Lydia S. Kennedy of Lewistown, Montana passed away of natural ca

2008, at her home in Kalispell.

She was born Sept. 15, 1919, in Winifred, to Emma and Anton Washek.

Lydia married Herbert E. Kennedy on Oct. 24, 1936. They spent 71 years together in Lewistown prior to moving to Kalispell in August of 2007 to live with their son, Curtis.

Her beloved husband, Herb, preceded her in death on Jan. 19, 2008. She also was preceded in death by her parents, Emma and Anton Washek; her brothers, Charlie, Tony and Frank; and her sister, Bessie.

Lydia was a hardworking woman. While raising her children she worked as the head waitress at the Yogo Inn in Lewistown. She enjoyed fishing and was very proud of her 'big catch,' a 15-pound trout taken from Spring Creek.

Her children and grandchildren will always remember the many hours she spent canning their food and special treats. She had a special love for dachshunds, especially Tinker and Snoopy.

Herb and Lydia loved to go rock-hounding in search of the perfect Montana agate. Together they made jewelry from the agate they discovered together, which she sold during her retirement years.

She is survived by her children, Elden Kennedy and wife, Shirley, of Summerville, S.C., and Curtis Kennedy and his wife, Pam, of Kalispell; her sister, Emma Lowe of Missoula; five grandchildren, Alan Kennedy, John Kennedy, Kathy Haas, Christine Kennedy and Caryn Kennedy; eight great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. She had many nieces and nephews and other relatives whom she loved, but she had a special relationship with her nephew Arthur Rich and his wife, Etta. She appreciated the time that they spent together.

Burial and memorial for Lydia and Herb will take place at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 22, in Lewistown.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell is caring for the family.