Mary Ann Giles, 77

Mary Ann Giles, 77, a longtime resident of Columbia Falls, passed away July 26, 2005.

Mary Ann was born April 11, 1928, the daughter of John and Elizabeth "Betty" Deutsch in Far Rockaway, N.Y. Mary Ann and her husband, Ken, moved their family from New York to Columbia Falls in 1966.

Mary Ann enjoyed playing softball, bowling and watching her favorite sport, baseball, on TV. She retired from the City of Columbia Falls in 1994. She spent much of her time as a volunteer, most recently at the Columbia Falls Food Bank. Her Bible study group was very important to her, as were her friends in that group, whom she cherished very much.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ken, in 2001.

She survived by her children, John Hendrickson and Marlene of Missoula, Kathy Froystad and Norm of Kalispell, and Ken Giles Jr. and Staci of Spokane. She is also survived by five wonderful grandchildren, Brett, Katie, Karissa, Erik and Evan; brother, John Deutsch of California; sister, Irene "Rene" Schmitt and Paul of Florida; her good friend and "sister"-in-law, Jan VonLindern and Jack of Columbia Falls; sisters-in-law, Lois Gookin and Dal of Forsyth, and Jean Giles of Minnesota. She was blessed with and will be missed by all of her nieces and nephews and many friends.

Visitation will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 31, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, August 1, at St. Richard's Catholic Church in Columbia Falls. Father Rudy Bullman will officiate. Burial will be after the Mass at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia Falls.

The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Columbia Falls Food Bank or charity of their choice.