Cora Steffes
courtesy photo
Cora Steffes
POLSON — Cora Lila Steffes, age 96, passed away on April 20, 2021, at Polson Health and Rehab. She was born on March 5, 1925, in Snohomish, Washington, but was raised in the Big Hill area north of Baker, Montana. She rode a horse to the country school and was even dragged by a horse at 10 years old and suffered a broken neck which almost ended her life. Cora graduated from Baker High School in 1944 with a class motto of “Push, pull, or get out of the way.”
In November of 1945, Cora and Raphael Steffes were married and ranched at Cabin Creek in the Baker area for many years. They later bought a ranch near Cardwell and eventually moved to Bozeman and then to Polson.
Cora received her BA degree in English from MSU at 50 years of age and was a published author. Her favorite pastime was reading, which she enjoyed until getting macular degeneration later in life. Her greatest joy was her family and seeing her grandchildren. She liked rock and roll, especially Elvis. She was a Seahawk and Bobcat football fan.
Cora was preceded in death by her parents, James and Birdie Madsen; her brother, Lee Madsen; and her husband of 60 years, Raphael Steffes.
She is survived by sons, Michael Steffes and David Steffes (Arlinda); her grandson, Eric Steffes (Nona); her granddaughter, Amber Steffes; and her great-granddaughter, Kayla Zilbauer.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 1, at 10 a.m. and a funeral service at 11 a.m., both at The Lake Funeral Home.
Messages of condolence may be shared with the family online at: www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
