Lilah Louise (Mcvee) Knutson

Lilah Louise McVee was born on November 30, 1927. She left for her new heavenly home July 6, 2022, to join her loved ones that had gone before. Her parents and brother, Charles, preceded her in death. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 11, 2022, at O’Connor Memorial Chapel. Born and raised in Glasgow, Montana, to Virgil Harley McVee and Lillian (Betz) McVee. She was raised on Cherry Creek with her two younger brothers, Curtis and Charles. After graduation from Glasgow High School in 1946, she went on to receive her teaching certificate from Montana State College (MSU). Being the only daughter growing up, Lilah was tasked with household duties which left her jealous of her two brothers who were busy riding horses, working cattle, and running the farm machinery. It proved to be a gift, however, as after marriage she made the ranch house a home for all. Her first teaching position was the one room Lillegard School House, 12 miles north of Geyser. At a typical gathering, lively with music and lunch baskets prepared by each of the young ladies to be bid on and purchased by hopeful bachelors. Lilah's basket went to the highest bidder, a Mr. Alton Knutson. Lilah and Alton were married December 14, 1949, in Great Falls. She settled in on the ranch and raised five children, Kenneth (Pamela) Knutson of Kennewick, WA, James (Ramona) Knutson of Great Falls, Joan Lockyer of Puyallup, WA, Clayton (Zee) Knutson of Belt, and Constance (Robert) Coil of Vaughn. Lilah was very active in the Geyser community. She served as PTA president and was a member of the Geyser Presbyterian Church. When needed, she was happy to substitute teach at the Geyser School as well as play the organ for Sunday church services. Music was a passion for Lilah. She was determined that each of her children develop an appreciation for music. Each played a musical instrument in high school band. Saturday was piano lessons in Belt and horn lessons in Great Falls. She insisted it was a pleasure we would have forever. She was right! Flowers flourished under her tender care and her spare time was spent with books on history. She shared the adventure of traveling to Europe with Alton and, after his passing, enjoyed the company of her good friend, Dorothy Evans on a trip to England and Ireland. After Alton's passing in 1986, Lilah moved to California and enjoyed attending a local college while living with her daughter, Joan and husband, Dan (deceased), and grandson, Monty, earning her associate degree. In addition to her five children, she is survived by her brother, Curtis McVee of Anchorage, AK; and eleven grandchildren, Monty Knutson, Angela Boberg, Edward Knutson, Sheri Griffin, Carolyn Knutson, Daniel Knutson, Theodore Clayton Knutson, Amanda Knutson, Kelly Stone, Charlie Coil, and Stacy Coil; plus sixteen great-grandchildren.