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Lorene Yates Gould, 83

| April 12, 2020 1:00 AM

Lorene Yates Gould passed away in late March at age 83.

Lorene was born in 1936 in Taos, New Mexico. She was one of four girls and two boys born to Luther and Etheline Yates.

Lorene led an extraordinary life. After graduating from Northwest College, in biblical studies, and marrying Donald Gould they headed to the mission field in Paraguay South America in 1970. There, they fell in love with the people and culture. They treasured their work spreading the Gospel of Christ in these communities. At times they lived in remote areas only accessible by boat and had housing with dirt floors and water from the river. Here they provided their sons Scott and Randy with many adventures and learning experiences. Both boys became fluent in Spanish and the native language Guarani

Don and Lorene retired after 40 years on the mission field to a cabin 10 miles outside Glacier Park. Here they shared many memories and fun-filled time with friends and family. Many a Christmas was spent with son Randy, his wife Julia, and two of Lorene’s greatest joys, her granddaughters, Lucy and Sophie. The holidays passed baking cookies, sledding and sharing a warm comforting meal after a long day skiing at Big Mountain. Lorene was an excellent cook and her granddaughters have her cookbooks and recipes filled with love to carry with them.

Lorene had a true servant’s heart, especially for less advantaged and lonely people. She dedicated herself to an active vocation of helping and teaching others. She exemplified the love of Christ, constantly ministering to the “least of these my children.” Insightful, kind, energetic and quick to see humor in most situations — Lorene was a natural teacher and genuinely enjoyed sharing her faith with all ages.

Lorene is survived by her husband Don (married 61 years); son Scott Gould and wife Debbie Gould; daughter-in-law Julia Gould; granddaughters Lucy and Sophie Gould; and sisters Jackie Clarke, Jeanette Marshall and Carmen Hartman.

Her two brothers, Richard Yates and Terry Yates, preceded her in death. We find great peace in knowing she is in heaven with her youngest son Randy, who died one year ago. We just know that they are baking together, and Randy is making her laugh (along with all the other souls in heaven), and that they are waiting for us to join them when our time comes.

A special thank you for loving care and concern to Dan Gould, Carole Tallman, the community at Lorene’s Whitefish Assembly of God Church and all the staff at Timber Creek Assisted Living and at Frontier Hospice who worked to make her final days comfortable. Funeral arrangements will be made at a later time when it is safe to do so.