Florence E. Hyatt

The Bitterroot Valley lost an incredible woman on Tuesday, May 8, 2012. Florence Hyatt passed away surrounded by her loving family in the home her son, David Hyatt, built for Florence and husband, Dean.
Florence was born on February 16, 1929 in Darby, Montana, to Lewis and Inez (Matteson) Leavens the second of twelve children. As a fourteen year old, Florence and her older brother, Bill, were sent to work at the Toogood ranch in the Big Hole. Florence was quickly homesick, but managed to hone her culinary skills. These skills continued to develop throughout her life and resulted in one of the best cooks in the Valley. Just like her mother, Inez Leavens, she could make an incredible meal from virtually nothing! Up the West Fork, life was not always easy for her and her family. These more lean times taught Florence to appreciate family, hard work and frugality.
She graduated from Darby High School and went on to work at the Safeway store in Hamilton. It was shortly after starting her work in the store, she met and married Dean Hyatt, September 26, 1952. After their wedding, Dean and Florence moved to the Hyatt family homestead where she became a dedicated ranch helpmate to Dean. She cooked delicious meals for many ranch hands, got her own hands dirty helping out and loved the land like Dean did. Florence was a 4-H leader and supported the Beef Industry through her membership in Cow Bells - which led to may lifetime friendships. She also managed to explore the world of art resulting in the creation of extraordinary painting and crafts.
Florence dedicated her life to loving and supporting her family. Her sweet giggle and her willingness to try anything new endeared all to her. One of the favorite memories, her children, niece, and daughter-in-laws have was "Apple Day". Her kitchen rocked with laughter and fun making apple butter, applesauce, and pie filling using old recipes from previous generations.
At this time of having to say good bye to her, we can all hear Florence's voice telling us to "buck up" - she was a tough and strong individual who taught us all the importance of carrying on and making life good. She was one who enjoyed the past but lived very definitely in the present.
Her many friends and relatives will tell you she was a wonderful friend and committed wife, mother, and the best grandma, sister and aunt we will ever know. We will never forget those beautiful blue eyes and that ready smile she shared with everyone.
Florence was preceded in death by husband Dean, sister Susan, brother Bob and her parents. She is survived by her daughter Debbie (Tim) Hill, and sons Denis (Mary), David (Cynthia), and Doug (Jeanene), and nine grandchildren; three step-grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; brothers, Bill (Lorraine) Leavens of Seattle, WA; Chuck Leavens, Don (Suzanne) Leavens and Luede (Barbara) Leavens all of Darby, MT and sisters Loma Meyer of Placerville, CA; Lila (Jim) Gullet of Superior, MT; Connie (Ed) Norton of St. Maries, ID; Pat (Steve) Drye of Flagstaff, AZ; Linda (Ron) Ellis of Montrose, CO; sister-in-law Jean White of Hamilton, MT and numerous nieces and nephews.
Honorary pallbearers are grandchildren Brenda, Kara, Anthony, Aaron, Crystal, Joseph, Nathan, Alaina and Roy.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Marcus Daly Hospice Fund, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, MT 59840 or Salvation Army, 339 West Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802.