Josephine Marie Shortell, 90, a longtime Whitefish area resident, passed away peacefully Monday, April 16, 2007, after a long stay at North Valley Extended Care and then Colonial Manor in Whitefish.

She was born Jan. 18, 1917, in Great Falls, the youngest of three children born to Annie and Joseph McClintock, who homesteaded a ranch out of Geyser. She was educated at Geyser and the Ursaline Academy of Great Falls.

She was united in marriage to Leonard E. Shortell on July 3, 1937, in Great Falls. They had three children while living in Great Falls.

The family came to Whitefish in September 1944 where her husband worked for the Great Northern Railroad. Josephine worked as a cook at several different restaurants in and around Whitefish for more than 30 years. The couple also worked a small farm on the north side of Whitefish.

Josephine enjoyed gardening, playing the piano for family and friends. She enjoyed a long peaceful and happy retirement with her husband, friends, two dogs, and some traveling.

Along with her big heart, she always had a big, warm smile for everyone she met.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two siblings; husband, Leonard; and by a son, Donald.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Rose K. Berg, of Whitefish; a son, Daniel Shortell, and wife, Sherry, of Columbia Falls; step-great-grandchildren, Marty Stryker of Great Falls, Darby Stryker and her children Cedar, Haven and Jayden Hamilton, all of Columbia Falls; nieces, Elsie Sprague and family of Port Orchard, Wash., and Donna Stiers and family of Missoula; nephew, Raymond McClintock, of Lake Tahoe, Nev.; also nieces and nephews of the Shortell family in and around Havre.

She was loved by so many and will be missed deeply by everyone who knew her.

At her request, a private burial will occur at a later time.

The family suggests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the benefit of their own choosing. Arrangements are under the direction of the Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish.