Leota 'Dutch' Porteus, 81

Leota “Dutch” Porteus, 81, passed away peacefully with family at her side on Jan. 14, 2017, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

She was born on April 7, 1935, in Sweet Grass, Montana, to Hazel and Ted Hudson.

She graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1953.

In October of 1953 she married Charlie Simpson, and in the spring of 1954 their daughter Deb Simpson was born. Charlie and Dutch were married for 35 years before his passing in January of 1988. Dutch later went on to marry Jim Porteus of Columbia Falls.

She spent most of her working years in the dental industry. She went on to retire from that field. She and Jim also owned and ran Porteus Auction and BBQ Co. for 18 years.

In her early years, she would often greet her father at the door after he had his day of work. Most often she greeted him with a dirty face from playing outside. Her father started to call her the “dirty Dutchman,” thus the nickname “Dutch” came about and stayed with her all of her days.

Dutch had such a “spunk” about her; many would say she was quite the “pistol” or such a “spitfire.” She had an enormous love of life, her friends, her family and anyone who she came in contact with. She enjoyed watching NASCAR, hotrods and anything that went fast! She was an amazing cook, and always loved preparing meals and baking goods. There was never a time that she didn’t leave you with a good joke, a hearty laugh or a full stomach. She was a master crafter, and often spent her time sewing clothes for her grandchildren, making decorations and thoughtful gifts for family and friends. She had a love for painting, and if she had it her way, she would have painted a room a different color every year.

Dutch touched the lives of many; she never met a stranger, and she will certainly be missed. She always said, “You better cremate me in a pair of shorts and flip-flops, ‘cause it’s gonna be hot where I’m going.”

Dutch was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Hazel Hudson, brother Larry Hudson, and Charlie Simpson.

She is survived by her sister, Loretta Fauske; daughter, Deb Simpson; grandsons, Christopher and TJ Motichka; great-granddaughters, Paige and Aubrey Motichka; and several family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, in Kalispell.