Tami Louise Hovland

Tami Louise Hovland, 46, passed away July 15, 2004, in Lynnwood, Wash.

She was born in Whitefish on May 13, 1958. Tami called Whitefish home during her childhood, where she spent time with her mother, siblings and grandparents. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing trips with her grandfather, "Papa," and picking berries with her father in Washington state.

Tami married her husband of 24 years, Richard Hovland, on June 14, 1980, in Lakeside. They resided in Whitefish, where they started a family. In 1982 they moved to Arizona City, Ariz., and then to Edmonds, Wash., in 1988.

As a devoted wife and mother of three, Tami spent the next 18 years of her life caring for her family and friends. She spent her days driving kids to sporting events and watching from the stands. Whether it was baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, or football, she never missed an event.

People in need tended to gravitate toward Tami because of her kindness and tolerance. Her heart and home were always open to those who needed her. She was a mother to more children than her own and a generous friend to many. She will be truly missed by those whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Harry William Bowers and Katherine May Bowers of Whitefish.

Tami is survived by her husband, Richard Hovland, son, Chris Hovland and daughters, Brooke Hovland and Britney Hovland, all of Edmonds, Wash.; father, Ted Allum of Sedro Wooley, Wash.; mother, Kathy Eckelsberry of Spokane, Wash.; sister, Debbie Ward of Whitefish; sisters Michelle Chapie of Silverdale, Wash.; and Jeri Sandblom of Elk, Wash.; brothers Tony Allum and Mike Sandblom, both of Spokane; and Harry Bowers of Whitefish; and many extended-family and friends.

A memorial service for Tami will be held on Saturday, July 24, at 2 p.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Edmonds, Wash. Arrangements are being handled by Beck's Funeral Home, Edmonds, Wash. (425)771-1234.