Rae Marie Severson, 87

Rae Severson "went to be with her Lord and Savior" Nov. 21, 2008. Rae was born to Andrew Casey and Grace Taylor on June 21, 1921, in Kalispell. Rae grew up in Kalispell and graduated from Flathead County High School. She held many jobs during her lifetime, but she is remembered for working for the Flathead County Sheriff's Office.

She met Tommy Craven, who was in the military, and they were married. Tommy Craven preceded Rae in death when he was killed by enemy fire during World War II. Rae had the distinction of being the first war widow in Kalispell and eventually left Kalispell to live in Oregon because the town was too sympathetic.

Rae then met and married Robert Roy McCarter, who also preceded her in death. Robert and Rae had two sons, Michael Roy and Jack Randall.

Rae married Charles Severson in 1954, and he also preceded Rae in death.

During Rae's lifetime, she lived in Kalispell, and Madras, Damascus, Cottage Grove, Silverton and Salem, Ore. While living in Oregon, Rae worked for Portland Wire and Iron Works and even ran Paradise Lodge on the Rogue River for a while. Rae loved adventure and travel, so she purchased a motor home, in which she lived at one point in her life. Rae also enjoyed going hunting and fishing with her sons.

As Rae's health diminished, she moved in with her son Michael for two years. She later moved to Southern Hills Assisted Living Facility and finally to Clare Bridge Memory Care Center. The family wishes to thank those who cared for Rae during her final months. She kept her sense of humor and twinkle in her eye even while battling vascular dementia and illness. Those who cared for her at these two facilities will tell you that Rae was one of the nicest persons you'll ever know.

Rae is survived by her two sons, Michael and wife Pat, and Jack and wife Shannon; 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held in April 2009.

Contributions can be made in honor of Rae to the Willamette Valley Hospice.

Arrangements are being made by Virgil T. Golden's Funeral Service.