Carol J. Sanders, 70

Carol J. Sanders, 70, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away March 20, 2008, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center with her family by her side.

Carol was born Sept. 3, 1937, in Kalispell to Pat and Ruth Kinshella. She attended St. Matthew's Catholic School.

During her earlier years, travels took her to Las Vegas, where she worked as a casino cashier at the Frontier Club in the late '50s. From Vegas she traveled to Gulf Port, Miss., living there during the time of extreme civil rights movements. Carol returned to Kalispell and began working at Buttrey Foods as a grocery line checker in 1963.

In August 1969, she married Bob Sanders, and became a full time homemaker raising her five children in the 'Old White House' on Lodgepole Road. Here there was always an abundance of family, friends and animals, thus creating many special and lasting memories. She returned to work at Buttrey's, and later the family moved south to Farm to Market Road, where they all helped build a beautiful cedar home. Carol continued working at Buttrey's until 1989.

In 1990, Bob and Carol moved to Libby, where they made their home until 2001. They then returned to Kalispell to be closer to their families.

From the time Carol was young, she had a passion for all animals, especially dogs and horses. She raised her family to have that same passion. Whether it was 4-H, miniature donkeys, Arabian horses, trail riding, Rottweilers, Pekinese and pug dogs, or her cats, they all had a special place in her heart. She thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and the fun times camping throughout the valley, and the many special times at the county fair.

She was a member of the Hoofs and Co. Trail Riding Club, where she often helped with the trail riding competitions.

Carol is survived by Bob, her husband of 38 years. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Khaki. Other survivors include her brother, Clay John Kinshella; children, Vicki Gray and Connie Nelson, Mark and Lorrie Owens, Rick and Barb Kimbell, Bill Kimbell, and Scott and Rita Sanders; grandchildren, Jen and Christine Nelson, Stacia and Brian Kimbell, Gunnar, Gaylon, Alix and Taelor Owens, and Zach Sanders; a great-grandchild, Kylie Anderson; grandma, Pat Sanders and Tillie; a niece, Tina and her husband Trevor; niece, Tami, along with Candice and Johnny; and aunt, Gail Weimar; along with numerous relatives and friends.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Pat and Ruth Kinshella; aunt, Jane Mathias; brothers, Ronnie and Curtie; sister-in-law, Judy; and many dear pets — the most recent being her pug, Bubba.

Her family and animals meant the world to her. 'Each of us have our own special memories — we will miss her, but not forget her!'

Cremation has taken place at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Private family services were held in the Angel Gardens at the C.E. Conrad Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the donor's choice; Human Therapy on Horseback; or the County Animal Shelter.