Norma Jean Lipp
Norma Jean Lipp, 83, passed away with her family at her side Aug. 27, 2010 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Norma was born on Feb. 16, 1927 in Colo, Iowa, to Virgil and Rozetta (Hartman) McKinney.
Norma was raised in Colo where she attended schools. She graduated from Northern Montana College in Havre, with a B.A. in education. She worked as an elementary teacher in Hingham for more than 25 wonderful years. Norma married Frank Lipp on Dec. 28, 1948 in Colo. They had 44 great years together before Frank passed away. They truly enjoyed living the life of wheat farmers.
Norma was a member of the Our Lady of Ransom Catholic Church Alter Society in Hingham, a member of Risen Christ Catholic Church in Kalispell, a long time volunteer at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Senior Student at FVCC, AAUW, was given the Soroptimist Service Award, and had served as the vice president of the Buffalo Hills Residence Group.
She enjoyed traveling, and had traveled to many places. She loved music, teaching, gardening, writing and sharing her poetry with others. Norma loved spending time with her family and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Virgil and Rozetta McKinney; her husband, Frank Lipp; a daughter, Rose Marie Lipp; and two sisters, Muriel Burka and Naomi Cook.
Norma is survived by her children, Alan and Penni Lipp of Havre, Jerry and Barb Lipp, Francie Lipp and Nick Russin, and Joanne Ferrell, all of Kalispell, Mike and Joan Lipp of Hingham, and Linda and Leon Kappes of Elko, Nev.; a brother, Wayne McKinney, Sr. of Des Moines, Iowa; grandchildren, Davis Miller, Andrew Miller, Katie Martin, Heidi Lipp, Christopher Lipp, Jessica Pitt, Dustin Kappes, Kallie Kappes, Dillon Lipp, Shellby Lipp and Nicholas Ferrell; great-grandchildren Alexandria Pitt and Brody Miller; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A special thank you from Norma's family to our dear friend and neighbor Joyce Spicher. A visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, at Risen Christ Catholic Church, with a vigil service held at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, at Risen Christ Catholic Church with the Rev. Rudy Bullman serving as Celebrant. Interment followed at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the staff of Kalispell Regional Medical Center for their loving and compassionate care of Norma.
You are invited to go to www.buffalohillfh.com to leave personal messages and sign Norma's book. The family suggest that any Memorials be made in Norma's name to Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Northwest Health Care Foundation 310 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Kenneth Hunt
Kenneth D. Hunt, 89, went to his heavenly home on Friday, Aug. 27, 2010. He was born July 4, 1921 in Dixon, Neb., and grew up in the Midwest.
As a young man, he married Aliene Westlake and together they had two children, Robert and Geraldine. After Aliene's death as a result of cancer, Ken married Avis Drown. Ken and Avis were blessed with five children, Delores, Darlene, Don, Mary and Dallas. Following Avis' death from cancer, Ken found the love of his life, Chrystal French, and they were married on Aug. 3, 1968. Ken and Chrystal then moved their family to Whitefish in 1969, where he worked in the timber industry for many years, until the time of his retirement. During that time, he developed a special friendship with his employer, Pete Larsen, with whom he shared a strong Christian brotherhood. He was an active member of Whitefish Church of the Nazarene, where he attended and served for 41 years, until the time of his death. A highlight of his spiritual life was a mission trip to Ecuador where he helped with the construction of a church and shared his faith with the local people. His faith in Jesus was the foundation of who he was, and many came to know the love of Christ because of his influence. He was a true man of God. He spent many happy hours fishing and hunting with his children and grandchildren. In the last moments of his life, he looked upward and said, "The window is open." Minutes later, he went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior.
Ken will be forever missed by his loving wife, Chrystal, his six children, 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, along with brothers, Loren, Wes and Duane. He is preceded in death by his son, Robert; and his siblings, Verle, Chet, Bonnie, Jess and Gerald.
A celebration of Ken's life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4 at Whitefish Church of the Nazarene, with burial to follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the African Children's Choir, www.africanchildrenschoir.com. Arrangements by Austin Funeral Home.
Billy G. Redmond
Billy G. Redmond, 78, died on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010, in Kalispell. Cremation and family graveside service arrangements are being organized by Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory. A celebration of Redmond's life will be at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 6 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell. Bring your stories to be shared starting at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please mail a donation in memory of Billy G. Redmond to the Flathead Valley Junior Golf Association, c/o Alice Ritzman, 64 E Nicklaus, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Donald Smith
Donald Smith, 92, passed away Aug. 21, 2010 in Mesa, Ariz. Born in August of 1918 in Whitefish, he was the oldest of three children to Frank and Alma Smith. Donald lived in both Whitefish and California most of his life before permanently relocating to Arizona in 2002. He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Rollie and Doug; daughter, Marilyn; and Ruby, his wife of 56 years. Donald is survived by his children Donald, Richard and Sharon, along with 10 grandchildren. Per Donald's wishes, no services will be held.