Irene Hergett

Irene Nancy Hergett passed away on Feb. 26, 2021. She was born in Jordan on Dec. 12, 1927, to Carter and Della (Sloan) Donohoe.

Irene attended high school in Red Lodge and Billings, graduating from Billings Senior High. She went on to graduate from Eastern Montana College of Education (now MSUB) and then taught school in Laurel and Bridger. On June 1, 1955, she married William R. Hergett and they lived on their farm south of Belfry. After raising her family (which included cooking three farm-style meals a day, baking a daily dessert and 16 loaves of bread a week, raising a large garden and canning 300 jars of produce each year, sewing most of the clothing for the family, and inviting anyone who was at the house for the current meal), Irene worked part time for 10 years in the Belfry school libraries. In 1994, they retired and moved to Billings.

Throughout her life, Irene was active in her churches, participating in church circles and Sunday School. She, along with Bill, always enjoyed getting together with family, friends and neighbors to visit and play cards.

Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, Carter and Della Donohoe; and her brothers, Clay, Paul and West. She is survived by her children, Ron (Karen), Linda (Ken) Stahley, Randy (Candy), and Sue (Brian) Hamilton; seven grandchildren, Brian (Kristen), Matt (Brianna), Katie, Kyle (Carissa), Justin, Jacob and Erin (Kellen); and three great-grandchildren, Baylee, Hayes and Elise.

The family would like to thank the staff  at RiverStone Hospice and Sweetwater Retirement Community who not only cared for her with compassion but whom she considered her friends. Mom stayed in touch with friends from childhood, as well as making new ones each year and we also thank all of you for your companionship and assistance.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to RiverStone Health Foundation, Mount Olive Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.