Lloyde Fanning

1943 - 2014

Lloyde Karen Fanning

Helena, MT —Lloyde (Karen) Fanning passed away on February 16, 2014 at St. Peter's Hospital in Helena, Montana of natural causes, surrounded by loved ones. Lloyde was born January 2nd, 1943 in the same hospital to Frank and Waneeta (Sutton) Bishop.

Lloyde spent her childhood in Helena, MT. Her parents owned and operated Sheehan's of Helena, where Lloyde developed a fondness for all things Coca-Cola. She spent time working at the Marlo Theater as an usher, and she first developed what would be a lifelong love for Grace Kelly movies there. Her other hobbies included puzzles, ceramics, and watching her brother's baseball games. After graduating in 1961 from Helena Senior High, she attended Eastern Montana College where she graduated with Honors in Elementary Education and Special Education, and was a member of the Spurs National Honor Society.

Lloyde taught a year in Missoula before moving to Great Falls. She spent the next 35 years teaching Special Education in the Great Falls Public Schools until her retirement in 2004. As a Special Education Teacher, Lloyde took to heart the creed that "every child deserves a champion", having great love and compassion for all those children who were fortunate enough to be in her classroom.

During her tenure at Great Falls Public Schools Lloyde met Francis Fanning, a School Psychologist who shared her passion for education. They married October 27th, 1973 in Helena, Montana, and made their home on the hill overlooking the lights of Great Falls for their entire marriage.

In 1976 Lloyde and Francis were blessed with the joy of her life, her identical twin daughters Heather and Kelli. She took great pride in all that they were involved in, from their academic success to the birth of her three grandchildren. Family was always at the forefront of Lloyde's life and among her favorite memories were the large family Christmas celebrations in Helena and summer trips to Flathead Lake.

In addition to being dedicated educators, Lloyde and Francis were proud, hardworking small business owners. They tirelessly owned and operated multiple businesses including both Tunex and Launderland, which were fixtures in downtown Great Falls for over 20 years.

Lloyde's love and kindness extended beyond the family and classroom into her community. Lloyde dedicated her time to the community she loved. She was an active member in the "Save the Bridge" preservation group in Great Falls, working to save the 10th Street Bridge. She also volunteered with the Montana Special Olympics. Her compassion also extended to all animals, from rambunctious basset hounds to wild raccoons, but she will be most often remembered for her love of cats.

Lloyde was preceded in death by her Mother (Waneeta) and Father (Frank). She is survived by her husband Francis of Kodiak AK, brother Les (Judy) of Driggs, ID and daughters Heather of Dallas, TX and Kelli (Frank Stock) of Belgrade, MT.

Although she will be dearly missed we will find comfort knowing she is at peace in Heaven with her dearest friends, family and animals that passed before her at her side, smiling down and watching over her family on Earth.

A memorial service celebrating Lloyde's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 20, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the memorial service in the social hall at the funeral home. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Lloyde.