Eleanor Huntsberger
97, of Libby
Eleanor Fraser Huntsberger Fransen, 97, passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at Libby Care Center. She was born on August 31, 1919, at Glasgow to Theresa Borys.
Shortly after, she and her mother moved to a homestead 20 miles south of Frazer, on the Missouri River. Her mother married Don Fraser in 1920 with his two children; they lived on the homestead where they had a general store for six years. At that time they began their family of 13 more children.
Eleanor was a busy woman with boundless energy and creativity. She became a skilled stone mason, designed and created countless quilts and hats, in addition to being an accomplished salesperson, gardener and interior designer. She was a published author, wrote the book “Mouth Full of Toes,” and also wrote for the Cascade Courier. She worked as a secretary, waitress, seamstress, and Fuller Brush salesperson. Eleanor loved to play bridge. She was preceded in death by her two husbands Ray Huntsberger and Herold Fransen, and 11 siblings.
Survivors include her two sons Gary (Kate) Huntsberger, Libby, and Bob Huntsberger, Epping, N.H.; grandchildren Heidi (Tory) Blackwell, Andy (Holly) Huntsberger, Vince (Amelia) Huntsberger, Jolene (Drew) Leeper, Ronnie Gregg, Brittany Huntsberger and Matt Huntsberger; seven great-grandchildren; and brothers Rodney, Bill, Duane and Darrel Fraser.
A celebration of Eleanor’s life will be held at the Heritage Inn in Great Falls on August 5, 2017, at noon. Online condolences can be shared at gkhuntsberger@hotmail.com. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.