Lavada “Toni” Marquardt age 90 of Helena passed away January 29, 2011. She was born April 14, 1920 in Colome, South Dakota.
Toni is survived by her loving husband, Lou Marquardt; daughter, Merle Eickmeyer and step-daughter, Sue Dickenson. She was preceded in death by her mother, Katherine Duncan and a daughter, Lindy Marquardt Archibald. Toni had a great love for her 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church; belonged to Eastern Star, Republican Women’s Club and volunteered for the YMCA. Her passions were her heritage, reading, sewing, cooking and shopping. Toni’s many friends will remember her for her great generosity and wonderful sense of humor.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Toni’s name to the Lewis and Clark Humane Society, PO Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604-4455. Many thanks to the Masonic Home and to Hospice.
“May you ride on angels wings Mom”
Viewing for Toni will be held today, February 1, 2011 from 1-5 p.m. at Retz Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service is scheduled at 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at the First Baptist Church, corner of 8th and Warren, with interment to follow at Forestvale Cemetery. To send a condolence or to share a memory of Toni, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Dave and Crystal Shors says
Merle, Sue and families,
Our thoughts are with you. Her talents, her sense of style and her sense of humor seem to have left everyone who knew her with a smile. We hope happy memories will bring you all comfort.
Carrolle Liedle Rushford says
I first met Toni when I was in Jr High – a classmate of her wonderful daughter, Merle. Toni & Lou were always so very, very kind to me and I always thought of her as a second mom. I was able to visit her & Lou when vacationing in Helena in 2009 and am pleased I got to reconnect with her after many, many years. My condolences to her family–she is remembered and loved by many.
Love, Carrolle Liedle Rushford
Sheena Wilson says
I wear one of Toni’s aprons proudly whenever I’m making a mess in the kitchen. Thank you Toni for being such a funny, charming, generous and delightful woman, not to mention a great customer!
Tab says
I had the wonderful oppurtunity to be stuck in an elevator with Toni for over 45 minutes one day at the Masonic Home. To pass the time she told me stories of her kids whom she loved very much and her favorite horse “Happy Jack” I will never forget her wonderful sense of humor. In the words of Toni “Oh Shit!”
Sherrie Opitz says
I loved Tony, I loved visiting with her and listening to her endless tales as she sipped her gunpowder green tea! She will always be a favorite in my heart…and I cherish the beautiful handmade chair covers and our “Mr. and Mrs.” embroidered pillow cases. How blessed we are to have known this wonderful woman who was so generous and kind, and a kick! Love and sympathy to her family, I have that feeling she will be having tea with Lindy in heaven.
Ashley Downing says
Grandma,
I thought of you this weekend when a friend of mine was having a hard time. I chuckled to myself and told her that my grandma would say “Don’t let the b*stards get you down.” HA! You always made sure to teach us manners and proper etiquette, but every once in a while you would make us laugh with an off remark like that. Thank you.
love,
Ashy
Jennifer Burke says
Toni was such a joy and blessing. I met her 5 years ago and then became her massage therapist. Toni’s energy and outlook on life brightened my day.
She had such great stories and talked about her family frequently.
Toni you will not be forgotten and you will be missed!
Jennifer