On the morning of Feb. 18, 2014, Francie Marie Dailey passed away after a battle with early onset Alzheimer's, in the company of her husband Bob and sister Julie at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan.

Francie was born May 29, 1951, in Polson to Del and Lillian Horner. She was the middle child between older brother, Randy and younger sister, Julie. She grew up enjoying Flathead Lake with her family and friends, with a special relationship with her father Del. She was a cheerleader at Polson High School where she graduated in 1969, then went on to Montana State University, then on to University of Montana where she received a degree in social welfare. She worked at the Montana Developmental Center in Boulder for those with mental disabilities where she enjoyed helping those with special needs.  She married Robert Dailey in Polson in 1978. Francie continued her passion of helping children and received a degree in elementary education from UM but remained a loyal Bobcat fan. Francie and Bob raised their three children, Shawn, Bo and Lena, in Polson while she taught elementary school in Ronan and Pablo.

Francie’s favorite times were spent with family and friends during holidays and at her family Flathead Lake home. There are many fond memories of Francie cheering on her children and the Polson Pirates with Bob. One favorite experience was living in Australia with her family through a teacher exchange program where she enjoyed the country and hospitality of new friends. She enjoyed traveling and her last big trip was to the Vatican.    

She was devoted to her children, family, faith, community, Catholic Church and the education and welfare of others with a special interest to help children. She volunteered her time doing after-school programs, prayer groups, DOVES and providing communion for those who could not attend church.   

Francie is survived by her devoted loving husband, Bob; best friend/sister, Julie and her husband, Lonny Hankinson; older brother, Randy Horner and his wife, Dee; her three children, eldest son Shawn and his wife KC and their children Xander and Shalane, younger son and pilot Bo and his wife Amber and their son Wilson, and daughter Lena and her fiancé Haakon Zaeske.

Our Mother Mary was very dear to Francie and a rosary will be said at the Immaculate Conception Parish at 7 p.m. Friday evening, Feb. 28.  

The funeral to celebrate Francie’s “return to our Heavenly Father” will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1 at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Polson, followed by a life celebration luncheon. Francie will be buried in the Ronan Cemetery next to the plot of Vince and Ruth Dailey.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to your local food banks.

The family would like to send a special thanks to all who have supported Francie and her family during the challenging times dealing with this difficult disease, and those who enjoyed so many wonderful times throughout her life.

Arrangements are under the care of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneral home.com.