Helen Alice Root, 83

Helen Alice Root, 83, passed away Friday, July 25, 2008, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. Helen Gjerde was born March 6, 1925, the daughter of John and Margaretta (Degner) Gjerde of Grass Range.

She graduated from high school in Grass Range in 1942 and from Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Havre in 1946.

She spent her nursing career working in Kalispell at Kalispell General Hospital, Dr. Brann's, Flathead County Nursing Home, Immanuel Lutheran Home, and Flathead County Home Health.

Helen married Budd F. Root on June 12, 1948, in Lewistown.

She was active in the lives of her children, her church, and her community, giving of her time and talent in many ways. She will always be remembered as a kind-hearted, soft-spoken, gentle woman of great faith and conviction.

She worked as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and the American Red Cross for over 25 years.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Margaretta Gjerde; brothers, Frank, Harold and Bud Gjerde; and sisters, Thelma Gjerde, Marguerite Svenson, Marjorie Vogl and Mary Martinez.

She is survived by her children, Gary Root of Columbia Falls, and Rita Madsen and her husband, Ken, of Kalispell; grandchildren, Jacob and Alex Madsen; sister, Virginia Gerdrum, of Grass Range; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, at St. Matthews Catholic Church. Burial will be afterward at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

Contributions may be sent to the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, 5005 LBJ Fwy., Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75244; or Saint Matthews Catholic Church, 601 Sixth Ave. W., Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Helen's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Helen's guest book.