Laurie Angela Kerney, 59

Laurie Angela Kerney, 59, died suddenly on June 11, 2017, at her home from apparent cardiac arrest.

Laurie was born a twin (only four minutes older than her identical twin sister) on Feb. 21, 1958, in Yakima, Washington. Growing up, she was a cheerful model child and student. She graduated from A.C. Davis High School with a 4.0 grade point average She was on the honor roll and on the drill team.

After graduation she married her high school sweetheart, Jim Kerney, and they moved to Kalispell where they made their home and raised their three children. Laurie and Jim owned and operated Silvertip, AKC kennels. They bought, trained and sold, professional service dogs for obedience, protection and security. Laurie ran the inner operations of their business. Laurie also worked in tech support for Hewlett-Packard. Being a natural born caregiver, Laurie studied to become a certified nurse assistant. She enjoyed working at the hospital caring for same-day surgery patients. Later, she started her own home health-care business, which became full-time employment after their divorce. Lifting a patient, Laurie suffered a back injury, which plagued her throughout her life, however she continued doing volunteer work at the local library, and home health care in a less physical sense, until her passing.

Laurie loved her grandbabies more than anything in the world! They were her life! She was a “more than happy to” babysitter, and like a second mother to Dominic, with whom she had a special bond. He went to her house every day after school until Mom got off work, and they made many happy memories together.

Laurie is survived by her children, Jarod Ray-Elgin Kerney (Kalispell) and Angela Christine Kerney (Lakeside); her grandchildren, Benjamin James Dyer (Missoula), Dylan Kerney (Kalispell), and Dominic, Liam and Lyric (Lakeside). She is also survived by her mother Barbara Jaeger, and Jim Jaeger — the only father she’d ever known since she was 4 years old, (Yakima); her twin sister, Linda Phelps (Sandpoint, Idaho); younger sister, Lisa Jaeger (Yakima); many nieces, nephews and friends. She also leaves behind her much loved, fur child and companion, service dog, Toby.

Laurie was preceded in death by her beloved son, Eldon James Kerney, who died on Dec. 1, 2011. Laurie missed Eldon so much, “and now they are together...”

Laurie was loved by so many, and she will be missed ... but her sweet, gentle spirit, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her ... May she rest in peace.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

To send a note of condolence to the family, please visit www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.