Emilie Connolly

Emilie Wegner Henderson Connolly was born into this world March 20, 1927. She joined her risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in heaven June 2, 2025 shortly after Ascension Day.

Mom was the youngest of nine children born to German farmers Wilhelm and Dorthea Wegner who immigrated to America in 1913 and settled west of Billings. Her early years were spent on the family farm during the Great Depression. She learned-and taught us-how to make do and do without.

Mom grew up cooking on a woodstove year-round, using an outhouse and bathing in irrigation ditches in the summer. She learned to work beside her dad and brothers in the beet fields and learned to cook food they grew and care for people from her mother.

Mom was the first in her family to graduate from high school. She attended Senior High when it was on the outskirts of Billings. (Her great-grandson Parker James is a Senior Bronc today.) Mom valued education and often reminded us that her dad said "No one can ever take what you learn away from you".

Soon after graduating, Mom met the first love of her life Marvin Henderson. They married in 1946 and were blessed with Sandra Lee and Jerry Lynn. Marvin served our country in WWII, was honorably discharged and sadly died from lung cancer in 1958. As a single parent Mom helped raise several nieces and nephews as her own. Seeing the need to serve and provide for her family, Mom went to nursing school and became a Licensed Practical Nurse.

In 1965 Mom married the second love of her life Gerald Connolly. To this union were born three children: Patrick Gerald, Jessie Lynn and Susan Emilie. For over 20 years, Mom worked nights at the Pioneer Nursing Home in Big Timber so she could care for us kids and be a ranch wife during the day. Much of this time involved a cookstove year-round and no indoor plumbing again-but this time with three small children. Never one to dawdle, mom always had the coffee pot on and a cookie to share.

Mom taught us how to care for people, animals and the earth. Mom wore many hats and excelled in each role. Her wardrobe reflected this diversity as well. Mom often sported a festive hat whether it was for work, play or Sunday church.

Mom was the epitome of tough and tender. She could man handle a kicking milk cow, swaddle a newborn baby and comfort wrap the elderly. She lived Philippians 4:13 and did all things through Christ who strengthened her. Mom's fiercely loyal faith made her a physically, emotionally and spiritually strong woman. She leaves a legacy of hard work, resilience and knowing Jesus.

She is preceded in death by her parents, infant son Jerry Lynn, husbands Marvin and Gerald and her siblings.

She is survived by daughter Sandra Lee Anderson (Michael), son Patrick Gerald Connolly, daughter Jessie Lynn Connolly, daughter Susan Emilie Stensaas (Michael), eight grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Donations in memory of Mom can be made to The Lutheran Hour, Trinity Lutheran Church in Harlowton or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to give special thanks to all of the staff at Wheatland Memorial Hospital for their care the last two months. Gracias and vaya con dios!