Marie Slauson

| May 15, 2018 4:00 AM

Marie Slauson passed away suddenly of natural causes at her home on May 9, 2018, at the age of 82. Marie was born to Lloyd O. and Florence V. Williamson, March 16, 1936, in Portland, Oregon. The family lived in the Seattle area until moving to Libby in 1950.

Marie attended school in Seattle and Libby, finishing her education at Libby High School. She married Kendall Ward in 1953. They had a daughter, Ann, and son, Steve. Later, Marie married Dale Slauson. Marie and Dale celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in January 2018. Dale passed away in March 2018.

Marie worked for her father at Williamson’s Service pumping gas, running the cash register and cleaning. Over the years, she worked at several local businesses including Pay and Pack, DJ’s Clothing, Mountain Meadows and most recently the Venture Inn Restaurant until her retirement. After retiring, Marie spent the past 15 years caring for Dale, who had become blind.

Marie’s greatest joys in life were her two children, four grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. She loved spending time with her family, horses and horseback riding, gardening, antique collecting and crafting with dried flowers.

Together Marie and Dale built their log home and a cabin. The family has many wonderful memories of gathering for fun, food and celebrations at both places. They were both filled with love.

Along with her husband, Marie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Doug Williamson.

Survivors include her daughter Ann Grotjohn (Jeff), son Steve Ward (Sydney), Sister-in-law and best friend Sharon Williamson; grandchildren Nick Grotjohn (Erin), Sara Holzhauser (Logan), Brandon Laffoon (Malarie), and Paige Tolle (Jimmy); great-grandchildren Maverick and Brooks Grotjohn, Brady, Brody and Braxly Laffoon, and James and Harper Tolle; along with many nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, May 18, 2018, at Schnackenberg and Nelson Funeral Home, with a reception following at the VFW Hall. Memorials can be made to Wings. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.