Iva Pedersen 81

Iva (Meeks) Pedersen was born Feb. 25, 1936, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Iva moved with her family to Montana in 1945. She attended Russell Elementary School and graduated high school with American Schools.

Iva met in Vallejo, California, her sailor sweetheart, Ken Pedersen, in 1957. They were married Oct. 7,1957, in Kalispell. In 1959 Iva and Ken started Pedersen Excavation, later known as Ken Pedersen Pumping. After 55 years in Business Iva and Ken retired in 2014.

Iva was past president of the American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed volunteer work and spending time with family.

Iva passed away Aug. 10, 2017. She was surrounded by her loving husband Ken and her family who loved her dearly. “She is in heaven now with Jesus.” We are all blessed to have shared our lives with her.

Iva was preceded in death by her parents Chester and Earline Meeks, and sisters Lolita Reynolds and Virginia Broomfield.

She is survived by her husband Ken Pedersen of Kalispell, daughter Connie Mackay (Fran Farr) of Bozeman, grandson Calder Mackay (Ashley Nettles) of Bozeman, granddaughter Serena Mackay of Bozeman, sister Louise Smith (Gene Smith) of Kalispell, sister Rebecca Saylor (Clyde Saylor) of Portland, brother Chester Meeks (Donna Meeks) of Anchorage, Alaska, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Iva’s life will be held at a later date.

To send a note of condolence to the family, please visit www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.