Marianne Rose Monfils, 81

Marianne Rose Monfils passed away Feb. 11, 2009. She lived a rich and full life of 81 years. Marianne was born March 5, 1928, in rural Wisconsin; she was the fourth of six girls raised by Arthur and Rachel Ackerman. Her father was the chief of police, and also owned a small dairy where Marianne developed early a strong work ethic, a generous and grateful spirit and a tremendous quality of love for family and friends.

Her first job after graduating from Mauston High School was working in banking in Chicago. She later moved to Appleton, Wis., where she met her future husband, Marvin, at a dance. Marv was a World War II veteran who served his country for nearly four years in the Pacific Theatre and aboard the USS Etamin for the United States Coast Guard.

Early years of their marriage in Wisconsin brought three of their four children as they worked as a team as independent business owners of a small fishing resort and a Standard Oil distributorship.

Marv's pioneering spirit called to him, and they moved the family west in 1964, settling in Columbia Falls. Marv went to work for the Forest Service where he would happily spend the rest of his career. When their youngest daughter Trish started school, Marianne went back to banking, taking a job at Bank of Columbia Falls. After many years there, she left to go to the newly chartered Glacier Bank as Darrell Olson's assistant. She loved her job and knew everyone that walked through the door. One of her greatest strengths was her ability to put people at ease and show a genuine interest in helping others.

She retired after Marv died in 1989 and moved to Helena to be near her oldest daughter, Gayle. They both moved to Oregon in 1990.

Marianne loved Portland and being close to her family but always kept in touch with her friends in Columbia Falls. She came out of retirement to work part-time for her son-in-law in his oral surgery practice. She was an accomplished cook, writer, storyteller, card player, and an avid Green Bay Packers fan.

Marianne is survived by her four children, Gayle, John, Debby and Joe, and Trish and David; as well as four grandchildren, Robert, Caitlin, Sam and Rosalyn. She also is survived by four sisters, Norma, Jean, Ingrid and Lillian.

She was very proud of her family and considered them her greatest gift. She will remain in our hearts forever.

A celebration of Marianne's life will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at the home of Skip and Marie Hanson, 3600 Montana 206. The Hansons were next-door neighbors and dear friends for many years.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Columbia Falls Branch Library.