Elizabeth Christina Needles

OVANDO ~ Elizabeth C. Needles of Ovando, passed away suddenly and without permission January 28, 2023. Elizabeth was born in Big Timber to William (Bill) and Isabel Dickinson, May 15, 1937. Elizabeth attended high school in Deer Lodge. Elizabeth grew up in the logging camps of Montana. Shortly after high school, she fell in love and married Woodrow (Woody) W. Needles, Jr at the young age of 18 in Missoula on June 3rd, 1955. Of this marriage, four wild and crazy children were born, Arlene, Julie, and the twins, Teddy & Terry. In between the years of the late 50’s and early 70’s, Woody & Elizabeth moved back and forth several times between Montana and Grass Valley, CA. Eventually making their home in Ovando in the summer of 1976. Elizabeth was a homemaker and worked for Leo Bush at Trixi’s for a few years. Elizabeth, Woody and so many friends enjoyed pinochle and marble parties most every Friday & Saturday evening. She enjoyed motorcycles but had a love of 4-wheelers, trailing all over the Ovando area, especially up Ovando Mountain with Woody and several of their close friends.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Bill & Isabel; husband of 65 years, Woody; son, Terry; sister, Elsie Dickinson; brothers William (Billy) Dickinson, James (Jimmy) Dickinson; and son-in-law, Leo Bush.

Elizabeth is survived by her daughters; Arlene Bush of Missoula; Julie (Robert) Morgan of Sun River; son Teddy Needles of Ovando. Grandchildren: Kristie (Doug) Nelson, Barbara (Stacey) Forseth, & Riki House. Great-Grandchildren: Kyla & Garrett Nelson & Tanisha Albrecht & Tanin House. Siblings: John (Gin) Dickinson & Barbara Dickinson.

Memorial donations may be made to the Ovando Fire Department or to the Ovando Sew and So Club.

Arrangements are under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Missoula.