Elaine Barbara (Meuchel) Severson

Stevensville - Elaine Barbara (Meuchel) Severson, 83, passed away June 25 in Stevensville, MT, surrounded by family. She was born in Hamilton, MT on January 19, 1940 to Thecla and Vincent Meuchel, the fourth of twelve children and the oldest girl. She treasured growing up in this large, loud, fun, farming family and shared many stories. She told of holding her little tin cup under the cow to get a drink of fresh milk, of racing her competitive brother on her horse and winning, of selling "weiner" pigs, of holding babies, of square dances, and sugar beet fields. Elaine graduated from Hamilton high school and went on to become an LPN with a degree from St. Joseph's Nursing School in Lewistown, MT, which was founded and run by Catholic Sisters. Elaine loved every minute of being "on her own11 and learning to be a nurse. She proved to be an excellent caregiver over the years, working both at hospitals, and doing in-home caregiving. She met Donald Severson in Lewistown and they were married in 1960. They had six kids, lived in Lewistown and in Ravalli County throughout the years. They owned and operated Don's Woodside Store from 1973-1982 and it was here that many relationships were built and treasured. Elaine's Catholic faith was paramount in her life and allowed her to smile through much loss and many medical issues. She loved people, lively conversation, yard sales, pinochle, and dice games with grandchildren! She loved the Holy Rosary and handed rosaries and saints' medals out to all who were interested, Catholic or otherwise. She was radiant and strong, eternally optimistic, nurturing, non­ judgmental and loved freely. She was selfless, had a passion for popcorn, laughter, Gunsmoke, butter, scrabble and books. She will be so missed! The family would like to acknowledge the Living Center Nursing Facility in Stevensville. The staff's kind caregiving with Mom was so appreciated. Also, a huge thank you to Big Sky Hospice of Missoula for their compassionate comfort care. Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Severson, by sons Anthony Severson and William Severson; by brothers Vincent Meuchel, Edward Meuchel, Jim Meuchel, Robert Meuchel, John Meuchel and Jerome Meuchel; by sisters Elizabeth Olsen and Josephine Swanson, and by grandson Andrew Gingerich. Elaine is survived by her children Jeff (Denise) Severson, Maria Severson, Donna Severson, Jennifer (Tom) Weber, and Rev. David Severson, by twelve grandchildren and by six great grandchildren. Survivors of her family also include brother Tim (Anita) Meuchel, and sisters Tina (Doug) Fausset, and Tecky (Doug) LaFeve. A Vigil service will be held on Friday, June 30, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Parish. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. also at the church.

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