Virginia Margaret Hawes LaBrant, 96

Virginia Margaret Hawes LaBrant, 96, was called home to be with the Lord Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010, in Prescott, Ariz. She was born Jan. 7, 1914, in Blackduck, Minn., to Emmet and Archabell (Bartlett) Hawes. She moved with her parents to Stanley, N.D., as an infant and was the oldest of 13 children. Being the oldest of 13 children, her childhood was replaced with many adult responsibilities. Her character, positive attitude and strong work ethics supported her throughout her life. Instilling these qualities in her children made her proud of their accomplishments and those of her grand- and great-grandchildren. In 1938, as an area coal mine cook, she met the love of her life, Arthur Duane LaBrant. They were married Jan. 6, 1940, and soon began farming in the area. In pursuit of better farm land, they moved in 1947 with their five children, farm equipment and livestock to Flathead County. They settled in the Creston area and lived there until after her husband died. The road to Echo Lake bears the family name. The family worked together to help with the crops, gardening and caring for livestock. They became active members of the Creston East Side Grange, and were involved in all the activities of 4-H and FFA. She was a longtime member of the Creston Homemakers Club. Virginia thrived in her chosen role as wife, homemaker and mother. She loved to cook for any occasion. Food was plentiful on their farm and she loved to share produce and homemade foods with the neighbors. Her love of cooking continued at the Echo Lake Cafe in Bigfork for nearly 20 years. She was famous for her homemade pies, pastries and breads. Upon retirement, she volunteered at the Kalispell Food Bank for eight years. She moved to Somers in 1972 and continued to live there until 2006, at which time, she moved to Prescott to be near her daughter, Ardis, and family. She attended Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork, and became a member of American Lutheran Church upon moving to Prescott. Virginia was blessed with a long and healthy life. She will always be remembered for her family meals, popcorn balls, candy stashes and her vegetable and flower gardens which she maintained until she was 91. She never considered herself to be old, even at 96, and was proud she didn t get gray hair. Virginia was a very productive and generous person. She started each day at 6 a.m. with a positive attitude and ended it at sunset with a sense of accomplishment and pride. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by a son, Harlan, in 1968; husband, Duane, in 1971; her parents and 10 of her siblings. She is survived by her children, Ardis and Don Baker of Prescott, Floyd and Toni LaBrant of Corvallis, Larry and Nancy LaBrant of Burnet, Texas, and Lois and Dale Lauman of Lakeside. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Karen and John Benediktson of Bozeman, Jeanne and Jeff Borer of Everett, Wash., Mark LaBrant of San Marcos, Texas, Eric and Danika LaBrant of Houston, Paul LaBrant of Lubbock, Texas, Darron and Erika Baker of Chino Valley, Ariz., and Lynette Baker of Prescott. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Sara Borer, Aiden Borer, Marisa Borer, Dorien Baker, Abbigail Baker, Anna Benediktson, Jacob LaBrant and Kyle LaBrant; as well as, her sisters, Isabelle Amundson Dougherty of Kalispell, and Vivian O Brien of Portage, Ind.; and many nieces and nephews. Graveside services for Virginia will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23, at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell. The family suggests a donation in Virginia s honor to the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, www.missingkids.com/safe; or to the charity of your choice. Johnson Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Virginia s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Virginia s Tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.