Oral Williamson

Oral Leoan (Loftus) Williamson, 93, died Jan. 31, 2012, with her family by her side, in Missoula.

Leoan was born Jan. 2, 1919, in Goodrich, N.D. to Violet Pearl (Arrowsmith) Loftus and Charles B. Loftus. Leoan was the second born and last to leave her generation of siblings, Howard F. Loftus, Steve E. Brown, Byron C. Brown, Raymond Loftus and Loretta B.(Loftus) Kelley.

She received her early schooling in Dodson and married Norval C. Williamson on Dec. 17, 1934, in Havre. Their son, Dennis Brad Williamson, was born in 1937.

With her husband and son, Leoan spent time in Malta, Dodson, Chinook and other Montana towns before settling in Great Falls. After attending trade school in Helena, Leoan worked at Malmstrom Air force Base during World War II as a machinist. She went on to work in Great Falls at Montgomery Wards and Sears, retiring from Woolworth's in 1980 after 20 years.

As a retiree, she was able to travel to Hawaii with friends. She valued her time with family and friends around Montana, including Columbia Falls, Havre and Missoula. She frequently remembered her youth in the towns along the Hi-Line and proudly shared her family history and life experiences. She enjoyed reading and crocheting was her hobby.

She was preceded in death by her husband Norval on Dec. 19, 1971, and by great great granddaughter Khloe L. Formay-Petersen.

Surviving are her son Brad Williamson and his wife Bunny (Mary Dugan), of Missoula; five granddaughters, Windy Petersen and husband Craig, of Missoula, Dena Voshell, of Bonney Lake, Wash., Denise Davidson, of Troy, Jennifer Swartz and husband Sean, of Missoula, and Kathleen Howell and husband Robb, of Medford, Ore.; 17 great grandchildren; 10 great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews, including special niece Charlotte (Brown) McClain.

The family would like thank Village Health Care for their compassionate care for the family while they were gathered around. "You were truly caring and sensitive during our time of grief. Thank you."

Leoan requested no service be held. She was cremated and will be interred with her husband at Highland Cemetery, in Great Falls. A celebration of her life will be held later this year.

Condolences may be sent to the Williamson family at 703A Skyla Court, Missoula MT 59801.