Ina Herriges, 86

Ina Mae Herriges (Rice), 86, passed softly away to heaven Oct. 2, 2024; surrounded by beloved family and caregiver friends. Though she isn't with us anymore, she will be thought of, loved and missed every. Single. Day.

Ina was an amazing mom, sister, aunty, grandma, great-grandma, and friend. Everything she did, she did in love, with a gentle grace. She was always our angel on earth, and now she flies with the angels in heaven.

Ina was born Nov. 17, 1937, in Powers Lake, North Dakota. Her father, Rudolph, drove her mother, Gudren to the hospital in a blizzard. Ina was the fifth child of 10; 9 girls and one boy. Her family was very close all her life, and it was easy to see where she learned her gentle, fun-loving, compassionate ways.

Ina attended school in White Earth, North Dakota; Kalispell, and graduated from Whitefish High school. She also earned her associate's degree in human services from FVCC.

She married Jim Herriges in 1956. Jim joined the Navy, so they moved around a bit while raising their own family of five children, eventually returning to the Flathead Valley in 1972. They welcomed a sixth child some years later, completing their family. Ina and Jim divorced, but she remained in the family home until the day she left us.

Ina was a gentle, kind woman, who would do her best to help any and everyone. She was completely devoted to her family and friends. Ina had a kind, easy-going spirit that also reflected a real zest for life. She loved family events, which were numerous given the size of our family. She cherished family traditions and her favorite was Christmas Eve, which was always at her house. She really loved her whole family, and she loved us all very well.

Ina was also a very active lady. She loved being outside, whether it was skiing, (both water and snow), hiking, biking, camping, picking huckleberries, horseback riding, or gardening. Ina gave up skiing when she was 81 years old. She had an amazing talent for growing things, and her yard was always a thing of beauty, with wonderful design and lots and lots of gorgeous flowers.  

She also absolutely loved to dance, and would seize any opportunity to go dancing, mostly with her sisters and brother on Saturday nights at the Eagles Club.

Ina enjoyed traveling and going places; mostly driving trips to visit family. Her sons, Nic (and wife, Kirsten) and Jim took her on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see Norway and visit with family there. She also hiked and kayaked in Alaska with Jim.

Ina worked at many different places in her lifetime. Once the kids were older, Ina worked at a local flower shop, where she was able to express her love of flowers through arranging. Her longest job was at the Pathways building of the hospital in Kalispell where she received her 25-year pin and, retiring when she was in her 70's.  

She also loved to read and was a long-time member of a book club, where she made deep and lasting friendships. She loved her book club ladies, and they love her still.

Ina led a full, fruitful life and touched many, many others in so many positive ways, making a difference in many lives.

Ina was preceded in death by her father, Ruben, mother, Gudren, sisters, Irene, Audrey, Lorraine, Helen and Ruby, brother, Rudy, great-grandson, Talis, grandsons, Brandon and Chris, ex-husband, Jim, son, Steve, as well as other family members.  

She is survived by her sisters, Janet, Geri (who recently passed away), and Connie; her children, Nic (Kirsten), Jim, Dianne (Tim), Duane (Michelle) and Eric (Janine); grandsons, Spencer and Brandon; granddaughters, Danielle, Rebecca, Mary, Kandi, Alyssa, Kelsey, Eden and Ivy, as well as many great-grandchildren, precious nieces and nephews, and many, many other family members.

Ina's celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, at Fairview Cemetery Chapel with interment of both Ina and Steve. Following that, a potluck reception will be held in the ballroom at the Eagle's Club in Kalispell; probably around 1:30 or 2 p.m. Meats, cheeses, rolls, etc. will be provided.