Anna Viola (Treml) Warren was an independent, Montana pioneer woman of strong, spirited character who was not afraid of tough times or hard work of any kind. Spending her early childhood years in Fromberg, Montana, she lived without any modern comforts. She could spin tales about packing pails of water from the creek, that ran by their small house, for washing, bathing, and cooking. There was no electricity, and the hurried trips to the outdoor “privy” during dark, snowy nights was a character-building experience! These early days would shape Anna in ways that carried her through good times and bad throughout her life in Montana. Anna Viola (Treml) Warren was born July 21, 1918 in Roundup, Montana, the daughter of George and Cenyth (Austin) Treml. She died of natural causes at age 98 on February 25, 2017, at the Broadwater Health Care Center in Townsend, Montana.
Anna and her mother moved to Helena, Montana in the early 1930’s. She attended Helena High School when it was located in the train coaches after the 1935 earth quake. She graduated in 1936.
She married Sherwood Owen “Boy” Warren on December 30, 1938 in Helena. They ranched in the Nelson-York area where their 4 children were born: Rich, Rose, Sally & Patty. Times were not easy raising 4 children and maintaining the ranch. During this time, Owen was building his career as a hydro-electrical operator and foreman, working at several dams in the northwest.
It wasn’t long before Anna and the family moved to Helena where she spent 20 years working for the Lewis & Clark Clerk of the Court and the Montana Department of Agriculture. As Owen’s career expanded, so did their lives together. They spent several years living on various dam sites including: Canyon Ferry Lake, the Jackson Lake Dam at Teton National Park, and the Salto Grande Hydroelectric Dam in Salto, Uruguay, South America. Again, her independent, hard-working spirit made her a strong partner throughout their married life.
Upon retirement in the late ‘70’s, Anna and Owen traveled extensively in their motor home. They enjoyed meeting new people along the road and especially liked camping on the West Coast. It was during this time that Anna finally had time to discover that she was a talented artist! She made fine quilts, and produced beautiful needle point and crewel pieces. Several of her works were displayed publically around Helena. Anna was devoted to her family and developed close relationships with her grandchildren. She was a very special woman, indeed.
Anna knew true, heart-felt pain. She was preceded in death by her three loving daughters, Sally Adams, Rose Oleson, and Patty Williams. Cancer took all three from her much too early in life. She was also preceded in death by her parents, husband and two grandsons: Kevin Warren and Randy Munger.
Anna is survived by her son, Richard M. Warren, along with several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.
A special thank you to the Broadwater Health Center staff who provided care and support to Anna during her time there.
Anna’s last wish was to join her husband and three girls on the other side.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Retz Funeral Home. A grave site service will take place at a later time.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Lee Evatt,LPN says
I am so sorry for your loss. Anna was one of my favorites and so many of us loved her. She held such a special place in my heart.
Lee Evatt,LPN says
Chocolate is a girls best friend.
Penny O'Neal Takala says
Hello to Richie and family. So sorry to read of your mom’s passing. Bless her, she lived a good long life. I have lots of memories of Hauser Dam. Have a picture of my dad and your mom dancing at Lakeside at a Halloween party. She was dressed as a gypsy woman. Anyway, my thoughts are with you.
Penny O’Neal Takala