Ambrose Phalen, 71, of Helena, passed away Monday, May 19, 2008, at St. Peter’s Hospital surrounded by his family.
Ambrose was born April 7, 1937, to Lillian Holst Phalen and Johnny Phalen, south of Havre in the Bears Paw Mountains. He spent most of his life on the family ranch. In 1984, he married Peggy Findley. They bought a ranch in White Sulphur Springs where they ranched until 1999. They moved to a smaller place near Helena where Ambrose continued to raise his prize Angus cattle. He enjoyed helping his neighbors, rodeos, brandings and all things connected with ranch life. Ambrose was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Margaret. He is survived by his wife, Peggy; daughters, Sonia (Cody) Powell, Julie (Tom) Shumaker and Chris Findley (Pete Corcoran); his grandchildren, Allison and Brit Powell, Jacob (Kate) and Shiloh Corcoran, and Charity and Gunnar Shumaker; and a special godchild, Megan O’Neill. He will be so missed by all who loved him. A viewing will be held from 5 until 7 p.m Friday, May 23, 2008, at Retz Funeral Home in Helena with a vigil service at 7 p. m. Friday at Retz Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 24, 2008, at the Cathedral of St. Helena. Burial of Ambrose’s cremains will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Ambrose’s behalf to St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic School in Havre or to St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church in White Sulphur Springs. To offer a condolence or to share a memory of Ambrose, please visit www.mem.com.
