In the early morning hours of April 11, 2017, Frances Elizabeth Cable Sternberg, 91, softly and gently left the confines of her earthly body to be healed and set free in the Presence of her Heavenly Father.
Frances was born January 24, 1926 in Great Falls, Montana to Harry Cable and Frances Potts Cable. Fran’s early years were spent living with her Grandma Cable on a dry land wheat farm in the shadows of Crown Butte near Simms, Montana. She didn’t have the luxury of electricity and the water for drinking, bathing and cooking were hand pumped from a well in the front yard. The daily trips to the outhouse proved crispy cold in the winter and adventurous in the summer as she skirted rattlesnakes on the path. Fran attended the first few years of grade school in Simms before the passing of her father, Harry, which precipitated a move to Helena with her single mother and two younger sisters, Lucille and Thelma. They settled in a house on West Main Street where she met a feisty young man, Irvin Sternberg, who lived across the street. They were both 9 years old. Irvin was very gallant as he later carried her school books, as well as his, while they walked to high school together. Fran enjoyed playing in the high school band as second chair alto horn and later the French horn in the Salvation Army band. She worked for a short time at Western Union as an operator.
Irvin enlisted in the Army during WWII. In 1945, he came home on leave for a week and they were married on November 17 at First Lutheran Church. After a quick honeymoon to Glacier Park and 10 flat tires, Irv returned to Europe and Fran began working at the Federal Reserve Bank, a career that spanned 30 years. Irv came home after the war and began his 35 year employment with Montana Power. After retirement, Fran worked at Williams Construction. Fran especially enjoyed Square Dancing and the Jitterbug in the early years with Irv. Singing also became a new passion for her as she would make up her own tunes and songs to the delight of everyone around her – even the birds.
Fran is survived by her son, Doug Sternberg (Dianna) of Rexburg, Idaho; daughter, Linda Douglass (Jeff) of Helena; grandchildren Max Sternberg of Brooklyn, New York; Nola Ross (Rob) of Missoula; Jolene Dobyns of Helena; and Beth Douglass of Helena; and six great grandchildren – Faith, Hope, Eliza and Ezra Dobyns and Walker and Izabella Porter.
Fran is preceded in death by her husband, Irvin, of 68 years; both her parents, Harry and Frances and step-father, Walter; infant son, David; sisters and brothers-in-law Lucille Brockway (Dick) and Thelma Corbett (Bud); and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
With much gratitude and love, the families of Fran wish to thank the following: Pastor Larry Miller of First Lutheran Church, for always being available for prayer and visits with mom – she treasured them dearly; Mom’s church family at First Lutheran, for their coveted prayers and visits over the years and for providing food for the reception. Mom and Dad loved First Lutheran very much and were devoted and committed there for almost 70 years as they served with a smile on boards and committees; Aspen Gardens, for loving mom for the three years she lived there. Aimee and Sherri tended to mom’s every need with perfect care. All the employees, both past and present, served mom with tenderness and compassion and always enjoyed her songs and jokes.
We will forever miss our loving and faith-filled mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Dad and Mom are living Heavenly Ever After.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at First Lutheran Church, 2231 E Broadway, with a reception to follow the service at the church. Burial will be held at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison with her husband after the reception. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Fran.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday April 19, 2017
First Lutheran Church
2231 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the service
Wednesday April 19, 2017
Fellowship Hall of First Lutheran Church
2231 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
After the reception
Wednesday April 19, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday April 19, 2017
First Lutheran Church
2231 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the service
Wednesday April 19, 2017
Fellowship Hall of First Lutheran Church
2231 E Broadway
Helena, Montana 59601
Burial
After the reception
Wednesday April 19, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
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Byron Burlingame says
Doug & Linda: I want to express my condolances, Aunt Fran always had a special place in my heart. I always enjoyed her bright smile and the warmth she had about her. Soon the pain will be replaced by just the good memeories. Wish I could join you but I am traveling that week for business and the boss is not receptive to me taking the time off.
Connie (Sands) Jerome says
Linda, Jeff and family – I’m so sorry to hear of your mom/grandma’s passing. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers – I have fond memories of your mom (and dad) throughout the years. I especially remember her smile and sweet disposition. I recall a few times where your dad was teasing her, and she’d just smile and give him that “Oh, Irv” look. They are united again, let the teasing continue – sending you my love.
Steve And Jackie Sampson says
Sorry for your loss.
Fran was a great lady and loved her family.
In our growing up years it was wonderful to know her.
Heather Robbins says
Linda and family- it was a true joy to share time with your sweet momma. Her obituary was written as beautiful as she was. I can imagine her in the earlier years. Especially her love for music, dancing and the Lord. I was blessed enough to witness those loves. Such a loving soul, sweet smile and warm presence. I pray all the sweet memories you have, carry you through the hard times.
Kathryn Poelman says
We knew Fran & Irv for many years. Our children enjoyed the showers Irv used to do when they were playing in the front yard. Fran was so sweet. So many memories of our neighbors. We missed them when they sold their home. We are praying for them and all their family while you walk through this time of coming home.
With Prayers,
Kathryn & Tony Poelman
John Moore says
Doug and Dianne – So sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. These times in life, while inevitable, can feel unbearable. We hope that time brings peace and fond memories. John and Ann
Carol Campbell Zaharko says
Doug & Linda – my sympathy to you & your families. I remember the close knit Montana Power group, & value the years I worked with Fran at the FRB.
Thomas R. Campbell says
Sincerest condolences to Doug and Family from Tom and Connie Campbell in Santa Fe.
Nina Martello says
Doug & Linda, I was sorry to hear of Fran’s passing. She was such a great person and I remember her playing cards with the Waddell’s and I believe the Carpenters, fun time and fun people. You are all in my prayers but remember she will be your “guardian angel” that will always watch over you all. God bless you and be with you at this time.
Bridger veterinary hospital says
To all of Fran’s family,
Your beautiful mother was such a huge presence my and my sister Jennie’s childhood. We lived next door on Broadway and they became our second family. We will always remember your mother’s sweet smile.
With love and prayers,
Shar Goodman Stavi
Karla Sherry says
I have so many wonderful memories of spending time with your folks from evenings where the adults played cards while the kids played with your old toys, to Christmas gatherings, to campouts. They were always so much fun to be around. I enjoyed their visits to Spokane when I was now an adult who could be included in the card games. They will be greatly missed, but I’m sure they are having a wonderful time with their friends and relatives in Heaven. Mom and Dad were probable thrilled at their arrival! Blessings to you as you take care of the details now that your parents are both gone. I am sorry for your loss.
Joni Brooks says
Such a sweet, sweet woman! Brandi and Christine loved and enjoyed her so much! Hugs and prayers for her family.
Peggy Fine says
I’m so sorry hearing of Fran’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are headed your way. Much love to all! XO
Susan & Brian Buhr says
I will forever remember Fran and Irv telephone calls to sing ‘happy birthday’ to my husband and I every year; it was wonderful to hear. The other is them dancing and laughing at our wedding, celebrating and encouraging Brian and I as we started our new life together; they were wonderful examples of a lifetime of love. Fran and Irv are together in heaven, with their Lord and Savior. May you draw strength from the love and memories you have.