Ellen G. Poier, 75, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. She was born Jan. 24, 1933, in Somers, the daughter of Forrest and Gertrude (Jacobson) Rognlie.

She grew up in Somers, attended grade school there, and graduated from Flathead High School in 1951.

On Sept. 6, 1952, Ellen married the love of her life, Stan Poier, in Kalispell, and moved to Kalispell to start her family.

Ellen was very active in Bethlehem Lutheran Church activities and women's groups. She also was active in blood drives, Literacy Volunteers, and loved to compete in the fair's activities. Ellen loved donating her time by working with the school lunch programs and cooking for the Immanuel Lutheran Home.

She loved to spend her free time with her husband, Stan, at their cabin at Ashley Lake. She also loved being creative and making crafts and flower displays.

A few of Ellen's favorite words were, "I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future." She didn't know what was coming next, but she had faith in who was guiding her and therefore loved life to the fullest. She was a very loving wife, mother and grandmother, and was willing to do anything for a friend. She will be surely missed by all who came to know and love her.

Ellen was preceded in death by her son, Stanton Poier; her parents, Forrest and Gertrude Rognlie; and her sister, Inez McGovern.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Stan Poier; and sons, Howard, and Don Poier and wife, Deb, all of Kalispell; two grandchildren, Casey Poier and Samantha Poier; a brother, Paul Rognlie, and wife, Lemoyne, of Boise, Idaho; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Ellen will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with Pastor Larry Stappler officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, Jan. 17, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Burial will be after services at Glacier Memorial Gardens.

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