Yvonne Marie Messier Buck Kleinhans, 81

Yvonne Marie Messier Buck Kleinhans, 81, of Hall, Montana, died peacefully in Missoula on Aug. 9, 2023. Given four years to live in 1994 when diagnosed with cardio myopathy, she showed her tenacity and determination to live life to its fullest, and her ability to take a prognosis with a grain of salt.

Born with certain physical limitations, she lived as an example of what can be accomplished with a positive attitude and willingness to find a way. She was a talented painter, teacher and textile artist — happily sharing her enthusiasm and joy for colors in her many beautiful quilted creations.

Yvonne was born Jan. 3, 1942 in Lewistown to Mildred Ella (Todd) Messier and Richard Messier. At age 6, her mother remarried and she was raised in and around Lewistown by her mother and father, Charles Buck, along with sister, Mona, brother, Gordon, and sister, Charlene.

Yvonne met William Kleinhans at Montana State University, and they were married for 61 years. They lived in Washington state briefly, abroad in Germany during William's deployment in the Army, and then settled in the Flathead Valley on his family farm. They have two children (Jason and Monique) and three grandchildren (Sarah, Nicole and Justin).

Yvonne loved supporting and encouraging others, and often took on leadership roles: chairman of Somers School Board and the Special Education Board, chairman of the tax appeal board, and deacon at the First Presbyterian church in Kalispell. She also was a charter member of the Flathead Quilters Guild and served as guild President for a number of years.

Her legacy is in her children and grandchildren, and the countless people she encouraged and taught to explore their creativity. Her positive attitude, beautiful smile, and infectious laughter are always with everyone who met her.

At Yvonne's request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Instead, she hopes her friends and loved ones keep a sense of playful exploration in their lives, a sense of humor in their hearts, and count their many blessings each and every day.

She led by example her entire life, and the last thing she did before she passed, was smile.