Only Love can be divided endlessly and still not diminish ….
Yes, the sun came up this morning, and the birds sang their sweet songs, and the Earth keeps spinning. But for a while our hearts will be a bit tender and a bit broken.
Wilma Rae “Tubby” Morley Sansaver, 92, went to be with her Heavenly Father. She was born on May 12, 1930 and left this world on May 23, 2022. She passed peacefully in her sleep with her loving granddaughter, Kami, at her side.
Tubby was born in Poplar, Montana to Harrison Andrew and Evelyn Francis (Ainsworth) Morley. She was the fifth of six children.
Mom developed an early love for playing cards, especially pinochle, whist, and rummy while spending time with her Gammy and Gampy Ainsworth. She had a competitive spirit that rivaled any of her sons.
As a high school student, mom was president of her Freshman class and was awarded a savings bond scholarship for being selected as Ideal Teenager of the Year through the Order of Eastern Star. She also was awarded the American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship and was 1 of 10 students in the United States to win the coveted National President’s Scholarship. She studied English at Whitworth College and Jamestown College.
Mom married the love of her life, William (Bill) Alex Sansaver, on February 9, 1949 in Coeur d’Alene, ID. Their love multiplied as they welcomed 10 children to their tribe, who they raised to love and serve the Lord.
In addition to raising her 10 children, mom was employed at Faith Lutheran Home as a Nurse’s Assistant and the Presbyterian Church in Wolf Point as secretary. In 1969 mom and dad moved their “little” family to Seattle, WA. This is where she found her professional calling and dream job at Boeing as an Executive Secretary. She retired at the age of 62 when her and dad moved back to Wolf Point in 1991. In retirement, she worked as a non-instructional aide at the Northside School in Wolf Point where she continued to touch lives with her love and beautiful smile.
In her later years, she loved a good Mexican train domino game with family and her lady friends. Every winter she and grandpa could be found at their card table putting together large puzzles.
Grandma’s passion in life was her love of the Lord and her family. God and family meant everything. And by family, we mean she was Grandma and Mom to everyone she met.
Our mom/grandma never missed an event – for her kids, her grandkids, and her great grandkids. Even in her later years using a walker and a wheelchair, she was there. She
was always up for a road trip to a ball game, a concert, a wedding, a graduation, a birthday lunch, or any occasion where family was involved. “Everything you did was the most important thing to her in that moment”.
She is survived by her children Kyle (Darrell), Ross (Keri), Noel (Doreen), daughter-in-law Barbara, Debbie (Jerry), Brian (Janie), Mark (Kelli), Alexis (John), and Kelly, 43 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, several nieces and nephews, and Dr. Mark Zilkoski, who she loved as her own.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill, two sons, Bill Jr. and Jeff, daughter-in-law Patty, great grandson Logan, her parents, and her siblings Harrison, Roberta, Marilyn Claire, Suzanne, and Dwight.
The family would like to thank all the employees at Faith Lutheran Home for the loving and attentive care they provided for mom during this past year.
We would also like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Mark Zilkoski for the hours of laughs during their Friday morning coffee dates, for always loving her as his own, and for the many years of compassionate care he gave mom.
Mom loved well and was well loved. She will be so missed but we find strength in who we are because she was in our lives.
Celebration of Life will be held on June 6, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at Frontier School in Wolf Point, Montana.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday June 6, 2022
Frontier School Gymnasium
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
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DAVID ALLEN says
So sorry to hear about tubby.I sure enjoyed visiting with her at the superbowl parties she had. She made me feel like one of the family and I even called her grandma. May god bless all of her family as i love you all. Our condolences from Edie, A.J. and Jesse too.
Greg and Chris Holler-Dinsmore says
Deepest condolences to the family and friends. May you be comforted, and find hope and peace in the sure knowledge that she has been embraced in the loving arms of the Creator, and that love never dies, only changes. May you find healing and comfort in the love and care of family and friends. You are lifted up in our prayers.
Agnes says
Sorry to hear of Tubby’s passing she was sure a nice lady and I enjoyed my visits with her. Love and prayers for the family.
David E. Boyd Sr. & Chong Ae says
Mark and family 👪 sorry for the loss of your 👩, your family was blessed 🙌 for having for so long. Our prayers 🙏 are with you all.
Steve Trimble says
It was an honor to take care of Tubby. Lots of good memories.
Kudos to an amazing, supportive family that was committed to visiting her.
Steve RN at FLH
Dennis Visser says
The memories flood like a spillway, each one leading to another. As a 7 year old, I was welcomed into the Sansaver home on Dawson Street. Each time “Tubby” would insist, “ You better have some cereal”, always. I grew up there… a million baseball games, Cub Scouts, campouts, incessant hot summer days filled with adventures. She was always there… always. As the captain of her ship, she shone the light for over 70 years. It will continue to shine the way…. Always. She will always be on my Wolf Point Mount Rushmore. Condolences and love to each one of you, Dennis
Bob Parsley says
My most sincere sympathy to the Sansaver Family! Your mother was a special person who will be missed by so many people! May you all be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you! Thinking of you all and wishing you peace and comfort as you remember your dear Mother!
Joann Heser says
I am so sorry for your loss! Wilma was such a warm and loving person. She made everyone feel welcome and loved. You are going to miss her so. I believe that you probably couldn’t find a better mother and grandmother, she was a 10 for sure! God bless you all! Rick and Joann Heser
Duane/Phyllis Torpy says
Blessings to the Sansaver family. Wilma is doing what she did on earth, bringing joy, song and love.. inGods Hands, Duke and Phyllis Torpy
Lynda Evans says
Dearest Kelly and family,
Know those we Love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day… unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.
May God wrap you in His peace and like the rain, shower your grieving hearts with ever lasting comfort.
June Vogt says
To all the Sansaver family, I express my deepest sympathies. I struggle to find words to describe your mom who I called Tubby “O’Sansaver”. I cherished our friendship, and had so much admiration for her. She had unending love and support for her family and the rest of us just enjoyed the overflow. I am so sorry she is gone, blessed to have known her, I loved her and will miss her. Thoughts of her reunion with her loved ones who went ahead makes me smile.♥️
Iva Zimmerman says
So sorry to hear about your loss. Now she is with the love of her life!
She lived a long life! My condolences to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and the rest of the family
Nyla Braaten says
So sorry, she was a sweet lady. Prayers for the family
Laura Christoffersen says
To all of you, my sincere love and condolences.
Patt Iron Cloud says
I love you dear beautiful Wilma, “Tubby”. I’m so thankful for your life and all your precious babies that you brought into this world. God is so good to you and your precious family. We will all see your beautiful face once again on the other side of the moon, I love you. Grandma Patt
Jonny BearCub says
Memories of the house across from the Southside School came flooding back to me when I heard this kind, loving and fun Lady had made her journey. There was always a jumble of kids, friends and family, raising fun filled chaos in the house and Tubby took it all in stride. May the memories be the balm to the sorrow and pain of letting her go. She is traveling into her next great adventure and greeted along her way by those who have gone before her. This comforts those of us left behind.
Anna Eder says
My condolences to the Sansaver family. Your mom and dad raised a strong and beautiful family. Sending my prayers.
Laurie Suppes says
So sorry for your loss. ” Though gone from our sight, loved ones are never gone from our hearts. “
scott taylor says
To all the Sansavers, It always is so hard to lose anyone…but a Mother especially so…The very one who gave you life and loved and nurtured you all of her life….Knowing she is safe in the arms of Jesus makes all the difference…God Bless you all…Scott and Gail
Linda Nygaard says
Tubby was a hero of mine. I grew up knowing her and her beautiful family. Every time I saw her, she blessed me with a smile and genuine care. My heart is breaking for all of you, as I know how much you loved her and how much it hurts. She was a shining light. My friend, Patty Sansaver, said many times how Tubby taught her about love of children and love of life in general, and how she gave “Mom” a new meaning. Truly, Tubby was cherished by so many and I’m so sorry she’s gone. May her generous spirit and unending love for you all comfort you, like a big hug from her forever. Love to all of you.
Curtis courchene says
I’ll always remember her heartfelt concern directed only to you with a houseful being a houseful 💎Curtis
Danny Bartel says
My deepest condolences to the Sansaver Families…..What a GREAT Lady you shared w/ALL of us….Thinking about each and everyone of you @ this time……Thoughts, Prayers & Much Love….. Take Care
Rod and Ilene Standen says
Our thoughts are with your family. We know what it’s like to have lost both parents. Our sincere condolences for your loss.
Julie Nygaards says
So sorry for the loss of your sweet mom. She always had such a welcoming smile. Its so very hard losing a loved one. My thoughts and prayers to the Sansaver family. My mom ( Lucille ) was so terribly upset when she talked to me of her passing, and she made a point of telling me how much her kids visited her. Kudos to you all! God Bless!
Iva Zimmerman says
Sorry for your loss! Wilma was such a kind and generous person!
Cheryl Nolting says
My sincere condolences to the entire family. I know how special of lady and mother she was and so grateful to have met her. May memories of her fill your hearts with love forever ❤️
Francy Miller says
I loved Tubby! As a teen growing up down the street, I found refuge at the Sansaver house on the corner of Dawson. She was always a listener, a friend, a mentor, and a lifter of spirits amidst all the chaos of taking care of Grandma Morley and raising her 10 children. Oh and those 10 children never missed a step in providing excitement and mischief – lol. Such fond memories of the Sansaver family. My visits back to Wolf Point were always a welcome homecoming when I would run into Tubby on the street, at the parade, or wherever I would run into her. She waited a long time to be reunited with the love of her life and the legacy that she left behind will last forever. Condolences to all the family .