Freda I. Ostby, 89
Freda I. Ostby, 89, born Feb. 29, 1916, in Alida, Minn., "slipped into the presence of her Savior," on Monday, May 2, 2005, surrounded by her loved ones and in her own cozy home in Martin City.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mabel Thayer, her husband, Bob Ostby, her sister, Vida Stone, and her son, Bruce Ostby.
She became a teacher at a young age in Minnesota, then married and began raising her family. They discovered Montana, fell in love with the mountains, and moved here in 1944. She began working for the West Glacier Merc., managing the bar, which became known unofficially as Freda's, and still is to this day.
She made many friends there. How she loved all her "boys" who made up the trail crews.
At the age of 50, she went back to college and got her Bachelor of Arts in elementary education, due to the efforts of our special family friend, Karen Feather. She then went back to teaching, in a one room school, all eight grades in Essex where she did the janitor work in exchange for living at the teacherage.
Freda was a member of the Canyon Community Church in Coram, the Martin City Fireman's Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, served on the board of directors for the Martin City Volunteer Fire Department, and served for many years in the Columbia Falls Christian Women's Club. She was also a whiz at cards and beat us all regularly!
She is survived by three daughters, Karen Lietz and her husband Don, Bobbie K. Beach, and Judy Johnson and her husband, Jack; 13 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be conducted by Rev. Tod Fox at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Canyon Elementary School in Hungry Horse, followed by a potluck supper.Kay Ellen (Stewart) Groff, 62Kay Ellen (Stewart) Groff, 62, of Whitefish, passed away May 5, 2005, in Whitefish of natural causes. She was born Dec. 28, 1943, in Rock Springs, Wyo., the second of three children born to Calvin and Alice Stewart. Kay was raised in Whitefish where she attended schools and graduated from Whitefish High School.On Feb. 25, 1965, Kay was married to Jim Groff at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Kalispell.Kay held many different occupations. Her greatest was her love of homemaking and being a devoted mother. These were what she was the most proud of.She was a volunteer for the Violence Free Crisis Line for a number of years. She was also a sign interpreter for the deaf.She enjoyed sewing, making teddy bears, painting and the arts. She also enjoyed hiking and horseback riding.Kay had many beloved pets and cared deeply for every little creature. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Grant Stewart.Kay is survived by her husband of 40 years, Jim Groff; son, Michael Groff, of Whitefish; and daughter, Cheryl White, of Whitefish; sister, Lacy Galpin and husband, Hank, and their children, Eric and Chris Galpin; her nephew, Calvin Stewart, of Great Falls; and niece, Lena Cuestas, of Tucson, Ariz.Services will be at 1 p.m. today, May 10, at Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish. Burial will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell.