Velma Irene Quinn, 94

Velma Irene Quinn, 94, died peacefully Saturday, May 6, 2006, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

Mrs. Quinn was born in Potter, Kan., to Claude and Jessie Bishop on March 2, 1912. Her parents owned farmland in Kansas, and she was raised with one brother, Jack.

After high school graduation she attended Emporia State Teacher College, where she met and married fellow teacher Rollin Quinn on Aug. 2, 1935. They had two children and eventually moved to Leavenworth, Kan., where they lived for many years.

Mrs. Quinn received her bachelor of science in education from St. Mary's College in Xavier, Kan., in May of 1956. Both she and her husband taught many years in the Leavenworth school system and were involved in numerous educational organizations. Their love for teaching was evident throughout their lives and they felt that education always provided hope and a future. They were also active in both the Methodist churches in Leavenworth and Kalispell.

In 1981, they moved to Kalispell to be close to their children and grandchildren.

Even though they moved in their retirement years, they met many new friends and became involved in various educational endeavors.

Velma was preceded in death by her husband, Rollin Quinn, and brother, Jack Bishop of Potter, Kan.

She is survived by her two children and their families, Lilburne Quinn Laidlaw of Bigfork and Buzz Quinn of Kalispell; son-in-law, Dr. James T. Laidlaw, formerly of Kansas City; three grandchildren and five great-granddaughters; sister-in-law, Gert Schultz of Lucas, Kans.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Urn burial will be 1 p.m., Saturday, June 17, at the Fairview Cemetery in Kalispell with Rev. Ray Davis of Epworth Methodist Church officiating.

Johnson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.