SOURCE: THE MONTANA STANDARD (BUTTE, MT)Fern Hunter, 98 Fern Hunter Fern I. Hunter died Wednesday, six weeks short of her 99th birthday. Fern came into the world June 17, 1905, on a farm in Belvidere, Ill., weighing only 2 1/2 pounds. She was the third child born to Ida Mae Hollembeak and Ralph Dove. The family moved to Cresco, Iowa, and then to the Toston and Townsend area. She attended school in Toston, Helena and Townsend, graduating from Broadwater County High School in 1924.Fern wrote that she had "a high school diploma, one suitcase and $100" when she enrolled at Montana Normal College, Dillon, where she received her teaching certificate. She taught at a country school in Galpin, near Glasgow, Deer Lodge and the Grant and Emerson grade schools in Butte. She returned to Western Montana College and earned her bachelor's degree in education at age 55.She was an excellent seamstress and created beautiful embroidery. She made thousands of cookies and sweets for her family, friends and church. As the matriarch of the family, she left a legacy of strength and character.She was a member of Mountain View Trinity Methodist Church for 60 years, Butte Chapter 39 Order of Eastern Star, Retired Teachers Association, American Association of University Women, Butte Pioneers Club, Camp Fire and several senior citizens groups. She was proud of her home and her garden.She is survived by her daughter, Juanita Hubber, Buxton; son, Leonard "Ike" Hunter, Racetrack; brother, Leon Dove, Helena; sister-in-law, Lillian Dove, Missoula; grandchildren and spouses, Leonard Robert and Jeanne Hunter, Shawn and Colleen Hunter and Hal and Julie Hubber, all of Butte, and Randy and Mary Kay Hunter, Wheatland, Wyo., and Penny Tollefson, Missoula; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great granddaughters.Her remains are in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home where funeral services will be conducted at2 p.m. Monday with the Rev. Rich Rice officiating. Interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning Monday at noon.Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.