Ellen Rene Arntson

Ellen Rene Arntson passed away at her home in the presence of her loving family on June 19, 2018. She was 85 years old. Ellen was born September 21, 1932 in Butte, Montana to Helen and Joe Harstead. She was the youngest of three children. She was raised in Butte and graduated from Girls Central High School in 1950. She then attended Seattle University in Seattle, Washington. She began her working career as a secretary at GMAC and then moved on to Metals Bank in Butte. She married Roger Arntson, also of Butte, August 29, 1959. They moved to Great Falls, Montana, in 1971 where they raised their three children, Tony, Joanie, and John. After years as a stay-at-home mom, Ellen returned to work as a legal secretary for Howard Burton. She then moved to Fordhal, Fletcher, Wolter & Associates as an officer manager where she would retire from in 1997. Ellen loved watching sports and playing bridge. She also enjoyed working out at the Peak and golfing and traveling with her husband. However, her true joy was following her children and grandchildren as they competed in sports, music recitals, and many other activities. A devout Catholic, Ellen was an active member of both St. Luke’s and St. Ann’s parish. She also was active in many of the local youth sports organizations supporting her children’s endeavors. Ellen is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, her three children and their spouses, Tony (Robyn) Arntson of Helena, Joanie (Jeff) Agamenoni of Great Falls, and John (Tracy) Arntson of Clackamas, Oregon. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Rylee, Troy, Edin, Ryan, Adam, and Ava. Also surviving Ellen is her brother Joe Harstead of Butte. She is preceded in death by her brother Pat Harstead and her grandson Jake Arntson. Ellen’s funeral vigil will be held Friday, June 22nd at Hillcrest Lawn Mausoleum (1410 13th St. South, Great Falls, MT 59405) at 7:00pm and funeral liturgy on Saturday, June 23rd at St. Ann’s Cathedral (715 3rd Ave North, Great Falls, MT 59401) at 1:00 pm. To honor Ellen, we ask that any donations be made to the Jake Arntson Memorial Fund at the GFPS Foundation. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.