Eileen Foust, 64

Eileen "Ike" (Pierce) Foust, painter and wildlife artist died on August 29th, 2021, at the VA Medical Center in Helena, Montana from complications of a rare neuromuscular disease. Most knew her by the name "Ike,'' a nickname bestowed upon her by a high school art teacher. Ike is survived by her husband, Timothy Foust, daughter Shawna (Foust) Amidon, sons Dedrick and Joshua Selensky. Also, survived by her mother Barbara Peters, and siblings Ronald (Susan) Pierce, Robert (Sue) Pierce, Randy (Laura Jean) Pierce, and Kathleen (Michael) Cashell, and numerous nieces and nephews; Courtney Cashell, Katie and Sean Pierce, JR and Jesse Pierce, and Adam, Amber, and Tyler Pierce.

Eileen was born on February 17th, 1957, in Salem, Oregon to Barbara (Borden-Flynn) and Richard Pierce Jr., and was the eldest of six children. She grew up in Opportunity, Montana and graduated from Anaconda High School in 1975. As a "Wild Child" of the 60's and 70's, she enjoyed riding horses, raising farm animals, picking chokecherries and gooseberries, loved drawing, and adored dogs, especially Alaskan Malamutes.

Ike had a natural, instinctive, ability for creating artwork – she was self-taught. Her artistic gift came from a long line of ancestors, it was in her DNA. She perfected her art techniques over her lifetime, by spending countless hours painting and drawing. During her life, she won numerous awards and art contests. While in high school, she won an art award for her rendition of the "new" Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

After high school, she worked in oil field explorations as a Driller's helper and DoodleBugger. At the age of 23, she experienced a romantic "Casablanca-like love story" when she met a rugged, tall man named Tim Foust, an oil Driller from Texas. It was love at first sight. One evening, before turning for home, the tall Texan walked across the parking lot, embraced the beautiful, blue eyed, young blonde lady and delivered 'the kiss' that commenced in their courtship. "Here's looking at you kid, I'll see you when I come back from Texas," he said, before driving his big rig into the setting sun.

Eileen and Tim Foust were married in Stephens, Texas in 1981, and recently celebrated their wedding anniversary on August 19th. By the time the oil boom of the eighties was over, she followed the footsteps of her brother, Richard Pierce III, and enlisted in the Navy. Ike was stationed in Chesapeake, Virginia. During her naval career, she won several accommodations awards from her commanding officers and squadron leaders. After serving four years, she was honorably discharged. Ike and Tim moved to Montana sometime in 1993 and both enrolled in Montana Tech. Ike graduated with honors, with a degree in Technical Writing.

Montana is where Ike's heart was buried. She always loved living here. Her love affair with wildlife began in grade school and she never wavered. Her witty ways and love of nature were always evident. Ike was like a fast, burning flame that lit up whenever she found someone to talk with about her art. In later years, she became an avid reader, and liked fantasy books best. She grew beautiful flowers, raised a vegetable garden, and even occasionally made homemade chokecherry wine. A few weeks ago, Ike received Grand Champion and a Best of Show art awards at the Sheridan County Fair.

In 2013, Ike and Tim moved from Texas to Silver Star, MT. where she spent her final years as a self-employed wildlife artist. Her "Gorilla" painting found its way into Jane Goodall's life and her wildlife artwork graces the walls of her siblings' homes. Ike's paintings brought joy to all who had the pleasure of viewing and her paintings found appreciative audiences in Montana, Texas, Virginia, and beyond. Ike's artwork lives on with her family and can be viewed on her FB page.

Eileen, your life was a beautiful masterpiece in the making – your show doesn't end here...Your family and friends will never forget your true beauty and indelible spirit. Rest In Peace, Sissy.

Eileen is preceded in death by our brother, Richard Pierce III, Richard Pierce -father, and stepfather Dr. Bernard Peters, and stepson Chanc Foust.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Copper Village Art Museum in Anaconda, Montana.

On behalf of the Pierce, Cashell and Foust families, a special thank you to all the staff at Tobacco Root Mountain Care Center in Sheridan, MT and VA Medical Center in Helena, MT and Simple Cremation Montana for all your kindness, loving care, and friendship you so freely gave to my sister. Cremation has taken place and a private memorial will commence later.