Lois Knutson Haley

Lois Marie (Bailey) Knutson Haley, 79 of Polson, MT and Yuma, AZ., passed away with her loving family by her side in Polson, MT on May 12, 2012. She fought a courageous battle of Ovarian Cancer for the past 4 years. She has gone to be with her savior and is now reunited with her loved ones who were waiting for her in heaven. She was born to Art & Blanche Bailey in Polson, MT on Sept. 7, 1932 and was raised in Valley View along with her 4 siblings. She attended school in Polson where she met her childhood friend, Jim Knutson who later became her beloved husband of 55 years. They were married in Waukegan IL. on Dec 23, 1950, where Jim was stationed in the Navy. Jim was discharged on June 7, 1954, the family then returned to Valley View. They lived there until their home burnt down on June 22, 1961. Jim's lifelong dream had always been to go to Alaska. After their home burnt, all they had left were 5 children and a toy cocker spaniel, they felt it was a good time to fulfill his dream. They sold their farm and away they went. In 1974 they sold their place in Alaska and moved back to Polson were they then bought Bailey Ranch from Lois' parent's in 1977. Throughout the years, Lois worked in the potato fields, as a waitress, and was a wonderful loving mother and wife to her family. Lois was very active in V.F.W. Auxiliary, Rebekah Lodge, Valley View Women's Club and there was never a parade she wasn't marching in. Jim and Lois did a lot of traveling over the years and ended up in Yuma, AZ in 1985 and spent every winter there but one. In 1999 Jim was diagnosed with brain cancer and lived for 8 years during which Lois was his sole caregiver, he then passed away on February 20, 2006. Lois loved music. She played the piano, accordion, and fiddle while singing along with her close friends. Music led her to meet her current husband Ralph Haley who she married on July 17, 2010 in Lewiston, ID. Lois was preceded in death by first husband Jim Knutson, by 3 sons, L. Harlan, Rodney, and Larry H, grandson Dusty Ely, parents Art and Blanche Bailey, sister Doris Jennison, and brother Art (Sonny) Bailey. She is survived by 3 children, Patricia Ely of Kalispell, Jeff (Kathy) Knutson of Polson, Suzie (Earl) Owens of Shoreline, WA. Grandchildren, Dustin (Zimmie) Knutson, Amber Knutson (Bucky Cheff), David (Lisa) Ely, Krista Hickey, and Misty Bower (Eric), and 6 great-grandsons and 2 great-granddaughters. Sisters JoAnne (Bert) Finch and Sally Cook, Sister-in-law Mary (Red) Carr, Brother-in-law Bill (Mary) Knutson: numerous aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. We knew mom wasn't going to make it to her 80th birthday, which she had looked forward to. So we had her party early on May 6th where she was ecstatic to see all of her friends and family at her celebration. Mom, you were always such an inspiration to all your family and we will be forever grateful for all the love and support you gave to us. Our lives were so richly blessed because of you and we are happy you are now at peace. A memorial service will be held on Friday May 18, 2012 at the Polson Community Church at 11:00am with Pastor Russell Barber. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.