Kretie F (Holder) Follensbee

It is with deep sadness that the Follensbee and Holder families announce the peaceful passing of

Kretie Follensbee, 91, on September 27, 2023, joining James, her husband of 64 years who preceded her

in death in March 2022.

On January 8, 1932, Kretie Faye was born as the youngest child of Connie and Ed Holder. She was

raised in Eureka, Montana, a proud Tobacco Valley woman. In 1950 she moved to Eureka, California

where she worked as a receptionist and teletype operator before moving back to her beloved

hometown. On November 23, 1956 she married the love of her life, Jim Follensbee. Together they had 5

children; Janet & Jeffery, who passed in infancy, then were later blessed with Connie, Charles, and Debra.

Together they celebrated seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Jim and Kretie raised their

children in Heppner, Oregon; Hardin, Montana; and Shepherd, Montana. Upon their retirement in 1990,

they returned to Eureka, where they built a home on Glen Lake. The “Lake House” was cherished by

many who hold fond memories of over 20 years of swimming, boating, card-playing and holiday

celebrations. Kretie was a wonderful hostess who loved to entertain her friends and family. She had a

deep appreciation for the Montana mountains and enjoyed camping with family and friends. She was an

avid card-player, her favorites being Cribbage and Bridge and she loved her weekly Bridge Club meetings.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church since childhood, Sundowner’s Women’s Club and Eastern

Star, Jasmine Chapter during her time in Hardin, Lifetime Member of the VFW Auxiliary Post in Eureka

and a valued Tobacco Valley community member.

Kretie was beautiful both inside and out, and incredibly thoughtful of others in so many ways.

She was dearly beloved by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings and their spouses,

several generations of cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and countless friends. Her passing marks the

end of an era for many, as she was predeceased by her siblings and many of her close friends. We will all

cherish her memory and the many happy days spent in her company. Like her husband, she brought a

steadfastness and beauty to this world that few can match.

A Memorial Service for Kretie will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, October 2, 2023 at the First Baptist Church in Eureka, MT.  Interment will follow at the Tobacco Valley Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Eureka, MT.  Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.

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