Connie Helen "Stardust" Schaefer

Connie Helen (Lala) Schaefer, age 73 passed away unexpectedly the evening of July 28, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in Miles City, MT.

Connie was born on June 8, 1952, in Miles City, MT to loving parents, Roman and Loretta (Skalicky) Lala. Connie was adored by her two older brothers Ronald James and Thomas John and younger sister, Mary Lynn.

Connie went to elementary school in Miles City and graduated in 1970 from Custer County District High School. After graduation, she moved to Boulder, CO for a short time with her brother Ron and his wife Darlene. Miles City was her home, though, and she moved back and went to beauty school at June's Beauty College. Connie later went to work at local restaurants doing various jobs before calling the 600 Café & Hole In the Wall for the next 40 years, her job waiting tables and bartending. She was well known at both places and could still remember what people would order when they came in. She then worked for a short time at the Boardwalk as a waitress. After the Boardwalk closed, Connie went to work at Reynolds Market as a cashier for a little over 8 years where she made many new friends. She always had a smile and time for a short visit with customers.

On March 1, 1980, Connie married the love of her life, Casper Frank Schaefer. They had two loving children, Mary Elaine and Edmund Quinn. When Connie wasn't working, she was traveling with the family to rodeos. She enjoyed the time on the road as well as time with the family. Connie loved her nieces and nephews very much and enjoyed following her great niece G'Niya dance and great nephews Kameron, Konnor & Kalel play in their various sport activities. Connie also loved to do the morning crossword on the computer and enjoyed cooking and baking. Connie earned the nickname "Stardust" from her family, for her ability to recall and remember things from the past. Back in the day, Connie also enjoyed being a part of bowling league.

Mom had a beautiful soul and a quick wit about her. She always had a smile on her face and never met a stranger. She truly loved the holidays and spending time with her family.

Connie is survived by her children, Julie Dustin of Vero Beach, FL; Mary Elaine Schaefer of Miles City, MT; Edmund Quinn Schaefer of Miles City; her brother Ronald James Lala of Miles City; her sister Mary Lynn Robinson of Milles City; her grandchildren: Tyler (Alicia Roberts) Dustin and great granddaughter Aurora Dustin all of Vero Beach, FL; brother in laws: Leonard (Sharon) Schaefer of Vancouver, WA; Richard (Sharon) Schaefer of Forsyth, MT; Roy (Eleanor) Schaefer of Port Orchard, WA; Lee (Rita) Schaefer of Litchfield Park, AZ; and many nieces and nephews she loved very much.

She was preceded in death by her Husband Casper; her parents Roman & Loretta; brother Thomas John Lala; Brother in law's James Robinson, Keaton Schaefer and Bruce Schaefer; sister in laws Elaine Jacobson, Darlene Lala and mother and father-in-law Edmund and Lucille Schaefer.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025, with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. .to 6:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Erin's Hope Project Inc., 2215 Edgewood, Miles City, MT 59301 or to Wake Up & Lace Up Inc., 107 Balsam Drive, Miles City, MT, 59301 or to the charity of one's choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.