Bernice Vergene Mellem, 72

Bernice Vergene Mellem passed away unexpectedly March 17, 2020, at her home in Yuma, Arizona.

Bernice was born Oct. 14, 1947, in Kalispell to Frederick and Irene Butterfield. She grew up in Ferndale and graduated from Flathead High School in 1965. She attended Northern Montana College and graduated 1972 with Associate in Nursing degree. Upon graduating, she moved to Alaska and worked not only as a nurse, but received her pilot’s license as a flight nurse. She eventually moved back to the Flathead Valley, and married Ron Mellem in 1979.

She went to work for Doctor Swenson in Kalispell, before founding her own business, Valley Medical Service, in the early ‘90s. She ran the business with the help of good friends and coworkers for many years, before selling the business and retiring in 2014.

Bernie was an avid skier, but she lived for golf. It was rare for there to be a week where she didn’t golf when the weather was good, and sometimes even when it wasn’t. She loved any and all family events and looked forward to every upcoming event. On quieter days, she loved to relax outside next to Ron and read. Bernie was loved by everyone who met her.

She is survived by her son, Brian, her sisters Linda Cole, Judy Young and Susan Butterfield, her brothers Gary and Dennis Butterfield, along with countless cousins, nephews and nieces and her best friends Dee and Pixie.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ron, and her parents Frederick and Irene Butterfield.

A memorial will be held in her and Ron’s memory at their house in Kalispell on July 3, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Memorials may be sent to a local charity of your choice or Doctors Without Borders.