Louella Marie Axtell

Louella Marie Walton Axtell passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at her home in Butte. She was born in Omaha, Nebraska Tuesday, July 28, 1942 to Charles and Myrtle (Harding) Walton. She attended schools in Omaha and graduated high school in 1960. Following high school she attended beauty school. Louella married Kirby Kay Axtell on May 11, 1963 in Longmont, Colorado and together they had two children, Wilard Charles who was named after both his grandfathers and Renee’ Antoinette and they only used her full name when she was in trouble. In 1977 the family moved to Butte, Montana where they call home. Louella lost Kirby on September 23, 2013 after 50 years of marriage. Louella “Lou” worked as a waitress at the Flying J and Perkins until she was called to raise her grandkids, Zach and April, which she took great pride in. She adored all her grandkids and loved them all unconditionally. Lou was involved in Alano for teens, The Butte Vigilante Petticoat Patrol and the Red Hat Society. She loved all the outing with the Red Hatters and had a closet full of apparel which she loved dressing for every dinner or convention. She was also a member of the Saturday Night Widowers Group. Lou was always on the go with her best pal, Chaz, her adored yorkie. Lou spent many winters in San Tan Valley, Arizona and came home every Summer with a golden tan. Lou is survived by her children Will Axtell of Deer Lodge, Renee’ and tony Vialpando of Butte, brothers and sisters-in-law, Tom (Sharon) Walton of Sand Point, Idaho, Kathy and Gary Cooper of Bennett, Idaho, Patrick (Greg) Walton of Tacoma, WA, grandchildren: Eric, Chance (Julie), Jessica, Zach, April, Jorey, Duke, Charlie, Andre, Peggy and Jaydee, great-grandchildren: Mercedes, Kirby, Kailee, Aston, Jaxson, Zander, Macy, Meggie Lou, Miliana and Jaycee. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews that she loved so much. Special thanks go out to Tom and Sharon, Kathy, Pat, Zach, Jorey and Chance and Julie. You all helped make things so easy. Thank you to Inhabit Hospice, Dr. Lynch and Dr. Silva. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be conducted Friday, August 22nd at 11 am in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home with Father Patrick Beretta officiating. A reception will follow in Wayrynen-Richards Community Center. Mama, your fight is over and you can rest on the beach and breath the cool air and we can write each other stories.

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Louella Marie Axtell

July 28, 1942 - August 19, 2025