Eula F. Buhl

Eula Faye Buhl, surrounded by family, left us to go to something far greater on Saturday morning, Sept. 23, 2017.

She was born to Fay (Young) and Urie “Boss” Surratt on July 7, 1933 at the home place in Platteville, Colorado. She was the fourth of five children. Her dad, hoping for a boy after losing their only son, named her Ula Fay which is the male version of his name. In her teens she had it legally changed to Eula Faye and regretted it always. At a young age she made her choice to serve God and did so ‘til her death.

On Feb. 22, 1951, mom married the love of her life, Merlin, in Denver, Colorado while dad was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base. They soon moved to Austin, Texas, to the air base there, which began their many travels. Mom said dad never got rid of the wandering bug but they loved the many places they moved to and the wonderful friends and workers they met that became family.

At age 13 her first job was at Potter’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado as a “Call Girl,” in which she was called to deliver oxygen, specimens from Surgery to Pathology, ER patients to the morgue, etc. She was paid .35 cents an hour and allowed .10 to buy a cherry Coke.

Later she took a two-year LPN training and got the highest State Board score. She worked at Marcus Daly Hospital in Hamilton and St. Pat’s in Missoula; was discharge coordinator at Mineral County Hospital in Superior and a Social Services Designatee; and later working in hospice and home health in Wheatland, Wyoming. Eula worked there until her first stroke in 1999, which she had while attending the Montana Convention in Manhattan. She always missed nursing and could tell many great experiences.

She also had a gift shop in Hamilton with homemade gifts and candies. At age 68 she took oil painting lessons and received a purple ribbon, her first painting at the fair in Superior.

She is survived by her four children: Leanna (Lary) Smith of Troy; Urie Buhl of Bridge City, Texas; Merlin (Mernie) (Sherry) Buhl of Billings; and Mary Buhl; 10 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mom will be truly missed for her jokes, laughter, loving spirit and most of all her faithful example. Have a safe journey home momma.

Services will be 1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 29, 2017 at Schnackenberg and Nelson Funeral Home in Libby. Viewing will be Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday from 10 a.m. to noon.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.