Elerine Ruth Sequist LaRocque, 89, a cattle rancher from Simms, died of natural causes December 5, 2020 at her home surrounded by family.
Elerine was born April 2, 1931 in Great Falls to Theodore and Verna (Bloom) Sequist. Elerine grew up on the Simms Creek Ranch where they had cattle, sheep, chickens, and turkeys. She graduated from Simms High School and spent her youth on the ranch farming, irrigating, and working livestock. Later, she lived in Great Falls for several years with her husband and two children. Elerine and her family moved back to the Simms Creek Ranch in 1962 to take over from her mother. She and Joe raised excellent cattle and hay on the land that her grandfather homesteaded in 1891.
Elerine was a member of First English Lutheran Church in Great Falls and was a member of the Eunice Brown Chapter #121 Order of the Eastern Star of Fairfield and Moss Agate Chapter #126 Order of the Eastern Star of Billings. For decades she was involved with the Sun River Valley Historical Society, lately serving on the Board of Directors. She was deeply invested in preserving the history of the communities in the Valley.
To read the complete obituary and share condolences, visit the Croxford Funeral Home website.
