Frances M. Ordway, 101, passed away due to natural causes on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at Sweet Memorial Nursing Home in Chinook.

Frances was born on January 9, 1915, in Hausman, Montana, to Jerry and Grace (Lehman) Dolezal. She was raised outside of Hausman, graduating from Hingham High School in 1934. Following her high school years, Frances continued her education at Western Montana College for 2 years, and later returned to school at Northern Montana College, where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Teaching. For her entire adult life, Frances taught school, primarily First Grade. In 1943, she took a break from teaching to enter the US Navy, and served until 1945, when she received her honorable discharge. Frances married Robert Ordway in Helena in 1955, and the couple made their home in Cut Bank, where Frances taught until her retirement in 1977. Robert passed away in 1985, and Frances moved to Lewistown, then Big Sandy, then to Havre. In 2000, Frances relocated one more time to Chinook to be near her remaining family.

Frances enjoyed sewing and reading. She loved teaching, and touched many young lives in such a positive, encouraging way.

Frances was preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert; her parents Jerry and Grace Dolezal; her brothers William and George Dolezal; her sisters-in-law, Helen, June and, Betty Dolezal; her niece, Ruth Burleigh; and her nephew Jerry Dolezal.

She is survived by her brothers, Robert Dolezal of Chinook, and Valerian "Jack" Dolezal of Chester; and numerous nieces and nephews.