Helen Irene (Schwab) Golder

Victor  -  Helen Irene Schwab Golder, age 94, passed away Tuesday, April 8, 2025 Living Center, Stevensville, MT.  She was born on  March 17, 1931, in Brighton, Colorado.

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Helen Irene Schwab Golder, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, who left this world peacefully on April 8, 2025, at the age of 94. Irene’s life began on March 17, 1931, in Brighton, Colorado, where she was born to Jacob Schwab and Elizabeth Becker and was the youngest of nine children.

After graduating from Brighton High School, Irene met Donald James Golder, and they were married on February 11, 1951. They lived in Missoula, Montana for a time, before moving to Spokane, Washington, and eventually settling at their W Lazy T (Why Try) Ranch in Victor, Montana.

Irene was a woman of many talents and passions. She was an avid gardener, a lover of puzzles, and an expert in canning and preserving the bounty of her hard work. Her commitment to her ranch and its daily tasks was tireless, and she took immense pride in her home and the life she built with Donald.

Irene was an active member of the Victor Confederated Church, where she found comfort and strength in her community. However, Irene’s greatest passion was her family history. She spent countless hours researching, documenting, and preserving the stories of her ancestors, passing down the rich legacy of her heritage to future generations through her extensive collection of genealogical records. She delighted in sharing those stories with all who would listen.

Irene was known for her loving nature, her quick wit, and her strength. She was brave, resilient and faced challenges with a spunky spirit and was a steadfast presence. She was resourceful in every sense of the word, finding solutions to every problem, big or small, with determination. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Elizabeth Schwab, her husband Donald Golder, and her eight siblings: Elizabeth White, Marie Bernhardt, Sam Schwab, Carl Schwab, William Schwab, Benjamin Schwab, Herman Schwab, Katherine Wanke.

Irene is survived by her 3 Children and their families; Dennis and wife Tracy Golder. Nicholas Ray Golder Manning wife Laurien and Henri. Bobbie Jo Bishop and son Ryder. Koren Golder. Kris Golder, wife Riley, children Reese and Emery. Nicole Watts husband Matt, children Ezra and Josiah. Garett Golder. Kirk Golder and current wife Lilian mother to Kyra and Tecla. Former wife Tammy Karampelas mother to Kelly Pittman husband Paul and children Preston, Kinsley, Paxton. Ashley Brennan husband Levi and children Liam, Lincoln, Mason, Rowen. Kyle Golder children Chandler, Aislinn, Zoey. Brenda Wessels and husband Dennis. Lane Bos and Krista, children Ryland and Aryah. Kala Bergren husband Tyler, children Blakely and Ozzy.

Irene’s legacy is carried on in the hearts of her family and friends, who will forever cherish the lessons she taught and the love she shared. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose devotion to family was unwavering.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville, Montana. The service will follow at 1:00 PM, also at Whitesitt Funeral Home, with Pastor Mathew Watts officiating. Burial will take place at Maple Wood Cemetery in Stevensville, Montana. A reception will follow at the American Legion Hall, 754 Middle Burnt Fork Road, Stevensville, Montana.

Pallbearers will be: Lane Philip Bos, Kyle Jacob Golder, Nicholas Ray Golder-Manning, Kristopher Ray Golder, Garett James Golder, and Roger Wayne Schwab. Honorary Pallbearers include: Timothy Carl Schwab and Dennis Neal Wessels.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the National Genealogical Society to honor Irene's love for family history. Donations can be made at: Donate to NGS

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