Irene Joyce (Smith) Crohn, 87
Irene Joyce (Smith) Crohn, 87, of Bigfork, passed away on Oct. 20, 2008, at the Lakeview Care Center in Bigfork. She was born on Aug. 7, 1921, at Swan River, to James "Duff" and Jessie (Rost) Smith. Irene was the granddaughter of Carl and Inger Rost, who were one of the earliest homesteading families in the Flathead Valley.
She attended Swan River Grade School and graduated from Bigfork High School. When school wasn't in session during the summer months, Irene worked at the Kelly and Evans and J.C. Ryan Swan Lake Estates. Following high school graduation, Irene attended Great Falls Business College.
She married Louis Crohn on Oct. 15, 1939, in Missoula.
Irene was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Flathead Lake Chapter No. 128 for 54 years. She also was a county officer for County Home Extension. For over 40 years, she worked at the general election polls in Bigfork. While her two daughters were attending school, she was an active volunteer in the Bigfork public school system and a member of the local PTA chapter. Irene was a Girl Scout leader and a member of the Bigfork United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school.
Her many hobbies included a love of gardening, genealogy, sewing, arts and crafts projects, and playing bridge. Irene also had a true love of animals and was especially concerned for their welfare when animal abuse may have been involved.
Throughout Louis and Irene's married life, she enjoyed entertaining their friends with dinner parties, which she planned and prepared.
When Louis retired, they became "snow birds" and traveled to their home in Quartzsite, Ariz., to escape the winter months in Montana. They welcomed to their home friends and relatives who were traveling through the area and made many new friends as a result of their involvement in the Quartzsite community. The change in locale also brought about new hobbies, such as rock hunting and camping in the desert.
Irene was preceded in death 20 days ago by her husband of 68 years, Louis; her parents; her brothers, Lloyd, Leo, Leonard and Stanley "Doc"; and two great-grandsons.
She is survived by two daughters, Rita Ford and husband, Ken, of Gig Harbor, Wash., and Kathy McAllister and husband, Bruce, of Kalispell; two grandchildren, Jessica Takehara and Aaron Ford; three great-grandsons; one sister, Doris Stempin, of Columbia Falls; and several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Lakeview Care Center.
A memorial service for Irene's family and friends will be held at a future date.
The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana, 3499 N. U.S. 93, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Mortuary is caring for Irene's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence and sign Irene's guest book.