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. She 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 Hornseth. Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, and the simple pleasures in life.

Jeanne was known for her strong work ethic, kindness, sense of humor, and love for her family. While living in Alberton, she worked as the town clerk for several years and was always a hard worker, 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 woodstove, 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, doing their best, and always supporting one another.

She enjoyed gardening and created an incredible family garden when Larry and Lynette were growing up. Countless vegetables and berries were grown beside the family home, then picked and preserved at the family table. 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 always appreciated Jeanne's quick wit, sense of humor, and the friendly banter that filled her home.

Later in life, after she and Gary moved outside of Missoula, they created a beautiful property filled with beautiful flower beds filled with lupine, day lilies, iris, wildflowers, ferns, roses and annuals. She also created a haven for birds and squirrels, and the peaceful surroundings reflected the care and attention she poured into it. She also loved the outdoors spent camping and spending time with family at the Nine Mile cabin. Jeanne passed her time indoors with crossword puzzles, painting and decorating ceramic and wooden objects, and playing Words With Friends.

She cherished time with family, and she and Gary hosted Christmas Eve gatherings for the entire family for decades. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved the tradition of celebrating Christmas at their home and rarely missed the opportunity to gather there. The holidays were filled with family, laughter, and memories. She faithfully texted Larry "Happy Friday" for years and rarely missed a morning text with Lynette.

Jeanne deeply loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her such joy as she watched them grow up. Visits and time spent together were always something she looked forward to. She and Gary made memories with them at the family's 9-Mile cabin and also made regular summer visits to Alaska, where they spent time with Lynette and Jason at their cabin.

Despite facing several health challenges over the years, she rarely spoke about them and would quickly change the topic. She preferred to focus on family and the simple joys of everyday 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.

Details for a memorial celebrating both Jeanne and Gary will be shared once finalized.