LaRese Reum, 56

LaRese, the "beautiful smile at the Smoke Shop" and Main Street Market, beloved mother, cherished grandmother, adored aunt, devoted sister and life partner of Fordyce Erickson, passed away Friday, Sept 10 at Peace Hospice in Great Falls with her family at her side.

LaRese was born to Leon and Abbie Weiss on Oct. 7, 1964. She married Seldon Reum Sr., and they had two children, DeeDra (Randy) McBroom of Helena and Seldon Reum Jr. of Polson.

She knew Fordyce Erickson her entire life, but LaRese fell in love with Fordyce in the early ‘90s through love letters. As a single mother working at the smoke shop by day, listening to Boston and being with Fordyce in her house on the westside of Polson by night, she found her greatest love. She raised two children, and her grandchildren became her greatest pride in life.

LaRese was preceded in death by her brother, Jason Weiss, and mother Abbie Weiss.

She is survived by her children, DeeDra (Randy) McBroom and Seldon Reum Jr.; grandchildren Kyara, Sasha, Pebbles, Jason and AbbiGail; her life partner, Fordyce Erickson; sister Cynthia (Dave) Burton and brother Lance Weiss; niece Destyne (Tim) Folck and children; nephew Everett Burton; her best friend, Peggy VanNess; and the large Erickson family that called her their own blood.

A small family gathering will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at LaRese's home for a taco feed and celebration of life.