Lauretta Reynolds

Lauretta Mae Marcussen Ryan Reynolds, 76 of Great Falls, died on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at Cambridge Court, after a battle with cancer. A celebration of life will be held at the Highwood Community Hall on November 20, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.Arrangements are being handled by Schnider Funeral Home.Lauretta was born March 19, 1936 in Great Falls, Montana to Roy and Sadie Marcussen of Carter, MT. She married Dewain Ryan in 1952. She married Don Reynolds on November 20, 1960 and lived on the ranch in the Highwood Mountains until they retired. She and Don then lived in Chester, Shelby, and Kalispell before settling in Condon, MT for several years. From there, they settled in Laurel, MT. After the passing of her husband, and as her health deteriorated, she then moved to Cambridge Court in Great Falls in February of 2012. Above all else, she loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. For many years, she was actively involved in her Bible studies, prayer groups, and fellowship with close friends and family. She prayed continually for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and all family members. While in Condon, she was very active in a women's choral group. She loved music and had a wonderful voice and could harmonize beautifully! No matter where she was, she had a beautiful flower garden and all of her flowers flourished under her care. She was active in the Flower Club, Home Demonstration, was a Girl Scout Leader for several years and loved taking the girls on their camping trips. She was a master calligrapher, excellent seamstress and tailor and quilter, before her eyesight failed. Lauretta was also an unbelievably great cook! She worked for a time as a cook at the Highwood "public" School and also at the Cascade County Jail. She was always there with a helping hand for those who needed it. She is survived by her children: Dawn Marie (Dick) Stahl, Kathleen Ryan, Michael (Judy) Ryan, Sarah Johnson; her brother Terry (Bert) Marcussen; sister-in-law Jean Withrow; grandchildren Lee (Ashley) Slehofer, Eric Slehofer, Brett Slehofer, Patrick (Renee) Allen, Jesse (Erin) Ryan, Ian (Summer) Ryan, Alison Moderie, and Alana Johnson as well as eight great grandchildren and was anticipating the arrival of three more by March, 2013. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Sadie Marcussen and her husband, Don Reynolds.She was blessed with long time friendships and those who were close to her, and her family will miss her. The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to the staff at Cambridge Court, Peace Hospice and Schnider Funeral Home for their care of our Mom and Grandmother as she went into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ, at 4:26 a.m., on October 16th.Donations can be made to the Great Falls Rescue Mission, 326 2nd Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405, or Set Free Ministries, PO Box 6122, Great Falls, MT 59406.