Doreen McKnight, 83

Doreen McKnight, 83, passed away Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007, at the Brendan House in Kalispell. She was born Aug. 29, 1924, in Faith, S.D., the daughter of Ned and Erma (Choate) Andrews.

Doreen graduated in 1945 from St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing in Mason City, Iowa. Soon after graduation, she moved to Seattle, where she began working on the maternity floor of the Swedish Hospital. Doreen was introduced to Jim McKnight by her sister, Mae, and they were married Sept. 5, 1948, in Spokane.

The couple moved to Kalispell, where Jim owned Glacier War Surplus, and they made their home and started a family. Doreen was active as a Boy Scout den mother and 4-H leader. She was also very involved in the Epworth United Methodist Church, including being a Sunday school teacher, participating in the women's circle, and as the chair of the fall bazaar. She enjoyed creating countless craft items that she donated to church events.

Some of Doreen's favorite activities were golfing with Jim and his friends, spending summers at their Flathead Lake cabin, playing cards, hand sewing and baking. She also enjoyed traveling, often visiting her family and friends. During the past 15 years, Doreen and Jim spent their summers in Kalispell and winters in Palm Springs, Calif.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Jim; parents; a brother, Bill; and sister, Merle.

She is survived by two sons, Jack McKnight and wife, Alice, of La Palma, Calif., and Tom McKnight of Victorville, Calif.; two daughters, Merle Vinson of Missoula, and Patty Heuscher and husband, Randy, of Billings; six grandchildren, Michele, Lyle, Darrell, Ginger, Shannon and Casey; and four great-grandchildren, Logan, Phoenix, Taylor and Makenzie; two brothers, Ted Andrews and wife, Louise, of California, and Jim Andrews and wife, Maria, of Minnesota; and three sisters, Evelyn Friese of South Dakota; Mae Andrews and Fran Wainwright, both of Washington.

Memorial services for Doreen will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, at Epworth United Methodist Church. There will be no visitation.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Epworth United Methodist Church, 329 2nd Ave. E, Kalispell, MT 59901 or to the Inter-Mountain Children's Home, 500 S. Lamborn, Helena, MT 59601.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Doreen's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Doreen's guest book.