Florence (Lanfear) Bruce, 105

Florence (Lanfear) Bruce, 105, died on Friday, July 21, 2006, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. She was born on July 16, 1901, in Carberry, Manitoba, to Hubert and Louise (Price) Lanfear.

Florence was one of nine children. The family moved to Fernie, British Columbia, and eventually across the Canadian border to a ranch at Gateway, Mont., which was flooded when Lake Koocanusa was formed. That is where she met George Bruce and they were married on July 22, 1919. They moved near Spokane where George worked in the woods.

George and Florence had two daughters. Their first daughter, Florence, 'Flora,' was born in Plummer, Idaho; their second daughter, Emiline, was born in Weippe, Idaho.

The family moved to a logging camp in Bay View, Idaho, and in 1927 to Montana, where they lived in camps in Kila, Ashley Creek, Brown's Meadow and Coon Hollow.

George passed away on June 27, 1964, and Florence continued to live in Kila.

Florence says she could do most anything, 'but my favorite was horseback riding … I could break horses with the best of them.'

In later years she enjoyed cards, puzzles and reading the newspaper, when her eyesight permitted.

She had been an active member of the Bible Presbyterian Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George; daughter, Emeline; five sisters; three brothers; and two sons-in-law, Willis Lauman and William Kinniburgh.

She is survived by her daughter, Florence Lauman, of Somers; three grandchildren, Dale Lauman and his wife Lois of Lakeside, Dan Kinniburgh and his wife Carol of Marion, and Jerry Kinniburgh and his wife Janene of Marion; four great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Florence also leaves behind a 'special' niece and nephew, Gordon and Evelyn Peters of Fernie, and niece Pearl Collinson, of Cranbrook, British Columbia. Gordon and Evelyn frequently came down to visit her and she always looked forward to their visits.

Graveside services for Florence Bruce will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 27, at Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, at Johnson Mortuary Chapel.

The family suggests memorials either to Home Options (Hospice), 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901; or Immanuel Lutheran Home, 185 Crestline Avenue, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson Mortuary & Crematory is caring for Florence's family.