Florence Irene Leslie, 83

On Aug. 20, 2012, Florence Irene Leslie “was released by her Lord and Savior from the bonds of this earth and allowed to go home.” Florence passed away from natural causes at a local hospital in Great Falls. She was 83 years old.

Florence (Cordell) Leslie was born to Elbert and Irene Cordell on Feb. 27, 1929, in Grand Rapids, Minn. The majority of her life was spent in Kalispell where she was raised and educated. Due to declining health, she and her husband Harold moved from Kalispell to Great Falls five years ago to be near family.  

On June 28, 1947, she married the love of her life, Harold Leslie. One of her favorite stories was of meeting Harold in downtown Kalispell. She was determined to marry him before anybody else could get him. They were married for over 60 years, ending with his death two years ago. The love he and Florence shared was noted by many Flathead residents during the years they lived in Kalispell. They could frequently be seen walking on the west side, holding hands, or driving along with Florence sitting closely beside him.

Florence was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Judy and Jerry, and a proud grandmother to Jeffrey, Matthew and Justin. She loved to hear of every accomplishment and milestone in their lives.

Florence will be remembered by her friends and family as a woman of courage with a “feisty spirit.” She was never at a loss for words and always let you know what she thought. Florence loved laughing, dancing, dogs, babies and singing. She was very proud of a picture taken of her while singing on the radio. Her favorite activity was camping with Harold at Lid Creek on Hungry Horse Reservoir.

The courage she showed during the last few years of her life will always be a testimony to her strong spirit. Florence fought long and hard against a host of daunting health issues. Her doctors were amazed at her ability to “beat all the odds” and her indomitable will to live.

Florence was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Harold.  

She is survived by her daughters, Judy and Tom Crump of Entiat, Wash., and Jerry and David Zahller of Great Falls; grandsons, Jeffrey Zahller and Holly of Monroe, Wash., Matthew Zahller  and Kimber of Boise, Idaho, and Justin Crump  and Kassia of Pateros, Wash.; and great-grandchildren, Genevieve of Monroe, and Trinity of Pateros.

“May you rest in peace dear wife, mother and grandmother. God richly blessed our lives with your presence and love. Your family will miss you dearly but find comfort in the fact that you are with dad again and your suffering has ended.”

Florence’s family would like to thank the dedicated and loving staffs of both Highgate Senior Living and Beehive Homes of Great Falls for their care and kindness.  

Visitation for Florence will be from 3 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 29 at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 31 at Glacier Memorial Gardens.  

The family suggests memorials be sent to Special Olympics Montana, P.O. Box 3507, Great Falls, MT 59403.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Florence’ family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Florence’s tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.