Anita Maria Soltero Stokoe
Anita Maria Soltero Stokoe died Saturday morning at St. Vincents Hospital after a valiant battle with COPD.
She was born in Moore, Mt. On December 15, 1922 to Dr. Julio and Sarah Soltero. She attended grade school in Moore and Lewistown and graduated from Fergus County High School. She then attended college in St. Scholastica and graduated with a degree in History and Sociology in 1944 from Marquette University.
After teaching high school in Endeavor, Wisconsin she married Dr. Scott Stokoe in Lewistown on June 24th, 1944. She worked at the American Medical Association in Chicago and at Oak Park Hospital in Oak Park, Illinois during her husband’s internship.
They moved to Billings in 1948 when her husband went into practice at the Soltero Group with her father and brother, Harry Soltero.
After her husbands death in 1972 she worked at the Drivers License Station and at the Motor Vehicle Department. She retired after 16 years in 1988. She also worked part time at Finns Employment Agency.
She was a member of St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral and is currently a member of St. Bernard’s Parish. While at St. Patrick’s she was part of the St. Stephen Ministry.
She did every Sunday crossword puzzle. She was an avid fan of the Denver Broncos and always wanted to meet John Elway. Her favorite golfer was Phil Mickelson. She enjoyed great discussions about politics and religion but never gave upon on her convictions. She believed that every life has meaning. She treasured the unborn.
Her greatest passion was her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She never missed sending cards on birthdays (and if she could sneak in $5 she would)
Survivors include her brother Donald (Tookie) Soltero and his wife Mary, Sons - James, Larry, Jerry, and Don, and daughter Valerie (Jensen). She also has 23 grandchildren. Thru James - Scott, James, Annie, John, Carter, Isaac, Morgan, Atyranae, Nyiella, Abbie, Kylie, Mahleeah and Danielle. Thru Larry - Gene, Steven, Thomas and Travis. Thru Valerie - Brian, Michael, and Matthew. Thru Don - Leslie, Josh and Sarah. She also has 5 great grandchildren, Gillian, Logan, Torianna, Devia and Devon plus 2 on the way in July.
You deserve a rest Mom. You've fought a hard battle and now have won the war. You leave us knowing that all our love and prayers are with you.
Vigil services will be 7pm Thursday at St. Bernard’s Parish. The Funeral Mass will be 10am Friday at St. Bernard’s with interment at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
My Beloved Anita, Never forgot a birthday and always remembered to pass on the love you carried in her heart.. I will miss your memories.. your stories and your wisdom. You left too soon.. Your strength was amazing.. Peace be with you.. as you reunite and dance in heaven with Scott. Thank you for sharing your life with me. I will miss you so very much.
Gwenn Stokoe
Val and Family,
So sorry for the loss of your Mom.
Thinking of you, Warren and Kris Ostwalt
While I did not meet your beloved Mom, Jim, I have known you for many years and have seen your kind, compassionate heart. Traits like this come from having a nurturing exceptional Mom. I hope you and your entire family find peace through this difficult time knowing that she is in heaven awaiting your arrival. Darla Bowers
I remember Anita fondly. She and Scott were good friends of my family when we lived in Billings. My parents were Helen and Dick Trott. I am so sorry to hear of Anita's death. May she be at rest now and may all of you find peace.
Susan (Trott) Donohue
I received a phone call from my Aunt Mary Murphy today. She had received a message that Anita had passed away and was saddened by the loss. Mary Murphy is my Aunt and a very faithful servant of God and therefore only wished peace to those left behind knowing that Anita has found her own peace now with God. I have been told about Anita but have never met here. I know that she and my Aunt Mary have shared a great deal in their past not just as roommates but as friends forever.
If there is any memoriam, I would like to know and contribute in my Aunt Mary's behalf.
Maggie Murphy Mackai obo Mary Murphy Green Bay Wisconsin
Dear family of Anita,
I remember your Mom so fondly when in Billings years ago.
She had such a lively loving spirit....she was a joy to be with. May you all find comfort in your wonderful memories of her. Love and prayers, Liz (Manning) Pittman, Carmel, CA