Laurel, Montana - Leonita May "Amber" Western passed away peacefully Friday March 27, 2026, in her home in Laurel, Montana. Known to some as Nita and to some as Amber, her life spanned 80 years.

Amber was born in Tacoma Washington, in the summer of 1945 to Leone Noble Western and Robert Henry Western. She was the little sister to brother Robert. She grew up riding horses on her grandparents farm. Horseback riding would be a life long passion.

Amber graduated from Stadium High School, in Tacoma with the class of 1964. She was an artist at heart. She attended art school. A high point was the time she spent painting in Greece. She also lived for a time in Oaxaca, Mexico where she took in the food and colors and culture of a beautiful city. Each day was a chance for Amber to create, and she spoke fondly of that place throughout her life.

Amber attended Western Washington University, graduating in 1974. She later worked towards a masters degree in social work at Seattle University. She spent a number of years counseling people with substance abuse issues in Seattle.

She once had a home for a time, near Quilcene, Washington on a beautiful spot called DaBob Bay. Amber would get up early, hike along the water and collect fresh oysters. She would also gather blackberries and use them in her amazing homemade pies. It was a special time in her life.

Her life journeys had her living for a season in Pahrump, Nevada. She loved life on the edge of the desert with her dearest friends. Later after spending a few cold winters in Montana, she was planning to return to the hot, dry climate that was more her style.

Amber did enjoy her few years, in Laurel, in her little home near South Pond. She loved eating lunch at The Pelican Cafe. She volunteered at the Laurel Public Library used book sale. She loved to read and always had books to hand out to those around her.

Amber was a spark of life and creativity to all who knew her. A conversation with her was always fun and interesting. The world will be just a touch less colorful without her in it.

Amber was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Robert. She leaves behind son Brandt Petersen, grandson Duane Petersen(Carley), grandson Skylur Petersen, and great granddaughter Aliliya. She also leaves behind sister-in-law Sandy Western and a number of nephews and great nieces and nephews.

We hope that in memory of Amber you will enjoy a good meal with friends, look for an extra minute at a colorful sunset, and maybe even cheer one time for the Seattle Mariners.

Amber will be greatly missed by her family and friends. And her cat will be well taken care of.

A memorial service will happen at a later date.