Eva K. Schwehr

Eva K. Schwehr, 94, of Billings, passed away Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015, at St. Vincent Healthcare.

She was born in Schefield, N.D., on Dec. 15, 1920, a daughter to Gregor and Anna (Wandler) Selinger. Eva was raised in Schefield and graduated from St. Pius High School there. After receiving her teaching certificate from Dickinson State Teachers College, she taught in a one-room school, where she met Phil, also a teacher in the same district. She later taught at Cherry Butte School near Regent.

Eva and Phil, her forever love, were married in Belfield, N.D., on June 11, 1942. They moved to Bremerton, Wash., where Phil worked in the shipyards. While in Bremerton, Phil and Eva welcomed the birth of their first two sons. After the war ended, they returned to North Dakota for several years, where Phil taught and Eva raised their expanding family, now four sons and one daughter. Phil's accounting job took them to Billings in 1952, where three more sons were born.

In addition to raising eight children, Eva was a custodian at St. Pius X Church and school, did housekeeping and cooking for the parish priests for several years, played the organ for church services for 40 years, and was active in Altar Society. She loved her garden and flowers, quilting, music and walking with friends.

Eva was a wonderful, loving, selfless woman whose strong faith helped her though both good and lean times. Eva's deep and abiding love for Phil, family and the Lord was shown by her kindness, generosity, ready smile and great hugs.

Eva was preceded in death by Phil, her parents, all her brothers and sisters, and one great-grandchild. Survivors include eight children, Charles (Margo) of Bismarck, N.D., Ronald and Dennis (Diane) of Thompson Falls, James (Karen) of Mebane, N.C., Peggy (Greg) of Billings, Tim (Irene) of Hayden, Idaho, Ray (Sherrie) of Yakima, Wash., Jeff of Denver; 18 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Also surviving are Phil's family: brothers Richard (Sibyl) of Sarasota, Fla., John (Loretta) of Billings and Robert (Judy) of Boise, Idaho; sister Mary Ann of Billings; sisters-in-law Dorathy of Santa Clara, Calif., and Shirley of Billings.

A vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. Funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at St. Pius X Church. Rite of committal will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Pius x Church, 717 18th St. W., Billings, MT 59102.