Frances “Pauline” Drinning

Frances “Pauline” Drinning, 85, passed away on April 17, 2011 peacefully in her sleep.

Pauline was born Frances “Pauline” Retherford to Earl and Vivian Retherford on July 8, 1925 in Kane Illinois. She was the oldest of the four children. She is survived by her two daughters, June “Chris” Smith (Drinning) of Helena, MT and Judy (Al Tenenholtz) Colborn (Drinning) of Ventura, CA. She is also survived by her four granddaughters Jill Stafford-Nestroyl of Rio Vista, CA; Stacy (Mike) Bourquin of Helena, MT; Krista (Frank) Morales of Fortuna, CA; and Becky (Sean) DeFrance of Helena, MT along with her most prized possessions, her 7 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Thomas Drinning and daughter Peggy Stafford.

While living in California her true passion for gardening and the outdoors shined as bright as she did. If it was warm you could always find her outside pruning her Poinsettias, tending to her Lillie’s or getting rid of those “stinkin’ snails”. Her next favorite pastime came from her time at the Oxnard Rug & Needlecraft Club. She was a member for many years where she enjoyed making crafts for herself and her grandchildren, socializing with her friends and helping others. She enjoyed walking around the block and visiting with all neighbors, some had lived there just as long and they were great friends. Throughout the years with her husband and without, Pauline made a life for herself that she enjoyed deeply.

When the time came for her to need a bit more help she made the journey to Montana to live with her daughter Chris and family. Although it was quite a transition and climate shock for her at that time, the move was well worth it. She was able to spend countless hours with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and make memories that will last them a lifetime. Time with the family meant the most to her and the time spent watching all the kids play while teasing them or calling them “stinkers” made her smile all the way to the end. While she wasn’t too fond of the Montana cold, the sunsets on the mountains and hearing the laughter of her grand children made up for it.

Pauline will be remembered the most by her beautiful smile, quick wit and contagious laughter.

A memorial service will be held at Retz Funeral Chapel on Thursday April 21, 2011 at 12:30 p.m. Friends and family are welcome to come celebrate her life with us. To offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Frances, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.

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