Loraine 'Lany' Clothier, 71

Loraine "Lany" Clothier, 71, passed away peacefully March 10, 2006, after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. She will be remembered for her caring and giving spirit, a friend to all with a kind word or helping hand.

Lany was born Sept. 16, 1934 in Broadus to Oscar and Emma Caudill, the fourth of seven children. The family moved to Kalispell in 1944. Lany attended elementary school through high school in Kalispell.

She married Robert M. Lewis on March 31, 1952, in Seattle, where they lived before moving to Kalispell and then to Columbia Falls where they made their home and raised their family. Robert "Bob" was employed at the Anaconda Aluminum Co. until he passed away in 1972.

A homemaker, Lany enjoyed spending many hours with her husband and children, Bobbie, Dee Dee and Vickie, fishing and enjoying her flower garden, and she always was on the hunt for antiques. Her husband and family were her first priority. In her later years she started collecting "roosters," acquiring quite a collection - family and friends gave many to her. Her favorite times were spent with her children, their families, and especially the great-grandchildren.

Lany married Neil Clothier, who preceded her in death, and lived in Lakeside until 1989.

Lany is survived by Robert G. Lewis and wife, Cleve, of Columbia Falls, Diana and husband, Vic Hanson, of Kalispell, and Vickie and husband, Gerald Keller, of Eureka; grandchildren, Christina Lewis, Justin Cork, Rochelle and Bud Hill, Victoria and Dale White; Liberty and Tony Pacella, Lynn and Tia Keller, Kaylee Keller, Molly Miller, Coralan Shields and Cory Shields; great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Garrett, Gage and Rainy White, Kionna, Taylor and Bryce Pacella, Talan Keller and Bridger Miller; and two special nephews, Jordan and Jake Baker; two brothers, Clarence Caudill and Tom and wife, Gloria Caudill, all of Kalispell; and sister, Helen and Jim Lancaster of Spokane; Don Clothier, her special friend and companion in her later years; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father; brother, Norman Caudill; brother, Gerald; sister-in-law, Pat Caudill; sister, Ellen Baker; brother-in-law, Jim Baker; sister-in-law, Lucile Caudill; Robert. M. Lewis, and Neil Clothier.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to the staff at Kalispell Regional Hospital and the Brendan House for the special care given to Mom in her final days. Their caring and compassion made this difficult time easier for her and all who loved her.

There will be a memorial service at 1 p.m. Friday, March 17, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Chapel, with Pastor John Ulrich officiating. Cremation has taken place.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.