No headline

Rachel Douglas O’Boyle, 97, “joined her heavenly father” on March 28, 2018.

Rachel was born on March 14, 1921 in Coram and was raised in Nyack (Red Eagle), Montana. Rachel’s parents, Hugh and Ida Douglas, typified the pioneer spirit that they imparted to their children. Rachel’s dad worked for the Great Northern Railway.

Rachel attended a one-room school with seven pupils. When not in school she enjoyed days on the banks of the Middlefork River fishing and enjoying the beauty that surrounded their home.

The family moved to Kalispell when her brother was old enough to attend high school. Rachel attended Central School (now a museum) during her 7th and 8th grade years. During her high school years she worked at Woolworth’s. She also worked at Flathead Commercial in domestic sales, which was a ready-to-wear clothing store.

After graduating from Kalispell High School she took business courses and shorthand at a Kinman Business School located above Norm’s News. Rachel then became a stenographer for an architect in Kalispell. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Francis T. O’Boyle (F.T.) who was discharged with honors from the U.S. Army, serving in World War II, and returned to his hometown of Kalispell. Rachel and Frank met at a dance at the Pine Grove Grange Hall on Whitefish Stage Road. They were married on November 14, 1946. Rachel and Frank raised four boys in their family home in Kalispell. The O’Boyles instilled in their children the importance of working hard, being honest, helping others and being good citizens. Rachel led by example and spent many hours caring for her aging parents as well as serving at St. Matthew’s Church and School. When not at work or church, the young family spent as much time outside as possible. Their adventures included picnics, fishing, car rides in Glacier National Park and picking huckleberries.

The love of her life F.T. passed away July 25, 1994. They had 47 years and 8 months of a wonderful marriage. After F.T.’s death Rachel began reading to St. Matthew’s grade school children. The children brought Rachel great joy for the 11 years she read to them.

Rachel was preceded in death by her husband F.T., her parents Hugh and Ida Douglas, and brother Hugh of Butte and his wife Alice. She is survived by her sons Patrick (Judy) of Kalispell, Daniel (Marie) of Huntsville, Alabama, Terry of Kalispell, Dennis (Cindy) of Kalispell. She was blessed with many grandchildren: Matthew and wife Shelley (Scarlett and Brixton), Gregory and wife Jennifer (Declan), Cindy and husband Mike (Finn), Danielle, Perchelle (Kasey, Kendrix and Phoenix), Francine, Christopher (Tripp), Amy and husband Tom (Oakley, Quinn and Finn) and Arin. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, loved ones and her dear sister-in-law Evelyn O’Boyle and close family friends Lance and Patty Jo Heldstab.

Rachel requested memorials be made to Flathead Association (for) Catholic Education (F.A.C.E.), 602 S Main Street, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Rosary will be held Tuesday, April 3, with a visitation from 5 – 7 p.m. and rosary at 7 p.m. at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home in Kalispell.

Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, April 4, at 10 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Kalispell. The burial will be at Conrad Memorial Cemetery. To leave condolences for the O’Boyle family please visit www.jgfunerlhome.com. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.