Ann Besich

Ann L. Besich, 101, died on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Peace Hospice.A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Mount Olivet Cemetery.Ann was born on February 11, 1916 in Great Falls, MT. At the age of three, the family moved to the mining town of Tracy, MT, where she was raised, graduating in 1934 from Centerville High School. In 1940, she married John Besich, also from Tracy, and they moved to Great Falls, where they had three children. In 1950, they moved to the home John built for her and where she remained until this year.Ann was a homemaker for many years, tending a large garden, doing needlework, sharing her crocheting with family, and enjoying baking for every occasion. She will be remembered for her sandwich cookies, jelly donuts, maple bars, holiday potica and peach jelly.Ann was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, active in support of the school from its beginning and as an Altar Society member, dinners, bake sales, bazaars, coffee and rolls beyond count.Her love of family grew as the family expanded, faithfully remembering holidays and celebrating special days with cards and gifts. Ann became known for her unique sticker cards. From the late sixties until the last college basketball game she attended in January, she delighted in the school activities and many sports events of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking great pride in their physical achievements and academic success.Ann is survived by her daughters, Gloria (Phil) Kumm of Great Falls and Gail (Ron) Hager of San Diego, CA; son William (Janie) Besich of San Antonio, TX; nine grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband John; brother Bill Doles; grandson John Kumm; and great-granddaughter Sarah Gene Dolan.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Peace Hospice, 1101 26th St. S., Great Falls, MT 59405 or Our Lady of Lourdes School, 409 13th St. S., Great Falls, MT 59405.