Jeannie Warner, 89

Jeannie Warner, 89, died peacefully on July 26, 2011, after a brief stay at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.

She was born on July 18, 1922, in Kalispell.

Jeannie attended Deer Park during the Depression, oftentimes riding her horse to school. She graduated from Flathead County High School.

She married Norman Stringfellow in 1940 and worked in the World War II war effort until 1945.

Jeannie married Russell Warner in 1950.

Jeannie was a human dynamo. She partnered with Russell in their ranching and logging operations. Over the years she was a proud owner of Sandra's Dress Shop in Whitefish, a secretary for Stoltze Lumber Company, a driver for the railroad, head of the Conrad Mansion tours and clerked for the Kalispell Livestock Auction. Her many occupations also included stints with the U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Unemployment Office, the forestry division of Burlington Northern, and Weight Watchers, all while raising four very busy children.

Over the years, Jeannie was active in women's bowling league, Rocky Mountain Riders Saddle Club, Grange, Home Demonstration, Flathead Beef Breeder's Association, Montana State Shorthorn and Lassie Associations, Montana Cowbells, Soroptimists and the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce.

As a self-taught lifelong musician, she played the organ for numerous events over the years and also loved playing piano with the Senior Citizens Troubadours. She was a regular at the Nite Owl in Columbia Falls, and was an enthusiastic supporter, attending every game and as many performances as she could for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jeannie was a valuable member of the Christian Science Church, including service as a practitioner. One of her many proud accomplishments was a lifetime commitment to 4-H. Her dedication influenced many young lives and earned her national recognition for her 50 years of service.

She was preceded in death by her father, Oscar Wendt; her mother, Viola Wendt Jore; son, Dan E.; and husband, Russell Warner.

Jeannie is survived by her four children, Judy Stringfellow Hall of Tallahassee, Fla., Joe Warner of Whitefish, K.C. Warner of Columbia Falls, and Dawnie Warner Haase of Portland; her grandchildren, Erika, Tara, Deirdra, Rusti, Dan, Luke, Sunni Rae, Jeanne Margaret, Amy Simone and Johnny; and 12 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Jeannie’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 29, at the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish.

Remembrances can be made at the Viola Wendt Jore Scholarship Fund with FVCC Foundation at 777 Grandview Dr., Kalispell, MT 59901.

Arrangements are entrusted to Austin Funeral Home. You are invited to go to www.austinfh.com to offer condolences and view Jeannie’s tribute wall.