Lillian VonEschen

GLASGOW - On Aug. 25, 2007, we lost our mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. Lillian was a gentle Christian lady and an inspiration in all of our lives.
Lillian Victoria Eliason VonEschen was born on Sept. 15, 1915, near Glentana, to Elias Eliason and Elizabeth (Nyquist) Eliason. She was baptized by Brother Van Orsdale at the Opheim Methodist Church. Lillian attended grade school at Bogg Coulee near the family homestead, and graduated from Glasgow High School. After graduation, Lillian worked as a nurse's aide at the Glasgow Deaconess Hospital where she was known as "Sunshine." She met her future husband, Leroy VonEschen, while he was a patient under her care. Lillian attended college in Havre, but soon returned home to marry Leroy. They were married in Glasgow on Feb. 1, 1935.
Their son Robert Leroy was born in 1936, followed by daughters Janice Marie and Pamela Kay. Lillian began working for the post office as a clerk with Leroy in 1942. The family moved from Glasgow to Seattle (1944-46) during the war. They moved back to Fort Peck to raise their family and continue working for the postal service. Leroy and Lillian built a house together in Park Grove, near Fort Peck, where they resided for 34 years.
Lillian was promoted to the position of postmaster upon Leroy's retirement.
She retired in 1976 after 29 years with the postal service.
Lillian and Leroy were world travelers and enjoyed their many trips together. After retirement they spent many winters in Venture Out at Mesa, Ariz. Leroy passed away in 1996 and Lillian moved to Fort Peck. In 2001, Lillian moved to Billings and was currently residing at West Park Village.
She was actively involved in a number of organizations, including the American Legion Auxiliary, Fort Peck Fine Arts Council, Lady Elks, National Postmasters Association, the Red Hat Society, the Fort Peck Community Church, Sons of Norway and Hope Methodist Church.
Recently, Lillian was blessed with two great-great-children, completing five generations. Lillian most enjoyed her family, company and attending events. She watched great-grandchildren's baseball games, plays and musical concerts. She enjoyed playing cards, games, dancing, gardening and shopping. Lillian was active and fun-loving throughout her life. She always had a smile upon her face and had a wonderful sense of humor. Lillian had a sense of pride in her Scandinavian background and heritage. She had fond memories of her parents and growing up with her three brothers and sister on the family farm.
Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; husband Leroy (of 60 years); also her brothers Emil, Harold, Henry; her sister Judith; and great-granddaughter Amanda. She is survived by her son, Bob of Amarillo; daughters, Jan Bergstrom of Billings and Pamela Jones (Bill) of Castle Rock, Colo. She also leaves eight grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
Services for Lillian VonEschen will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 28, at 10 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Glasgow. A memorial service is planned for a later date for family and friends at Hope Methodist Church in Billings.

This obituary was originally published in the Billings Gazette.