Judy Hanson

Judy Kay Hanson, age 78, passed away January 4, 2026, in Kalispell, Montana surrounded by her loving children and family.

Judy was born on July 3, 1947, in Garden City, Kansas to Oliver Perry Howell and Betty Jo Brubaker. She attended school in Shelby, Montana, 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 is 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, Brandy Kiefer; stepdaughter Shannon Loudermilk; her siblings: Chuck (Sue) Howell, Jerry (LeAnn) Howell, Sally (Chuck) Clark, Cheryl (Ed) Delzer, Patsy (Bob) Postma, Peggy Taylor; as well as 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

A memorial will be held April 25th, from 12:00-4:00pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1840 US Highway 93 S, Kalispell, MT 59901. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory caring for the family.