Frances Louise Hardy "Fran" passed away on February 1, 2023, at Elkhorn Health and Rehabilitation in Clancy, Montana due to heart failure and many other health problems. She was 85.

She was born May 2, 1937 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Brainerd, Minnesota to Jesse Eugene Jones and Hazel Velma Jones, a family of six children. She is survived by a sister Maxine Crider and brother Kermit Jones (wife Luane) of Jefferson City, Montana.

Fran attended grade school in Emily, Minnesota and graduated from Crosby-Ironton High School on June 2, 1955. She married Loren A. Hardy on June 11, 1955 in Brainerd, Minnesota and raised three children, Craig Eugene, Mark Lored, and Marla Lou. She is survived by her children, five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. After the children were raised she and Loren divorced.

Fran retired from Blue Cross-Blue Shield February 8, 2003 after 10 years of service. She also worked for Watkins Sheppard Truck, Schneider National, Interstate Battery Systems of Helena, and Lou-Ann's Drapery.

She enjoyed traveling, tent camping, fishing, football games, and John Wayne movies. Her talents were cooking, baking, and crocheting small baby blankets for the newborns and large throws for friends. She could sew a fine stitch.

The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses, dentists, eye care specialists, and caregivers for Fran while she was in their care.

As per her request her remains are to be cremated and ashes placed next to her parents in the Jefferson City Cemetery.