Elizabeth Laimbeer, 66

Elizabeth Lanier Laimbeer of Polson passed away suddenly on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula.

She was born Aug. 13, 1960, in Polson to Sue Gregg Lanier and Keith Lanier.

Elizabeth grew up travelling the world as the first-born daughter of Sue and Keith. With siblings Gregg, Tom and Catherine, they forged and nurtured a lifelong family bond that has continued to thrive through their children. Elizabeth was proud of the closeness of her family and often expressed this pride to those she knew.

She graduated high school in Germany in 1978 and attended Washington State University where she graduated in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in German. She moved to Seattle where she embarked on a career in high-end retail. She enjoyed flying and later earned her pilot’s license.

On Dec. 5, 1992, she married the love of her life, John Laimbeer, whom she had met years earlier on the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. They lived in Seattle, and had two boys, Ian (1994) and Sean (1995), whom she loved dearly.

They moved to Polson in 2000 to raise the boys, build their dream home overlooking Polson Bay, and enjoy being close to family.

Her years in Polson were devoted to raising the boys and when her boys grew into adults, she looked for ways to care for others. This led her to begin working for Providence Health in 2015 where she adored connecting with the community and those needing an advocate in the health system. In 2019, she went to Cherry Valley Elementary to help pre-K and special needs children.

Beyond all else, she loved being present for and caring for those in need of a friend. Putting others first came naturally to Elizabeth, so much so that she made time to volunteer in the Cancer Center at Providence St. Joseph and immersed herself in spending time with patients going through difficult times.

She was active in her faith through St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church for decades and a devoted member of the church community. More recently she was enthusiastic about developing her faith through reading and relationships.

She lived her life doing good deeds with no expectation of recognition.

Elizabeth is survived by husband John Laimbeer of Polson; son Ian (Megan) Laimbeer of Bend, Ore., and son Sean (Karly) Laimbeer of Bend, Ore.; and grandchildren Lauren (3), Jack (1) and Calvin (1) Laimbeer of Bend. She cherished her grandchildren and was dearly looking forward to the arrival of two more in early 2027 (Megan and Karly).

Elizabeth is survived by her father, Keith Lanier of Polson; and siblings Gregg (Megan) Lanier of Seattle, Wash., Tom (Cristina) Lanier of Polson and Catherine Lanier of Polson, along with countless nephews, nieces, and other family.

Elizabeth enjoyed the gathering and community of family and friends and invites all who knew her to attend her service, which will be held Friday, Sept. 11, at 1 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Polson.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home. Messages of condolence can be shared at lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

    Elizabeth Laimbeer