FERN S. (HEBB) LORANZ
Fern S. Loranz, 98, died October 23, 2011, at the Masonic Home of Montana in Helena, where she was a resident for eleven months. Fern was born August 19, 1913 in Artas, South Dakota to Ernest Claude Pickering and Caroline Ellen Krueg.
Fern was the second of three children, having two brothers, Ray C. Pickering and Ernest L. Pickering. The family moved to Judith Gap, Montana when she was a small child. Fern’s father passed away when she was five years old during the 1918 flu epidemic. In order to support the family, her mother operated the hotel and restaurant that was used by Great Northern Railroad employees. Fern as a young girl, helped with various chores, such as making beds, and waiting tables. During this time she met her future husband William R. (Bill) Hebb. They were married August 18, 1929 in Hobson, Montana the day before her sixteenth birthday with her Mother’s permission. Two daughters were born to this union, Betty Lou and Juanita (Nita) Mae.
In 1937 Bill’s work with the Great Northern Railroad took them to Helena. Through the years, Fern was a homemaker, worked for Western Life Insurance and Helena Model Cities. Bill passed away March 23, 1970, after which Fern and Bill had enjoyed 41 years of marriage.
On July 31, 1971 Fern married Edward P. Loranz. Together they owned and operated Loranz Gourmet Pantry located in the Capital Hill Mall. Fern particularly enjoyed meeting people and loved this endeavor. Later poor health led to the sale of the store. Ed died March 8, 1983.
Her biggest pleasure was to help other people. She served as a volunteer at the Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital, was a member of Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution, Elks Club, The Presbyterian Church, and a 72 year member of Miriam Chapter #1 Order of Eastern Star. She loved to bake cookies for friends and neighbors and helped with fund raisers for various Masonic organizations.
She was preceded in death by her parents, both brothers, husbands William R. Hebb and Edward P. Loranz,
Fern loved her children and their families with all of her heart and worried about their every move.
She is survived by Daughters, Juanita M. Routzahn and Betty L. Curtis (Fred); Grandchildren, Barry W. Curtis (Linda) of Billings, MT, Jeffery A. Curtis (Mary June) of Mt. Vernon, WA; Leslie A. Curtis Marks (John) of Belgrade, MT; Debi Routzahn McGee (Jim) of Helena; Kathy Routzahn (Don) of Bozeman, MT; Kellie Routzahn Auck (Troy) of Helena; James Routzahn of Whitefish. Great Grandchildren; Johnna (Marks) Visser, Curtis Marks, Robyn Curtis Rice (Jerry), Ryan Curtis (VyDana), Wendy Curtis Melancon (Sam), Katie Curtis Roden (Brad), Andrea Erickson, Christopher Erickson, Michael Erickson (Jessica), lan Bone (Valerie), Andrew Bone, Jesse Auck (Kari), Cody Auck, Cheyenne Auck. Great-Great Grandchildren; Payton Visser, Brynn Visser, Colin Visser, Bode Auck, Kingston Auck, Laina Routzahn and Cooper William Rice.
She is also survived by a special friend (like a Daughter) Nicky Sherwood, Mt. View, CA.
The family would like to thank the employees of the Masonic Home for the special care given Fern during her stay.
Services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 26, 2012 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with a social gathering to follow in the social center of the funeral home. Interment will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens at 4 p.m. The family suggests memorials to: Masonic Home of Montana, 2010 Masonic Home Road, Helena, MT, 59602 or Miriam Chapter #1 Order of Eastern Star; Grace Hiltabrand -Secretary, P0 Box 4175, Helena, MT, 59624. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences.
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Terri says
Fern,
You are greatly missed. You were one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known.
Love Terri
(Jorgenson’s )