Vivian Hirst Spor, 98, of Helena passed away on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008, at her home.

She was born July 2, 1910, in Ravenwood, Mo., the first of four girls born to Ed and Banna Stephenson. The Stephenson family traveled by wagon train from Missouri to Montana in the summer of 1918. They settled in Canyon Creek then moved to Elliston when Vivian was 10 years old. Vivian attended grade school in Elliston and the family moved to Deer Lodge when Vivian was ready to attend high school. Vivian enjoyed school but left in her senior year to help support her parents and younger sisters. This trait of taking care of others was typical throughout the rest of her life.

Vivian's first job was a dental assistant for Dr. Fee. Later she went to work for the JC Penney Company until she married Joe Hirst in 1938.

Within five years, Nancy and Tom were born. Vivian chose to be a full-time homemaker to raise their family. When the children reached high school age, Vivian opened her first beauty salon in Deer Lodge.

In 1959 the Hirst family moved to Helena, where they purchased an existing beauty salon in Downtown Helena.

A few years later, during urban renewal, they moved the beauty salon to the location under the Montana Club, where they enjoyed a successful and growing business for many years. She opened up additional beauty salons in Jorgenson's Holiday Inn, the Colonial Inn and St. Peter's Hospital.

Joe and Vivian later sold these businesses, and Vivian opened her last salon in their home. Throughout her years in the cosmetology business, Vivian worked diligently with the Legislature getting bills passed for the licensing process for cosmetology schools.

Vivian was a member of the Soroptomist Club, the Montana Club and Green Meadow Country Club for years. Her passion was golfing, and she won many awards. Later, her competitive spirit led her to become an accomplished duplicate bridge player until age 93.

She also loved spending time outdoors and in Arizona in the recreational vehicle with family and friends.

Hospitality and cooking were gifts Vivian shared throughout her life -- planning family gatherings, bridge parties, dinner parties and picnics seemed to come naturally. She had a special knack for making everyone feel welcome and comfortable.

Vivian's husband, Joe, died in 1981. She married John Spor in 1983. Vivian and John spent the last 10 years residing at Hunter's Pointe and the Waterford. She was married to John until his death in October 2007.

Vivian lived a socially active life of service for nearly a century. She was a wonderful friend to many, a great wife, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her life will be modeled by her offspring and friends for years to come. She remained a forward-looking woman with a wonderful sense of style, grace and humor right to the end. She will be a welcome addition to Heaven.

Vivian is survived by daughter, Nancy (Howard) Schwend; son, Tom (Donna) Hirst; grandchildren, Dan (Chris) Schwend, Kim (David) Meade, Don Siewert and Darla Hirst; and great-grandchildren, Jesse Strack, Danielle Schwend, Kayla Hirst Parsley, Kelly Schwend, Parker Meade, Sydney Meade and Kylie Lorbiecki.

A grandson, Dustin James Hirst, preceded Vivian in death in 1986.

A memorial service celebrating Vivian's life will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, at the First Presbyterian Church, corner of 11th and Rodney. To offer condolences or to share a memory of Vivian, please visit www.mem.com.