Carol Winters, 59

Carol Winters, of Kalispell, died peacefully at home on Jan. 29, 2010, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Sept. 6, 1950, in Wolf Point, to Lottie and Clifford Hansen. She spent her childhood in Wolf Point and enjoyed playing softball, playing clarinet in school band, horseback riding, excelling at barrel racing and winning many trophy buckles. At a young age she worked for her grandfather in his implement business, later at the Elks club, and also assisted her grandmother on several long distance car trips. Carol attended both Carroll and Eastern Montana colleges, and graduated from the University of Montana with a double degree in speech therapy and Spanish. Carol went to Parras, Coahuila, Mexico, as a foreign exchange student while in high school. She returned to Mexico through her college exchange program to Patzcuaro, Michoacan. She formed and kept strong, loving bonds with her host families. After graduating from college she welcomed her youngest host family sister into her home for a year to experience life in Montana. Carol treasured the opportunities she had to visit with her host families, both in Mexico and at her home in Montana. The influence and love of her families from Mexico contributed to her career choice working with the Billings Migrant Program. While working in Billings, Carol met Russ Winters and they were married Aug. 21, 1976. Russ career in education took them from Billings to Florence to Kalispell, where they raised their sons, Jake and Toby. The boys active sports lives afforded Carol and Russ many opportunities for travel as well as new and lifelong friendships. During this time, Carol continued her career working in the Human Resource Department as the benefits administrator at Plum Creek in Columbia Falls. Carol s family was the light of her life and her grandchildren always brought special smiles to her face. Carol was an avid reader and thoroughly enjoyed her book club friends and their discussions. Their devoted friendship enriched her life. Carol s love of cards brought her another group of unique friends in her pinochle club. Last, but not least, she loved her cribbage games. If defeated, with a smile she always demanded a rematch. Carol was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; and several relatives. She is survived by her husband, Russ; son, Jake, and Shannon, and their children, Molly and Ben; son, Toby; her brother, Lowell; her sister, Bev, and Dan; and her brother, Gary, and Bob; niece, Leticia, and Jeff; nephew, Erik, and Amanda; two great-nephews; several aunts; one uncle; and many cousins. Carol was noted for her sincere warmth, beautiful smile, keen mind and wit. She truly left her mark on the world. Our loss is heaven s gain. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at the Christian Center/Assembly of God in Kalispell. In lieu of flowers, please take a friend to lunch. The family would like to thank Hospice for their excellent care of Carol the past few weeks. A special thanks to Becky Reid (Comfort Keepers) for all her caring time the past 18 months assisting Carol. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Carol s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Carol s tribute wall.