Jeanne Marie Hornseth

Jeanne Fontaine-Hornseth passed away on May 18, 2026, of natural causes. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and loyal friend.Jeanne was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, to Donald Jerome Fontaine and Phyllis Marie Hulsebus. During her teen years, her family moved to Libby, Montana, where she met Gary. They later moved to Alberton, where they raised their children. Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, and the simple pleasures in life.

Jeanne was known for her strong will.
She had an unstoppable work ethic, sense of humor, and love for her family. While living in Alberton, she worked as the town clerk for several years and was always hardworking, rarely sitting still and always finding something to do. She helped build the Cyr Bridge, spent countless hours each year chopping wood for the family wood stove, helped Gary remodel the family home, and enjoyed refinishing furniture and tackling home projects. She and Gary taught their children the importance of integrity, taking pride in their work, and always doing their best.

She enjoyed gardening.
Jeanne created an incredible garden when Larry and Lynette were young, growing countless vegetables and berries that the family picked and preserved for meals. She loved baking for family. Jeanne was also an exceptional baker. Family and friends fondly remember walking through the door to the smell of freshly baked cinnamon rolls, homemade bread, maple bars, and other treats. Larry and Lynette's friends also appreciated Jeanne's quick wit, sense of humor, and friendly banter.

She created a beautiful life outside Missoula.
After Larry and Lynette graduated from high school, Jeanne and Gary moved outside Missoula and created a beautiful property filled with flower beds of lupine, daylilies, iris, wildflowers, ferns, roses, and annuals. She created a haven for birds, squirrels, and bunnies, reflecting the care she poured into her surroundings. She also loved the outdoors, camping and spending time with family at the cabin.

She cherished time with family.
She and Gary hosted Christmas Eve gatherings for the entire family for decades. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved the tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve at their home and rarely missed the opportunity to gather there. The holidays were filled with family, laughter, and memories. Jeanne was a caring listener who genuinely cared about what was going on in the lives of the people she loved. She faithfully texted Larry “Happy Friday” for years and rarely missed a morning text with Lynette.

Jeanne deeply loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and treasured watching them grow up and spending time together. She and Gary made memories with them at the family’s Nine Mile cabin and made regular summer visits to Alaska, where they spent time with Lynette and Jason at their cabin.

She focused on life's simple joys.
Jeanne spent her indoor time doing crossword puzzles, painting and decorating ceramic and wooden objects, and playing Words With Friends. Despite facing several health challenges over the years, she rarely spoke about them and would quickly change the topic to focus on family and the simple joys of life.

She is survived by her son, Larry Hornseth; her daughter, Lynette Hornseth, and son-in-law, Jason Dorcas; her brothers, Randy Volz and Charles Fenner; her sister-in-law, Darlene Wills, and her husband, Mykel; her nieces and nephew, Amy Farrell, Rachelle Croft, and Byron Wills; her grandchildren, Taylor Hornseth and Rindi Hornseth-Sherman; and her great-grandchildren, Aerianna, Makenna, Tyrel, Nolan, Floyd, and Levi.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Hornseth; her brother, Alan Fontaine; her mother, Phyllis Marie Hulsebus-Fenner; and her father, Donald Jerome Fontaine.

A casual celebration of life for Gary and Jeanne will be held at 1 pm on Sunday September 27
Please call Lynette at 907-351-5476 for details if you are interested in attending.