Loretta Mae Laursen Porter

Loretta Mae Laursen Porter, 94, left this world to be with her parents and siblings on July 23 in Plains.  

Loretta was born April 6, 1930 in Havre near Laredo to Alfred and Burnice Laursen in the Bear Paw mountains. Loretta was the oldest of seven children. She attended country school in Box Elder through 8th grade, never attending high school.  

Her father was a coal miner, her mother a teacher. Loretta worked numerous jobs around Havre and Box Elder. Though Loretta was the oldest, she helped take care of siblings. Each child had their chores before breakfast and school then all would walk three miles to school. Upon returning, they would continue their chores up until dinner and bedtime. For entertainment her father played violin and mother played piano. 

They lived this way until, at the age of 16, Loretta met John Henry Thompson from the same area. They married January 4, 1946. She was 16, he was 27. They waited two years to begin their family, having first child, John Allen in 1948. Others followed, daughter Betty Ann 1950, Gary 1951, Robert 1953, David 1956, Steve 1960, all born in Havre. 

In 1963 the entire family moved to Plains, where John Henry worked at Nelson ranch and later Diehl's Mill in Plains. Loretta was an at home mother canning, gardening and creating a strong homestead in Plains.  Throughout those years, life was good. 

Then tragedy struck. John Henry lost his life due to a sawmill accident in 1970. Six months later, Loretta married again to Edward Porter Sr. of Paradise. All of Loretta's children were older and on their own by this time except Steve who has Down's Syndrome. Loretta also lost son David in 1978 due to a vehicle accident.

 Loretta is preceded in death by her entire family, husband John Henry, son John Allen, son David, granddaughter Shandy. Loretta was a grandma, great grandma, great great grandma and aunt to many children throughout her big family. Loretta always took care of her family. Loretta will continue from Heaven watching over us all.