Jewel E. DeGolier, 83,

passed away at her home in Kalispell on the morning of Thursday, March 6, 2008. She was born on Feb. 9, 1925, in Columbia Falls, the daughter of William and Maude (Robinson) Blades.

She spent her entire life, except for a short time in Gig Harbor, Wash., in the Flathead Valley. Jewel married her beloved husband, Gordon DeGolier, on Nov. 30, 1946, in Polson. Gordon and Jewel were married for 46 years when he passed away in 1992. Gordon absolutely adored his wife and many times mentioned how she was the most beautiful woman in the world. After retiring, Gordon and Jewel traveled extensively, enjoying many cruises and trips to Hawaii.

Jewel worked at various jobs, but her favorite was in the lunchroom at Evergreen School. She loved interacting with the children and they, in turn, loved her teasing and sense of humor.

She always enjoyed growing and tending to huge gardens, both floral and vegetable, and nothing pleased her more than to have her large family over for a picnic out in her and Gordon's immaculately groomed lawn.

Jewel was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Ralph DeGolier; and her 10 siblings, Andy Blades, Jerry Blades, Don Blades, Alvie Blades, Bill Blades, Celestine Grigg, Flossie Davis, Marie Vosburgh, Ruby Anderson and Beatrice Beebe.

She is survived by a brother, Roger Blades; her daughters, Gail Barranger and husband Tom, and Gloria Shirtliff and husband Ron; her grandchildren, Rob DeGolier, Brynn Willcut and husband Johnny, Kyle Barranger, Andy Shirtliff, Krystal Heil and husband J.D.; a great-grandson, Rylan Heil; 'other' daughter, Bonnie Clothier; friend, Mike Schmidt and many other relatives.

Funeral services for Jewel will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 14, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel. Burial will follow services at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, at Johnson Mortuary.

You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Jewel's guest book.