Dorothy Fern (Ballenger) Gress, 86

Dorothy Fern Gress, 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 18, 2015, at HealthCenter Northwest of natural causes, with her family by her side.

“Dot” was born as the second of two children on Nov. 13, 1928, to her parents Art and Vera Ballenger in Kalispell.

Dorothy spent her life in Kalispell. In her younger years, she enjoyed employment at Kuscus Candy Store, Woodward’s Department Store and at Buttrey’s Yardage Center. In later years of employment, Dorothy went on to become a certified nursing assistant, working in Home Health and Hospice.

Dorothy was also an excellent artist and liked to spend her spare time doing activities such as crafting and painting.

Dorothy created a strong lineage of family with 41 direct descendants. She is survived in death by her children, Robert, Mrs. Earl Darlene Lowery, Charles, David, Beverly and Mrs. Travis (Lisa) Myers; as well as numerous, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Paul, her brother Arthur Junior, her grandson Colby, and her great-granddaughter Kami.

Dorothy was a strong Christian and it gives her family comfort knowing that she is in the arms of our heavenly Father.

 Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery, immediately followed by a celebration of her life at the Eagles in Kalispell.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.