Winifred Richert

Winifred June Richert was born June 15, 1923 in Reedsburg, Wisconsin to Albert and Hazel (Kleeber) Hirst.



After graduating from Reedsburg High School in 1941 in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, her nurturing spirit led her to care for relatives and farming neighbors in childbirth and postpartum care. Winifred and Harold Richert promised to love and cherish in their wedding vows on August 26, 1944. She devoted her life to her husband of nearly 67 years and the seven children they brought into this world. One of Winifred and Harold's grandest adventures began when they moved their family across the prairie to the front range of the Rocky Mountains, settling in the Farmington community of Choteau, Montana.



Winifred's joy of reading, artistic creations, fishing, gardening, and providing a good nutritious meal has been passed down to her cherished children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her greatest joys was having her big family gathered togeather sharing in laughter and love. Winifred's commitment to childcare influenced her to become a foster parent. She and Harold were caregivers for numerous children in Teton County.



Winifred's devotion to family was evident in her community involvement. She was a 4-H project leader and supported 4-H chapters in Wisconsin and Montana. In the 1970's, Winifred assisted the Choteau School Superintendent and Choteau families in beginning Special Education in the Teton County School District. SHe served on the Farmington School Board and was an election judge for that district for many years. She also served on the Choteau Activities Board. She and Harold were Among the founding families of Choteau Activities Inc.



Dedicated to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Winifred supported her church family, too. She led the Woman's Group at Trinity Lutheran Church a number of years and helped sew countless quilts for the World Relief women and children.



Winifred is survived by her daughter Sandra Morris of Choteau, Mt; daughter Laura Richert of Spokane, WA; daughter Joan Betschart of Great Falls. MT; Son Michael Richert and his wife Kim of Fairfield, MT; daughter Rosalie Greener and her husband Mike of Calgary, Alberta; son John Richert of Choteau, MT; son Peter Richert and his wife Ana of Great Falls, MT; foster son John Fishbaugh and his wife Shawn of Vaughn, MT; her sister Wanda Fisher of Meridian, ID; 19 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.