Obituary - Velva J. Lanier

POLSON — Velva J. "Happy" Lanier was born in Huntley on May 19, 1915, to Grace and Oliver Johnson.

Although her given name was Velva, she was known as iHappyi her entire life, and that name fit her personality. She graduated from high school in Billings. She married George Lanier on Valentine's Day in 1934 in Billings. Together they raised six sons.

Because of her husband's work, the family lived in several places, almost all in Montana.

Happy was preceded in death by her husband George in 1960, her son Gene and his wife Mary, her son Roy, and by her grandson Michael Lanier.

She is survived by her sons and their wives: Gary and Cindy, Keith and Sue of Dayton, Lloyd and Liz of Freedom, Calif., Hal and Vicka of Billings; her daughter-in-law, Carolyn Lanier of Ramsey, Minn.; 18 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sister, Emma Lanier of Vancouver, Wash., and her brother Allen Johnson of Billings and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be sent to Lake County Hospice and Private Care, 711 Main Street SW, Ronan, MT 59864.

Graveside services will be held Friday, Nov. 26, at 2 p.m. at the Lakeview Cemetery, Polson, followed by a reception at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 110 6th Avenue East, Polson.

Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory in Polson.