Laura Labuff

Laura Andersen LaBuff was born Aug. 8, 1917, in Dillon. She passed away of natural causes Sunday, March 9, 2014, in Missoula. Laura was born to immigrant parents Laura Hansen Andersen and Clarence Andersen, both originally from Denmark. She grew up on a homestead ranch on Grasshopper Creek near Dillon.

She attended business school in Butte after high school and worked at a department store and then State Bank when she returned to Dillon. She met and married Jess LaBuff, who graduated from Montana State Normal College in Dillon. The LaBuffs were married in 1946 and lived briefly in Superior, Manhattan and Browning. They moved to Shelby in 1951, where Jess taught U.S. history and coached football, basketball and track at Shelby High School. Laura was an avid and knowledgeable sports fan for the remainder of her life. Laura worked at Toole County State Bank for many years, where she made a lot of dear friends.

Laura and Jess had two children, a daughter Lorna born in 1948 and a son Len born in 1949. She was widowed in 1973 and moved to Missoula at the request of her children, who both resided in and loved Missoula. She worked at First National Bank and Davis Jewelers before her most enjoyable position, taking care of her son's children. Her two grandchildren, Emil and Amelia brought her a great deal of joy and gave her life purpose. Her other pleasures were biking and walking. She liked to bike to Big Flat and back, and enjoyed walking to and around downtown Missoula. Her last hike to the "M" was at 80 years old.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jess LaBuff; an infant daughter; her beloved son, Len LaBuff; and her sisters, Anna Tovey and Helen Koeneke.

Laura is survived by her daughter, Lorna LaBuff; daughter-in-law, Nancy LaBuff; and grandchildren, Emil and Amelia LaBuff.

The most heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Missoula, whose love, kindness and care for Laura was exceptional, with special thanks to Linda and Cindy. Hospice of Missoula provided music, massages and so much more, including a lot of conversation and laughter. Thanks also to loving and sweet Wendy of Wendy Care. Laura could not have stayed at home without all of you. Laura passed away at home with the care of Hospice of Missoula. In the hours before her passing, she had time with Nancy, Emil and Amelia, and died in the arms of her daughter. She will be missed.

There will be no services per Laura's request
Read Laura Labuff's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.