Lavina Rose Eslick, 78

Lavina Rose Eslick, 78, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2006, at her home in Bigfork, following a short battle with cancer. She was born on Aug. 16, 1928, on Swan River to Ludwig 'Happy' and Clarice (Chapman) Rost, one of seven children.

Lavina spent her whole life living in the Swan River and Bigfork areas. She attended elementary school at the Swan River School and graduated from Bigfork High School in the class of 1946.

Lavina married Kenneth Eslick on May 23, 1948, and was preceded in death by Kenneth in May of 1998. She was always involved in community affairs and was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Bigfork. She had the gift of hospitality and enjoyed surrounding herself with family and friends. She also very much enjoyed her flowers and gardening.

Lavina is survived by her three sons, Larry and wife Lindy of Charlo, Mont., Paul and wife Kathy of Bigfork, and Bryant and wife Diane of Marion; two daughters, Rebekah Eslick Savelle and husband Don of Lexington, S.C., and Kathleen Eslick Harvey and husband Todd of Jefferson, Iowa; five brothers, Carrol, Lee, Maynard, Robert and John Rost; one sister, Madeline Rost Utter; 12 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Lavina will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at the First Baptist Church of Bigfork. Burial will follow in the Lonepine Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The family suggests memorial gifts be given to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Lavina's family.