Frances Anthony Wartenbee

MISSOULA ~ Frances A. Wartenbee, 83, of Missoula, passed away on Saturday, September 23, 2023.

Born February 17, 1940 in Whitefish, Montana to Michael and Elizabeth (Hauck) Hoerner, she was the tenth of thirteen children.

She married Melvin Wartenbee on September 7, 1963 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The couple lived in Milltown until 2016 when they moved into Missoula to be closer to their daughters.

Frances enjoyed crafting, crocheting, gardening and especially working outside in her yard.  Whether it was the yard in Milltown or the smaller one in Missoula, there were always beautiful flowers blooming and a very welcoming atmosphere.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and recently great-grandmother.  She also took great and loving care of several friends and relatives.  Mom never had any enemies.

Survivors include her husband Melvin of Missoula; one son, Gerald Burch of Butte; two daughters, Edna (Brian) Kallis and Sara (Kevin) Basolo, both of Missoula; twelve grandchildren, David (Jenny) Burch, Elise (Ed) Beach, Jerry, Desiree, Chanel, Christopher, Shawn (Alisa), Joe (Wyntr), Katelynn (Kellen), Cody, Jamie (Wesley) and Brent (Kenna); eleven great-grandchildren with another due to be born in December; one great-granddaughter, whom she never got to meet; one sister Judie (Merle) Moan of Puyalup, WA and multiple aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Frances was preceded in death by one son, Michael Burch; twin grandbabies; her parents and eleven brothers and sisters.

A memorial service for both Frances and Melvin will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, October 27, 2023 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Missoula.

To express condolences online, visit www.sunsetfuneralhomecemetery.com