K. Phyllis Kirk-Parker, 91
K. Phyllis Treweek Kirk-Parker, 91, born on July 24, 1932, in Kalispell, passed away on May 31, 2024.
She was raised on the family farm in Kalispell on the corner of Whitefish Stage and Reserve, attending school at Pine Grove Country School.
Phyllis and her sister, Audrey, loved their horses and shared many great childhood memories of growing up on the farm. It was a delight to listen to the sisters tell those stories during Phyllis’s last weeks.
Phyllis graduated from Flathead High School in 1950 and later the University of Montana in 1954 with a bachelor's degree in sociology and anthropology. In 1972, she went back to the University of Montana to earn her library certification, which she used to serve Kalispell Junior High as a librarian for 23 years.
Her enthusiasm for books and reading spilled over to all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who have always cherished the heartfelt messages Grandma Phyllis wrote in their birthday and Christmas books.
Phyllis married Robert "Bob" Kirk in 1953 and together they had four children, Barbara, Janice, Timothy and Deanna.
Education, travel and enjoying the outdoors were always priorities for Mom. Bob’s military career allowed them to travel much of the country together.
The pull to return to Montana was strong and in 1958, the family settled back in their hometown of Kalispell. It is there that they raised an enthusiastic crew of kids. Keeping up with the many activities of the Kirk kids was a full-time job in itself!
Mom and Dad gave us all an incredible childhood. In 1964, they built the A-frame cabin on Echo Lake. Summer days were spent skiing, boating, catching frogs, fishing and hanging out on the floating dock. Evenings by the campfire were full of laughter, stories, and lessons on how to toast the perfect marshmallow.
They also shared with us the love of winter sports. The memories of skiing all day and relaxing at the cabin at Big Mountain were invaluable; we have all shared the joys of winter and summer fun with our children and grandchildren. But it was not all fun and games. There were chores and more chores! We were taught that when we left a place, we needed to leave it in a better condition than when we found it. Our parents instilled in us a strong work ethic for which we are grateful.
In 1988, Mom married Bobby Parker, with whom she shared a profound love of adventure, travel, and family. In 1990 they had an opportunity to buy a fixer-upper orchard and home on Flathead Lake. With Mom’s green thumb and love of making a beautiful home and Bobby's love of fixing the forest, they created a wonderland, a magical place where grandchildren could let their imaginations run wild as they explored the orchard, the deep-dark forest and the waters of Flathead Lake. Forever dear to our hearts are the memories of "drunk dancing bears" in the orchard, harvesting cherries, playing pooh sticks in the creek, swimming, and boating. We enjoyed family weddings, reunions and Christmas gatherings with them at "The Dancing Bear Orchard."
Mom was involved in the community through various organizations, including the Kalispell Presbyterian Church, The Methodist Church of Bigfork, AAUW, Eastern Star, Bigfork Library and kept her mind sharp with weekly bridge games.
Mom will be remembered for her zest for life, her love for her family, and her insatiable curiosity. We cannot help but smile when we think of her walking on The River Trail in Bigfork with a smile on her face and "pep in her step." If we learned anything from our dear Mama Bear, it is to live your life with gratitude and unconditional love.
She is survived by her sister Audrey Savage; brother Jim Treweek; children, Barbara Cook, Jan Kirk-Carter, Tim Kirk (Connie) and Dee Peck-Kirk; her stepchildren, Terri (Lloyd) and Kevin Parker; as well as her 11 grandchildren, Andy Kirk, Katie Cook, Jayne Cook, Tyler Kirk, Mac Kirk, Cody Kirk, Annie Kirk, Beau Carter, Josey Koke, Taylor Franklin, and Kylie Peck; and 16 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the Immanuel Lutheran Home all-employee recognition fund. These people do an amazing job with our loved ones!
Please visit www.immanuelfoundation.org.