Laura Margaret Trotchie Cole

Laura M Trotchie Cole passed away On Sunday, December 12 at the Peace Hospice Center in Great Falls, MT. On August 22, 1936 Laura was born in Havre, MT to Sarah Allery Trotchie and John Baptise Trotchie.

Laura attended Catholic School in Havre before moving to Great Falls attending school through 10th grade.

Laura met the love of her life and soul mate Neil W Cole while ringing in the New Year at the Cowboy Bar in Dodson, Mt. They would marry on August 3, 1963; the beginning of her life as a construction workers wife, which instilled in her the love of travel.

They started out in Helena, then set their sights to Utah. After living in Utah, they moved back to Dodson to ranch for about 10 years. During this period they opened their home to many. Laura's son Mike Rocheleau would join them here, as well as her niece Patty Hazen. Others came for shorter periods; Laura's niece Lorna Trotchie, nephew Kieth Trotchie.

Laura learned to be an excellent cook and many would enjoy the taco feeds as well as all the meals she helped to prepare for all the haying and branding crews through the years. Elizabeth Trotchie would join the family and move with them on the next journey to Washington and then up to Alaska for the next 10 years from 1976 to 1986.

Laura took her cooking skills and hospitality to the International Banquet House "Seating for 800." This would keep Laura busy along with raising Beth during the long stints apart while Neil worked on the pipeline. They would move back to Dodson to help Neil's parents.

Laura became an excellent caretaker for both Buck and Sis. Laura also continued her hospitality gift and would tend bars for numerous establishments. Continuing with the native tradition never to be one with an empty nest if you are able, they would adopt Neil "Bummer" Cole.

Laura would then start yet another phase as she joined Kay Braach as the chief cook for the Senior Center. Laura and Kay had great fun on their shopping trips to Great Falls, sure to include many pit stops to the Casinos.

Laura was preceded in death by her son Mike, her brothers Jack, Walter, Max, and Raymond Trotchie, and her sister Lorraine.

Laura is survived by her husband Neil, brother Larry Trotchie of Great Falls, daughter Beth (Troy) Azure, Michele (Ed) Adams, son Neil L Cole. 5 Grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, and nephews.

A Memorial Mass was held on December 17, 2021, at 11:00 am at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dodson MT.