Willene Pond

Hazel Willene Pond, known lovingly as Willene, passed away on December 30, 2025, in Billings, Montana, surrounded by her family. She was 88 years old.

Willene was born on May 8, 1937, in Anaconda, Montana, to William and Hazel Brinton. After graduating, she traveled to Seattle to complete secretarial training. Upon returning to Montana, she worked as a telephone operator at the Montana Hotel, where she met her first husband, Gerald Patterson. One of her favorite stories was traveling to New York City to purchase her wedding dress, an experience she always described as truly special.

Gerald and Willene welcomed two sons, Mark and Nathan, who completed their family.

Willene later worked as a secretary for the psychiatrists at Galen and Montana State Hospitals, a position she deeply enjoyed and took great pride in. It was during her time working there that she met her second husband, Aubrey Pond.

She was a devoted member of Hope Lutheran Church, where her faith and church community were very important to her. Willene was known for her love of simple joys—especially ice cream sundaes and Dr. Pepper, which friends and family often brought when visiting her. She cherished holidays and time spent with her grandchildren, attending birthday parties when they were young, and she especially loved to dance, always having a wonderful time at weddings and anniversary celebrations.

Willene had a tender heart for animals and a special fondness for cats, or “kitties,” as she liked to call them.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Hazel Brinton; her first husband, Gerald Patterson; and her second husband, Aubrey Pond.

She is survived by her sons, Mark (Mary Ann) Patterson and Nathan (Sherrie) Patterson; grandchildren Steven (Jessica), Brian (Gina), Matthew (Alexis), Alyssa, and Jacob; great-grandchildren Sydney, Ainslee, Natalie, Justin, and Henry. She is also survived by her special cousins Errol (Betty Ann) Eileraas, along with other extended family members and many dear friends.

A funeral service will be held on January 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church. Burial will follow, with a light lunch back at the church afterward.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Hope Lutheran Church.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Hope Lutheran Church and Pastor Judy, as well as Aspen Meadows Nursing Home and St. John’s Hospice, for their compassionate care of Willene and her family during this difficult time.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home has been privileged to care for Hazel and her family.