Evelyn Ann (Evie) Monsrud Crants
Evelyn Ann (Evie) Crants died peacefully, in the presence of her husband and daughter, Thursday morning May 14, 2020 at St. Peters Hospital in Helena, MT due to complications of long-term Type I diabetes and heart disease.
Evie was born July 13, 1937 in Clearbrook, MN to Carl and Pearl (Toft) Monsrud. She lived her childhood and early teen years on the family farm/dairy at the edge of Gonvick, MN, a small town named for her grandparents operated a farm and a sawmill. Following her into the family were five brothers, so she was always a “Daddy’s Girl”.
In her early teens Evie’s parents separated. Carl deeded the farm to Pearl and left for Montana. At age fifteen, being Daddy’s girl, Evie secretly bought a train ticket to join her dad in Wolf Point, where she waitressed in a café. When her father’s employment took him away, he had to leave her on her own in their apartment. Bill and Viola Hentges, recognizing the difficulties facing a young lady who wanted finish high school, welcomed her into their home. She became a life-long member of a wonderful family as a “sister” to their own eleven children.
On September 14, 1957 Evie married Bob Crants. They had dated for two years and waited to age 20 to avoid the “teen-age marriage” stigma. She and Bob, employed by (and retired from), the engineering division of the Montana Highway Department, were transferred to several areas before arriving in Helena in 1971. Evie enjoyed her 25 years as a successful Avon representative from 1975 to 2000.
While a high school senior in 1956, she had contracted three viral infections simultaneously. This destroyed the function of her pancreas and began her sixty-five-year battle with Type I diabetes. During her life a triple bypass heart operation, surgical removal of simultaneous and merging uterine and ovarian cancer tumors, two separate spiral fractures of her left femur within ten weeks, a left knee replacement, and finally, left side heart failure were all detrimental events in the life of a Type 1 diabetic.
Evie gave birth to three boys and a girl. The first son died at full term during a 48-hr delivery struggle. The second son, Patrick, died of cancer Oct 15, 2014. She will live forever in the hearts of Diana in Helena, and Mark & Teresa in Lakewood, CO.
She was preceded in death by brother Bud of Redwood Falls, MN; and is survived by four brothers: Ken of Atlanta; Jerry of Marshall, MN; Merlin of Ft. White, FLGA; and Parnell of Jacksonville, AR., and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves many. many members of her large Hentges family, and her loving husband, Bob.
Due to social distancing mandates related to COVID19 social distancing will be implemented at the services. A memorial service celebrating Evie’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 21st at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Graveside services will follow the service at Forestvale Cemetery.
Rob Creel says
Evie will be missed for certain! Evie was definitely a great influence to her children & those around her. I had the pleasure of growing up next door, so I got to know Evie quite well over the years. Condolences to Bob, Diana, and Mark.
teresa cox says
Evie, First time we meet your smile, laughter I knew our friendship would last a life time. Then life grew into you treating me like a daughter. You are the strongest person I know. Until we meet again my LOVE! Teresa
Jim and Sally says
We are sorry to hear about Evie. May she now be at peace. We know she will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you,now, and in the days to come. God Bless! All the love….
Pat says
Bob, Diana, Mark & Teresa
I am so very sorry about the passing of Evie. I enjoyed or visits in the driveway waiting for Diana and Evie you always knew all the new ornaments we put outside each Spring. I will miss seeing you and the waves and smiles you always had for me. I will be here for Diana. You are loved and missed by so many. Rest peacefully until we see each other again.
Allen Stenhjem says
Bob
Our thoughts and prayers ate with you God Bless Evie…….
rathert says
Bob and family
So sorry for your loss. Sorry we can’t be with you at this time but thinking of you and all your family.
Love and prayers. Bill,Irene and family
Shawna Donaldson says
Diana Bob & family,
Sorry to see Evie has passed away. It has been many years since I have seen her. She was such a sweet lady & I enjoyed our visits when she would deliver my Avon. I know this leaves a hole in your hearts. May God bless you and keep you in His care as you walk the days ahead.
Dennis Cates says
Bob and family,
I have had the pleasure of knowing you and Evie through your work with the Last Chance Kiwanis. But I first knew you and Evie through dance classes where you and Evie were instructors. I remember well when it was my turn to dance with Evie. She was a wonderful lady. I am so sorry that you and this world will be missing Evie.
Merlin C Monsrud says
Bob, Diana and Mark.
We were saddened by the passing of Evie, we are praying for Gods comfort for you and the entire family. Me and Bette will continue praying for you and the family. I will miss her deeply as well. Our hearts are deeply saddened
but we will never forget her. We love you Bob, Diana and Mark. Merlin C Monsrud and Bette.
Carl & Pamela says
Bob and family,
We’re so saddened to hear of your loss of Evie. Sorry we won’t be able to be with you on Thursday; but our prayers and thoughts will be there.
Carl & Pam
Elli and George Olson says
Evie always had a smile for everyone. We first met when Bob was a member of Last Chance Kiwanis and met again after our return to Helena. She was a brave soul despite her illnesses. She was always kind caring and welcoming but watch out when she was playing Bingo. We will miss you Evie. God bless your soul. Love and hugs to Bob and family. George and Elli Olson
Danyell says
I’m so grateful I had the pleasure of knowing Evie. What a beautiful soul. I sure wish I could be there to hug Mark, Diana, and Bob. I will continue to pray for comfort in the difficult days to come. All the love, Danyell
Kent Family says
Kent Family
We are sorry to hear of Evie’s passing. Our sympathy to you Bob and your family.
Ken and Janet Neumiller says
Bob and family, we are sorry to hear of the passing of Evie. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time and in the days ahead.
Alice and Jodel Fohn says
We are so sorry to hear of Evie’s passing. She was a big part of our family for so many years. Our prayers are with you.
Carol Duval says
So sorry to learn of Evie’s passing. She was a sweet lady and will surely be missed. Thoughts and prayers to your family at this difficult time.
Karen Koepp Rowan says
Bob and family-
Evi was such a great lady. Thankfully, I was able to enjoy her wonderful Norwegian cookies. She certainly held a special place in my mom’s heart. Sending my sincere condolences.
Shirley Cole says
Bob and family. My deepest sympathy for the loss of a beautiful lady and I wish you God’s blessing. We certainly had fun while doing Boy Scout things and the follow-up meals after the troop returned to Holland Lake They sure enjoyed the eating and happy to be back home.
Love you and may God grant you peace and love during this time of sorrow. Blessings