Elsie Maxine Schmitz Isakson, 81

Elsie Isakson passed away at her home in Kalispell on Aug. 27, 2008, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Elsie was born July 14, 1927, in Malta, to Peter and Marie Schmitz. She moved to Kalispell in 1946 and, while working as a telephone switchboard operator, she met and married John lsakson on Oct. 30, 1948. From 1950 to 1959, they had four children and moved to Olney in 1953. Elsie lived most of her life in Flathead County, except for a few years in California and Washington.

She loved riding a motorcycle with her son Jack and made multiple trips between California and Montana.

While in Washington, she supported her second daughter Karen through two difficult pregnancies. She resided in the Kalispell Senior Apartments from 1992 until her death.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents; six sisters and brothers; her husband, John, in 2000; and daughter, Kathy lsakson, in 2005.

She is survived by her brother, Don Ellis, of Mountainburg, Ark.; daughter, Kristine Rose, and husband, Merlyn, of Olney; Karen Pemble of Columbia Falls; and John "Jack" Isakson and wife, Susana, of Bonsall, Calif.; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Elsie was a wonderful and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was loved by all for her compassion and kindness and she always got the last words: "I love you more!" She will be missed by all.

A memorial with potluck lunch will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 12, at Lawrence Park. For more information, please contact Kristine Rose at 406-881-2361.