Sheila Lanky

Sheila Lanky, our sweet daughter, sister, sister-in-law and aunt, died, Sunday afternoon, Nov. 3, 2013, following a very brief illness. She was surrounded by the family who treasured her.

Sheila was born April 8, 1955, in Great Falls, where she lived until 1996. At age 4, Sheila contracted viral encephalitis, which left her with developmental challenges the rest of her life. She benefitted from her mother's tenacious drive to provide appropriate schooling for the handicapped that wasn't offered at the time. Sheila thrived in her community, enjoying many offerings including summer camps in the Little Belt Mountains.

She moved to Missoula with her mom in 1996 to be near family and was soon taking part in the Opportunity Resources Inc. senior day program, which offered a variety of stimulating socialization opportunities. She loved the many outings, delivering Meals on Wheels, trips to the Humane Society, going out to lunch, visits to the ORI ranch and sharing coffee with the staff that made her feel so mainstream!

She eventually moved into Foss Court Group Home, where she resided until her death. There she enjoyed Griz day celebrations, driving past the pumpkin patch, deer on the hillside and special outings with favorite staff.

Sheila loved Missoula and told time by community events such as the homecoming parade, the fair and rodeo, the Fourth of July, Grizzly anything, pizza and a red beer, VSA choir practices and performances, Christmas lights, hockey games, Osprey games and Mass at Christ the King.

Most significant was Sheila's love of family and family events. She adored her "sweet little mother," and the family pets. She was her nephew Rye's No. 1 soccer fan. She loved Sunday football with her nephew Asher and brother-in-law, Marvin, who could make her laugh like no other. She loved to get a ride with her niece Kylie, who was good for a latte on the way home. She would catch Jesse's eye and ask for favors he couldn't refuse. And, Sheila and her sister Mary Anne shared a special bond, including head bumps and snuggles during the weekly visits home.

Her passion was for coffee, children, sports of all kinds, coffee, pizza, animals, favorite old songs and more coffee!

She was preceded in death by her father, Frank Lanky; her brother, "Mac" Lanky; and both sets of grandparents. She is survived by her mother, Geraldine Lanky; her sister, Mary Anne Smith (Marvin); her niece, Kylie Barnes (Jesse); nephew, Rye Smith; and grand-nephew and grand-niece, Asher and Cora.

A memorial service and unique reception will be held at Christ the King Church, 1400 Gerald Ave., at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, with Father Jim Hogan presiding.

Sheila you inspired us all to enjoy the simple moments and to be compassionate. The heartfelt melody you shared, we echo to you now: You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.

Read Sheila Lanky's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.