Julie Mackey Pittsley Komenda, 83

Julie Mackey Pittsley Komenda, 83, of Polson, “went to her long-awaited meeting with our Lord” on April 1, 2011.

She considered herself blessed since she did not suffer the death of any of her six children. However, she did endure the funerals of two husbands and the passing of many brothers and sisters.

Julia Eva Mackey was born Jan. 10, 1928, in Trout Creek, Mich., to Robert Angus Mackey and Effie Marie Bonin. As the eldest of nine siblings, she assisted in the raising and care of the large family until her marriage in 1946 to William Charles Pittsley. As a professional logger, they moved west to Pierce, Idaho, Libby, Ferndale and Ashley Creek, where “Bill” died in an auto mishap in 1959. She then raised five active children on her own, until remarrying in 1962 to Gene Edwin Komenda. Following the birth of another son, they moved in 1962 to Polson, where Gene was employed at area lumber mills.

Julie worked for many years in Polson as a cook at area restaurants. She was pleased that many of her children's friends called her “Mom” and confided in her and updated her on her children. It always amazed her children the next day when she knew where they had been and with whom.

For many years she was an active member of the New Life Christian Church as well as the Loaves and Fishes Food Bank and Country Store. She served her community, her family and her Lord. Her health issues gradually resulted in her being homebound.

Julia was preceded in death by her first husband, William C. Pittsley; and her second husband, Gene E. Komenda.

She is survived by her children, sons, Bill and Marilyn Pittsley of Polson, Rich and Katherine Pittsley of Billings, Dave and Jean Pittsley of Marion, Cliff and Debbie Pittsley of Pablo, Joe and Janelle Komenda of Tacoma; daughter, Charlene and Aaron Owenby of Longview, Wash.; grandchildren include Billie, Brian, Maggie, Josh, Julie Mae, Davey, Jessica, Nicole, Chris, Shirley, April, Bobbie Jo, Crystal, Cody and Jackie; numerous great-grandchildren will miss their “Grand-grandma;” siblings, Leona and Ted Banks of Nevada, Carol and Loren Leroy of Michigan, Donald and Alice Mackey of Michigan, Fran and Mary Mackey of North Carolina, Raymond and Cindi Pittsley of Wyoming, and Ellen and Bill of Wyoming. She is also survived by the extended Komenda family and many good friends and neighbors.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 6, at the Grogan Funeral Home in Polson with the Rev. John Payne officiating. A light reception will follow the services. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell.