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BORN
1915
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Frances Ordway Obituary
Havre —Frances M. Ordway, 101, passed away due to natural causes on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at Sweet Memorial Nursing Home in Chinook. Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, October 9, 2016, and Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 10, 2016, all at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Chinook with Father Michael Schneider officiating. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 11, 2016, at Crown Hill Cemetery in Cut Bank. Frances' family has requested that memorial donations be made in her name to the St. Gabriel Catholic Church Maintenance Fund or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Frances was born on January 9, 1915, in Hausman, Montana, to Jerry and Grace (Lehman) Dolezal. She was raised outside of Hausman, graduating from Hingham High School in 1934. Following her high school years, Frances continued her education at Western Montana College for 2 years, and later returned to school at Northern Montana College, where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Teaching. For her entire adult life, Frances taught school, primarily First Grade. In 1943, she took a break from teaching to enter the US Navy, and served until 1945, when she received her honorable discharge. Frances married Robert Ordway in Helena in 1955, and the couple made their home in Cut Bank, where Frances taught until her retirement in 1977. Robert passed away in 1985, and Frances moved to Lewistown, then Big Sandy, then to Havre. In 2000, Frances relocated one more time to Chinook to be near her remaining family.
Frances enjoyed sewing and reading. She loved teaching, and touched many young lives in such a positive, encouraging way.
Frances was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert; her parents Jerry and Grace Dolezal; her brothers William and George Dolezal; her sisters-in-law, Helen, June and, Betty Dolezal; her niece, Ruth Burleigh; and her nephew Jerry Dolezal.
She is survived by her brothers Robert Dolezal of Chinook, and Valerian "Jack" Dolezal of Chester; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Please visit Frances' online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for her family at www.hollandbonine.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries
Edward Diemert
July 11, 2019
Frances, was my grade school teacher in Lothair Montana. I learned more from her than any other teacher in Jr. High and High School. I had gone to see her a few years ago in Chinook. She remembered me. "Steady Eddy".
Frances, you were a lovely lady and I have fond memories with you. She taught the constellations to me, taught me to play chess, and become a rock hound. Thank-you Frances.
Rest in Peace.
Ed Diemert
Kim Kay McCarty Martin
October 16, 2016
We met Frances in person for the first time in March 2016 and she made an everlasting impression on us. I am so glad we were able to honor her for her service in WWII. She was one of the pioneers and her service paved the way for us in the military. We will always remember her. Women Legionnaires from MT American Legion
Mary Johnson
October 11, 2016
If this is the Frances Ordway who taught first grade in Browning for a number of years, I taught with her. She was a wonderful teacher and mentor, and a kind caring person.
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