Lois Marie (Bailey) Knutson Haley

Lois Marie (Bailey) Knutson Haley, 79 of Polson, Mont. and Yuma, Ariz., passed away with her loving family by her side in Polson on May 12, 2012. She fought a courageous battle of ovarian cancer for the past four 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 and Blanche Bailey in Polson on Sept. 7, 1932 and was raised in Valley View along with her four 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 Ill. 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 five 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’ parents 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 in 1985 and spent every winter there but one.

In 1999, Jim was diagnosed with brain cancer and lived for eight years during which Lois was his sole caregiver. He then passed away on Feb. 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, Idaho.

Lois was preceded in death by first husband Jim Knutson, by three 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 three children, Patricia Ely of Kalispell, Jeff (Kathy) Knutson of Polson, Suzie (Earl) Owens of Shoreline, Wash. Grandchildren, Dustin (Zimmie) Knutson, Amber Knutson (Bucky Cheff), David (Lisa) Ely, Krista Hickey and Misty Bower (Eric), six great-grandsons and two 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 6 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 a.m. with Pastor Russell Barber. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com