Helen (Marker) Schilling, 88, of Kalispell, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2007, at Immanuel Lutheran home of natural causes.

Helen was born Sept. 3, 1919, in Park City, to Jacob and Katherine Elizabeth Marker. She had three brothers and two sisters. Helen attended country school in Billings. In 1935 the family moved to Harlem where Helen attended high school.

In 1940 she began courting Ervin "Bud" Schilling, who she knew from high school. They were married on Feb. 15, 1941, in Harlem. They made their home on Bud's farm 12 miles north of Harlem. Helen and Bud had five sons and one daughter. She not only helped raise her family, she also worked at the Merry Market grocery store in Harlem for nine years, and at the post office for five years. In 1983, they moved to Somers where they met so many cherished friends.

Helen was member of Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Somers.

Helen and Bud were married for 63 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Katherine Marker; her husband, Bud; two sons, Wayne and Jerry Schilling; two brothers, Bill and Herman Marker; and a sister, Marie Helger.

Helen is survived by a daughter, Sharon Bruyer, of Kalispell; sons, Chuck Schilling of Harlem, William and Mark Schilling, both of Havre; one brother, Victor Marker of Sidney; one sister, Esther Allen of billings; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

"Helen will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. She enjoyed all her card playing friends, and came to know many fine friends through Immanuel Lutheran Home. May God Bless all of you."

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28 at the Harlem Cemetery.

Memorials donations may be made to Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901, Immanuel Lutheran Home, 185 Crestline Ave., Kalispell, MT 59901 or Eidsvold Lutheran Church, 5935 U.S. 93 South, Somers, MT 59932.

Buffalo Hill Funeral home of Kalispell and Edwards funeral Home of Chinook are caring for the family.