Judy Hanson, 78
Daily Inter-Lake | UPDATED 1 day, 4 hours AGO
Judy Hanson
Judy Kay Hanson, 78, passed away Jan. 4, 2026, in Kalispell surrounded by her loving children and family.
She was born on July 3, 1947, in Garden City, Kansas to Oliver Perry Howell and Betty Jo Brubaker. She attended school in Shelby where she married Norval W. Mitchell. Together, they had three sons, Douglas Perry, Robert Scott and Jeffery William. During their marriage, they were stationed at numerous Air Force bases before divorcing.
Judy later married Lloyd Hanson and they welcomed their daughter, Brandy Nicole. Through this marriage, she also gained a stepdaughter, Shannon Loudermilk. They made their home in Shelby and Cut Bank where they later divorced. Judy had a long and fulfilling career in banking where she built many lasting friendships before retiring.
A common thread throughout Judy’s life was her deep love of family. She was incredibly proud of her children and the people they became, and she was especially proud of her beautiful grandchildren. Family was always her first priority, and she often said that family and friends were life’s greatest blessings — a belief she lived out every day. She set a strong example for all who knew her and she will be deeply missed.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her former husband, Lloyd Hanson; her brother, Tom Howell; her sister, Sue Bolken; her brothers-in-law, Paul Bolken and Greg Taylor; and her nephew, Anthony Bolken.
She is survived by her children, Doug (Gail) Mitchell, Scott (Korette) Mitchell, Jeff (Michelle) Mitchell and Brandy Kiefer; stepdaughter, Shannon Loudermilk; her siblings, Chuck (Sue) Howell, Jerry (LeAnn) Howell, Sally (Chuck) Clark, Cheryl (Ed) Delzer, Patsy (Bob) Postma and Peggy Taylor; as well as 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A memorial will be held from noon-4 p.m. on April 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1840 U.S. 93 S., Kalispell, MT 59901. Friends are encouraged to visit the website buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.