Lillian (Lee) Coy Sims Hermanson died on April 5th, 2016 in Helena, Mt. just a few weeks before her 94th birthday. It was a cold, blustery day- probably not unlike the day she was born, April 22, 1922. Delivered by a midwife in Alexander, Lee lived with her parents Odus and Minnie Sims on the family’s homestead on the North Dakota plains, along with her 3 siblings.
Her tales of growing up there included watching her father farm with a team of horses, milking cows, separating milk and cream, tending livestock, harvesting hay and grain, and hard work. Lee told of her mother working so hard and endlessly that she would faint from exhaustion, only to awaken a few minutes later and pick up where she left off. Her favorite stories were often related to the times that she and her brother Ford spent on horseback, checking cattle. Lee learned valuable traits from this upbringing, among them a tremendous work ethic, relentless honesty and a sincerity that would sustain her for the rest of her life. She had a penchant for being on time- or better yet, early- so as to not inconvenience others. This habit endured to her last days and lives on with some of her children and grandchildren. It also annoys those children and grandchildren that did not inherit that trait.
Lee attended a small, country elementary school near the homestead and later high school in Alexander, North Dakota. One night in 1939, she rode horseback many miles to a roller skating rink and there she met Art Hermanson. She later joked that Art was actually more interested in her horse but in 1940 Art and Lee were married. This union lasted until Art’s death in 1996. For 18 years they farmed and ranched in the Alexander area and during that time 4 children were born, Sandra Lee, Argel Kay, Gloria Jeane, and Steven Arthur.
In 1958 they moved to Helena, Montana and bought a ranch in the valley. Later Art owned and operated a farm machinery dealership (H&M Equipment Co) while Lee worked as a buyer at Hennessy’s Department store. Over the years they enjoyed traveling and camping with the Good Sam club and square dancing – both interests allowing them to meet many good friends. After retirement they traveled extensively in various motorhomes (each one being “the last one we’ll ever buy”) before finally settling in Yuma, Az for the winters and back to Helena for the summers.
Lee was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one daughter (Argel Kay), her 3 siblings and friend and companion Gene Wakefield. She is survived by her 3 remaining children, Sandra Edwards of Oakland, California, Gloria Hermanson of Sun City, Arizona and Steve (Vicky) Hermanson of Helena, 6 grandchildren- Richard Edwards, Kira Edwards, Marni (Jeff) Galli, Buck Tripp, Stephanie (Dustin) Bauch and Crystal (Josh) Ahmann. She is also survived by 10 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.
Services for Lee will be held on Wednesday April 13, 2016 at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Avenue, Helena, Mt at 2:00 p.m. A reception/gathering will follow at the Steve & Vicky Hermanson residence at 5610 Falcon Rd.
Please visit below to share a memory of Lee or to offer the family a condolence.
Don & Lois Simpson says
Marni, Tori and Taylor. We are sorry to hear about your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers.
John Ulberg says
Gloria, Sandra, Steve and Families,
I offer my condolences on the passing of Lee. She was quite a woman, with such
grace and poise.
God bless.
Andy and Rinay Bender says
May your Mother and Grandmother rest in peace. How wonderful to have her with you for so many years. We are sad for your loss. Prayers and loving thoughts have been sent for your family.
The Bender Family
Tom Hohn says
Steve, Gloria and Sandy and all,
I have such fond memories of your mom. She was like my second mom when Steve and I were running together in high school. She was always so quiet and gentle, firm and understanding. Wonderful lady, I’m honored to have had her influence in my life.
Tom Hohn
Bob Long says
Steve, Gloria and Sandra,
So sorry for your loss. She truly was a Grand lady. She was like a second Mom and I have so many fond memories of visiting with her at the dining room table. Take comfort in the knowledge that she is re-united with your Dad and all their friends.
Rebecca Sims Tomal says
I was not only blessed with having Lee and Art for an Aunt and Uncle but my Godparents as well. It’s pretty darn good when you have a Godparent that can save your life, too. The Family get togethers were the extent of our social lives, and a picnic was usually involved during the summer. I was fortunate to have Uncle Art notice my braids floating on the water, and he jumped in with everything on but his boots and saved me. Aunt Lee and my Dad, Ford, were very close and distance never diminished their relationship. They always seemed to understand each other without saying much, and I can still hear their laughs. They were the best sounds. Aunt Lee said to her Daughter Gloria a couple of years ago that , I don’t know what keeps me going, but I just can’t seem to quit.” No more health problems now, Aunt Lee you can surrender your grace and strength and may you in rest in peace.
Tamrah Chatriand says
Steve, Vicki and family. I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom and grandmother. Sending you deepest condolences from the Chatriand family as well as the Elwess family. May all the memories you have keep her in your heart until you meet again.
Mary Whittinghill says
There’s no Love ❤ like a Mother.
May God send you gentle comfort for your thoughts, dear Gloria.
How sweetly tied together all our lives are…