Ann Renee Drew, of Butte Montana, passed away peacefully at dawn on March 23, 2023 with family by her side. Ann had green eyes, a green thumb and a heart of gold.
Ann was born on January 21,1945, in Westby, Wisconsin, to Ivan and Rosalie Schye. She was the oldest of 4 siblings. Ann had a wonderful childhood growing up on a farm, surrounded by family and friends. She was especially close with her grandmother Bertha Fremstad. Westby is a small Norwegian town full of rich culture, heritage, and tradition. Ann lovingly shared those traditions with her daughters and grandchildren.
Ann attended The University of Wisconsin La Crosse and graduated with a degree in Library Science. She was active in the Alpha Xi Delta sorority. There she met and married the love of her life, Douglas Drew. Doug was in the process of getting his PhD and pursuing teaching positions, which took the couple around the world. Ann spent a year in Norway, which was one of her fondest memories. She also lived in Wyoming, California, Iowa, Rhode Island, New Orleans, and Montana.
Ann taught English and held several library positions in various places, including Head Librarian at the city library in Laramie, Wyoming, before making Butte her home in 1977. She worked at the Butte Public Library with joyful dedication for 27 years, the last 15 years as Executive Director, retiring in 2007. After retiring, Ann and Doug enjoyed traveling to many destinations around the world, including Australia, Italy, and Alaska.
Ann was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, wife, and loyal friend. She loved reading, soaking up the sun, gardening, walking, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren, and her dogs. Ann was a dedicated member of the Drama Study Bookclub, one of the oldest bookclubs in Butte. She was a member of the Gold Hill Lutheran Church. She gave back passionately to her community. Ann was active in the Butte Kiwanis Club, she volunteered at the Butte Food Bank, and donated her time at the Butte Archives. You could always find Ann with an extra bag for picking up litter on her daily walks. Ann will be greatly missed by all.
Ann is survived by her husband, Douglas Drew of Butte. Her daughter Julie Funke, son-in-law Jeff, and their children Conner, Jordan and Sophia of Morgantown WV. Her daughter Jessica Carr, son-in-law Ben, and their daughter Drew of Butte MT. Her siblings Jon and his wife Patsy Schye, Susan and her husband Stanley Dodge and Paul Schye and their families. The families of the late Jack and Joyce Drew. Her sister-in-law Barbara Hillestad and Erik Hillestad. She was proceeded in death by her parents Ivan and Rosalie Schye. Her in-laws Donald and Edith Drew. Her brother-in-law Larry Drew and brother-in-law Jack Drew and his wife Joyce Drew. Her sister-in-law Meredith(the late wife of Paul Schye).
A celebration of life will be held for her from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. on July 19th, 2023, at the Grand Event Room above Quarry Brewing, located at 124 W. Broadway, Butte, MT, 59701.
Please send memorials in honor of Ann to the Butte Food Bank 1019 E. 2nd St. Butte, 59701.
To leave a condolence or share a memory of Ann, please visit below.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation services is privileged to care for Ann and her family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
Wednesday July 19, 2023
Grand Event Room above Quarry Brewing
124 W. Broadway St.
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M.
Wednesday July 19, 2023
Grand Event Room above Quarry Brewing
124 W. Broadway St.
Butte, Montana 59701
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Eileen Eamon says
I worked at the Butte Public Library when Ann was director from 1993 to 1998. I always thought she was a very nice lady and a very good director. She was also very knowledgeable about library science. She was the person that hired me and I enjoyed my time at BPL. I am sorry to hear that she has passed away. My condolences to her daughters and Doug. Rest in peace, Ann.
Eileen Eamon
Thomas Colin Wiborg says
I enjoyed the friendship with Ann and Doug when they stayed in Norway in 1971-72. We had a fine time together! Ann’s grandmother also visited us an I remember how well she spoke the Norwegian dialect from Gudbrandsdalen. After they returned to US. I had visited them in New Orleans and in Westby and I was very well taken care of. There are so many dear memories of Ann and also of Doug which I treasure very much. Rest in peace Ann!
Julie Tresidder says
Doug, Julie, and Jessica.
Your mom was a beautiful lady who will be missed by all. It was an honor to be a part of her care at The Springs of Butte. Sending love and healing prayers to you all.
Julie Tresidder
Steve McGrath says
I offer my sincere condolences to Doug and the family. Ann was a lovely person, and her passing leaves a hole in many hearts.
Mike Lawson says
Dear Doug and girls,
Annette and my sincere condolences during this sad time of losing Ann. Ann was such a precious member of the Gold Hill Church family. She was one of the librarians and a member of the choir. We’ve missed you all due to covid and the church fire. Please let me or anyone at Gold Hill, what we can do or help during this sad time. We’re family in Christ and our prayers are with you.
Mary Buckley Dolezal says
Dear Drew Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My mom, June Buckley, worked with Ann at the Butte Public Library for many years. She (and I) thought the world of Ann. She was bright, funny and so kind. I pray you are comforted by one and other and warm memories of your wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.
Sincerely,
Mary (Buckley) Dolezal
Pat says
Dear Doug, Jess, Ben, and Drew,
Our heart goes out to you for your loss. We loved Ann and will forever miss her smiling face, quick wit, and friendship. She gave a lot to the community and was a bright spot in whatever group she happened to be with. May you find comfort in happy memories and the many ways in which she made our lives better.
With love,
Pat & Jan Munday
Joanne and Jim Cortese says
God is with Ann in eternal life. We wish God’s blessings on all who loved Ann and those whose lives she touched. Best wishes to all who mourn Ann.
Joanne Cortese
Michael Franco says
Blessings be upon Ann and all who loved her and all those that she loved – Blessings.
Michael Franco
Satomi Ibe
Maria Franco
Liam Franco
Chris Goepfert says
I am so, so sorry to hear of Ann’s passing…..I grew up with Ann (we were second cousins) in Westby WI in the huge Fremstad family and am so gratefull for all of the formative years we spent together. Ann was quiet like her dad but a very kind, smart, and fun gal to be around. God bless her family during this difficult time.
Chris (Fremstad) Goepfert
Terri & Mark says
Dear Doug and family, Remembering the fun time we had at Seeley Lake playing tennis and drinking “the recipe”. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Terri & Mark Winnings