Florence Herbst

Funeral Mass for Florence Herbst, 93, of Baker, will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 8, 2019 at Stevenson Funeral Home with Father Philip Chinnappan celebrating.  A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 9
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at Holy Cross cemetery, Billings, MT.


Visitation for Florence will be 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 7
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with a rosary and vigil service being held at 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.


Florence passed away Monday, August 5, 2019 at the Fallon Medical Complex.


Florence Jean was born on July 31, 1926 in Sheridan, WY, the daughter of Bryon and Virgie (Shores) Cooper. Growing up, she attended school in Sheridan, where she also met her future husband, Joe Herbst. The couple was married on July 24, 1948 and blessed with seven children, Sandi, Gail, Jeanie, Pete, Linda, Steve and Mike. The family started out farming west of Plevna. Florence and Joe later moved to Baker where they started their business, Herbst Construction. Florence worked for Dr. Haynes for several years as his receptionist.  Years later, following the sale of Herbst Construction, they owned a motel in Helena. After selling that motel, they bought and managed one in Billings. Florence played an active role in her community where she was very present in St. John Catholic Church and a leader for 4-H, Brownie Scouts and Cub Scouts. She was an excellent seamstress, sewing many pieces of clothing for all her children. Florence loved flower gardening and she bowled for many years on a league, also attending state and national tournaments. Entertaining was a joy for her and she hosted many gatherings for friends and family reunions for both sides of the family. Frieda, Florence’s daughter, came to join the family on Florence’s 85th birthday and has been loved and enjoyed by all.


Florence is survived by her sons, Pete (Ellie) of Bozeman, Steve (Vonnie) of Billings, Mike (Julie) of Helena; daughters, Sandi (Brian) Caron of Bowman, ND, Gail Herbst of Kettle Falls, WA, Jeanie (Jim) Daughdrill of Cypress, TX, Linda Thompson of Baker, Frieda (Derick) Moore of Colorado Springs, CO; brother, Bob (Sharon) Cooper of Piedmont, SD; sister, Alice (Jim) Anderson of Rapid City, SD; sister-in-law, Ella Fredrickson of Sheridan, WY; 21 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren.


She was preceded in death by her parents, Bryon and Virgie Cooper; husband, Joe Herbst; six brothers and two sisters.


Burial Date: August 8, 2019
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 8, 2019 at Stevenson Funeral Home Baker, Montana
Visitation: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker, MT
Rosary & Vigil: 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker, MT.