Mavis Eva Grabofsky

Mavis Eva Schweigert Tuttle Grabofsky

Mavis E. Grabofsky, 81, passed away at the Sweet Memorial Nursing Home in Chinook MT on October 24, 2025 with family by her side. Her Funeral Service will be held on Monday, November 3rd, 2025 at the Malta Lutheran Church in Malta MT at 11:00am, with interment of ashes at the Malta Cemetery following. The family suggests wearing purple and pearls in Mavis’ honor, if you wish. Arrangements have been entrusted with Wilderness Funeral Homes.

Mavis was born June 25, 1944 in Artas, South Dakota, to Christ and Magdalena Schweigert. She was the youngest of four and the only girl. She adored her brothers: Darvin, Riggie and James. Mavis grew up and attended school in Baker, Montana, until the family moved to Billings when she was 15. She hated the change to a big high school, so she instead attended beauty school and got her beautician license. 

When Mavis finished beauty school she moved to Malta, Montana and rented a booth from Diane Didier Smith, who became a Lifelong best friend. Mavis met her husband Rick Tuttle in Malta, and they were married October 10, 1965. They lived in South Phillips County for much of their married life, working and raising three daughters: Khristi Kai, Kathie Rae and Karrie Richelle. Mavis especially loved her time in the Little Rockies, from 1977 on. They moved back to Malta so the girls could attend high school in 1983. Mavis and Rick later divorced.

Mavis was a talented beautician, an excellent cook and could sew, crochet, or make anything. Mavis sewed the girls’ dresses, made quilts and afghans. The grandkids have “Nana blankets” and each of us received a new homemade Christmas ornament every year. She had a green thumb and always had multiple house plants and a beautiful yard.

Mavis was a hard worker and besides being a beautician, she cooked, cleaned, ran the Buckhorn store and cabins with Rick, and worked for the Zortman and Landusky post offices. When we moved to Malta, she went to work full-time at Dan's TV and Electronics, remaining until Sisco’s retired. Later in life Mavis went to work at the Good Samaritan Center, taking care of many of her past hairdresser ladies! She loved her customers like family and they loved her.

Mavis attended the Malta Lutheran Church, and there met Alfred Grabofsky. They became good friends and married April 8, 2006. 

Mavis loved her girls immensely, and was the best mother-in-law, Nana and great-nana! Her grandkids were her biggest joy and she loved having them all close. Nana went to all the first days of school for pictures, attended concerts, plays and sporting events. Any friends of her kids became hers as well. Birthday celebrations and holidays were always a big deal and a reason to gather all the kids together.

After Alfred passed away, Mavis moved to her little house where she spent her final years. She was fiercely independent and loved being surrounded by her things. Eventually she was unable to live alone and the difficult decision to move was made for her due to health concerns. Mavis took the change matter of factly and made the most of her time befriending her caretakers and other residents at the Sweet Care Home in Chinook. Mavis passed away surrounded by her family on October 24, 2025. 

Mavis is survived by her daughters: Khristi (Frank) Drabbs, Kathie (Dan) Waters, and Karrie (Guy) Tremblay.

Grandchildren: Kaleb McMillan (Hailey Goertz); Natasha McMillan (Greg Brownell); Rachel Drabbs (Daryl Demarais); Zachary Drabbs; Jakob Drabbs (Rose Wilkes); John Waters (Anastasia); Mars Clara Waters (Micah Johnson); James Waters; Lena Tremblay; Hunter Tremblay. 

Great grandchildren: KaiLynne Drabbs, Matteo McMillan, Nova and Willow Waters.

Brother Riggie Schweigert, and multiple loved nieces and nephews.

Mavis was predeceased by her parents Christ and Lena Schweigert, husband Alfred Grabofsky, brothers Jim Schweigert and Darvin Schweigert. 

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