Donna Earlene Boward Wall passed away peacefully at St. Peter’s hospital Helena MT on March 22, 2026. Choosing not to treat lung cancer, Earlene fought but lost the battle after 6 months. Surrounded by family she went to be with her Lord and Savior. Earlene was born in Glendale, California September 23, 1935 to Earl and Mary Boward. She was proud to be named after her dad, her younger sister Marylin named after her mother.
Earlene had great stories of her life growing up in California. The family moved from Venice CA to Lewistown MT on October 31, 1946. Earl purchased an existing flower shop and named it Boward’s Floral & Greenhouse,and they sold it in 1969. Earlene loved working with the flowers. Earlene attended Fergus County High School, graduating in 1953. She loved the social life of school, music and marching lettering in the Drill Team. She attended Seattle Pacific University for 2 years and Eastern MT College (MSU – Billings).
In 1956 she met Richard (Dick) Wall in Lewistown MT at the First National Bank where they both worked. Married in 1957 and moved to Thompson Falls, their first home of many! Earlene wanted to be an elementary teacher but instead raised four children. She loved being a mother and put her home economics sewing class to work making many clothes for her kids. She also learned to knit from her grandmother, making numerous afghans and sweaters for her kids. She would proudly say how cute and best dressed her kids were. She was a very good and creative cook and cookie baker. Who else had mashed potatoes on sliced wieners covered in shredded cheese?
1971 Dick purchased Springhill chicken ranch northeast of Bozeman MT. With lots of work to be done, all 4 of us kids worked on the ranch. Mom always worked hard whether cooking for ranch hands, picnics or daily candling of many eggs. While living in Eugene and Salem Oregon 1978-82 she kept busy picking and canning fruits and vegetables. Also worked at home, sewing shirts and other products commercially for Pendleton company.
Earlene and Dick moved to Helena in 1982, Dick wanted to be closer to his mother Claire, best friend Boyd Bawden and his favorite Uncle Bill Wall. While living in the Helena valley, Earlene enjoyed gardening, hosting visiting families and always preparing holiday family dinners. Earlene was the owner of The Stitching Corner from 1982 and retired in 2011. Earlene excelled at playing the card game Bridge, she was in several clubs playing weekly for many years. Earlene lived independently at East Park Villa apartments. She had many friends at East Park but met her special friend John Hoerner in 2024, his first words to her were “there goes my favorite lady”.
Earlene is preceded in death by: husband of 53 years Dick Wall, sister Marylin Wells, parents Earl/Mary Boward, daughter-in-law Terri Fetty DeHart Wall and great granddaughter Truette Joyce Tolson.
Earlene is survived by: daughters Debbie Schaner (Frank), Deanna Ouellette (David) and Wendy Flaherty (Greg) and son Brett Wall. 9 grandchildren, Amanda Hartman, Anna Murnion, Travis Chavez, Austin Ouellette, Bailey Tolson, Rachel Schutter, Daniel Schaner and Trenton Chavez and Jessa Oliver. 19 great grandchildren: Kaylen, Penelope, Lincoln Hartman, Sofia (oldest), Clement, Marco Murnion, Howard, Caroline, Simon Schutter, Wylie, Clancy Ouellette, Tre & Tenley Tolson, Calan & Cylas Oliver, Vera Chavez, Malu, Emjay and Tereza Chavez.
A Celebration of Earlene’s Life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Mountain Family Fellowship, 6145 N Montana Ave., Helena 59602.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00am
Saturday April 18, 2026
Mountain Family Fellowship
6145 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00am
Saturday April 18, 2026
Mountain Family Fellowship
6145 N Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Arlyn and Pearle Plowman says
We are sorry to hear of Erlene”s passing. She was a wonderful woman of God. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Val says
Brett,
My sympathy. I remember your sweet mom
when we lived in Helena and I attended First
Presbyterian.
Blessings and peace,
Valerie Raisch (FL.)
Tom/Judy Rolfe says
Brett and the Eall Family,
We are so sorry to learn of Earlene’s passing. What a beautiful Christian woman she was. She and Dick were always a team in everything they did, a couple we always admired and looked up to. Please know we are thinking of you at this difficult time and keeping you in our prayers.
Marcia says
Thank you, Brett, for bringing your mom into my life. It was a blessing to know her. Prayers for your family.
Aleta says
Earlene was a special lady, so very sweet! It was an absolute honor being able to meet, get to know and be apart of her life last year. My prayers and thoughts are with you all during this time. I know she will be missed by many.
Jim & Mary says
Brett, Mary and I are so truly sad for your loses these last years. I met your mom while playing Santa many years ago. Mary and I feel terrible we never got to meet your wife. So many times, we thought about meeting you guys for a dinner and for whatever reason never followed through with plans. We were crushed to find out those plans could never happen and truly are sorry for whatever silly reason got in the way. If you ever need anything, please call. You were always Mary’s favorite state employee.
Diane Williams says
We are so sorry for your loss, your Mom lived and died on her own terms, an admirable lady.
I was always happy to see your Mom at Dick and Budd’s class reunions, we had some laughs at their expense.
What a bridge player, she was an excellent one, and loved it too.
I know you’ll miss her. But I know you have lots of good memories.
Diane and Budd
Denise Hayden says
So sorry to hear about Earlene! I was the server at Jorgenson’s who waited on the bridge ladies for years. She was always so kind and sweet!
Pam and Tony Murnion says
We are so very sorry to hear of Earlene’s passing! She and Dick were such wonderful neighbors to us when we shared a backyard fence. We’re sending love and light your way; may you find peace in the coming days.
Terry Hawkins says
Wendi and family. Sorry for your loss. Your mom was a great lady and will be greatly missed.
Tim lowney says
Thoughts and prayers for family and friends.sorry for your loss
BA says
Your love among you is deep. With prayers, gratitude, and blessings for all you’ve done and continue to do.
~ Bonnie Anderson