Kenneth A. Edwards, 96

Kenneth Alwood Edwards passed away on Oct. 15, 2024, peacefully in his sleep, at the age of 96. His desire was to remain in his home until his passing, but he missed that by only six days. Ken had been residing at The Living Centre in Stevensville, which he thought was a very nice place to be, if he couldn’t stay at home. The staff there were all loving and caring, in spite of only having known Ken for a few days.

He was born Jan. 2, 1928, in Great Falls to Abraham and Helga (Johnson) Edwards. He was the third child and only son born to the couple.

Ken’s earliest home was Collins, but the family moved to Dutton where Ken attended school until grade eight. He subsequently lived with his Uncle Johnny and his Aunt Borghild, working on the Johnson family farm, until he was old enough to enlist in the US Army at age 18.

Ken served in World War II, but only for a short period of time before being honorably discharged. This was toward the very end of the war. His true service to his country came when he served in the Korean War and proudly always wore his baseball cap that attested to him being a Korean War veteran. He had many stories to tell.

He worked on several dam building projects in Montana, alongside his father, Abe. He also traveled a bit, as an itinerant worker, doing many manual labor types of work. His last several years of work were spent at the Flathead County High School as a custodian. Ken loved his job there because of all the kids he got to see every day. He was definitely a people person.

Ken truly was a "social butterfly" and loved nothing better than to have family and friends come to visit. He and his two sisters, Ruby and Helen, were great party people. Celebrating birthdays was their main objective and his sisters were known as the "party girls" in their neighborhood in Great Falls. They all got together several times a year for every holiday they could think of. Ken, himself, traveled to visit relatives from time to time and even made a trip to the old country (Norway) to see relatives there. He made this trip with Ruby and Helen, with whom he was very close.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Helga (1958), his father, Abe (1969), his sister, Ruby (2020), his sister, Ruth (1930), his sister, Helen (2021) and his wife of 33 years, Florence Huntley (2021).  

He is survived by a daughter, Barbara Trotter (Pocatello, Idaho); a son, Larry Crause (Idaho Falls, Idaho); several stepchildren, and three grandchildren, Dwight, Justin, and Anjal.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home was in charge of Ken’s cremation. No services will be held at this time. A private interment took place Nov. 4, in Dutton where Ken’s ashes will rest with his other family members.

Friends are encouraged to visit the website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. 

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.