Sara Shellene Noziska, 40

Sara Shellene Noziska, 40, “went to join our Heavenly Father” on March 6, 2016, peacefully in Kalispell.

Sara was born on November 4, 1975, in Kalispell, to Michael and Shellene (Drake) Noziska, at the old hospital on Fifth Avenue East.

Sara grew up in the Helena Flats area of Kalispell, and attended Helena Flats country school, where she enjoyed cross country running and was a very good basketball player for the girls team.

Sara attended junior high in Kalispell. After high school Sara attended schooling in Missoula and was certified as a massage therapist physical trainer.

Sara worked at a number of jobs early on, road construction, waitress, and house keeping. Sara was a hard worker and loved by everyone.

While working in the woods of the Swan Forest Range peeling yew bark, Sara met Gilbert Leigh, a young tree feller who cut the yew bush tree to be peeled. The yew bark was used to help fight breast cancer.

Together they had two wonderful sons, Lukas and Dalton. Sara enjoyed the outdoors, camping and swimming with her sons. She also attended her boys’ many sports events, such as wrestling, football and baseball.

Sara had interest in Native American culture and customs. She liked attending the native sweat lodges, and Sara looked forward to her daily workouts at her health club. She stayed slim and fit. Sara loved her two boys, and strived for family unity.

Sara was preceded in death by her oldest son, Lukas Leigh, and grandparents, Ernest and Wonita Drake, cousin Christopher Drake, and also a grandfather. Sara is survived by her son, Dalton Leigh; brother Chad, mother Shellene Reese, father Michael Noziska; her grandmother, four uncles, five aunts and six cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday April 23 at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.

To send a note of condolence to the family, please visit www.buffalohillfh.com. The family request memorials be made to Michael Noziska, c/o Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, 1890 U.S. 93 North Kalispell, MT 59901.

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