Eva Mae Wattnem
Eva Mae Wattnem, 93, of Helena passed away of natural causes on October 26 surrounded by her family. Eva was born August 6, 1918 in Great Falls, MT, the daughter of Arthur and Elsie (McPheter) Sullivan. She graduated from Great Falls High School. In the fall of 1966 thru 1968 she received her education for a Licensed Practical Nursing degree thru Columbus Hospital in Great Falls. After graduation, she went to work for the Deaconess Hospital until moving to Helena in June of 1969. The following year Eva went to work for the Veterans Administration Medical Center at Ft. Harrison until her retirement. Eva enjoyed gardening, making wonderful pies, travelling, dancing, and playing card games; Whist and Pinochle. In the early years she attended Faith Lutheran in Great Falls, MT and later attending First Assembly of God. She volunteered at the VA Thrift Store. She was also involved with Soroptimists.
She is survived by her children; Stan Peck, James (Marsha) Wattnem, Russell Wattnem, Penny (Wattnem)Sahlin-Vance, and Joanne English; grandchildren, Jason (Dana) Sahilin, Candace (Brian) Ahl, Chad (Marie) Wattnem, Jamie Wattnem, Samuel Wattnem, Lori (Tom) Young, Julie (Chuck) Panarella, Roger English, and Paula Carney; Great-Grandchildren, Calvin Sahlin, Jaydan Sahlin, Samantha Novak, Justin Ahl, Alethea (Jeremy) Wiese, Adam Young, Anthony Young, Cami Panarella, Benjamin Panarella, and Amanda Carney. She is also survived by a nephew, Dan (Delight) Sullivan, niece; Maie Sullivan and many cousins and their families.
She was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Sullivan; mother, Elsie (McPheter) Sullivan; husband, Carlyle Wattnem; brothers, Chet (Mary) Sullivan and Jim Sullivan; sister, Emma (Oren) McCartney; nephew, Gary Sullivan; and grandchild, Joshua Carney.
Burial services will be held at noon at Forestvale Cemetery with a memorial service to be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 1st at First Assembly of God; 2210 Dodge Ave, Helena, MT. Please join us for a reception at the church immediately after the services. Memorials in Eva’s name are suggested to Soroptimist International Heritage Club, Inc. of Helena, MT, PO Box 6467, Helena, MT 59604. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com
Amy says
I will miss you…rest in peace..
Blanche Pedersen says
She was one of my dearest friends and I am going to miss her and her phone calls that helped to lift my spirits when I was down or not feeling well. She was a truly one of God’s living angels. I love you Eva.
CANDACE says
Eva im going to miss you and i know i worked with you a few times and it was interesting now you are in a better world you dont have to put up with any more suffering. You were a tough cookie.
Candace Wattnem Ahl says
Grandma – Thank you for being my grandma. You were one of a kind and can never be replaced! I know you are in a better place. Love you so much! Candy
Deb says
The loss of such a wonderful woman/grandmother/friend/loved one is great. She made such an impact in my life as well as my childrens lives. Thank you for sharing your stories, life, and love with us. Although you will be greatly missed we know it is only temporary. God blessed us with the opportunity of knowing you and now you have found rest in Him. Peace and blessings to her family during this time. We’ve lost a gem but have gained an angel.
We love you Eva!
Deb, Eric, Katie, and Zachary
Dee Smith says
I have known Eva for less than a year as her senior companion. One thing she always loved was going for a drive and ending it with an ice cream cone and watching the ducks at the fairgrounds pond. Or going out for a burger or fish and chips. These are the memories of her that will stay with me.
Dorothy Thiede says
Rest in peace Mrs. Wattnem,,,Russ my thoughts are with you and your family. I lost my mom just one month ago, and dad in April…I know the pain of loosing someone who gave you life. God Bless us all Dorothy Thiede (Randy)
Jody Reisbeck says
Eva was my mom’s (Blanche Pedersen’s) dearest friends that is how I came to know her. I will miss her and I am sorry that I didn’t get them together more often as they both enjoyed each other’s company so very much. We were trying to get to the funeral, but my mom ended up falling while trying to get ready that is why we missed the service. Please know how much she will be missed and how very much she was/is loved. God Bless you and watch over you. I love you Eva, Jody.
Katherine says
At last,Dear Eva, a chance to sleep.
Marilyn & Harold Horn says
I will miss your beloved Eva!
You guys hold on to your memories and let them warm your hearts and hold on to each other. It was a pleasure to have known Miss Eva and care for her!
Sincerely, Marilyn Horn
Rhonda Strainer says
Russ & Family,
I’m sorry for your loss. Your Mom was certainly one of kind. I’m so glad that because of my life with Skip I was able to get to know both Eva and Carl. They were always so gracious. I’m sure that your Mom has been crowned the “Pie Angel” for sure! I hope all the wonderful memories you hold close to your heart will sustain you in the days ahead.
Rhonda, Skip and Frankie
Susan Jacobson says
I will miss Eva dearly. She was a beautiful woman with lots of fire and sparkle behind her eyes. She would help anyone at anytime with anything. It was fun racing power chairs with her, though she always had the fast one.
Susan Sabol says
I am so sad to hear of Eva’s passing…God Bless her..