Regina Berta Smallwood Steffens died 1/1/2018 from cancer at the age of 73. Reggie was born in Missoula, MT on 11/11/1944 to Bert and Beryl Smallwood. At a young age, Reggie’s family moved to Helena, MT. For a time she lived in a log cabin that was built in the late 1890’s, which is still in use today at her residence for storage. Reggie was in the Helena High School class of 1963. She attended beauty school in Billings, MT. Reggie was later employed by Mountain Bell in Helena as an operator and later in the engineering department.
Reggie, on 7/24/1969, while celebrating her best friend’s, Linda Haney, 25th birthday, met her soul mate Joe Steffens, who was also celebrating his 25th birthday. Reggie and Joe were married on 3/14/1970. Within two month of this date Joe adopted Reggie’s three children; Kandi, Scott and Tim. Two children, Angie and Geni, were added to this union. Reggie had 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Reggie was a very crafty person. Some of these crafts include crocheting, bead work, ceramics and family photo projects. In fact, Reggie made almost all of the ornaments used for the family Christmas tree. She gave many of her craft items to her family and friends, as well as donated them to the community. Reggie enjoyed browsing second hand stores for collectibles and attending the class of ’63 monthly dinner. She also was an avid reader.
Reggie had many great qualities. For example she was very selfless and loving, accepting of all people just as they are without judgment, always there for family, and loved caring for children. Joe, her spouse, notes, “My wife was a very positive person and very supportive of all of my interest.” Her oldest daughter, Kandi, writes, “From my mother I learned tolerance, patience and how to take care of other people no matter the circumstance.” Scott, her oldest son, expresses, “Mom taught me research is the key to understanding how things work.” Her youngest son, Tim, acknowledges, “From my Mom I learned many great attributes. How to be compassionate towards others. How to turn the other cheek. How to be selfless. The best advice Mom ever gave me was to pick my battles.” Angie, her middle daughter, expresses, “I admired how much she loved her family and how much they loved her.” And her youngest daughter, Geni, mentions, ” My mom had a way of making you feel like you were completely valued as a person and capable of achieving anything you set your heart to. I admired her ability to unconditionally love and her ease at expressing altruism with no expectations of recognition. She was the warmth in the room.”
A public gathering will be held at a later time. If you choose to make a donation in Reggie’s name, please donate to Pads for Paws. Go to http://www.padforpaws.org for more information. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Regina.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Dennis & Shannon Meyer says
Dear Joe and family, we were so sorry to hear of Regina’s passing, please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God Bless
Mike & Freddi says
Joe & Family –
We are sorry to hear of Regina’s passing. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Mike & Freddi
Linda Kindrick says
Joe and family – I am sorry to see this. Reggie was a great sitter for our kids and touched many young lives as their sitter over the years. God bless you all during this sad time.
Patty Gibson says
Joe and family, I am so sorry to learn of Reggie’s passing. She was a wonderful loving person. I know she will be missed. God bless you .and help you through is very hard time!
Janice Price says
Regina was a wonderful person. I remember how kind she was to my Uncle Louie Schwarzhans. She was a classmate and a friend.
Don Pratt says
The Steffen’s Family: So sorry to hear of Reggie’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. If there is anything that ai can do to help please call om me.
John & Mary Jean Marron & Family says
Dear Joe. Scott’ Tim’ Angie & Geni.
Please accept our family condolences. We all were good friends when we lived on Cole street. Reggie was one of my best friends back then I remember when Geni was born two days after you moved in. You had a great mom and I had a great friend.
Please let John & I know when you have a memorial. We should be back in Montana by then.
John & Mary Jean Marron
Jim and Sue Sampson says
Joe and family, we just found out about Reggie and wanted to express our deepest sympathy. We hope that you will find comfort in the special memories you had together. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.