Eleanor Anna Larson

Eleanor Anna Larson, 88, of Missoula, passed away with her family by her side Sunday morning, Oct. 20, 2014, due to complications of pneumonia. Her humor and passion for family will be greatly missed.

Eleanor "Ellie" was a third-generation Burnt Fork/Bitterrooter at the time of her birth Feb. 27, 1926. She was born in Ronan, where the family temporary lived. She always remained connected to her Stevensville heritage. The family returned to their beloved Bitterroot Valley, where she was raised and lived until she graduated from Stevensville High school in 1943. She then relocated to Missoula.

The most important date in her life was June 2, 1946, when she married her high school sweetheart and lifetime partner, Melvin "Mike" Larson. Their young marriage lasted just short of 60 years when Mike died one month prior to their 60th wedding anniversary, on March 17, 2006. This loss left her heartbroken for the remainder of her life.

Eleanor was comfortable being identified as Mike Larson's wife, but had several successful jobs working with the public and often being in a management position. She finally retired at the tender age of 80. She could manage money as well as anyone and being a "Great Depression" survivor, she understood the value of a dollar.

Mom was the quintessential mother and grandmother. Her love for her grandchildren was expressed by the many hours of listening and attending to them. She cared deeply for her parents, brothers, sisters and the many nieces and nephews. Her home was open to many who were in need of place to stay.

Her great humor added a lot of joy to family gatherings big or small. She wore the titles of "Mom, "Grandma" and "Wife" with great pride and responsibility. Nothing was ever asked in return, other than "thanks." Mom took great pride in caring for her home. She enjoyed having the greenest lawn with colorful flowers throughout. The past few years, she became quite astute at orchestrating improvement projects around her home.

Eleanor loved to talk and she did. Many of her stories will be with us for the rest of our lives.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, James and Alberta Lawless; her husband, Melvin "Mike" Larson; brother, James "Bud" Lawless; sister, Joyce Erickson; and nieces, Bobbi Jo and Christi Ossege.

She is survived by sons, Robert (Linda) Larson of Caldwell, Idaho, and Michael (Mary) Larson of Polson; sisters, Sandra Ossege of Arizona and Rhonda Howell of Missoula; grandchildren, Robert Larson Jr. of Gendive, Kimberly Larson of Denver, Mattson (Ashley) Larson of Kirkland, Washington, Michele (Jake) Bradfield of Manhattan, Kansas, and A.J. (Heather) Feeley of Philadelphia. Survivors also include her great-grandchildren, Parker Larson, Finley Larson and Conner Feeley; and nieces and nephews, James Lawless, Linda Lawless, Glenda Terry, Donald Erickson, Erika Davy, Roanna Ossege, Bobbi Jean Bristow, Ron Howell, Jeannie Armstrong and Jana Jessop.

Visitation will be held at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home on Friday, Oct. 24, from 10 to 10:45 a.m. with services starting at 11 a.m. Burial and a reception will follow.
Read Eleanor Larson's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.