Judith Corneliuson, 98

Judith Cornelia Corneliuson, 98, passed away at her residence in Tucson, Ariz., on Oct. 21, 2011, surrounded by the presence and love of her family and friends. She was born Jan. 9, 1913, to Kaurin B. and Johanna Johnson on the family farm in the Bigfork area.

Judy had a wonderful childhood growing up with her large family on their farm next to the Flathead River. She was a member of the first graduating class from Bigfork High School and continued her education at Kalispell Business College. She was married to Berthel Corneliuson on July 24, 1943. She worked as a secretary until her children arrived and then devoted the rest of her life to the loving care of her family.

She was a longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and spent many joyful hours with the Quilt Makers group until she moved to Tucson to be near her children. She was a wonderful seamstress and thoroughly enjoyed working on her many needlework projects. She loved to camp and fish, was a huckleberry picker extraordinaire, cultivated a huge garden and created amazing pies, cakes, cookies, canned goods and hot dishes - none of which ever went to waste or lacked for a taste-tester.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Bert; her parents, K.B. and Johanna Johnson; her brothers, Carlyle, Eivin, William, Harold, Henry and Harry; her sisters, Sylvia Martinson, Olive Case, Ruth Nordtome, Viola E. Johnson I, Viola E. Johnson II, and Lillian Nelson; and her son-in-law, Keith Cress. She is survived by her sister, Eunice (Sidney) Gilbertson, Ocean Hills, Calif.; her son, Jim; her daughters, Jean Cress and Sharon (Douglas) Larson all of Tucson; her grandsons, Rier and Erik Larson of Tucson, Kaare (Kathryn) Larson and great-grandson Kye of Encinitas, Calif. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Donna Johnson of Bigfork and Wilma Corneliuson of Kalispell; and many nephews and nieces.

Graveside committal service will be held Nov. 4, 2011, at 10 a.m. at Glacier Memorial Gardens. A memorial service will follow at Bethlehem Lutheran Church at 11 a.m., with a reception to follow.

Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 603 S. Main, Kalispell 59901, for use in the Quilt Makers program or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Judy's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Judy's guest book, offer condolences and share memories.