Rena Mary Faltrino Voss, 84
Rena Mary (Faltrino) Voss, 84, passed away Monday, Jan. 29, 2008, peacefully at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, with family members at her side.
She was born Nov. 11, 1923, in Havre, the daughter of Joseph and Ida Pauline (Mariani) Faltrino. Rena graduated from Havre High School in 1942.
She married Louis Voss on Dec. 30, 1943, in Havre. Louis was a hunter and fisherman, and Rena took naturally to those sports, accompanying him on many excursions. She was an excellent shot and harvested deer, antelope, pheasant and a bull elk during her hunting years. She was an avid fisherman but 'catch and release' was not in her vocabulary. Her children recall coming home from school to find the kitchen full of tubs of salmon in brine, waiting to be smoked, or boxes of fruit to be canned. Rena also loved to pick huckleberries and hunt for mushrooms.
She loved all animals, especially her little dog Sassy. Rena thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and gladly would leave the housework for later if there were an opportunity for adventure.
Over the years, Rena clerked for Davall Mercantile and the B & B in Columbia Falls. As time went on, she concentrated more of her boundless energy on knitting and crocheting, and acquired a large collection of yarn and crochet thread. Louis liked to remark that if the yarn shop ever ran out of a color, they could always call Rena to see whether she had a skein or two on hand for a customer. If someone called and asked for Rena, he would report that he thought she was at home because he could see a cloud of crochet dust surrounding her favorite chair. Rena's family and friends can look around their homes and see doilies, afghans, pot holders, slippers, hats and mittens lovingly made just for them.
She liked to keep with the times, so in her 70s she bought her first computer and learned to use e-mail and surf the 'Net for quilt and crochet patterns.
Rena will be remembered for her independent attitude and wonderful sense of humor, her love for her life partner, Louis, and her family and friends. She will be greatly missed.
Rena was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Ida Faltrino; and her only brother, Louis Faltrino.
She is survived by Louis, her husband of 64 years; two sons, Joe Voss and wife, Shirley, of Columbia Falls, and Larry Voss and wife, Marj, of Whitefish; two daughters, Lindalee Mummey of Kalispell, and Arlene Fish and husband, Ron, of Glenrock, Wyo. Rena was a grandmother to seven; great-grandmother to 10; and had many nieces and nephews. Three sisters; MaryLou Haugen and husband, Dale, and Josephine DonTigney and husband, Dick, reside in Havre, and Rita Taylor resides in Vancouver, Wash.
A memorial service for Rena will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, in the Johnson Mortuary chapel, with the Rev. Jeryl Hollinger officiating.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Three Rivers EMS, P.O. Box 1411, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Rena's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Rena's guest book.