Nell E. Childers

Nell E. Childers of Bigfork passed away Thursday, July 8, at Brendon House in Kalispell. Nell was born to Russ & Gladys Asselstine on June 9, 1918 in Great Falls. She lived in Simms until the age of 6 when her family moved to Queenstown, Alberta, (a small town near Calgary). She attended 12 years of school in Canada before moving back to Galata, Montana in 1937.

Nell married Riley Childers in September 1940 in Galata where they farmed and began their family of three children. In 1951 Nell and her children moved to the Flathead Valley where she managed the Shore Vu Motel on the East Shore of Flathead Lake. The motel was built and owned by her father. She managed this motel until it sold 10 years later. Her occupation until retirement was that of a waitress at local restaurants in down town Bigfork. Upon retirement she worked as a caregiver for the elderly; she worked in the gift shop at the Bigfork Art and Cultural Center; and devoted her time to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Nell was a very kind and devoted person whose life included many hours of care giving to her parents and later to many families who needed elder care in their homes. She had a fine quality about her that showed a lot of common sense, and when she spoke, people listened. She was highly respected by all who knew her.

Nell's interests included knitting, bridge, bunco, and attending local school sporting events where her grandchildren were involved. She was a member of the Bigfork Community United Methodist Church for over 50 years and a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Star for over 65 years.

In addition to her parents, Nell was preceded in death by her older brother Clifford Asselstine. She is survived by her sons, Riley Gordon Childers and Vern (Marla) Childers, and daughter Donna (John) Ganiere all of Bigfork. Nine grandchildren Suzanne Childers, Steve (Kristen) Childers, Debora (Gregg) Hanzel, Kristine Arndt, Lori Remington, Bret (Sarah) Childers; and nine great grandchildren Cody Childers, Ellie & Hanna Hanzel, Seth & Lauren Adolph, Julia & Jaclyn Saunders, Garrett Cormier, and Blake Remington; also numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service celebrating Nell's life will be held on Friday, July 16 at 2 p.m. at the Community United Methodist Church in Bigfork with Rev. Jan Witman officiating. Private family urn placement will take place at a separate time.

The family suggest in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Bigfork Community United Methodist Church or the Flathead Chapter #28 Order of Eastern Star.

Arrangements are under the direction of Buffalo Hills Funeral Home.