Rita McDowell

Rita McDowell, 70, a longtime Flathead Valley resident, passed away of natural causes on Jan. 28, 2008 at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Rita was born in Sherwood, N.D., the daughter of Edna McNaught and Louis Gahn. Her young life was spent on the farm west of Whitefish, and she attended schools in Whitefish. She spent a short time in both California and Glasgow, but primarily she lived her life in Whitefish.

She married Herb Badger, and from that marriage, a son, Brian Gale, was born.

Her life centered around her family, friends and her love of nursing. She worked at North Valley Hospital as a surgical nurse, as well as for Kalispell Regional Medical Center, and later for Dr. John Peterson as a dental assistant.

She was preceded in death by her son, Brian and her parents.

She is survived by a step-daughter, Judy (Morris) Brenden; sister Bonnie Naethe and husband Don Huotte, in Utah; and by nieces, a nephew and a large extended family in Canada.

Rita leaves behind many loving friends who cherished her friendship over many years. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rose Nelson for her loving care and companionship.

Funeral services took place Feb. 1, 2008, at the Austin Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Kathy Young, from the Community Methodist Church, officiating. Interment followed at the Whitefish Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people make a donation in Rita's name to the Flathead County Humane Society.