Mary Faith Hoeffner – Montana rancher, wilderness outfitter, and beloved wife and mother – passed away peacefully on Monday, October 12, 2015, at the age of 83 at her home in Lincoln, surrounded by her family.
Mary Faith was born in Great Falls on April 24, 1932, to Kenneth L. and Faith Mills McLean. She grew up on a ranch near Fairfield where, as the first-born child, she was her father’s “right-hand man,’’ assisting with the cattle, calving, haying, and performing the many chores a ranch girl of the mid-1900s was expected to do.
The family moved to Augusta in 1948 where they purchased a ranch where they raised Polled Hereford cattle and sold registered bulls. Mary Faith graduated from Augusta High School in 1950, where she played basketball and was a cheer leader. She was also a member of the first Montana High School Rodeo Team and won the barrel racing event at the state rodeo in Augusta. She was also an accomplished trick rider and performed at rodeos and cattle sales throughout the state. She attended Montana State University where she was a member of the rodeo team.
In 1952, Mary Faith married the cowboy of her dreams, Kenneth R. Hoeffner, and together they raised five children: Jackie, Jerrie, Judy, Penny Jo, and Jeff. She always wanted to live close to the mountains and when the opportunity arose in 1959 they purchased a small ranch in Lincoln. Their love for fishing and hunting inspired her and Kenny to start the K Lazy Three Ranch, an outfitting and guide service. They guided hunters and fishermen in the Scapegoat Wilderness for more than 30 years. All five children were very involved in the success of this business as well as being “on call’’ for their mom throughout her life. After Kenny passed away in January 1989, Mary Faith and her son, Jeff, operated the business together for 10 more seasons. She was a longtime member of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, the Ladies Auxiliary and the Lincoln Rodeo Club.
If her many friends couldn’t find her on her tractor harrowing or working on her beautiful flower beds, Mary Faith could most likely be found riding one of her many good horses down a mountain trail with her beloved dog by her side.
She was recently working on her book, “Nothing Like Riding a Good Horse in New Country: This is My Story as I Remember,’’ where she shares her memories, adventures and challenges of being one of Montana’s few women outfitters. This quote from the book sums up the fulfilling life she led: “They say every woman needs a good man, a good horse, and a good dog. Guess I’ve had them all!’’
Mary Faith was a devoted mother and grandmother, and thoroughly enjoyed sharing her love for horses with her grandchildren. She also took great interest in the accomplishments and activities.
In addition to her husband, Mary Faith was preceded in death by a sister, JoAnne McLean in 2014.
She is survived by her five children, Jackie Sparrow of Buena Vista, CO, (Gary); Jerrie (Downing) Dolan, of East Helena, (Don); Judy Wirth of Wolf Creek, (Phil); Penny Jo Quie, of Elk River, MN; and Jeff Hoeffner, of Winston, MT, (Marie); and grandchildren, Cody and KC Sparrow; Shawn Downing and Desiree McFadden; Luke and Kenny Downing; Jesse Morgan, Mandy Sunford and Cody and Mike Wirth; Brooke, Kari and Kelly Quie; Colin, Kenny and Caitlin Hoeffner; and 21 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; as well as, sister, Nancy Klick of Augusta; Kenneth McLean of Sumner, WA (Jean); and Stephen McLean of Anacortes, WA (Elizabeth); and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday October 15th at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Lincoln. A Funeral Liturgy will be 11 a.m. Friday, October 16, at St. Jude’s. Burial will follow at the Old Lincoln Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at the Lincoln High School Gymnasium. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary Faith’s name to Lincoln Rodeo Club, Lincoln Ambulance or Parker Medical Clinic in Lincoln.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday October 15, 2015
St. Jude's Catholic Church
Lincoln, Montana 59639
Funeral Liturgy
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 16, 2015
St. Jude's Catholic Church
Lincoln, Montana 59639
Rite of Committal
Immediately following the Funeral Liturgy
Friday October 16, 2015
Lincoln Gulch Cemetery
Lincoln, Montana 59639
Reception
Immediately following the Rite of Committal
Friday October 16, 2015
Lincoln High School Gym
,
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday October 15, 2015
St. Jude's Catholic Church
Lincoln, Montana 59639
Funeral Liturgy
11:00 a.m.
Friday October 16, 2015
St. Jude's Catholic Church
Lincoln, Montana 59639
Rite of Committal
Immediately following the Funeral Liturgy
Friday October 16, 2015
Lincoln Gulch Cemetery
Lincoln, Montana 59639
Reception
Immediately following the Rite of Committal
Friday October 16, 2015
Lincoln High School Gym
,
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DEBBIE MURGEL SCHRAMM says
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, I WAS GLAD I WAS ABLE TO KNOW YOUR MOTHER WHEN SHE WAS AT COUNTRY LIFE. SHE WAS A GOOD PERSON AND ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HER FACE. SHE WILL MISSED BY ALL BUT YOU HAVE SOME VERY GOOD MEMORIES OF HER AND HER LIFE. SHE HAD A BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN LINCOLN AND THAT IS ONE OF THE MEMORIES THAT I WILL REMEMBER FOREVER. KEEP YOUR CHINS UP AND REMEMBER SHE LOVED YOU ALL AND SHE WILL ALWAYS BE IN YOUR HEARTS. GOD BLESS YOU ALL, TAKE CARE. LOVE DEBBIE
Christi Pilcher says
I am so saddened to learn of your mom’s passing. She was one of those amazing women who loved life and her family to the fullest. I always held her in the highest regard and am saddened for you all. What a legacy she has left, though.
Mark Kauffman says
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with the family.
Beth Tjaden Williams says
I so loved Mary Faith and have been praying for her a lot in the last year. She has been such an inspiration. she was so full of life and so amazing in so many ways. May your memories help you through the loss.
lorry Rasmussen says
I am so sorry for the Loss of Mary Faith! She was one of my favorite people. She always had a big smile and hug for me. She will be so missed.
Rita Neilson says
Having known Mary Faith my whole life I am saddened to hear of her passing.
She was one of the finest horsewomen I have ever seen they trusted her and worked willingly for her. Us kids at times not so much but we always knew what was expected of us.
She will be missed.
Sara Owens says
I am sorry to get this news today in Arizona. My prayers are with her children and grandchildren whom I know she thought so much of and were so dear to her. I feel strongly she is having a grand ride in heaven. I feel honored and blessed to have ridden with her in Lincoln. I look forward to the ‘next’ ride as she will, once again, know the route and show me the sights! How blessed I was here and how honored I’ll be later! I look forward to the ride with her!
Kathi Mosher Chattin says
I am so sorry for your loss. I admired and loved Mary Faith all my life and some of my favorite memories were at her home. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sending much love to the family.
Michelle Mosher Hensley says
I am so sorry….your mom was just the greatest! I have many memories from when we were all growing up in Augusta and Lincoln. Thinking of you and wish you love and peace!
Terry Hiatt says
I am sorry for your loss.She was a wonderful lady an a great family friend.My heart an thoughts go out to the family
Love you all
Marylou Perkl Brewster says
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. It is so hard to lose our Moms. She was a remarkable woman.
Jan Lagomasino says
Mary Faith was a dear friend, we had many fun times together, she will be missed by so many, but mostly by her family. I am very proud to have known her and to call her my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hoeffner family, I am sorry for you loss.
Jan Lagomasino
Diane Boley says
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time! Cherish your memories and remember “God gave us memories so we could have roses in December.”
MYRNA AND BOB ORR says
bob and I want to tell the children how much this great lady will be missed,she gave bob and I so many memories,with me my children would have done anything to go into the hills with Kenny and Maryfaith.it was the greatest for them.tells us what the family was like.
When Bob and I were married and had built our new home she was the first to come and welcome us,with a bottle of wine ,had a meal and borrowed a swimsuit and got into the hot tub with us.now that’s a friend.
BOB TELLS OF ANOTHER TIME SHE AND KENNY HAD RAISED CABBAGE THEY PICKED THEM AND HUNG THEM IN A OLD SHED,BOB ASKED WHAT THEY WERE GOING TO DO WITH THEM,AND KENNY SAID WAIT TELL THEY TURN BLACK AND THOW THEM AWAY,HE WAS SURPRISED AS TO WHAT BOB SAID COULD BE DONE WITH THEM.WE ALL HAD A GREAT TIME
Rhonda Tully says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Mary Faith was a great lady, true horsewoman and she’ll be missed by so many! Hope to read her book some day soon!
Emily Rundell says
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mary Faith was a wonderful women and good friend
Robin Halverson says
So sorry for your loss, their are no words to describe the loss of your mother!! My Momma died 30 yr ago, still miss her!! God be with your family!!
Phyllis Duval says
I loved Mary Faith and was so glad that we got to work together before she sold her outfitting business. After that we rode together for years and she would come to my cowcamp and work with me… She was an awesome lady and I will never forget her….Her family is in my prayers and so is she….
Tony hershey says
I’m so glad I had met you. You will be missed by many here on earth how ever heaven needs another angel. I miss our ride to heart lake it was one of my most memorable rides.keep the Colts going you hear..our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tammy Pipinich says
I sure am going to miss you MaryFaith. But I have this thing about keeping all of my clients color and perm cards even after they have passed on. Just so I can think of them and hear all the things we talked about all over again. So I’ll be talking to you soon.
God Bless your family Love Tammy
Todd Thomford says
A heart felt sorrow for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time.
Julie Youderian Zarske says
I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a kind, fun, caring lady, always greeting you with a big hug and a smile. You are in our prayers
Mike and Jen Wiederhold says
There isn’t much I can say about Mary Faith now that she’s gone, I tried to tell her when she was still with us. She was a good, hard working woman with a flair for life. She was one of the strongest women I knew and I’m pretty sure she’s hanging out with Mae in heaven riding horses and herding cattle. She will be missed greatly.
Debbie Veroulis says
Judy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I’m sorry for your loss and pray your wonderful memories help you get through the pain and sadness.
Kathy Christian Graham says
So sorry for your loss.The wonderful memories will sustain you!
Gail and Lorrie Vennes says
Jeff, Marie and family,
Our sincere sympathy to you and the family. Your mom is riding a horse through the hills of heaven! Prayers always.
Larry and Nancy Lewis says
Our sincerest sympathy to your whole family. We so enjoyed the many visits we had with Mary Faith when she visited our farm. She was the very first person to bring a mare to our stallion , Profit Increase. I know she loved that gelding and rode him all over the hills in Lincoln. Such wonderful memories. She was a grand lady.
Dolly Bickel says
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember Mary Faith coming into the Handi Mart . She was a great Lady.
Stan ans Jane M eyer says
Jane and I offer our love and sympathy to Mary Faith’s family. She was a kind and capable person. Got acquainted with her and Kenny when we built a cabin on the BFR near their ranch – 1967. Our little girls, Sara and Carol — now 58 and 56 — learned to ride, thanks to Mary Faith and Jerrie; $3 an hour. Carol still speaks of Chinook, ‘her’ horse.
In 1983 a friend and I had the good sense to hire the K Lazy 3 for an elk hunt in the Scapegoat, Meadow Creek camp. A wonderful and memorable experience.
Kevin and Susan Cole says
Will always remember Mary Faith and all the great memories we had with her. In the Bob on trips, best cinnamon rolls and steaks ever, and our best friend ever. She gave us Jeff and his great family. Now she is heading down the trail with Kenny keeping him in line! Forever peace and love Mary Faith Hoeffner, will meet you on the trail someday soon……
Kathy Perry Martinell says
Jackie & family, You might remember that I worked with some of you at Lambkins 40 years ago or so. Please know that you are in my thoughts. My mother died in February. It is not easy! Try to remember the good times. Your mother was always so good to me. I have some fond memories of my time in Lincoln and many of them were at your parent’s home.
Wayne Cashman and family says
Condolences to all . Mary faith was our good friend and she will be missed
Especially good memories at the 7up and the trail rides and hunts we shared.
Richard & Donna Kauffman says
Sorry for your loss she was great women.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob Baker says
I never met Mary faith but I was lucky to meet her son Jeff and grandchildren Colin and Caitlin. They say you will know them by their fruit and just seeing the life she provided to Jeff and the kids made me feel I would have loved her. What a beautiful name and a beautiful life on this earth. Caitlin also became great at barrel racing as Mary faith must have been proud of her. She is in good hands now and I hope to finally meet her on a distant meadow in the not too distant future.
Bob Baker says
I never met Mary faith but I was lucky to meet her son Jeff and grandchildren Colin and Caitlin. They say you will know them by their fruit and just seeing the life she provided to Jeff and the kids made me feel I would have loved her. What a beautiful name and a beautiful life she had on this earth. Caitlin also became great at barrel racing as Mary faith must have been proud of her. She is in good hands now and I hope to finally meet her on a distant meadow in the not too distant future.
Betty Kinyoun says
Condolences to you all. I remember Mary Faith first from when I was small, my Mom liked to visit with her over the years. She was so kind and personable. It was indeed a privilege to know her.
sharon and Iwy Obrigewitch says
When the Lord calls our loved ones home, he leaves a gift of memories in exchange.Hold on to your memories , and let them guide you during this time of loss.
The Barthelmess Family says
We are saddened by this news….There are no words to express what everyone is feeling, now. Mary Faith has been a joy to those that were fortunate enough to spend time with her. She leaves some pretty Big boots to fill! Our prayers for peace & comfort are with you all.
Amanda, Jim, Gaelyn, and Logan Domino says
Dear Jeff, Marie and family,
I am so sorry to read that Mary Faith has passed. I always loved when I had a chance to visit with her at your place, the fairgrounds, and at the kids’ sporting events. What a great, hearty, true Montana woman. So much to be admired. May good memories and knowing that so many are thinking and praying for peace for you bring you comfort. Take such good care, Jim, Amanda, Gaelyn & Logan
Cecilia Garland says
“My heroes have always been cowgirls” and Mary Faith was one amazing cowgirl! So many wonderful childhood memories with the whole family. Thanks Mary Faith for your can do attitude and warm smile. My thoughts are with you all, God Bless, Cecilia Garland
Lisa Larson says
Jeff, Marie, Colin, Kenny, Caitlin, and the whole Hoeffner family,
I am praying for peace and comfort for each of you at this most difficult time. Mary Faith had to have been an AMAZING woman as she raised truly tremendous children and grandchildren. I know the Lord will guide you through these days and help you remember all of the wonderful times you had together.
Sue Taylor Williams says
Just wanted to send our condolences to you all, especially Jackie and Jerrie who we knew when they stayed with our folks in Augusta. We love you guys and pray for comfort for you all as you keep the memories of your mom alive. Don’t forget to gather as a family often. It is harder when the folks have gone on. God bless you – Wad and Sue Williams – Great Falls, MT
Dan Quie says
Jackie, Jerrie, Judy, Penny and Jeff
I have been blessed to of know Mary Faith. She was a wonderful women with a kind heart. Mary Faith was always so welcoming of others into her home or camp. She has made such an impact on so many people from all over the United States with her kindness and willingness to include them in her life. I am greatfull for all the times we spent visiting at her kitchen table or sitting on the side of a mountain talking about horses, hunting or her plans. What brought the biggest joy to her eyes was talking about how proud she was of her kids and her grandkids. She told me many times how much she loved each one of you.
May God bless you during this time grief with good memories.
Allen Stenhjem Family says
Jerrie
,Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family during this trying time Gog Bless ,,,,,
Cassandra Mitchell says
I have no words to express the sadness I feel this morning learning about the passing of your mom. She was such an amazing person and took me under her wing. I learned so much from her in so many ways. I have such fond memories of riding, rodeos, haying, feeding and so so much more. I am so glad that my children and husband got to meet her this fall in Three Forks. She truly helped shape me and make me who I am today. I am so greatful to have had her in my life. My deepest condolences to your family for your loss.