Deanna Lee Hanks, 51

Deanna Lee Hanks, 51, passed away Monday, April 8, 2013, in Kalispell.

She was born Jan. 7, 1962, in Salt Lake City to Edward D. and Edith E. Hanks.

Deanna was known for her free spirit, extraordinary intelligence and loving personality. She was always the one to tell you how wonderful you were looking that day. She made friends with everyone, especially those who were in need of a friend. She was an avid book reader whose dream was to one day own a bookstore and her dream was fulfilled in 2006, when she opened “Heretic Books” in Kalispell.

The majority of Deanna’s early years were spent in Salt Lake City up until 1998, when she moved to Kalispell. Deanna carried on the family trade of wallpaper hanging and painting, following in the footsteps of her much-loved father. She was highly talented and used her skills to open her own business, “Hanks Wallcovering,” remaining self-employed for many years.

Deanna was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was an active Master Mason. She also spent many years working and volunteering for the Violence Free Crisis Line, advocating her innate calling to help others. Shortly after moving to Kalispell, Deanna was a key team player in the development and founding of the local Alano Club, and used her beautiful and endearing nature to sponsor others and support them on their path to recovery.

Deanna’s greatest love in life was her family, which took highest precedence in her life. Family barbecues and camping trips were her all-time favorite things to do, and some of the most treasured memories took place at her favorite place, Granite Hot Springs in Wyoming, the location of many family reunions. She was extremely proud of her children, which she frequently voiced. Her family was the beat to her drum, the music to her life.

She is survived by her six children, Christopher R. and Samantha Breeden, Gordon N. and Megan Breeden, Edward C. and Courtney Breeden, Danielle N. Breeden, Alexander D. Albrethsen, and Corey D. Albrethsen; and two brothers, Gordon Hanks, and Robert and Maxeen Hanks of Salt Lake City. She is also survived by her closest nephew, Dustin A. and Sheri Hanks; closest friends, Robin and Cindy Breeden; her nine beautiful grandchildren; numerous cousins, nephews and nieces; and a multitude of friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Hanks; mother, Edith Hanks; and brothers, Baby Hanks, John D. Hanks and Donald R. Hanks.

Deanna always lived life to the fullest, which will forever be her legacy. Everything about the amazing person Deanna was will be eternally missed, but the love and energy she blessed us with will forever remain imbedded in our hearts. “She will remain the light in our life, now blazing gallantly through the stars at night, the sunshine during the day, and her laughter will be heard in the music of the wind.”

A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 20 at the Eastside Grange Hall in Creston. The hall is located across from Creston School.

“If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.”