Constance "Connie" Grace LaRue

MISSOULA ~ Connie LaRue, known to many as Mama Griz and known as Grandma Griz to many more, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on a snowy December 2nd morning.

Constance Grace Morse was born on February 12, 1939, in Bridger, MT to Elaine and Walter Morse. She was raised by her mother, Elaine, and Delbert Grasseschi. They lived in Billings, MT until the age of six, when her family moved to Helena, Montana, where she attended Bryant Grade School and Helena High School.

In Helena, she met and married Robert E. Smith. They resided in Helena and later in Missoula. Together they had five Children: Denice, Tammara, David, Lissa, and Nannette Marie who passed away at seven days old. Later, Connie had 2 more sons, Stephen “Pep “ LaRue and Jeff LaRue, whom she raised with her husband Gene Schwaderer.

Connie worked at the Turf café and Ming’s Restaurant before dedicating 32 years of service to Missoula Head Start. She retired in January of 2012.

Connie was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and a proud member of the Lady Eagles. She enjoyed bowling in a Thursday night league and loved camping, walking, and baking. A devoted Montana Grizzlies fan, she attended Griz football games along with cheering on the Lady Griz basketball team for as long as she was able. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family.

Connie was a loving Mother to 6, grandmother to 12, and a great-grandmother to 7.

She is survived by her sister: Sherrie Langdon; children: Denice Isakson (Eric), Tammara Smith, David Smith, Lissa Kindley (Mike), Pep LaRue (Katie), and Jeff LaRue (Sarah); her grandchildren: Amy, Adam and Aaron Isakson; Nathan Kindley; Haylee, Lauren, and Colin LaRue; Jackson and Macyn LaRue; Tripp, Rhett, and Lane LaRue; and her seven great-grandchildren.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of many. She was truly one of a kind, and she will be missed tremendously.

A private family memorial will be held, with a celebration of life to follow for friends and extended family. More information will be shared at a later time.

Arrangements are under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Missoula.