Evangeline (Vangie) Anna Rose Scott, 97, of Choteau, Montana passed away at Benefis Teton Medical Center on October 23, 2026 of natural causes.

Vangie was born in Choteau on August 13, 1929 to Clarence and Caroline (Carrie) Zgoda Rose of Pendroy, MT. Weighing barely 5 pounds, she was taken home in a shoebox and her first bed was an empty dresser drawer. Her father used to say he checked her constantly, in spite of a busy harvest season, watching her determination to establish a good life, which determination perhaps foreshadowed her chosen career as wife, mother, and nurse.

Vangie's mother passed away just before her 5th birthday and her father later married Isabel Brannigan. Soon after, Vangie was gifted with her baby brother, Joe.

Vangie attended Porter Bench and Bynum grade schools and graduated from Teton County High School in 1947. Being a country girl, she often road her horse to catch the school bus. She continued her education at Columbus Hospital School of Nursing in Great Falls, graduating in 1950.

After graduating nursing school, Vangie worked in delivery at Columbus Hospital in Great Falls, then St. Mary's Hospital in Conrad. She later moved to Chicago, IL to work at Mercy Hospital. While working in Chicago, Vangie was urged by the founders of Teton Memorial Hospital, which was just opening in Choteau, to return home. She did so and began working at the new hospital.

Vangie married Robert Scott on June 18th, 1952, after he returned from serving in the Korean War. They had five children, James (Candace) Scott, Caroline (Rodney) Cole, Barbara (Tim) Saylor, Patrick (Carla) Scott, and Theresa Scott (Rhonda).

Vangie continued working at Teton Memorial Hospital providing specialized care for patients, scrubbing for surgeries, and working in the nursery, all while raising her family. After retiring from her nursing career, Vangie worked side-by-side with her husband in the family-owned Gambles Hardware store in Choteau until their retirement in 1995.

Vangie was actively involved in many community organizations throughout her life. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church until her passing and participated in St. Joseph's CCW. She served on the Choteau Cemetery Board for many years and was a member of the VFW Auxiliary. She volunteered for many years at Red Cross blood drawings, Teton Nursing Home, and the Extended Care Unit at Teton Medical Center.

In addition to recognizing the importance of service to others, as evidenced by the countless hours she devoted to helping others, Vangie was always mindful of and grateful for the service others provided for her. She understood and appreciated the grace, blessings, and sense of community that come with living in a small town filled with caring, compassionate, and giving people. Vangie touched many lives throughout her journey on earth. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She has left a lasting mark on this world and will be deeply missed by many.

Vangie dearly loved her 10 grandchildren, the late Thorne Saylor, Laura Bishop, Stephanie Luscher, Rachel Harter, Brett Saylor, Brittany Underbrink, Anna Scott, Aric Scott, Joshua Halubka, and the late Jade Champagne. Vangie's 15 great-grandchildren include: Kaitlin Müeller; Jacob and Clara Bishop; Neely Saylor; Cole Luscher; Lane and Kyla Saylor; Sophia and Ava Underbrink; Axel and Jett Harter; the late Michael Sparks; and Devin and Sybastian Champagne; and Ky Halubka. Vangie also leaves behind three great-great grandchildren, Carla and Theo Müeller, and Henry Saylor.

Vangie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, and grandsons.

The rosary will be recited Friday, October 30, 7:00 pm at Frontier Funeral Home in Choteau. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, October 31, 11:00 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Frontier Funeral Home. Following burial at Choteau Cemetery, there will be a luncheon at the Stage Stop Inn.

Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph's Catholic Church Choteau, Choteau Senior Center, Choteau Volunteer Fire Department, or donor's choice.