Fairelyn Padgett

Fairelyn Joy Padgett, 73, peacefully passed away on Monday, March 31, 2008 after an extended illness at Kalispell Regional Medical Center surrounded by her family.

She was born in North Dakota on May 21, 1934 to Clarence and Elnora Staaleson. Fairelyns family migrated west from North Dakota to Montana in 1949. She graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1952. She married Perry W. Padgett Jr. in 1952 in Columbia Falls on her parents property, where they raised their family and have since remained.

Fairelyn was well known as a loving caretaker of others; from her family to the patients she attended to at the Montana Veterans Home. She enjoyed family functions, playing cards with friends, reading, traveling and spending time in the outdoors. Her talents were shared with others through her knitted socks and warm apple pie.

She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Perry; a sister, Evonne Eby of North Dakota; her children, Perry III (Sam) and Ida Padgett of Georgia, and a daughter-in-law, Valerie Padgett of Columbia Falls; Shannon Padgett of California; DeWayne and Vicki Padgett of Columbia Falls; and Wiletta and Devin Harris of Oregon. Fairelyn is also survived by her grandchildren, Bettie Jane and Dan Maggard, Michael Padgett, Richard and Val Butts, Tim Padgett, Julie and Nick King, Robert Butts, Lacey and Adrian Gunder, Rory Butts, Chelsey Padgett, Sandie, Samuel, and Jeremy Padgett, Benjamin, Sarianne and Alleya Harris. Great grandchildren include Kyler and Kaylee King, and Tyler, Abigail and Emma Maggard. Fairelyn is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and many devoted friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Clarine Sorensen, and her son, Jeffrey Padgett.

Fairelyn will be sorely missed by all who knew her. A memorial service followed by a reception was held on Saturday, April 5 at the United Methodist Church in Columbia Falls.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Columbia Falls Clinic and the Kalispell Diagnostic Services for their care and support during Fairelyns illness.

Martin Gemmer

Martin Marty Wayne Gemmer , 59, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Friday, April 4, 2008. He died in his home of natural causes.

Marty was born Sept. 20, 1948 in Mt. Vernon, Wash., to Quenton and Jennie Gemmer. He graduated from Cascade High School in 1966, the University of Washington with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology in 1970, followed by a Bachelor of Theology Degree from the Bible College of Burien, Wash., in 1974.

It was in Bible College that Marty met the love of his life, Connie Moser. They were married Aug. 4, 1973. Marty and Connie moved to the Flathead in January 1982 to be the music ministry director of their church. For the past 20 years he has worked as a Farmers Insurance agent.

Marty loved coaching softball, music and especially people. He always had time to listen, talk and help people. He gave unselfishly of his time and talents.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jennie, and is survived by his wife, Connie Gemmer, and daughter Damaris Brooke at the family home in Kalispell, along with his son, Blair Reynold Gemmer, of Missoula.

Most of all Marty loved the Lord. He had A Call to Unity Broadcast on KALS radio. In recent years he made several trips to Bulgaria with his family to do ministry and mission work with the gypsies, where he left a piece of his heart.

A service to celebrate Martys life was held at the New Covenant Fellowship on Wednesday, April 9, followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gemmer family at the New Covenant Fellowship.

JohnsonGloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Martys family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Martys guest book.

Charles Bailey

Charles Chuck Bailey, 67, a resident of Hungry Horse for 25 years, died a peaceful death at home where he wanted to be. He succumbed to a long courageous battle against lung cancer. He passed on April 3, 2008.

Chuck was born on July 11,1941. Eleanor and Burt Bailey adopted him. A special thanks to Erma Bailey, his foster mom, for raising such a fine man. He spoke highly of her, and hearts go out to her.

Chuck served his country as a Navy man for 23 years. During his service to his country he earned many accolades and honors. To this day you will see an American flag on the back of his red Jeep.

After he retired from the Navy he settled in Hungry Horse. He married Anita Martin in 1984. They produced a son, Irish. He was and always the joy in Chucks life. Chuck was also a loving father figure to Anitas other two boys, Jackson and Jason Garrymore of Missoula. His sons respect him and will miss him dearly. He also leaves behind many grandchildren.

His friends and neighbors from the Canyon will also miss him. He will be remembered as a straight shooter, a man of integrity.

Chuck had a passion for music. In spite of his neighbors, Chuck would sometimes crank the stereo up in the wee hours of the morning. Ironically on the morning of his death, the radio came blaring on at 5:45 a.m., the time of his death. He is loved and will be missed.

Chuck will be honored for his dedication and service to his country and the Navy with a gun salute. It will take place at the Hungry Horse Fire Department on Saturday, April 12 at 3 p.m. Preceding will be a short memorial at the Hungry Horse Chapel at 1 p.m. There is a potluck reception at the Dam Town following the gun salute.

Violet Clark

Violet Clark, 87, of Columbia Falls, passed away on March 17, 2008, while visiting in Arizona. She was born April 9, 1920, in Meadowcreek, Idaho.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Louis Clark.

Violet is survived by her children, Barbara Fix of Columbia Falls, Louis Clark Jr., and wife Alice of Lewistown, LaVern Clark and wife Alice of Coram, and Dan Clark of Kalispell; sister, Marge Belcher, of Tacoma, Wash.; brother, George Gould, of Thompson Falls; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was the heart of our family and will be loved and missed by everyone.