Iris Diana Stevens, 80

Iris was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Jan. 22, 1934.

She passed away of cancer on the 15th of August, 2014, at her home in Kalispell.

In 1945, she and her brother traveled by train by themselves from New York to San Diego to be reunited with her father. There, she met Rudy Stevens and, in 1950, Iris and Rudy fell in love, married, had three children, and shared their lives together for 53 years.

Iris was active in the PTA, receiving a Life Membership, worked on three school PTA boards at once, was active as a high school band parent and taught swimming for seven years.

She and Rudy moved to Kalispell in 1974. Staying busy, she helped in getting the Flathead High School and KATS swim teams recognized. For 22 years, her yellow vegetable scale was a fixture at the farmers market, where she acquired the title of “Bean Queen.” Iris was a charter member of the Artists and Craftsmen of the Flathead, serving on the board for 11 years and selling her one-of-a-kind crocheted hats.

Helena Flats School saw her serve at the public voting polls for 30 years. Iris' smile and form were visible at the aerobics classes at The Summit, while she kept up with the younger crowd.

Preceding Iris in death were her parents, Ruben and Marie Cederdahl, and her husband, Rudy.

She is survived by daughter Sandra Brown, and sons Ronald and Gary, all residing in Kalispell; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Cederdahl, of La Mesa, Calif.; brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Ada Stevens; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Iris' life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 528 Capistrano Drive in Kalispell.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to donate to a charity of your choice in her honor.