Elaine Lois Judkins Laasch, 84, Passes Away

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Elaine L. Judkins Laasch, a longtime resident of Cut Bank, Montana, passed away on February 6, 2026 at the age of 84. Elaine was born in Williston, North Dakota in 1941 and spent much of her life working as a waitress in various cafes in Libby and Cut Bank. She also owned a figure salon business called Elaine's Figure Salon in the 1970s. In her later years, Elaine moved to Butte, Montana where she was active in her retirement community, known for her blue cheese dressing and fudge.

Why it matters

Elaine's life story reflects the changing economic and social landscape of small-town Montana over the past several decades, from the rise of local cafes and small businesses to the growth of retirement communities. Her dedication to her community and passion for cooking and socializing made her a beloved figure in the towns where she lived.

The details

Elaine Lois Judkins was born on October 7, 1941 in Williston, North Dakota to Jay and Borghild Judkins. She was one of eight siblings raised in Williston before the family relocated to Libby, Montana in 1962. In Libby, Elaine began her long career as a waitress, working at several local cafes. She married Virgil Laasch in 1971 and the couple later moved to Cut Bank, where Elaine continued waitressing at the Bergen's Café and the Big Sky Café. In 1978, Elaine opened her own business, Elaine's Figure Salon, which she operated for many years. In 2020, Elaine moved to Butte, Montana, where she became an active member of the Meadowland Apartment community, known for her homemade blue cheese dressing and fudge.

• Elaine Lois Judkins was born on October 7, 1941 in Williston, North Dakota.
• In 1962, Elaine's family relocated to Libby, Montana.
• Elaine married Virgil Laasch in 1971.
• Elaine opened Elaine's Figure Salon in 1978.
• Elaine passed away on February 6, 2026 at the age of 84.