Edna Ruth (Sykes) Tomfohr Carter, 91

Edna Ruth Carter peacefully died in her sleep in her beloved home at Ashley Lake, Montana on Jan. 30, 2021.

Multiple children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren survive her.

Edna was born on May 28, 1930, in Kalispell. She was the second daughter of Raymond L. Sykes and Ruth Iola (Kramer) Sykes. She attended St. Matthews Catholic School, and then graduated from Flathead High School in 1949.

Edna was baptized in 1955. Her daily reading of God’s holy word strengthened her knowledge of God’s love, forgiveness, and promises. She read the Bible in its entirety each year for the past two decades. She was secure in the knowledge that, while the lake was her special place, her final home would be in the presence of Jesus.

Edna married Henry George Tomfohr in 1950, and her daughter Ruth Adela was born in Helena. They moved to Moses Lake, Washington in 1951, where her son Donald Frank was born. Ten years later, she divorced Henry and moved back to Kalispell.

After operating the steam press at Masonized Dry Cleaning for a few years, she applied for a checker position at Buttrey Food Store. At the time, Edna lacked confidence in her abilities. However, being a person of great perseverance with a desire to provide better lives for her children, she gained the skills necessary to complete a career of 32 years at Buttrey’s, and retired in 1995.

In 1967, Edna married Leonal “Ron” Carter. She helped Ron establish a small horse ranch that bred championship Appaloosa horses. Ron Carter died on Jan. 11, 2013.

Edna enjoyed sewing, crocheting, making greeting cards, singing, drying fruit leather, and making people laugh. She was known for opening her heart to people of all ages. Many came to regard her as a mother of sorts, several affectionately calling her “mom."

At 83 years old, Edna fulfilled her dream of designing and building a house at Ashley Lake. In November 2013, she and her daughter, Ruth moved in. Being able to look out over the lake every day brought her great joy. Ruth and Don feel blessed that they were all together for the final three weeks of their mom’s life. In keeping with her faith, Edna’s favorite verse, 1 Peter 5:10-11, reminds us “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

A private memorial service was held for immediate family on Feb. 4, 2021, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalispell and is available for viewing on YouTube. A celebration of life is pending. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Trinity Lutheran Church Kalispell or to The Salvation Army.

To view the memorial service visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ufEcMFswsQ or http://youtu.be/5ufEcMFswsQ.