Delores I. 'Dode' Blake, 83

Delores I. "Dode" Blake, 83, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008, in Kalispell. Dode was born March 22, 1925, in Kalispell, to Conrad and Blanche (Lee) Gilbertson.

She grew up on the family farm across from the Stillwater Free Lutheran Church. Dode attended Sparks Elementary School and then graduated with the class of 1943 from Flathead High School.

Dode married Robert H. Blake at the Stillwater Free Lutheran Church in Kalispell on Sept. 7, 1946. They were celebrating 62 years of marriage on the day of her stroke.

Dode had worked for the county extension office and then Conrad National Bank. In 1959, Robert and Dode started Blake Office Supply, at which she worked until the business was sold in 1995.

Dode enjoyed golfing, sailing, skiing, boating, and bridge with many friends. She loved being a grandmother and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Conrad and Blanche Gilbertson; brothers, Lavaughn "Gil" Gilbertson and Armand Dale Gilbertson; a grandson, Blake Aaron Weeks; and a son-in-law, Arthur B. Weeks.

Dode is survived by her husband, Robert H. Blake, of Kalispell; son, Robert G. and wife, Vickie Blake, of Kalispell; daughter, Sandra K. Weeks, of Kalispell; grandchildren, Randy Blake and wife, Nickole, Rachelle Berg and husband, Sam, Rory Blake and wife, Katie, Ralyssa Blake, Trey Weeks and Cassandra Weeks; and five great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Dode's life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Stillwater Free Lutheran Church, with Pastor Tim Bartholomew officiating.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Hope Ranch, 1005 Baker Ave., Suite G, Whitefish, MT 59937.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family. Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave condolences and sign the guest register.