Valora Marie Landon Loraas, 70

Valora Marie (Landon) Loraas, 70, passed away at home Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2005, after a prolonged battle with cancer.

She was born Feb. 4, 1935, in Kalispell, to Lloyd and Frances (Burrows) Landon. She attended Kalispell schools and married Richard Loraas on June 30, 1951.

She lived and raised her family in Kalispell all her life. She was a mother first, but she worked several odd jobs throughout her life. She loved fishing, camping, cooking and had an artistic soul.

She was an avid bowler most of her adult life and was a member of the Eagles, Moose and the VFW. She is gone but not forgotten. "Her loving soul will be with us always."

She was preceded in death by her parents, and son, Ricky Loraas.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Loraas, of Kalispell; a son, Brian Loraas, and wife, Julie, of Helena; four daughters, Kathy Moore and Gary Krause, and Sue Loraas and Rob Mahan, all of Kalispell, Valora "Lorie" Ehlers and husband, Charlie, of Columbia Falls, and Tammy Hetrick and husband, Scott, of Missoula; nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren; her brother, Michael Landon, and wife, Glynda, of Reno, Nev.; sister, Nita Sampson, and husband, Paul, of Lakeside; and numerous other relatives.

She also leaves behind her loving and faithful dogs, Mike and Gizmo.

Graveside services will be held privately by the family. There will be no visitation.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 3550 Mullan Road, Missoula, MT 59808; or Wings, c/o Radiation Therapy, Kalispell Regional Medical Center, 310 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901. There will be a get-together at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 19, at 111 Wintercrest Drive in Kalispell to celebrate her life.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Valora's family.