DeLoris Ione (Chole) Hansen

March 22, 1942 – September 24, 2025

Born on March 22, 1942, in Arlee, Montana to William Chole and Mary Christman, DeLoris grew up surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Jocko Valley. Even as a young girl, she carried a spirit that was determined, gentle, and full of spark—traits she would keep for all of her days. After beginning school in Missoula and attending Missoula County High School, she stepped into adulthood with the same grit and warmth that would define her entire life.

In 1961, she married Michael “Mickey” “Swede” Hansen, and together they welcomed five children—Kelly, Joe, Jennifer, Heidi, and Holly. Motherhood was not just a role DeLoris had; it was the calling of her heart. She poured every ounce of herself into raising her children, finding purpose in their laughter, their milestones, and the family she worked tirelessly to hold together.

DeLoris spent many years as a broker for White Trucking Company in Spokane, Washington, taking pride in the work she did and the independence it gave her. She would call herself the highest paid woman in the trucking industry in the state of Washington. Everywhere DeLoris went, she made lasting friendships along the way. Connecting early in life and lasting until they were laid to rest, Don and Edna Hanks- who she gave the privilege of being her five children’s Godparents- was one of her most treasured companionships. DeLoris and Edna, together- “Hurricane and Schlitz” filled every bowling alley with laughter loud enough to echo. A sport she loved and played for many years.

In 2008, DeLoris returned to Montana, choosing Lolo so she could wrap herself back into the roots and landscape that had shaped her. It was here that her later years blossomed with meaning. She volunteered for many years at the Missoula Food Bank, lifting others with the same generosity that had lifted her family for so long. She worshiped faithfully at the Missoula Christian Life Center and Lolo Community Church, forming bonds that nourished her soul.

DeLoris was the definition of a matriarch. She held her family together through loss, change, and time with the strength of someone who loved without limits. Her home was always warm, always welcoming, always flavored with the scent of something baking, simmering, or lovingly stitched by hand. She found peace in her garden, pride in her perfectly groomed and blooming yard, and joy in every bird song, breeze, and bright summer day. Music lived in her—whether she was singing, playing piano, or simply listening. She loved animals, swimming, holidays, and most of all, moments where her family was together under one roof. Even when everybody was fighting over a jar of her homemade pickles or finger-picking at the almost done meal- those were the days she lived for.

When DeLoris loved you, you knew it. She was witty, passionate, stubborn in the way strong women are, honest to the point of hilarity, and forever unapologetically herself. She gave every piece of herself to the people she cherished, and she never asked for anything in return.

After a courageous battle with cancer, DeLoris passed away peacefully on September 24, 2025, surrounded by the family she had spent her whole life loving and protecting. She left this world just as she lived in it—with grace, strength, and her children by her side.

She is preceded in death by her brother Allan Evans; her sister Marion Ryan; her daughters Kelly Frances Hansen and Jennifer Dawn (Tom) Hansen. She is survived by her children Joe (Charlie) Hansen, Heidi (Michael) Hansen, and Holly Hansen; grandchildren Chantal, Nicholas, Cody, Montana, Taylor, Keeray, Kwik, Kahleb, Tawny, and Kyler; great-grandchildren Zekharya, Faye, Maddox, Delilah, Raeleigh, Daxton, and Nemani; many nieces and nephews, and countless friends and extended family. Each of them carries a piece of her.

DeLoris’ story does not end here. It continues in every recipe passed down, every garden planted, every holiday gathered around a table she once filled, and in the hearts of all who loved her. Her legacy is love—steady, fierce, unwavering—and it will live on for generations.

Please join the family in celebrating DeLoris’ life at the Lolo Community Church on Saturday, April 4th, 2026 at 11am. All who loved her are welcome.

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