Lena Marie Horst

Sept. 26, 1928 - Nov. 10, 2016

Lena "Babe" Marie (Berckmoes) Horst, 88, of Fromberg, passed away on Nov. 10, 2016. Her husband Fred was by her side. She was born on Sept. 26, 1928, on a farm near Fromberg to Remy and Elizabeth Berckmoes. From the day she was born, her brother and sisters called her "Baby" though she shortened it to "Babe" in later years, she had gone by that nickname ever since.

In the spring on 1947, Babe married the love of her life, Fred Horst. Together, they had five children who were all raised on the farm in Fromberg. Babe was a homemaker and bookkeeper for the farm. She helped with the cattle, drove tractor and truck and cooked for the helping hands. Her daughter says: "There was nothing Mom could not do!"

When she was able to get away from the farm, Babe was also very involved in the community. She served as Sunday School teacher and was also the head of the Sunday School program at the Methodist Church in Fromberg. Babe also served as a local 4-H leader in Fromberg. Her quiet time was spent oil painting or putting together puzzles. She also loved to dance, with her favorite dances being the waltz and jitterbug. She and Fred enjoyed dancing to the Wayne Salveson Band with friends. Babe was a woman of many talents and will forever be remembered as a hard worker who was always helping others and caring for her family.

While living in the county, Babe and Fred greatly enjoyed the company and support of their neighbors over the years. The family would like to extend their gratitude to all the neighbors for their support.

She is survived by her husband, Fred Horst of Fromberg; daughter Teresa (Chuck) Porter of Billings; sons Jon (Jean) Horst of Billings and Rodney (Becky) Horst of Laurel; grandson Kevin (Kristin) Reinhardt of Bismarck, N.D.; granddaughters Jennifer Horst of Denver and Nicole (John) Atkinson of Billings; great-grandchildren Dairick, Lindsey, Darien and Brianna Pierce, all of Glendive, Kaleb, Kole and Kinley Reinhardt of Bismarck, and Savannah Atkinson of Billings; great-great-grandchildren Brecken and Bexleigh Pierce of Glendive; and special niece Vicki Roth of Billings. Vicki has been a godsend to Babe and Fred's family. Your assistance, love and support have not gone unnoticed.

Lena was preceded in death by her parents; sisters; one brother; two sons, Terrance and Freddy Jr.; and granddaughter Erikka Mathison Pierce.

The family would like to acknowledge with a special thank you to the staff, nurses and caregivers of Canyon Creek Memory Care.

Cremation has taken place. Private graveside services will be held at Rockvale Cemetery.