Lavana Elizabeth "Dolly" Driver died Monday, Feb. 23, 2009, at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan, after a brief illness.

Born in 1921 in Kentucky, she spent much of her adult life in Kalispell. Later she lived in Kentucky and North Carolina, returning to Montana in 2004.

Dolly was preceded in death by her daughter, Brenda, in 1946; and husband, Fred, in 1998; and several brothers and sisters.

She is survived by a brother, Jim Null, of Minnesota and Florida; a sister, Dorothy Wolfe, of Kalispell; son, Timothy, of North Carolina; daughter, Fran, of Arlee; and adopted son, Joe Starkey, of St. Ignatius; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dolly was employed for many years by Northwest Telephone (later PP and L) in Kalispell.

Her lifelong loves were Jesus, dinners, phone calls, trips with family and friends, gardening, and the wild places and wild creatures of Montana.

Dolly always had plans, even on her death bed, though she was ready to "go home" for the last couple of years. She was sweetness and steel.

No services are planned. There will be a future celebration of her life. Burial was in C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell next to her beloved daughter, Brenda.

Memorials in her name may be made to the Salvation Army or other service agencies will be appreciated. Condolences may be sent to Dolly Driver, P.O. Box 116, St. Ignatius, MT 59865.

Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services of Ronan is assisting with arrangements.