Anna Bender Buchholz

Anna (Damm) Buchholz, 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 18, 2018, at Peace Hospice of Great Falls, MT. She was born on Feb. 23, 1925 to Peter and Mary Katherine "Katie" (Burback) Damm in Culbertson, MT, and was the youngest of 11 children. She grew up on a farm and attended school in Fairview, MT. One of her jobs on the farm was to herd milk cows on a horse. However, she didn't like horses, so her father ended up trading a horse for a bicycle.

In 1942, Anna met and married Fred Bender. They moved from Montana to Portland, OR in the height of WWII. While in Portland, Anna learned to weld an became a "Rosie the Riveter" working at the Portland Shipyards. After a short stay in Portland, Anna and Fred moved back to Fairview and were blessed with two daughters, Linda and Lila. After living in several places in Montana, they settled in Havre, where Anna worked at Woolworth's and Sacred Heart Hospital as a nurse's aide.

In 1960, Anna married Rubin Buchholz and had one daughter, Tammy. Anna and Rubin were married 49 years until Rubin's passing in 2009. Prior to retiring, Anna worked at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd. Shortly after Rubin's death, Anna moved to Great Falls to be closer to her daughter Linda.

Anna was a hard worker but also loved to have fun.   She enjoyed playing cards, crocheting and travel.   Anna was also a lifetime member of the Eagles.

Anna is survived by her daughters Linda (Dean) Urton of Great Falls, Lila Simmons of Hartshorne, OK, and Tammy (Rick) Kuepfer of McKinney, TX. Anna is also survived by her 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be at Highland Cemetery in Havre, MT, Nov. 29, 2018 at 1:00 PM. Many thanks to the caregivers. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Please visit Anna's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for her family at www.hollandbonine.com.