Friday, October 6, 2023, our beautiful Mom was called home.
Myrtie Louise (Lou) Bushnell Wegner Burt was born June 1, 1932, to Kenneth Seaman Bushnell and Wilda Pauline West Bushnell in Helena, MT. Lou grew up the oldest of three children. Most of her childhood was spent helping her parents in the 8th Avenue Grocery.
Myrtie graduated from Helena High School in 1950 and attended Montana State University before marrying her high school sweetheart, Ralph Wegner, in March 1951. Lou and Ralph had two children together, Karen Maybee and William (Bill) Wegner. Lou worked at Helena Cable Company and Montana State Land Development. Lou and Ralph divorced in 1970 and Lou and her son, Bill, moved to California where Bill finished High School.
Lou began working for Dave Wilson Nursery where she met Robert (Bob) Burt. They fell in love and were married in 1974, having had many adventures prior to his death in 1984. Lou remained in California for many years and was a successful Real Estate Agent for Century 21 Realty. After her father’s death in 1999, Lou moved back to Helena. She worked well into her 70’s transcribing phone calls for the hearing impaired until she officially retired.
Lou was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, and friend. She was passionate and determined with a zeal for life. Those who were fortunate to know her would tell you she was a bit of a tom boy and loved her muscle cars and the roar of an engine but was a regal lady in the truest form. Her heart was committed to her family and those she loved as shown through her time spent talking and listening, traveling the country to make sure she was there for special events, spending time over a puzzle, or hours cooking and decorating to provide wonderful memories of the Holidays, and so much more. Lou was a golfer and loved playing pinochle with friends and family. Her strength was inspiring and carried her through many obstacles over the years.
Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Wilda Bushnell; sister, Pauline Hames; brother, Bob Bushnell; niece, Diane Bushnell; and a great grandson, Ryan Cunningham. Lou is survived by her children: Karen (Phil) Maybee of Montgomery, Texas and Bill (Dorothy) Wegner of Helena. Five grandchildren: Nick Marsh, Jessica Ketchum, William Wegner, Elizabeth Stuber, and Michael Maybee. Seven great grandchildren: Michael Cunningham, Marli Marsh, Skylar King, Lauren King, Cia Stuber, Liza Stuber, and Makenzie Ketchum. Nine great-great grandchildren: Isabella Cunningham, Caroline, Ryan, Elena, and Jack Cunningham, Ronan and Marshall Eilers, and Violet and Drew Hubbs.
Our hearts ache that she is no longer with us, but what a beautiful life she lived!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choosing in her memory, Interment will be at a later date.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Ralph Beer says
Bill and Dorthey, I’m sorry to see that your mom has passed on. But I’m glad to know you had her for as long as you did. I miss seeing both of you.
Priscilla Williams says
Dear Bill,
My deepest condolences on the loss of your mom, I loved being able to care for her for the period I had, she was truly an amazing woman with such a loving heart, sending you love, light
Carol Henderson says
I was one of the many fortunate people to meet Lou at the Senior Ctr. in Helena and play pinochle with her. She was a lovely lady and was a wonderful player. I was sad when she was no longer able to play at the center, but I was able to stay in touch with her for several years as I sent her handmade birthday cards. She seemed to enjoy them and I hope it brightened her day. I eventually lost touch of her and am so sad to hear of her passing.