Maier, Lydia, May 18, 1913- April 19, 2011 Billings Gazette Billings, MT 24 Apr 2011 Lydia Maier, 97 of Billings, peacefully went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, April 19, at her home where she was surrounded by family. She was born on May 18, 1913, to Conrad and Elizabeth Lofing in Sugar City, Colo. The family moved to Park City, Mont., in 1916, where Lydia spent her school years. On Nov. 26, 1938, she married Henry Maier in Laurel. After farming in Columbus, they moved west of Billings where they were partners in farming for 33 years. Upon retirement in 1978, they built a new home on the farm, where Lydia remained for 24 more years after Henry's death in 1987. Throughout their farming years, Lydia was at her husband's side as they were very involved in Yellowstone County Farm Bureau. Lydia belonged to Trinity Lutheran Church for 66 years, participating in LWML, Bible studies, quilting group and other church activities. She also played a big role in the Shiloh School PTA for several years as well as her children's 4-H groups and Home Demonstration Club. You could always find her in the kitchen preparing food for hired hands, family events, school or church events or for someone ill. Her great love was her gardens of beautiful flower beds and her ever bountiful vegetable garden. She also enjoyed needlework. Lydia was preceded in death by her husband Henry; her parents; four sisters; and five brothers. Survivors include two sisters, Rose Lofing of Billings, and Joan Meyers of Columbus; one brother Fred Lofing of Lavina; one son Ronald (Gloria) Maier of Wasilla, Alaska; one daughter Jeanette (Robert) Ritner of Spokane, Wash.; four grandsons; one great-granddaughter; seven step grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 29, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 537 Grand Ave., followed by burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 1721 Central Ave. Visitation will begin at Michelotti-Sawyers on Monday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Journey Hospice or Trinity Lutheran Church. Michelotti-Sawyers is in charge of arrangements and remembrances may be shared with the family at www.michelottisawyers.com.