Elsie Arends

Arends

Elsie Fosness Arends

Dec. 14, 1936-August 6, 2016

Elsie Fosness Arends – 79. On August 6th 2016, Elsie Arends lost her courageous battle with cancer. She was a beautiful, fun and loving Mom, Grandma, Sister, Aunt, and friend.

Elsie was born in Barton, North Dakota, on December 14th, 1936, to Ole and Marie Fosness. She was the youngest sister of 11 children. She received her elementary education at Rural Norman #3 School west of Barton and graduated from Barton High School in 1954. She was never afraid of hard work and no job was beneath her. As a young teenager she worked on area farms performing jobs ranging from housework to hauling grain. After high school she worked in Wolford, North Dakota as a grocery checker and bookkeeper.

In 1960, Elsie moved to San Francisco, California. In 1961, she married Eben Arends and they made their home in the Bay area for 10 years. During that time they had 2 children.

Elsie graduated from Contra Costa College in San Pablo, California in 1968 with a degree in computer programming. In 1971 they moved to Butte where she worked as a bookkeeper for Currie

Tire Company, a computer operator and programmer for EDP, a bookkeeper for ICI Explosives and an office manager and accountant for Lavelle Greenwood Company from where she retired.

Although she had many hobbies including travelling, gardening, rock hounding, and playing the keno and slot machines, her passion was music. Elsie was a well-respected musician. For over 35 years she sang and played the guitar and keyboard with several country western bands throughout Southwest Montana. She also volunteered her talent and time performing at local nursing homes.

Elsie was known for her friendly smile, funny antics, and her kind heart. She showed her deep patriotism by spending countless hours making care packages throughout the years for soldiers stationed in war zones. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, cherished the memories of all the adventures she shared with her brothers and sisters, and treasured every minute she got to spend with her nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ole and Marie; brothers Harold, Pete, and Ole; sisters Virginia, Gladys, and Lilly; dear friends Bonnie Flageol, Glen Ritten, and Ray Mattix; and her furry companions Casper, Ziggy, and Ringo.

She is survived by her son Rick (Dianna) of Butte; daughter Lynette (Ty) Jarry of Layton, Utah; grandsons Matt (Danielle) Pobieglo of Layton, Utah and Danny Pobieglo of Kearns, Utah; great-grandson David Pobieglo; brothers Norman (Elaine) Fosness of Fargo, North Dakota, and Einar Fosness of Hobart, Washington; sisters Dorothy Gronvold of Butte and Mae Metcalfe of Gardena,

North Dakota; ex-husband Eben Arends; and good friends Bud Flageol, Carol Sheridan, Marcene Lundborg, and Bob and Janet Yother.

Elsie’s family would like to thank Highlands Hospice, Dr. Hueftle, Dr. Scott, and Dr. Chamberlain and their staffs for the excellent care and compassion shown to her. They would also like to thank her awesome neighbors Marilyn and Andy, Maggie, and the Friday night “dinner gang” for their love, kindness, generosity and for always checking in on her. Each visit was very precious to her.

In accordance with her requests, cremation has taken place at Butte Crematories.

A celebration of her life will be held at Gold Hill Lutheran Church on Friday, August 12th at 11 a.m. with Pastor Tim Christensen officiating. A luncheon will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials be made in Elsie’s name to Highlands Hospice of Butte or a Veteran’s organization of your choice.

Axelson Alternative Cremation is privileged to serve Elsie’s family.