Donaldine McKenzie Lab

October 15, 1930 - July 9, 2022


Donaldine McKenzie Lab, age 91, passed away on July 9, 2022, at Park Place Nursing Home in Great Falls, MT, after a brief illness.

Donaldine was born on October 15, 1930, in Big Timber, MT, to Donald and Lola Boddy McKenzie. She grew up on the family ranch in Springdale, living there until she graduated from high school in 1948. Donaldine loved school and was on the honor roll throughout high school.

She attended the Kinman Business School in Spokane where she received a degree in accounting. It was in Spokane where she met Leland Lewis from Sonnett, MT. They married and made their first home in Spokane. Eventually they moved back to Miles City, MT where they were both employed at the Pine Hills Correctional Facility.

After the births of their four children, they moved to Livingston where they raised their family. Tragically, Donaldine lost her only daughter, Dixie, in 1974, when she was a senior in high school, due to a faulty heater in a friend’s home. She had a hole in her heart for the remained of her life. Donaldine and Leland divorced shortly thereafter.

She worked in classified advertising at the Livingston Enterprise from 1975 to 1982. She met Ralph Lab in 1977 at the Elk’s Lodge where he was the manager. They were married in 1980 staying in Livingston until they moved to Great Falls in 1982.

Both Ralph and Donaldine were employed at the Moose Lodge in Black Eagle. Ralph was the manager and Donaldine was the bookkeeper. She loved to volunteer for the family functions and bingo. Donaldine’s hobbies were knitting and crocheting. She never spoke a cross word to anyone, nor raised her voice in anger. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Donaldine and Ralph would have celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary in July 2022, but Ralph passed away in September 2021. Donaldine is now rejoicing in heaven with her arms wrapped around her precious Dixie. Now, she will never have to let her go.

Donaldine is survived by her sons, Derry (Danette), Tim “Doc” (Carla), and Jay; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

There will be no services at her request.

Donaldine's Guestbook


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