Helen "Ella" Bear

Helen "Ella" Agnes Bear, 92, passed away Aug. 4, 2008, at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Whitefish.

Ella was born Jan. 22, 1916, in Oberon, Colo., the fourth of eight children born to Joseph and Bertha (Bohlin) Bartosch.

She attended school and worked in Denver until she married Frank Bear on Feb. 1, 1937. Frank and Ella lived in California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho before moving to Montana in 1958. After Frank retired in 1973, they moved to the Flathead Valley.

Ella was a devout Catholic who spent many hours volunteering for church activities. She was also the historian for the Samaritan House in Kalispell. Her hobbies included knitting and crocheting — skills she shared with anyone who asked for her help.

She possessed an inquisitive mind and had a wide range of interests. Her life revolved around her family and friends. Ella was a selfless and caring person. She had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed nothing more than a good laugh.

Ella was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, her husband of 62 years, Frank Bear, and her son, Frank M. Bear.

She is survived by her daughters Janet Wolverton, of Klamath Falls, Ore., and Colette Kirsch, of Missoula; her sons John Bear, of Kalispell, and Michael Bear, of Tempe, Ariz.; nine grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass was held Aug. 9, 2008, at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Kalispell. Interment at Glacier Memorial Gardens followed.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Samaritan House, 124 Ninth Avenue West, Kalispell MT 59901.