Rose Housky

Rose Housky, 82, of Whitefish passed away at Brendan House on Jan. 2, 2008, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

She was born Sept. 6, 1925, along with her twin sister, Mary, to Pedro and Melania Sanchez, in Paicines, Calif.

She moved around California with her family, finally settling in Monterey. There, she met and married the love of her life, Frank Housky. They were married July 11, 1948. Together they owned and operated Grey Oaks Kennels, where they boarded, trimmed and showed dogs professionally. They traveled all across the United States showing dogs and took much pride in it.

They had one daughter, Michelle, and later moved to Castroville, Calif., where they had a small farm with many animals. Frank later passed away suddenly at the age of 56.

Rose followed her daughter and daughter’s family to Kalispell in 1994. There she was able to watch her grandchildren grow and be a part of their everyday lives. She made many friends while she lived here. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family and was always willing to help in any way that she could. Everyone who met her loved her.

She was a very sweet and kind person. One of her favorite hobbies was playing bingo. She also loved cooking and trying new recipes, working in the yard, making ceramics, and helping to care for her grandchildren.

She was a very active person, even up until the time of her illness, but her biggest joy came from her grandchildren; they kept her young and full of life. Also, when her brother Andy would come yearly and visit her, she always so looked forward to his company.

The last four years of her life, she actually got to live with her daughter and family, and took much pride in the apartment they built for her at their home.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Frank; sisters Fernanda Sanchez, Mary Gee, Alice Cardinalli and Tommie Kennedy; and nephew Don Gee.

Rose is survived by her daughter Michelle Wilkinson and husband Wally, of Whitefish; granddaughter Meagan Wilkinson, of Whitefish; grandsons Dillon and Tucker Wilkinson, of Whitefish; brother Andy Sanchez, of Tehachapi, Calif.; sisters Frances Frusetta, of Monterey, and Teresa Recuero, of Hayward, Calif.; and many nieces nephews and friends.

A memorial service was held Jan. 8, 2008, at the Johnson Mortuary chapel. Another memorial will be held in Monterey in the spring.