Louise Gobert

Louise Gobert (88) passed away peacefully at her home near Cut Bank surrounded by her family. Louise was born March 12, 1936 in Helena of Blackfeet parents. She was adopted by Ursula and Johnson Bird and grew up on their sheep and cattle ranch west of Cut Bank. They later moved to Cut Bank where Louise attended St. Margret’s Catholic grade school, the South Side Grade School and graduated from Cut Bank High School. 

Louise married Ralph Gobert on April 21, 1952 in Shelby. At first, they lived on the Two Medicine River near the Holy Family Mission and then moved to the Badger Fisher irrigation camp. After several other moves they settled on their property at Seville, West of Cut Bank. As if raising a family of eight children and keeping Ralph in line wasn’t enough to keep her busy, Louise had many other interests. She was a waitress at the M and M Café in Cut Bank. She was an excellent baker and worked at the bakery at Buttrey Foods, was Bakery Manager at IGA and was a master cake decorator. She also was a cook at the Cut Bank Senior Center, where she was nominated for Senior of the Year, and worked as secretary for the Cut Bank Job Service and Public Assistance offices. When, in her 60’s, she was certified as an Emergency Medical Technician and served as a volunteer with the Glacier County Ambulance Service in Cut Bank. She was awarded EMT of the year while with the service, and went on to teach CPR and First Aid into her 70’s. She often said that this was her favorite job because she liked to help people. But her desire to help people didn’t stop there. She was a volunteer working with the Boy’s and Girl’s Club in Cut Bank and helped with various Blackfeet Tribal children’s organizations, where, for many years, she was instrumental in finding sources for Christmas toys for children. Had it not been for her efforts, many children would not have had toys under their trees. 

Of course, Louise enjoyed the many hunting and camping trips she had with Ralph and the kids, plus their many friends. And she could often be seen at sporting events watching her children or grandchildren. One other “sporting event” she enjoyed was Sunday Bingo at the Cut Bank Moose Club. Leo and Dana would take her to the game and Louise was always waiting to win the “big blackout”, which she accomplished a few times. But the jackpots didn’t amount to much, it was just the thrill of winning, plus being with her friends. Twenty years ago, the Montana Fun Weekend car show started at the Cut Bank Airport. From the very first day Louise was the top ticket seller and official greeter at the entry gate. She was active with the car show until last year when she was 87 years old, and always enjoyed greeting her friends as they passed through the gate. Late in the afternoon of her passing, many friends and relatives gathered at Louise’ home. They were sharing stories and happy memories about her and the family, and were getting pretty loud in the room next to her bedroom. When she could barely speak any longer she quietly asked her granddaughter “Where’s the party?” 

Louise is survived by eight children, Eloise Nollkamper (Roy), Leeta Gobert, Leo Gobert (Dana), Helen Connelly, Laurie Larson (Darrell), Ursula Spotted Bear, Bill Gobert (Glenda), Duane Gobert (Diana); sixty three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The last grandchild, Emersyn Rae Judisch, was born to Duana and Lane just five days before Louise passed. Thankfully, great-grandma and Emersyn were able to meet. Pets were always an important part in Louise’ life. It must be mentioned that Koda, Kaini and SJ the cats and Tippi and Dacy the dogs will be very lonesome.