Wendy Hoerner

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

She was born in Kalispell to Lloyd and Myrtle Carter on April 24, 1954. Her younger years were spent in the valley with close childhood friends who later became family members.

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

They went on to have three boys, Bryon in 1974, Jay in 1976 and Paul in 1980. They family grew up close knit, spending time hunting, rafting and camping at the Hungry Horse 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 grandkids who kept them both busy with numerous activities and sports. She always had her camera in hand to capture many special memories.

“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, Lloyd Carter.

She is survived by her husband Gary Hoerner, of Columbia Falls; mother Myrtle Carter, of Kalispell; sisters Lois Swallow, of Kalispell, Joann Nussrallah, of Denver, Colo., Sandra Hoye, of Veneta, Ore., and Barbara McHamara, of Summersville, Calif.; brothers Lyle Carter, of California, and Ed Barefoot, of Kalispell; and sons Bryon Hoerner, his wife Becky and their children Tanner and Colton, Jay Hoerner, his wife Carisa and their children Trevor, Mady and Camren, and Paul Hoerner, his wife Kristi and their children Sean, Summer and Hunter.

A funeral mass will take place at St. Richard’s Catholic Church on Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, at 2 p.m. Luncheon will follow at the church. Cremation has taken place.