Lloyde (Karen) Fanning passed away on February 16, 2014 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana of natural causes, surrounded by loved ones. Lloyde was born January 2nd, 1943 in the same hospital to Frank and Waneeta (Sutton) Bishop.
Lloyde spent her childhood in Helena, MT. Her parents owned and operated Sheehan’s of Helena, where Lloyde developed a fondness for all things Coca-Cola. She spent time working at the Marlo Theater as an usher, and she first developed what would be a lifelong love for Grace Kelly movies there. Her other hobbies included puzzles, ceramics, and watching her brother’s baseball games. After graduating in 1961 from Helena Senior High, she attended Eastern Montana College where she graduated with Honors in Elementary Education and Special Education, and was a member of the Spurs National Honor Society.
Lloyde taught a year in Missoula before moving to Great Falls. She spent the next 35 years teaching Special Education in the Great Falls Public Schools until her retirement in 2004. As a Special Education Teacher, Lloyde took to heart the creed that “every child deserves a champion”, having great love and compassion for all those children who were fortunate enough to be in her classroom.
During her tenure at Great Falls Public Schools Lloyde met Francis Fanning, a School Psychologist who shared her passion for education. They married October 27th, 1973 in Helena, Montana, and made their home on the hill overlooking the lights of Great Falls for their entire marriage.
In 1976 Lloyde and Francis were blessed with the joy of her life, her identical twin daughters Heather and Kelli. She took great pride in all that they were involved in, from their academic success to the birth of her three grandchildren. Family was always at the forefront of Lloyde’s life and among her favorite memories were the large family Christmas celebrations in Helena and summer trips to Flathead Lake.
In addition to being dedicated educators, Lloyde and Francis were proud, hardworking small business owners. They tirelessly owned and operated multiple businesses including both Tunex and Launderland, which were fixtures in downtown Great Falls for over 20 years.
Lloyde’s love and kindness extended beyond the family and classroom into her community. Lloyde dedicated her time to the community she loved. She was an active member in the “Save the Bridge” preservation group in Great Falls, working to save the 10th Street Bridge. She also volunteered with the Montana Special Olympics. Her compassion also extended to all animals, from rambunctious basset hounds to wild raccoons, but she will be most often remembered for her love of cats.
Lloyde was preceded in death by her Mother (Waneeta) and Father (Frank). She is survived by her husband Francis of Kodiak AK, brother Les (Judy) of Driggs, ID and daughters Heather of Dallas, TX and Kelli (Frank Stock) of Belgrade, MT.
Although she will be dearly missed we will find comfort knowing she is at peace in Heaven with her dearest friends, family and animals that passed before her at her side, smiling down and watching over her family on Earth.
A memorial service celebrating Lloyde’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 20, 2014 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the memorial service in the social hall at the funeral home. To offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Lloyde please visit below.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Thursday February 20, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Thursday February 20, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Friday February 20, 0201
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
10:00 a.m.
Thursday February 20, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, MT 59602
Reception
Following the memorial service
Thursday February 20, 2014
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the reception
Friday February 20, 0201
Forestvale Cemetery
490 Forestvale Road
Helena, Montana 59602
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Dolly Mecredy Ness says
Although I can’t be there with Lloyde and friends and family, you are in my thoughts. Lloyde was a special friend, both in high school and my early married years. We shared many cokes, laughs and fun times and I was saddened when I heard she could no longer remember those. Maybe now she can, and I surely will remember her.
Wilma Blaquiere says
Sorry to hear of Lloyde’s passing. I worked with her at Sacajawea School in Great Falls for several years. She was always so quiet and calm. She was a very pleasant lady to work with. I know that she was very proud of her daughters and we all enjoyed watching their accomplishments. My sympathy for your loss.
Vivienne (Beck) Herron says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Lloyde’s loved ones. She was such a caring and loving person. Even though it has been some years since we last visited, she has always remained one of those special friends in my heart. When we taught special ed. together in Great Falls in the mid-70s, she was always one of the go-to people, just such a dedicated and talented educator. May the treasured memories of Lloyde sustain and give you peace. May God bless you.
Kim Dyrud says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Francis, your daughters and families.
Lloyde was such a pleasant woman to be around and will be missed by all that knew her.
My prayers are that you find comfort in knowing she is safe in the arms of Jesus.
Mary Ann Freeman says
Dear Francis, Heather, Kelli and families,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have such wonderful memories of Lloyde. She definitely treated everyone with respect and kindness. She is a treasure that will forever be in our lives. Fondly, Mary Ann Freeman
Shelley Oswood says
Francis, Heather, and Kelli…I am so saddened by the news of Lloyd’s passing. I loved being your neighbor on Greenbriar, and I loved being a colleague of Lloyd’s in special education in Great Falls. I am reminded of the time I was communicating with Lloyd via email about a student when Brian called me and told me his Tahoe rolled out of our driveway and into Lloyd’s car across the street. As we were chatting about said student, I informed her of the car incident that just happened as we were talking. She was so gracious about it!!! What are the odds??? Tiss the life of being neighbors and colleagues at the same time. Lloyd was a special lady, and will be so missed. My love, thoughts and prayers are with you all!!!!
Judy Andrzejek says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Francis, Kelli, Heather, and their families. I worked with Lloyde at Lincoln School in Great Falls for several years. We became good friends and went to the Community Concerts together for several years, besides meeting for lunch or going to movies together. She was a special, caring person and I missed doing things with her when she was no longer able to be out and about.
Sarah Donovan says
Heather and Kelli,
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. I remember walking past your mom’s classroom when I was at Lincoln Elementary – she always seemed so happy.
I also remember a very fun weekend in Helena with your mom when we were all in 8th grade. I wish your family much love and peace.
Sarah Donovan
Ginny Jamruszka-Misner says
Dear Francis and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time. I have many fond memories of sipping a cold one with you and Lloyde at many a MASP Fall Conference. May she rest peacefully.
Ginny Jamruszka-Misner
Kim Saunders says
Francis, we are sending warm thoughts your way from Kodiak. We are sorry for your loss and hope you will let us know if there is anything we can do to support you during this time.
Take care,
Kim and the team.
Carol Collins says
To all of Lloyd’s beloved family,
I was Lloyde’s L.D. assistant for a couple years in the early 1980s, at Lincoln School. We usually ate lunch together, in the classroom, and shared our lives with each other. What I remember most is her tender heart, her lively wit and unflappable attitude regardless of what fiascos were happening in the classroom or in her life. She was a joy to work for (and with), and I enjoyed my time with her. She treated every student and every other person in her life with patience, respect and dignity, and as an equal. My memories of her are all positive. She blessed many lives! Carol Collins
Savannah Mcgillis says
Mrs,Fanning was my special education teacher for four years at Sacagawea. She had so much patience with all of us kids. She was my favorite teacher growing up. I would often go visit her. My condolences to the family she was an amazing woman. A true educator.