Florence “Floss” Stansell Foster passed away peacefully the evening of Friday, September 21, 2018. Floss was surrounded by her family after a 4 month battle with cancer–she was 80 years old.
Floss was born August 18th, 1938 in Butte, Montana; the youngest daughter of Overton and Lyda Stansell. She graduated from Helena High School in 1956 after which she attended Butte Business College for 2 years. She married her high school sweetheart, Gerald “Jerry” Foster, on September 13, 1958 and recently celebrated her 60th wedding anniversary.
Floss was never one to sit idle. She had a long career of 26 years with the US Forest Service retiring in 1983 as a personnel officer. She later worked for the City of Helena as a personnel officer for 5 years until her retirement. Upon retirement she became a “snowbird” traveling to Mesa, AZ with her husband, Jerry, for 27 years leaving mid-October with the robins, always returning mid-March of the new year in time to assist Jerry with tax work.
Floss was the original super mom. She raised three sons, showering them with love, chauffeuring them to and from countless sporting events and activities. She maintained a spotless house, always had wonderful meals ready for her family, and was never too tired to read stories to her boys when she tucked them in each night. Floss’s kids and grandkids will never forget the trips she made so special, to Disney World or Camping in Seeley Lake, MT each summer.
Floss had a passion for flowers and could often be spotted each summer tending one of her many flower beds around the house, but nothing compared to her love of golf. She was a long time member of the Bill Roberts Ladies Golf League and served as an officer for them. Floss enjoyed the theater and old movies even performing in productions at Helena’s Old Brewery Theatre in the 50s. Before she became a “snowbird”, Floss spent many a winter day on the slopes skiing with her sons and sister. Floss’s church home was The First Baptist Church of Montana where she was a long time member and served as treasurer for a period of time.
Floss was preceded in death by her parents Overton and Lyda Stansell; her sister Ruth (Stansell) Cahill; brothers Jim Stansell and Jack Stansell.
She is survived by her husband, Jerry Foster; her sons, Richard “Rick” (Maureen) Foster, Terry Foster, and Ken (Monica) Foster; her grandchildren, Breanna (Ian) Caldwell, Samantha (Charles) Horinek, Colten Foster, Nicholas “Nick” Foster, Brian Foster; her great grandson, Zack Horinek.
Other survivors include her nieces, Michelle (Jeff Tallofson) Foster, Dierdre (Hal) Radcliff; nephews Tom (Elaine) Cahill, David Cahill, Tim (Debbie) Stansell, Shawn Foster; sister-in-law, Ruby Foster; and brother-in-law, Keith Foster.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff of St Peter’s Hospice and all the friends who’s outpouring of love and support have lightened our hearts.
A memorial service celebrating Floss’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on September 27, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. A private burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Helena. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Floss’s name to Hospice of St. Peter’s Hospital c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601or to The American Cancer Society, 3550 Mullan Rd Ste 103, Missoula, MT 59808. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Floss.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday September 27, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following Memorial Service
Thursday September 27, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday September 27, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following Memorial Service
Thursday September 27, 2018
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Dudley williams says
Jerry and family: so sorry to read of Floss passing. My deepest condolences to all.
Diane Jackson says
Jerry and family, Floss was a special lady and will be missed. So sorry for your loss.
Gay Martin says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Losing a loved one in death is one of the hardest things we ever have to face. I find comfort in the scriptures. I particularly like John 5:28 where Jehovah tells us there will be a resurection. I can’t wait to welcome my dead loved ones back. I hope this brings you comfort.
Jim and Marilyn Williams says
Jerry – Our sincere condolences. She was a great kid. We go a long way back – 5th grade at Central school. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
M & N Schroeder says
Jerry and family, our thoughts and prayers are with your through this most difficult time. We are remembering the special times at Casa Dr Paz, Floss will be greatly missed.
M&H Schroeder says
Done
Jenny Kramer says
Floss was array of sunshine she will be greatly missed. Prayers of sympathy To you Jerry and your family.
David Cahill says
FLOSS WAS MY SECOND MOTHER TO ME SHE WILL TRUELY BE MISSED
Randy Williams says
Jerry, Rick and Family…So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful lady and will be missed by all she touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Linda Braun says
Jerry and family….Floss and I go way back, and Floss was always an inspiration to me. Such great memories of our two families camping together at the KOA in Spokane for the 1974 Expo, and always getting together at the Seeley Lake campground and golf course every August. Bob and I are deeply saddened for the loss of Floss and pray for continued strength for Jerry.
Bob and Linda McDermott Braun
Sandra Nachtsheim says
Dear Jerry and Family, We are so sorry to hear about Floss. She was a special person and will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with you. George and Sandra
Glenda D Heaney says
Jerry and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Glenda Heaney
Sally Nyland says
Jerry and Family –
Floss was a special lady. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Julie & Jim DeMars says
Jerry and family,
We are so sorry to hear of sweet Floss’ passing. What a beautiful woman, she will be missed by many. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dan O'Fallon says
Jerry, Rick, Maureen, Kenny, Monica and the whole Foster family: Kathy and I extend our deepest condolences for your loss. They say it takes a village to raise our children, and when Rick and I became friends, I was very happy to be accepted into the Foster village, and to get to know Floss. Floss was a force of nature. She always had something going on, but always had times for her kids. In our early 20s, when Rick or I did something stupid (mostly me), like squealing the tires in the street at 2 in the morning when I dropped Rick off from a night of merriment, Floss would give me that look the next time she saw me, and let me know that I woke her up. She could do it all with a twinkle in her eye, a smile on her face, and still make it clear that it better not happen again!She faced her illness like she faced life, with dignity, humor, amazing strength and courage. She loved and was so proud of her whole family. I thank God that I got to know Floss Foster. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Matt Mosbrucker says
Jerry, so sorry to hear about Floss. May she rest in piece. Matt Mosbrucker
Bill Dolan says
Jerry, Rick, Terry, and Kenny, On behalf of the Dolan family, our deepest smypathies to you all. Floss was so nice to me and all of the East Helena kids of our generation. I’ll always remember her taking care of our Red Sox pee wee baseball team. May she rest in peace. Bill Dolan
Leslie Stipcich Darfler says
Rick and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was always such a sweet person. I don’t think that I ever heard her say a cross word or raise her voice. May your memories of her help you find peace at this time. God bless all of you.