Irene Corbett

Irene Agnes Corbett, 102, passed away Nov. 24, 2011, at Brendan House, in Kalispell.

She was born on Sept. 14, 1909, to Alfred and Mary Belle (Knapton) Diseth in Tacoma, Wash. She graduated with a teaching certificate from Pacific Lutheran University in 1929 and started her teaching career in Montana 40 miles south of Galata.

After two years, Irene moved to Coram to teach. There, she met Charles "Compton" or "Red" Corbett, her future husband. They were married Aug. 25, 1932, in Kalispell. She continued teaching in Coram until 1934, when she devoted her time to raising her family.

She returned to teaching in 1961, following her husband's death. Irene continued teaching in Coram, while furthering her education by attending summer classes at Northern Montana College, in Havre, and receiving her bachelor's degree in 1966. She retired from teaching in 1973.

Irene was an active lifelong member in the Canyon Community Church, where she served as the treasurer for 25 years. She was also a longtime church pianist and Ladies Aid member.

She was the first lifetime honorary member of the Teakettle Quilters Guild, of Columbia Falls.

Irene is survived by her daughter Bonnie Kirkpatrick and husband Fred, of Kalispell; son Jim Corbett and wife Deanne, of Polson; son Jack Corbett and wife Lori, of Columbia Falls; daughter-in-law Joyce Corbett, of Kalispell; sister Florence "Bobbye" Rogers, of Mountain Home, Idaho; eight grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Dec. 1, 2011, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home with Pastor Ken Ainsworth of Canyon Community Church officiating. Burial followed at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.