Juanita Marie Hirschi

Our mother, Juanita Marie Hirschi passed away peacefully with her sons by her side on April 17th, 2013.
She was born on April 22, 1930 to Alfred and Esther (Phillips) Hilton in St. Ignatius. She spent her childhood on the family farm at the base of the Mission Mountains with her parents and siblings. She often told stories of the antics of being a child in a large family. She married Art Scheffer in 1952 and had 3 sons. She was an ambitious, hard working woman who eventually owned and operated a grocery store in Alberton. After divorcing in 1968 she moved to Alberton, while living there she met and eventually married Gordon Hirschi in 1971. At this time she continued her college education and graduated with a degree in Education from the University of Montana. In the late 70's Juanita opened Grandma's Daycare, where she took care of many children. During this time she and Gordon took in their granddaughter Monique. She became the single most important thing in their lives. Mom put her heart and soul into the special needs of Monique. She enjoyed fishing with Gordon and also spent many hours camping and staying in their condos around the country. Mom was a member of the Ladies auxiliary of the Moose, the Elks and the L.D.S. Church.
After Gordon retired they moved to Arizona for a short time before moving to Oregon. They moved back to Montana and lived west of Missoula for several years while enjoying their grandchildren. Juanita once again got the itch and bought a house in Florence where they lived for several years. They finally put their roots down for the last time in Frenchtown. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Velma, Margaret and brother Alfred, granddaughter Monique and husband Gordon. She is survived by sisters Ellen Marcure, Marian Schaible, Carrie (Jim) Sayler, brothers Bill (Diana) Hilton, John (Carla) Hilton, and sister in law Joanne Hilton. She is also survived by her three son Edgar (Chris), Dennis (Patti), and Joe along with 15 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. Juanita is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, Gordon's children and her special friend Cheri at the Missoula Health and Rehab.
Juanita always had a special fondness for Gordon's son Wayne.
In lieu of flowers donations to Rocky Mountain Hospice would be appreciated. A memorial service will be held at Garden City Funeral Home on Friday April 26, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. with a reception following in the funeral home's community room.
A graveside ceremony will be held on Saturday April 27th, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. at Florence Carlton Cemetery.
Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com

Read Juanita Hirschi's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.