Ileene Tolstedt

Ileene Opal Tolstedt, 89, resident of St. Johns, passed away peacefully, Sunday, December 19, 2010, with family by her side. Ileene was born on November 3, 1921 in Alva, Oklahoma to her parents Opal and Grover Bean. She was later adopted by Leon Sensiba, who she considered her father throughout her lifetime. Ileene was the first born, having one younger sister, May “Dude” and one younger brother, Bill. While growing up, Ileene lived in Oklahoma, Colorado and Montana. Ileene married Donald Arthur Tolstedt in Astoria, Oregon, in 1942, while Don served in the US Coast Guard. They raised three children, Patricia, Don and Mike. Ileene lived most of her married life in Glasgow and Billings. After Dons death, Ileene lived with family in Anchorage, Alaska and Issaquah, Washington. In 2002, Ileene settled in Billings, making St. Johns Chapel Court and Rimview Square her home. In her early twenties, Ileene worked at the Bremerton Ship Yards in Washington State during WWII, making artillery shells. While married, Ileene worked as a clerk at JC Penney in Glasgow, being very proud of her artistic window displays. Even though Ileene had numerous professions during her lifetime, her biggest accomplishment was raising her children with loving care. Ileene loved her family above all else and was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ileene was a talented artist, loving to paint, especially in oils. Many of her paintings are proudly displayed in the homes of her children and grandchildren. Ileene donated numerous beautiful paintings to the Senior Citizen Center in Issaquah, Washington, for all to enjoy. Ileene loved to read her Bible, which gave her much comfort. She was prayerful, spiritual and ready to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ileene was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; sister, Dude Jackson; brother, Bill Sensiba and son, Don. Ileene is survived by her daughter, Patricia (Frank) Beauchman of Sun River, Montana; son, Mike (Diana) Tolstedt of Billings; daughter-in-law, Jeri Tolstedt, of Issaquah, Washington; grandchildren Tammy Beauchman, Donald J. (Mindy) Tolstedt, Tiffany (Kasey) Krohn, Casey Tolstedt, Riley Tolstedt, Max Tolstedt; great-grandchildren Adam Beauchman, Kolby Krohn, Donny Tolstedt; special niece, Rhonada McClarnon and numerous nieces and nephews. Ileenes daughter, Patricia and son, Mike, would like to thank the staff of Chapel Court and Rimview Square for all the wonderful, loving care they gave their mother during the 8 years she called St. Johns home. Ileene dearly loved the staff and always had a special smile and “twinkle in her eye” just for them. Ileenes family was comforted knowing Ileene lived within a nurturing environment of hope, dignity and love. Memorials: Memorials may be made to St. Johns Lutheran Ministries or charity of your choice. Service: A memorial service for Ileene will be held Monday, December 27, at 1:00 pm. at the Kathy Lillis Chapel at the Lillis Center on the St. Johns Ministries Campus.