Dalphine Ranae Schmitt Hein

Dalphine “Dell” Schmitt Hein Feb. 24, 1948 – March 20, 2024. She was 76 years old.

Dalphine, “Dell,” Ranae Schmitt Hein, was born February 24, 1948 in Dickenson, ND.  She lived in Mott, ND for her first 14 years. Then, in 1961, her family moved to Missoula, MT where she lived until 1969. It was here that she met, and then married, the love of her life, Gary Hein, on July 6, 1969. Dell enjoyed a life filled with travel, while Gary honorably served in the U.S. Navy for 22 years.  After living in Japan, the Philippines, and throughout the United States, Gary retired from the Navy, and in 1991 they moved back to Missoula. Dell worked for twelve years in the Missoula Public School System at both Meadow Hill and Willard; where she enjoyed serving lunch to the local children; all while raising her own children, Kris and Jaclyn. Upon retiring she filled her time caring for her children and grandchildren as well as spending time tending her flowers. She was especially fond of spending time by the water and mountains at their cabin in Georgetown Lake, as well as at their condo near Whitefish. It was at both Big Mountain, and Discovery, that Dell created many fond memories skiing, on water or snow, with Gary, Kris, and Jaclyn.

Dell was creative, and she expressed it with her cooking and gardening. She could often be found cooking delicious meals in the kitchen for friends and family, or spending time outside planting flowers and tending to them. Dell was blessed to be called, “Nina,” by her four beautiful grandchildren Talon, Brodie, Cole and Ciara, whom she loved, spoiled, and deeply cared for.   

She was preceded in death by her husband Gary Hein; her parents Harry and Lorraine Schmitt; in-laws Linda and Walter Hein; and brother Larry Schmitt. 

She is survived by her children Kristopher Hein (Lindsay), Jaclyn Sheridan (Tad); Grandchildren Talon and Brody Hein; Cole and Ciara Sheridan; sisters Rhonda Griffin; LaRae McGee (Daniel);

brother David Schmitt; sister’s in Law Renee Kemker (Gary); Judy Mock (Lynn);

nieces Jessie McGee, Mary Puchalski (Doug), Elizabeth Grover (Jim), Kelsie Schmitt, Brianne Fakhour (Nick), Christy Day (Dale), and nephews Brady Meltzer (Sarah) and Kelly Meltzer.

Dell was a woman who spoke her mind and could fill a room with laughter. She always put her family first and made sure all of her family members were loved and well cared for. She will be missed deeply by her family and friends.