Lenore Ellen Lueth Tyler was born on March 29, 1940, to dairy farmers Ed and Ellen Lueth in Abbotsford, Wisconsin. Born premature and at home, Lenore had to develop and display strength from the very beginning.
After high school, Lenore attended Taylor County Teacher's College and earned her teaching certification. After teaching in Wisconsin for one year, she applied elsewhere. She received two job offers-one in Chicago, and one at a country school south and west of Big Sandy, Montana. She chose the Montana job because it paid more. It's remarkable the strength she displayed with that choice. She and her dad drove her car from Wisconsin to the country school. They arrived early enough in the day so that she could drive her dad back into Big Sandy where he could catch the bus to get back to Wisconsin. In stark contrast to the instantaneous connection we have nowadays with cell phones, social media, and instant messaging worldwide, this young woman of 21 years of age became the teacher of a one-room schoolhouse with no friends and no family close by, and communication with loved ones back home was limited to letters and the maybe once-a-week phone call.
Lenore's life choices placed her in close proximity to a local young bachelor farmer, Dick Tyler. They began dating and married in May of 1962. After marrying, Mom quit teaching and worked full-time as a homemaker. Randall was born in December of 1963 and Darla in June of 1968. Mom's optimism, sense of humor and quiet strength were some of the most valuable lessons she taught us.
Lenore enjoyed quilting, and she shared her talent and gave generously. Many friends and neighbors were the recipients of baby quilts she lovingly crafted on her sewing machine that sat on the kitchen table between meals, or tucked into the corner of the living room. One lucky recipient of a baby quilt, Jackie, kept this quilt and used it for her own newborn years later, a fact that made Mom proud. Lenore also played an important role with two quilting groups her sister Lorraine belongs to in Florida. These quilts went to care facilities for the elderly and our military veterans.
She was also generous and kind to animals, whether two-legged or four-legged or feathered. There was always a bag of cat food for the stray cats near the door, as she never liked to see anything go hungry. She especially enjoyed the wild songbirds, and treated them with always-full bird baths and feed. She had a long list of various kinds she had spotted over the years.
Born to dairy farmers and married to a wheat farmer, Lenore's strength was evident during the difficult times. One person shared that, "she was found the positive, and could make one smile, even during the hard times." A saying that Mom often repeated was, "One day at a time, or if need be, a half-day at a time."
She enjoyed the holidays, especially Christmas. Mom lost count but had over fifty Christmas bears she displayed throughout the house. Along with decorating, she liked making and giving away sandbackles, a Scandinavian treat. Mom also looked forward to Halloween, and had individually labeled goodie bags for all the neighbor kids who stopped by.
Lenore faced several health challenges in her last few years. Crystal, her nurse practitioner said, "If you're willing to fight, I'm willing to fight." Mom remained her ever-optimistic self. Her medical team worked tirelessly to keep her in the best health possible. Unfortunately, her heart of gold grew too tired and couldn't fight anymore. She passed away June 23, 2019 at the age of 79.
Lenore is survived by: her son, Randall Tyler of Gildford, Montana; daughter Darla Tyler-McSherry of Shepherd, Montana; sister Lorraine Banks of Lutz, Florida; stepgrandchildren Rachel McSherry of Billings, Montana, and Cortney McSherry of Shepherd, Montana, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lenore was preceded in death by her parents Ed and Ellen Lueth; brothers Carl and Courtland Lueth of Abbotsford, WI; brother Gary Lueth of Unity, Wisconsin; husband, Dick Tyler of Big Sandy and son-in-law Dave McSherry of Shepherd, Montana.
Memorial donations are suggested to: Big Sandy Medical Center, Big Sandy Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Crew, Big Sandy Library, the Dedman Animal Shelter Foundation in Fort Benton, or the charitable organization of one's choice.
In her high school yearbook, beneath her senior photo it reads, "In her quietness there is charm." How very true. Mom, you made an impact on so many around you. You made the world a better place. We love you and miss you. We will follow your advice and take it "a half-day at a time".
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Lenore's life was held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2019, at the Big Sandy Church of God with Pastor Erik Sietsema officiating. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Please visit Lenore's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for her family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.
