"Jesus gracefully carried Royleen Diana Pietsch-Trueblood to heaven" on March 13, 2009, after a long heroic battle with cancer. She was born Oct. 18, 1940, in Vernon, Texas, to Roy and Christine Pietsch. At an early age, Royleen and her family moved to Fullerton, Calif.

On Dec. 2, 1961, she married Darrell Trueblood. They were married for 30 years. In 1972, they moved to Kalispell and raised two daughters, Christina and Alaina.

Royleen worked at Montana Power for years before retiring to spend more time with her grandchildren, her great joy in life.

Royleen was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for 37 years.

In each step of her illness, she remained smiling and giving to all around her, especially her children and grandchildren. She had a gift of making people feel wanted and special while allowing them to be themselves. Silly beyond compare, she was not shy and was very colorful! We enjoyed her so!

Royleen dearly loved her Bible study fellowship sisters from Montana, Texas and California. They loved her and will never forget her sense of humor, grace and beauty. Before and after her trips to Israel, she had a strong desire to share the Messiah with all people. This continued to be her passion when she fell ill. Her hope, desire and last wish is that all may go where she is now and that we love one another. "A seed must first die before it bears much fruit. Mother, your life and death is bearing much fruit. We love you."

Royleen was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Christine Pietsch.

Royleen is survived by her daughters, Christina Nigg and husband, Rick, and Alaina Moon and husband, Tracy; five grandchildren, Michaela, Jaden, Nathanael, Tianna and Tekiah; brother, Donald Pietsch and wife, Jan; sister, Bobbie Warburton and husband, Les; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services for Royleen will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 19, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with Pastor Mark Cutler officiating. Visitation for Royleen will be held at the church one hour prior to the service.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to either Hope Pregnancy Resource Center, 940 E. First Ave., Kalispell, MT 59901; or to the Clear Choice Clinic, 1281 Burns Way, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Friends are encouraged to visit the Web site at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.