Arlene Mae (Kinshella) Knutson, 75
Arlene Mae (Kinshella) Knutson, 75, passed away on Monday, Jan. 12, 2010, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell. She was born on May 19, 1934, in Kalispell, to Ernest B. and Ida M. (Becker) Kinshella. Arlene lived most of her life in the Flathead. When she was a child her father was in the logging industry so she and her three sisters spent a lot of time in the logging camps near Olney, Ashley Lake, Marion and the Swan. She attended Flathead County High School. On May 17, 1952, she married Lawrence N. Buster Knutson in Kalispell. They spent most of their life in Kalispell and Columbia Falls, except for about 10 years when they moved to Las Vegas. Arlene loved to cook big dinners for family gatherings. She was a fabulous candy maker and especially loved making Christmas goodies to share with the family and friends. She loved to crochet and spent much of her time making baby outfits and blankets for others. Many of her creations have been donated to the Hope Pregnancy Center. She always would say, I want that new mother and baby to know how precious and special they are. She put her whole heart into each stitch, many times ripping out an outfit and starting it again because it wasn t just right. She was preceded in death by her husband, Buster; both parents; and a sister, JoAnn Hall. Arlene is survived by a daughter, Connie Fischer, and husband, Dan, of Kalispell; a son, Larry Knutson, and wife, Diane, of Kalispell; 10 grandchildren, Andrea Anderson, Brittney Salmi, Mackenzie Knutson, Brianna Wiley, Luke Fischer, Lane Knutson, R.J. Beach, Justin Beach, Jeff Beach and Bridger Beach; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Norma and husband, John McGregor, of Spokane, and Joyce Vlasak of Kalispell; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services for Arlene will be held at 1 p.m. today, Jan. 15, at the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Jim Holman officiating. Interment will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Arlene s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Arlene s guest book.