Cora Lee Elizabrth Couture

Cora Lee Elizabeth Eckelberry Couture was born on June 9, 1923, in Fairfield, Illinois, to Harry Eckelberry and Ruth Frye Eckelberry. She died in her home surrounded by loving family members on Friday, Dec. 19, 2014, at age 91. Cora had been ill for several years and has now found peace.

As teenagers, Cora and her girlfriend hitchhiked from Illinois to Montana. In Arlee she met Edward (Mickey) Octave Couture, whom she later married. She and Mickey raised a family of four and operated a small cattle ranch. In addition she worked outside the home including assistant cook in the Arlee Public School system. Cora converted to Catholicism shortly after her marriage. Her religious faith played a major role in her life. Cora had many friends in the Jocko Valley whom she cherished very deeply. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend and community member.

Cora loved tending to her vegetable and flowers gardens, as well as enjoyed picnics and traveling with family. After selling their ranch they moved to Missoula to live out their final years in retirement.

Preceding Cora in death were her father Harry Eckelberry; her mother Ruth Frye Eckelberry; husband Edward Couture; brother Ray Eckelberry and grandsons, Casey Lane Couture and Shane Vanderburg.

Surviving family members include daughter Linda Couture Jeffries (Tim); sons, Charles Couture (Randy Wood), Dennis Couture (Becky) and Wallace Couture (Linda). Loving grandchildren include Carrie Busby Deranleau, Edward (Feller) Snyder, Shon Misevic, Barry Misevic, Katherine Couture and Chad Couture. Loving great-grandchildren include, Kacie Busby, Edward (Feller) Snyder, Shonna Drake, Sierra Misevic, Stephanie Misevic and Grace Couture Isihari.

Prayer services will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Arlee. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Read Cora Lee Couture's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.