Louise Ann (Halverson) Uphaus died on December 20, 2022 at home with her husband, Bill, at her side. Louise was born in Hamilton, Montana on December 6, 1937 to Irvin and Ann (Schilke) Halverson. The oldest of three, she was raised on the family ranch south of Peerless. She loved ranching throughout her life. One of her greatest joys was riding as a jockey on the racetracks through the 50’s and 60’s. She also enjoyed driving in demolition derbies, softball, and golf, playing games and cards with family and friends and spent many years painting. Louise was a supporter of agriculture and was an active member of Women Involved in Farm Economics (WIFE) for many years. After graduating from Scobey High School in 1956, she went to Seattle to dental hygienist school. After a brief career in that field, she attended Northern Montana College in Havre, Montana. Louise’s careers included dental hygienist, receptionist for Chan Ettian Law Office, secretary at the Malta Grade School, teller at Havre Savings and Loan, and manager of State Liquor Stores. She managed the Halverson Ranch in Daniels County after her parents’ deaths.
Louise married Willie Doll in Havre, Montana on November 7, 1959. They moved to the ranch south of Malta in April 1963. To this union came four children: BilliJo, Levi, Lesli Ann and Serena. Willie and Louise divorced in 1979.
Louise married the love of her life, William “Billy” Uphaus on September 25, 1999 and moved to Glasgow. In her retirement years Louise enjoyed playing bridge and going to the plays at the Fort Peck Summer Theater. But her greatest joy came from serving God. She was very active in the First Lutheran Church for many years and then in the Assembly of God Church. She planned to start teaching Sunday School again in January 2023.
Louise is survived by her husband, Billy; daughters, BilliJo and Serena; son, Levi (Sheila); grandchildren: Matthew and Andrew (Kali) Swallows, Zach (Kara) Clovis, and Alexis (Zachary) Doll-Connor, Lesley (Jay) Larson, Nathan (Louvon) Doll; great-grandchildren: Rhett Swallows, Isabella and Charlee Clovis, Cathrynn and Grayson Doll-Connor, Violet and Liberty Larson and Venorium Plante; her brother, Marlen (Anita) Halverson; three nieces and three nephews, many cousins, and Aunt Ruthann Halverson.
She was preceded in death by her daughter Lesli Ann; parents, Irvin and Ann Halverson; sister, Diane Jones, and family hired man, Hank Gritner.
Louise will be missed by many people. She never met a stranger and she talked to everyone she met.
A Celebration of Louise’s life is planned for Spring 2023. Condolences for the family may be left at bellmortuarymontana.com
Gary & Marlys Martin says
So sorry to hear of Louise’s passing. She had become a great friend of ours throughout the past years, and was a good neighbor and friend to my dad. She will be missed. Our hearts are with you. 🥰
Myron A Malnaa says
Sorry for your loss. She will no doubt leave a big gap in our community. She was always willing to visit if it were about every day life or if she was bidding on pies at the church auction. Our prayers are with you and yours Bill. RIP Louise..
gerald archambeault says
Louise and Billy were a great couple as noted in the obit. She was a “kick” and Billy always listened well. Had the opportunity to represent her and she knew her business.
Brian Vetter says
Our mother ( Berniece Vetter) and “ wheezy “ were close friends in Malta during their single days. They had stories to tell. We really enjoyed her company.
Mary Armstrong says
Louise was one of a kind! I loved visiting with her about all of her life’s adventures, learning how to play better bridge, and hearing her tell a joke! She was a delightful lady and always had an encouraging word for me. My sincere condolences to Billy and family. We will all miss her bright and shining presence. ❤️
Ludell and Bobby Heaton says
We are so sorry for the families loss. Louise has been in our family for many years. Prayers for comfort for all. Love and hugs and prayers
Diane Sergent says
Bill
I’m so sorry to hear of Louise’s passing.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Jackie Taylor says
Louise will be missed by so many. She touched many lives in many different arena’s. What a colorful personality and life she lived. So sorry for your loss Bill, Billijo and Levi and Serena. My prayers go out to you all. I will always enjoy the memories I have of my friendship with Louise.
Mark Bruckner says
Louise always had a smile and a kind word for all of us who came through the lunch line at Malta Elementary back in the day. Later on I had the joy of getting to know her daughter Billie Jo when we both became involved in organic agriculture. My thoughts and prayers for her family who have lost an important part of their family.
Dolores Shettel says
Louise was just nice! Always fun and always friendly! She made you feel good about yourself and everything else. She would give anyone the shirt off her back! Just a grand lady! Our condolences to all her family . 🙏🏻
Coreen Wickenheiser says
We were so blessed to know Louise. Her bright smile, effervescent personality, and quirky character will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by everyone. Big hugs to Bill, Levi (Sheila), BilliJo, Serena and families. We feel your loss…
Paula Morrison says
So sorry to see this post Louise was always so cheerful and kind when I would see her. She will be missed
Jacquie Perigny of Regina Sask says
Louise was a special gift to many people. She will always be remembered for the kindness, comfort and help she willing always gave even when sometimes she was in pain. Even though I just met Louise in April I feel like I have known her forever. she drove my niece Janelle ( Louise 2nd cousin as Montey halverson was janelles dad) to great falls to have her baby boy born March 31. She was in severe pain with a pinched nerve but that was not stopping her. Louise memories will always be in our hearts and minds.
Peggy and Steve Hansen says
Rest in peace, Louise! You will be missed… It was always such fun to catch up with you when we ran into you. You always had such kind words to say to our family.
Sharon Kindle says
Great Lady, totally awesome memories of which are many and varied.
Eleanor Heagy says
My sincere sympathy to Bill and Louise’s family.She will be missed and remembered with love.💕
Darlene & Bruce Cummings says
Louise was a fun loving person, she loved to tell jokes and stories and enjoyed them as much as others did. She was so full of life and laughter. She was so much fun to be around, she was contagious. She will be missed. My heart , prayers and sympathy to all her familly.
Janice Altman says
My condolences to Bill, BilliJo, Levi, and Serena and families. Louise was my Dear Godmother and longtime family friend. Kind and full of love , wit and charm she always made me feel special. Although I’ve long been gone from Montana, she helped keep my heart there. I feel so very lucky to have had you in my life.♥️ RIP love Janice Altman
Grace Pankratz says
I student taught in the Malta Elementary School in 1979 and Louise was the school secretary under George Knudsen during that time. ( I grew up in Malta and the South Wagner community- ) She was such a sweetheart and helped me so much while I took my student teaching semester in Malta. She always greeted me with a smile, support and friendship. There was never a time that when we ran into each other, we had great visits!! Louise was a dear friend and will be missed dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Vicky McIntyre says
Dear Bill and family,
Louise was such a good friend to my family, and especially to my mother! This loss is difficult to everyone who knew Louise. Prayers and hugs to you all. Vicky, Helen, Steve, David and Melody McIntyre
Wanda and Dave Berndtson says
Our hearts are broken losing Louise. What a joy being neighbors with Louise, Billy, Lilli, and Abby. All four quickly felt like family. We loved her cheerful visits and her wonderful breakfasts. I know she has suffered from a bit of pain the last few years, but certainly her death is untimely, a life too short. She meant so much to our mom and dad, she was a long-time friend. May Billy and her family find peace in their sweet memories of a dynamic, talented, God-fearing woman.
Marlene McVee says
I sat next to Louise at church Sunday the 18th. She was her usual happy self but what a shock to hear that she left us so suddenly. She had become my very best friend as we shared our love for Jesus in church and Bible studies. Billy was always there to care for her in every way and our hearts send our love to him and all the families! We know she is now celebrating in heaven. Love, Marlene
Lorene Hames says
My sincere condolences to Louise’s family. I knew of Louise from when we were both living in the Peerless community. Though I didn’t know her well, she was so kind to send me a thoughtful card when my dad passed away (1999) with a note saying she knew the pain of loss, and that she often thought of her daughter who had passed away…wondering if when she sees her in heaven one day, if she would still be a little girl or grown. How comforting to know she’s reunited with her now. May you all take comfort in the memories of her kindness and knowing that because of her and your faith in Jesus, you will see her again.
Steven Tollefson says
Sorry to hear of Louise’s passing ,she was in WIFE with my mother for years and her and Bill bought hay from us for years . She was very neat lady
Gary Knudsen says
Sorry to hear of Louise’s passing. She was a “angel” to everyone. For all the years she worked at Malta Grade School, Louise tried to make things easier for all children, the teachers and for my Dad. God Bless You Louise
Mary Pat Porter says
May Louise rest in peace. She was a fun energetic and lovely woman. She was a part of my mom’s , Margaret Stiles’ life between 1974 til she left to help her parents. Oh the stories 😉 I’m sad for the whole family, may great memories prevail
Susan Smith says
To Billy & Levi and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed Louise and the kindness she showed me when I worked at First Lutheran. I will always remember the experience when I helped you with the branding, when Louise told me to watch out for the white cow that it was a killer! I have to admit then I was somewhat intimidated by that white cow, we were lucky she behaved.
Dorothy Howard says
Kindness personified…so much fun to be with & always positive. I met Louise in 1955 when I went to Scobey school for a while. She welcomed me with open arms & oh the fun she, I, Donna Mae Johnson & Sandra Bjarko had! Louise dated my cousin Slick Halverson before he died. & we shared that . RIP dear friend, I’ll see you in heaven. Dorothy Suchy Howard