Viola Jean (Burgess) Qualley, 89, passed away Friday morning, May 2, 2014, at her residence, the Touchmark facility in Helena.
Vi was born in Sidney on Dec. 1, 1924, to Alvin and Nettie Burgess. Her father farmed and ran the Burgess Garage in Lambert where Viola was raised. She attended school there and graduated from Lambert High School in 1942. She attended Concordia College in Minnesota where she met “that cute guy,” Lowell Qualley, at the Montana picnic. They courted in the Lambert area and were married on Jan. 2, 1945. Lowell’s brother, Ray, and Vi’s sister, Olive, were their attendants; soon after, Ray and Olive were married.
Vi raised her one daughter and five sons first in Lambert and then later in Sidney while Lowell farmed in the Lambert-Sidney area with his brother, Ray. Vi and Lowell were longtime members in the Lambert and Sidney Lutheran churches where she periodically taught Sunday school and led Bible studies. She was an active member of the Christian Women organization for many years and developed strong bonds with many of the women. Vi also enjoyed socializing over daily coffee gatherings at McDonald’s with her dearest friends. She liked being active and enjoyed walking, bowling and playing the piano. She and Lowell also enjoyed many trips together to visit family and friends around the state and country.
Vi was a strong woman who wasn’t afraid of expressing her opinion with a certain glance and raised eyebrow. Those who lovingly knew her called it “the Vi Look.”
Vi was preceded in death by her husband, Lowell; son Bruce; parents; siblings Olive Qualley, Doris Akins and Alan Burgess; sisters-in-law Josie Lien, Bernice Kozak, Rosemary Burgess and Gladys Qualley; brothers-in-law Ray Qualley, Orville Qualley, Jule Kozak and Alvin Lien; and grandson Devon Qualley.
She is survived by daughter Barb Albrecht (Tom); sons Steven (Roxanne), Craig (Kathleen), Dana (Teresa), and Tim (Donna); grandchildren David Sorenson, Mark Qualley (Jody), Pat Qualley (Jeanne), Shawn Jackson Swift (Jeff), Todd Jackson (Maria), Michelle Qualley Shute (Jason), April Decker (Nathan), Brad Qualley and Jessica Qualley; great-grandchildren Danielle Sorenson, Jaelynn Qualley, Allyson Qualley, Katelyn Qualley, Brianna Qualley, Ben Swift, Lainey Swift, Clark Decker, Peyton Shute, Allie Shute and Dane Jackson; great-great grandson Reed Donelan; brother-in-law Vern Akins; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will take place at the Lutheran Brethren Church in Sidney on June 30, for both Vi and Lowell. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice. The family would like to express their gratitude to Hospice of St. Peter’s and the many wonderful caregivers at Touchmark and Rosetta Assisted Living in Helena.
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