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 Frances
M. Halverson was born Oct. 10, 1936, to Hubert and Emma Wennemar, in Dry
Creek. The youngest of four, Frances soon moved with the family to
Bridger, where she attended school and graduated in 1954. During school,
she worked at Vaughn's Hardware Store in Bridger and was on a first name
basis with every customer. She continued those acquaintances and was
visiting longtime friends in Bridger when she died on Oct. 4, 2007, at the
age of 70.
When Frances was 14, she met a young man, Jack Halverson, at a
country dance near Pryor. Jack won her heart and she waited while he
completed his military service. On June 9, 1956, they were married
in the Lutheran Church in Bridger and moved to Billings.
Last year, Jack and Frances celebrated their 50th anniversary, and
they enjoyed dancing together the whole time, even just to the radio
in the kitchen. Frances taught her children and grandchildren to
jitterbug and two-step - among other skills to help them along in
life.
Frances was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and
great-grandmother, and her home, family and friends were the focus
of her life. She was intensely loyal and her work ethic was
legendary. She took great pride in her clean, organized and
welcoming home. Jack's shirts were always clean and his jeans had a
smart crease. Her determination was equal to any job inside or
outside the house and she conveyed that same can-do attitude to her
kids and grandkids.
Frances proved to be a determined woman throughout the course of her
life. She always confidently believed that there was no obstacle she
could not surmount, even when she learned the devastating news of
her cancer and narrow prospects to overcome it. She refused to
yield. She continued with even greater zeal to pursue all the things
she enjoyed in life: friends, family, visiting, cooking, baking,
cards, dancing and gardening. Remarkably, this is how she enjoyed
her final days.
Grandma cultivated an impressive garden. She canned, froze and
preserved all types of produce to offer during the winter to family
and friends at her table, or as gifts. Her grandkids loved her
frozen corn, canned peaches, sweet rolls, pies and her abundant
Sunday mid-day dinner.
Frances' dinner table always had room for one more person and she
could be counted on for a tasty hot dish at brandings and potluck
suppers. She helped put together the Cattlewomen's Cookbook. When
she arrived at someone's house, she invariably presented something
great to eat. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary and
celebrated life's milestones with her extended family and friends
with great joy and enthusiasm.
Frances' loyalty and compassion extended to four-legged creatures.
In 1996, she rescued "Smokey" the cat from a house fire. During this
past year, she was constantly cheered by her new little red heeler
puppy, "Lady Bug," a gift from her son Scott, Aileen, A.J. and
Andrew.
Frances served many years as an Election Judge across Yellowstone
County. She took a keen interest in politics and was a lifelong
advocate for the working man or woman. She was an avid and vocal
sports fan all her life and could be heard describing her grandkids'
feats and exhorting them to do well in school, music, or on a team.
Frances is survived by her loving husband, Jack, of Billings; son
Jim Halverson and his wife, Liz, of Billings; daughter Pam Goll and
her husband Randy of Gillette, Wyo.; and son Scott Halverson and his
wife, Aileen of Green River, Wyo. We daughters-in-law thank you,
Frances, for insisting we learn to make gravy, and for encouraging
us to follow your example of creating a nurturing home for family
and friends.
Frances' grandchildren were the delight of her life: Ben, John and
Eric Halverson in Billings; Jamie and Gary Goll in Gillette; and
Andrea and Jeremy Simon and great-grand-daughters Hannah, Faith, and
Kylie (Burwell, Neb.); and A.J. and Andrew Halverson, Green River.
Every child should have a grandma like Frances.
Frances was preceded in death by her father and mother; siblings Ray
Wennemar and Mary Hergenrider; and infant son, Jon. She is survived
by her brother, Fred Wennemar of Laurel; many nieces and nephews and
other family; and her dear friends, including her card group.
Heartfelt thanks to Drs. Degnan, Gregory and Whittenberger, and to
all friends at Hospice, especially Ted and Ashley.
Mom, Grandma, we love you and your fierce dedication to family and
friends. We will miss you always.
Visitation will be 1-6pm Sunday, Oct. 7, and 9am-9pm Monday, Oct. 8,
and funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 9, at 10:30 a.m.,
all at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Lunch will follow the service on
Tuesday.
Interment will be in the Mountview Cemetery. The family suggests
memorial donations to Hospice.
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