Virginia Gail Battes, 56, passed away Oct. 5, 2007, at Health Center Northwest. She fought a long battle against cancer, where she was victorious four times. She was born Feb. 15, 1951, in Kalispell to Stella and Claude Rhodes. She grew up with her 10 sisters and one brother.

As a child she enjoyed playing softball, sledding, playing in old junk cars and wandering the neighborhood. She came from a large loving family.

Virginia and Duane met in 1964. They married in 1965. They would have been married for 42 years on New Year's Eve. Duane has lost his best friend and the love of his life.

Virginia went back to college at the age of 40 and graduated with honors in 1991 from Flathead Valley Community College. She started her own small business and then became a manager for Town Pump until June 2006.

Virginia enjoyed traveling with her husband, Duane. Some of Virginia's hobbies were taking pictures, collecting hundreds of bunnies and hummingbirds. She also enjoyed sitting next to her pond that her husband made for her to enjoy.

Virginia's favorite holiday was Christmas. She loved playing Santa's helper and handing out presents. She loved when family got together and enjoyed life.

Virginia is survived by her husband, Duane Battes; her four daughters and their families, Tina and Nick Venturini and their children, Matthew, Tabitha, Mario, and Mallare, Tammy and Dan Curtin and their children, Lacie Jo and David, Tanya and Eric Lindsey and their son, Bryce, and Trisha and Ray Connors and their children, Bailey and Shaelin, whom she enjoyed playing with and playing practical jokes on. Virginia is also survived by her mother, Stella Rhodes; one brother; nine sisters; and many other extended family members.

Virginia was preceded in death by her father, Claude Rhodes; sister, Mary Fisher; brother-in-law, Ed Fisher; and niece, Misty Anderson.

A celebration of her life will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers or gifts please send donations to Virginia Battes Benefit, 2160 Airport Road, No. 23, Kalispell, MT 59901. A reception will be afterward at another location.

We invite everyone who knew and loved Virginia to join us in a celebration of her life.