Afton (Koontz) Marchesseau

Afton Adair (Koontz) Marchesseaupassed away Sunday, June 22, 2014, with her loving son and caregiver, Gary, by her side. She was 78. The youngest of ten children, Afton was born on January 24, 1936, in Dillon to Martha Olive (Sapp) Koontz and Frank  Raymond Koontz. As a child, she attended school in Dillon and later graduated from Beaverhead County High School. Afton married Erwin "Bud" Marchesseau of the Grasshopper Valley on December 18, 1953. The couple made their home in Dillon where they raised three childrenand, among other things, ran a successful plumbing and heating business which serviced the surrounding community. Afton and Bud were married for more than 50 years up until Bud's death in 2004. Afton dedicated her life to her children and grandchildren whom she loved dearly. She was a devoted caregiver, always focusing her energy on those around her. Famous for her mincemeat pies during the holidays, Afton loved to bake and was a great cook. Her kitchen often smelled of freshly baked sweets and the cookie jar was always full for grandchildren and guests. In addition to cooking, she was an excellent seamstress and an extraordinary storyteller. Her quick wit and seemingly endless supply of comical stories enhanced many conversations and always provided great entertainment around the campfire. Afton led a full life that brought smiles to many faces. She was preceded in death by her parents and her stepfather Charles "Gramps" Quick; brothers Sherman, Harry, Lloyd, Robert and George "Junior" Koontz; sisters Mabel Willis, Phyllis Cobble, and Ethel RaeMcNess; stepbrother Boyd Quick; and her beloved husband, Bud. She is survived by her brother Jim Koontz of Texas and her three children: Frank Marchesseau and wife, Donna, of Reno, Nev.; Gary Marchesseau and wife, Wilma, of Dillon; and Marty Cypher and husband, Dan, of Dillon. She is also survived by her six grandchildren: Summer Gorzny, Jessie Marchesseau, Mike Marchesseau, Valerie Marquez, Ryan Cypher and Samantha Cypher; her five great-grandchildren:Nic, Violet, Ellie, Adalyn and Zoey; and numerous loving nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Anna Loge and Marie Holt who offered up the best of care. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2014, at Brundage Funeral Home in Dillon.