Marion Thelen Hanchett

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Marion Thelen Hanchett passed away at the age of 87, on February 27th at her home surrounded by her family. 

Marion was born to Peter Thelen and Ernestine Bell Thelen in Fon du Lac, Wisconsin on August 3, 1922.  Her primary education began in Wisconsin and continued in Wyoming.  She moved to Billings in 1936 where she lived the rest of her life.  She graduated from Billings High School in 1940. 

Upon graduation, Marion worked for Crane Co. for 2 years.

Marion met the love of her life, John O. Hanchett in 1936.  They were married on April 9, 1942.  They were blessed with a loving relationship for 61 years until John’s passing in 2003.

Marion and John’s union produced 6 children, 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Marion felt fortunate to be able to stay  at home and get her children on their way.  She went to work for Sears & Roebuck after her children were grown -- It was supposedly a temporary position which lasted for 23 years.

Her hobbies included playing cards.  She belonged to two bridge clubs up until the last months of her life. She had a great sense of humor and a contagious smile.  She looked forward to gatherings with family and friends.  Highlighting her later years, were visits with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Through out Marion’s life, her  concern was always to put other people first.  Her strong faith in God was enhanced by the fruits of the spirit. This was her legacy.   Thus, being a natural caregiver, after retiring, Marion decided to became a Hospice volunteer.   Her focus was to be there for the families during their difficult times. “God made us all different and we all deal with loss in our own way.  I think that it is important to know how to just listen…doing that, you never cease to learn” --These were Marion’s words of  wisdom.

Marion was preceded in death by her loving husband, John; her parents, Ernestine and Pete Thelen; her brothers  Jim, Lorin, and Dick; her mother and father in law, John and Caroline Hanchett; her son in law, Louis DeLeo; her brothers in law, Wally Frickle, Bill Glennon, Roy Frickle, Orville Hanchett; her sisters in law Peg Hanchett and Caddie Hanchett; her niece Caroline O’Donnell and nephew Bill Glennon. 

Marion is survived by her six children:  Kathy (Vic) Sauther of Spokane, WA, Vicki DeLeo of Batavia, IL, Linda Zermeno, John R. (Eileen) Hanchett, Chuck (Chris) Hanchett, and Larry (Cindy) Hanchett all of Billings; her 15 grandchildren:  Vicki (Jimmy) Brown, Kim Miller, Melissa Sauther, Andrea (Kenny) Priddy, Ali Williams, Keith (Amber) DeLeo, Marc DeLeo, John Paul Zermeno, Robert Zermeno, Charlie Hanchett, Andee Hanchett, Johnny Hanchett, Melissa (Shawn) Kostelecky, Shawn Uribe, and Peter Hanchett; her 14 great grandchildren:  Marcus Miller; Gracie, Molly and Abigail Marion Priddy;  Nicki Morehead;  Katelynn and Delaney Williams; Melody, Aasha and Josiah Zermeno; Sophia and Maxon DeLeo;  Mason Hanchett; Corbin Kostelecky; her sisters, Joyce Glennon, Gloria Frickle, Leora Frickle; her sisters in law Jo Thelen and Lura Thelen all of Billings, MT, Marie Thelen of Connecticut; and many nieces and nephews, extended family, Betty Rogers, and other cherished friends.

The family would like to extend  special thanks to Riverstone Hospice: Hope, Linda, Sherry, Patty, Ted, Susan, and Jessica.  We will be forever grateful to mom‘s  angels on earth,:  Lisa and Craig, Darlene, Alana, Barb, and Glenn.

We will leave you with this guiding thought from Marion:  “Always remember to be thankful and to try to pass a little of your good fortune onto the people that you come in contact with during your life.”

We all will miss you very much.  Rest in peace.

Vigil services will be at 7:00 P.M., Thursday, March 4th, at St. Pius X Church.  Memorial Mass will be 1:00 pm, Friday, March 5th.  Cremation has taken place.

Memorials may be made to St. Pius X Church, 717 18th St. W., Billings, Mt 59102;  Eagle Mount, 2822 Third Ave. N, Suite 203, Billings, MT, 59102, Special Olympics, PO Box 81033, Billings, MT, 59108, or Riverstone Hospice, 123 S. 27th Street, Billings MT  59101

 

 

Remembrances

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To the family of Marian Hanchett,

I first met Marion in 1969 when I began my first job at the Sears Credit Department in Billings.  Marion was my supervisor at the time and responsible for training me.  I worked with her for six years and during that time became good friends, despite the difference in our ages.

Marion was a wonderfully caring individual and great mentor.  She was patient, friendly, and always willing to give her time and trusted advice whether in response to work questions or in sharing life experiences.  I remember her smile.  It has been with me for many years.

I think of her often even though our paths have not crossed for many years.

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.  I was blessed to have known her.  She was one of those people who made a difference in my life.

 

Kathy Hendricks

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