Lois Leone

Lois Elaine Leone (Shol) passed away at St. John's United on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025, at the age of 101 years and 7 months. 

We lost the matriarch, the nurturer of our family. 

She was born on the 24th of December, 1923, to William and Myrtle Shol (Olson) in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Their family moved to Billings, Montana, when Lois was two. She attended school in Billings and was in the first graduating class of Billings Senior High School in 1941. Lois worked at Great Northern Tool full-time until 1950. 

She met and married the love of her life. Raymond Leone on the 16th of September, 1949. They were married for 68 ½ wonderful years until his passing in 2018. To this marriage, they were blessed with 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Lois enjoyed roller skating in her youth with her best friend, Josie, which is how she met Ray. After having children, Lois was an accomplished homemaker. She was dedicated to cultivating relationships with neighbors, friends, and family. 

Due to Ray’s job, the family moved several times between Montana and North Dakota. While living in North Dakota, Lois and Ray started square and round dancing. This remained a beloved hobby into their 80s, creating life-long friendships and allowing them to travel to several states in their motorhome to attend dances. After marrying Ray, Lois enjoyed sewing club, hobby club, and was always up for a challenging game of pinochle. Lois started many family traditions, including hiding Easter baskets, decorating for each holiday, and hosting every birthday. A treasured memory for the family will always be Christmas at the house with Norwegian baked goods from recipes passed down from her parents. 

Lois loved many camping trips to Cody and Red Lodge from the time she first became a grandmother, always tending to every detail

Lois looked forward to leisure time at the casino, one nickel at a time. Wednesday night card games kept her busy each week, and she was thrilled when her godson, Gregg, and grandson, Alex, eventually joined. 

In May of 2023, Lois’ granddaughter, Dani, moved in to help with light housekeeping, eventually taking care of her full-time. Dani became her most trusted companion, and Lois knew she could ask anything of her. Lois cherished many visits from her loved ones, especially in recent months. The family is eternally grateful that Dani provided comfort and care to Lois up through her final moments. 

Lois was greeted in Heaven by her beloved Ray, her parents, her sisters Alice, Marge, and Marilyn, and many more family and friends. 

She is survived by her four children, Kathy Ullman, Jim, Chris (Dan), and Chuck; her sister Delores; her grandchildren Heather (Shawn), Ryan (Shawn), Anthony, Ian (Amanda), Michael (Abby), Sami, Dani, and Alex; her great-grandchildren Jackson, Abigail, Auron, Isaiah, Elijah, Joshua, and Silas.

A memorial service will be held on July 30th, 2025. Pallbearers include Gregg Dillon and her grandsons, Ryan (Honorary), Ian, Anthony, Shawn, Michael, and Alex. The viewing will begin at 9:30 AM, and services will begin at 10:00 AM at American Lutheran Church at 5 Lewis Avenue. Refreshments will be provided afterwards. Graveside services will be held at Mountview Cemetery following refreshments.

For anyone unable to attend the funeral services can pay final respects at Dahl Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, 29th, 2025, during normal business hours.