Lillian Davis

St Ignatius – Lillian Elaine “Tudi” Davis, 84, longtime Missoula resident, passed away at the Pines of Mission in St. Ignatius on New Years Day, 2026 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

Born on the first day of Spring, March 20, 1941 in Missoula to Jacob & Hilda (Treichel) Ochsner, the third of four children. She grew up in Missoula and graduated from MCHS. She Married Gerald Davis and they moved to Butte. They eventually divorced and Lillian returned to Missoula with two children in tow. Life was not always easy for Lillian. Shortly after their return, an apartment fire destroyed all their possessions including her beloved piano. Despite the hardships, Lillian never lost her faith. She wasn’t raised in the church, but came to her belief in Jesus at an early age and held firm throughout her life. This, coupled with her love of reading, led to a lifelong study of the Word of God and His promises. She was musically talented and sang and played piano and organ at many church events. At every wedding she performed, she was gifted a silk corsage, and eventually she had a wall plaque covered with corsages. She loved her piano and played every day until her hands finally gave out. Lillian worked throughout her life at places such as WestMont Tractor, Blue Cross/Shield, Adult Education, and eventually retired from Hellgate High School. Lillian loved to laugh and share jokes. She had a lively, warm spirit and genuine, selfless interest in people, which just made her easy and fun to be around.

She is preceded in death by her brothers Richard and William, first husband Gerry, their daughter Jill, and her best friend/cousin Harriet Lang Calcaterra.

She leaves behind her son Brian; grandchildren Nathan and Adrian Langendoerfer and great-grandchild Michaela, a sister Evelyn Fehr, and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A dedication for Lillian will be held at Mission Valley United Methodist Church on Sunday, January 10th at 09:30. A tree will be planted in the Spring as a living memorial. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: MVUMC c/o Lillian Davis memorial fund 

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