Kathleen Elaine (Willis) Sansaver, was born October 7, 1935 in Landsford, ND, to Leland Willis and Agatha (Behm) Willis.
People who knew Kathleen would say she was kind, lovely, sweet, talkative, happy and smart. Sometimes, they would even say she was strong-willed, but always courageous. She survived breast cancer, the painful loss of a child, and even covid. For over 15 years she tried to beat vascular dementia, but that was one battle she would not win.
On November 21, 2020, Kathleen passed away in her sleep; a term which she had referred to as “an old man’s best friend”.
Kathleen attended Carroll College in Helena, MT where she met James (Jim) Leroy Sansaver. They were married April 2, 1956 in Wolf Point, MT. They are parents to four children, and grandparents to three grandchildren.
Kathleen earned a teaching degree at the University of Montana. She really enjoyed teaching high school students English, Home Economics, and working with the drama club. Later in life, she became a legal assistant, and also worked as an aid for a children’s school program.
Katheen and family traveled with Jim’s career from Wolf Point, to Alberta, to Virginia, back and forth from Billings to Virginia, and eventually Minnesota. Later in life, they enjoyed “the season” (a.k.a. Winter) in Florida. Kathleen liked to walk on the beach for miles from late afternoon until sunset.
Kathleen is survived by her children: Michael (wife: Martha) Sansaver, Alexa (husband: Brad) Mountfort and Christopher Sansaver. Her three grandchildren: Bethany Sansaver, Jameson Mountfort and Benjamin Sansaver. Her siblings: Lela Lelacheur, Theresa Dunham and Rita Beth Glatt.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Leland and Agatha Willis, her husband: James Sansaver, her daughter: Cynthia Sansaver and her siblings: Duane Willis and Vera Crisafulli.
We will miss her so very much, and pray for her in the words of the Devine Mercy Chaplet: “Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world”
Due to Covid, memorial and mass services will be postponed until Summer 2021. At that time, she will be interred with her husband at Greenwood Cemetery, Wolf Point, MT.