Larry E. Pitts

Larry E. Pitts, 52, of Polson, went to be with Jesus on Monday, November 9, 2009 at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan surrounded by his loving family. Larry was born on September 29, 1957 in Missoula, MT, son of Eugene and Faye Oehrling Pitts of Dixon, MT. Larry grew up in Dixon and graduated from Dixon High School as the class Valedictorian in 1975. He then attended the University of Montana and the East-West College of Massage Therapy in Portland, OR. He was also an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. In 1979, Larry married Ginger Olson and they lived in Missoula, Portland, and then later moved back to the Mission Valley at which time he opened a massage practice in Polson, 'Massage for Health'. At age 12, Larry was diagnosed with diabetes and in 1991 received a kidney transplant in which his sister, KoLynn, gladly donated hers. Health was important to Larry and that same year, he went to work for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Health Department as a community health representative. He enjoyed this position as it allowed him to go into people's homes to coach them in healthier living. Larry eventually became a fitness specialist at the Ronan and St. Ignatius Tribal Health fitness facilities. He hosted the PBS TV program, 'Good Medicine' for many years and loved working with the media crew at SKC. It was another good outlet to broadcast his zany personality. He was also an enthusiastic member of the Mission Valley Power board, building wonderful relationships with other board members. Larry attended the CMA Church in Polson and gave his life to the Lord there in 1989. He loved playing the congos with the CMA worship team, and for the past six years at the New Life Christian Center. From a young age Larry enjoyed sports and became an MOA official for basketball while he was in college. He also refereed NCAA Women's College Basketball. Always athletic, he excelled at multiple sports with the proud support of his parents. He passed on his enthusiasm for sports to his children and loved both coaching, and watching his children compete. Other parents will attest to the fact that Larry loved bragging about his kids, and was quick to work them into his conversations. Larry loved people and people loved Larry. He was a friend to everyone and was always ready to listen and encourage all who came to him. Friends knew that they could call him at any time, day or night, and reach a listening ear and loving advice. He adored this community, and poured his life out for his native brothers and sisters. A beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, Larry was not easily overlooked and his presence lit up a room. His constant encouragement and selfless love for others has impacted the lives of many. He lived a life of integrity in his walk with the Lord, and his actions corresponded with his passionate convictions. Larry claimed that Philippians 4:13 was his life-verse, and he knew that in Christ's strength, he could do absolutely anything. Though always small in stature, his native brothers affectionately referred to him as 'little big-man'. He possessed a fun and crazy sense of humor, which shone through his life, despite the circumstances. Survivors include his loving wife, Ginger Pitts of Polson: daughter, Whitney Pitts of Polson and Spokane, WA: son, Taylor Pitts of Polson: parents Gene & Faye Pitts of Dixon, two sisters, Lettie (John) Neuman of Missoula, and KoLynn (Paul) Sinclair of Yakima, WA: two brothers, Garry (Christine) Pitts of Polson, and Terry (Crystal) Pitts of Dixon: 5 sisters-in-law, Carolyn Cole of Polson, Linda (Kendall) Dupuis of Polson, Amy (Dan) Toelke of Ronan, Bonnie (Dan) Horton of Bellevue, WA, and Melody (Bob) Thiel of Polson: a brother-in-law, Matt (Chiko) Olson of Helena, MT: mother-in-law, Lou (Jim) Duford of Polson: and a host of nieces and nephews. Visitation for friends and family will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2009 from 12 ' 7 PM at the Grogan Funeral Home, 101 Sixth Ave. E., Polson. A memorial service for Larry will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2009, 1:00 PM at the Linderman Gymnasium in Polson with Pastor Shawn Madsen officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Larry's name to Youth With a Mission (YWAM) ' New Wave, at 40972 Farm Rd., Polson, MT 59860. The family would like to thank Dr. Meg Eddy, Dr. Ed. Vizcarra, and Dr. Paul Gochis, as well as the wonderful staff at St. Luke Community Hospital for their loving and attentive care. He considered all of you to be friends. Messages of condolence may be expressed to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson is honored to assist Larry's family.
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