Glenna McEvoy was born and raised in Enid, Okla. It was there that she met Raymond, and after graduation — she from the University of Oklahoma, and he from the University of Illinois — they were married.

During World War II and shortly thereafter, he went overseas and she sold War Bonds and taught school. After completion of his service, they moved to Chicago, where Raymond obtained a doctorate in economics. Following a period of teaching, they moved to Washington, D.C., where Raymond was employed by the government.

In 1955, having had all the heat and humidity they could stand, they searched for a place with mountains and fresh air, and Raymond accepted a teaching fellowship at the University of Montana. Glenna confesses that en route across the flatlands of eastern Montana, she felt disappointment, but upon reaching the mountains, she was delighted.

Arrival in Missoula was the start of a busy and interesting new life for her. In addition to raising their three children, (now expanded to include five grandchildren), she became a Realtor and spent the next several years selling real estate. Next, she bought a travel agency, which led to travel, excitement and community involvement.

Ten years ago, she came to Whitefish to be near her son Bruce, a Kalispell attorney, and his wife Barbara, retired pharmacy director at North Valley Hospital, and their family.

Glenna enjoys volunteering at the gift shop at North Valley Hospital. She confides that making sales "takes me back to high school and my first job at the dime store." The aura of "friendliness and caring" at the hospital and the hugs and camaraderie of employees gives her a good feeling about being a part of the effort to make life better for others.

Glenna, you have contributed to the enrichment of the lives of all members of our community, 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].