On the evening of September 4, 2014, Ann passed away of natural causes. Ann was being comforted by family members at the Rosebud County Nursing home in Forsyth at the time of her passing. She was 88 years old.
Ann was born in Crow Agency, Montana, on July 1, 1926, to Grace Hart and Clarence Neal, the youngest of four children.
Ann graduated from high school in Lodge Grass, Montana, then she worked for a short time in the shipyards in Portland, Oregon during World War II.
She returned to Montana where she met and married Kenny Childers in Miles City, Montana. Their May 13, 1945, wedding was a double wedding with Kenny’s brother Donald and his bride Margaret. Ann and Kenny lived in Forsyth and had three children; Robert, John, and Kathy. Ann worked at the Rosebud County Hospital as a Nurses Aid for several years during this time.
In February of 1965, Ann married Willie Vassau and assisted with the raising of Willie’s four children: Susan, Billie Kay, Frank, and David. During the next years Ann worked with Willie in his painting and roofing business, wrote articles for the Forsyth Independent and other publications, and provided in-home care for the elderly. Ann enjoyed cooking, was an avid reader, loved a good game of cards, and was a wonderful story-teller. Ann and Willie divorced in 1991.
Ann continued to provide in home health care, worked at the Rosebud County Museum and was active at the Senior Citizen Center, the VFW, and with the local AA group. She was proud of her 30 years of sobriety and was a willing sponsor to many new members. Her favorite pastime was going down to the dam to check on the river and enjoy the view.
Ann was preceded in death by her son John, who was killed in Vietnam in January of 1969; grandson David Childers; her brother Bud Neal of Ranchester, WY, and her sister Marceline Clifford of Forsyth, MT.
Ann is survived by her son, Robert (Mary Beth) Childers; her daughter Kathy Beasley and six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews that loved her dearly. She is also survived by Susan Vassau Tall Bull, Billie Kay Vassau, Frank Vassau, and David Vassau, their children, and grandchildren.
Ann’s infectious good nature and quick wit will be missed by many. Thank you to all the members of the Rosebud Community Hospital, Father Garrett Nelson and Nursing Home staff for their kindness and care.
Memorials are suggested to the Forsyth VFW Auxiliary, The Rosebud Foundation (Box 500 Forsyth, MT 59327), or the Nursing Home Library
Service Schedule
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday September 9, 2014
Immaculate Conception Church
Forsyth, MT 59327
Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 9, 2014
Immaculate Conception Church
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday September 9, 2014
Immaculate Conception Church
Forsyth, MT 59327
Luncheon
12:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 9, 2014
Immaculate Conception Church
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Peggy Redman and Earl Mortensen says
To Ann’s family,
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in the passing of your beloved Ann. May you find comfort and strength in knowing others care, and are thinking of, and praying for you at this difficult time. We are praying that warm memories help soften your sorrow, and may faith help you face each tomorrow.
Donna (McAllister) Deisher says
I am so sorry for the loss of Ann, I so enjoyed her sense of humor and kindness. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Jack & Sandi Van Pelt says
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brittanee Mattson says
Anne was a fantastic woman and we were all very blessed to have known her and called her our “Great”!! Your all in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
Jerrad, Brittanee, Raygan, Delaney, Landen and Hennesey Mattson
Melva Curnan says
Bob, Kathy and families, I’m so sorry to hear of Aunt Anns passing. I hadn’t seen her for a number of years but still have warm memories of times we were all together whether at our grandparents or in Forsyth. Please know that you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers at this time and always. With our deepest sympathy, Donna, Ruby and Melva
Jack and Carol says
I loved Ann’s sense of humor. She was a fun person to be around. My sympathy to her family and close friends.
Kay and Rocky Berdahl says
We are sorry for your loss.
Jessie (Mason) Krodel, Shiley (Mason)Vandall says
Dear Bobby & Kathy and families. I was sorry to see of Annie’s passing. I still have memories of Lodge Grass playing basketball in Forsyth and my treat was to stay with all of you while my folks were at the games. I remember your goose Popcorn and laughing for hours with your mom! She let us build tents in the living room! God bless you, you’re all in our prayers. Jessie Krodel
Dean Holmes says
prayers to Ann’s family. Ann was a great person. Sorry can’t be there at the funeral, but my thoughts will be with you today.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Annabel Lee Neal Vassau – I am sorry to hear of your loss. May you be comforted by the “God of all comfort” who promises to “comfort us in all our tribulations” (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). I hope you find peace in many Bible promises (John 17:3).