Annette J. Vander Ven, 66, passed away due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident on Saturday, October 7, 2017.  Cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2017, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church with Deacon Timothy Maroney officiating.

Annette was born on September 30, 1951, in Longview, WA, to Tom and Phyllis (Johnson) Bowers. She lived at various Air Force bases around the world where her step-father was stationed. Annette's family moved to Havre at the beginning of her senior year in high school. Annette graduated from Havre High School in 1969, and married Peter Vander Ven in 1971 at St. Jude Catholic Church in Havre.  The couple had three children. In 1986, Annette graduated from Northern Montana College with a Bachelor's degree in education. She received her Master's degree in computer science from Montana State University-Billings in 2001.

Early in her children's lives, Annette stayed home and cared for them. Annette began her teaching career first as a substitute for Havre Public Schools and later at the East End Colony. Annette taught math and computer science at Aaniiih Nakoda College in Fort Belknap, where she remained until her retirement in 2015. Soon after retirement, Annette began working for Bearly Square Quilt Shop to finance her quilting hobby.

Annette enjoyed sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, and was a voracious reader.  As a natural teacher, Annette enjoyed enriching children's lives as a 4-H Leader, a soccer and softball coach to her children.  Annette shared her skills and talents with family and friends alike. She adored her beloved grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father Tom Bowers; her brother Steve Thayer; and her close friend Paula Vaughn.

Annette is survived by her husband Peter Vander Ven of Havre; her son Brian (Mindy) Vander Ven of Ithaca, NY; her daughters Sarah (Michael) Mogilnicki of Olathe, KS, and Julie (Ryan Maul) Vander Ven of Brush, CO; her many grandchildren; her mother Phyllis Lotton of Florence, OR; her two brothers; her two sisters; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends.

Annette's family has suggested memorial donations to Havre Hill County Library, 402 3 ^rd Street, Havre, MT 59501, to the Allen J. Lynch Medal of Honor Foundation, 1807 S. Washington Street, Ste 110, #359, Naperville, IL  60565, or to the charity of the donor's choice.