Lois Marie (Bailey) Knutson Haley
POLSON - Lois Marie (Bailey) Knutson Haley, 79, of Polson and Yuma, Ariz., passed away on May 12, 2012, with her loving family by her side. She fought a courageous battle with ovarian cancer for the past 4 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., Dec. 23, 1950, where Jim was stationed in the Navy. Jim was discharged on June 7, 1954, and the family returned to Valley View. They lived there until their home burnt down June 22, 1961.
Jim’s lifelong dream had always been to go to Alaska. After their home burned, all they had left were their five children and a toy cocker spaniel. They felt it was a good time to fulfill Jim’s dream so they sold their farm and away they went.
In 1974 they sold their place in Alaska and moved back to Polson and 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, Ariz. in 1985 and after that spent every winter there but one. In 1999 Jim was diagnosed with brain cancer and lived for eight years, during which time Lois was his sole caregiver. He passed away February 20, 2006.
Lois loved music and 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 her first husband Jim Knutson; three sons, L. Harlan, Rodney, and Larry H.; grandson Dusty Ely; her parents, Art and Blanche Bailey; a sister Doris Jennison; and a brother Art (Sonny) Bailey. She is survived by three children, Patricia Ely of Kalispell, Jeff (Kathy) Knutson of Polson, and 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 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.
