Laura Victoria Vandegrift

Laura Victoria Vandegrift, 98, walked on from Polson, MT on Tuesday September 12, 2017. Laura was born in Belcourt, ND to Joseph and Ernestine (DuBois) Primeau 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, Mt. Her training, dedication and perseverance, allowed Laura to retire at age 68 as comptroller for St. Joseph's Hospital in Polson, MT.

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.

Laura is survived by her two sons and one daughter: Al (Sue) Williams children Les, Shanon (Charlie) Hahn daughter Nicole; Jim Williams, daughters Jaye (Bryan) McDonald children Katie and Nate, Julia Williams sons, Brad and Seth, Crystal Williams daughter, Tamara and sons Chuck Williams and Rory (Tonia) Williams; Laurel (Jim) Vukelich, sons James (Janna) Vukelich son Jack, John (Erin) Vukelich children Noah and Nizhoni, Tony (Selva) Vukelich children Xiomara and Anthony; Thomas MacDonald son of Floyd. She was also great great grandmother to 9 children.

We gathered as family and friends to honor Laura on Saturday September 16, 2017 at the CSKT Senior Center in Polson.