Frances E. Kerttula entered heaven to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for eternity on May 12, 2016 at the age of 87. Fran was born in Sunnyside, Washington August 12, 1928 to Luther and Esther Meyer. She grew up with her two sisters and three brothers during the depression on a farm in the nearby town of Outlook in the Yakima valley. She attended grade school in Outlook and later high school in Sunnyside. After High school she attended Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland Ore. Fran came to Avon Montana in 1955 with Village Missions to work with her new partner Dorothy Hunt (Forbes). This partnership produced a close friendship that has lasted through the years. They conducted Bible studies, youth groups and children’s Bible clubs in both Avon and Elliston. Fran continued to work in this ministry until she married Toivo Kertttula in July 1960. She became a ranch wife raising two sons Walt and Hank. Fran was an integral part of the Avon Community church serving as a Sunday School teacher for many years. She also enjoyed her involvement in the Avon Get Together club. On August 1, 1975 Toi suffered a fatal heart attack leaving Fran with two young sons and a ranch to take care of. Fran leased out the ranch and moved into Avon with her sons. She tried several different jobs and careers such as running for Powell County Treasurer and working in the Powell County courthouse. Around 1980 she started attending Carroll College in Helena, working toward a degree in social work. She received her degree in social work in May 1984 and spent several years as a live-in care giver for people with terminally illnesses. She started working with Montana Independent Living in 1989 and worked there until her retirement in 1999. Social work was the right fit for Fran with her bright disposition and ability to communicate with anyone. She enjoyed helping people through difficulties and struggles. In retirement she enjoyed quilting, her flower gardens, her many friends and spending lots of time with her grandchildren. Fran loved the Lord Jesus Christ and was active in her local church in Helena, Community Bible Fellowship. She spent much time memorizing verses and studying the Bible with friends and family. When asked what her favorite hymn was she replied “all of them”. Fran survived by her sons Walt Kerttula(Marilyn) of Helena, Hank Kerttula of Avon, grandchildren TJ, Shana, Marissa, Emma, Andrew and Seth of Helena, her sisters Mary Ellen Juhola and Anna Loucks, her brothers Bill and Bob (Sherry) Meyer, sister in law Helen and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be May 27, 2016 at 2 PM at the Avon Club House with internment following at the Avon Cemetery. Cremation has taken place. Donations may be sent to the Gideon’s International or a charity of your choice.
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Anonymous says
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Frances Kerttula.