Marion 'Tommy' Carlson, 92

Marion Tommy Carlson, of Missoula, passed away on Friday, July 2, 2010, of natural causes. She was born on Aug. 25, 1917, in Max Bass, N.D. to August and Elizabeth Arndt. She grew up in rural North Dakota with her seven brothers and sisters. She graduated from Minot State Teachers College in 1938, where she reigned as Homecoming Queen in 1937. On Aug. 24, 1940, she married her college sweetheart, Donald David Carlson. They had three children, David, Susan and James, and were happily married for 68 years. Tommy was a teacher for many years and always devoted time to her family and friends. She was an avid bridge player, seamstress and quilter, and she loved the game of golf. She even had two holes in one to her credit! She was a snappy dresser who was known for the matching ribbon around her collar. She is survived by her daughter, Susan; her son, James and wife, Marilyn; her grandchildren, Jacque Harris, Heidi Hanks and husband, Aaron, Lisa Jahraus and husband, Steve, Amy Peterson and husband, Eric, Megan Carlson, and Kim Nelson and husband, Nick; and her great-grandchildren, Ryan, Katelyn and Sarah Hanks. Tommy was preceded in death by her parents; her seven siblings; her husband, Don; and her son, David. Services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 7, at Atonement Lutheran Church, with a reception at the church to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp, 603 Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901.