Jennifer Lee Waite, 47

Jennifer Lee Waite passed away Aug. 24, 2020, at the Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Jennifer was born on April 27, 1973. Shortly thereafter, her family moved to various locations in Wyoming as Jennifer’s father climbed the UPS corporate ladder. Ultimately the family landed in Casper, Wyoming, where Jennifer graduated from high school with honorable distinction. Jennifer received several scholarship offers and ultimately settled on Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado.

It was in Colorado that Jennifer met Dean Thurman who became her life partner. The couple lived in Colorado for several years and moved to the Flathead Valley in 2010. Jennifer and Dean had 16 wonderful years together.

Growing up in the northern Rocky Mountains, Jennifer enjoyed downhill skiing, cross country running, volleyball, and an occasional elk hunt. Most recently, Jennifer worked as an office manager in the valley until the time of her death. Jennifer proved herself to be dependable, and was renowned for her intelligence and work ethic. She had a sharp eye and nothing got past her. And she was quick with a wry comment on the foibles of people she observed around her. She also had a mind like a steel trap, so it was unwise to challenge her on a past issue she had knowledge of. That said, when things got contentious she could frequently be bought off with a pickle. Jennifer enjoyed horror movies, reading, doing large, complicated jigsaw puzzles, and her various cats over the years.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her father Steve, and sister Diana.

She is survived by her mother Sherry, brother Steven with Tammy, brother Michael, brother-in-law Jon Giffin, life partner Dean Thurman, and her kitten Braveheart.

Our beautiful Jenn is at peace.