Renee Marie McKeag-Waters, 49, lost her courageous eight-year battle with cancer “and became an angel” April 30, 2011, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell. She received excellent, compassionate, loving care until the end from Hospice provided by Home Options.
Renee was born Feb. 27, 1962, in Arcata, Calif.
She is survived by her husband, Fred Waters, of Kalispell; her mother, Carol McKeag, of Beaverton, Ore.; her father and stepmother, Santiago and Jan Lahoz of Palm Desert, Calif.; her stepfather, Roy McKeag, and his wife, Skai, of Santa Fe, N.M.; her sister, Michele McKeag Larsen, her husband Brian, and nephew Kellen Larsen and niece Taryn Larsen, of Vancouver, Wash.; her sister, Melina Murray, her husband Tom, and nieces Taryn and Tessa Murray, of New Zealand; and her brother, Wendel Lahoz, of California.
A Kalispell resident for more than two decades, Renee and her husband, Fred, could often be found sitting at Sykes’ having a cup of coffee, or walking through Center Mall greeting her friends who are too many to count. Her wide, welcoming smile flashed easily and her contagious laughter brought joy to many. She was a gentle and kind soul.
Friends and family were most important to Renee, as evidenced by the too-numerous-to-count photos covering the walls of her home. Renee loved people and dogs, especially her special dog friend Mookie. She was a courageous, valiant, strong, joyful, young spirit who touched many, many lives. She will be missed beyond measure.
Renee's life will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 5, at the Christian Center, Assembly of God, 255 Summit Ridge Drive, Kalispell, with a reception to follow at the church for family and friends.
Memorial contributions can be made in Renee's name to the Special Friends Advocacy Program, 313 2nd Avenue, West, Kalispell, MT 59901; or Home Options Hospice, 430 Windward Way, Kalispell, MT 59901.