Vonee Lee Porteen

Vonee Lee (Hauge) Porteen, 84, passed away on Friday, Oct. 28, 2016, at her winter home in Gold Canyon, Ariz., after a long struggle with cancer.

She was born to Harry and Anna Hauge at Minot, N.D. She married Carlo Porteen on Aug. 16, 1983, in Glasgow, Mont. Her children are Greg Rhoads of Spring Branch, Texas, and Connie Rorvik of Apache Junction, Ariz. Her stepchildren include Jay Porteen of Livingston, Jennifer Pattison and Erika Bengochea of Glasgow. Many grand and great-grandchildren are a part of Vonee and Carlo's circle of extended family.

She was preceded in death by a son, Ronnie; a sister, Joyann Morin; and her parents, Harry and Anna Hauge.

She was raised as part of a rural Van Hook, N.D., farm family, which includes a brother, Keith Hauge of Austin, Texas; three sisters, Arlyss Long of Wolf Point, Deanie Grendahl of Newcastle, Wyo., and AnnaMae Paulsen of Minot; and numerous nieces and nephews will miss their auntie Vonee.

She acquired friendships with her quiet disposition and good looks. She was eager to share stories of her childhood farm life and always spoke with pride about her family and parents. She had the farm girl talent for gardening, growing all varieties of flowers and vegetables and sharing her harvest with neighbors, friends and family.

She was an avid reader and was happy to pass on names of great authors and books she came across. She appreciated Western artwork and jewelry and had a special interest in horse sculpture.

Her respect of Native American culture, beadwork and horsemanship was something she spoke of often. She was an accomplished horsewoman who roped and rode in various rodeo and Roping Club events. The toughs said she was a better-than-good heeler. She revered her horse, Skip, and admired good horses and faster cowgirls.

She once said if the event has a stop watch, she would be there. She developed a love of team sports, especially track and field events, old-timers softball, baseball (Go Cubbies) and spring training in Arizona, which got her there in the first place with Carlo's persuasion and no snow.

Traveling was limited due to her health, but she said she would go back to Montana when the snow banks were gone, and she did!

A memorial service will be held in Glasgow at a date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers to honor Vonee Lee's legacy, feel free to donate to "Habitat for Humanity," 1617 1st Ave. North, Billings, MT 59101, 406-652-0960.