Vivian Vance
courtesy photo
Vivian Vance
RONAN — Vivian Bjorgen Vance, of Ronan, passed away on Oct. 21, 2021, at the age of 93 at the St. Luke Extended Care Facility in Ronan. Vivian was born June 2, 1928, in Ross, North Dakota, daughter of Oscar and Louise Bjorgen. She grew up on a farm in North Dakota, east of Westby, Montana. Her mom passed away when she was only eight, leaving her in charge of her three younger brothers. She took her obligation seriously, continuing to “be the boss” long after her brothers thought it was necessary. She attended school in Westby, combining her sophomore, junior and senior years in two years to graduate early.
She met Harold Vance, who came from Seattle to work in the area on his brother-in-law and sister’s farm and after a whirlwind courtship, married on June 2, 1947, on her birthday at the age of 19. They then moved to Ronan and lived in the Ronan and Polson area, raising their three children, Danny, Barb, and Darlene in the North Crow countryside. Mom loved decorating and planning new homes, flower beds and gardens.
She was a stay-at-home mom, but loved meeting new people and visiting, which led to two part-time jobs. Writing a “what’s new in the neighborhood” column for the Ronan Pioneer and selling Avon. She also loved taking pictures and would carry her camera to every event. She filled many photo albums, which she loved to share with anyone who came to visit.
Vivian is preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Louise Bjorgen; her husband, Harold; her son, Danny; and her brothers, Bobby, Clair, and Lyle Bjorgen.
She is survived by her children, Barb (Bill) Foust of Ronan and Darlene (Don) Wells of Hope, Idaho; 10 grandchildren, Heidi (Justin) Wasia, Jesse Vance, Cara Vance, Tamara (Dave) Sagmiller, Jason (Amy) Foust, Justin (Liz) Foust, William (Lindsay) Foust, Amy (Brian) Pfaff, Ben Wells, Michael (Amie) Wells; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Pearl Bjorgen and Anita Bjorgen and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at The Lake Funeral Home, Polson, with burial to follow at the Ronan Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.shriderthompson.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home.
