Laila Lewis passed away August, 6, 2012 at the age of 72 surrounded by loved ones at her home in Seeley Lake after a courageous battle with cancer.

She once had a restaurant in Seeley Lake called “Laila’s Little Norway” where open-faced sandwiches and a Norwegian smorgasbord type menu was the fare. Let it be known with humor and a chuckle that she ran away with the local “garbage man” by the name of Charles “Chuck” Lewis who was a regular customer. They were married in 1977 on midsummer’s eve at Sons of Norway - Normanden Lodge in Lolo, MT.

Laila leaves behind her devoted husband Chuck, her two sons Knut and Hans, immediate Lewis family members Dick & Cindy, Gary & Cheryl, Rene, and Barrie & Tammy. She will sadly be missed by her sisters Solveig and Aase, brother Kjell. Proud grandmother to Brandy, Wendy, Robyn, Samantha, Paul, Kenny, Christian, Makayla, Katelyn, Zachary, and Skylar. There are currently 5 great grandchildren who will grow up to hear stories about a wonderful woman. Laila was predeceased by her parents Egil and Ingeborg Madsen and four brothers Oyvind, Hans, Finn, and Jan.

Laila was the youngest of eight, born in Oslo on January 11, 1940 and the only one who left Norway after she turned 18. She dedicated her life to taking care of others and she loved to cook and bake. She believed laughter made you live longer, had many friends wherever she went, and was one of the strongest and kindest women we all knew. She had love for all and will be missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Laila’s memory to the “Bring me back to Norway Fund” to help honor her wish to escort her ashes back to Norway to be laid to rest with her family, which can be sent to: First Valley Bank, PO Box 720, Seeley Lake, MT 59868. Attention: Laila Lewis Memorial Fund.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on August 18, 2012 at Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville, MT.

Sharing, caring, and socializing with a lunch provided right after memorial at 1st Baptist Church down the street.

Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

“A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest.

God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.”