Shannon Hallas

Shannon Paige Hallas, 37, of Columbia Falls, left her loved ones on April 9, 2013 to find a better challenge.

She was born June 18, 1975, to Gene and Debbie Hallas at North Valley Hospital. She joined older sister Joli, who dearly loved her. Raised in the Flathead Valley, she graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1994.

Always a hard worker, she worked at the Fred Meyer (Smith’s) after school and after graduation. She also helped raise her brother Chance and kept him the “best dressed baby in the valley,” always buying clothes and shoes with her earnings.

Shannon joined the Marines in March 1995, did her basic training at Parris Island, S.C., and her MOS at Camp LeJeune, N.C., where she had training in hazmat and explosives and became a logistics vehicle systems operator. Her permanent station was Camp Pendleton, San Diego, Calif.

She was deployed to the Middle East at Quatar, Kuwait and Dubai. Shannon served her country for four years and was honorably discharged in 1999 as a lance corporal with many decorations. she was most proud of her sharpshooter badge. “two points, mom, and i’d get my expert ... shoot.”

She is preceded in death by grandparents George and Linda Hallas and Will and Betty Ren and niece Lacey Hallas.

Shannon is survived by her father Gene Hallas and wife Juanita; mother Debbie Halls; sisters Joli Hallas (Rich Maloon), of Sparks, Nev. and Gen (Jeff) Moore of Columbia Falls; brothers Chance Wheatley and Matt Hallas, of Columbia Falls; step-brothers Steve DeSersa, of Hot Springs, S.D., and Michael Ince, of Columbia Falls; step-sister Traci DeSersa (Austin Eaton), of Mitchell, S.D.; and many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and extended family.

Shannon requested cremation and will be buried at a later date in a private military ceremony. A celebration of life is set for June 15, 2013 at the Hallas Ranch, the place where she grew up and loved. A notice will be places with further details.

Memorial donations in Shannon’s name can be made to the Veterans Food Pantry, Wounded Warriors or the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.