Joyce O'Neil

Joyce Greenwalt O’Neil, 87, died at her home in Columbia Falls on May 1, 2012.

She was born May 28, 1924, in Kalispell to David Ory and Bernice (Sibley) Greenwalt. She grew up in the village of Apgar in Glacier National Park, where her parents had a cabin camp, a service station and a dance hall, as well as their home.

Joyce graduated from Flathead County High School in 1942. The family moved to Seattle where Mr. Greenwalt worked as a machinist. Joyce worked part time at the Naval Supply Depot and attended the University of Washington, graduating in 1946 Phi Betta Kappa.

At the end of World War II, the family returned to Apgar. Joyce taught at West Glacier School until she married Dick Rowland, an aviator who died in a crop dusting accident.

She and Carle F. O’Neil were married in 1962 and lived in Eldora, Iowa, until 1973, when they moved to Columbia Falls, where Carle bought the Columbia Falls Lumber Co., which became one of the Western Building Centers.

Joyce is survived by her daughter Anne Brown; husband Carle O’Neil; brother-in-law Van Harrington, of Deer Lodge; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held at Columbia Mortuary, in Columbia Falls, on May 7, 2012. Burial followed at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery, in Kalispell.