Laura Vandegrift
courtesy photo
Laura Vandegrift
POLSON — Laura Victoria Vandegrift, 98, walked on from Polson on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. Laura was born in Belcourt, North Dakota, to Joseph and Ernestine (DuBois) Primeau on May 22, 1919. Laura was an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.
After her training at the Missoula Business College, Laura began her career at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula. Her training, dedication and perseverance allowed Laura to retire at age 68 as comptroller for St. Joseph’s Hospital in Polson.
Laura married Floyd Vandegrift in 1953 and they made Polson their home in 1959.
Laura was a Polson charter member and active member of the Soroptimist Women’s organization for many years. She believed strongly in that organization’s ability to have a positive impact on women’s issues. While you would not consider family a “hobby,” Laura loved to be in the “know” where her family was concerned. Her telephone rang daily with family checking in and keeping her up to date with family news. Matriarchy was Laura’s calling.
Laura is preceded in death by her husband, Floyd “Vandy” Vandegrift and her son, John Williams. Laura was the last surviving member of her large Primeau family in North Dakota.
She is survived by son, Al (Sue) Williams and his children Les, Shanon (Charlie) Hahn and their daughter Nicole; son, Jim Williams and his daughters, Jaye (Bryan) McDonald and their children Katie and Nate, and Julia Williams and her sons, Brad and Seth and daughter, Crystal Williams and her daughter, Tamara and sons, Chuck Williams and Rory (Tonia) Williams; daughter, Laurel (Jim) Vukelich and their sons James (Janna) Vukelich and his sons Jack, John (Erin) Vukelich and their children, Noah and Nizhoni, Tony (Selva) Vukelich and their children, Xiomara and Anthony; and Thomas MacDonald, son of Floyd. She was also great great-grandmother to nine children.
We gathered as family and friends to honor Laura on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, at the CSKT Senior Center in Polson. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
