Doniell Lea Birk, 39

Doniell Lea Birk, was born July 15, 1967, in Whitefish, daughter of Thomas I. and Thallis M. (Clare) Birk. "Our beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend" died Feb. 23, 2007.

Her love for new places and cultures was not as apparent as her love for home and the people most important to her when her journey ended so close to where it began.

Doniell grew up a cowgirl, and her horses were her most compelling and permanent passion. Whether going to 4-H horse shows, high-school rodeos, or packing into the "Bob," Doniell's goal was to let her horses live up to their potential, and Jerrie, Annie, and Sadie always amazed her.

The essence of her favorite places, and the beings in her life were the most important things to Doniell, the material only important for its sustenance of the spirit. She accomplished so many of her goals, personally and professionally, but all she really wanted was the respect of those she loved and respected.

Doniell was always the champion of the innocent, her nieces and nephews, or her pets or nature, and her cares defined her life as she followed a career with the Forest Service. She enjoyed almost any outdoor activity and was a talented skier, canoeist, and fly fisher.

She loved music and good books.

It is fitting that she was accompanied in passing by Barney, her dog and best friend for the past 14 years.

"Waiting for her" are brother, Tommy; and grandparents, Henry and Illyhia Clare, and Ingvald and Selma Birk.

She is survived by her parents, Tom and Thallis Birk, of Kalispell; sister, Kim, and husband, Lloyd Bell, of Frenchtown; brothers, Tim and his wife, Julie, and Bret of Kalispell; her nieces, nephews and extended family, and her many friends.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 1, at Johnson Mortuary chapel in Kalispell. There will be no visitation.

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