Lola Wilckens, 85, passed away Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, in Kalispell.

Lola was born Emma Liselotte Kowalczyk on March 30, 1924, in Giessen, Germany, to Emma and Anton Kowalczyk. Starting at a young age, she became a ballerina, earning a living at opera houses before 1939.

She same to the United States on March 7, 1948, and married Blaine Wilckens. She became a U.S. citizen in May 1950.

They lived mostly in Arizona and New Mexico, traveling for road construction. After nine years, they came to Lincoln County, Montana, to ranch on 160 acres on the East Fisher. She also was teaching ballet in Libby, cooking for the Forest Service and working on a racehorse ranch until they bought a larger ranch farther out.

Her husband was still logging at the time, so she did most of the ranch work.

They were divorced after 24 years and Lola moved to Kalispell, where she worked at different jobs until she went into real estate, in which she worked until retiring.

After moving to Kalispell in 1973, she started oil painting, which was a great joy to her. In 1984, on her birthday, she was introduced to Shining Mountains, a center for positive living. She knew she belonged there and attended as long as she could.

She is preceded in her "transition" by all her family.

She is survived by a cousin, Renade Schneider, and two godchildren still living in Germany.

She loved this country and her many friends, like Blanche Garrett, who took her in when she had no place to go and was always there for her. Ida and Jack Paxton, friends for over 55 years, Marlies Coe, Susie Holcomb and Mika and John O'Cain, were all so very helpful. She appreciated Rev. Chrysta Bourne for always making time for her and bringing the tapes from Sunday service. There are too many dear friends to mention all of them, but they are always in her heart.

"I thank you, God, for my life," Lola said.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Elms Apartments recreation room at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. Friends are encouraged to visit the Web site www.buffalohillfh.com to leave a note of condolence.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.