Florence Vashus

Glendive, Montana: As one journey ends another begins. Florence “Flo” Vashus, age 87, ended her earthly journey April 20, 2011 at the Glendive Medical Center Extended Care. She died peacefully with her four children by her side. Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Monday, April 25, 2011 at the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive with Pastor Avis Anderson officiating. Interment will be held in the Dawson County Cemetery in Glendive. Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements. Florence (Fehr) Vashus was born on September 1, 1923. She was raised in Hebron, North Dakota and graduated from Hebron High school. Shortly after, she moved with her family to Billings, Montana. Ever one for adventure, she and a girlfriend journeyed to Seattle. In the early forties Seattle was dynamic and the expanding war effort resulted in opportunities for women to enter the workforce. Not quite Rosie the Riveter, Florence began work in an exclusive tea room where the patrons were wealthy dowagers who would come for afternoon tea. She lived near Pike Place Market and talked of the abundance of stimulating activities including art galleries, live theater and (mostly!) USO dances. Florence was a great dancer and loved the big band era. Seattle was home until a family emergency impelled her to return to North Dakota. In 1947 she married T.A. “Tully” Vashus and began a new journey as wife and mother. The couple made their home in Glendive where their children were born and raised. Three sons (Ty, Terry, and Todd Vashus) and one daughter (Jackie Vashus Schultz) completed the family she so dearly loved. When her grandchildren arrived, she was tickled pink. From collecting four leaf clovers, to finding rocks to paint on, and walking in the Relay for Life she shared time and love with each one. She and Tully were blessed with each other’s love and companionship for almost sixty years. She often spoke of how fortunate she was to be able to travel extensively with Tully as he served on regional, state, and national committees for the American Bankers Association. Together they visited all fifty states and experienced them under unique circumstances such as a private dinner at the Hawaiian Royal Palace with the Governor of Hawaii, dancing in Maryland with the Comptroller of the Currency, and being serenaded at Lincoln Center in New York City for their anniversary. Artistic all her life, she loved attending the special exhibits at museums in the cities they would visit; especially in New York City where the added bonus of a Broadway play or simply enjoying the work of street performers sparked her enthusiasm. She mastered stained glass after a few short lessons. She shared her love of art and creativity with her family. In her later years, she began gardening with the same energy she put toward growing her family. Florence was a member of Zion Lutheran Church. Always positive, she was an inspiration to many when she began her battle with cancer. An outlook of hope and living one’s life each day was her medicine that would hold back the progress for four years. Even when treatments were ended, she was out and about living life to her full potential with dignity. Florence is preceded death by her parents; her husband, T.A. Vashus; siblings Christine Krieg, Al Krieg and Evelyn Diamond; and her son-in-law, James D. Schultz. She is survived by her four children Ty Vashus, Terry Vashus, Todd Vashus and Jackie Vashus Schultz and five grandchildren, Cynthia (Robert) Wilondek, Andrea Vashus, Lori (Clint) Anglin, Eric (Katrina) Schultz, and Megan (Paul) Schultz Kongiaka. She has one great grandchild. Siblings surviving her are Harold (Nancy) Krieg and Eleanora (Donald) Fischer. She requested that memorials be made to the Dawson County Urban Transit, the James Schultz Memorial Scholarship Fund at Dawson Community College or Zion Lutheran Church. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com

Florence Vashus

September 1, 1923 - April 26, 2011

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Florence Vashus

September 1, 1923 - April 26, 2011

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

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