Staffie DeMay

Nov. 16, 1913--Dec. 31, 2010

HELENA, Montana -- Staffie DeMay was born Nov. 16, 1913, and passed from the loving arms of her family into the loving arms of the Lord on Dec. 31, 2010. At 97, she had been amazingly healthy until the week preceding her passing. She proudly lived to see four generations.

Born in Leadville, Colorado, Staffie lived for many years in McCook, Nebraska, owning the Pioneer Club. She worked tirelessly to build a successful business.

In 1997, she moved from McCook to Helena, Montana, and for the past five years Staffie has resided full time with her daughter, Mary Lou Eggan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary Plut; 11 brothers and sisters; and sons-in-law, Don Eggan and Erik Bjorklund.

Survivors include her sister, Josephine Ponikvar of Durango, Colorado; daughter, Mary Lou Ponikvar Eggan of Helena; daughter, Joanne Ponikvar Bjorklund of Phoenix, Arizona; son, Edward Ponikvar of Statesville, North Carolina; granddaughters, Yvonne and husband, Dave Casagrande of Roscoe, Montana, Karen and husband, Perry Jacobson of Whitefish, Montana, Michele Bernard of Phoenix, and Jacque and husband, Jim Corey of Phoenix; great-grandchildren, Shannon and husband, Mike Marceau of Seattle, Washington, Brenna and husband, Jamie Livingston of Bozeman, Montana, and Kyle and Michael Jacobson of Waikoloa, Hawaii; and great-great- grandchildren, Max and Gus Marceau and Mason and Maryn Livingston.

Staffie loved her family and friends. Anyone who needed her knew she was just a phone call away. She possessed a tremendous work ethic, and felt at home in the kitchen. Even in her final days, Staffie was very concerned about how the family would pull off Christmas dinner without her help.

A memorial service celebrating Staffie's life was Monday at the First Lutheran Church in Helena. A reception followed in the lower level of the church immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be made to the First Lutheran Church or Hospice of St. Peter's.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.