Leoti Fackenthall Harke

Leoti Fackenthall Harke passed away peacefully on Nov. 16, 2015, at Bee Hive Homes with her granddaughter, Tawnia Lindal, and her very good friend, Jessie Burlage, by her side. Leoti was born March 1, 1919 to John and Hilda Fackenthall at Nine Mile Falls, Washington, and was the youngest of eight siblings. At the time of her birth, her father John was working on and building ships on the coast. He wrote Hilda to let her know that his wish was to name his youngest daughter after a ship he built, “Leoti,” meaning Prairie Flower, a part of her life she was always proud to repeat.

Leoti graduated from North Central High School in 1936 and took some college business classes after that. She was a caregiver to many elderly people until she married Carl Harke on June 8, 1940. She and Carl had “my three sons” Ted, Larry and Randy. After a short time, they adopted their daughter, Carol. Being a Christian was very important to Leoti and she lived her life as such after joining the Baptist church when the children were young. As the children were growing up she worked out of the home doing various jobs, later becoming head of housekeeping at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane and Deer Park, Washington.

In 1976, she and Carl moved to Columbia Falls to be closer to family. They made many good friends in their new neighborhood and at First Baptist Church. She helped teach vacation bible school for many summers and loved all the students she had. She also enjoyed volunteering at Glacier Gateway in her great-granddaughters’ classrooms. After Carl passed away in August 2000, Leoti moved back to Spokane to live with her older sister, Ruth. In 2003, Leoti decided to move back to Columbia Falls. In May, 2010 she was excited to become one of the original residents of Bee Hive assisted living. While living there, she quickly became one of the favorites of the employees and made many new friends. She enjoyed and made sure she was ready to go on any excursions the Bee Hive staff planned. Leoti always had a kind word and a smile for everyone, even at the end of her life. As frustrating as it was for her to not be able to take care of herself the last two years, she never complained.

Leoti was preceded in death by her husband, Carl, her parents and all of her siblings. Her daughter Carol (Dan Bonk) of St. John, Washington joined Leoti, 12 hours after her mother’s death on Nov. 17, 2015. She is survived by her sons Ted (Sandra) of Columbia Falls, Larry (Barbara) of Fifth Wheel, USA, and Randy (Idonna) of Lakeville Minnesota. Grandchildren, Tawnia Lindal (Justin) of Columbia Falls, Sonja Steele (Shane) of Spokane, Washington, Muree Chatman (Blake Dunmire) of Port Orchard, Washington, Vincent Harke (Eileen) of Olympia, Washington, Tina Saucke (Jonathan) of New Prague, Minnesota, and Shelly Gilb (Randy) of Hastings, Minnesota. As well as 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life and memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 24 at 1 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Columbia Falls. A private burial was held on Nov. 20, 2015 at Fairview Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church in Columbia Falls or to the charity of your choice.