Tina Millspaugh November 10, 1955 - March 3, 2020

Tiina (Yatsko) Millspaugh of Portland, OR passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3rd after a valiant battle with duodenal cancer.

Tiina was born in Great Falls, MT on November 10th, 1955 to Ray and Ramona Yatsko. She attended St. Gerard’s through 7th grade and then her family moved to Portland where she finished 8th grade at Madeline School. She graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1973 and continued her education at Oregon State University. Her best friend, Debbi convinced her that they should go to dental hygiene school so she transferred and finished her schooling at Mt. Hood CC. This choice led to her life’s calling as she worked for multiple dentists in the area throughout her 40 year career; she was loved by her patients and had a knack of finding a common tie to Montana with almost everyone.

In 2009, the dental practice Tiina worked for was bought out by Dr. Bray and she was welcomed into a new work family. Dr. Bray was an amazing boss and took care of his employees including offering benefits which Tiina had never seen in her prior years in the industry (she was so impressed that there was an employee handbook!).

Tiina was married to Jeff Millspaugh for 27 years; they shared a love of the outdoors which included clamming at the Oregon Coast and joining him on a hunting trip where she shot an antelope! She enjoyed spending her vacation time visiting family in Montana, and went on overseas trips to London with her sister Rayna and brother Stuart; and a trip to Sweden and Finland with her Mom, sister Rayna, brother Stuart, and sister Aili.

Tiina was always well dressed and stylish. She loved polka dots, wearing dress hats and fancy boots on special occasions or even just to church on Sunday. She was a chocoholic and was always searching for the best treat. She loved cats and they always had many living on their property and in their shop, and a couple lucky ones would get to live in the house.

Tiina was an amazing Aunt – she loved spending time with her 12 nieces and nephews and would plan fun activities for them to do each time they visited. She recognized their talents and always encouraged them. When she found out she was going to be a Great Aunt, she said that she was going to be the best one ever, she has certainly left big shoes to fill.

Tiina was extremely proud of her son, Christopher Butto of Great Falls, MT. She loved sharing his accomplishments with family, friends and her patients. They grew even closer this past year and spoke on the phone daily.

She is survived by her husband, Jeff; son Christopher; mother Ramona; sister Rayna (Mark) Joshu; brother Stuart Yatsko; and sister Aili (Kermit) Hancock, along with 7 nephews, 5 nieces, 5 great nephews and 1 great niece. Tiina was preceded in death by her dad Ray and her sister Veronica.

She will be buried at Mt Olivet cemetery in Great Falls, her final resting place under the Big Sky.

Faith, Family, and Finn SISU were Tiina’s mantra this past year; may we continue to pursue in her honor.