Vermae Pecora, 74
Vermae Pecora, 74, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, died peacefully at her home in Kalispell on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. Vermae was born on May 16, 1935, in Plentywood, to Paul and Hazel Hultgren, where she grew up while playing games and baking with her seven siblings.
In 1948 Vermae moved to Livingston with her family, where she attended school and worked at the Subway Cafe and Wilcox Restaurant.
On March 3, 1953, Vermae married William Ebert.
William was in the military so they lived in various places throughout the United States; they later divorced. From this union Vermae had two sons, Bill and Bob.
In 1963, Vermae moved back to Livingston where she met and married Dave Pecora. Vermae and Dave had one daughter, Kerri Jo. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Racetrack, Mont., and purchased the Log Cabin Bar where they built a thriving business through the local ranchers and every cowboy in the state. Vermae and Dave promoted rodeos, especially getting the young involved with rodeo. They always welcomed everyone into their home, and everyone always felt very welcome there.
The Log Cabin Bar was sold in 1979, but Vermae couldn't get the bar business out of her system, therefore, throughout the years many lucky establishments were rewarded with Vermae's bar expertise as a bartender and she came with her longtime bar patrons which followed her wherever she went. Vermae had a knack of making everyone feel very special. She was non-judgmental and considered everyone a friend, which was evident by the countless visits she received during her illness from friends and family near and far. Vermae touched everyone she came in contact with.
In 1982, Vermae married Gayland Jones and they were married for 17 years, enjoying fishing and camping together.
In 2005, Vermae injured her back and was forced to quit bartending, and in 2006 moved to Kalispell to live with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. She loved the beauty of the Flathead and being close to her children and grandchildren; however, she continued to miss Deer Lodge and her many friends and family there.
Vermae faced death head-on with anticipation of a wonderful eternal life, and it was then that her deep faith in Christ became very apparent. She will be missed here on earth by all that knew and loved her, but she knew before she died that it was only "till we meet again."
Vermae was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Hazel Hultgren; husband, Dave Pecora; brothers, Eugene, Delmar, Gordon and Paul "Arnie" Hultgren; and sisters, Peggy Micu and Irene Potter.
Vermae is survived by her sons, Bill Ebert, and Bobby and Angela Pecora of Eureka; daughter, Kerri Jo, and Roger Schroeder of Kalispell; sister, June, and Don Merritt; sister-in-law, Mary Hultgren, of Deer Lodge; grandchildren, Tanya Rowe, Willie Ebert, Jackie and Brandon Ivers, Desiree, Jordynn, Alex, Jarrett, Alyssa and Caden Pecora, Natalie Burkowitz, and Shelbi Jo and Shea Schroeder; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends whom she loved dearly.
A celebration of life will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 127 Managhan Lane, in Kalispell. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at the First Baptist Church in Deer Lodge, with burial to follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials may be made in Vermae's memory to Hospice of Kalispell, 175 Commons Loop, Ste. 100, Kalispell, MT 59901; or Guardian Angel Oncology, 2835 Fort Missoula Road, Ste. 301, Missoula, MT 59804.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Vermae's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Vermae's guest book, offer condolences and share memories.