Virginia Murel Wellman, 77

Virginia Murel Wellman, 77, died at her residence in Kila on Monday, July 31, 2006, from natural causes. She was born in Clare, Mich., on April 15, 1929, the daughter of Willis and Myrtie Alameda (Bruner) Richardson.

She was raised in the state of Michigan, and in 1961 with her husband moved her family to the Seattle area. In 1998 she moved to Montana to be near two of her children.

She attended Kalispell Christian Church where she helped out in the nursery.

She had a deep desire to help children and was a foster mom for many years. She also enjoyed painting, crocheting and reading.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Augustus Milo Wellman, and a son, Michael Milo Wellman.

She is survived by her son, Jeffrey Wellman; daughters Virgie Flascher, Cheryl Calhoun, Kimberlee Woodward and Tia Magnusson, who reside in Washington state, and daughters, Kelli Eilers and Tracy Lee of Kila; 17 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren; and two sisters.

There will be no services at this time.

Johnson Mortuary & Crematory is caring for Virginia's family.