Louise Bertha (Van) Black

Louise Black, 89, went to be with her Lord and Savior September 16, 2020 after a valiant battle with cancer.  She was born February 13, 1931 in Klein MT. as Louise Bertha VanBruasagen which was later shortened to Van.  Her parents Bertha (Druit) and Paul Van moved to Bearcreek MT when she was a small child. Louise attended Bearcreek School until she graduated in 1949.  She continued her education at the Anderson Beauty School in Billings MT and worked for a short time as a cosmetologist.  On August 10, 1952 she married Earl Black and they left Red Lodge MT and moved to Denver CO and started a family.  In 1962 their plans changed, and they moved to Clark WY and lived there for the next 14 years.  In 1975 they moved to Belfry and life got very busy for them.  They owned and operated Clarkfork Valley Welding, the Husky Gas Station and Mom started delivering the rural mail which she continued to do for over 30 years.  She was still working at the gas station until 2019.  Last August she diagnosed with cancer and has to leave her home, family and friends and move into an assisted living facility while she underwent treatments. 

            Mom loved visiting with her friends and family, telling stories about her past, laughing and sharing her various treasures with others. Over the years she bowled, was a Fuller Brush Salesperson.  She was an active member of the Extension Club, American Legion, Bearcreek Women’s Club, Stateline Chapel and Belfry Senior Center.

            Somehow during her busy life, she became an amazing cook, seamstress, created beautiful knitted and crocheted items and still found time to help anyone in need.

            She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Earl Black, son Randy (Cindy) Black, daughter Joni Burrell, and daughter Charlene (Jay) Krug, plus 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

            She was preceded in death by her parents Paul & Bertha Van, brothers George and John Van, sisters Rosalee Repac & Virginia Schacht, grandson Dustin Black and great-grandson Phoenix Black.

            While Heaven gained a beautiful soul, the holes left in the hearts of those who loved her will be filled by the gifts of knowledge and love she gave us.