Longtime Kalispell resident Nellie Lakey, 87, died peacefully Tuesday, March 27, 2007, in Kalispell, surrounded by loved ones. She was born May 18, 1919, in Inverness, to Oscar arid Emma (Lambott) Adams.

She was the second of 13 children. She was no stranger to hard work, helping to raise younger siblings and in her early teens was cooking for thrashing crews.

In November 1938, Nellie married Houston Lakey in Havre, and they lived on the family's ranch north of Chester until 1945.

Prior to settling in the Flathead Valley, Nellie and Houston owned and operated a private business in Terry for many years.

On retirement, they traveled together for almost 20 years. Winters were spent in Arizona and California, and summers visiting friends and family throughout Montana, and even making a few trips to Alaska.

Nellie was a wonderful cook. Her family remembers the homemade bread, juicy pies and especially her famous cinnamon rolls. She was also an accomplished seamstress. Her projects included ruffled baby rompers, prom dresses and even a camping tent. She crocheted elaborate designs on delicate linen hankies and on pillowcases. Later in life she made afghans for all the grandchildren and then baby quilts for all the great-grandchildren and for the babies of friends in her church.

Nellie enjoyed china painting and also was noted for her oil paintings of farm scenes and beautiful flowers. She loved picking berries, canning and shopping for bargains at the thrift stores.

More recently, she enjoyed her flowers, reading, and visiting with friends. Nellie was one resilient and very determined individual; winning three courageous and separate baffles with cancer.

She was very devoted to her faith, opening up her home to visiting ministers and hosting weekly Bible studies. Although illnesses slowed her down in later life, "she let the Lord strengthen her to carry on longer than most could have." Her family would like to thank the very special people of Kalispell who loved and cared for Nellie especially all her devoted church family, neighbors, friends and the many health care providers and volunteers.

Nellie was preceded in death by Houston, her loving husband of 57 years; an infant grandson; two brothers, Victor and Thomas Adams; six sisters, Nora, Stella, Iona, Marie, Helen and Elsie.

She is now survived by her children and their spouses, John and Kathy Lakey of Twentynine Palms, Calif.; Sheila Coulston of Bainvelle, Naomi and Pat Leonard of Eagle River, Alaska; Sharon and Keith) Schwartz of Baker; and Jim and Patty Lakey of Tioga, N.D.; two brothers, Charles Adams of Inverness, and Zane Adams and wife Cathy of Rudyard; two sisters, Gladys of Rudyard, and Joyce of Bremerton, Wash.; two sisters-in-law, Mary Ann of Livingston, and Ethel of Chester; 21 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a multitude of friends.

Funeral services for Nellie Lakey will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 2, in the Johnson Mortuary chapel, with burial afterward at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 31, at Johnson Mortuary.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Nellie's family.