Laverne Hansard

LaVerne Cowan Hansard, 87, of Great Falls passed away Thursday, November 13, 2014. A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 10:30 am at O’Connor Memorial Chapel. O’Connor Funeral Home has been entrusted with handling the services. LaVerne was born February 24, 1927 to E.L. and Dorothy Cowan in Great Falls. She was raised in many different places, but Great Falls was always her “home.” In 1945 she graduated from Great Falls High School. In 1947, she was united in marriage to William E. Keck and they later divorced. She married Glenn Babst in 1951 and they later divorced. She worked for her father at E.L. Cowan Construction Company for many years as a bookkeeper before moving on to work for the original Montana Bank on Central Avenue. She later went on to work as a receptionist and dental assistant for Dr. Nord and Dr. Ray. In 1977 she married Gene Hansard and moved to the Hansard Family farm North West of Big Sandy. LaVerne then became a farm wife until she and Gene sold the farm and retired to Live in Great Falls. She worked at the GFPS administration building and the Great Falls Public Library. After retirement she was a faithful volunteer at Benefis Peace Hospice. LaVerne is survived by her sons, Darrell A. (Jeanne) Keck and Jim Babst; grandchildren Jim Keck, Wendy Keck, Mary Beth Keck, Sandra Keck, and Chris Keck; special friends Jan Vince, Mary Glenn, Connie Cawley, and Carman Poulsen. She was preceded in death by both parents. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Spokane Shrine Hospital; Peace Hospice of Great Falls; or your local Salvation Army.