Phyllis Picard, 94, of Culbertson, MT, passed away September 21, 2018 at the Roosevelt Medical Center in Culbertson.

Phyllis Jane Picard was born November 19, 1923 in Culbertson, MT to Vernon and Ruth Armstrong. They lived in a dugout south of town, as Vernon ran the Missouri River Ferry. When Phyllis was 6 years old, Vernon moved the family to Missoula, MT, in search of work. After graduating from High School, Phyllis landed in Spokane, WA, where she worked at a jewelry store before joining the United States Marines.

Phyllis enlisted in 1944 and was stationed at Camp Lajeune in North Carolina and later stationed in San Francisco. She was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal in 1945. Phyllis married Frank Neumann and to this union, a son, Gerald (Jerry) was born. In 1947, her brother, Orville wanted to move back to Culbertson to finish High School. Phyllis agreed to move back with him and began her work at the Bell Telephone office in August of that year.

In 1952, Phyllis married Bob Traeger and they had two children, Tracey and Terry. In 1965, Phyllis started her employment with the Soil Conservation office, before moving to the Culbertson Safflower Plant, where she worked until her retirement in 1989.

On November, 24, 1990, Phyllis married Glen Picard and moved down the highway to Bainville, MT. After Glen’s passing, Phyllis lived in Bainville for a short time, before moving back to Culbertson, where she lived until her death.

Phyllis was a 4-H leader from 1949-1973. She was a founding member of the Cottonwood Club and a founding member and supporter of the Culbertson Saddle Club.

Phyllis was always ready for a game of cards and there was a deck of cards on her table, waiting for a game. She enjoyed her morning coffee and lunches with some special friends. She loved traveling and was able to see all the states including Alaska and Hawaii. She traveled to Europe and Australia. She celebrated her 90th birthday with extended family on a Carribean Cruise.

Phyllis was a courageous and independent woman, who tried to live life to the fullest.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three husbands, one brother and one sister-in-law.

Phyllis is survived by her brothers Orville (Bonnie) Armstrong and Fred Poland; her son, Jerry (Ardis) Neumann and their children, Tony and Tara and her son Garett; her daughter, Tracey (Ronald) Hauso and their 3 daughters, Tana (Dana) Berwick and their children, Tally and Tenley; Tyann Hauso and her daughter Timber and Taryn Hauso and her fiance, Tyler; her son Terry (Chris) Traeger and their children, Tyler (Kyla) Traeger and their children, Tannen, Tacey and Tawnie; Tate Traeger and Jessica Ellrick and great grandchild, Winter.