On a cold December 18th, 1917, Charlotte Francis Dabner was born to Charley & Irene Dabner in the family home just south of the Yellowstone River , near Columbus , Montana , at a place called Flaherty Flats (also known as Poverty Flats) located on the edge of Shane Ridge . Originally from Kansas , the Dabners had moved to Montana where Charley worked for the Railroad. He was known to walk the 45 miles back and forth on weekends from Shane Ridge to his job in Billings . When allowed, he commuted on a railcar. Older sister Winifred (Mrs. Clark Pierce) and brother Duane (Vi) were also born at the family home, and both pre-deceased Charlotte . Charlotte was always known as “Snooky”. Snooky died of natural causes at Deaconess Hospital on Friday, October 06, 2006.

Charlie moved the Dabner family to Billings when Snooky was about 2 years old. She attended Billings schools, graduating from Billings Sr. Hi. She was very athletic and beat the boys at tennis or other sports. In July of 1937 Snooky was married to Walter Scott Pippenger, the handsome devil from the Red Lodge area. Walt & Snooky began a life together of moving and working, principally around Montana where Walt held a variety of positions with the Pierce Packing Company. Their last move together was to 2223 11th St. West in Billings , which was their 59th household move. Walt passed away in October, 1996.

In 1961, Snooky began a very successful career as manager and part owner of Roxanne Gifts, the premiere gift shop in Billings for many years. Her main partner was her sister, “Winnie”. Snooky was very proud of her years at Roxanne’s and loved the association she had with many happily returning customers. The sisters traveled far and wide to find the best and most unique merchandise possible. Snooky retired from Roxanne’s in 1992.

Snooky and Walt had two daughters, Sandy & Cheri (Richard Cox). Sandy was taken from them at the age of 7 by the polio epidemic of 1945 in Billings . The younger sister, Cheri, was part of the traveling crew, and mother and daughter have always taken care of each other in special ways. In the recent words of a childhood chum via e-mail: “Cheri, you have been the most devoted of daughters and you and your mother were so fortunate to be able to share a lifetime of loving companionship in ways that so few mothers and daughters can anymore since our families tend to be so far flung. I can remember seeing your mother for the first time when we were eight years old and I thought she was so beautiful, and she was always so sweet and welcoming to us when we got to your house after school. And, you know, despite all the pain she endured, her beauty remained intact. We were all blessed with parents from the "greatest generation" whom we could admire for the way they triumphed over the hard times and challenges they were confronted with. Their's was an everyday kind of heroism that is rare in our lives today. They passed along their wisdom and values by example every day.” The family could not say it better. No matter how difficult the financial situation, the Pippenger’s always wanted Cheri to have the best they could afford, and saw to it that she had piano lessons, an eventual car for school, and money for a college education.

Snooky’s great pride in life was Family, which included her sibling’s and their extended families. Christmas and other Holidays were times for the whole clan to get together, especially the Pippenger/Pierce families. She liked a social gathering, especially if family was involved; she remained, however, a very private person. Snooky’s last address was Highgate Senior Living. She spent a few days each week at Cheri’s home for an afternoon of cards or a special time with Grandchildren and their families. If she hadn’t seen her Grandsons recently, she wanted to know what they were doing and wanted to make sure they and their families were healthy and happy. She took special pride in her Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren, who are: Scott Cox (Karen) Hannah & Eli; and Shaun Cox (Andrea) Caitlin, Winston & Christy. Grandma Snooky will be missed as she makes one more move to her special place in Heaven, pain free.

Services will be held at Michelotti –Sawyers Chapel @ 1001 Alderson Ave. at 3:00pm, Wednesday, October 11, 2006. In lieu of flowers, the family recommends memorials are sent to charity of one’s choice, or the Walter & Charlotte Pippenger Innovation Award Fund c/o MSU Billings, 1500 University Dr. -59101, or Big Sky Hospice, P.O Box 35033-Billings-59107 .