Vermae Johnson MacDonald

Vermae MacDonald, 83, of Missoula, passed away peacefully on Friday, Nov. 22, 2013, of natural causes.

Vermae was born in Plentywood to Orval and Matilda "Tilly" Johnson on July 21, 1930, her sister Mercedine was there to greet her.

Orval was in the construction business, which meant traveling to follow the work. Vermae lived in many places, but always in Montana with Plentywood being considered home.

While attending school in Plentywood, Vermae enjoyed square dancing and being a drum majorette in the school's marching band. She graduated with the class of 1948.

After high school, Vermae worked various jobs while figuring out what it was she wanted to do. One of the best stories to come out of this time was when she was fired from a beef stew cannery for taking the time to knock insects from the cans before they were filled. A career-limiting move she was always proud of. Never once did we see a can of beef stew around the house.

Early in the spring of 1950, she was on her way to the West Coast to see what opportunities the area might offer and adventure. She never made it. On her way west, she made what was supposed to be a short stop in St. Regis to help her folks with the bar and restaurant they had recently purchased. Like so many others who, through the years, had planned a short visit in St. Regis, Vermae saw it change from a stop over into the place she would spend most of her life and raise her family.

That St. Regis visit introduced her to Jack MacDonald, who in six months became her husband of 61 years. She was no longer visiting but a resident and a new bride. She went straight to making a home for the two of them and as time passed they were joined by their four children. Four kids kept Vermae busy at home and being a full-time mom was her new career. When the mood was right and either Dad or us kids were acting up she would say, "I never should have stopped in St. Regis." There was a lot of laughter in the home she made for us all.

As the kids got older, she was able to explore the world outside the home. Driving a school bus route for a couple of years was a fun time for her. Later, she went to work at what was then Lincoln's $10, 000 Bar.

Vermae really enjoyed working at the gift shop. The job provided her with many new friends, not to mention the stories that only come with working a tourist attraction along a very busy interstate highway.

In 1992, Jack retired from the post office, and in 1995 they relocated to Missoula. The move to "town" was like a second wind for Vermae, and she took to her new surroundings as a duck to water. Many new friends, pinochle clubs and grandchildren soon had her schedule filled with plenty to do and she loved it.

This spring, Vermae moved to the Bee Hive where she was well cared for and lived comfortably until her passing. We would like to thank the staff at the Bee Hive and Hospice for their attentiveness to mom.

Vermae was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Jack.

She is survived by her sister, Mercedine Collins (Gene) of Missoula; son, Jon of Florence; daughter, Patrice of Missoula; son, Stephen of Fair Oaks, Calif.; and daughter, Jill Cunningham (Kyle) of Missoula. She also leaves five grandchildren, Sean MacDonald (Jessica) of Belgrade, James MacDonald of West Sacramento, Calif., and Brianna, Tres and Trevor Cunningham all of Missoula. Her great-granddaughters were her latest treasures, Maryanne, Hailey and most recently Jordan, all of Belgrade.

Following Vermae's wishes, cremation has already taken place. She will join her husband and lifelong partner in the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

You were always there for us, Mom, and while we will miss you terribly we know you are with us still.

Read Vermae MacDonald's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.