Florence Kirkland Wells, 82

Florence Eleanor Kirkland Wells, 82 of Kalispell, passed away at Brendan House on Oct. 24, 2023, after COVID ended her battle with lung cancer. She was born to Thomas and Geneva (Verley) Kirkland on Nov. 22, 1940, in Hot Springs, Montana. She married Ed Wells at the age of 17, and the couple had two daughters and three sons.

She worked for School District 5 for 25 years. Starting as a Teacher Aide at Hedges Elementary and spending most of those years as a Hall Monitor at Flathead High School. She was a friend to may students and had a way to get kids to behave by just giving them "the look." 

After retiring, she spent the next few years as a Roller Operator on her husband’s asphalt crew. She was an avid reader, gardener and loved knitting and crocheting for family and friends. She is remembered for her pies and candy and her happiest moments were getting all of her family together. 

She is survived by her children, Leah (Carl) Barker, Laura (Ron) Gardner, Randy (Cristi) Wells, Robert (Sophia) Wells and Terry (Lisa) Wells, all of the Flathead Valley; siblings, Marles Reynolds of Columbia Falls, and Merrietta Roberts of Columbia Falls; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and foster children. 

She is preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Clifton Kirkland, Ileia Watkins, Althea Hemmer, Melvina Hemmer and Janice Holmes; and her husband, Edward Wells. 

A celebration of Florence's life will be held at 3 p.m. on Nov. 11, at the Cornerstone Community Church, Kalispell, followed by a chili dinner. She will be laid her to rest next to her beloved husband at Lone Pine Cemetery in Bigfork. A memorial will be planned for next spring.