Carolyn Ruth Reich, 68

Carolyn was born to Charles Reich and Edna (Kallner) (Reich) Doyle in 1953 in Whitefish and died July 11, 2021, at the age of 68, in Kalispell.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, and is survived by sisters Charlene Webber of Kalispell and Lorena Reich of Belgrade, and brother Jim (Judy) Doyle of Belgrade.

She graduated from Whitefish High School in 1971 and around 1990 graduated with a degree in history and English teaching from Montana State University.

Carolyn was an active learner and voracious reader and enjoyed sharing her books with everyone. She was particularly fond of fiction and Christian theology books. She had deep faith in Christ and was an active member of her church. She was proud of her Stephen Ministry involvement. Her heart yearned to help others in their walk with the Lord.

Carolyn was known for loving on people and drawing people to her. The compassion and generosity showed in her smile and eyes.

She struggled with health issues all her life, most notably respiratory, but she lived her life and enjoyed spending time outside. In her 40s she started to lose her hearing, eventually going deaf. She lived with this disability for 20 years and it introduced her to a whole new group of friends at Summit Independent Living. Despite struggling with health issues, she kept a joyful outlook in life.

One of her joys was being able to hear music again, after she received her cochlear implants. She also loved bright colors on her clothing, hair and accessories and enjoyed coloring books. As the smoke settles back in for the summer, we are thankful that she doesn’t have to breathe the unhealthy air. We’re thankful that we had her in our lives, we are sorry that she is gone too soon, but we are thankful that she is in heaven with her Savior.

Carolyn had a deep faith in Jesus. She went to sleep in peace and woke up in heaven with a new body, hearing her Savior’s voice.

Arrangements are under the care of Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.