Frances Glisan passed away peacefully in her sleep Feb. 9, 2004, at Big Sky Care Center in Helena.

Frances was born on Dec. 29, 1918, to Frank and Kate Wieferich in Canton. She was the oldest of 14 siblings. She and her sisters and brothers grew up on the family ranch in the Canton area where she attended Broadwater County schools.

On Easter Sunday in 1936 she met Russell Glisan on the steps of the Holy Cross Catholic Church when he applied for work with her dad. They were married on June 28, 1941. After Russ returned from Naval service during World War II, they made their home on a ranch in the Manhattan area.

She was involved in the day-to-day ranching activities, was an avid gardener, homemaker and a loving, caring mother to three children. She also was an active member of the Altar Society, PTA, a pinochle card club and other various community service organizations. They made their home there until 1965 when they moved to Helena.

In Helena for the past 39 years, she was involved in many different activities. She worked at Martin's IGA. She continued gardening and sewing. She and Russ were founding members of a new parish in the Helena Valley, Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church. She was a tutor in the HOSTS program for over 13 years, an activity she dearly loved and enjoyed. She volunteered at the Helena Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center for several years.


She and Russ enjoyed traveling and spending time with their four grandchildren. She was always ready to lend a helping hand, a sympathetic ear and prayers to anyone in need.

Survivors include daughter Karen and son-in-law Dick Bourquin of Helena; daughter Kristie and son-in-law Jimmy LaValley of Houston, Texas; four grandsons, Mike and Stacy Bourquin of Helena, Tom and Debbie Butler of Jefferson City, Brandon LaValley of Enid, Okla., and Sean LaValley of Pryor, Okla.; and two great-grandchildren, Seth and Jordan Bourquin. She is also survived by eight sisters and two brothers, and numerous nieces and nephews. Her husband of 56 years and a daughter, Sharon, preceded her in death.

A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Rd. Funeral services are scheduled at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of the Valley on Friday, Feb. 13, 2004. Memorials may be made in Fran's name to Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, or the Munger-Butler Nursing Scholarship Fund at Carroll College. Local arrangements have been entrusted to Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home, 650 Logan, Helena, MT 59601.