Rena Voss
Rena Mary (Faltrino) Voss, 84, peacefully passed away Jan. 29, 2008, 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.
Rena 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.
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; sons Joe Voss and wife Shirley, of Columbia Falls, and Larry Voss and wife Marj, of Whitefish; daughters Lindalee Mummey, of Kalispell, and Arlene Fish and husband Ron, of Glenrock, Wyo.; seven grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and sisters MaryLou Haugen and husband Dale, and Josephine DonTigney and husband Dick, of Havre, and Rita Taylor, of Vancouver, Wash.
A memorial service was held Feb. 5, 2008, 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.