Katherine Elaine Courtnage, 69, passed away in Great Falls on Friday, May 26, 2017. Funeral services were at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2017, in the Big Sandy High School Auditorium. Burial followed in the Big Sandy Cemetery. Elaine's family has suggested memorial donations be made to the Big Sandy Library, Big Sandy Medical Center, or the charity of the donor's choice. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Please visit Elaine's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for her family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.
Elaine was born to Warren and Edna Halley on February 26, 1948, in Fort Benton, where she attended elementary school until her family moved to the home ranch at the PN on the Missouri River breaks. She graduated from Big Sandy High School in 1966, and began her coursework for her nursing degree that fall. Elaine married Rodney Courtnage on December 16, 1967. Rod & Elaine started their family and worked side by side on the Courtnage family farm with their three daughters, Lorna, Kyra, and Pam. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this December.
Elaine was an immensely talented individual. Through her healing hands and creative flair, Elaine touched the lives of many. She worked as a Registered Nurse at the Big Sandy Medical Center for many years. In 2004, Elaine officially "retired" from her nursing career and focused her energy into being a full-time farmer, wife, mother, and grandmother.
She was known for her creativity and thoughtfulness. Her talents knew no limits. Elaine was a gifted artist, an accomplished gardener, and a thoughtful and generous woman, always making everyone around her feel special.
Along with working on her projects and yard, Elaine enjoyed the many hours she spent camping, playing cards, and making memories, with many close friends and family.
As many talents and hobbies as she had, Elaine's #1 passion was for her family. She lived for her three daughters, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. An avid sports fan, she enjoyed NBA basketball, but her all-time favorite sports team was the Big Sandy Pioneers. She enjoyed the years of following her children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.
Elaine's heart was as great as her many talents. She was a giver, and found great joy in spreading love, and did so until her life abruptly ended.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents Warren and Edna Halley, and her brother Ray Halley.
She is survived by her loving husband of almost 50 years, Rodney Courtnage, of Big Sandy; her beloved dog Peaches; her daughters Lorna (Joe) Hafliger of Great Falls, Kyra (Marty) Hafliger of Havre, and Pam Courtnage of Great Falls; her grandchildren Kasey (Sierra) Martin, Lane (McKayla) Martin, Danta LaBuda, all of Great Falls; and her great-grandchildren, Kynzlee, Layton, and Carley; her sister Sharon (Randy) Roudebush; her in-laws, Raymond (Carla) Courtnage, and Teresa (Lee) Oldenburger; and numerous nieces and nephews.
