Gretchen Larsen, 52

Gretchen Larsen, 52, passed away on June 5, of natural causes. Gretchen was a warm and loving soul with a heart full of love for every person and animal she met. Born in Oregon as one of the blondest little towhead girls to ever be to Liz and Larry Larsen, she joined older siblings Yvonne and Jay. The family moved to the Flathead Valley in 1979, and Gretchen was raised in Kalispell, graduating Flathead High School in 1991. She went on to graduate from University of Alaska Anchorage with a degree in biological science and a minor interest in Geological Sciences with an emphasis on vulcanology. Gretchen married another warm and loving soul, Casey Kent and later in life had 17 wonderful years with Justin Lugo as her loving and caring partner. Justin and Gretchen spent many hours in the mountains and on the streams and lakes of Montana and the greater Pacific Northwest, collecting every huckleberry and pretty rock they could find. She was an aunt to Rilee, Kolter, Raymond, and Anthony. She was great-aunt to Eloise and Javen. Gretchen enjoyed her dogs and cats as fellow life travelers as well, with each of them holding a special place in her heart. Gretchen will be missed dearly for her beautiful and gracious nature, her hearty laugh, and her big smile. Per Gretchen’s request, her ashes will be spread over her favorite huckleberry picking grounds.