Grace Weaver passed away, after a nine-year battle with breast cancer, on Oct. 5, 2007, at her home in Kalispell, surrounded by her family. She was a loving and devoted wife, mom and grandma, and a wonderful friend and teacher who will be greatly missed.

Grace was born July 22, 1934, in Devil's Lake, N.D., to Walter and Ella Palmer.

She grew up in Minnewaukan, N.D., and graduated from Minnewaukan High School in 1952.

She attended Concordia College in Moorehead, Minn., and received a two-year teaching certificate. She loved teaching and spent three years as a first grade teacher in Plentywood, before returning to the University of North Dakota to receive her four-year degree.

In 1959, she met Art Weaver while attending the University of North Dakota and they married on June 12, 1960. Grace and Art lived in Lisbon and Fargo, N.D., where Grace continued her teaching career.

In 1963, she made the decision to become a full-time homemaker and mom. From 1966 to 1985, the family lived in Jamestown, N.D., Huron, S.D., and Great Falls, before moving to Kalispell in 1985.

Grace enjoyed sharing her spirit and talents with others. She was a Big Sister with Big Brothers and Sisters of Flathead County for more than 11 years, a volunteer teacher for Literacy Volunteers of Flathead County, and was actively involved with every church in which she was a member, most recently Bethlehem Lutheran.

She loved meeting new people, traveling, dancing, watching Seattle Mariners baseball, shopping and keeping in touch with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Francis and Mayo Palmer.

Grace is survived by her best friend and husband of 47 years, Art Weaver, of Kalispell; her three daughters, Elizabeth Smith and husband Adam of Yakima, Wash., Jane Lally and husband Tim of Whitefish, and Sara Ogborn and husband Dan of Seattle; and two grandchildren whom she adored, Garrett and Hannah Lally of Whitefish. She is also survived by two brothers, Wesley Palmer of Reno, Nev., and Douglas Palmer of Great Falls.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 12, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church with Pastor Larry Stappler officiating. Lunch will be served following the service.

Memorial donations may be made to Big Brothers and Big Sisters, 137 Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901; or to the Literacy Volunteers of Flathead County, P.O. Box 3234, Kalispell, MT 59903.

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