Florence M. Leighton, 96

Florence M. Rutledge Leighton passed away peacefully at Prestige/Expressions Care Facility on May 4, 2015.

She was born June 4, 1918, to Forrest and Anna (Lohse) Rutledge in Big Sandy. Florence attended school at Hopp country school and later moved to Ronan to live with her aunt and uncle, Dewey and Agnes Anderson, where she attended high school and worked in their Woodward’s store, graduating from Ronan High School in 1936.

Florence met Alvia Leighton in Ronan and, after dating for six years, they were married on July 11, 1942, in Greenville, South Carolina, where Alvia was stationed in the Air Force. They would have celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in July.

They moved to LaBella Lane in Big Arm in 1954, where they resided until 2006 when they moved to Kalispell.

A longtime friend shared that in Florence’s younger life, she made the best maple bars, loved people, liked to entertain and accepted Jesus as her savior.

Florence was a gardener and kept their home on LaBella Lane a showplace with her many roses and flowers. Friends and family were always welcomed to their lake home for a visit, picnic or boat ride. Florence was a caregiver to friends, family and pets and used her knowledge of natural remedies that she learned from her mother and grandma to heal most ailments. When you left their home, Florence always tried to send cookies, fruit or something with you. Florence enjoyed traveling and their trips to the coast, Canada, Arizona and Hawaii.

She was active in both Eastern Star and Daughters of the Nile and was a 50-year member of both, as well as a member of the Sewing Club.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Arvid “Bill” Rutledge. She also leave behind her beloved pets, Lucifer and Corky.

She is survived by her husband, Alvia; cousins, Robert Rutledge of Olympia, Washington, Charlene Morvac and Martha Mae Plenninger, both of Big Sandy; several nieces and nephews and numerous close friends.

Many thanks to the faithful friends and family for their calls and visits through Florence’s years of confinement which meant so much to her.

The family also extends grateful appreciation to the caregivers at Prestige/Expressions, Hospice, Home Options and Addus for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions may be made in Florence’s name to the Daughters of the Nile, 314 West Park Street, Butte, MT 59701.

Services will be held at a later date.

To send a note of condolence, please visit www.buffalohillfh.com.

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