Vivian Panasuk Wood

Funeral services for Vivian Panasuk Wood, 75, of Plevna, will take place at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Stevenson Funeral Home Baker with Jason Bollinger officiating. Burial will follow at Peace Lutheran Cemetery in Plevna, MT.

Visitation will be 10:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023.

Vivian passed away February 19, 2023 in Billings, MT. 

Vivian was born in the Gallatin Valley to Carl and Isla Mae (Daniel) Figgins, where she grew up with her three brothers Dan, Mike, and Bill. Her happiest memories from childhood centered on time at her Grandma Daniel’s dairy farm where she enjoyed splashing in the creek, hiding in the bunkhouse, licking the salt blocks, and spending time outside on summer days with her many cousins. At home, she learned to be a skillful gardener from her father and a fantastic homemaker from her mother. She had a talent for art, painting and sewing throughout her youth, which she eventually shared with her grandchildren.

Vivian met her future husband, Norman Panasuk, on a blind date. They were married and moved to Plevna, where they would raise their three daughters Lisa, Jennifer, and Amber. Vivian was the town clerk for over thirty years while Norman taught agriculture at the school. Later, they purchased a backhoe, beginning what would be a life lesson for their daughters: hard work. They chaperoned school trips, hosted passels of kids, and enjoyed taking family vacations to the Black Hills, Medora, and Bozeman. Vivian enjoyed friendship and fellowship through Peace Lutheran Church Women.  

Prior to living out their retirement dreams, Norman passed away. Vivian was surprised to find love again, meeting Gifford Wood through their mutual hairdresser. Vivian and Giff’s wedding was an event of family, joy, and laughter. Between the time spent in Plevna or at Giff’s cabin on Snow Creek, they were sure to attend all the grandchildren’s occasions. Together, they enjoyed gardening and shared their labors in the form of phenomenal salsa and jellies. Throughout their life partnership, they became travel buddies, venturing to numerous new places including Alaska with Danny and Sandy, and going on a gem-panning expedition.

While Vivian was an amazing mom, she found an even greater joy in being a grandmother, keeping an assortment of bubble gum choices, craft supplies, and even a slip-n-slide on hand for her grandchildren. She supported us at countless concerts, competitions, and graduations. Whether it was a birthday card or a trip halfway across the state to watch our sporting events, she always made us grandkids feel loved. Grandma and Aunt Lisa organized multiple shopping trips with a fun dress-up dinner in Billings for the then-middle-school grandchildren. Grandma went on family trips to Florida, sharing her love for the beach and sunshine with us. 

Our Grandma Vivian was the best friend you could possibly have. She was a constant source of encouragement, hugs, and love, teaching each of us the importance of kindness, humor, and a splash of spunk. She will be deeply missed by each of her grandchildren.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, Norman, her parents, her brothers Mike and Bill, and son-in-law Kevin Kuehn. 

She is survived by her husband Giff, her daughters Lisa (Dirk) Everett, Jennifer (Cliff) Tudor, Amber (Donald) McDonald, grandchildren Trevor (Jayci), Courtney, Alexandra, Chloe, Grace, Duncan, Sophia, Maggie, Sara, Kylee (Duncan) and Gracey, and  great-grandchildren, Brynlee and Cooper, Giff’s son Kyle (Sheryl) and daughter Danelle, and grandchildren Sofia, Dario, Dominick, Cameron and Scout, her brother Dan (Sandra) Figgins, sisters-in-law Gale and Linda, brother-in-law David (Linda) Panasuk and many special nieces and nephews. 

Memorials may be made in Vivian’s name to Plevna FFA or Jordan BPA.