Lois Poepping passed away peacefully at home Sept. 7, 2005. Lois was born in Helena Aug. 18, 1925. She was the third child of Robert and Mabel McElhaney, and was born and raised in the Helena Valley.
As a child she was a 10-year member of 4-H, then serving as a 20-year group leader for her kids' 4-H clubs. She and her friends loved to dance, regularly attending dances at "The Shanty," which is where she met her husband Norbert. They married May 14, 1946.
Lois was a farmer's wife, filling her days with baking, gardening, canning, sewing, raising her kids and their friends. Her home was always open to friends and relatives. She was always happy to "put another plate on the table." In retirement, Norb and Lois traveled the Western states, stopping to visit all they knew along the way. Lois enjoyed making gifts of ceramics, crocheted afghans and other crafts. But her most cherished moments were spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who gave her great joy. Holidays were noisy, "rip and tear" events in which all were welcome. All enjoyed traditional Scandinavian foods, Tom & Jerrys and her famous cinnamon rolls.
Lois is preceded in death by her husband Norb who died in April 2005, her parents, and by her sisters Rosella and Mary Lou. Lois' sister Evelyn and her brothers Robert and Jim survive her. She is also survived by her four children, Gary (Mary) Poepping, Judy (Mark) Leland, Lori (Greg) Alsbury and John (Dana) Poepping and grandchildren, Megan and Kirk Poepping; Matt (Christie), Jesse and Amy Leland; Matthew, Jennifer, Scott and Chelsea Alsbury; Kasey and Rylee Poepping; and great-grandchildren Jade and Kinzlee Leland, and beloved companion Annie the wonder dog. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m. at Helena Funeral Chapel with graveside services at Montana State Veterans Cemetery.
