Andrew "Andy" Larance

Andrew Andy LaRance, 93, of Great Falls, passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2015 at his home.A vigil service will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The funeral liturgy will be held on Friday, November 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Schnider Funeral Home handling arrangements.Andy was born on December 23, 1921 in Box Elder to Reuben E. Babcock and Eva LaRance Babcock. He attended grade school at St. Labre in Ashland and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Miles City. In the fall of 1942, Andy enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was honorably discharged after three years as an aerial engineer with the rank of Tech Sergeant. He went on to serve another three years as a member of the Montana Air National Guard. He attended Helena Business College and then went to work for the Great Northern Railroad. In 1981, he retired as an office manager for the Burlington Northern Railroad.He married Mary Irene McDermott on October 24, 1953 in Billings at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. They made their home in Great Falls.Andy was a devout Catholic, a loving husband and father, and a patriot.He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary; children Dorothy Ann (the late Mel) Davis of Amanda Park, WA, Christine LaRance of Billings, Greg LaRance of Meridian, ID, Diane (Gary) Marozas of Aiken, SC, Jim (Dana) LaRance of Henderson, NV, Mike LaRance of Milwaukie, OR, Robert (Kari) LaRance of Great Falls, and Randy (Jill) LaRance of Billings; 17 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his parents; brother David; and sons Stephen and William.The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Louie from A Plus Healthcare and all those from Peace Hospice who cared for Andy during the last months of his life.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, MT 59004.