Evelyn 'Louise' Grothe Woodring, 88

Evelyn “Louise” Grothe Woodring, born March 3, 1928, in Hugoton, Kansas, to Robert Grothe and Maude Mae (Hawk) Grothe, “left this Earth” on Feb. 20, 2017, at 7:11 a.m. at her home in Kalispell.

Louise grew up in Kansas. She attended elementary school at Lone Star School and during her high school years she moved to Liberal to board with her grandmother, Etta Hawk to attend Liberal High School.

She knew of Earl Woodring as a child, but met him again at a dance after he was discharged from the Navy in 1946. Louise and Earl married on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 1947, and had just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Maude (Hawk) Grothe, her son, Michael Woodring, and her brother, Robert Grothe.

She is survived by her husband, Earl; their children, Trace and his two children, Hayden and Grace; Kim and his stepdaughter, Heather, and daughter, Stephanie, his son Mat and his wife Angie, and their daughter, Kora; Eric and Kami and his stepdaughter, Dana Winn and her husband, Michael and their daughter, Maryah, and stepsons, Garrett and Clay McAllister; and Sue Cameron and her husband, Jim and their children, Parker, Story and Cable; honorary daughter, Penny Woodring, her brother, Clarence Grothe and his family, her niece, Kelli and her son Perry who became regulars in Montana, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Louise would also want to mention that she had the privilege of spending her last days here with some wonderful caregivers who thought the world of her - thank you.

Louise and Earl were well traveled. They were on their fourth motor home and enjoyed every minute they could. They experienced the entire West Coast, Canada, Niagra Falls, Florida, Hawaii and enjoyed a cruise to the Mexican Riviera, they attended Louise’s high school reunions and Earl’s Navy Mine-sweeper reunions. If you talked about travel, Louise could tell you how to get there. She was so thankful that she was able to attend her family reunion at Red Rock State Park in Hinton, Oklahoma, in 2012 as this would be the last time she saw her brothers. Robert passed shortly after the reunion and while none of us realized it, it was the last opportunity she had to spend with her humorous little brother, Clarence and all the Goodman-Grothe reunion group.

There is no argument that most mothers are amazing, but Louise was a very special person and an exceptional mother and her children believe the world would be a better place if more mothers were like her. She was an excellent cook and always had something good to eat. She was organized, thoughtful and she loved her family like a family should be loved. While she wasn’t much for saying it, there was never any question from her children that she loved them, and they all knew it, but more importantly, felt it. Louise loved to spend time with family and friends at the lake and looked forward to the next get together right up to the end. She was always a planner and knew what she was making and taking to the next event.

Louise was active in many things, but notably, was the clerk for the Lone Star Friends Church, a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and Eagles, 4-H, Grange and was on a bowling league. She spent much of her time bookkeeping for their businesses. And thankfully for her children, was an active grandma who cherished each and every one of her grandchildren.

To all of you who knew Louise, we will always remember how truly special she was. There will be a memorial service and potluck at Ashley Lake at a later date this summer.

Memorials may be made in Louise’s name to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or charity of your choice.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.