Wendy Jean (Carter) Hoerner, 59

Wendy Jean (Carter) Hoerner, 59, passed away Dec. 16, 2013, at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.

Wendy was born to Lloyd and Myrtle Carter in Kalispell on April 24, 1954. Her younger years were spent in the valley with close childhood friends who later became family members. She attended school in Kalispell for 11 years and graduated from Columbia Falls High School.

Wendy met Gary Hoerner in 1968 and they were married on June 18, 1971, at St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Columbia Falls. Much of their time together was spent at Echo Lake and camping with extended friends and family.

She and Gary went on to have three boys, Bryon in 1974, Jay in 1976, and Paul in 1980. The family grew up close-knit, spending time hunting, rafting and camping at the reservoir and local lakes. A favorite family activity was picking and selling huckleberries.

Wendy enjoyed many years working at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls, where her co-workers then became some of her lifelong friends.

After retiring, she pursued her love of photography, gardening, and family ancestry research. Wendy also helped care for her mother, and they continued to keep in touch on a daily basis.

Wendy and Gary had eight grand-kids who kept them both busy with numerous activities and sports. She always had her camera in hand to capture many special moments.

“Wendy is now home with our Lord” and will be dearly missed by many family and friends, but will remain in our hearts and memories forever.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Wendy is survived by her husband of 42 years, Gary Hoerner, of Columbia Falls; her sons, Bryon, Jay and Paul Hoerner; mother, Myrtle Carter, of Kalispell; sisters, Lois Swallow of Kalispell, Joann Nussrallah of Denver, Sandra Hoye of Veneta, Ore., and Barbara McHamara of Summerville, S.C.; brother, Ed Barefoot; of Kalispell; and grandchildren, Tanner, Colton, Trevor, Mady, Camren, Sean, Summer and Hunter Hoerner.

Cremation has taken place. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, at St. Richard’s Catholic Church, 1210 9th St. W., in Columbia Falls. A luncheon will follow at the church.