Louise M. Vance, 80

Louise M. Vance, 80, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Dec. 3, 2004, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. The cause of death was the result of complications due to a surgical procedure.

Louise was born April 4, 1924, in Kalispell to Vern and Abbie (Cooper) Hopkins. She was one of nine children. Louise and her siblings were raised in Bigfork.

On Feb. 25, 1947, in Polson, Louise married Willis Byron Vance, son of Julius "Jack" Vance and Tillie (Henke) Vance of Kalispell.

They started a home and family in Kalispell where they raised their two sons, Darrell C. Vance and Dennis D. Vance. Louise's treasure was her family. She was very proud of her family and she showed her love of them everyday of her life. She had sparkling eyes and a wonderful smile and made everyone feel special.

Louise worked for the Kalispell School District 5 from 1962 to 1986 in the cafeteria and the student store at Flathead High School.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Vern and Abbie Hopkins; brother, Harold Hopkins; and sisters, Sandra Hopkins, Dorothy Olson and Darlene Robinson.

Louise is survived by her husband of 57 years, Willis B. Vance; sons Darrell C. Vance and wife Christine of Kalispell, and Dennis D. Vance and wife Olivia of Pearland, Texas; and grandson James A. Vance and wife Holly, and two great-grandsons, Kerry and Cameron Vance, all of Philomath, Ore.

Louise is also survived by sisters Helen Hansen of North Pole, Alaska, Joann Otto of Post Falls, Idaho, Patricia Weigum of Evergreen and Verna Ray Hopkins of San Luis Obispo, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews.

Louise was a wonderful and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She was always there to lend a hand. Her family and friends thought the world of her and she will be greatly missed by all.

Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. today, Dec. 7, at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell. The Rev. Ron Pierce, retired pastor of Swan Valley Chapel, will officiate.