Violet ‘Vi’ B. Van Sickle

Violet "Vi" B. Van Sickle went to be with her two loves, Jesus and Harry, after a very short illness. Her beloved husband of 71-1/2 years passed away just eight months ago.

Vi was born on Jan. 18, 1923, to William and Gladys Brand in Minot, North Dakota, where she was raised and educated. Vi married Harry Van Sickle on Sept. 16, 1946.

Harry and Vi moved to Montana and enjoyed living in Havre, Great Falls and Billings while raising their family. Vi loved family times, which often included enjoying summer weekends camping in the mountains. As a homemaker, Vi enjoyed gardening, sewing and cooking. She earned her real estate license, an accomplishment she was most proud of, even though she never pursued that as a career. Later, she earned a culinary arts degree and went on to manage the cafeteria at Billings Senior for many years until retiring.

Harry and Vi had many dear friends from growing up in Minot, living in Montana and worshipping with their church family at Faith E. Vi and Harry loved to get on the road and travel. Vi had very special memories of the two long, memorable road trips she and Harry had taken to Alaska. Vi cherished her family and looked forward to visits whenever possible.

Vi is survived by her three daughters, Joleen (Bob) Burch, Kalispell, Becky (Jerry) Wood, Layton, Utah, and Lugene (Dan) Turcotte, Billings; grandchildren Brian, Kelley, Jodee, Jenny, Christy, Andy, Stephanie, Kristin, Kyle; step-grandchildren Bryce, Cortney; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brother Ben Brand; sisters-in-law Gladys Brand, Dorothy Van Sickle, Jean Van Sickle; brother-in-law Neil Van Sickle; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Vi was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; her parents; her brother, Bill; her sister, Gladys; and her grandson, Brian.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Westpark Village and especially the love shown by all at Pearl Garden Memory Unit. It was such a blessing to have our mom in their tender care.

Family will receive friends for visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at Michelotti-Sawyers with a burial following at Sunset Memorial Gardens. A reception will be held after at Faith Evangelical Church.

Mom, we love you so much, and we are so happy you and Dad are together again.