LaRae Watkins

LaRae L. Watkins, 82 of Choteau, passed away October 26, 2021 at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls after a brief battle with illness. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Gorder-Jensen Funeral Home and no services are planned at this time.



LaRae was born July 21, 1939 in Grants Pass, Oregon to Willis and Ila Francis (Geer) Wilson. She was raised in Grants Pass and attended and graduated from Grants Pass High School with the class of 1957. November 8, 1968 LaRae married her second husband James Watkins in Seattle, Washington. They were together for 32 years until his untimely passing.



LaRae loved to travel and moved to different places she enjoyed. She lived in Seattle, Washington for 11 years; Vancouver, Washington for 4 years; Portland, Oregon for 10 years; Valdez, Alaska for 20 years; Bullhead City, Arizona for 10 years and finally landing in Choteau, Montana where she lived for 6 years. She continued traveling and lived various places in-between.



LaRae met many people and did numerous things in her life some of which were being an office assistant and working in accounts payable. She also worked for Boeing Aeronautics in the 1960s. Singing was her passion! She had a beautiful voice; she enjoyed singing with church choirs and at many events throughout the years. She also enjoyed painting, writing poetry, reading the bible and visiting family and friends. While living in Choteau, Montana at the Skyline Lodge, she served as the Treasurer there. She was always delighted for a chance to visit with her friends there. She enjoyed the recreation times there, while they played bingo and other games and was always willing to lend a hand where needed. She so appreciated her friendship with Dale. Going to concerts and meals with him were the highlight of her days.



She loved her family! She was the best mother and grandmother and she will be missed every minute of every day.



LaRae is survived by her children Pamela Watkins, the twins Robyn Christoffersen and Randall Holbrook and Stacey Henry; her sisters Margaret Lanksbury and Francis Leavitt as well as 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild and several nieces, nephews and extended family members. She was loved by all.



LaRae was preceded in death by her husband Jim Watkins, her parents Willis and Ila Wilson and her brother Willis Wilson Jr.



Concolences may be left on-line at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com