Laura Lee Hawley

Laura Lee Hawley passed away at her residence in Fort Belknap, MT on March 12, 2022. A Viewing/Wake will be held Wednesday, March 16, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Wilderness Funeral Home in Chinook, MT. Funeral services will be Thursday, March 17, 2022 with Rosary being recited at 1:00 p.m. in the St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Hays, MT. Burial to follow at the Hawley Family Cemetery, Three Buttes, MT.

Laura was born on February 20, 1966 to Loretta “Cookie” Stiffarm and David “Buzz” Hawley in LaGrange, Illinois. She attended school at Hays Lodgepole Elementary School, Chemawa Indian School and Intermountain Indian School. Laura enjoyed farming with her Dad Buzz; she and her siblings all helped their dad at a young age. She graduated from Fort Belknap College in 2006 with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Laura also acquired a CDL from Fort Belknap College. She worked at Park’s Hardware Store as a clerk, Fort Belknap Bingo Hall as a floor attendant, and a dental assistant at Fort Belknap IHS.

Laura met the love of her life, Patrick Dugan in 1986. Pat was driving by the Harlem Public Library in his Chevelle, Laura & Karen were standing outside and wanted to ride around with him. Laura & Pat continued to hang out. After a while, she gave him a jacket, he kissed her & the rest was history. They lived an adventurous life together, always going camping and traveling to different places. They loved to attend local dances and listen to Bad Habit and the Freeman Harper Band. In December 1990, they had their first child together, their son Steven Michael and they were so proud of him. In November 1996, they were blessed with their beautiful daughter Starla Nichole who became Laura’s best friend. Laura also had the privilege to be Keenye’ & Nylah’s grandmother.

Laura was a strong-willed, kindhearted person and although she tended to be stubborn at times, she only had good intentions and watched over everyone she knew. She had a special place in her heart for her children’s friends and they checked on her quite often after her children moved away. She enjoyed listening to her good tunes as loud as possible and visiting people on the phone. Although Laura struggled at times, she was generous and always trying to help others out with what little she had.

Laura was preceded in death by her father David “Buzz” Hawley III, mother Loretta “Cookie” Stiffarm, infant sister Mary, grandmothers Serena King LaRoque and Virginia “Virgie” Hawley, grandfather David J. Hawley, uncles Ron Hawley, Jeb Stiffarm, and aunts Gloria “Jean” Hawley, Sylvia Hawley-Boe, Georgianne “Gig” Doney.

Laura is survived by her son Steven & fiance Janeese, grandchildren, Keenye` & Nylah of Alberton, MT, daughter Starla Nichole & boyfriend Joseph

William Tyler Doty of Missoula, MT. Laura also leaves behind her sisters Alana & Carol Hawley of Harlem, MT, Karen Hawley of Chinook, MT, and brother Richard Hawley of Hays, MT.

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