Nellie King

Nellie Chandler King, 76, of Columbia Falls, died Saturday, June 20, 2009, at her home. She was born in Cullman County, Alabama, to Ercy Aaron Chandler and Claudia Marie (Watkins' Chandler and was raised and educated in Alabama. She married Ernest L. King, Sr. on Dec. 8, 1952, at Clio, Mich.

She had been employed in a munitions factory in Arkansas and had lived in various other locations throughout the country until coming to the north Flathead Valley in 1972. Nellie had worked as a CNA (certified nurse assistant) at Colonial Manor in Whitefish and later as a bookkeeper in the area. Her husband preceded her in death in 1982.

Nellie resided in Allentown, Penn., for a period of five years until returning to Columbia Falls four years ago. A very proud mom and grandma, Nellie enjoyed handcrafts of all types including knitting, crocheting, hand-tatting as well as painting. She greatly enjoyed the companionship of her dog, Dakota. Her family wishes to thank the staff of North Valley Hospital and the Dialysis Center at Kalispell Regional Medical Center for their wonderful care during Nellie's illness.

Surviving her are three sons, Sonny King and wife Charlene of Columbia Falls, Greg King and wife Tina of Allentown, Pa., and Randy King and wife Kelly Marie Connell of Columbia Falls; her siblings, Norman Chandler of Oneonta, Ala., and Anne Chandler of Hampton, Ga.; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Nellie was also preceded in death by sons Michael and Walter.

Services and interment will be in Alabama at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family memorial fund, c/o Randy King, 174 Fir Lane, Columbia Falls, MT 59912. Arrangements are by Columbia Mortuary.