Lois Ann Bent

Lois Bent passed away on Tuesday, June 15, 2010, at the Billings Clinic after a long battle with cancer. Lois was born on March 25, 1955, at the Deaconess Hospital. She was the first child of Irvan and Gladys Bent. She and her two sisters were raised by their paternal grandparents after the death of their parents in a car accident in 1959. Lois graduated from Billings Senior High. She then went on to Eastern Montana College where she received her music degree and became an accomplished musician.

In 1983 Lois found her calling in life when she started a classical music program on KEMC. She continued to work there in many positions including program director and then Interim General Manager until her death. For many she was the voice of public radio. In 2009 she celebrated 30 years with the university. She fulfilled her mission to bring music and culture to the Yellowstone Public Radio broadcast area.

Lois was a friend to the arts, especially choral music. She preformed with the Billings Symphony Orchestra's Chorale, Rimrock Opera Company and, most recently, the High Plains Chamber Singers.

Lois was a world traveler and memories of her trips to London, England, Turkey and Iraq were among her favorites.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, loved her and enjoyed her wisdom, wit and passion for the arts.

She is survived by her two sisters, Susan (Roger) Stabio of Billings, Nancy Bent of Beaverton, Ore.; niece, Emily Stabio, and two nephews, Timothy and Robert Stabio as well as a host of dear friends and colleagues. The family extends a special thank you to Dr Tom Purcell, Nurse Practitioner Diane Jones and all the staff at the Billings Clinic Oncology Center for their loving, respectful care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Yellowstone Public Radio Endowment Fund KEMC, 1500 University Drive, Billings, MT. 59101.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 19, at 10:30a.m. in the Student Union building on the campus of MSU Billings.

Condolences may also be sent on line to www.cfgbillings.com