Laura Lee “Laurie” Gibson passed away on March 6, 2014 surrounded by her family, after a short battle with cancer. Laurie was born October 24, 1945, in Jordan, Montana, to Shirley (Cate) Gibson and Robert “Bob” Gibson. She was the third of five children, which included Rosemary, Nevin, Sherry and Gayle.
Laurie attended school at the Gibson Ranch School in Sand Springs from age 4 through the 5th grade. In 6th grade, she attended Jordan Elementary School in Jordan, and then attended Kircher School in the Yellowstone Valley near Miles City, where she was County Salutatorian in the 8th grade. She went to high school at Custer County High School in Miles City, where she also took college courses from MCC.
Laurie cherished her younger years on the ranch with family and especially enjoyed riding horses – she often commented that she was raised by horses and dogs. Laurie and her sister Sherry were best friends growing up, as they were so close in age.
In December 1962, Laurie and Marvin Hafla were married. They had three children – Julie, Nick and Cindy. The family vacationed to many places in Montana and Canada over the years, enjoying the outdoors and beauty of the national parks. They later divorced.
Laurie loved her kids dearly and stayed home to raise them. She also volunteered for the American Cancer Society, worked as an election judge and was employed by and manager of 4B’s Restaurant in Miles City for 21 years. She truly enjoyed working the last 6 years at Pine Hills Youth Correctional Facility and considered them her second family.
Laurie enjoyed hearing a good joke, gardening, sunny days, going to rodeos and anything outdoors, especially when spent with family and friends. She has always had a great love for animals, and over the years, Laurie cared for and saved many animals.
She is survived by her sisters Sherry (Pete) Pack and family of Maryland and Gayle McEwen and family – Michelle (Brent) in Idaho and son Mason (Deann) McEwen of Miles City; by her children and their families – Julie Raymond (Butch), Nick Hafla (Jaimie) and Cindy Conley (Kelly). Grandchildren include – John Kassner, Mariah Palluck, Beau, Chance, Scarlett, Catherine and William Raymond, Kelcy Conley (fiancé Casey Olsen), and Shea and Reese Hafla. Laurie also has two great-grandchildren, Liam Raymond and Charlee Palluck and has one on the way (Scarlett). Laurie is also survived by her long-time companion, Paul “Powder Bear” Ganzalves, her sweet dog “Charlie Russell” and her kitties, and numerous nieces and nephews. She has many close friends too numerous to mention.
A celebration of life service will be held this summer with the date and time to follow later. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Wake Up and Lace Up, 107 Balsam Dr., Miles City, MT 59301; or to Erin’s Hope Project Inc., 2215 Edgewood, Miles City, MT 59301.
“I expect to pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” By Stephen Grellet
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Deb (Moths) Schmeling says
To Laurie’s Family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap his comforting arms around each one of you. She was a great worker at PHYCF and I will miss her smile and laugh.
Hugs
Deb Schmeling
Teza Holland says
Kelly, Cindy, and family:
Jeff and I are so sorry for your loss. We will miss Laurie’s smiling face at work. She was such a great lady! Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless
Teza and Jeff Holland
Cheryl Smutt says
I am very sorry for loss.
Matt & Cherrie Beyer says
Kelly, Cindy and Julie – Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss.
Matt & Cherrie
KC & Lauri Keith says
Cindy, Kelly and family,
So sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
KC & Lauri
Donna says
Cindy and family: So sorry about your mother/grandmother–Cindy my thoughts and prayers as you go through this painful time. Donna
Jim & Cecile Certain says
Julie & family, So sorry to hear about your Mom. May the Lord comfort you now and always. God bless, Jim & Cecile
Shirley Sweetser says
May I send you my deepest sympathy at this time. I too, am missing her. I well be thinking of you and your loss and well keep you in my prays thru this time of pain and sorrow. Shirley
Chad Irion says
Julie & family,
Sorry for your loss. You are in my thought and prayers. I always enjoyed her smile and “hello” when I would see her when she lived next door to my aunt and uncle.
Vickie Schneidt says
We remember Laurie from the 4B’s; she always had a smile. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of her family and friends; she was loved by many.
Roberta Willman says
Condolences to all the family from Monte (Newland) Willman and daughters Roberta and D’Alene. Mom says that they lived next door to Bob and Dick when they were in high school in Jordan. She and her brother Vaughn Newland were good friends of the Gibsons.
Diane Welbes says
Cindi, Kelly, Kelcy–so sorry for your loss, she is with Our Lord now, and what a great place to be. You are all in my thoughts & prayers.
Nell O'Connor Phipps says
To all Laurie’s’ family sisters too, so sorry to hear of her passing. I was blessed to get reacquainted with Laurie a few years ago. What a sweetheart. So Sorry
Nell
Pam Bovee says
Julie, Nick ,Cindy, Paul and families,
I truly enjoyed working with Laurie in the kitchen at PHYCF. She was a great cook, could tell a story like no other, and a friend to all. She left you with many memories and strong values. She will be missed.
My thoughts are with you,
Pam Bovee
Tim and Cheri Hafla says
Cindy, Julie, Nick, and Families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in the loss of your loved one. Love to all and if there is anything we can do please call…
Yvette Stene says
Cindy, I am so very to hear of your mom’s passing. She was a sweet soul. Some of my fondest memories were growing up with her around…big loves to you.
Katy Harbaugh says
Cindy and Kelly,
Sorry for your loss. My your memories help you remember her. Blessings to you and your family.
Greg and Linda Hodgkins says
We are praying for you all as you grieve your mom, and say goodby to her. We are so sorry you had to say goodby so soon. We love you guys.
Linda, Greg, Isaac, Noah, and Seth
Steve & Brinda Pluhar says
May God bless and comfort you as you mourn the loss of your mother/grandmother. Please know that our thoughts are with you and your families.
Steve & Brinda, Travis & Jen
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
Julie, Nick & Cindy,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. She was such a wonderful lady.
Donna
Carmen Jablinske Knutson says
Sending hugs and my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. She was always such a neat lady. My sister spent lots of time at your house. May you find comfort and peace in your memories!
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Cindy, Kelly and family,
Thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Hold your memories close.
God Bless you all.
Jane Sprinkle says
Julie and family
So sorry to hear of your loss. God bless you all.
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
Deen Bickle says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Laurie always had a smile and was so cheerful!
She will be missed by many!
Agnes Beard Drane says
I am so sorry for the passing of your mother,sister, grandmother, aunt. Lorilee was an old friend of mine,I spent a lot of time on the Gibson place as a child.I loved her folks Bob&Shirley and was close to all the family. Lorilee had such a big heart for everyone and everything.
Renee Peterson says
Family of Laurie Gibson,
I was so sorry to learn of Laurie’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Renee
Lauretta Winkley and Family says
My Thoughs and Prayers are with the family of laurie ,My deepest sympathies
It was nice working with her .
Earle Cate says
The Cate family gives you, Laurie’s family, our deepest sympathy. I and my wife will try to attend the memorial service, when held.
A Maternal Cousin,
Earle
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Laura Lee Gibson – May you find comfort in your loving memories, beautiful pictures and in recalling the many talents of Mrs. Gibson. It was not the Creator’s purpose that mankind suffer and die (Romans 5:12). God has promised that a time will come when no one will say “I am sick” (Isaiah 33:24). In the Bible we are promised the resurrection of dear family members and friends that we have lost (John 5:28, 29). I hope you are comforted by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).