Obituary - Debbie Huestis Anderson

Debbie Huestis Anderson, 56, died at home near Great Falls, surrounded by her family, on April 9, 2016.

Debbie was born to Roy and Betty Huestis on July 11, 1959. She, along with her brother and five sisters, were raised on family farms north of Gildford and Hingham. Debbie graduated from Hingham High School in 1977 and from Western Montana College with a teaching degree. Debbie taught at elementary schools in Washington, Opheim and Helena. She went on to receive her master's degree in special education from Carroll College and was the resource teacher at Jim Darcy School in Helena in 1995.

Debbie married Jerry Anderson in 1987. In August 1989 they joyously welcomed twin daughters, Morgan and Kelsey, into their home.

Debbie's teaching career was cut short when she suffered an anoxic brain injury in December 1995. Since that time, Debbie was cared for by her family members with the assistance of some excellent caregivers who became like family to Debbie and were among her greatest advocates.

Debbie is survived by her daughters, Kelsey (Jonny) Brown and Morgan Anderson, all of Portland; four sisters, Bonnie (Gary) Huestis of Ulm, Peggy Huestis of Ulm, Mary (Darrold) Hutchinson of Hingham, Cindy (Steve) Keaster of Belt; nephews, Matt, Tyler and Mike Hutchinson, Sam and Corbin Keaster, Josh Huestis; and niece, Kava Huestis; Debbie's family also includes Bud and Margaret VandeSandt and Keith and Glenda of Gildford.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Betty; her brother, Ron; and her sister Diana.

Debbie's family has missed the wonderful mother, sister, teacher and friend taken from them 20 years ago. Caring for her over the past years has been an unusual privilege. Debbie never lost her ability to laugh at funny movies nor cry at patriotic songs. Thoughts of her now, perhaps riding her horse, driving her Camaro, enjoying good coffee or dancing and singing make us smile.

Her family would like to thank a long list of caregivers for their unsurpassed attention to Debbie's physical needs and her desires for good music, funny movies, spiritual contemplation and peace and quiet. We appreciate Peace Hospice for facilitating Debbie's final days being at home.

A celebration of Debbie's life will take place on Sunday, April 24, at 2 p.m. at Calvary Evangelical Church in Rudyard.