisley Peterson, Beckett Godfrey, Carter Godfrey, and Bridger Lovely; and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 24, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Shields River Lutheran Church, with viewing one hour prior at the church. Interment at the Wilsall Cemetery will immediately follow the service, after which all are invited to join the family for a luncheon and fellowship at the Shields Valley Senior Center. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Caslen Living Center for the care they provided in the last several years of Irma's life, as well as Livingston Healthcare Hospice. Contributions in Irma's memory may be made to Livingston HealthCare Hospice, 320 Alpenglow Lane, Livingston, MT 59047, the Wilsall Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 334, Wilsall, MT 59086, or to any organization of the donor's choice. Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Franzen-Davis Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Service

Monday, January 24, 2022 11:00 AM
Shields River Lutheran Church
105 S Ordway St Wilsall 59086, United States