Jean Holbrook Frasch

On Nov. 2, 2005, Jean joined her beloved husband Walt and faithful companion, Sir, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Jan. 4, 1921, marked Jean's beginning—one filled with love and spirit. She was reportedly quite the tomboy. Jean was born in Hanks, N.D., later moved to Billings, Mont., where she attended school, met Walt her husband of more than 60 years, and raised her three children—Julie, Mike and Sue. Walt referred to her as his "1st Lady."

Many times, the family camped at Red Lodge and Yellowstone Park. Spending Memorial Day weekend in the snow in the Park was a tradition. The family also vacationed and located on Flathead Lake where Jean loved to fish for lake trout. These good times were shared with aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Jean also loved to fish other Montana lakes, always enjoyed the times spent outside and with friends. When not able to fish, Jean loved to garden (roses were her favorite), crochet, do needlework, and other crafts. She loved to share her creations with family and friends.

After retiring, Walt and Jean split their time between Flathead and Arizona, enjoying spending time with their family and grandchildren. They helped Sue and husband Jim with their business and daughter Julie with hers in Great Falls. They later settled in the Flathead to enjoy the area they always treasured and loved.

Jean is survived by her daughter Julie and husband Ron Johnson of Springfield, Va., son Michael and wife Mary Frasch of Billings, Mont., and daughter Sue and husband Jim Tebay of Bigfork. She is also survived by grandchildren Jamie and husband Alex Shanks of Bigfork, Nathan Tebay of Bigfork (her fishing buddy), Tami Mariott of Bigfork, and Trisha Kerr of Phoenix, brother-in-law Ed Frasch of Billings, and brother Glenn (Buddy) Holbrook and wife Mavis of Billings, and sister-in-law Martha.

The family extends thanks to Hospice for helping Jean and her family on her final journey—one filled with love and dignity. Special thanks to Pat, Lon, and Pastor Dawn. The family also wants to thank the staff at Lake View Care Center for the professional and loving care they gave to Jean during her six-year stay.

A memory day to celebrate the lives of Jean and Walt Frasch is planned for the summer of 2006 in the Flathead. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.