Rose Housky, 82, of Whitefish passed away at Brendan House Jan. 2, 2008, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

She was born Sept. 6, 1925, along with her twin sister, Mary, to Pedro and Melania Sanchez in Paicines, Calif.

She moved around California with her family, finally settling in Monterey. There, she met and married the love of her life, Frank Housky. They were married July 11, 1948. Together they owned and operated Grey Oaks Kennels, in which they boarded, trimmed and showed dogs professionally. They traveled all across the United States showing dogs and took much pride in it.

They had one daughter, Michelle, and later moved to Castroville, Calif., where they had a small farm with many animals. Frank later passed away suddenly at the age of 56.

Rose followed her daughter and daughter's family to Kalispell in 1994. There she was able to watch her grandchildren grow and be a part of their everyday lives. She made many friends while she lived here; she enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, and was always willing to help in any way that she could. Everyone that met her loved her.

She was a very sweet and kind person. One of her favorite hobbies was playing bingo. She also loved cooking and trying new recipes, working in the yard, making ceramics, and helping to care for her grandchildren.

She was a very active person, even up until the time of her illness, but her biggest joy came from her grandchildren; they kept her young and full of life. Also when her brother, Andy, would come yearly and visit her, she always so looked forward to his company.

The last four years of her life she actually got to live with her daughter and family, and took much pride in her apartment that they built for her at their home.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank; sisters, Fernanda Sanchez, Mary Gee, Alice Cardinalli and Tommie Kennedy; and nephew, Don Gee.

Rose is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Wally Wilkinson, of Whitefish; granddaughter, Meagan Wilkinson, of Whitefish; two grandsons, Dillon and Tucker Wilkinson, of Whitefish; brother, Andy Sanchez, of Tehachapi, Calif.; sisters, Frances Frusetta of Monterey, and Teresa Recuero of Hayward, Calif.; and many nieces nephews and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8, at the Johnson Mortuary chapel. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Rose's guest book. Another memorial will be held in Monterey in the spring.

'Mom, you brought us much love, happiness, and kindness. We were so blessed to have you in our lives and living with us. I don't know what we will do without you. We love you and miss you always and forever.'