Mary “Punky” Irene LaRance died on September 11, 2022, at her home surrounded by family after a 2 ½ month illness. She was born on February 21, 1929, in Butte, MT, the eldest child of Gladys and James McDermott.
Her interest in cooking began at an early age and one longtime story describes her making doughnuts when she was 10. Over the years, her family relished her pies, dinner and cinnamon rolls among other specialties.
Upon high school graduation, she entered the convent in Tonasket, WA, but after a year, she discerned that life as a religious was not what God was calling her to do. Rather, she began to study nursing in Great Falls. During this time, she met and married Andrew LaRance. They made their home here and Mary worked the night shift on the maternity ward at Columbus Hospital for more than 30 years, only taking time off to have her own 10 children.
When she retired, she and Andy mostly traveled with their children or to visit them. Helping at funeral luncheons at her church, participating in RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program) and meeting up with the nurses she had met in school, became part of her life. She also developed a passion for watching college basketball. The Gonzaga Bulldogs, the Grizzlies, and the Bobcats were at the top of her list. “March Madness” was a favorite time of year. Professional baseball was not to be left out as she was a devoted fan of the White Sox and the Mariners. There were many hours spent at the Senior Center playing bingo, too.
Mary was preceded in death by Andy, her husband of 62 years; two sons, Stephen and William; her sister, Margaret Olson; and her brother, Robert. Survivors include her siblings, Dorothy Myers, Jeanine Berst, and Joan Bummer; her children, Dorothy Ann Davis (Mel), Christine, Greg (Jan), Diane (Gary) Marozas, Jim (Dana), Mike, Bob (Kari), and Randy (Jill); numerous grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Dr. Anna Earle and the folks from Benefis Peace Hospice, especially Mary’s nurse, Kim.
There will be a rosary said at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Thursday, September 15, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. The funeral Mass will be held at Holy Spirit the following day, on Friday, September 16, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will be held after the funeral at the church hall.
