Marjorie Birky
Marjorie Eula (Lais) Birky, age 83, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at her home in Kalispell. She was born March 1, 1925, in Hubbard, Ore., to Daniel and Ellen (Egli) Lais.
She married the love of her life, Ezra Birky, on Dec. 31, 1948 in Hubbard. From 1943 to 1945, she attended Hesston High School and Beulah College, graduating in 1947.
After marrying Ezra, Marjorie moved from Oregon to Montana where she became the financial bookkeeper for the logging and sawmill business Ezra ran with his father and brothers. She remained the bookkeeper until Ezra's retirement. She was a member of the Mountain View Mennonite Church where she was lead chorister for many years, continuing to enjoy music that she had become involved in during her years in school.
Marjorie was a special mother to six adopted children as well as many foster children, all of whom she took pride in. "Time is not measured by the years that you live, but by the deeds that you do and the joy that you give," was her motto.
Marjorie was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Phillip; eight sisters, Orpha Fisher, Celesta Lais, Mary Kenegy, Lena Blair, Susanah Stanerson, Dorothy Gingerich, Lily Berkey and Ruth Zehr; and two brothers, John and Frank Lais.
Marjorie is survived by her husband, Ezra Birky of Kalispell; two adopted daughters, Ellen Lehman of Kalispell, and Susan Birky of Boulder, Colo.; three adopted sons, Ian Birky and his wife, Bev, of Bethlehem, Pa., Michael Birky and his wife, Marie, of Columbia Falls, and Vance Birky and his wife, Brenda, of Kalispell; three sisters, Frances Hoover of Goshen, Ind., Evelyn Birky of Kalispell, and Vera Garber of Hubbard, Ore.; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Marjorie were held on Monday, July 28 at 11:30 a.m. at the Mountain View Mennonite Church with Pastor Jeryl Hollinger officiating. Burial was held at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Visitation was Sunday, July 27, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorial gifts be given to Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Marjorie's family.
You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Marjorie's guest book.
"Tony" Stempin
Anton T. "Tony" Stempin, 89, Columbia Falls, passed away, Tuesday, July 22, 2008, at the Montana Veterans' Home in Columbia Falls.
He was born Jan. 19, 1919 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Anton and Mary Stempin.
Tony served in the Marine Corps during World War II.
He was married to Doris L. Smith on June 10, 1944 in Bremerton, Wash. Tony worked on the construction of the Hungry Horse Dam and retired from the aluminum plant.
He is survived by his wife, Doris, of Columbia Falls; his children, Gary Stempin, Judy Stewart, Mitch Stempin and Robin Stempin; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
A graveside committal with be held Thursday, July 31, at 2 p.m. at the Lone Pine Cemetery in Bigfork with military graveside honors.
Tony was especially proud of his Marine Corps service. The family has suggested that memorials be made to the Toys For Tots, USMCR, 41 4th Street West, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Arrangements are with the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.