Frances Kay Cherry Watson Reisdorph was born in Springfield, CO on October 10, 1939 to Melvin and Gladys Cherry. Frances was the youngest of eight children. She went home to her Lord and Savior on August 4, 2019.
Frances lived in Springfield, CO until she was 12. Her family then moved to Lewistown, MT. After that her family then moved to Great Falls, MT and then to Billings, MT. When she lived in Lewistown, she met Cyrus Gilbert (Bud) Watson, whom she then married in 1954 in Billings, MT., while he was home on leave from the Air Force. To this union Bud and Frances had five children.
Frances lived in Lake Charles, LA for 3 years, then Goldsboro, NC for 3 years, then Puerto Rico for 3 years, and then in California. Frances moved to Laurel, MT with the children in 1966 where she worked at the Owl Café as a waitress. Her divorce was final from Bud in 1967.
While working at the Owl Café she met Ronald Reisdorph, the love of her life. They were married by the Justice of the Peace on May 24, 1967 and were married for 47 years. Ron worked in road construction and so they traveled all over Montana; Laurel, Forsyth, Dillon, Billings, and finally settled in Forsyth in 1972 when Ron went to work at one of the mines in Colstrip.
Frances worked at several places in Forsyth; Howdy Hotel cleaning rooms, Buff’s Bar (when they had the kitchen in the back), managed the C-Club, worked at the Blue Spruce café as a cook, the V-store Trading Post, and finally worked in the cafeteria for the Forsyth Schools. She took early retirement due to health reasons in September 2001.
Frances loved to sew, cook, and bake. She also tried crocheting, tatting, knitting, painting, and various other craft projects, gardening, reading, and doing crossword puzzles, along with find-a-word puzzles.
She was a member of the Wesleyan Church where she helped Ron (who was the treasurer) do the books and later she was the treasurer. She was always willing to help with whatever needed done.
Frances was preceded in death by her dad, Melvin, and then her mother, Gladys; two sisters, Geraldine Miltonberger and Sylvia Clauson. Frances’s husband, Ron passed away in 2013 and a grandson, Benjamin Capehart in 2014.
Frances left behind five siblings, Raymond Cherry of Laurel, MT, Edith (Bill) Meguire of CO, Betty Georges of AZ, Merle (Marianne) Cherry of Laurel, MT, and Donald Cherry of SD. She also leaves her five children, Judith (Larry Hobbs) Ott of Billings, MT, Kippy (Pam) Watson of Forsyth, MT, Karen (Dave) von Rohr of Billings, MT, Gladys (Ed) Quinlan of Miles City, and Virginia (Greg Wilkinson) Syring of Billings, MT. She also left behind 24 grandkids, 37 great-grand kids, and 2 great-great grandkids whom all will miss her very much.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth at 11:00 AM. Stevenson and Sons have been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday August 10, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday August 10, 2019
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Vonnie Becker says
My Dear, Dear Friend,
You will be greatly missed … I was so blessed, so fortunate to be a part of your life! It first started when I did your home care for years, and grew into a deep bond and friendship. Our many, many Scrabble games, our visits, family celebrations, will always be cherished. My sincere condolences go out to each and everyone of the family, especially Kippy and Pam, who welcomed me into your family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-children were the highlight of her life. She loved animals, especially Miss Kitty, Lucky, Tucker, and Jack. May you now rest in eternal peace alongside of your devoted husband, Ron.
Cathy Byron says
Heaven just welcomed one of his Forsyth Christian pioneers. She and Ron planted many good seeds in their time on this earth. My heart and prayers are with each of children and extended family.
Sandi Nadon says
Rest in peace Francis after a life well lived. God’s blessings on you.
Kelly (Cartwright) and Sam Handley says
I am so sorry for your loss. You and all your family are in my prayers!
Dale and Rita Watson says
Our most sincere sympathy. She was truly a good, good woman of God.
John L Tripp says
My most sincere condolences to your family for the loss of Frances. I treated her as a dental patient for well over a decade maybe two. We would have some lively discussions on how things would be done (I actually won a couple of those) but in the end she was always agreeable.
Her strong will exemplified her Montana pioneer spirit which has made our country and families the great institutions that they are. I have many found memories of her, I know you miss her a lot.
Respectfully yours,
John L. Tripp DDS
Marla Malley says
You will be missed sweet lady.
TOYNETTE ROLSTON says
I met Frances at the Wesleyan church in Forsyth when it was still the small building by the school. It was apparent to all that she was a kind, gentle, loving person. Her girls babysat my children. Thanks for trip down memory lane of all of the pot luck dinners, kite flying, pizza parties and friendships we shared in that little building. You were a good person Frances and you will be missed by many.