Irene Josephine Toavs

Irene Josephine Toavs (Rensvold), age 99, of Wolf Point, Montana, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026, after most all family made their way in to spend time with her. She was surrounded by the love of her family always and during her last days.

Irene was born on the 20th day of August 1926, the seventh child of eight children to Arthur and Josie (Felberg) Rensvold. She was born and raised on a farm about 15 miles north of Wolf Point, Montana. She attended Dryfork country school and graduated in 1945 from Wolf Point High School.

John was the love of her life from the time she was 6 years old when she first saw him at the wedding of his brother and her sister. When John returned home from the military, he and Irene began dating. They were married and moved a few miles from their childhood homes where they farmed and ranched together for 68 years. During their time together John and Irene truly enjoyed their family and an active and full life and were deeply connected to the land and the community. Irene spent her life embracing the values of faith, family, hard work, and kindness.

Through changing seasons and generations, the farm remained the center of family life and a place filled with love, laughter, and treasured memories. Irene was a devoted member of First Lutheran Church. Her faith was an important part of her life and guided her in her service to her family and community.

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

Irene is survived by her children: Cathy (Toavs) and Doug Madison; John A. Toavs Jr. and Patricia (Boulds) Toavs; Cheryl (Toavs) and Joe Ryan; and Kay (Toavs) Lovelace. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren, along with many other relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John A. Toavs; her parents, Arthur and Josie Rensvold; her son-in-law Travis Lovelace, her granddaughter-in-law Davonna Ryan, 3 great grandchildren-Zoey Kay Marie York, Enzo Ray Rucinsky, Finn Alexander Rucinsky, 7 siblings and their spouses and other loved ones who went before her. She was the last Aunt for the Rensvold and Toavs families and was the last surviving member of her high school class of 1945.

Irene's nearly one hundred years were marked by 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 Service will be held at First Lutheran Church on August 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM located at 415 Johnson Street in Wolf Point. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations to the First Lutheran Church would be very much appreciated.

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