Heaven gained a beautiful soul on January 18,2023. Rosemary Kraus Armbruster died after a short illness surrounded by her loving family in Helena, MT. Rosemary was born on December 31,1933 to James and Lucille Kraus in Minneapolis, MN. She spent much of her childhood around Minneapolis and the Bemidji area, where her love of lakes began. After graduating from Park Rapids High School in 1952, she joined her family in Great Falls, MT. She met the love of her life, Howard, on the dance floor at the USO. They were married June 5,1954 in Great Falls and had 57 wonderful years together. They later moved to Cut Bank, MT where they purchased and operated the Cut Bank Greenhouse and Floral for over 40 years. She took great pride in making the Greenhouse magical for everyone to enjoy during the Christmas season.
Rosemary spent most of her life raising seven beautiful children. She was kind, faithful, loving, caring, and compassionate. Rosemary treated all the neighborhood kids like her own children. She was like a second mother to most. Rosie made everyone feel loved and cared for by her listening ear, prayerful heart, gentle guidance, handwritten notes, and thoughtful gifts. And let’s not ever forget, those amazing pies and homemade cookies! She had an incredible, unwavering faith that we all aspire to embrace. Her smile would light up a room and she never aged. In 2000, Rosemary and Howard moved to Helena, MT where she worked at Knox Flowers. She was deeply involved in the Catholic church for her entire life. Flowers were her love; in her home, in her hands, and in her beautiful yard. Rosemary enjoyed her family and loved spending time making memories with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, especially at the lake.
She is survived by her seven children, Tom Armbruster of Tulsa, OK; Ron (Jeanne) Armbruster of Moultonborough, NH; Judy (Bill) Simons of Helena, MT; John (Lynne) Armbruster of Helena, MT; Jill (Ross) Grubb of Bozeman, MT; Mary (Bryan) Walters of Meridian, ID; Nancy (Thane) Johnson of Essex, MT; her 20 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren, sister-in-law Mary Ellen Kraus, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Howard Armbruster, parents James Kraus and Lucille Kraus Gadbois, brothers James Kraus and Jerry Kraus, sisters Helen Wagner and Katie Sperry, and grandson Canon Armbruster; as well as many of her dearest friends and relatives.
Rosemary will be dearly missed by her cherished family and friends. Thankfully, she has left us many wonderful memories. We would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and ancillary staff at St. Peter’s Health for the wonderful care they provided. She was so grateful.
Upon hearing about Rosemary’s passing, Bishop Thomas eloquently stated, “She’s with her Howard in the presence of the Angels and the Saints.”
Memorial Donations in Rosemary’s name may be made to Saint Mary’s Catholic Community Church or to a place of their choice.
A public viewing will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, January 22nd, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 23rd at 11 a.m. at Saint Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave, with a luncheon reception to follow the Mass in the fellowship hall of the church. Burial will follow the luncheon at the Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery, Fort Harrison.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday January 22, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena,
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m. to Noon
Monday January 23, 2023
St. Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena,
Luncheon
Following the Funeral Mass
Monday January 23, 2023
St. Mary's Catholic Community Church
,
Burial
Following the Luncheon
Monday January 23, 2023
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd
Helena West Side,
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday January 22, 2023
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave
Helena,
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m. to Noon
Monday January 23, 2023
St. Mary's Catholic Community Church
1700 Missoula Ave
Helena,
Luncheon
Following the Funeral Mass
Monday January 23, 2023
St. Mary's Catholic Community Church
,
Burial
Following the Luncheon
Monday January 23, 2023
Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
3550 Heroes Rd
Helena West Side,
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Rev. Richard Francesco says
Rosemary surely will be well remembered by the people of Saint Mary Catholic Community. Her peaceful presence and dignified bearing were outward signs of her abiding faith. She now joins her beloved Howard, whose memory Rosemary treasured. Rev. Richard Francesco
Sharon Bonderud says
I first met Rosemary at the Cut Bank Greenhouse where she graciously served all customers with her beautiful heartwarming smile . She and Howard created the most gorgeous floral and gift shop that rivaled most large city shops. Together they provided all the bedding flowers and hanging pots for the Glacier Park Lodges – quite a spectacular feat! I loved walking through the greenhouses and shopping for my bedding plants, and it was the most magical place to shop during the holidays! Rosie was a gifted decorator, a creative floral designer, and a genuinely good and kind person. What a blessing her life has been to so many. Prayers for all her family and friends as they mourn the loss of such a beautiful soul. Sharon Bonderud
Shelley Olson says
Rosemary always made me feel so valued. She was interested in my life, and I know she treated everyone else the same. She loved people, and whenever I saw her, she lit up her surroundings. She was an Angel on earth. I’m so blessed because God crossed our paths.
Mary Thomas says
Rosemary was such a strong women and I loved visiting with her always! She was compassionate and never complained always finding the best out of everyone and every situation! She showed us all how to live and love 💕
John a Tavary says
She never seemed to grow old. Always young at heart and Rosemary always had a warm smile to greet you wherever you were. I met the Armbruster family so many years ago in Cut Bank Montana. Our family attended the same church and we grew close to them. Ron was my best friend in school and I spent so many days at their house. My love of gardening came from them and the green house was such a special place for all of us. Rosemary made sure we all knew the rosery when we came over and it seemed as though that onions and liver were the main course for supper every time I came over. She and Howard were such an important part of our little community, not just because of the greenhouse ,but because of their kindness and love.
Alana LaRock says
Judy and family. I’m so sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing. Moms are so special. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Keep those memories close to your heart. Alana
Ann Marie Bushong says
Tom,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. What a wonderful lady. You have a special guardian angel now.
Prayers and condolences to you and your family.
Ann Marie Bushong
Tom and Debbie Erving says
Judy and family, our deepest sympathy for the loss of your mom. What a wonderful person, she must have been so proud of her family. What a beautiful lady, she passed that on to all her kids and grandkids. We will keep you all in our prayers, Tom and Debbie
Lori King says
Tom just wanted you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. I know how special your mom was to you and she is watching over you now.
Matt and Lori King
Pat Howell says
Rosemary was a lovely lady who I met years ago at a Red Hat Group. It was a privilege to know her. Blessings to her family.
Pat Howell
Judy Sicora says
Rosie knew my mom, Lois, when they were babies. Their moms were in nursing school together. When my mom died I turned to Rosie and loved talking to her. She settled me down. Now Mom and Rosie are together in heaven. Rosie was loved by my family since she was born.
I’ll miss you Rosie. Thank you so much for the lovely little books.
You and mom stay with me, I need you.
Steve McCue says
I met Rosemary when she and Howard joined Saint Mary parish. With her inviting smile we soon became friends. We formed a special bond when we each lost our spouses around the same time. She was a treasure for her family and our parish, always asking how I and others were doing and freely offering her friendship to all. I will greatly miss her. I wish I had seen the floral shop!
Lynne Maierle says
Judy & family we send our love & prayers to you all. I will miss her sweet smile & little wave as we sat near each other @ daily Mass. Lynne & Jim Maierle
Pam Egan says
Judy and family — We so enjoyed knowing your mom. She was always kind and cheerful and she was a wonderful friend to our mom. It was comforting to know that Rosemary, Jean, and Marlene were looking out for one another, sharing flowers, and enjoying their visits with Diane and Kathy. Our mom will miss her greatly and Hummingbird Court will not be the same without Rosemary. May your memories bring you comfort and peace. – The Egan kids – Rich, Jim, Ed, Lisa, Pam, Chris