Eunice Wiens

Eunice Vaughn Toavs Wiens 84, of Lustre died on Jan. 3, 2023, at her home.

She was born Aug. 20, 1938, in Wolf Point to Frank and Selma Toavs. She was the second of nine children. She attended Victory School through eighth grade, then attended and graduated valedictorian of her class from Lustre Bible Academy. She attended St. Paul Bible College and Montana State College.

On July 10, 1958, she married William Wiens. She and Bill had four children: Kayleen, Charlotte “Charlie”, Russ and Baron. They were married for 64 years.

While helping Bill farm, she would bring her quilting with her. Many times, she could be found cutting out quilts or appliqué pieces while waiting for her next truck trip. For eight years, she was the cook for the students and staff at Lustre Grade School. After retiring from cooking, she pursued her love of quilting.

She was a self-taught quilter who became well-known in eastern Montana because of the many bazaars and local fairs in which she participated. Several quilts were featured in quilting magazines. Many women learned quilting through the annual quilting retreats she organized and classes she taught throughout the years.

Of the many quilts she finished, the majority went to her family. Her children received quilts when they graduated from high school and college or when they married. Her grandchildren received quilts upon birth, when they turned age 10, upon graduation and finally when they married or turned 30 years old — whichever came first.

Having twice gone through breast cancer, she had a special place in her heart for those suffering from cancer. People she knew who had cancer received a cancer quilt from her. In addition, she donated many charity quilts to the Denver Children’s Hospital, the Mayo Clinic, Nicole’s Legacy, Lustre Christian High School and many other organizations. At times, she donated as many as 115 quilts in a year.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Pauline Krahn; and one brother, Arlynn Toavs.

She is survived by her husband, William Wiens; children, Kayleen Fagerstrom, Charlotte “Charlie” Pflieger, Russell Wiens and Baron Wiens; 13 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life was held March 26 at the EMB Church in Lustre.