Freda M. Mahugh, 79

Freda M. Mahugh, 79, passed away May 8, 2005, in Kalispell.

She was born in Spokane, on Dec. 29, 1925. Her parents were Guy and Nellie Steeple Kao. After Nellie's untimely death, Guy married Rachel Osheim. Rachel became Freda's mother in every respect.

She had been married to her high school sweetheart, Chet Mahugh, for over 56 years.

Her death on Mother's Day was most appropriate. She was the consummate mother. She not only provided guidance, nurturing, and care for her own children but for the many other people who crossed her path.

In other aspects of her life she also was a leader. She acted as her husband's executive secretary in his business for many years. She was a lifelong member of Central Christian Church where she was an elder and had many other positions and responsibilities.

Other roles included president of Church Women United, regional vice president of Montana Christian Women's Fellowship; Beta Sigma Phi's Lady of the Year 1967; treasurer for the Republican Women's Club, Girl Scout area coordinator; exchange student programs such as American Field Service and the Rotary Youth Exchange; Friendship Force and Honorary Rotarian. She served on the election board for 45 years.

She also found time for hobbies such as painting, gardening and sewing. Many of the homes of her friends and relatives has one of her birch bark pictures on the wall.

Her best times were spent at home, the cabin on Echo Lake or anywhere family or friends happen to be.

She is survived by her daughter, Vonnie and her husband, Doug Day; her three sons, Jerry and his wife, Lorraine, of Kalispell, Tom and his wife, Susi, of Spokane, and Ron of Yreka, Calif. She is also survived by her sisters, Ruth Passmore of Kalispell, Marvel Davison of Enumclaw, Wash., and Betty Olson of Las Vegas; and her brother, Glen Kao, of Kalispell; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.

The family has requested that memorial contributions be made to one of the following organizations in lieu of flowers: Central Christian Church of Kalispell, Cane Ridge West Permanent Fund; A Ray of Hope.

Memorial services will be held at the Central Christian Church on the corner of Second Avenue East and Third Street in Kalispell, at 10 a.m. Friday, May 13.

A graveside ceremony will follow at 2 p.m. at the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.