Bernice 'Bunny' Louden, 89

Bernice “Bunny” Louden passed away shortly before midnight, Monday, Sept. 18, 2017.

Eighty-nine years ago, Bunny, the last child of Ben and Clara Talbot, was born on the windswept Alberta prairie. Bunny, the eighth child of the homesteading family, always held an affection for the open landscape. At the impressionable age of 10 her family repatriated to the States, working a small farm in Creston. Upon graduating from Flathead County High School, her eye was on a handsome young

Lower Valley farmer, Cal Louden, whom she married shortly after graduation, moving to the Lower Valley where she raised a family, living on the Flathead River for nearly 70 years.

Bunny Louden was the consummate farmer’s wife, dedicated to raising her family, tending the livestock, always a constant and loyal friend to neighbors and strangers alike. Her life was graced by paintings, quilts and craftsmanship, creations she often shared with family and friends.

As a child of the Depression she remained frugal and hardworking her whole life, always accompanied with a smile and sparkling humor. She was widely loved and respected, in large part, because that is how she embraced her world, with love and respect.

Bunny was preceded in death by four sisters and three brothers, her husband of 51 years, Calvin Louden, and one daughter, Leila Lynn Gembala.

As with modern families, Bunny’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren formed a loving network across the United States, which she visited often, always proud of her family.

She is survived by three living children, Allan Louden of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Ben Louden (Maureen) of Lower Valley, and Ann Parker (Terry) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and son-in-law Rick Gembala of Ferndale. Her grandchildren include Megan Jorgenson (Brian) of Hawaii, Sam Louden (Katie) of Lower Valley, Lindsay Rae (Jake) of Washington, Charlie Parker (Heather) of Texas, Adam Parker (Kristen) of Louisiana, Stephanie Joiner (Corey) of Oregon, Amy and Jake Gembala of Ferndale.

Bunny always had a special place in her heart for babies, and found no greater joy than snuggling with her great-grandchildren, a brood that includes, Moria, Isak, Eli, Viola, Gus, Joe, Calvin, Ruby, Holden,

Judd and Baby Parker.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at the Little Brown Church, with a reception following in the church basement.