Erica Miller

Erica A. Miller, 16, passed away May 21, 2005, at HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell from complications of Retts Syndrome. She was born June 17, 1988, in Peoria, Ill.

Erica moved to Kalispell in the early 1990s with her mother, Jamie Christensen. She began school at age two in Peoria at Rolling Acres Elementary School. She attended special education class at Evergreen School in 1993-94. She then attended the special education class at Edgerton School from 1994-2001. She was in her second year at Flathead High School until her passing.

Erica was an "Angel in disguise here on earth." She taught her family, teachers and friends a huge lesson. "She carried us all through some huge times here on earth and will forever more."

She traveled extensively as a small child with her mom. They flew many places, rode the train and drove all over the United States together. Erica's mother married Jody Christensen in 1995, and together with sisters Sara and Katie, the family enjoyed many camping trips and outdoor outings.

Erica loved horse therapy, music and movies, and her dog, Molly, who would sit on her lap and would eat with her and lick her hand — she would giggle at her sisters, and her giggle is one thing we will all dearly miss.

Her mother Jamie loved caring for her. It was an honor to have Erica as a daughter. She will be forever deeply missed. "Love you, Erica — fly on in peace."

Even though she couldn't communicate verbally, her beautiful brown eyes — sparkling — told us all her feelings.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bud Nelson and Carol Cabbage; maternal great grandparents Walter and Dorothy Nelson; and paternal great grandfather Jim Hutchens.

She is survived by her parents, Jamie and Jody Christensen, of Kalispell; her sisters, Sara and Katie Christensen, of Kalispell; grandparents Frank and Mary Cabbage, of Kalispell, and Keith and Sally Christensen, of Whitefish; great grandparents Joe and Ruth Derrick, of Clarkdale, Ariz., and Myrtle Hutchens, of Whitefish; paternal grandmother Joy Elgin Mikelson, of Kalispell; her special great aunt, Barbara Fish, of Clarkdale, Ariz.; her aunt Robin Grainger and uncle Kurt, of Tempe, Ariz.; her uncle Derek Nelson, of Kalispell; her uncle Jamie G. Christensen, of Whitefish; her uncle Rick Christensen, of Kalispell; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Erica were held May 25, 2005. Burial followed at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the Child Development Center, 945 Fourth Ave. E., Kalispell MT 59901

Carolyn McConville

Carolyn Esther McConville, 73, a longtime Whitefish resident, passed away May 25, 2005, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell of natural causes.

Carolyn was born in Fairview on June 30, 1931, to Harold and Grace Stinger. She was one of eight daughters and a son.

Carolyn spent the majority of her life in Whitefish and was employed for many years in restaurant and bartending professions. She was best known for lemon meringue pie and several other dishes.

She was actively involved with the V.F.W. Women's Auxiliary, a member of the Women of the Moose, and the Eagles Women's Auxiliary.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Dale Stinger; a sister Doris LaVoy; and her husband Floyd George McConville.

She is survived by her dear partner and friend of many years, Wayne Pennecard, of Whitefish; four sons and their wives, Rick (Laurie) McConville, in Anchorage, Alaska, Steve (Caroline) McConville in Great Falls, Matt (Janet) McConville, in Columbia Falls, and George (Michelle) McConville, in Las Vegas, Nev.; six sisters, Ella (Chet) Hill, Joann Brousseau, MaDonna (Dale) Barber, Marcia (Jim) Hunnewell, Cheryl (Jim) Rounds, and Carla (Bob) Corbally; 11 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held May 31, 2005, with Rev. David V. Kauffman, officiating. Burial followed at the Glacier Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Kalispell.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to any of the three organizations in which Carolyn was involved.

Paul McFarland

Paul Clifford McFarland died April 29, 2005, after a four-year battle with heart and liver failure.

There will be a celebration of his life for family and friends at the Whitefish VFW at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2005.