Stevenson & Sons Funeral Homes

Serving families in the Miles City, Forsyth, Lame Deer, Broadus, Circle, Jordan and Terry areas for three generations.

For Immediate Help Call
Miles City: 406-232-4457 — Forsyth: 406-346-2311

In Memory Of

Sarina Venable, age 48, of Miles City.

August 4, 1976 – September 1, 2024

Sarina Dawn “Green” Venable of Miles City, Montana, being 48 years of age, took her final earthly breath in Billings, Montana on September 1, 2024. Sarina’s caretaker spirit, still intact, had her wondering if everyone else was okay right down to her final chest rise. Her heart kept steady beats through two bouts of cancer from the age of 20 with thyroid cancer and most recently with an aggressive leiomyosarcoma cancer.

Sarina was born August 4th, 1976, to Jean and Jeanie Green in Malta, Montana. She was delivered by her dad in the hospital waiting area on her own terms from the start. The staff thought she was far from birthing time, but in true Sarina fashion she just burst into this world, heart and eyes wide open.

Sarina grew up on the prairie in Whitewater, Montana with Dale Lyman, Dallas Jean, Marisa Fern, and Melanie Maria for built in teammates for the “Jean Green Team”. On her 3rd birthday Sarina got plastic high heels, a sparkly necklace, and earrings set. It had rained and a big puddle was outside Grandma Sally and Grandpa’s yard and Sarina didn’t want her clothes dirty, so off they came, but heels and jewels stayed on.

Sarina attended Whitewater Elementary School with bouncy curls in kindergarten, to Whitewater High School where she was the high school prom queen. Sarina’s beauty was evident inward and outward. She had a competitive spirit from the get-go and even though she was smaller in stature, she played big, no matter what the sport. Basketball was her love, from the chicken coop rim to the penguin dome era and on to the college rims of the Miles City Pioneers and the Rocky Mountain Battling Bears. Sarina was honored by Miles City Community College, being inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2022. She was over the sunset proud of that award presented by Rocky Erickson.

Miles City became her permanent home when she married Warren Venable. They started their marriage farming at Rock Springs, Montana. Life happened quick when Ashley, Jayden, Kyler and Baby Warren bounced into her life and her playbook never, ever quit from then on. Life always was on a full court press and Sarina thrived on that. Sarina fervently loved her kids with all of her being. Time outs were taken by force as she liked to be in the game, not warming the bench. Sarina taught her kids to respect others, play fair, but play tough, plan on winning, stay in the game, and keep the faith, always.

She loved babies and having her own to take care of was simply not enough. She had a day care business for many years, but it was not just a childcare facility, it was where the kids wanted to live and not go home. There are so many pictures from the age of 2 years old where Sarina is balancing one or two kids on her hip.

Sarina never lost her love of basketball. She refereed all classes of basketball with confidence and grace right up to her rounds of cancer treatments. She knew players, coaches, parents, and fans from all over Montana and beyond. Sarina listened to the whistles of others and was always ready to pause her game to help someone, no matter what.

Sarina was a true friend as has been evident by the outpouring of support of so many to help Sarina in every way possible when tragedies struck. All of her people cooked, cleaned, renovated, chauffeured, prayed, and gave everything of themselves to fight her battles of this life beside her.

Sarina has had some big pieces of her heart go before her to be with Jesus. God lifted Sarina’s heavy load of this world and reunited her with the real “Game Plan”, the Lord Jesus Christ. Sarina’s uniform is now one of Christ’s Army, with a big bright sparkling cross. We deeply mourn the loss of our “Forever 32” teammate, but Sarina’s advice to us left behind is to “Get back in the game”!!! Sarina loved fiercely and was YOUR good and faithful servant to the final buzzer, where there is eternal life and no more “Game Over”, just “Game On”.

We love you Sarina, Until We Meet Again!

Sarina is survived by her loving children Ashley, Jayden, Kyler, and Warren (Baby) Venable, all of Miles City; Warren Venable of Miles City, MT; her mom, Jeanie “Gigi” Green of Whitewater, MT; her Maternal Grandmother, Sally Austin of Whitewater, MT; Sisters Marisa (Zach) Wahl, of Glendive, MT, Melanie (Ty) Hinderager of Fort Shaw, MT; Brothers Dale (Tracy) Green of Prior Lake, Minnesota, Dallas (Ashley) Green of Whitewater, MT; Mother-in-law Virginia Ronning of Rock Springs, MT; Brother-in- law, Ryan and Jill Venable, Hayes and Tess Venable and Casey and Tonya Boardman. Many relatives and friends are feeling the loss of Sarina including beloved aunts and uncles, cousins, treasured nieces and nephews on both sides of the family including Oxarart, Green, Venable, and Ronning.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jean Green; Her Father-in-law, Tom Venable; Maternal Grandfather, Harry Austin Jr. and Paternal grandparents, Dale and Fern Green; and Grandparent in-laws, Warren and Liz Ronning.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, with family receiving friends from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home Miles City. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Miles City Community College – Centra Building. Interment will follow in the family lot at Custer County Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Sarina’s name to the Sarina Venable Family Memorial Fund.

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday September 6, 2024

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Funeral Service

10:00 a.m.

Saturday September 7, 2024

Miles Community College Centra

2715 Dickinson Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

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Interment

Saturday September 7, 2024

Custer County Cemetery

Miles City, Montana 59301

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View Memorial Folder

Service Schedule

Family to Receive Friends

3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Friday September 6, 2024

Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home

1717 Main Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Funeral Service

10:00 a.m.

Saturday September 7, 2024

Miles Community College Centra

2715 Dickinson Street

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

Interment

Saturday September 7, 2024

Custer County Cemetery

Miles City, Montana 59301

View map

View Memorial Folder

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Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Venable kids, my heart is breaking for all of you. But I know you know the amazing and hard-working mother she was. I have never met a person who stood so strong against all the storms in her life. If you did not know her, you would never know how much she endured personally, as she was always so positive and had a smile for everyone she met. You are so blessed to have had such a strong mother who was always in your corner! She left an amazing example for all of you. We have been praying for comfort for all of you

  3. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. What a courageous and beautiful lady! She will be a fierce guardian angel for those she loves. She will be greatly missed in our community.

  4. A very sad for for the Greens and Venable family! You will be missed by all. Not only were you a great basketball player you were an Outstanding Human Being. I am thankful for you being in my orbit for a short time. I will miss YOU!

  5. I was so hoping you would win this battle sweet sarina. My deepest condolences to her family and kids. Heartbreaking…💔😪

  6. To Sarina’s family, we are so sorry to hear about Sarina’s passing. May God hold and bless all of you.

  8. It is an honor and privilege to know Sarina. The sadness is overwhelming but I know she is smiling down on all of us. Oh, that smile… Thank you Sarina for showing us how to be unconditional in love and showing us how to be a Warrior.
    Love you my friend
    Cinda

  9. Heartbreaking news. Sarina was one of a kind. She was beautiful inside and out. Thinking of her kids and family at this time. My deepest condolences.

  10. This truly breaks my heart. Sarina was such a joy to have as a student and downright fun to watch as a scrappy, competitive basketball player. I was blessed to have Sarina and her two sisters as students. My love and condolences go out to the Green and Venable families, and everyone else who shares in the sorrow of Sarina’s passing.

  11. Our hearts are breaking for all of you and we are sending so many thoughts and prayers your way. Your mom was a blessing not only to you but to many others. She will be missed. She loved you fiercely and will always be watching over you! Our prayers and deepest sympathy.

  12. From my family to yours, I pray and hold you all close as you walk through this unimaginable loss. Sometimes life is incredibly unfair. Bless your mom for fighting so hard for so long. The love she had for her kids was evident in everything she shared. I wish you all peace and strength. Rest in peace beautiful Sarina.

  13. Ashly,Jayden,Kyler,Warren,we send our sincere condolences to all.Serena was a warrior for sure she endured so much in her short life,and always was there for all of you,cherring you on to do your best.So make her proud on the long and difficult road ahead,as she will be your guardian angel watching over.Sending our sympathy with love and hugs.Butch Alice Shockley

  14. Many thoughts and prayers with the kids and the extended family that Sarina had. She took care of my daughter her first year of life and I got to know them. She was a great person, and great mom. She was a fighter and loved her kids to the end of the earth. They were her passion and love. Deepest sympathy to all

  15. Sarina you are an inspiration to all of us. You fought so hard always with a smile. My heart is breaking for your kiddos and family. Prayers to all of you.

  16. I’m so very sorry to hear of your wife and children’s mother’s passing. May God Bless you and keep you during this time.
    Vicki (Haynes) Larson

  17. Our sympathy to all the Venable and Green families. Your tremendous loss of Sarina has far rippling effects on so many! You are all in our thoughts and prayers!

  18. Prayers to the family and many friends! What an inspiration and fighter she was! My heart hurts for the family at this time. Sending our sympathy with hugs and love! Let us know if we can be of any help.
    Crystal, Rod, Talen, Ridge

  20. It is hard to put into words how much Sarina was loved and respected for her kindness and giving spirit. She was truly a beautiful person both inside and out. Our deepest sympathy, love and prayers to all.

  21. It was a true honor to know Sarina! She was beautiful from the inside out. She will never be forgotten and will be forever missed. Just heartbreaking for her family and this community! Sending So many prayers and love to her children and loved ones!!!🤍

  22. This sure is hard to wrap my head around. You have endured so much over the last couple of years and through it all you were so strong, holding everything and everyone together. I am so thankful for all the memories our boys will carry with them forever. I promise we will be here if your boys need anything. You will be missed, rest easy, pain free and in peace Sarina.😘

  23. To the family of Sarina,
    I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you, and I pray for peace for you in this difficult time.

  24. I am so entirely blessed to have been friends with this incredible woman and to have had the opportunity to love her and her family like my own. No words will ever be enough to explain the impact Sarina had on this community as well as SO many others. Sarina loved all children like they were her very own, something that is so beautiful. She was truly one of a kind and she will be so incredibly missed. My heart will forever be with her beautiful kids who each shine so bright because of her.

  25. Deeply saddened and thinking of you kids praying that you find comfort and strength in days ahead.

  26. Love and prayers to Sarina’s children, friends and family. She was like a ray of sunshine through so many difficult times these past few years. To know her was to love her smile and optimism. We are sad for this difficult loss but hold onto your wonderful memories and know she is in Gods loving arms and she’s watching over you. Peace and Gods love surround you during these tough times.
    Judy and Ray Sprandel

  28. To Sarina’s children: Ashley, Jayden, Kyler, and Warren, Our Hearts are breaking for you all. We hate cancer! Somehow it comes into our families and robs us of our loved ones, leaving a hole so huge we feel we can not go on another day. The one thing cancer can not take is your memories, the love you have for each other and for your beautiful mom, and the love your mom had for you!! I know she hated leaving you but there was nothing she could do to stop it. That makes me so sad. Keep your mom’s flame alive, keep her memory up front and alive and don’t let cancer take away the light your dear sweet mom put in each and every one of you! Jesus will hold you when you don’t feel Him at all, He’s there. We will pray for you kids every single day! We are so very sorry for what you are having to go through and it’s something that NO child should have to do or go through!!! Sarina was such a dear sweet lady! We loved when we would see her reffing a game. She loved life and she loved you kids with all her heart. There isn’t a word or phrase in the English language to explain how sorry we are for your loss and what you are going through Just know we are praying for you and thinking of you daily! All our Love, The Gonsioroski’s, Charlie, Katina, Hannah, and Hope

  30. What a wonderful human that I had the privilege to know and coach at mcc. God bless your family dear girl.

  31. Warren and kids, I am truly so sorry to hear about Serina. Wishing you all the love and strength you all need to get through this.

  32. I am so devastated to hear this news. We had a lot of great memories playing softball. You were always so sweet and kind. This shit is not fair! My heart goes out to your children and family. RIP Sarina…you will be dearly missed.

  33. Oh, this is so heartbreaking. I had the privilege of being there when you arrived. I got to hold you right after your mom and dad greeted you. You were the second in a long line of babies during my nursing career and you have always held a special place in my heart. Praying for all of the family.

  36. Venable family and friends. So sorry for your loss, Sarina was one of a kind, I didn’t know her like most did, but I will always remember how much fun we had at the baseball games! She was never afraid to yell and get involved ! The tournament in Gillette will always be my favorite, me and her figured out the other teams signs they were calling and it made them so so mad! Rest easy Sarina!

  37. Warren and Kids- I’ve been trying to find the words to express my feelings about losing Sarina and her significance to our family, especially my daughters… Words fail me. When my girls were with Sarina, I knew they were not just having fun but were also loved. My gratitude for her love towards them is boundless. They cherished going Rinas and adored Sarina and you all. Her smile and contagious laughter will be deeply missed. We are keeping you in our thoughts, and our prayers.

  38. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Sarina will be greatly missed.

  39. My deepest sympathy💔. Sarina was an incredibly special person. My heart is breaking to see this news.

  40. I’m so sorry, Warren and kids, for your loss. I didn’t know Sarina well, but could tell what a beautiful, special person she was based simply on what people said about her over the years. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

  41. Sarina was a fighter until the very end and her impact will forever live on through her children! May her memory be a blessing to all who are grieving.

  43. I’m very sorry to hear of this loss! My heart goes out to all the family, friends, and those kids. R.I.P. Sarina 🙏

  45. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.🙏 She was a strong and courageous woman. May her memories comfort you all during this difficult time.

  47. Prayers for all family and friends! She was a wonderful woman and mother and will carry on in the hearts of her children forever! So sorry for your loss

  49. We are so sorry for your loss. May God hold you in his arms during this time of sorrow.

  50. I am so sorry to hear of Sarina’s passing. She was always such a happy and vibrant person, and was always smiling and loving life. I am deeply sad for her grieving children and pray that they find comfort knowing their mother loved them so much. Peace be with you all, and to all of her grieving friends as well. Life certainly can be unfair.
    Ashlie (Corbin) Slunaker

  51. I knew Sarina when she referred the 4C Basketball tournaments & in School. My condolences go out to the Venable family. Rip my friend.

  52. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers! A beautiful soul gone much too soon. Your absence leaves a big void for so many. May God lift up your family and surround you all with peace and strength.

  53. Jeanie and family we are so sorry for your loss. We’ve prayed a long time for Sarina and God answered in his way. We’ll be thinking of you this weekend. Take care. Russ & Sarah Osmundson

  54. So saddened to hear of Sarina’s passing. She was such a giving and loving person and will be missed by so many. Keeping all of her family and friends in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time! 🙏

  55. So very, very sorry for your loss and my deepest sympathies go out to all of you. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.

  56. To the Venable family,
    Syra and I are very saddened by the news of Sarina’s passing. It is never easy to understand the why’s. Your mom was and always will be a cherished light to our community. Sending peace and comfort for you all in the days, weeks and years ahead. You know she loves you still.

  57. Sarina was a beautiful lady inside and out and such a beautiful soul gone much too soon! She will be deeply missed in this community. It was fun to get to know her through sports and travel teams and she was such a great mom! Her love and her legacy will live on in all her talented children she loved so much! Our deepest sympathies go out to all the Venable kids and family members and we are praying for all of you.

  58. Our thoughts and prayers to Sarina’s family and friends. She had a mega watt smile that lit up any place she was at. Both of us enjoyed working with her and watching her family grow over the years. She will truly be missed.

  59. I will always remember your smile and zest for life. Your legacy will carry on through your kids. You will be missed

  60. It is with a heavy heart to say goodbye to such a beautiful and positive woman in my extended family. My condolences to the children, siblings, friends, parents and grand parents…What a terrible loss at such a young age. Her strength and devotion will live on! It is obvious that she had a loving, and caring spirit and was well liked and respected. Her legacy will remain in the lives she touched. Rest in peace Sarina! ❤️🙏

  61. My thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies to the family. I didn’t know Sarina well, but well enough to know that she had the kindest heart and strongest spirit. She will be dearly missed.

  62. Condolences from the Ator family. I (We-Colstrip) hosted many games and tourneys where Sarina was the official. She always had a smile and loved being around the game. We loved our Class C Roots- The Whitewater Penquins and the Medicine Lake Honkers. Our boys competed against each other in middle school athletics and became friends. Again, condolences to all family members and the community of Miles City. She will be missed.

  63. Families of Serena,

    I was the basketball coach at Belt when we played Whitewater at the state tournament in 1992. We had won the state championship the previous year and were strong contenders for back-to-back state championships. That was until we played Whitewater and Serena Greene the first tournament game at Rocky Mountain College. Serena’s will to win and competitive spirit were the keys to beating us in the tournament’s first game. Our loss was mainly because of Serena. She was outstanding! I didn’t know she passed away until today when I read the article in the Billings Gazette about her son. I will remember her as a very good basketball player forever.

    Dennis Gerke
    Former Belt Husky Coach
    MCA HOF 2019

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