Lola Mae Gaffield Jensen Strasheim was born on May 23, 1930 in Crane, MT to Chester and Viola (Lingle) Gaffield. She was baptized, confirmed, married, and taught Sunday school as well as Bible School at Pella Lutheran Church.
Lola attended schools in Crane and Sidney while working at Edna’s Beauty Shop her junior and senior year.
Lola met the love of her life, Clarence Jensen while attending a basket social at Anderson school. Clarence and Lola were married 38 years. To this union were born four children, Linda (Ted) Becker, Carol (Bill) Nankivel, Jim Jensen, and Judy Wyman.
As the children grew and started school Lola became a working mother. Her career began at JM McDonalds Clothing followed by JC Penney (25 years) and the Yellowstone Merc. In addition, she volunteered at the Heritage Center, Caring Corner Gift Shop, and Pella Lutheran Church.
After Clarence passed away in 1987, Lola enjoyed traveling with friends and in 1991 married John Strasheim. John passed away in 1992.
Lola loved spending time with her grandchildren (Randy, Lori, Chandra, Jeremy, Shay, Lee, Jeff, Dan, Lisa and Sara) and attending many activities in which they participated. She enjoyed hugs and kisses from her 13 great grandchildren (Larysa, Brenae, Ciera, Morgan, Danikah, Jayden, Brody, Brinley, Nina, Johnny, Jaxson, Bailey Mae, Carson and Baby Wyman to be born in September), and two great-great grandchildren (Emersyn-Jo and Ellie Jean). Mom was a grandma also to the Richter children (Emma, Annie, Leo, Tumi) as well as the Bennion children (Annika, Bronte, Tarken).
Lola enjoyed lunches with her Penney friends, coffee and get togethers with her Crestwood friends. In the months that she lived at Extended Care, she enjoyed the company of old friends, made new friends and appreciated the quality care she received. We remember Lola not only as a caring and loving mother and grandmother, but also for the kindness extended to all who entered her home or crossed her path. She will be remembered for the sincerity and genuine personality that’s served as an example to all who knew her. Many times when a kind word or a helping hand was needed; mom was there providing comfort to all in need.
A special thank you, from Lola’s family, to several members of the clergy, who touched and enriched her life as well as the lives of so many others. Thank you Pastors Audrey Rydbom, Alton Hillesland, Tim Tharp, Mike Hussey, Roberta Pierce, Richard Evans, and Arveda Fischer.
Lola is survived by her four children, 9 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. God’s Blessings and Godspeed, Madre!
Lola passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2019, at the Sidney Health Center Extended Care, Sidney, MT.