Lola Vulles
courtesy photo
Lola Vulles
KALISPELL — Lola Mae Stewart (Hartsoch) Emerson Vulles, left this world at 91 years and one day on March 2, 2023, in Kalispell. She was born March 1, 1932, in Ray, North Dakota. She was the last remaining child of Charles E “Doc” Stewart and Charlotte “Lottie” Hartsoch.
Lola grew up living in the greater Ray area. She moved with family to Ronan, mid sophomore school year 1948. Attending Ronan High School, she met Billy “Punk” Emerson. They were married after graduation, August 1950. Their early years were split between Ronan and back in the Ray area. Both children, Jerry and Jeanie, were born in Williston, North Dakota.
After the final return to Montana, Lola lived on a small farm west of Pablo over 50 years. She raised chickens, animals and large gardens. She sewed most all the family’s clothes, knitted and crocheted. Bill raised crops. Bill and Lola divorced in the late 60s. Lola married Melvin Vulles in 1972. They were together until he passed away in 2004. Before another snow, Lola packed up, sold out and moved off the farm to an apartment in Polson.
Lola’s work career began in the early 60s at the Ronan State Bank and ended at the courthouse in Polson. In 1985, she began working many years in her own quilting business from home.
Lola was able to travel the United States, Canada and the world; the Orient, the Middle East and the British Isles.
2013 brought another move, to Kalispell and eventually to the Immanuel Lutheran Communities facilities of Buffalo Hill Terrace and The Villas, where she passed away. She was interred at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson with her second husband.
Lola’s parents; brothers, Leman and Dale; sister, Velma; and one nephew,, precede her in death.
Surviving her are children, Jerry (Candi) and Jeanie Emerson in Ronan; one step granddaughter and husband, one step great-grandson from Grand Junction, Colorado; five nieces; two nephews; and many great-nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, June 7, at 11 a.m. in the auditorium room of Immanuel Lutheran Communities at Buffalo Hill Terrace and Villas, 20 Claremont St., Kalispell. A luncheon will follow. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.
Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
