Fernande was born on July 31, 1925 in Gilly, Belgium. She came to America from war torn Europe in March of 1946, journeying to Big Horn, Wyoming where she worked for the Wallop family. On May 31, 1947 she married Eugene Garber and they lived in Wyoming while Gene completed his studies at Laramie.
In 1950 they purchased a ranch near Ismay where they made their home experiencing the many joys and hardships of ranching and farming while rearing their six children. Fernande was a devoted mother and wife who gave her all for family and friends. She took much pride in feeding a large crew from her garden along with homegrown beef, chicken and pork. In the winter months she enjoyed knitting and creating beautiful needlepoint and Hardanger embroidery which either decorated her home or were gifted to family and friends.
Fernande could draw a line in the sand with the best of them and there were three things she would not do: ride a horse, milk a cow or drive a tractor. She enjoyed the simple things in life, a cup of black coffee with toast and jam; to laugh while reminiscing over some amusing story of the past; hugs from her children and grandchildren; and teasing or being teased by her sons-in-law. Over the years she made several trips back to her beloved Belgium and so enjoyed it when her dear relatives came to visit in Montana. Through the years she treasured her many sewing club friends.
Fernande is survived by her husband Gene of Ismay; two sons: Victor and his wife Jane of Douglas, WY; Warren and his wife Bernie of Miles City; three daughters: Arlette and her husband Dean Randash of Helena; Annette and her husband Don Osen of Bozeman; and Paulette and her husband Cliff Householder of Ismay. She was a loving grandmother to fifteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her only brother Ferdinand and one son Marvin.
Fernande brought with her many treasures of mementos and talents form Belgium but her most treasured attachment was her devotion to her Catholic faith. Fernande´s family would like to thank Brian and Jennifer Cain, Bonnie Scott, and the entire staff of Homestead Homes of Miles City for their loving care of our mother during her final years.
A Rosary will be held on Friday, February 10, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. followed by a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John´s Catholic Church in Baker with Father Thomas Tobin officiating. Interment will take place later at a private ceremony at the family cemetery on the ranch at Ismay. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Rosary
18:30
Friday February 10, 2012
Stevenson Funeral Home-Miles City
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Vigil Service
19:00
Friday February 10, 2012
Stevenson Funeral Home-Miles City
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Service Schedule
Rosary
18:30
Friday February 10, 2012
Stevenson Funeral Home-Miles City
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
Vigil Service
19:00
Friday February 10, 2012
Stevenson Funeral Home-Miles City
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT 59301
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Dick & Valentina Steigenga says
What a life, what a story. I, like so many, have been blessed to know Fernande. I’ll will always remember the glint in her eye.
Brook Coleman says
I wish I could have been there for you last moments. I will always remember you and for always you will be missed. My condolences to the family. You had such a wonderful wife/mother/grand/greatgrandmother/etc. The stories I have herd from Gene about her have been wonderful. I hope to here many more. I have greatly enjoyed taking care of Fernande these past 2 years. Prayers and thoughts out to you all.
Mary Rose Bovee says
Had not seen her for awhile…but always enjoyed her when I cut her hair. Such a sweet little lady.
Bonnie Bergerson says
Gene, I can not stop thinking of you, what a wonderful wife you had, and how devoted to her you have been. God bless you, and my prayers are with you.
Cheryl Keltner Morrison says
Thoughts & Prayers are with you My Sweet Neighbors
Evelyn Kohl LaTorre says
Fernande was a positive influence during all my childhood both as a close family friend and as my employer when I worked as her “hired girl.” She was an inspiration as a woman and a mother and one of the hardest working people I knew. I loved her dearly and know her loving family will miss her too. My condolences.
Jerry & Dianne Shumaker says
So sorry to hear of Fernande’s death. She was a good neighbor and a real nice lady. We are unable to attend her service as we are in Hawaii, but our prayers are with your family.
Jerry & Dianne
Dan and Doris Thielen says
Fernan was such a gracious lady and a joy to have as a pew partner in mass. Our sympathy to all of you.
Dwight and Lynette Tague says
Our sympathies to all of the
Garber family. We have so many fond memories of Fernande’s visits at Grandma Rugg’s in Ismay. We have all been blessed by her presence and her wonderful example of being a good neighbor.
Gerald says
Rest in peace Fernande. You have a big place in my heart. Absent you are, but present you stay.
I will never forget you.
Lynette and Danny O'Connor says
Gene and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in the loss of your wife,mother, grandmother. She was a wonderful person and will be missed.
Lou Story Paulson says
I worked with Fernande way back in 1944. She was a wonderful lady and I enjoyed her friendship very much. My heartfelt condolences to Gene, and your family.
Sincerely,
Wauna Lou (Story) Paulson
Dean Parisian says
We remember, we celebrate a life well lived. Oue thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Doug Benge says
Gene and all family:
Fernande was truly a classy lady. Very thoughtful. Didn’t say a lot, but when she spoke, it was with wisdom. Knowing her was a privilege, from feed dusted coveralls to regular attire. She will be missed. Best wishes to all.
Doug
Jim & Cathy Bastian says
Dear Garber family, we are so sorry to hear of your wife/mother’s passing. We enjoyed seeing her when she was able to come into Reynolds with Gene. He took such good care of her, and allowed her to be his whole world,cherishing his time with her. You are in our prayers and we are praying the Lord will carry you all through this hard time
Rod and Julie Paschke says
Paulette and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Hoping you find comfort in those wonderful memories. Thinking of you!
Kistia (Johnson) Golie says
I always enjoyed visiting with Fernade when she visited the office (FSA) with Gene. She was always very witty and spoke with such wisdom that it always made me wish I would have got to know more of her. My heart goes out to Gene, Warren and Bernie during this time! Steven and I will be sending prayers your way! Kistia
Isabelle Jacobsen says
What a beautiful lady Fernande was, always saying a kind word. I am honored to have known her and Gene. The 2 of you have set an example for me. Gene’s devotion to his wife was amazing, reminding me so much of how my dad took care of my mom. Sincere condolances.
Maralee Rieger Burdick says
Gene, Vic, Warren, Arlette, Annette, Paulette, and families, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Cherish the good memories, as they last forever. Bart and Maralee(Rieger) Burdick
Midge Odermann Mougey says
Still such a lovely woman. I have such fond memories of Mother Garber and always admired the loving way she had about her as she went about her daily life. I was touched by her deep spirituality and the quiet way she served her family…and her Lord. She was a Mother to so many. I am better for having known her.
Patti Kohl Whitney says
Dear Garber family, Fernande was a remarkable person and a pivotable person in my childhood. I have wonderful memories of her and your whole family. I cherish those memories of her. Love, Patti Kohl Whitney
Ruby KinseyBearley says
Our prayers are with u all in this time of need,ur mom was a great lady and u will all miss her. She is in good hands now and she will watch over all of u. GodBless u all
Jamie and Lorin Larsen says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of loss. May God comfort you.
Keith & Barb Hoover says
To all the family;
We have very fond memories of Fernande. She so patiently let two little children help feed her lambs and was always spoiling them.
Her home was always open and the pot was always on.
Fernande, I know of your struggles and know now that you are free of disease. Rest in Peace, My friend.
Charlene Kohl Kelzer says
I am so sorry to learn of Fernande’s passing. I remember with much love her sense of humor and her warm laugh. She was so generous to us and everyone I knew. I miss her sparkling eyes with mischief in them. I send my own warm hug and condolences to Gene and all of the family.
Dave & Sonja Wiseman says
Our prayers are with you. Cherish your memories. What a wonderful person. We had fun when she would come with us to the girls basketball games. She was our number one fan on those trips (only one there besides the bus driver and coaches).
Dan Breeden says
Our condolences to the Garber family and extended families. You are all in our thoughts.
Cheryl & Bill Roller says
What a legacy of faith Mrs. Garber left the world! Heaven is smiling.
Cara Willson says
Cliff, Paulette and families,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May your many great memories comfort you at this time.
Cara(Castleberry)Willson
Rodney and Marilyn Askin says
Our Sympathy and Prayers to the Garber Family. Rodney and Marilyn Askin
Mike & Shonna Bisagno says
The days of making large breakfasts, helping you make lunches for those going to the fields, and tending to the chickens will forever be cemented in my mind. I love you grandma.
Susie & Juan Ponce says
Dear Garber Family,
We are praying for you in your loss of Fernande. She was a wonderful woman, and her memories will be cherished.
Arlen and Alice Miller says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the garber family during this time sorrow. Thinking and praying for you .
JOE AND CHERYL WHITNEY says
We send our sympathies to you and your family. It is so hard to lose a loved one. God be with her and you.
Paula Kurkowski says
I was sorry to hear of Fernande’s passing. I have many fond memories of visits with her as a child when she and Gene would visit my grandparents, Helen & Merrill Pearcy. She had such a beautiful voice – I loved her accent. I have a beautiful wooden rosary (very large -hangs on the wall) from Belgium that reminds me of her when I see it.
Don Carlson, Carlson Machine says
Our thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time.
Alvin and Sharon Wenz says
To the garber families,
Sorry to learn of your loss.
Want to let you know we are thinking of you and extending our sympathy.
May God Bless.
Bob & Retha Settle says
Gene,and family our Prayers are with you. We know Fernande is with her Heavenly Father and we know as belevers will see her again. We Pray that Our Mighty GOD well comfort and Bless you.
Deroch Christian says
Dear Gene and family,
So sorry for the cruel loss of your loving spouse/mother. We all pray to God to give you strength in this ordeal. We will never forget our relative from overseas and the sweet bonds that united us. God grant you back peace and serenity…
Fernande’s Belgian family
The New York Garbers says
Our deepest sympathy to our western family on the loss of your beloved Fernande. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Amy, Darlene, Wayne, Roy, Cheryl and our families.
Donya Kohl says
My prayers go out to all of you during this time. She is now with Jesus!
With love,
Donya
Trilby Miller Plants says
My condolences to the family. My mom and dad knew the Garbers in te 50s. As soon as I saw her photo I remembered her. Mom helped in the kitchen for at least one sheep shearing I remember. My brother, Joe, was bitten by a horse when he didn’t move fast enough. He hunted on the Garber ranch for some time with his sons. My mom is also gone and had asked about Fernande several times in the last year or so. They are both in good company with those they loved.
Gail Finch Shipek says
My parents loved Fernande and Gene! Gene even sent Dad a Christmas card recently.
I have good memories of coming out to visit with Mom and Dad.
God blessed you with a wonderful mother and father.
May your heart and thoughts be filled with the goodness and love they gave you.
Jeremy Manke says
I am deeply saddened to hear of Fernande’s passing, and my deepest sympathy goes out to her family. I was 16 years old when I went to work on the Garber ranch . I didn’t know much about ranching or life for that matter. Working with Gene , Fernande , Warren and Bernie’ was one of the best experiences of my life, I was taught what working hard for something really was. Fernande use to tell me stories of living in Belgium and the hardships she endured there during the war , it made me realize how a little lady like her could be so strong, and loving. She also spurred a passion in me for arrowhead hunting that’s only gotten stronger over time, I’ll always treasure the times we spent arrowhead hunting and telling stories to one another, when we were suppose to be working…You will be greatly missed….P.S. watch out for any …SNACKS!!!