An extraordinary woman has left this world. Jeanine Iris Courtnage of Fort Benton passed away after a brief illness at the age of 89.

Iris (as she preferred) was a woman of many interests and talents, which included cooking, gardening, organizing, singing, reciting poetry, reading and playing games with her grandchildren – but her first and last love was her family.

She was born Jeanine Iris Johnson in Butte, Montana, in 1929. She attended local schools and graduated from Butte High School. Throughout her life she retained a love and loyalty to the city and all its diversity.

In 1948 Iris married Kenneth Courtnage from Geraldine, MT, and they shared 65 years of marriage. The day after their marriage, Iris and Kenny (as she always called him) drove to New York City to begin their life together as restaurant/bar owners. After several story-worthy years, they heeded the call of family and place and returned to Montana.

Once back in Montana they began their next adventure – being parents to Sandra and William, and later as grandparents to Nicholas, Amanda, Brice and Fletcher.

When her children were young, Iris was a homemaker and worked part-time at the local post office and grocery store in Moore. Later, when the family moved to Fairview, MT, for Kenny's work, Iris began working full-time at the post office. As a wife and mom, Iris was known for her pastry and pasty-making ability, which she learned from her English mother. When the family moved to Fort Benton to take on the family farm north of Geraldine, she devoted much time to creating a beautiful home and yard with many trees and flower beds.

For the last several years Iris lived in a retirement apartment in Fort Benton, and her family increased by two: Brenda and Naldean were her caregivers and she loved them dearly. Thanks to these two fabulous women who added such joy to Mom's last years. You are appreciated beyond words.

Iris is survived by her daughter Sandra Courtnage of Great Falls; and her son William (Kathy) Courtnage of Great Falls. Also surviving are grandson Nicholas (Melissa) Courtnage and great grandchildren Henry and Nora of Oregon; granddaughter Amanda Courtnage of Fort Benton; grandson Brice Courtnage of Great Falls and great grandchildren Ben and Abby, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Iris was preceded in death by her husband Kenny, her grandson Fletcher, her great-granddaughter Sarah Grace, her parents, three siblings, and many wonderful friends. She often wondered why she was one of the last left of so many people she loved. Iris was many things to many people – but above all she was a force to be reckoned with. Her older brother aptly called her "muscles," which referred not to her stature, but to her lifelong determination.