Bernadette Rose Leuis, age 74, of Butte, MT, peacefully passed on Sunday morning, November 6, 2022, at St. James Healthcare from illness due to COVID.

Pudgie was born on May 15, 1948, in Helena, MT, to Frank LaMere and Adele "Babygirl" Cecelia Falcon. She attended mission school in Hays, MT, and later received her G.E.D. in Tacoma. In 1986, she furthered her education by receiving her associate degree and becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse, in which she eventually retired in 1991. It was also throughout this time she followed her passion for crafts and traditional teachings by beading, making starquilts, clothing, beaded moccasins, and more. She often would give it all away so happily, she could make more.

In 1982, she met and married the love of her life, Nick Leuis, and as a combined family, was her forever partner who walked through this life in dedication, love, laughter, and harmony.

Of this union, Pudgie and Nick were blessed with their combined family which included the following children; John Franklin, Juel Ray, Jeremy, Paul, Kenneth, Hugh, Donna, Crystal, Dawn, Penny, Janna, along with their beautiful wives and children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Pudgie received her nickname at an early age of 5 months old, and since has been known as such by all who met her and loved the woman she was.

Since a very early age, she made it her life's work to watch over her siblings and mother them throughout her life. Her siblings consist of Billie Jo, Ez, Buttons, and Rose, raising their children together.

Pudgie was truly an earth angel. Her dedication to her husband, Nick, and her extended family and close friends she made sure she opened her arms and home to all. She made sure everyone was fed, clothed, and fussed over, and nobody ever left her presence without a hug, a gift, and blessings from above. She adopted everyone as her family and surrounded us all with love.

Services privately organized by the family and church were held starting with a visitation at 10AM on Saturday, November 12th, 2022, followed by an 11AM service, at St. Patrick's Church, 329 W. Mercury St., Butte, MT. A feed was held at Knights of Columbus at 1pm. Those who wish to bring a dish to share were welcome to.

Please visit http://www.axelsonfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Pudgie.

A00013B2022NV06