Evelyn Helen LeClair Kile, 91

Evelyn Helen LeClair Kile passed away Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, in Las Vegas at age 91. She was born on the family homestead in Delphia, Mont., on July 30, 1917.

Evelyn is survived by six children, Judy Mayson of Boulder City, Nev., Pat and Bill Meznarich of Cut Bank, Pam Loeb of Kalispell, Randy Britt and Ladonna of Chewelah, Wash., Rian Britt and Nancy of Kalispell, and Curtis Kile and Christie of Spokane; 24 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mary "Lucy" LeClair Diamond Gash, of Kansas City.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Lucy Beatrice and William LeClair; four brothers, William "Billy," Paul, Martin and George; one sister, Jeanne Robinette; two sons, John Richard "Ricky" Britt III, and Ross Richard Britt; one daughter, Deanna "Sharon" Rios; and two grandchildren, Candace Louise Mayson, and Lloyd "Shannon" Britt.

Evelyn worked in the service industry for most of her life, managing the dining room at Meadow Lark Country Club in Great Falls for many years before moving to the Flathead Valley in 1988.

At age 72 she began dining room management at Buffalo Hill Retirement Center. She "retired" at 74, though she spent many more years volunteering her time with the RSVP senior citizen program, often helping people younger than herself, as well as the Flathead Food Bank and the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce.

Evelyn was an active and honored member of the Audubon Society and spent many hours mapping old growth forests for the National Forest Service. She will be missed by all.

Viewing will be Friday, Nov. 14, from 5 to 7 p.m., with rosary at 7 p.m., at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home, Kalispell. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Risen Christ Parish at 65 W. Evergreen Drive, Kalispell. A luncheon will be served at the parish hall following the service.

Memorials or donations to local charities or the Audubon Society are suggested.