Elsie Galles, 87

Elsie passed away peacefully on March 22, 2015, in Genesis Healthcare, after spending meaningful time with her family who had gathered by her side. 

She was born Jan. 14, 1928, to Milam and Elsie Ralph in Deer Park, Washington, the sixth of eight siblings. 

Elsie married Don Michaud in 1944 and had four children – Nicholas, Melanie, Craig and Laurie. She married Bob Woodard in 1954 and had Robert. She spent years as a waitress throughout Whitefish. She married John “Jack” Galles in 1972 and welcomed his nine children as hers. 

Elsie and Jack spent years as truck drivers for North American Van Lines traversing the United States. They wintered in Arizona and enjoyed traveling with their trailer. She loved spending time with her friends at the Moose Lodge, VFW and the Red Hat Society. 

Elsie was preceded in death by her three husbands, six siblings, and one stepchild. 

She is survived by a brother, five children, eight stepchildren, 35 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren. 

Elsie loved life, family and friends. 

Special thanks to the staff of Genesis Healthcare, Frontier Hospice and North Valley Hospital for taking good care of our mom. 

Elsie’s celebration of life is 4 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish. A reception will follow at the Whitefish Moose Lodge.  She will be interred later in the year at the Whitefish Cemetery. 

Austin Funeral Home is caring for Elise’s family. You are invited to go to www.austinfh.com to view Elise’s tribute wall and leave condolences.