Devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and close friend, Dolly Madison passed away on Feb. 21, 2025.

Born and raised in Libby, Montana, she was the apple of her dad’s eye. Dolly excelled in school academically and socially with the love and support of a network of extended family.

In 1934, just about the year that the silver screen came to life with background music, so did Dolly! Born with a song in her heart, she learned piano early, a much-loved pastime she enjoyed throughout her years. There were times her dad, Louie Urdahl, would pick up his fiddle and play alongside Dolly’s sweet accompaniment.

Dolly attended Libby High School and while there earned spending money working at The Blue Bear Diner soda fountain and then ushering at The Dome movie theatre, eventually pressing collars and cuffs at a family friend’s dry cleaner in town where she learned to keep her own wardrobe sparkling. These days held fond memories for her that she captured along with her deepest secrets in her legendary diary.

In 1952, she married Dean, her high school sweetheart, and became Dolly Madison. Together they traveled all 50 states, settling for a time in Seattle, Hawaii, Virginia and California, raising four children along the way—Dennis, Debra, Diana and Donald. Dolly quipped that with the same initials, the family could share luggage.

Dolly picked up hula dancing and her beloved ukulele in Hawaii during Dean’s military service. Arranging fresh flowers delighted her, a skill she developed while in charge of the two weekly bouquets for the Admiral’s office.

In California, Dolly worked as a special needs Teacher’s Aide and was director of the school’s Christmas choral programs, accomplishments dear to her heart.

She sang with the Sweet Adeline’s women’s choral group and enjoyed membership in the worldwide Red Hat Society known for promoting sisterhood and fun, attending tea parties with clashing red hats and purple ensembles.

Dolly joined Girl Scouts with her two daughters and continued on serving proudly for 20 years where she was known as Cupcake, a nod to her famous bakery name. Her fondest memories include her time as camp song leader. She often recounted the time she successfully kept 200 Girl Scouts occupied in musical merriment for an hour while the leaders were absent.

A skilled crafter, Dolly was proficient in tole painting and knitting. She said she was saving quilting for her later years when life was less busy—something Dolly would never experience!

After retirement Dean and Dolly returned home to Montana to build their dream home on the lake. They wove themselves into the lake community, joining in Sunday breakfasts at Happy’s Inn, making friends with neighbors, volunteering at the firehall. Dolly even learned to drive the fire truck laden with heavy gear although gratefully never had to employ that particular skill.

With chilled mugs in the freezer, Dolly was always ready to serve root beer floats. She shared July 4th picnics, traditional holiday dinners with all the trimmings, festive tea rings at Christmas and noise makers at New Year’s. If you had a birthday, you may have been lucky to receive a fresh zucchini bread, pineapple upside down cake or chocolate chip cookies tied in a ribbon.

With Dean’s untimely passing, Dolly sought solace in travel. Aunt Margaret (Johnson/Hill) came to the rescue to become her delightful traveling companion along with a local group that provided the engagement and connection she needed. There were a number of Magical Mystery tours and she treated kids and grandkids to a forever memorable float trip down the Colorado River.

Dolly was blessed with another happy chapter in her life, marrying Art Purdy and sharing 15 years of delightful companionship. Art brought laughter and adventure back into Dolly’s life.

Life on Middle Thompson Lake had all the beauty and serenity of Dolly’s dreams. She read her devotionals daily, played her piano, kept her treasured cuckoo and grandfather clocks wound, and counted her blessings all day long. Her home was always ready for visitors with a handmade “WELCOME” sign at the front door, her party pontoon boat decorated, and a fresh dessert on the counter. Her 1940s candlestick phone was often abuzz.

Dolly delighted in keeping track of the ever-changing landscape just beyond her glistening windows. Through all seasons she was able to point out the latest happenings. An errant moose or bear cub, a skyward eagle with his focus on dinner, the head count of a new clutch of goslings. She would sadden at the lonely lament of a bereaved loon off in the distance, or mention the latest sighting of an otter or perhaps Henry & Henrietta, the pair of huge trout haunting her dock for decades.

Dolly reveled at the lake’s glistening ripples in summer and its frozen expanse in the peaceful desolation of winter. She marveled at a breathtaking full moon over her towering evergreens, gazing with the contentment of a grateful recipient of God’s grace.

Dolly was a champion at keeping a log glowing in the wood stove from spring to fall, keeping her home cozy and welcoming always.

Dolly could thrill an audience with her impromptu boogie-woogie on the piano, a banjo riff or ukulele sing along—something that gave her untold delight.

Dolly enjoyed the eras of bobby sox, pill box hats, pumps, go-go boots, mini-skirts, leg warmers and Birkenstocks. For a time, she sported the cutest Dorothy Hamil haircut and could have been the cover girl for Short & Sassy shampoo. When Dolly wore jeans, they were impeccably pressed and she probably never owned a pair of sweats.

Dolly lived her life with gratitude, always positive and encouraging, forever looking on the bright side. For Dolly, there was no difficulty that humming couldn’t improve.

If life gave Dolly lemons, she not only made lemonade, she topped it with a paper umbrella and passed out leis!

We will miss her unforgettable sparkling eyes, bright smile and cheery laugh.

“Wrap my love around you,” she would say. “And give each other a hug for me!”

We surely will. It’s something we can do to keep Dolly’s heart full of love rippling into eternity forevermore!

Please honor Dolly’s memory by sharing stories and pictures at https://www.mykeeper.com/DollyMadisonPurdy

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.