Doris 'Dee' Criner, 68

Doris "Dee" Criner, 68, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at home in Helena, with her family by her side, after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at the First Lutheran Church, 2231 East Broadway in Helena. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 15, at the Mountain View Cemetery in Shelby.

Dee was born Aug. 10, 1940, in Conrad to Harvey and Susie Nelson. She graduated from Shelby High School in 1959.

Dee was united in marriage to Bud Criner on May 7, 1960. She devoted the next 49 years to their home and raising their three children, as well as supporting her husband in his work and volunteer activities.

They enjoyed many adventures together, fishing, camping and thousands of miles riding motorcycles and kayaking. Dee especially enjoyed her experience in the Nile and her reign as Queen, her bowling league, her children and grandchildren, and last but not least, her dogs Sadie and Mo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Susie Nelson; parents-in-law, Fritz and Clarice Criner; sister, Delores; brothers, George and Donald; sister-in-law, Verna Criner; and niece, Tami Criner.

Dee is survived by her husband of 49 years, Bud; children, Rick and Lori Criner of Kalispell, Suzette and Mike Moore of Florence, and Mike and Linda Criner of Belgrade; brothers, Jim and Georgia Nelson of Shelby, and Raymond and Mary Nelson of Kalispell; brothers-in-law, Jerry and Judy Criner, and Tom and Linda Criner; grandchildren, Josh, Jake, Shanna, Cody, Colin, Derrick and Noah; numerous nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends, Lester and Judy Nevins, Loren and Sue Heaverland, and Ellen and Kenny McDermott.

Memorials in Dee's name may be made to St. Peter's Cancer Treatment Center; St. Peter's Hospice Memorials; Algeria Shrine Transportation Fund; First Lutheran Church; or a charity of the donor's choice.