Paula Ann Rachac House passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus surrounded by her immediate family on January 17, 2011.
She was born in Helena on July 6, 1937 to Max Joseph Rachac and Peggy Woods Rachac.
Paula spent her entire life in Helena where she attended St. Helena School and Cathedral High School. After graduating in 1955, Paula went on to be employed as a secretary for 12 years at Bryant and C.R. Anderson Schools. She then spent 20 years as the Executive Secretary to Bishops Elden Curtiss, Alex Brunett and Robert Morlino.
For many years, Paula was an active member of the Cathedral Parish. There she was Baptized and Confirmed, and received her first Holy Communion. She served on the Pastoral Council; was a member of the RCIA Team which encouraged and instructed people exploring Catholicism; was a lector and a Eucharistic Minister, and assisted in other committees and ministries. In 2000, she joined Our Lady of the Valley Parish and also served in ministries there.
In August of 1956, Paula married Richard House at the Cathedral. The following year, she gave birth to their first son, Jeff, who was followed by Vince, then Mike, and finally a daughter, Shawna. It meant so much to her that she was able to be a stay-at-home mom during her children’s early years. She participated as a Den Mother in Cub Scouts, was a 4-H leader for her daughter, was a PTA member, school volunteer, and always attended her kid’s school sporting events and activities.
Paula was comforted and supported by attending a prayer group which began in 1978, which has met weekly since then. She found great joy in reading, sewing, crafts, traveling, friendships, and was particularly fond of her 12 grandchildren. She was an avid Carroll College Fighting Saints football and basketball fan. She especially enjoyed the trips throughout the United States with Marge Purcell Yeager, who became her best friend in high school and remained her tried and true friend for the remainder of her life. She enjoyed over 54 years of marriage to Dick and so appreciated his care and concern during this final illness. They traveled throughout Montana and visiting family and friends in other parts of the country. A special event was their cruise to Alaska to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, followed by a trip to Hawaii with family. Many people touched her life, but she was especially grateful to Marge Yeager, Father Jack Darragh, Bishop George Thomas, and the members of her prayer group. Paula was also thankful for her Thursday morning neighborhood coffee group, and the Red Hat Society, and many other friends including Pat Peterson, Lorraine and Jim Tucker, the late Sharon Hoff, Sue Zezeus and Sandra Copeland, who never wavered in their kindness and support.
Survivors include her husband, Dick of Helena; sons, Jeff (Connie) of Helena, Vince (Kathy) of Portland, Mike (Tracey) of Las Vegas; and daughter, Shawna (Jeff) Deadmond of Helena. Grandchildren, Michelle (Tim) McInerney of Boise, Amanda (Shawn) Nelson of Helena, Erica House of Las Vegas, Jessica (Nick) Shontz of Missoula, K’Lynn House of Helena, and Aaron (Lesley), Mike and Derek House of Portland, Lindsey Crowley, Jason Van Zant and Allison (Jeremy) Stone of Las Vegas, and Angela (Jay) Smith of Butte. Also surviving are a sister, Clarice Wiseman of Cheyenne, WY; sisters-in-law, Mary Rachac of Billings and Debbie Walter (Steve Gray) of Helena; brother-in-law, Dennis (Laurie) House of Helena; 11 great-grandchildren and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. Her parents, Max and Peg Rachac; mother-in-law, Dolores House; and brother, Ed Rachac all preceded her in death.
Viewing hours will be from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 21st at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. The family will begin receiving friends at 6:00 p.m. with a Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Rd. A Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 22nd at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. Cremation will follow the Mass. Burial of her cremated remains will be in the spring at Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorials in Paula’s name are suggested to the Our Lady of the Valley Parish, 1502 Shirley Rd, Helena, MT 59602 or to the Diocese of Helena, P.O. Box. 1729, Helena, MT 59624.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
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Don Pratt says
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I wish I could be there for the service but I am in Texas. If there is anything I can do please call on me.
Heidi Doherty (Kurzenbaum) and family says
To the House family, our deepest condolenses to you. What a remarkable beatuiful lady that we were all blessed to have known. May she bloom in heaven with her heavenly father. God Bless The Doherty’s.
Jack & Bernie Weiser says
Dick and family,
Our deepest sympathies for the loss of your wonderful Paula.
Jim & Sandy McKeon says
Sandy and I have special memories of Paula and her family. We met Paula and Dick at 9:00 a.m. mass every Sunday at the Cathedral and she and Dick immediately took a liken to our three kids. Every time we would see Paula she would always ask about Erin, Mary and Joey. What a beautiful lady. It was an honor to be able to see Paula for the last time this past summer. Thank you for the memories Paula, we will miss you dearly. Joey is awaiting your companionship in Heaven. Both you and Joey watch over us. Love Jim & Sandy McKeon
Judy Ober says
Dick and family
want you all to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I loved Paula and will really miss her
Judy
Judy Pfaff says
Paula was such a warm, caring person and a blessing to folks she served as a volunteer in the cancer treatment center. My thoughts are with her family and friends.
Judy Villa says
I worked with Paula for several years at the Diocese. She was a wonderful lady and a joy to be around. Please know that your family is in my thoughts.
Norbert and Muriel Leblanc says
Dick and family,Norbert and I would like to express our condolences on the loss of your dear Paula and wonderful lady whom we had the pleasure to meet and have good times with. She certainly was an inspiration to us when I Muriel spoke to her about our son who had cancer at the time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Norbert and Muriel Leblanc in Yumaww
Rita O'Neil says
Praying peace for the House family and all the extended family. Paula was such a strong influence in my own prayer life as I began my journey back to the Church. No matter how much time passed between each encounter, she never failed to say hello and remind me of God’s great love. She truly was a fine example of our Lord’s commandment..to love our neighbor, to see Christ in all persons. Peace be with all of you. Rita
Scott and Angela Dupuis says
Paula and Dick have always held a special place in our hearts. They both were so instrumental in the lives of my parents the late Sharon and Don Hoff. We’ve held Paula and Dick in our hearts for years, and fell like members of their family. May you be comforted in knowing that Paula touched the lives of many many people in her life time and will be missed. All our love- Scott and Angela
Scott Holmes says
Dear Dick and family, Paula was such a loving person who influenced many lives, including mine. Her love for Christ was revealed in both words and actions. It is odd that after many, many years, I still feel part of the House clan somehow. Perhaps much of that is due to how welcomed I always felt in your home and how much Paula really cared about me during my teen years. God’s comfort and peace to each of you,
Scott
Shawn Sotolongo says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss. Paula always had a warm and loving smile to give and that will be forever missed. Rest in peace Paula.
Love Shawn, Brooke and Kali Sotolongo
Shelley Sharp says
When I think of Paula I remember her beautiful smile. May God bless you with wonderful memories to help you through these difficult days and to keep her in your heart for the days to come. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless,
Shelley
Susan Smith says
A note to say Paula’s family is in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. I loved Paula and she was such a dear lady with sunshine and love of life radiating from her. I loved her smile and friendship. We were fortunate to enjoy her and Dick’s company at a Carroll basketball game and was so much fun to see their support of the teams. I miss you Paula and will always be reminded of your joy you showed those around you. May God hold the family in His loving arms for comfort and strength at this time. ~Susan Smith