MISSOULA — Lois Vera (Thompson) Ruzanski, 68, of Missoula, passed away February 12, 2018 at St. Patrick Hospital, with her surviving children at her side.

She was born on March 18, 1949, in Arcata to Beverly Stutchman Thompson (later Trull) and spent most of her childhood in that area. Her dad, Brock Otis Trull, married her mother when she was six and remained in her heart long after his passing in 1975. From the age of eight, Lois nurtured and cared for a younger sister and three younger brothers. After graduating from high school, she attended classes at Humboldt State as a pre-med student. Her dream of becoming a pediatrician gave way to becoming a mother of five, a similar life but without the pay. While she often worked in the food and hospitality over the years, her dedication was always to caring for her family and loved ones.

Lois first married in 1968 and moved with her military husband to Georgia and Arizona. Together, they had three sons before the marriage dissolved. She married again in 1975, to Bill Ruzanski, and they had two more children. The family moved to Montana in 1979 and remained there, raising kids and eventually spoiling grandkids. Lois was known for her love of Hawaii, children, and cooking.

Lois was preceded in death by her father, Otis Trull, her mother, Beverly (Stutchman) Trull, beloved husband of 37 years, Bill Ruzanski, two sons, Johnathan and Ralph Hughes, and sister Cynthia Querfurth.

She is survived by sons Brian Hughes and William Ruzanski, daughter Cynthia Randall, daughters in law Ericka Hughes and Kate Ruzanski, son in law Seth Randall, and nine beloved grandchildren: Ashley, Cameron, Derryck, Fayedra, and Genevieve Hughes; Gwendolyn and Victoria Randall; and William and Andrew Ruzanski. Survivors also include her brothers Brock, Mike, and Jerry Trull, brother-in-law Chris Querfurth, and many nieces and nephews dear to her.

There will be a Celebration of Life at Orchard Homes Country Life Club at 1 p.m. on her birthday, March 18th. All are welcome.