Geraldine “Gerri” Elizabeth (Wieferich) Higgins was born July 11, 1936 to Kate and Frank Wieferich in Townsend, Montana. She was third from the last in a large family of fourteen siblings but was known by many to have quickly become a caretaker at a young age. This care and attention to keeping people and events on track and moving was a quality that benefited those who knew Gerri and were lucky enough to cross paths with her.
Raised on the family farm in Canton Valley, and what is today known as Canyon Ferry, Gerri attended school in Townsend and lived in that once fertile valley until the farm was flooded in the construction of Canyon Ferry in 1954. During summers spent with her sister Evelyn (and husband Ira) in Ringling, Montana, Gerri met her future husband, Jim Higgins and they were later to be married on June 16, 1956. Thus began what was a life full of love from that day forward as Jim and Gerri enjoyed a family, social life, a joined effort in building a family ranch, and many adventures. It would have been their 62nd Anniversary this June.
While Gerri’s life consisted of family and community commitments, she was employed at the old Bungalow Drug in Bozeman and worked as a switchboard operator from 1954-56. Always working on the family ranch in Ringling, she kept herself busy keeping meticulous books and information to further she and Jim’s registered cattle. It was an era of cattle showing quite different from today and their sales and shows took them throughout Montana and the Northwest. It was much like a show circuit with a culture all its own. And there was Gerri, always working behind the scenes to make it as successful as possible.
In summers, Gerri ran the kitchen for the hay crews that often consisted of nieces and nephews that came to help. She was known to be an excellent cook with a taste for entertaining so the job suited Gerri just fine. In addition to extended family coming and going from the Higgins ranch, Gerri and Jim were involved parents to their two daughters: Nancy Schlepp (Chris) and Rhonda Higgins. Family meant everything to Gerri and she had a casual way with her grandchildren in later years (Sarah, Ethan, and Dawson), often allowing them to have the run of her house so she could enjoy their rambunctious energy. She was as devoted to her grandchildren as she was to her own and supported them all in every endeavor. In reminiscing of Gerri’s generosity for others, it was mentioned with affection that Gerri made beautiful quilts to give as gifts to family friends.
A social mover and shaker, Gerri took pride in her civic commitments in Ringling, White Sulphur Springs, and on a broader statewide scale. She was the initiator of what became the Beef Cookoff sponsored by the Cattlewomen’s Association (then known as the CowBelles) and promoted the program aside the likes of Norma Ashby of the “Today in Montana” show. A member of the hospital guild, Meagher County Historical Society, Ringling Women’s Club, Catholic Women’s Altar Society and many other organizations, Gerri infused a sense of fun into any fundraiser or event. She was the spunk behind the Cowbelles local fashion show event that ran for years in White Sulphur and an enthusiastic organizer for the long-running Ringling Fourth of July Celebrations that included community tug-o-war contests.
Gerri was known to be a devout Catholic and the church and faith was a grounding point in her life. Whether it was decorating for Christmas, donating to Catholic charities, welcoming new members with a casserole or tending to fellow parishoners’ needs, Gerri was tireless in her faith.
The family wishes to remind those with aging loved ones to cherish the moments you have, learn their stories, and visit them as often as possible. The local nursing home has a wonderful staff and the family thanks them for the care they showed Gerri in her final time. With all the love and attention Gerri received during her stay, it opened doors to meet new residents of the community as well and perhaps that was Gerri’s final gift.
Viewing will be from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with the Rosary to be prayed at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 16th at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, 407 2nd Avenue SE in White Sulphur Springs. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 17th at the church. Memorials may be given in honor to Mountainview Medical Center Nursing Home for activities or the Meagher County Historical Society.
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday March 16, 2018
St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church
407 2nd Avenue SE
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Friday March 16, 2018
St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church
407 2nd Avenue SE
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Funeral Mass
2:00 p.m.
Saturday March 17, 2018
St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church
407 2nd Avenue SE
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Immedtialy following the funeral mass
Saturday March 17, 2018
Roadhouse
904 3rd Ave SW
White Sulphur Springs , Montana 59645
Service Schedule
Viewing
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Friday March 16, 2018
St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church
407 2nd Avenue SE
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Friday March 16, 2018
St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church
407 2nd Avenue SE
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Funeral Mass
2:00 p.m.
Saturday March 17, 2018
St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church
407 2nd Avenue SE
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Reception
Immedtialy following the funeral mass
Saturday March 17, 2018
Roadhouse
904 3rd Ave SW
White Sulphur Springs , Montana 59645
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Janet Junell says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today during the funeral Mass. Gerri was a treasured friend. We went through twelve years of grade school and high school together and have kept in touch ever since.
God bless you all, Janet Fryhling Junell
Janet Junell says
Nancy, So happy I had a good visit with your mom last September. Please keep in touch. Janet Junell
Janet Junell says
I wonder if this website is working as it does not accept my comments.
I remember going out to the ranch in Canton Valley to stay overnight when we were in grade school.
Donald C. Marks says
We had a wonderful time growing up together. Ranch life was good to us. Spent lots of time on the school bus. May our loving God recieve you with open arms. Deacon Don Marks
Don Higgins says
Nancy and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love Uncle Don
Charles E Peterson says
Sorry to learn of Jerri’s pasting. We were good friends in High School at Townsend. I am shure she was recieved by our Father in Heaven with open arms and much love.
Tim Smith says
It was always a treat to get to go out to your house and play with Rhonda. The plane ride Jim gave me on one of my birthdays, I’ll never forget! Thank you for being a part of my childhood.