Lelamae Bridges Westland Chamberlain, our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Sister and friend, was born on April 5, 1921 in Maroa, Illinois, the daughter of Lillian Mae (Short) and Jerry Lester Bridges. Jerry was employed building box cars for the railroad so consequently the family traveled wherever the contracts were let such as Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Iowa. In the spring of 1930, the family moved to Montana to work for Jerry’s older brother, Shirley, who managed a horse ranch owned by Chappel Brothers Corporation. There Lelamae and her younger brother, Clyde Maxy grew up part of a “family” of cowboys who remained her big brothers for many years. She graduated from Frazer High School in 1939. She later married Robert Westland and sons Robert Clyde and William Lee Westland were born of this union. In 1947, Lelamae married Kenneth Doran (Buzz) Chamberlain and they welcomed Jerry Earl into their lives.
When Lelamae wasn’t helping out at Clyde’s ranch, she held various jobs including Bryan’s, Herald News and the Roosevelt County Treasurer’s Office. She also volunteered at several places including the Senior Center and the Thrift Shop as well as her church. She was a very talented gardener, knitter and crocheter. Several years ago, she admired a baby sweater that one of her friends had made and asked for the pattern. When the friend declined to share it, Lelamae bought a sweater from her and was able to copy it. From that pattern she created many, many sweaters for family members and friends. She later passed the pattern on to her daughter-in-law who has kept up the tradition.
Lelamae died at Faith Home in Wolf Point on August 13, 2022 at the age of 101. Loved ones who preceded her in death were her parents, Jerry and Lillian, brother Clyde, sister-in-law Nellie, sons Bobby and Billy, grandchildren Michael and Heather and nephew Greg. She is survived by her son Jerry, grandchildren Lisa, Billy, Jimmy, Danny, Susy and Holly. She had 19 great Grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.
Memorial services for Lelamae and her grandchildren Heather and Michael will be held on Oct. 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday October 8, 2022
First Presbyterian Church
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday October 8, 2022
First Presbyterian Church
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
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David and Shelly Arndt says
I will miss a wonderful friend and a wonderful person. She was my Sunday school teacher back in 1953. Condolences to the family.
Ellen Flom Brodston (Scott) says
A great fun loving gentle spirited woman full of faith. Miss you cousin. See you soon as Heaven rejoices in your homecoming. Man …101 …you were one tough cookie!
Margue Gysler says
Keeping our neighbor Lelamae close to my heart ❤️ . Sending my condolences for a dear friend & visiting her restored my faith.
Terry Burt says
Dear Jerry Melody and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. She was a lovely person.
With deepest sympathy,
Terry and Muriel Burt
Clint Casterline says
What a great woman she was condolences
Tim Boysun says
Jerry, Melody and family, so sorry for your loss bless y’all and sending my condolences.
scott taylor says
Jerry and family…So sorry to hear about Lelamae,,sweet lady…God bless you all. Scott and Gail.
Dwaine and Vivian Wall says
Jerry and Melody and family, Our condolences in the passing of your wonderful Mom and grandmother. I loved seeing her in the congregation and hearing her voice. Her wisdom was clearly expressed, and she had a winsome way, yet straight as an arrow in her encouragement. Teaching piano at her house was a special blessed time. Perceptive eyes helped her find the right moments to encourage or say a word in season. Now it is ours to “bravely run the race, till we see Christ”.