Vivian Sprunger

Vivian Sylvia Sprunger, 85, passed away Jan. 11, 2009, at Brendan House in Kalispell.

She was born March 11, 1923, in Bigfork to Able J. and Olga Marie (Ehland) Bellmore. Vivian spent most of her life in the Flathead Valley.

She married Pete Sprunger on Jan. 28, 1945, in Bigfork. They moved to the Bureau of Reclamation project at Hungry Horse, where Pete was employed, and together they had three children. They later moved to their home on Flathead River in Columbia Falls.

After Pete’s retirement, they became snowbirds, spending their time between their residences in Yuma, Ariz., and Columbia Falls.

Vivian enjoyed gardening, square dancing, pinochle, fishing and picking huckleberries. Most of all, she enjoyed sharing her vast life-knowledge with her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and others. Not always by choice, family members learned how to take care of themselves, unafraid to try anything. Her drive for life will live on.

Vivian was preceded in death by her father, Abel Bellmore, and her mother, Olga; brothers Adelore, Waldo and Morris; and sisters Rachel, Grace, Pauline and Bonnie.

Vivian is survived by her husband of 63 years, Pete Sprunger, of Kalispell; son Randy Sprunger and wife Phyllis, of Whitefish, and their daughters Erin and Stephannee; daughter Katherine “KC” Curtis, of Belgrade, and her son Shawn, and his daughter Cameo; daughter Jan Varty and husband Warren, of Edmonton, Alberta, and their son Lucas; brother Bob Bellmore; sisters Beverly, Opal, Carol and Marrianne; niece Donna McDonald; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home in the spring.