Louise Marie Furlong, 78, passed away Tuesday, May 24, 2007, at the HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell. She was born March 7, 1929, in Kalispell to Walter and Anna (Timm) Franz.

After graduating from the University of Montana in Missoula, Louise married Noel Deane Furlong on June 7, 1951, in Kalispell. The couple moved to Alberton, where she taught for 1 1/2 years before giving birth to one of six children.

Noel and Louise relocated to Kalispell, where Noel took a teaching position at Flathead County High School, and Louise was a homemaker until she returned to teaching when her youngest was in school full time. After acquiring continuing education credits in library sciences, Louise worked full time in the Flathead County High School Library until retiring.

Louise was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church, where she remained active her entire life. She touched countless lives through her life.

Among Louise's loves in life were gardening, cooking, reading, scrapbooking/archiving and her family.

She had a Bachelor of Science degree in political science and was a member of Delta Delta Delta, Ladies' Aide and Quilt Club.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Ruth Sliter and Elfrieda Knutson; and an infant daughter, Susan Marie Furlong.

She is survived by her husband, Noel D. Furlong, of Kalispell; two daughters, Laurie Schmidt of Chadron, Neb., and Judy Buckmaster and husband, Neil, of Bellevue, Wash.; three sons, Mark and wife, Terri, of Columbia Falls, Brian and wife, Sharon, of Auburn, Calif., and Michael and wife, Theresa, of Wilmington, Mass. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Louise will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 24, at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, with Pastor Mark Cutler officiating. Burial will be in the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial gifts be given to Trinity Lutheran Church or to the Northwest Healthcare Foundation, 310 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Louise's family. You are invited to go to johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Louise's guest book.