Laura Becke Seelye, 64

Laura Lue Klein was born in Iowa City, Iowa, on Nov. 9, 1956, to Shirley Klein. Shirley passed when Laura was 6 and she was quickly welcomed into the open arms of her then aunt and uncle whom she always considered her parents. Laura grew up in Billings and, after a brief stay in Missoula and Colorado Springs, Colorado, she settled into a life in Seattle. Seattle always held a special place in her heart and many of her close friends still reside there. Seattle is also where she met her husband, Dave, and had her daughter, Ashley.

In 1992 the family decided that Montana would be the ideal place to raise their daughter; it was close to family and the outdoors. Laura enjoyed camping, cooking and traveling and ensured that she did those as much as possible in the years before her health began to suffer. Laura passed away on July 4, 2021.

Laura and her mother, Grace, owned a business in Columbia Falls in the ‘90s called “Gracie’s Attic” and treated many local patrons to their baking skills. In more recent years she spent time visiting her favorite places from her years as a travel agent, frequenting the beaches of Mexico.

Though Laura had many things she enjoyed in life, there was nothing she loved more than her two grandsons, Klein and Hayes. Laura loved deeply and with her whole heart, holding nothing back, and her love for her grandkids knew no bounds.

Laura was preceded in death by her father Don Becke, brother Craig Becke, sister Robin Van Leuven, and birth mother Shirley Klein.

She is survived by her mother, Grace Becke, husband David Seelye, daughter Ashley Young, grandsons Klein Young and Hayes Young, and her sister Cheri MacRenato. Laura’s absence will be felt in this community, those lucky enough to know her knew an unconditional love and joy that can never be replaced. We will remember her always and though we mourn, we rejoice that she can dance in heaven without the burden of the broken body that held her back on earth.

The public is invited to celebrate Laura’s life on Tuesday, July 13, at 11 a.m. at Fellowship Church, 1025 7th Ave W., Columbia Falls, MT 59912. There will be a potluck lunch to follow, so please join us in sharing food and memories as we remember the wonderful woman we’ve lost.

Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the family.