Irene Josephine (Rensvold)Toavs, 99

Irene Josephine (Rensvold) Toavs, age 99, of Wolf Point, Montana, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026. She was surrounded by love, and most of her family was able to spend time with her in the last few weeks of her life.

Irene was born on the 20th of August 1926 and was the seventh of eight children born to Arthur and Josie (Felberg) Rensvold. She was born and raised on a farm 15 miles north of Wolf Point. She attended Dry Fork Country School and graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1945.

She met her husband, John, when she was 6 years old at the wedding of his brother and her sister. From that time on, he was the love of her life.

When John returned home from the military, they were married and moved a few miles north of their childhood homes, where they farmed and ranched together for 68 years. During their life together, John and Irene truly enjoyed their family and were deeply connected to the land and their community. Irene will always be remembered for her dedication to her faith, family, hard work, and kindness.

Through changing seasons and generations, the farm remained the center of family life. It was a place filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories. As a devoted member of the First Lutheran Church, she made her faith a central part of her life, and it helped guide her service to her family and the community.

Her greatest joy was her family, and she loved attending activities the kids were involved in. She loved gathering with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, creating cherished memories that will last generations. She loved playing games, gardening, sewing, and reading. Whether tending to her flowers, stitching something special, sharing a good book, baking, or cooking delicious meals, she found happiness in life's simple pleasures.

Irene is survived by her children: Kay (Toavs) Lovelace of Texas, Cheryl (Toavs) and Joe Ryan of Whitehall, Montana, John and Patricia Toavs of Wolf Point, and Cathy (Toavs) and Doug Madison of Wolf Point. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren, as well as many other relatives and friends who will dearly miss her loving smile.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John A. Toavs; her granddaughter-in-law, Davonna (Jody) Ryan; son-in-law, Travis Lovelace; granddaughter, Zoe York; and 7 siblings and their spouses. She was the last Aunt of the Toavs and Rensvold families and the last surviving member of the high school class of 1945.

Irene's nearly 100 years were marked by her dedication to her faith, devotion to her family and a lifetime of hard work and perseverance. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the values she passed on, and the countless lives she touched with her gentle spirit and loving heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Lutheran Church, 415 Johnson Street in Wolf Point, on August 1st at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to First Lutheran Church, which would be greatly appreciated.

"Well done, good and faithful servant" - Matthew 25:23