Minnie Lauretta Simard

Minnie Lauretta (Hobby) Simard was born September 23, 1921, to Clifford and Olga (Lee) Hobby in Bainville, MT. She joined an older sister, Hazel Sala; followed by her sister, Ruth Norgaard and her two brothers, Richard Hobby and Leonard Hobby.

Minnie attended country school in her elementary years. In 1935 she attended Bainville High School, graduating in May of 1939. She holds the honor of being a member of Bainville High School’s first band; of which she played the cornet.

On July 6, 1940, she and Duwayne Eugene Simard were married at the First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point, MT. Minnie and Duwayne farmed and ranched at Lakeside Ranch near Bainville for 40 years before retiring and moving to Bozeman, MT in 1970. Her jobs were many during the years on the Ranch; often subbing as a hired hand. Her superb meals were always more than enough for her family, the work crews and unexpected drop-ins. Her specialties included homemade cottage cheese, bread, cakes with fudge or penuche frosting, divinity, roast beef, as well as her fruit cakes soaked in wine every Christmas. Summers were especially busy with cooking full hot meals and driving them out to the fields to be served; often times having to serve in more than one location.

In the 1950’s Minnie and Duwayne joined the Montana State Square Dancers Association. Lifelong friendships were formed with the hundreds of callers and dancers they were so fortunate to meet. They traveled near and far to enjoy the company of these special people. And of course, Minnie’s sewing skills enabled her to create dozens of square dance dresses and matching shirts for Duwayne.

Shortly after moving to Bozeman, Minnie and Duwayne became Rock Hounds which included roaming far and wide throughout Yellowstone County MT and beyond in search of the ever illusive Montana Agate. Duwayne cut and polished agates as well as learned the skill of silversmithing. Thus became their new shop known as Simard’s Agates. Minnie joined this business venture as his top jewelry model and store manager.

Minnie was a lifetime member of the Bainville/Culbertson American Legion Auxiliary. One of her favorite organizations was local and state 4-H of which she was not only a member in her youth but also a local leader and county-wide participant. She taught many young ladies sewing skills. In 1967 Minnie was selected to attend National 4-H Congress in Washington, DC for her years of outstanding leadership.

Minnie was a member of First English Lutheran Church of Bainville and the Ladies Aid. For many years she taught Sunday School and served as Sunday School Superintendent. When Minnie and Duwayne moved to Bozeman they became members of Hope Lutheran Church.

Minnie was a firm believer of the 3 R’s: Respect, Responsibility, and Reality. She lived these 3 R’s diligently; teaching her family the same every chance she could.

Minnie was preceded in death by her grandmother, Martha Hobby; her parents, Clifford and Olga; her husband, Duwayne; her two sisters, Hazel and Ruth; her brother, Richard; her son-in-law, John N. Minow; and her son, Dennis.

She is survived by the following family members:

Bobbie Jo Simard and her late husband (John N. Minow)

     Laure Ann and her husband Calvin Roswell

          Mariah Nicole Willis

John N. Minow II and his wife Jessica Minow

     Jayle and her husband Jace Steele

          Jaxson James Steele

          Justin Nicholia Steele

          John Bowen Steele

     Jordan N. Minow

(Dennis Duane Simard) and his wife Lorna Spogis Simard

     Thomas Wayne Simard

     Anna Lea and her husband Dean Wilson

          Tristin and her husband James Johnson

               James Edward Johnson

          Baillie Volkersz

Peggy Lea Simard

     Noel Lea and her husband Benjamin Gittus

Minnie was a giving, loving, kind person to everyone. She hardly missed sending a card or making a phone call of good wishes and blessings of joy and happiness on someone’s special day. She was one of the most beautiful people to know. Her positivity, kindness, and love for everyone was beyond measure. She was an example of how to live life to the fullest. Minnie was a blessing to all of us. A true angel on earth and now one in heaven.

Please join Minnie's family & friends at Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service Saturday, September 23rd, Minnie's heavenly 102nd birthday, at 1PM, to share memories and any pictures you may have, while enjoying coffee and pie.