Ida Ann 'Pixie' Hoerner, 73

Ida Ann "Pixie" Hoerner was born Sept. 10, 1932, in Eureka to Floyd and Myrtle Carvey and passed away Aug. 21, 2006, at her home near Columbia Falls.

Pixie had six brothers, Nick, Beryl, Floyd "Toag," Steve, Lorn and Clyde Carvey; four sisters, Melba Cain, Louis Workman, Yvonne Pain and Delores "Patty" Keller. They were raised together in Libby and Eureka where Pixie attended school.

Then she met the love of her life, Fred "Cliff" Hoerner. They were married Aug. 25, 1949, and shared 42 years until he passed away Aug. 23, 1991. "They have been reunited to celebrate a 57th wedding anniversary."

Pixie and Cliff lost their first child, Gary Wayne, shortly after his birth in 1950. They had seven more loving children. They lived as a family in Eureka, until 1967. Then made a home in Columbia Falls for their remaining years.

Ida's full time job was raising her children and her "part time" career was as a chemical technician with Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant. She retired in 1990 to spend precious time with her husband and family. They were her life and passion.

Ida was preceded in death by her infant son, Gary; husband, Cliff; brothers, Nick, Beryl, Floyd "Toag," and sisters, Melba, and Patty "Delores."

Pixie will be forever in the hearts of her family and friends who loved her, and memories of all her days will continue to be shared by her children, Sharon and Steven Yerian, Dennis and Jill Hoerner, Cindy and Bryan Slaubaugh, Darrell and Teresa Hoerner, Brenda Blakney, Bart Hoerner, and Cliff and Chris Hoerner; 20 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. today, Aug. 25, at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls, with the Rev. John Miller officiating. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at St. Richard's Catholic Cemetery in Columbia Falls.