Donna Jean Pierpoint Dorlarque, 79

Donna Jean Pierpoint Dorlarque, 79, a longtime resident of the Canyon area, 'went to a better place' April 9, 2007, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, where she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

'Mom, Grandma, we love you very much. You've touched so many hearts along the way. You will be greatly missed by all who knew you.'

Donna was born Dec. 27, 1927, and raised in Coulee City, Wash., to Dick and Viola Pierpoint. Donna was the eldest of 12 sisters and brothers, all of whom still are living.

Donna married Eugene Ellithorpe in Coulee City. They had a daughter, Peggy Jean, and later divorced. Donna married Jack Dorlarque in April1949. Donna and Jack moved to Montana in 1971, where they operated the Dew Drop Inn until 1973, when they moved to Salmon, Idaho, and operated a restaurant business there.

They later returned to the Flathead Valley in 1974, where Donna began her career and built a reputation for her good homestyle cooking in various local restaurants. Jack and Donna were married 40 years, and raised seven children, before they ultimately divorced.

Donna worked until August 1997, when she had a stroke. She resided in several states with family members before she returned to Montana in August 2005, where she lived in Colonial Manor until her death.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; and a niece and nephew.

Donna was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, niece and aunt.

She is survived by nine sisters; and two brothers; and her seven children, Peggy of Ephrata, Wash., Dan of Cortez, Colo., Jack Jr. of Little Rock, Ark., Don of Columbia Falls, Janice of Roseburg, Ore., Sandra of Boise, Idaho, and Annette of Coram.

Additionally, Donna is survived by multiple grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. Although Donna was cremated, a burial will take place May 26 in Soap Lake, Wash.

A potluck reception will be afterward at the Columbia Falls Senior Citizens Center on Nucleus Avenue.

Memorial contributions can be made to Coram Fire Dept., P.O. Box 13120, Coram, MT 59913.