Elsie Lamma

 On August 4, 2024 Elsie A. Lamma (98) peacefully passed from this life and was called to Heaven to bake and make coffee with her Heavenly Father. Baking was one of her gifts she shared with us. Another was devotion. Devotion to her family, her community, her church, her principles and her work ethic. These we can embrace ourselves in tribute and in honoring the legacy of Elsie Abraham Lamma. Elsie was born July 16, 1926 to Albert and Sophie Abraham of Ravenna, Nebraska. The youngest of six she joined sisters Tracy and Ann, brothers Joe, Frank and Emil. Her family farmed and ranched while Elsie grew up. Proud of her Nebraska heritage she preferred corn-fed beef, rooted for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and loved (go figure) corn on the cob. In her youth she also loved horses and likely rode to school astride one of the horses on the Abraham place. She was a young girl during The Great Depression and World War Two. Times were hard but she endured. She took to heart the idea that John F. Kennedy later put into words. "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." Or your neighbor. During the war many servicemen traveling by train heading overseas went through Ravenna and were welcomed with hot meals, patriotism and smiles. Mom was a part of that endeavor and continued being of service to others her entire life. It was during World War Two that Elsie met her future groom, Bob Lamma from Valier, Montana. Bob's military training on the railroad out of Lincoln, Nebraska took him through Ravenna multiple times. The details of their meeting are not known but may have involved cinnamon rolls, Big Band music and the movie theater where Mom worked. 

 After the War a Montana wedding began their life together in Valier, Brady, Bynum and then Conrad, Montana. Their union produced three children; Rick in 1947, John in 1955 and Lori in 1960. All blessings to their parents, most of the time. Their early days centered around farming. Later Elsie began her own career working at St. Mary's Hospital in Conrad then in the Pondera County Clerk and Recorder's Office for twenty four years. When she retired Elsie had been elected and served multiple terms as the Clerk and Recorder. For many of us St. Mary's Hospital is where our histories began. The building is now the Tamarack Apartments. Elsie was a charter member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 7655. She was an active member serving many offices and chairmanships. Most notably as Treasurer. She helped prepare and worked rummage sales, was the go-to person for needed wheelchairs and walkers, represented her chapter at state meetings and could be seen weeding in the summer and shoveling snow in the winter. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Conrad. Quietly doing God's Work was an important calling for Elsie. As was her wish, often her efforts went unheralded and unseen. The number of people she cared for and impacted over her lifetime can not be calculated. The lucky ones who shared good memories with Elsie Lamma are multi-generational. 

One thing she enjoyed most was supporting local sports, especially girls sports. One year the girl's basketball team awarded her The Elsie, a statue of a Cowgirl basketball player. Another time one of the boy's teams donned dress shirts and ties for their team picture for her. Elsie was no stranger to cheers and high fives from the teams.Those were some of her happiest times. 

 Elsie Lamma is survived by her children; Rick of Missoula, Montana, John currently living in Conrad and Lori (Patti) of Washington, Maine. Also grandson Ian Lamma (Michelle) and great-grandson Ryan of Sierra Vista, Arizona. Included are generations of nieces and nephews in Nebraska, Montana and across the country.

 She was preceded in death by husband, Robert Lamma, her parents Albert and Sophie Abraham. And a lifetime of beloved family,friends, those she admired and those who admired her. All now joyously embrace her in welcome and in love.

 Elsie showed many qualities that made the Greatest Generation great. Hardworking, principled, christian, patriotic, and of service to others. The example she set was done by her deeds. Shoveling snow at her church, delivering Meals On Wheels, contributing to multiple charitable organizations, recycling cardboard and being there for anyone. We will miss you, Elsie Lamma. We love you. 

"Don't walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don't walk behind me, I may not lead, Just walk beside me and be my friend" ---- Albert Camus 

 Should you wish to make a charitable donation in memory of Elsie A. Lamma please consider The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research @ www.michael j.fox.org.

 A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the First Presbyterian Church in Conrad, Montana at 11:00 am.