Colette Todd

On July 4th, 2025, in Billings, Colette Elaine Todd was released from life’s vicissitudes to join her cherished husband Bob, who preceded her in death on New Year’s Day of this year. Colette was born in Billings on April 15, 1943, to Arline (Nyberg) and Frank DuVal. She attended Billings’ schools and graduated from Billings Central High in 1961. On August 21, 1965, Colette married the love of her life, Bob, at Holy Rosary Church in Billings. The couple would later be joined by their daughter Rena, and they would go on to celebrate nearly 60 years of life together.

Colette was one of those impressive women who managed to find time to do it all, but who perhaps didn’t receive the recognition they so richly deserved for doing it all. While holding down full time jobs, Colette raised her daughter, maintained a clean house, prepared home-cooked meals, faithfully attended mass at St. Pius, and even managed to fit in an active social life. Colette’s career included employment at Security Bank, Dependable Feeds, and finally at Holiday Inn and Convention Center as a catering coordinator. During her career Colette was known for her charming demeanor and customer service skills. In fact, Mike Kuchera’s “Mike Sez” column of the Gazette in August of 1969 contained a special recognition of Colette’s skills:

“One of Billings friendliest receptionists is Colette Todd at the Security Bank in the Time Pay Dept. Always a friendly ‘Hello’ or ‘Good Mornin,’ ‘Who do you wish to talk to, etc., etc., etc.’ For this plug Colette otta get a Raise in pay and me a Cuppa Coffee.” That said, Colette wholeheartedly welcomed the free time she finally was afforded when she retired from her job as a catering coordinator in 2006.

Eventually, age and memory loss would take their toll on Colette, but they never managed to touch her innate charm and dedication to cheerfully serving others. When roles were reversed and it was time for others to take care of Colette’s needs, she rarely failed to ask if there was anything she could get for her caretakers.

Colette is survived by her daughter Rena Lee and her husband Chris of Parker, Colorado. She is also survived by her sister Debbie Kroll of Billings;her brother-in-law Bill Todd of Palo Alto, California; her brother-in-law Joe VanMullem of Bozeman; her sister-in-law Liz Capser of Billings; and by numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. Colette was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her parents, her brother Richard DuVal, her sister Sandy Pirtz, her sister Sharon Oblander, her brother-in-law Frank Pirtz, her brother-in-law Frank Kroll, and her sister-in-law Betty VanMullem.

The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude to all of those who took the time to spend with Colette as she faced new challenges following the death of her husband Bob. A special thanks goes out to her childhood friend Georgette, whose frequent visits brightened Colette’s days; to Father Ayub for his friendship and prayers; to Stillwater Hospice for assisting with Colette’s comfortable transition; and to the caregivers at Right at Home and Right Heart Assisted Living for fostering an environment in which Colette thrived.

Interment for Colette will be alongside her husband Bob at Mountview Cemetery and will be managed by Dahl Funeral Chapel. The family wishes to extend an invitation to all who have fond memories of Bob and Colette to attend the couple’s Celebration of Life to be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 17th at the Billings Depot.