Vonda Lee Erbele

Vonda Lee Erbele, age 65, departed this earthly life to meet her Lord on March 24, 2008 in Billings, Montana. She fought a year-long, courageous battle with brain cancer. Vonda was born on February 7, 1943, in Harvey, ND, to Raymond and Alice (Kraft) Lautt. She spent her early days on a farm near Harvey growing up with an older brother JuDean and a younger brother, Darnell. As a child, Vonda contracted Rheumatic Fever and was bedridden for over a year.

Throughout her teen years, Vonda was active in the Harvey Mennonite Brethren Church, and enjoyed playing the piano, organ and accordion. She graduated Valedictorian from Martin High School in 1961. She received her BS/RN degree from Jamestown College, ND, and was voted "Most Outstanding Senior Nurse of Class of '66." She later earned a Masters in Education Administration from Roosevelt University in Chicago.

On June 27, 1965, she married J. Dale Erbele from Streeter/Lehr, ND. Together they had four children. After putting her husband through seminary as a pediatric nursing instructor, she laid aside her beloved career in order to dedicate her life to her family and ministry. Dale and Vonda spent 26 years in Missoula, MT serving at the South Hills Evangelical Church. As an accomplished pianist and organist, she played for church services, served as worship director, and was a piano teacher to scores of students throughout the years. She passed along her love of music to her children. The Erbele Family often traveled and sang together as a ministry team.

Many people were blessed by Vonda's amazing gift of hospitality. A yearly highlight for her was Christmas Open House where she would host over 100 people. She became legendary for her rice krispy cross-shaped treats of which she made dozens during the Easter season. Her heart and home were always open to people and she enjoyed decorating her home in a beautiful Victorian style.

Vonda was a dedicated mother and a mentor to many. Her school lunches often contained homemade bread and a handwritten note. Her children were never sent off to school without a prayer and an encouraging word of Scripture. Vonda liked to use her creativity and sewing skills to make matching holiday outfits for her family, decorations for her home, and wonderful care packages for her grandchildren. Her last ten years were occupied with visiting and loving her 12 grandchildren spread out across the country. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband who serves as the Western Conference Superintendent of Evangelical Churches.

She was a beautiful inspiration to many who watched her battle cancer with great faith and bravery. Vonda's family continues to live out her life's verse, Romans 8:28; "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

Vonda Lee is survived by her beloved husband of 42 years, J. Dale; 3 daughters and sons-in-law, Kendra and Kent Husband (Charlotte, NC); Korissa and Darren Olson (Minneapolis, MN); Korinda and John Luhmann (Missoula, MT); one son and daughter-in-law, John and Heather Erbele (Savage, MN). She is also survived by 5 granddaughters and 8 grandsons, one special daughter in Christ, Margaret Neff, and two brothers and sisters-in-law; JuDean and Carol Lautt (Wichita, KS), Darnell and Christine Lautt (Columbus, OH).

The "Celebration of the Life of Vonda Lee Erbele" will take place on Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 7:00 PM. Fellowship and refreshments will follow. The Service will be held at: Faith Evangelical Church, Billings, Montana 59102

Public viewing and visitation will be held from 2:00 - 6:00 PM in the Fireside Room at Faith Evangelical Church on Thursday, March 27th preceding the Service. Any flowers for the memorial service may be sent directly to Faith Evangelical Church.

A graveside committal service for family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 29th at 10:00 AM at the Emmanuel Country Cemetery (12 miles north of Lehr, ND. Look for a sign for "Vonda Erbele Memorial.") Following the committal, an informal service of remembrance and sharing will be held at 11:00 AM at the Streeter United Methodist Church (Streeter, ND) A Luncheon will follow. Funeral and memorial services are being arranged by Remington Letcher Memorial Funeral Services, Laurel, MT.

The Erbele Family would like to express sincere thanks to St Vincent's Hospital, Dr. Christenson and staff of the Hematology-Oncology Centers of the Northern Rockies, and the Rocky Mountain Hospice for their care.

Memorial funds will be established through the Vonda Erbele Benefit FundFirst Interstate Bank 401 N. 31 St. Billings, Mt. 59116 Attention: Cathy Dunaway

Condolences may be shared with the Erbele family on-line at www.remingtonletcherfuneralservices.com

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