April Lee Laubach

April Lee Laubach, 83, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 5, 2023, at Great Falls Clinic Hospital with her daughter by her side.

April was born on May 13, 1940, to Russel B. Rupp and Maxine (Hoover) Rupp. She attended school in Carter through the 8th grade and then attended Fort Benton High School from which she graduated in 1959.

April worked as a telephone operator and secretary in the early years. She married Larry J. Laubach on April 11, 1960. They then settled on the family farm north of Carter where they farmed and raised their family from 1963 until 2007. During that time, they had two children, son, Robin born on July 7, 1961, and daughter Rona born on October 26, 1963.

April started working part-time at the Carter post office in 1977 and later became postmaster, from 1989 until she retired in 2007.

April had a huge heart for animals. April also had many hobbies. She loved to knit, cross stitch, and play all sorts of cards and games (pinochle, bridge, and mahjong to name a few), but her passion was her family. Her focus was on her children and grandchildren. She made each one feel special and as if they were her favorite. She went out of her way to have a special connection with each of them, whether it be a phone call, a text message, or just the perfect gift.

April also loved adventure and traveling. She and Larry did several road trips around the US, and she took several trips and cruises with her daughter and her family as well as her cousin and husband. Those were the days.

Although April had some health problems over the years, she did not let that interfere with her fun-loving nature. She had a gracious, cheerful, and forgiving nature that made her a pleasure to be around. However, in that 4 foot 11-inch frame, was a steely resolve which sometimes came into play.

April was preceded in death by her parents, Russel Rupp, and Maxine (Hoover) Rupp.

Survivors include her husband, Larry of 63 years; son, Robin (Renita) Laubach of Carter; grandchildren, Stephanie (Todd) Espinoza of Arlee, Hallie (Pat) Spry of Great Falls, and Colton Laubach of Helena; daughter, Rona (Jeff) Davison; grandchildren, Joel Davison, Olivia Davison, and Noah Davison all of Bozeman; and great-grandchildren, Evan and Jaycee Spry, Audrey and Eli Espinoza; brother, O'Dean (Brenda) Groff of San Filipe Mexico; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

There will be a memorial service on Friday, June 16, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the River & Plains Society (Ag Center at 1205 20th Street in Fort Benton). Luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers and because of her deep love for animals, please consider a donation to the Dedman Foundation, (1410 24th Street, Fort Benton, MT 59442), or a charity of your choice.