Obituary for Ethel Marie Lukenbill
Ethel Marie Peterson Lukenbill was born on October 25, 1920, in Big Timber, MT to Lawrence and Inga (Neste) Peterson. The family homesteaded by the Glaston Lakes and as the eldest child, she was in charge of her siblings, Lillian and Lawrence while their parents were working on their ranch or for neighbors. She had to break trail to and from school for her siblings. Ethel made sure the kerosene lamps were maintained and kept lit. Water had to be hauled from the spring with a horse and heavy farm sled laden with two wooden barrels. She tended the stove, prepared food and cared for the livestock. These were Ethel’s duties at the ripe old age of 12 years! She rose to every challenge then and throughout her life..
In 1941,she married Albert Eddy and they had a son, Albert John Eddy, Jr. They divorced and she was left a single mother during the war years. With the help of her parents, she and John flourished.
While working for a dentist in Big Timber, she met and married Charles (Bill) Lukenbill, an Army veteran employed in the oil fields. Ethel followed him to numerous oil boom towns and camps in several western states. During this time, John stayed with his grandparents in Big Timber. A son, Jerry and a daughter, Linda were born as they moved from location to location. Problems arose from time to time, but as always, Ethel managed to keep the household warm, kids cared for and everyone fed. Along the way, lasting friendships were formed and through life’s many twists and turns, there was plenty of love and laughter and the family thrived!
When the family tired of the constant moving, they settled in Big Timber. Ethel was very active in the Lutheran Church. She worked for many years at the Pioneer Home, receiving her LPN degree in 1969. In addition, while Bill worked on heavy equipment, they also ran a small ranch on the Yellowstone River until his death in 1997.
Ethel passed away peacefully on July 22, 2023, at 102 years of age, while living in Thermopolis, WY. She was preceded in death by her husband, both parents and her siblings. She is survived by her three children: John Eddy, Jerry Lukenbill, Linda Cowger, 7 grand kids, 15 great grand kids, and her beloved dog, Tillie.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Friday, August 25th, 2023 at the Big Timber Lutheran Church in Big Timber, MT with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Big Timber Lutheran Church or The Senior Center in Big Timber.
To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.stenbergfuneralhome.com
To plant a tree in memory of Ethel Marie Lukenbill, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Funeral Service
Friday
25
Aug
10:00 AM
- 11:00 AM
Big Timber Lutheran Church
115 West 4th Avenue
PO Box 278
Big Timber, MT 59011
Graveside Services
Friday
25
Aug
11:00 AM
- 11:30 AM
Mountain View Cemetery
West of Big Timber
Big Timber, MT 59011
Cemetery Details
Location
Mountain View Cemetery
West of Big Timber
Big Timber, MT 59011
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