Ida Hochhalter

Ida Hochhalter, 98, of Billings, went to her heavenly home while comforted by family on Monday, April 5, 2021, at Highgate Senior Living.

Ida was born in Medina, North Dakota, on July 14, 1922. She was one of 10 children born to Matthew and Julia Wolff. The family moved to Montana during the Depression in 1930, settling in the Huntley area, then Ballantine, where she completed her education.

Ida accepted the Lord at an early age and was baptized in the Huntley River.

On Dec. 7, 1940, she married Alvin Hochhalter. They moved to Columbus, where Alvin worked at the Binbo Mine. In 1942, they moved to Billings, where Alvin worked at Elk River Concrete for 39 years. Ida worked at home, raising their two beloved children, Jeanie and Don. She was also a gifted seamstress and loved to crochet.

Ida was promoted to Grandma in 1961 with the birth of Lori and again in 1974 with the arrival of Randi. She loved her two granddaughters and babysitting her two great-granddaughters. (A lot of spoiling was involved!)

She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School to ages 2-4. She was also known to wake up the congregation when she played her electric guitar. She served the church and her Lord in many capacities. More recently, Ida attended Life Way Church. She made many lifelong friends. Ida never met a stranger and touched many lives with her loving spirit and sense of humor.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Alvin, of 63 years; her beautiful daughter, Jeanie Holtan; son-in-law Ron Holtan; her brothers and sisters and many extended family members.

She is survived by her "favorite" son, Don (Glenda) Hochholter; two granddaughters, Lori (Mitch) Cline and Randi (Jim) Creitz; two great-granddaughters, Emma and Piper Creitz; one sister, Violet Tanke of Spokane, Washington; and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.

The family would like to thank the many wonderful caregivers who so lovingly cared for Ida this past year, including A Plus Health Care, St. John's Rehab, Highgate Care Team and Compassus.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, April 12, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, with private burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family requests attendees please wear masks.

Memorials may be made to Life Way Church or the charity of one's choice.