Lillian Howke, 80

Lillian Howke, 80, died Monday, March 22, 2010, in Whitefish. She was born in Belfast, Ireland, on July 9, 1929, to William Irwin and Martha (Turkington) Irwin. Lil came to America as a young woman, coming to Whitefish to see her sister, Maudie Stidham. She remained in Whitefish with Bill and Roxie Cheevers as her sponsors and later received her citizenship in 1956. During her 62 years in Whitefish, she had been a dedicated homemaker. She later had worked at Lincoln Cleaners and for many years at Chalet City Pharmacy. She had been a member of the Whitefish First Baptist Church, enjoying her friends and fellowship there. Lil enjoyed visiting with her many friends and had been a very loving and proud mother and grandmother. Surviving her are her sons, Mike Howke of Whitefish, and Steve Howke and wife, Brenda, of Helena; a sister, Chrissie McCracken, of Belfast; five grandchildren, Tawnya Vidnovic, Michelle Howke, Emily Howke, Shelby Howke and Brady Howke; and great-granddaughter, Sophie Vidnovic; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were sisters, May Russell and Maudie Stidham; and granddaughter, Paige Howke. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Austin Funeral Home with Pastor Gene Speer officiating; interment services will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Whitefish.