Chloe Eleanor Roosma

ROOSMA — Chloe Eleanor (McEvers), 94; born Jan. 21, 1920, Estevan, Saskatchewan, Canada; died Aug. 25, 2014, Hot Springs, Mont. Surviving: sons, Sam and Dirk, both of Hot Springs; Lou, Walla Walla, Wash.; Tom, Eastsound, Wash.; 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Chloe Eleanor (McEvers) Roosma was born to Levi and Edna (Marks) McEvers. Chloe had five siblings, three sisters, and two brothers, all of whom proceding her in death.

Chloe had a love for learning at an early age. It eventually led her to Glendale, Calif., from 1942–1945 in quest for her RN degree. Graduating from Walla Walla University in College Place, Wash., in 1947 brought this goal to completion. Soon after graduating, she married Minne Roosma.

They became the proud parents of four sons, Samuel, Dirk, Louis and Thomas and a daughter, Ava Norine, who survived only 9 days after birth. What a joy to have four little boys so close in age. In 1949 they moved to Spokane, Wash., then on to Meridian, Idaho in 1950 and settled in Hot Spings, Mont., in 1951.

Chloe continued her education at Sacred Heart in Spokane, Wash., for nurse anesthetists, in 1957–1958. She worked at the Hot Springs Hospital for 18 years. She was the hospital administrator for several years until the hospital closed. She continued her career at the St. Joseph Hospital in Polson, Mont., until her retirement in 1986.

Besides having her nursing career, Chloe was a wonderful wife to Minne for almost 66 years. She was a proud and supportive mother to her four boys and their wives, Sam and Diana, Dirk and Tammy, Louis and Laurie, and Thomas and Kathy. She loved her family and love when they would come back for a visit. It was always a highlight to have everyone together. She had a special gift at being Grandma to eight grandchildren, Trisha, Shelby, Traci, Chelsea, Jordan, Savannah, Casey and Justin. Her gift of being a great-grandmother kept on giving, as give great-grandchildren came along. Colten, Kaylee, Meghan, Bryce and Gemma. How very blessed we all have been to have had the privelege of having her in our lives. The love she shared with each of us and the time she always had for all will be greatly missed. It was always fun at Grandma's house.

Chloe had a great love for gardening and yard. She had the most beautiful flower gardens in the summer. Between the cosmos, dahlias, gladiolus and marigolds, there was never a short-age of glowers to pick with her. She was alaways will to share the flowers with anyone who needed cheering. Her home cooked meals three times a day, with her fresh baked dilly bread was always a treat. She also had a mind that could remember the smallest details, which kept her extremely organized and faithful in remembering every birthday and holiday without fail. Her letters to her family, weekly or monthly, helped keep her connected to those she loved. Her willingness to care for the many daily tasks without complaint was an example to those around her. She always had a kind way of sharing tidbits of advice when you were around and making it very practical to follow. There was a certain time when Grandma Chloe came to visit in her car and pulling up close to our newly purchased pick-up, one of the children baled out and banged the door into Grandma Chloe's car, causing damage. Needless to say, Mamma wasn't happy with you know who! But Grandma Chloe gently and wisely said, "What is more important, the vehicle or the sweet little person?" Her kind ways and practical advice will always be remembered.

Chloe also spent time volunteering and leading out in the Community Center (Dorcus/Free Store) that her church, the Seventh-day Adventist operate. Every Monday she would go and help at the center until she wasn't able to, dur to her declining health. She was a member of the Friends of the Library in Hot Springs. After retirement she and Minne would travel to places that were building churches and schools and volunteer their time and talents. Chloe was active in her church, teaching Bible classes, playing the piano and organ on a weekly basis. She loved sharing her love for music. She passed that on to her four boys who played multiple instruments that include the trombone, accordion, baritone, steel guitar and violin. She even helped in giving music lessons to her grandchildren or helping pay for their lessons. She thought that music was a very important part of learning.

Thank you Mom, Grandma and Great-Grandma, for being such a special person in each of our lives. It was a better place because of you.