Doreen Beatrice Rask, 71, a long-time resident of Helena, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus surrounded by her immediate family on Saturday, March 12, 2011.
Doreen was born August 28, 1928 in Williston, North Dakota to Tom and Doris Roane. Raised in Butte, Montana, Doreen was the oldest of her eight siblings, (Suzie, Butch, Chris, Monty, Mary Lou, Tom, Mike and Shawn). She attended Butte Central High School. Doreen met the love of her life, Robert Tamer Rask, married and raised four children.
Doreen loved children and surrounded herself with them all of her life. While raising her own children, she took on the added responsibility of being a foster parent for 23 newborns waiting to be adopted under the direction of Catholic charities. Doreen loved each and every one of those babies and would have loved to raise them all as her own. There was a special place in Doreen’s heart for all of her nieces and nephews along with her children’s friends. She welcomed all into her home with open arms, offering comfort, love, guidance and strength to all the lives she touched. It meant so much to Doreen that she was able to be stay-at-home mom during her children’s early years, but when the opportunity was presented she went to work at Hennessey’s Department Store as a buyer where she made new friendships that would last a lifetime.
Doreen and her husband moved to Helena in 1961 where they spent the next 29 years raising their children. In 1990, Bob retired from the Montana Department of Transportation and started a new career in Denver where they enjoyed nine fun filled years. They traveled throughout the United States and especially enjoyed fishing on the east coast, New Orleans, San Antonio, Palm Springs and taking cruises. They enjoyed the city of Denver, taking in Bronco and Denver Nugget games as well as many country music concerts. Most importantly to Doreen were the friendships she established while in Colorado. She reminisced often that their time in Denver was one of the most enjoyable in her life. Her friends made Denver feel like home and for that her own children and family are most grateful.
Bob retired in 1999 and he and Doreen moved back to Montana to be near their children, grandchildren and their family in Butte. They spent retirement enjoying golf throughout Montana and Arizona where they spent several winters. Doreen was an active member of the Broadwater where she enjoyed participating in Pilates and exercise classes with both new and old friends. In her spare time she enjoyed quilting, knitting and crocheting for her family and charities. Everything she created was made with love and perfection resulting in beautiful blankets, throws and dish clothes.
Doreen was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Doris Roane; brother, Monty; sister, Suzie; granddaughter, Amanda and brother-in-law, Matt O’Dell.
Doreen is survived by her husband, Robert Tamer Rask; daughter, Mary “Ranatta” Moyer (Scott) and their two children, Amanda Redfern (TJ) and Jed Madrid; son, Tamer Rask (Anise) and their three children, Travis (Emily) Rask, Tyler Rask and Taylor Rask; daughter, Ann “Michele” Whitesitt (Andy) and their two children, Amber Jungers (Mike) and Victor Whitesitt; daughter, Kerri Jones (Steven) and two step-children, Renee and Amber.
Doreen was also the proud great-grandmother of six great-granddaughters, Faith, Juliette and Joel Jungers, Ivy and Mariah, and one great-grandson, Taylor Redfern. Doreen is also survived by her sisters, Chris and Mary Lou; brothers, Tom, Mike, Butch and Shawn; sister-in-law, Violet O’Dell and family, numerous nieces, nephews, her uncle Hank and numerous relatives in North Dakota.
Doreen will be remembered forever as kind, considerate and was always willing to help anyone in need. She contributed too many charities willingly and without hesitation. Doreen was a true Christian and will be remembered forever by all that knew her. She will be sadly missed as an adorable wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and best friend.
A special thanks to all those who never wavered in their kindness and support during this difficult time, you will never be forgotten by our family.
A Vigil service will be held 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 16 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 17th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. A reception will be in the social center of the church immediately following the Mass. Burial of Doreen’s cremated remains will be at Resurrection Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials in Doreen’s name are suggested to the Cancer Treatment Center at St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway Street Helena, Montana 59601 or to an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Beth Lewis says
Bob, Ranatta, Tamer, Michelle, Kerri and family…I was so saddened to hear of “mama Rask’s” passing. She was such an amazing lady and always made me feel like I was part of the family. Wish I could be there to celebrate her life with you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Beth
Amy Pratt Davis says
I did not know Doreen, but I want to send my prayers to your family. I was one of those children she fostered in 1972. My dad had kept in touch with her, sharing pictures and stories. I wish I could have known her in her wonderful lifetime! God Bless you all.
Anna Salini says
Doreen was a wonderful person. I am sure going to miss her. I missed her when she was not able to come to pilates at the gym anymore. She was so nice. Her Daughter in Law was my daughter tutor at one time and we talked about that time in life for me. My deepest sympathies all my prayers go out to all of you.
Dennis Dirks says
Bob and family. My thoughts are with you at this time. I smile at the thoughts of my time spent with Bob and Doreen before moving to Helena. They were very special times. She was a great lady and will be missed dearly.
Gino Dunfee says
To the Roane family: While I did not know Doreen, my sympathy to her younger brothers and sisters, many of whom I knew as a child growing up on the “Hill” in Butte.
HAROLD P. MOHN says
Bob,
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Your friend,
Harold
Karen Grevas says
Doreen was a very special lady. I worked with her at Hennessys and enjoyed her smile and sweet nature. I am so very sorry for your loss, Heaven has received a special angel.
Leslie Smith says
We’ll all miss Doreen’s sweet presence, the sparkle in her eyes and her great sense of humor. I feel lucky to have known her for even a short time and I miss her.
Michele Abney says
I send my condolences. I enjoyed the occasions (Super Bowl, Christmas etc) that I was able to spend with Doreen. She was a beautiful lady.
Patti Mahoney says
Bob and Family,
The world lost a GREAT one with Doreen’s passing. She was as beautiful on the inside and she was on the outside. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Peg Hunter says
Anise (and Tamer too, of course),
I was so sorry to hear of your mother-in-law’s death. I hope you will find comfort in warm memories shared with friends and family. My thoughts are with you and your family, Anise.
Peg
Sam Beckett says
Auntie Doanie,
I love and miss you! You were one of the kindest and strongest women I knew. I will never be able to thank you enough for the positive impact you had on my life. I will sleep easier knowing I have you as a guardian angel. Rest in Peace and tell Papa and my Gramma and Grampa I said hello and I love and miss them also 🙂
Shanna Carnley says
Michele my prayers are with you and your family. I love you, Shanna
Tammy Steckler says
Bob, Ranatta, Tamer, Michelle, Kerri, and families. My deepest of sympathies to all of you. I sure loved Doreen. She treated me like one of her own children and I will never forget her kind spirit and fun nature. Hugs to all of you and peace to your beautiful wife and mother. Tammy
Terrie Tufly says
What a beautiful person; you will be greatly missed! When we were in Montana, you welcomed us into your home and treated us like we were part of your family. That will never be forgotten. To all the family……will have you in our thoughts now and always. Thank you for sharing Doreen with us!