Faithe Marie Schellinger, 72

Surrounded by her husband and children, Faithe Marie Schellinger, 72, “left this world to join her loved ones in heaven” on Oct. 11, 2015, after bravely losing a battle with cancer in Kalispell. Her courage and compassion during her short battle was an inspiration to us all.

Faithe was born to Leone and Alvin Rasmussen in Glasgow on Feb. 23, 1943. She spent her childhood in Glasgow with her brother Lee and sister Jerri, and she attended and graduated from Glasgow High School cheering on her beloved Scotties. She and her fellow cheerleaders were lifelong friends.

After high school, Faithe attended St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Prospect Hall Secretary School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Returning to Glasgow, Faithe met the love of her life, Daniel Schellinger. They were married in Glasgow on Aug. 17, 1963, and had two children, Shawn Schellinger and Shannon Bachman.

Faithe and Dan bounced around the state of Montana frequently in the early years as Schellinger Construction moved across the state. But when they arrived in Columbia Falls in 1970, they knew they found their home. Their children were able to walk across the street to attend Columbia Falls High School, and the whole family enjoyed many Wildcat football and basketball games throughout the years.

Faithe was a legal secretary for many years in Kalispell and was an integral part of the Columbia Falls law firm of Bothe and Lauridsen for 17 years along with one of her best friends, Michelle Knutson.

Faithe was always active in numerous organizations throughout her life. She worked tirelessly as the local president of the American Cancer Society; co-chairman of the Church Women United; fund raiser for the March of Dimes; taught junior bowling; served two terms on the Columbia Falls City Council; secretary treasurer of the Columbia Falls Booster Club; taught Sunday school at St. Richard’s Catholic Church; Cub Scout den mother; taught English to the children of migrant workers in Mecca, California; and was a lector for St. Richard’s Catholic Church.

In retirement, Faithe and Dan became snowbirds and spent their winters in Palm Desert, California, where Faithe’s parents also retired. Faithe was very active in their Catholic Church.

Faithe’s children and grandchildren were her life. She and her whole family enjoyed many vacations and holidays together. The most memorable was a Hawaiian cruise in 2014 to celebrate numerous family milestones. It will be a special memory for all of us that were able to share that precious time with her.

Faithe is survived by her loving husband, Dan Schellinger, of Columbia Falls; children, Shawn Schellinger and wife Denise of Broomfield, Colorado, and Shannon Bachman and husband Michael of Fishers, Indiana; mother, Leone Rasmussen, of Palm Desert; grandchildren, Kayla and Austin Bachman of Fishers, and Ryan and Mia Schellinger of Broomfield.

Faithe was preceded in death by her father, Alvin Rasmussen; and siblings, Lee and Jerri Rasmussen.

Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Oct. 21 at St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Columbia Falls. Father John Miller will preside over the service. Burial will occur privately at a later date. A reception will occur directly after the funeral at the nearby Back Room Restaurant in Columbia Falls, one of Faithe’s favorites.

The Columbia Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.

Please call Shawn Schellinger at 303-641-5136 for any questions.

Mecca Elementary School in the little town of Mecca, California, held a special place in Faithe’s heart. She was involved in the school and with the children who attended by her association with the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palm Desert.

Please send any memorial donations to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 43775 Deep Canyon Road, Palm Desert, CA 92260 or by phone, 760-346-6502. Please mention the Mecca school as the destination of your donation. Faithe would be so happy that the impact she has had on those kids continues beyond her death. Visit http://mecca.cvusd.us/pages/Mecca_Elementary to see amazing photos of the kids whose lives Faithe touched.

Faithe left us way too early. She will be terribly missed by those she left behind. We know she is in heaven smiling down on us as she celebrates her reunion with her father, her brother and her sister.