Frances Nadine Dusterhoff
June 17, 1923 — July 27, 2014
Frances Nadine Dusterhoff, 89, ended her journey on this earth on Sunday, July 27, 2014 at the Glacier Care Center.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Aug. 2, at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow at the Crown Hill Cemetery. There will be a luncheon in her honor hosted by the family in East Glacier Park at Wayne and Linda’s home after the graveside service and all are welcome to come.
Franny was born on June 17, 1923 in Shelby and was the youngest daughter of Harry and Edith Vandbergh. Franny and Dusty were married Sept. 8, 1942 at the train depot in Chester by the Justice of the Peace. They raced there with Marriage Certificate in hand to be married on the platform before the JP jumped on the train.
Franny was a lifetime member of the Royal Neighbors and enjoyed the opportunity to serve her community. She was also the last living Charter Member of the Montana Ceramics Association in which she was active for many decades creating beautiful works of art as well as teaching and judging ceramic competitions. Franny was a Cub Scout Den Mother for many years. She had a wonderful adventurous side that reflected in her various travels around the United States including Hawaii, Maine, Arizona, Oregon, Texas, California and numerous states in-between. She loved trap shooting competitions with Dusty and was a fierce competitor, winning many trophies. She nearly knocked Dusty out with a hand-held clay pigeon thrower, which mortified her! In the end, they both had a good chuckle and continued practicing.
Franny loved to knit and crochet afghans, doilies, dolls, sweaters…anything that could be created with a ball of yarn. No one escaped those wonderful pop can hats in the 70’s! Her generosity also extended her love of knitting to many newborns in Glacier County with little afghans for new parents to take their babies home in.
Survivors include her sons: Wayne (Linda) of East Glacier Park, Mike (Nancy) of Great Falls, and Bill (Steve) of San Jose, Calif.; her grandchildren: Lynnette Evans, Wayne Dusterhoff, Justina Pietrusewski, Heather Azar, Jennifer Rose, and Nathan Dusterhoff; 12 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandson; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Franny was preceded in death by her parents; her sweetheart Dusty (after 59 years of a loving marriage); and her sisters, Thelma Rhind and Louise Woods.
Franny was the matriarch of the Dusterhoff family and will truly be missed. Her journey has ended here on this earth but we gain solace in knowing we have all gained another guardian angel to watch over us. Alzheimer’s may have taken her mind away from her but she will at last walk with her loved ones and her Father in heaven, free once more to relish her cherished memories. Franny, Mom, Grandma, Sister, Auntie, Friend…you will always be missed and loved.