Mary Donna (Shamanoff) Frisby-Rambold

Mary Donna (Shamanoff) Frisby-Rambold died peacefully at the Vista, St. John’s Lutheran Home, on Dec. 25, 2022.

Donna was born in Lewistown in 1931 to immigrant parents William and Katherine Shamanoff. Donna’s parents, both Macedonian immigrants, landed in Bozeman and ran a popular cafe downtown. Donna and her sister Patty grew up above the cafe in the 1930s and ’40s, the site of Montana’s first roof garden. Donna’s parents moved their family to Billings in 1948.

When Donna was a senior in high school, she met Jerry Frisby. Jerry and Donna married in 1950. They had five children over the span of several years: Susan Armstrong, Debbie Hahm, Sheri Pogue, Bill Frisby and Katie Nordstrom. They started City Service Plumbing and Heating in 1957 and later bought the Roto-Rooter franchise in 1967. Donna was a quick learner and an astute business woman. She and Jerry ran a successful business for 59 years. Donna worked until she was 83 years old.

Donna was generous, kind, and fashionable with her rhinestone Jimmy Choo sunglasses. She was witty as hell — always reminiscent of a Laurel and Hardy act. The matriarch of a large family, she tied us together with wonderful food and a house full of laughter. Homemade bread, Concord grape jelly, gigantic fragrant Greek salads, huge pots of clam chowder and lamb with spaghetti, Baklava, Sarmi and many more recipes from old world Macedonia graced our family table.

Donna loved to entertain large groups of friends. She often hosted dinner parties at her Lyndale home, where she would frequently cook gourmet meals. She was known for her flair for entertainment.. She was famous for her homemade bread and cinnamon rolls, and would often bake these items for friends and family. Donna made her home a gathering place for friends and family where everyone was always welcome. She always had an amazing meal to share.

In 2000, Jerry Frisby passed away. Following his death, Donna joined the Global Grannies and traveled all over the world. A lifetime learner, she was an avid reader and lover of the arts. Donna was a huge supporter of the local arts in Billings and loved to go to the symphony and performances at the Alberta Bair Theater.

In 2005, Donna and long time friend, Kenny Rambold were married. They traveled and entertained friends and family along the way. They were happily married for 15 years.

Donna was preceded in death by husbands, Jerry Frisby and Kenny Rambold; sister Patricia Rowley; parents William and Katherine Shamanoff, and granddaughter Kimberly Pogue. She is survived by daughter Susan (Ray) Armstrong and grandchildren, Ryan Armstrong, Braden Armstrong and Melissa Armstrong; daughter Debbie (Mike) Hahm and grandchildren, Aaron Hahm, Somer Hahm and Michael Hahm; daughter Sheri (Gary) Pogue and grandson Will Pogue; son Bill Frisby, and daughter Katie (Tim) Nordstrom and grandchildren, Abigail, Nicholas and Tate Nordstrom. She has 14 great-grandchildren.

Our family would like to thank the staff at the Vista for their extraordinary loving care of Donna during her year and a half residency at St. John’s United The Vista. She considered much of the staff as friends, and she enjoyed their company immensely.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to St. John’s Lutheran Homes Nursing Fellowship or the Billings Symphony.

A small family service will be held this summer in celebration of her life.