Florence Fletcher was born and raised in Whitefish. As a daughter of Ross and Alice Donahue, she is 'related to half the community." Marriage to husband Jack took her to Portland, Ore., where they raised three sons and now have eight grandchildren.

Both Jack and Florence wanted to live here, so 20 years ago, Jack took early retirement from the insurance industry and they headed home.

With railroading in her genes, Florence gravitated toward the depot. She took an active part in its restoration — like scrubbing and painting — and remains active in its maintenance. She has enjoyed working with the Dirty Hands Garden Club in restoring the lawns and beautifying the depot with flowers.

Florence has remained active in the Stumptown Historical Society and its museum, which she finds fascinating, explaining that in the summer, people visit the museum from all over the world.

"I've met more interesting people than you can imagine.," she said.

She also is active in her church, served on the North Valley Hospital Auxiliary, and regularly works at sorting and selling goods at the Soroptimists' thrift shop.

Florence volunteers because "my heart is in the community," and she asks, "How could anyone sit around the house and not get out and enjoy this interesting town?"

Florence, when you returned home, your friends revived your childhood nickname of "Flossie." But as Shakespeare said, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet," so whether we call you Flossie or Florence, the good work you do shines equally bright. You have done so many nice things to make our community a better place, and we thank you.

— Jake Heckathorn

This column is dedicated to those who give freely of their time and energy to worthwhile community projects, but whose efforts often go unnoticed. If you know such a person, please e-mail [email protected].