Theodora Wilhelmina "Tia" Kober

1929 - 2025

Theodora "Tia" Kober died September 21, 2025. She had been living independently in her childhood home until the very end.

Tia was born on July 19, 1929, at the family home to Emil and Amalia Kober. She joined her sisters Rose Marie and Elfrieda "Fritzi," and was later followed by brothers Alvin and Jack. She spent her childhood on the Tilden homestead where she explored the Yellowstone River and helped her family with the farm and crops.

Tia attended Tilden Country School and graduated from Park City High School. She went on to study elementary education at Eastern Montana Normal College. Her teaching career began in Savage, Montana, and soon after she moved to Whitehall where she became the beloved third-grade teacher. Her creative teaching style was dotted with activities she took from the farm including making homemade ice cream and butter. She spent 38 years in Whitehall shaping young minds and became a steadfast supporter of the high school's athletic programs. When she noticed the wrestling team wasn't receiving the recognition it deserved, she began what would become a cherished tradition -- hosting the entire team for dinner at her home each year. Her dedication to the students, athletes and the broader school community left a lasting legacy culminating in two significant honors: the naming of the Tia Kober Elementary School and her induction into the Whitehall Athletic Hall of Fame.

After retiring, Tia returned to the family home in Park City where she lived with her sister Fritzi. Together they spent their days hosting friends and family, organizing luncheons and Christmas parties for retired Greyhound bus drivers, fellow teachers, cousins, neighbors and friends. The two volunteered at the Stillwater Beartooth Museum and were enthusiastic supporters of local athletics. They became affectionately known as "The Cake Ladies" for their signature angel food cakes which were legendary in their community.

In her later years, Tia and her brother Al could often be found watching the news and debating the latest developments in the world always informed and passionate.

Summers at the Kober home were filled with the laughter and joy of friends and family. Even when the late-night fun kept her awake, Tia would smile and say, "That's fine-I'll sleep next week when you're gone."

One of her favorite events was the Kober Family Reunion. Tia was deeply proud of her German-Russian immigrant parents and their commitment to hard work, education and family. Always the educator, she often organized special reunion activities including a memorable reenactment of Clark's journey along the Yellowstone River.

Her spiritual faith was very important to Tia. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. She attended Lutheran church services in her teaching communities and participated in LWML, Sunday School and other activities.

Tia was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Amalia Kober; her sisters, Rose Marie Fink and Elfrieda "Fritzi" Idleman; and her brother Jack Kober. She is survived by her brother Alvin Kober, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was known by many and loved by all.

Memorial services to be held at 10:30 a.m. on November 8th at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Park City. Memorials may be sent to Whitehall Public Schools, Museum of the Beartooths or St. Paul's Lutheran Church.