Elva G. (Whitehorn) Gessaman, 88

Elva G. (Whitehorn) Gessaman, 88, passed away Tuesday, July 8, 2014, at her home at Buffalo Hill Terrace in Kalispell.

She was born March 27, 1926, to Chester Arthur Whitehorn and Georgia Fern (Hathaway) Whitehorn, at the family farm north of Great Falls. She grew up on that farm, which her parents had homesteaded in 1916. After attending local rural schools, Elva graduated from Fort Benton High School. She then worked in Great Falls, primarily at the J.C.Penney’s store.

Elva married Donald K. Gessaman on Feb. 3, 1951, at the Whitehorn family farm, after which they took up residence on the Gessaman farm north of Fort Benton. There they raised grain, cattle and four children.

In 1980, they “retired” from the farm at Fort Benton, leaving it in the hands of the next generation. They moved to Polson, bought an apple and cherry orchard there, and worked harder than ever. Spraying, watering, pruning and marketing their fruit occupied their time. They also made some of the best fresh apple juice you've ever tasted.

During their years in Polson, Elva was very involved with the Polson United Methodist Church and the Polson Senior Center. She also volunteered at the Polson Country Store. Her home-baked whole wheat bread was legendary, and in great demand at the local bake sales.

All her life, Elva was a beautiful woman, both inside and out. She was a loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.  Her gentle spirit and happy smile will be missed by all who knew her.

Elva was preceded in death by her husband, Donald K. Gessaman; her brothers, Chester Arthur Whitehorn Jr., Wallace Whitehorn and Stanley Whitehorn; and her sisters, Bernice Skaw, Virginia Wiederhold and Clara Walker.

She is survived by her brother, Wayne Whitehorn, at the family farm; sister, Iris Halvorson, of Great Falls; sons, Bill and wife Debbie Gessaman of Lake Stevens, Wash., and Mike and wife Deb Gessaman of Fort Benton; daughters, Jeanne and husband Ted Turner of Kalispell, and Janet and husband Dave Haugen of Fort Benton; 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.  

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 14, at the Polson United Methodist Church, Polson. Inurnment will follow at the Lakeview Cemetery. 

Memorials may be directed to the Polson United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.