Cheryl Hanson

Lifelong Lolo resident Cheryl Irene Kester Hanson, 72, passed away July 4, 2022 after battling illness for many years. Cheryl was born March 18, 1950 in Missoula, MT to Raymond Kester and Doris Lawrence Kester. She attended Lolo School, Hellgate High School and Missoula Vo-Tech. On August 9, 1969 she married her true soulmate, Larry Hanson. They shared almost 56 years together and raised four children. Cheryl joined Larry as a volunteer with Missoula Rural Fire District in 1976. Ever since that day she has been devoted to helping her MRFD family and the department. She served for many years on their Board of Trustees in which she held the titles of Secretary, vice-chairman and chairman many times. Even after she became bed-ridden, Cheryl continued to do everything she could for MRFD. She spent 46 years being one of their biggest supporters. Cheryl was always active in helping at her children’s schools. She was especially devoted to Lolo School. She helped out in the classrooms as well as served in the PTA and title one programs. She worked as a crossing guard and teacher’s aid there as well. In 2013 Lolo School awarded her the “Golden Bell Award” for her community service. Cheryl was a charter member of Chief Joseph Unit #135 American Legion Auxiliary in Lolo, MT. She has been their Historian, Junior Auxiliary Chair, and unit President. She has also held Department positions in Education and Junior Activities for the Department of Montana Auxiliary. Cheryl enjoyed doing everything she could for and with her family. She especially loved baking with her grandkids and celebrating holidays. She always remembered everyone’s birthday and special occasions. Doing special things for everyone made her truly happy. Even though her health proved to be a challenge to her and Larry in her later years, she never let it stop her from helping others. She always found a way. She was preceded in death by her parents Raymond Kester, Doris Covarrubias, and Paul Covarrubias; grandparents Fred and Clara Kester and Leonard and Emma Lawrence; brother Jerry Kester; daughter Tracy Mae Anderson; son Sean Owen Hanson; grandsons Orion Penny and Dalton Hanson. She was survived by her husband Larry Hanson; sister Connie Teigen (Duane); sister Renee Nuesse (Doug); sister-in-law Elisabeth Kester; Aunt Shirley Wright; daughter Julie Evered (Jamie); daughter Brandi Hanson-LeBow (Robert); eight grandchildren Takoda Ross, Jordan Emery, Abbey Emery, Taylor Miller-Evered, Kassidy Brown, Austin Miller, Alexis Miller, and Layne Miller. She also had 7 greatgrandchildren. Cheryl leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and many very dear friends. She truly was a Mom, Grandma and friend to everyone. A celebration of Cheryl’s life and love will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, July 23, 2022 at the Lolo Community Center on HWY 93 South in Lolo, MT