Carla Augusta Christine Lindstrom Cronholm peacefully passed away with her family at her side on May 8, 2024.  She was 92 years old.

Carla was born on August 18, 1931 in Oakton, Illinois to Arvie and Edna Lindstrom.  The family moved to a farm near Princeton, Minnesota where she spent her youth.

On a summer break while attending the University of Minnesota,  Carla worked at a lakeside lodge in Northern Minnesota.  John Cronholm was working there too, and soon John and Carla were an item. They were married on December 27th, 1952 and were devoted to each other the rest of their lives.  Carla graduated from the University of Minnesota prior to their marriage, and after John's service in Korea in the Air Force they moved to Northfield, Minnesota where John completed college.  Carla and John were true partners throughout their lives.  There were many moves in Minnesota and South Dakota and Carla managed them all.  Their final move was to Helena , Montana in 1970 and to paraphrase Jimmy Buffett, "they had found themselves a home".  Over the next fifty plus years they loved their life in Montana.

Carla loved to entertain for friends and family.  Her holiday tables are famous among those who were there.  She was an amazing hostess, cook,  seamstress, needleworker, quilter, knitter and a crafter extraordinaire.

Carla was also famous for her contributions to meals on many floats down the Smith - which once you could do pretty easily.  For one float, Carla had a cake for dessert the first night and carried the cake on her lap all the way to the first campsite.  She loved these floats!

Carla shone at the cabin she and John found for sale on a cross country ski trip up Canyon  Creek.  "The cabin" has been a joy in our family for so many years and her touch is everywhere, inside and out.  She loved to sit on the porch and watch the hummingbirds that swarmed the feeders she hung and kept faithfully filled.

During their marriage Carla and John traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad.  A highlight was a birding trip to Costa Rica.  Carla loved road trips with the grandchildren and took them on several trips to Seattle, Glacier and Yellowstone over the years.

Carla was an active member  of P.E.O.  She was initiated into her mother-in-law's Chapter in Northfield, Minnesota in 1959.  When she and John moved to Helena she transferred to Chapter AY where she continued to be an active member until her passing.  As a member of Chapter AY, Carla served as President in 1974-75 and again in 1981- 82. She also held the offices of Vice President and Corresponding Secretary.  In 2009, Carla became a P.E.O. "Golden Girl" and was recognized at the Montana State Convention for 50 years of service to P.E.O.  Carla was pleased to introduce her daughter, Marta and granddaughter, Krista Pratt to P.E.O., and brought them into Chapter AY.  Carla was quick to volunteer her sewing and embroidery skills for P.E.O. projects.  Chapter AY members still treasure items of her beautiful work.

Other community service included volunteering at the Original Governor's Mansion, the Cook's Tour of Helena, the local Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation and the local Audubon Chapter

Carla is survived by her children, daughter Cara Cronholm of Helena, daughter Marta Runnels (Rick) of Cincinnati and son Bob Cronholm (Linda) of Helena, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, her brother Ken Lindstrom of Princeton, Minnesota, and two sisters-in-law. She was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband John, and an infant daughter.

Cremation has taken place. There will be a memorial service on June 21st at 3pm at the Pavilion at Fort Harrison.  There will be a reception following at 4pm at Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church, located at 3580 North Montana Avenue in Helena.  Remembrances in Carla's name can be made to Helena Food Share, the Montana Historical Society or Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Helena.  The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Peter's Home Health, St. Peter's Health, St. Peter's Hospice and the staff of the BeeHive in helping us during the last months.  Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.

A mother's love is eternal and infinite.