Jacquelyn 'Jackie Hoerner

Jacquelyn Helen (Short) Hoerner, 66, of MissouIa, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 1 at

St. Patrick Hospital from a sudden illness. She was surrounded by her devoted family as she left to be in the loving arms of Our Father.

Jackie was born Aug. 25, 1947, in Peoria, Ill., to Jack and Helen Short. She was the youngest of five children and the only daughter. Jackie grew up on the banks of the Illinois River, graduating from Woodruff High School. While attending Weaver Airline School in Kansas City, she met the love of her life, Gaylen Hoerner. After Gaylen returned from his tour in Vietnam the two married April 6, 1968, in Peoria. Their first two children were born in Illinois, Mathew (1970) in Chicago and Paul (1972) in Peoria. The family moved to Gaylen's home of Missoula in 1974, where two more children were born, Laura (1975) and Luke (1976). Jackie was a dedicated mother and grandmother, attending the kids sporting events, choir concerts and plays. She loved her children with every ounce of her being and was a mother to all her children's friends.

Jackie took pride in working as a travel agent for more than 40 years, the last seven years with Flathead Travel. Her co-workers and clients adored her.

Jackie was an exuberant woman with a zest for life and a love of nature. Her infectious laugh and charm could brighten anyone's day. She could sing a hymn like an angel and a nursery rhyme better than Mary Poppins. Jackie could turn any task into a dance party with a little music and a spring in her step and could be found frequently dancing by herself while cleaning the house. She was more stubborn than most but you always knew where you stood with her, and generally it was in her embrace. She was passionate about her time spent with family and friends, especially in the outdoors. The family spent many summers on Rock Creek, fishing, camping and picnicking. She also spent many fall weekends hunting with family and friends for deer, elk and antelope. Her enormous personality, wealth of selflessness and friendly smile will be sorely missed by all. We were lucky to have experienced her loving nature, sarcastic sense of humor and honest thoughts.

Jackie is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Helen Short and infant son Paul Hoerner.

Survivors include her cherished husband of 45 years, Gaylen Hoerner; her son Mathew (Maria) Hoerner of Battleground, Wash.; daughter Laura Hoerner-Klocow (Cameron) of Kalispell; son Luke (Jannette) Hoerner of Missoula, and seven grandchildren, Joshua, Kiersten, Michael, Brodie, Asa, Fallyne and baby Jaxson, whose birth is planned for April. She is also survived by her brother Floyd (Sharon) Short of Fernley, Nev., and numerous friends and colleagues.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Jackie's life is planned for Saturday, Jan. 11, at The Fraternal Order of Eagles, 2420 South Ave. W. in Missoula at l p.m.

Cremation & Burial Society of the Rockies assisted with arrangements.

Read Jacquelyn Hoerner's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.