Frances Margaret Halverson

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 on Sunday, Oct. 7, and Monday, Oct. 8, and a memorial service 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 Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family suggests memorial donations to Hospice.

This obituary was originally published in the Billings Gazette.