Emma K. Webster, 89, of Whitefish died peacefully at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Jolene and Marvin Mikesell, on July 4, 2007.

Emma was born in Gilford in 1917 to Gottfried and Sarah Roedel.

She married Francis McAllister in 1933. Four children were born from this marriage, Evelyn, Rosemary (deceased), Jolene and Maryann.

Francis preceded her in death. She later married Arthur L. Webster in Kalispell. One son, Forrest (deceased) was born of this marriage. Art preceded Emma in death. Two stepchildren from this marriage joined the family, Arlene Reese and Rocky Webster.

Emma married Fred Ferraro in California. Fred preceded Emma in death.

Four brothers preceded her in death, Harry, Herman, Bernard and Bill Roedel; and one sister, Ella Case.

Two surviving sisters are Martha Buyer of Great Falls, and Clara Hill of Virginia, Minn. Emma's surviving children are Evelyn Wilkerson, Jolene and Marvin Mikesell, Maryann and Rod Wilkerson of Whitefish, Arlene and Gary Reese of Kent, Wash., and Rocky and Beverly Webster of Kalispell. She also left 21 grandchildren, and many great- and great-great-grandchildren.

Emma touched many lives by her caring ways. She was a strong nurturing woman. When she married Francis, she went into a home with his invalid father and three younger brothers and sisters to care for. Emma has always been a person where family was of utmost importance. She saw to the need of the people who came into her life. She had a hard time saying she cared and loved, but her actions always showed she did.

'We rejoice that Mom is with her Savior the Lord.'

Emma's memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 4, at Whitefish Foursquare Church. There will be a celebration gathering after the service at Marvin and Jolene's home.