Mae Rehbein gained her wings on Sunday, January 29, 2017, at the Sidney Health Center. She will be remembered as a beautiful, kind, hardworking lady who deeply loved the Lord and her family.
Mae was born on August 2, 1924, in Kalispell, MT to Claude and Mary (McKenna) Edwards. She was raised by her older sister, Murle and her husband, Burdette Wohlfrom, at Canyon Creek, MT. Mae was treated as one of their own and blended with their three children, Lois, Jack, and Earl. She grew up and attended schools in the mountains near Canyon Creek, MT being part of a hard working family, learning good work ethics and responsibility. She attended Canyon Creek Elementary School and graduated from Helena High School in 1943. Mae loved to ski and would often reminisce about the good times with her family and her love of the mountains. In the spring of 1945, Mae met a young soldier who was on his way home from five years overseas. On October 27, 1945, Mae was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Rehbein at St. Cyril Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena, MT, always putting Christ first in their lives. From this union five daughters and a son were born in rural, remote beautiful Eastern Montana where they farmed and ranched.
Mae was a wonderful cook. She always had a big garden, canning, freezing, and wasting nothing. Mae loved her flowers, garden, and yard.
One of our fondest memories was getting home from school, after an hour bus ride, starving, running in the house, being greeted by the aroma of delicious fresh made bread and two large pans of cinnamon rolls! Mae often reminded her children that when God gave her six children to raise she was given a gift she would always hold in her heart and nothing could ever take that away.
They moved into Sidney in the fall of 1964, and Mae joined the work force. She worked at various businesses including Production Credit Association, Yellowstone Merc, Sidney Health Center, and Sidney Cable TV. Mae enjoyed working outside of the home meeting new people and making many new friends.
Mae took an active part in her faith and was involved in Grief Ministry and was a Eucharist Minister. She was also a dedicated member of the Women of the Moose for 45 years and was a past Deputy Grand Regent. Mae was an active member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary. She enjoyed volunteering with the Senior Companion Program and was always welcomed and loved by her companions. Mae and Bob really loved playing cards especially Whist and Pinochle. Both being blessed with a competitive nature, Mae was known to throw the cards across the table towards her husband, once in a while! Father Ned, our family Priest and friend for 50 plus years was one of the most welcomed players. All her kids and every grandchild inherited that fine quality of loving to playing cards! Time with her family was always cherished and all were always welcomed.
Mae is thankfully survived by: her daughters, Julie Rehbein and Patricia Rindahl both of Sidney, MT, Teresa (Dr. Tom) Melling, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, Tina (Al) Renner, Beach, ND, and Cecilia Iversen, Bozeman, MT; her son, Robert Rehbein, Riverton, WY; her brothers, Robert (Ann) Edwards, Polson, MT and Earl Wohlfrom, Canyon Creek, MT; 11 grandchildren, 20 Great Grandchildren, and 3 Great Great Grandchildren.
Mae is preceded in death by: her husband of 66 years, Robert “Bob” Rehbein, her grandson-John Rindahl, five sisters and two brothers.