DEER LODGE — Cecilia Rose Neidhardt, 89, surrounded by her loving family, went peacefully into the arms of Jesus Christ on June 14, 2014, in Billings.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed Neidhardt; parents, Adam and Olga Gottfried and loving siblings. She is survived by her four children, Joe Neidhardt (Mary), Sandy Johnson (Dale), Cheryl Robinson (Whitney), and Tammy Bruns (Rich); her 25 grandchildren; and her nine great-grandchildren.

Born Jan. 1, 1925, in Courtenay, N.D., Cec grew up in Sunburst, Mont., where she attended Sunburst High School. On Feb. 22, 1941, at the age of 16, Cec married the love of her life, Ed Neidhardt. They stayed happily married for over 61 years. As a longtime resident of Shelby and Deer Lodge, Cec would always talk about her job at Powell County High School. She loved her job there and was extremely fond of all her students.

Throughout her years, she also stayed involved with New to You in Deer Lodge, the Cursillo movement and IC Parish.

Ed and Cec hand-built a wonderful cabin on Cooper’s Lake that is shared by family and friends.

She continually supported everyone she could and always put others before herself. She exuded elegance and beauty in all aspects of life. She was a loving mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and Nana to countless family members.

Cec will always be remembered for her kind heart and joyful spirit. She was one of the strongest, sweetest, most caring, and loving souls to have ever graced this world. Her great sense of humor and genuine smile could light up any room, and make anyone feel they were part of the family. She was beloved by all and touched many hearts in her 89 wonderful years. She will be dearly missed, forever loved, and never, ever forgotten.

We love you Nana!

Rosary is 7 p.m. Thursday, June 19, at Jewell Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, June 20, at IC Parish, Deer Lodge.

Memorials: New To You and IC Parish in Deer Lodge, or the American Lung Association.