Stella Mae Vranish, 86
Stella Vranish died Friday, Jan. 25, 2008, in Kalispell. She was born on Dec. 4, 1921, at Grass Range. She and her younger sister had many adventures riding their horses, including going up a mountain trail blazed by a local trapper for them to attend early grade school. Her family then moved to Musselshell and finally Roundup where she completed her secondary education. She was awarded a scholarship in mathematics and nursing but due to economic restraints was unable to attend.
Her family had a rich historical background. On her maternal side, her great-grandfather was a French-Canadian buffalo hunter, guide, and interpreter at Fort Maginnis for the Gros Ventre Indians and white settlers. While gone cutting firewood for the steamboats on the Missouri River their oldest son died. His wife along with their other child took their son on a travois and walked 180 miles, taking a week to get to Fort Benton for a Christian burial. He also built the first log post office in Lewistown.
Her other grandfather stowed away on a ship at 9 years of age to come to America, and later joined the Cavalry to come out West, arriving at Fort Maginnis.
On her paternal side, the family came up from Texas and had a ranch next to the fort. Her father worked as a cowboy, ranch hand, judged rodeos, and worked in the Roundup coal mines.
She married Steve Vranish on May 14, 1941, in Roundup. They had one son, Loren. They lived most of their enjoyable life in Roundup where she was active in the Senior Citizens, Methodist Church, hospital auxiliary, running card games and Meals on Wheels. She was honored for her 4,000 hours of volunteer service. She never refused a request for help, or someone in need.
She was secretary of the Roundup bowling league for 22 years. She enjoyed spending time at their cabin at Checkerboard, Mont.
She leaves behind her husband, Steve, of 66 years, at Buffalo Hills Terrace; her son, Dr. Loren Vranish, and wife, Sherry; and four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren: Scott Sander and wife Peg, and three children in Bainbridge, Wash.; Rhett Vranish and wife Kellie, and two children who reside in San Diego; Dave Vranish and wife Jennifer, and two children in Bozeman; Adria Livensparger and husband Justin, and two children in Littleton, Colo. She also leaves behind her sister, Eva Satre, of Billings; and nephew, Mark, of Phoenix.
Stella's family wishes to thank the "angel care givers" of Immanuel Lutheran Home and Buffalo Hill Terrace for the loving care given her these past years.
All family and friends are welcome to help us celebrate Stella's life at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at the dining room of Buffalo Hills Terrace where a brunch will be served.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a charity of your choice or Evergreen or Flathead Food Bank.
This paid obituary is being run again at the request of the family.