Sally Kay Bertelsen, 51

Sally Kay Bertelsen, 51, died of a pulmonary embolism June 18, 2019, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Sally Kay was the daughter of Shirley Bertelsen, Columbia Falls, and was preceded in death by her father, Philip Bertelsen. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her longtime friend Roy Jarvis; her sister Jan Bertelsen-James (David) and niece Jayde; brother Tom Bertelsen (Jayne) and nephew Philip, and niece Tayler. Also surviving her is her aunt, Kay Morton Ellerhoff (Tom). Another aunt, Patricia Morton Hibbard, predeceased her.

Sally was active in Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church where she was baptized, confirmed, and married Paul Charbonneau. The relationship later ended in divorce. She attended Sunday School, Bible School, Luther League, Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp, and served on the Church Council. Sally graduated from Columbia Falls High School; highlights of her high school years included participating in the Close-Up Program in Washington, D.C., and serving as a page in the Montana Senate.

Sally attended the University of Montana and received her sociology degree in 1994. She was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority and was honored with the UM President’s Award. Sally’s God-directed social work career spanned 24 years. Her enthusiasm for helping people and making them feel at ease made her invaluable. She forged strong relationships with numerous agencies that assisted her patients and clients. Her most significant work was managing the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program for the Flathead County Health Department. After her death Sally was a tissue and cornea donor.

Her life will be celebrated at 4 p.m. Aug. 27 at Darlington Cremation and Burial Service, 3408 U.S. Hwy. 2 East, Kalispell. A reception will be held at 115 West Monture Ridge in Silverbrook Estates (Hwy. 93).

Memorials can be made to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 2770, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.