Eleanor 'Sue' Lean

Sue Lean, 79, of Washburn, Wis., passed away unexpectedly June 13, 2006, near her home. Sue was celebrating life and relishing in its beauty, as was her way.

She was born May 28, 1927 in Madison, Wis., to Harry J. and Martha Way and grew up with her 11 brothers and sisters on a small farm.

Sue married Ortiz Lean on Aug. 1, 1952, and had six children. She was a loving and nurturing mother and grandmother.

She worked as a certified nurses assistant at Kalispell Regional Hospital and retired at the age of 75.

Sue lived near Glacier Park with her husband, Ortiz, for 27 years, where they enjoyed hiking, cross-country skiing and being in nature together.

She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary and loved photography, quilting, and the outdoors.

Sue's strong faith in God carried her through many trials and, in the end, brought her peace.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Ortiz Lean; her mother and father; and her brothers, Donald, Harry, Harold, John, Dick and Art.

She is survived by her six children, Holly and Gerald Henseler, Peggy and Ronald Way, Jackie and Thomas Kramer, Sally and Dean Stumvoll, Kari and Thomas Doerr, and James and Katrine Lean; 15 grandchildren; two brothers, Paul and Roy; three sisters, Mary, Rose and Joan; and many nieces and nephews whom she cared about very much.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 17, at St. Louis Catholic Church in Washburn. The Rev. Jerry Lamb will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be after the service in the Woodland Cemetery in Washburn.

Bratley Funeral Home in Washburn is assisting the family with arrangements.