Regina “Jean” Vetsch
A heart of gold stopped beating. Regina Vetsch, a long-time East Helena resident passed away peacefully on June 15, 2023.
Jean, as she was known to her family and friends was born in Rugby, North Dakota on November 21, 1930. She married Nick Vetsch on June 27, 1949. Jean and Nick moved to Montana and raised their three children in East Helena.
Jean worked in the grocery business for 26 years. She was a lifelong member of SS. Cyril & Methodius Parish where she was active in parish activities. Jean enjoyed reading, her flower gardens, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, playing pinochle and visiting with friends.
Jean touched so many lives and was loved by everyone. She expressed her love in many ways and was a source of great inspiration as a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She was the “glue” that held everyone together, the matriarch of her family. Her strength and grace will be missed by all.
Jean is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Colleen and Bill Stephenson, son and daughter-in-law Keith and Lanae Vetsch; two grandchildren and six great grandchildren; and sister Bernadine Volk of Rugby, North Dakota; and many nieces and nephews.
Jean’s message to her children is “I will miss you all very much and remember I will always love you. You made my life complete and I will always be with you”.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at SS. Cyril & Methodius Church on Monday, June 19th at 12:00 pm. Burial will follow at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in East Helena. Family prefers memorials to SS. Cyril & Methodius Church or St. Ann’s Cemetery, PO Box 525, East Helena, MT 59735. Please visit aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a favorite memory of Jean.
jim stipcich says
Colleen, Keith and families….. Wow the ol’ neighborhood is in such a rapid state of flux. Jean was a wonderful Mom and lady that helped all of us kids in our East Helena neighborhood grow up with strong values and principles. I am so glad that her and my Mom ended up getting to spend so much time in friendship after their careers and raising kids phases were over. The respect and caring they had for each other was so obvious. May your Mom Rest in Peace. I hope her and my Mom have already found a pinochle game to engage in.
Jim
jim stipcich says
Colleen, Keith and families….. Wow the ol’ neighborhood is in such a rapid state of flux. Jean was a wonderful Mom and lady that helped all of us kids in our East Helena neighborhood grow up with strong values and principles. I am so glad that her and my Mom ended up getting to spend so much time in friendship after their careers and raising kids phases were over. The respect and caring they had for each other was so obvious. May your Mom Rest in Peace. I hope her and my Mom have already found a heavenly pinochle game to engage in.
Jim
Jim and Sally says
Sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a sweet lady. Thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Dan & Sandi Benson says
Colleen & Family,
May the words of those who express their caring thoughts bring some relief. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the days ahead bring you peace.
Leslie Stipcich Darfler says
Keith, Colleen and families – I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I remember her as being one of the sweetest ladies I’ve ever met. I can’t tell you how much it means to me knowing that our mothers were able to connect and look after each other these last few years. I won’t be able to make your mom’s services but please know I’ll be thinking of you and saying a prayer for all of you.
Greg Bovee says
Colleen , Keith sorry to see of Jean’s passing.many great memories of your mom and dad as neighbors…mostly of her tireless energy and work that she put into the yard , always busy. Super sweet and kind …always had time for a visit!
Tawnya Carter says
Comforting thoughts and prayers for your family!
Love, Larry and TJ Carter
Michael Mrvichin and Virginia Mrvichin says
Virginia and I wish we had meet Jean in our trip through Helena, she sounds like a great lady! Keith and Lanae and family had her in their lives for many years. Remember the many wonderful moments you all had with her for now until you all meet again! God Bless her and your family and remember the beautiful times of Jean’s life you all shared. 🙏
Kathleen Hunthausen says
Blessings to the Vetsch family from the Hunthausen Family. We are so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was a wonderful person, always had a beautiful smile and kind word. She is truly one of the matriarch icons of East Helena, who touched so many lives, especially those of us who grew up on the west end of town.
Dave DeWolf says
Colleen so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Diane Tordale says
Colleen and Bill,
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Laurie Ellsworh says
We are so sorry for
Roy and Laurie Ellsworth
Doug Stipcich says
So sorry to learn of the passing of your mother. As my brother Jim stated, the neighborhood is changing. May she rest in peace.