Renee was born June 20, 1927 to Lindner and Vera Walker of Helena, Montana. Her full name was Harriet Renee but she did not know this until she applied for a passport as she had always gone by Renee Harriet. Renee graduated in Helena Montana in 1945. She worked for the State Highway Department before she was introduced to the love of her life George (Bud) Knudson of Saco, Montana by her cousin, Harvey Erickson. George told Harvey that day “that is the girl I’m going to marry!”. George and Renee were married on September 10, 1949.
They made their home in Saco until her death on March 18, 2015. To this union came 5 children: Judy, Cathy, Nancy, David, and Laurie. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, George. Daughters: Judy (John) Rock of Saco Mt, Cathy (John) Donald of Nanaimo British Colombia, Canada, Nancy Murphy of Saco, David (Caroline) Knudson of Great Falls, and Laurie (Bill) Hodgson of Anacortes, Washington. Renee has 12 grandchildren, who she truly treasured. Charlotte (Calvin) Frank, Daniel (Wilda) Rock, Sean Rock, Caleb (Jaime) Donald, Erin (Corey) Fehr, Jordan (Charlene) Donald, Matthew (Amber) Murphy, Georgia (John) Williamson, Mercede (Grant) Eve, Morgan Knudson, Venessa (Sean) Snipes, and Brendan Hodgson. Also surviving her are 15 great grandchildren: Jared Wanke, Dustin (Kristi) Wanke, Tim Wanke, Aurora Donald, Ethan Donald, Rylan Cook, Hunter Cook, Surenna Cook, Mikah Eve, Emmett David Eve, Zoey Williamson, Tristan Donald, Journey Rae Donald, Dexter Snipes, and Abigail Snipes. Along with a great, great grandson Dathan Wanke.
Renee was a wonderful piano player and teacher of the piano, accordion, and guitar who will be fondly remembered by many of her students. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, she looks forward to seeing all her loved ones again in her resurrection on this earth where there will be no more sickness, sorrow, or death. Rest in peace dear wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great, great grandmother. We will see you again soon. We all love you so much.