Ruth Maher-Lindsey

Ruth Ann Maher-Lindsey, 84, a former Whitefish resident, left this world on Feb. 26, 2010, at her home in Lake Forest, Calif., with her children at her side.

Ruth was born and raised in Whitefish, the daughter of John (Jack) and Emma Maher. While in Whitefish, Ruth lived an active life, participating in Rainbow Girls, choir, golfing and skiing and working as a lifeguard. She served two terms with the Rainbow Girls as Worthy Advisor and one term as a state official.

After graduating from Whitefish High School, Ruth attended Montana State University-Bozman and later graduated from the University of Montana-Missoula, with a bachelor's in biology.

She worked as a medical technologist until her retirement in 1989. After retirement, Ruth enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family, reading and knitting. Ruth taught her granddaughters to knit and was extremely pleased that several continue with her passion for knitting.

Although she lived for many years in California, Ruth always considered Whitefish her home. She frequently said that her heart and soul would never be happy until she was once again in the shadows of the Rockies.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers Clayton Thomas and John Maher.

Ruth is survived by her children Kathleen Wayne and husband Joseph, Karen Reynolds and husband Bruce, Thomas Lindsey and wife Michele; and grandchildren Devin Wayne, Earl Wayne and wife Onnalee, Heather Franco and husband Stephen, Connie Lindsey and Alex Lindsey.

Graveside services will take place at Whitefish Cemetery on Friday, March 12, at 1 p.m.

Memorials may be made to Saint Matthew's Church in Newport Beach, Calif., or to the donor's favorite charity.

Richard King

Richard E. "Dick" King, 85, of Columbia Falls, died of natural causes on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, after a short illness.

Dick was born Nov. 21, 1924, in Whitefish, the third son of Edgar H. King and Margaret M. Taber King. He was raised in the Flathead Valley, Great Falls and the Roseburg, Ore., area. He graduated from Whitefish High School in 1942.

Dick hired out on the railroad in 1943. Soon after that, he enlisted in the Army, being discharged in 1946. He returned to Whitefish and continued his railroad career, retiring in 1984 with 41 years of service.

Dick enjoyed the outdoors and spent many days hiking, camping and fishing, mainly in Glacier National Park. In 1970, Mel Ruder crowned Dick "King of Glacier" for having hiked the entire perimeter of Glacier Park, as well as most developed and undeveloped trails throughout the park. Dick completed that goal in the summer of 1969. Dick spent many summer days enjoying the beauty and serenity of Oly Lake, his favorite fishing hole.

Dick was a lifelong Yankees fan and would take every opportunity to rub it in if the Yanks beat your team. He traveled to many professional games over the years and enjoyed spring training a few years ago. He also enjoyed NASCAR and Wildcat sports, had many hobbies he enjoyed over the years and was an avid collector of model trains.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Eddie, Don and Jim; sister Joan King Drager; niece Peggy King; great nephew Lyle Seward; and sisters-in law Ruth King, Barbara King and Thelma Blake.

Dick is survived by many loving and caring friends in the Flathead Valley and best pals Mike Scott and "Chewy"; nieces Robbie King, Janice Rhodes, Michelle McDowell and Kami Anderson; nephews Ed, Kelly and Cary King, Bret and Brad Drager, and Scott and Don King; and numerous great and great great nieces and nephews.

A memorial wake will be held at the Columbia Bar, in Columbia Falls, on Sunday, March 21, at 2 p.m. Memorials can be sent in Dick's name to the charity of the donor's choice.

Howard Whitney

Longtime Whitefish resident Howard M. Whitney, 82, died Feb. 26, 2010, in Whitefish.

He was born Aug. 6, 1927, in Agency, Iowa. Following graduation from VanBuren Community School, he served in the Marine Corps during World War II and later with the Air Force.

In 1949, he married Dorothy Reynolds. They farmed until he joined the Border Patrol in 1955. After several duty stations, they settled in Whitefish in 1961 and raised their family.

He retired as supervisory agent of the northern sector after 33 years of service. During retirement, he spent many happy years on Big Mountain and chasing bird dogs.

He is survived by his wife; daughters Beverly Palmer, Sandra Shanks, Pamela Whitney and Mary Lidstrom; grandson Whitney Shanks; granddaughters Samantha and Sarah Lidstrom; three great grandchildren; sisters Doris, Donna and Joyce; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.