Vivian Sylvia Sprunger, 85

Vivian Sylvia Sprunger passed away at the age of 85 on Jan. 11, 2009, at Brendan House in Kalispell. She was born March 11, 1923, in Bigfork to Able J. and Olga Marie (Ehland) Bellmore.

Vivian spent most of her life in the Flathead Valley. She married Pete Sprunger on Jan. 28, 1945, in Bigfork. They moved to the Bureau of Reclamation Project at Hungry Horse, where Pete was employed, and together they had three children. They later moved to their home on Flathead River in Columbia Falls.

After Pete's retirement they became snowbirds, spending their time between their residences in Yuma, Ariz., and Columbia Falls.

Vivian enjoyed gardening, square dancing, pinochle, fishing and picking huckleberries. Most of all she enjoyed sharing her vast life knowledge with her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and others. Not always by choice, family members learned how to take care of themselves, unafraid to try anything. Her drive for life will live on in us all.

Vivian was preceded in death by her father, Abel Bellmore, and her mother, Olga; brothers, Adelore, Waldo and Morris; and sisters, Rachel, Grace, Pauline and Bonnie.

Vivian is survived by her husband of 63 years, Pete Sprunger, of Kalispell; her son, Randy Sprunger, and his wife, Phyllis, of Whitefish, and their two daughters, Erin and Stephannee; her daughter, Katherine "KC" Curtis, of Belgrade; and her son, Shawn, and his daughter, Cameo; her daughter, Jan Varty, and her husband, Warren, of Edmonton, Alberta and their son, Lucas; brother, Bob Bellmore; sisters, Beverly, Opal, Carol and Marrianne; niece, Donna McDonald, who spent much of her childhood with the Sprungers; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home in the spring.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Vivian's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Vivian's guest book.