Lela Joann Holder, 74

Lela Holder passed away suddenly and peacefully from a heart attack on Sept. 22, 2011.

Lela Holder was born Feb. 27, 1937, to Jess and Emma Wetzel in Eureka. As the baby of the family, she adored her brothers and sisters growing up in the Tobacco Valley.

It was there that she met the love of her life, Gale E. Holder, and married him on Dec. 26, 1953, in Eureka. Gale and Lela lived in Eureka for their 40 years of marriage, raising their own children, Mike, Gail Jean, Rock and Lynn Ann.

Lela loved to quilt, knit and crochet and was often seen with her knitting bag as she traveled. She was involved in 4-H with her children and loved to sing with the choir at church. She loved to watch her grandchildren at sporting events and other school activities.

For many years she worked creating Christmas wreaths and swags before deciding to run for public office. She served as North Lincoln County justice of the peace for eight years and loved working with the public, continuing her education and becoming involved with many judicial organizations.

Diagnosed with breast cancer, she successfully fought the disease, which remained in remission for the rest of her life.

She also enjoyed traveling and exploring the state with Gale, who would not travel by air, as well as venturing across the country and to Europe, Hawaii and the Caribbean with her family. They loved to camp together and spent many years in the Ten Therriault Lakes at church camp or with family.

Upon her own retirement, she moved to Kalispell and became a fixture in her neighborhood. Lela cared deeply for people and loved to visit with family and her friends. Over the years she had many special animals in her life as well, which she treated like children and were always at her side.

In that spirit, Lela asked that in lieu of flowers, those who wished to honor her life please donate to their local animal shelter instead.

Lela is survived by her son, Mike, and Kit Holder, of Kalispell; her daughter, Gail, and Dawain Burgess, of Fortine; and her son, Rock, of Eureka; her grandchildren, Jennifer, Chip, Bart, Marnie, April, Joey, Ashley, Alan, Kellie, Jaimie and Logan; and her great-grandchildren, Madison, Sidni and Jonathan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jess and Emma; sisters, Eloise and Jean; brothers, Jack, Frank and Lloyd; her beloved husband, Gale; and her youngest daughter, Lynn Ann.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at First Baptist Church in Eureka, with graveside services at the Eureka Cemetery, followed by a fellowship dinner at the church.

Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Eureka.