Elsie Joan Repnak, 72, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family Dec. 20, 2008, after a short but hard-fought battle with lung cancer. She was born March 1, 1936, in Polson to William and Melva (Mullis' Crawford.

Elsie met the love of her life and her soulmate, William "Bill" Repnak, in Polson, and they were married July 12, 1953.

Elsie made a life of caring for her family. She was in her element when she was in the kitchen or spending time with her children and grandchildren. She also loved to go camping and fishing, always looking to catch the first, the most and the biggest.

If you were fortunate enough to have met Elsie, you know that she never met a stranger and always made you feel welcome and loved. "We are thankful for her life, and through our tears, we rejoice in knowing that her pain and suffering have been washed away by the loving grace of God."

Elsie was preceded in death by her father, William; and sister, Lorna.

She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 55 years, Bill; her mother, Melva Hansen, of Kalispell; six children, Laurie Repnak, Rick Repnak , Jolene Wolfe and her husband, Jody, all of Houston, Bob Repnak of Billings, Luanne McCarthy and her husband, Don, of Lakeside, and Pam Wright and her husband, Frank, of Whitefish. She is also survived by siblings, Mae Walchuck and Dennis Crawford, both of Helena, Gerry Jore of Ronan, and Walter Crawford of Columbia Falls; grandchildren, Jill and Katie Goodnough, Anne and Paige Repnak, Nathan and Amanda Wolfe, Amy and Kyle Wright, and Angela Jacobsen; and great-grandson, Marcus Jacobsen.

The family suggest that contributions can be made to the Hospice Program, 175 Commons Loop No. 100, Kalispell, MT 59901, in honor of Elsie's compassionate, caring nature and her love of life.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home in Kalispell. A reception will be afterward at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Elsie's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Elsie's guest book.