Hazel Toavs

Hazel L. Pickthorn Toavs, 95, died July 27, 2022.

She was born April 5, 1927, to Lewis and Elsie Pickthorn in Bainville. She had three brothers, Chet, Lyle, Gayle, and one sister, Gloria.

She attended grade school in Bainville, then moved to Wolf Point where she met and married Frank Toavs in 1947. They had two sons, Garry and Michael.

In 1949, they moved to Saint Ignatius where they ranched until retirement in 1986. On the ranch they raised cattle chickens and had a trout pond. She enjoyed gardening and had blue ribbon flower and vegetable gardens as well as orchards. On their ranch, they were self-sufficient long before being self-sufficient was cool.

She was a strong Christian woman. Her faith was important to her. She was very active in the churches they attended in Saint Ignatius, Ronan, Arlee and Bigfork. ShHe was involved in women’s ministry. Most recently, she attended Adventure Church in Kalispell.

After retiring from ranching, they moved to Bigfork and resided there since. After Frank’s death seven years ago, she remained in their home until recently.

She was an avid reader and continued gardening and caring for her own lawn even up to this summer.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially the “littles.”

She is survived by eight grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 21 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her two brothers, sister, and husband, Frank.