Alvina "Vina" Stroop

Alvina Vina Stroop, 88, of Great Falls, passed away on Saturday, December 19, 2014, after a lengthy battle with osteoporosis, at Peace Hospice.Vina was born on June 4, 1926 in Stockett, Montana to Edwin and Margurite (Sarzin) Erickson. She lived on a ranch with her grandparents off and on since she was born where she would babysit Bill and Joanne Shirley. Her grandfather was head electrician for Cottonwood Cooley Mine Company.She married Jack Stroop in 1948 they divorced and then got remarried 9 months later in Great Falls. She never got over Jack, he was her true love.She loved to help people and was always there for anybody. She donated her time every Tuesday at the Rescue Mission for the clothing giveaway. She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene.Vina is survived by her daughter Jacqueline Henry of Great Falls; granddaughter Emily Stroop, her pride and joy whom she helped raise; son-in-law Bruce Skaggs of Great Falls; special cousins Bill and Joanne Shirley of Great Falls; sisters-in-law Ruth and Judy Stroop both of Great Falls; and numerous nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her daughter Janice Skaggs; sister, Anna Leah Dolena; and her parents.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Great Falls Rescue Mission, 326 2nd Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405.