Deborah "Debby" Hinnaland Obituary

Debby Hinnaland was born on January 18, 1954, the youngest of Johnnie and Gwennie Walton’s six children. Raised on the Walton family ranch in McCone County, Montana, Debby developed a deep love for animals and ranch life from an early age. She was known for her natural ability to train horses and her uncanny way of talking to animals—she loved them all. With her warm, gregarious nature and gifted horsemanship, Debby was cherished by all who knew her.

She attended country schools in Ilmont and Pasture Creek before graduating from high school in Nashua.

In 1972, Debby married Pat Irwin, and together they had two beloved daughters, Leah and Shannon. During their early years, Debby juggled helping her parents on the ranch and working as a care aide at Nemont Manor—a role she enjoyed and found meaningful.

Debby later married Mike Gagne, and together they owned and operated the Buckhorn Bar. A true people person, Debby thrived in this setting—she was genuinely interested in every person she met and loved to visit with customers.

In 1997, Debby married her best friend and true partner, Jack Hinnaland. Together they poured their hearts into ranch life—raising bucking horses and cattle breaking horses and running wagon trains. Debby and Jack were long-time contributors to the Montana High School Rodeo Association and produced numerous other rodeos throughout the years. Their dedication to rodeo and western heritage was recognized in 2022 when they were inducted into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame—an honor that meant the world to them.

After losing Jack to illness in 2023, Debby carried on with remarkable strength and determination, continuing to run the ranch on her own.

Debby also found deep joy in her growing family. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking pride in each of their accomplishments and personalities. She would light up whenever she spoke about them, and time spent with her girls and their families brought her tremendous happiness.

On April 14, 2025, Debby’s life was tragically cut short in a ranch accident. True to form, she lived life fully and passionately on her own terms, right to the end. Her passing is an enormous loss—not only for her family but for the wider community. Debby was a knowledge keeper, a pillar of strength, and a generous soul whose wisdom, humor, and stories will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her daughters Leah Kolstad (Lance) and Shannon Stone (Jim); grandchildren Julia Bengochea (Griffin), Emily Kolstad (Connor), Ayla Vredeveld (Jamie), Elle Stone, and Eve Stone; great-grandchildren Nora, Brennin, and June; siblings Jay Walton (Great Falls), Frederick Walton (Montgomery, TX), and Sandra Jaycox (Victoria, BC); and sister-in-law Paty Walton (Coeur d’Alene, ID).

Debby was predeceased by her parents, Gwennie (Ethel) and John E. Walton, her brother Vaughn Walton, and her sister Donna Wildman.

Debby will be remembered for her deep sense of community, her generosity, her quick wit, and her joy in gentle teasing. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, and unwavering spirit.

Debby has met Jack at the gate…the last gate, forever.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025 at Bell Mortuary in Glasgow with a luncheon to follow at the Cottonwood Inn. Debby will be inurned at a later date.