Tesa Marie (Rhoads) Rein, 44, “went to heaven” Nov. 12, 2016,
Tesa was born on Jan. 22, 1972, to Rod and Vicki Rhoads in Wolf Point; shortly after, they moved to Malta where she spent her grade school years. The family then moved to Kalispell where she graduated from Kalispell High.
In 1991 she stayed up west for the next six years working, going to school, having fun, and giving birth to her first son (Tyler) in 1993. Then in 1997 Tesa and Tyler moved to Laurel to be with family. There she received her certified nursing assistant certification and worked at nursing homes in Billings and Laurel, a job she dearly loved. She loved every patient like they were family. It was a perfect job for Tesa; she had such a big heart and tons of love to give.
In 2000 Tesa was blessed with her son Zachary. With two big boys now, times got tough but she never weakened. She always had time for the boys and nearly every weekend you could find them at the river fishing — a true passion of Tesa’s that was passed down from her Grandma Nanny. A very familiar site to all that knew her was Tesa in a lawn chair, fishing pole and can of beer. This site also attracted an avid hunter and fisherman, Darin Rein; now every weekend was full of hunting or fishing. Shortly after, came boy number three, appropriately named Hunter. They were married in 2011 and that began her addiction to camouflage. Pink camo became her new dress of choice. Tesa was always content with what she had; she always put everyone else’s needs and feelings before hers, always greeting you with a hug, big smile, and a hearty laugh.
About a year ago, Tesa was reacquainted with an old high school friend, Ed Stefanatz of Kalispell. It looked like they had everything in common. Ed loved the outdoors and enjoyed taking Tesa and the boys hunting. Tesa was really happy being back in Kalispell and that was where she was making her new home. We all love her and miss her very much.
Tesa is survived by her grandmother, Darlene “Nanny’ Rhoads (Clayton); father, Rodney Rhoads (Linda); sister, Tacy Schuchard (Shane); brother, Tad; her sons Tyler and Hunter; and several nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather Zeke Rhoads, grandparents Edna and Einar Kolden, and mother Vicki Rhoads.
Thank you to all our relatives and friends for your love and support.
A memorial fund for her son Hunter, who survived the accident, will be set up at Yellowstone Bank in Laurel.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at Smith Chapel at 315 E. 3rd, Laurel, Montana. A reception will follow.