Fern Ochsner

Funeral Service: Monday, October 17, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City

Fern A. Ochsner, age 87, of Miles City, Montana, passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2005 at Holy Rosary Extended Care in Miles City.

Fern was born on August 14, 1918, in Creston, Nebraska, the daughter of Leonard and Mabel (Belknap) Barrett. She was raised and attended schools in Platte County and graduated in 1936 from Creston High School. Fern received a teaching certificate from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska in 1937. Her first teaching job was at a one-room school near Creston where she remained for three years.

On November 19, 1940, she and J. Donald Ochsner were married in Madison, Nebraska. They made their home at the Beaverslide Ranch near Volborg, where they both worked for Don's sister Dessie and her husband Bruce Orcutt. While at the Beaverslide Fern taught for a year at the SY School near the ranch.

In the spring of 1950, Fern and Don moved to their ranch along the Tongue River seven miles south of Miles City where the two of them worked side by side raising their family, farming and ranching.Fern was devoted to her husband, four children, extended family, and friends. She especially enjoyed reading, playing games and planned activities with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Hers was a life filled with teaching and service to the church and community. She was a life-long member of the First Presbyterian Church of Miles City where she served as a Deacon, as the third elected female Elder, taught Sunday School for 20 years, a faithful member of UPW, and was always willing to help where needed. She was an active member of the Ash Creek Home Demonstration Club since 1941, was a leader of the Tongue River 4-H Club for over 20 years, and participated in P.E.O. Chapter K, Gideon's Auxiliary, and Farm Bureau.

She and Don enjoyed many trips together and were happiest when touring the U.S. in their travel trailer visiting relatives and making new friends at every camp site. They spent several winters in south Texas with Dale and Darlene Barrett.

Fern was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Don, brother Dale Barrett, and brothers and sisters-in-law Honor and Ethel Ochsner, Willard and Merle Ochsner, Dessie and Bruce Orcutt and Merton Ochsner.She is survived by her loving children and spouses: Jay and Darlene Ochsner of Miles City; Janet and Garry Steinley of Sidney; Gary and Diana Ochsner of Miles City; and Susan and Michael Beausoleil of Warm Springs. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were a source of joy and pride: Douglas and Shaun Ochsner; Tamara (Larry) Crowder and children Alene, Ella,and Jacob; Dean (Christie) Steinley and children Mattie and Bill; Todd (Jennifer) Steinley and children Kody and Danielle; Matthew (Kim) Ochsner and Andy Ochsner; Vincent, Ross and Kate Beausoleil.Fern is also survived by her brother, Dale Barrett, sisters-in-law Darlene Barrett and Milda Ochsner, all of Madison, NE, numerous special cousins, nieces, nephews, and life-long friends.

Mom, your prayers are answered. Peace and love you always.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 17, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 1401 Main St., Miles City, MT 59301 or to a charity of their choice