Rose Van Voast

Rose Geneva Olafson Van Voast, 95, of Turner, MT passed away peacefully with family by her side on May 4, 2022 in Lewistown, MT.

Rose was the 2nd of three children, born an identical twin to Rolf and Thora Olafson in Devils Lake, ND June 5, 1926. As small children, the family moved to Vida, MT. She graduated from Circle, MT in 1944 and attended Northern Montana College to become a teacher. She and her twin, Ruth, received their first teaching positions at country schools, north of Wolf Point. The next two years they taught in Turner, Rose teaching 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades and Ruth teaching 4th, 5th and 6th. She met her husband, Dean Van Voast, under a street light in Turner, on a blind date and that was the beginning of them dancing the night away! Rose and Dean were late to their own wedding, because Rose couldn’t remember where to pick up the flowers. They were married at First Lutheran Church in Havre on August 17, 1947 at 8:30pm. To this union, four children were born.

Rose, who enjoyed a good laugh, is best remembered for her quick wit, generosity and her kindness. She enjoyed being an active member of the Turner Lutheran Church, and the Modern Mrs. Club, as well as gardening, cooking meals for anyone who would come eat, being with her people, and traveling with friends and family, because no car was going the wrong direction for her!

Her final days were spent surrounded by many of her family that loved her dearly. Rose is survived by children, Francis (Peggy), Donnie (Valerie), of Turner, Darla (Phillip) Kolar, of Lewistown and Bette Jo (Jay) Snider, of Hogeland; 12 grandchildren, Ricki (Chris) Brueher, of Rathdrum, ID, Jess (Tacy) Van Voast, of Turner, Josh Van Voast, of Billings, Jeanne (Chad) Lee, of Helena, Angie (Matt) Eckdahl, of Helena, Robert (Breanne) Van Voast, of Woodinville, WA, Tyler (Katie) Quinlan, of Cannon Falls, MN, LeAnn (Tanner) Cahill, of Miles City, Lissa (Cam Cole) Quinlan of Renton, WA, Zach (Breanna) Snider of Hogeland, Lacie Snider, of Ryegate, and Lane Snider, of Hogeland; 14 great-grandchildren with one on the way; numerous nieces and nephews; and by two sister-in-laws, Carla Van Voast, and Napa Olafson. Rose was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dean, her beloved twin Ruth, and her brother Harold and one great-grandson Andrew Francis.

Services will be held at the Turner Lutheran Church at 11:00am on Thursday, May 12, 2022. Burial services will immediately take place at the Turner Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Turner Lutheran Church. Memorials may be sent to the Turner Lutheran Church, the Turner Park or the memorial of your choice.

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