Patricia Dolven

Patricia Rose Dolven, 69, died Jan. 5, 2010, as the result of a car accident near the Montana-Idaho border.

Pat was born on May 12, 1940, in Eureka, to Darreld and Doris Williams. She grew up in Whitefish and Harlem, and attended the University of Montana-Missoula and Montana State University-Bozeman, where she graduated in 1962 with a bachelor's in home economics.

Pat married Fred Dolven, her high-school sweetheart, in 1961. She taught for two years in Bozeman while Fred completed his degree in architecture.

Pat and Fred lived in Reno, Nev., in 1964, before joining and serving in the Peace Corps from 1966 to 1968. Upon returning from India, they lived in Billings before moving back to Reno in 1971, where they settled.

Pat volunteered at her children s schools and was involved in Cub Scouts, Brownies, Children's Theater and countless other activities. She was also a gourmet cook, a rapacious reader and a talented mother and grandmother.

Patricia is survived by her husband Fred Dolven; twin brother Richard Williams; son Davin Dolven; daughter Danica Gittelman and husband Marc; grandsons Jacob and Elijah Gittelman; and extended family and friends.

Funeral services were held Jan. 23, 2010, at Spanish Springs Presbyterian Church, in Sparks, Nev. A ceremony is being planned for June near her childhood home and parents resting places in Kalispell to inter her remains.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Frances Posey

Frances Lucille (LeBlanc) Posey, 87, passed away at home on Jan. 16, 2010.

She was born Dec. 21, 1922, at the family home in Whitefish, the third of four children born to Julius Alfonse, aka Robert J. LeBlanc, and Stella Hazel (Herritt) LeBlanc.

At age 13, Frances lost her mother to cancer and took over the role of mother. Her early work life would be spent helping to take care of her brothers. During the war years, she ran the switchboard at the Great Northern Railway Depot in Whitefish.

In 1945, she met Frederick Lloyd Posey. They were married in June 1946 and had two children, Cheryl Posey-Johnson and Frederick Posey.

After helping Fred through college and early child rearing, Frances went to work for School District 5 in Kalispell. She was head secretary at Kalispell Junior High School where she earned the nickname Sarge.

After retiring from School District 5, she and Fred traveled, spending time with family, friends and most importantly grandchildren. In 1997, Fred and Frances, due to health reasons, left the Flathead Valley and moved to Billings. She became active in her new community through her church, St. Pius X, as well as the Red Hat Ladies.

Frances will be remembered for her hospitality, caring and sacrifice for others. Her breads, rolls, pies and cookies will surely be missed.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother; husband Fred; brother Julius Bernard LeBlanc; sisters-in-law Melveen LeBlanc, Lorraine LeBlanc and Agnes (Posey) Galland; and brother-in-law Robert Posey.

She is survived by her daughter Cheryl Johnson and husband Dennis; son Bruce Posey and wife Janis; brothers Albert LeBlanc and Robert LeBlanc; sister-in-law Helen Posey; and grandchildren Tyler Johnson, Jael Johnson and Caleb Posey.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial Mass was held Jan. 22, 2010, at St. Pius X Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to River Stone Hospice, St. Pius X Church or St. Matthew's in Kalispell.

Sanford Arrowsmith

Sanford M. Arrowsmith, 83, died Jan. 22, 2010, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.

He was born in Superior, Ariz., to Mark and True (Armstrong) Arrowsmith on June 6, 1926, and spent his childhood in Arizona.

He worked in western Montana during the 1950s and early 1960s before returning to Arizona, where he was a longtime resident of Phoenix. He worked in various occupations during his life, including working as a miner, roofing contractor and shoe cobbler.

Sanford returned to Montana in 2000, residing in the Flathead Valley and Whitefish until the time of his death. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially camping and fishing, and was an avid reader.

He is survived by his daughter Darla Hill, formerly of Whitefish, now residing in Clinton, Tenn.; 10 stepchildren; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren.

Services took place Jan. 26, 2010, at the Church of Christ in Kalispell.

Beverly Thomas

Beverly Ann (Bolken) Thomas passed away Jan. 12, 2010, at Corona Regional Medical Center, in Corona, Calif.

She was born in Arengard, N.D., on May 31, 1934, to Blanche (Hanson) and Olai Bolken. In 1936, her family moved to Whitefish, where she was raised and graduated from Whitefish High School in 1952. She raced on a ski team, was active in Pep Club, Theta Rho Girl's School and Luther League, and was the sports editor for the school paper.

Beverly moved to Havre and then Denver, where she worked for Bell Telephone. She met Richard Dale Thomas and they were married March 12, 1954, at Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish.

They made their home in California, where she worked for Sears and Collins Radio Co. They lived in Corona for a number of years. Beverly was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, served on the council and was very active with the ladies quilting group.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents and her stepdaughter Sandra Screwese.

She is survived by her husband Richard; sisters Marilyn Garrahan and husband Bill, of Havre, Oris Beaver and husband Bill, of Flower Mound, Texas; brother Wayne Bolken and wife Karla, of Havre; 10 nieces and nephews; three grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at Peace Lutheran Church, in Corona. Burial took place at Corona Sunnyslope Cemetery.