Leta Florence Schlicht

Leta Florence (Halsey) Schlicht entered this world on May 27, 1914 in Adair County, Iowa, the first child of Florence and Elmer Halsey. She left us on September 10, 2016, at home in Billings with her granddaughter, Jayda, who provided loving care for the past 16 months. Her family was with her. A private burial will be held for the family. A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at the United Methodist Church in Glendive with Pastor Ruth McKenzie officiating.. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements. At age 3 her parents purchased land south of Lindsay, Montana. Her father loaded their horses and belongings on a railroad “immigrant car” and traveled west while Mom, her mother and other family members drove in her maternal grandfather’s Model T Ford. They followed a trail marked by stones painted yellow known in those days as the “Yellowstone Trail”. At age 5 Mom was joined by sister, Yvonne, and at age 17, by brother Neal. From her Dad, she learned to work with animals and assisted in the farm work. She learned about cooking, housekeeping, sewing, and other handwork skills from her mother. She attended the one room Pierce School. Because of the distance to Glendive, Mom worked for room and board while attending Dawson County High School, graduating in 1932. She worked the next year for the Lindsay Farmer’s Union Oil Station before marrying that handsome young farmer from north of Lindsay, Bartly Schlicht, on June 14, 1933. Mom always said that the flag was put out every year to celebrate their anniversary! Mom’s story cannot be told without including Dad. They were a team in all aspects with the farm work, raising their two children, Bob and Jean, and anything else they attempted. They instilled a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility as well as a deep love of family and also fostered a true sense of humor. They taught by example and took special care to encourage and support their children’s diverse interests by attending Bob’s sporting events and Jean’s music and church activities. Mom was a caretaker, at Dad’s side through the lengthy recovery from a heart attack and lastly during his final battle with cancer which he lost in 1988. Their love carried them through 55 years. Mom then cared for her own mother until her mother’s demise at age 100. Throughout her life, Mom was a shy, quiet lady who led by example. She shared her faith by working behind the scenes and attending church regularly as long as health permitted. She gave thanks to God for guidance given to her during times of crisis. When asked if she had any words to live by, she answered “what will be, will be” was probably most important. Learning to accept what one cannot control helps to accept life and appreciate the many gifts that one receives. Survivors include her son, Bob and wife Jackie of Lindsay; daughter Jean Smith and husband Mack of Missoula; granddaughters Vikki Kelley of Alabaster, Alabama and Jayda Woodworth of Billings; 4 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren; brother Neal Halsey and wife Lois of Billings; and brother-in-law Bernard Arnold of Absarokee; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Leta was preceded in death by her husband, Bartly Schlicht; parents Elmer and Florence Halsey; and sister Yvonne Arnold. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Glendive United Methodist Church or to Riverstone Health Hospice Services, 1235 27th Street, Billings, MT 59101. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Leta Florence Schlicht

May 27, 1914 - September 10, 2016

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Leta Florence Schlicht

May 27, 1914 - September 10, 2016

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support