Greta Maree Hale, 77

Our loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Greta Maree Hale, 77, passed away Sunday, May 31, 2015, in Whitefish, Montana, of progressive supra nuclear palsy, a Parkinsonism.

Greta was born on Feb. 28, 1938, in Glendive, to Ole and Earleen Zinke. She was the oldest of four children. At the age of two Greta and her family moved to Kalispell and thereafter to Whitefish. Greta graduated from Whitefish High School in 1956.

In addition to raising four children, Greta worked in the Big Mountain Ski Shop on the Big Mountain for the Hindermans and later owned and operated the Big Mountain Ski Shop from 1972 to 1995. Greta could often be found working tirelessly in the ski shop; often before the sun came up and until late into the evening. Greta was many times the first up and the last down the mountain. Greta will always be remembered and respected for her many contributions to the Big Mountain.

Greta had a passion for life and her children. Greta’s children and grandchildren were everything to her. If Greta wasn’t with her children or grandchildren, you could find her working meticulously in her yard or planting flowers. When she was done there, you were likely to find her at her children’s homes doing the same.  Greta was loved and appreciated for many things including her famous whitetail Swiss steak, oatmeal butterscotch cookies and huckleberry dessert, but mostly for her constant love and support of family. Even towards the end, Greta always put her children first.

Greta is survived by her daughter Naomi Hagar and Vic of Whitefish; son Alrick Hale and Sherri of Whitefish; son Toni Hale and Kim of Gig Harbor, Washington; daughter Nanci Nicholson and Rob of Whitefish; grandchildren Ashley Nadeau and Erik, Justin Pacheco and Katie, Marni Kirkemo and Chris, Kalin Hale, Spencer Hale, Ryder Hale, Keaton Nicholson, Haley Nicholson; great-grandchildren Wyatt Nadeau, Clayton Nadeau; sister Shirly Silliker and Jack, brother David Zinke and Laurie and numerous nieces, nephews, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sydnie and Paul Watson, sister-in-law Pat Zinke and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her grandson Hunter Martin Hale, her parents Ole and Earleen Zinke, her brother Ray Zinke, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Sandi and Tom Unger.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 8, at Christ Lutheran Church in Whitefish followed by a luncheon.

Austin Funeral Home is caring for Greta’s family.