Following a recent short illness, Jean Lavern (Colby) Spicher died peacefully on Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, at Brendan House with her family at her side. She was 91 years old.

Jean was born Sept. 28, 1919, in Scobey. She was one of two daughters born to Edwin and Estella (Hughes) Colby. Jean received her early education in Scobey. When she was 10 years old her family moved to Fort Benton, so Jean finished her secondary education there, graduating from Fort Benton High School in 1937.

Following high school she began working as an operator at the local telephone company. She befriended the Handford family, who invited her to travel with them as their “nanny” on a six-month adventure throughout the United States. Jean often reminisced about this trip and considered it the experience of a lifetime.

After Jean returned to Montana, she continued her education at Western Montana College in Dillon, where she earned a two-year teaching certificate.  She moved to Hingham and began teaching in the elementary school. While there she met a local farmer, George L. Spicher, and they were married on July 15, 1945 in Spokane.

George and his brother, Richard, were partners in their farming operations, Hi-Line Fertilizer and Chester Motors, so Jean worked diligently as a farm wife and business bookkeeper. She also enjoyed her role as homemaker and mother of two daughters.

George and Jean moved to Chester in 1963 to operate Chester Motors following the sudden death of their business associate, Walter Rust. They ran the Ford dealership in Chester until 1973, then sold it to Don Raunig.

After spending a few years in north Spokane, the Spichers retired to Lakeside where they enjoyed their home on Flathead Lake. They were married 40 years when George died of cancer in 1985. Jean continued to live at Lakeside until 1996, when she sold her property and purchased a townhouse in Kalispell. She enjoyed good health and remained active in the community.

 Three years ago Jean suffered a broken hip; she transferred to the Brendan House Skilled Nursing Facility for rehabilitation and continued to reside there.

Jean had been active in the Lakeside Community Club, Republican Women, United Way, Lakeside Methodist Church, and P.E.O. She was also a member of the Buffalo Hill Golf Club, a Kalispell book club called “The Lunch Bunch,” and various bridge clubs.

The Spichers enjoyed traveling to Ford conventions and other destinations throughout the years. Several memorable trips were to Alaska, Panama Canal, Thailand, Hong Kong and Europe, to name a few.

In her younger years Jean enjoyed gardening and sewing. In later years she enjoyed golfing, playing bridge and collecting spoons. Throughout her life she was an avid reader and an accomplished artist. (Her specialty was painting family portraits.)

 Jean was an organized lady who maintained a positive attitude in life. Her home was always immaculate and she took great pride in her personal care. Last, but not least, Jean appreciated the love of her family and friends.

She was preceded in death not only by her husband and parents, but also by her sister, Irene Bennett; and two grandchildren, Matthew Badger and Amalie Lehman.

Survivors include her two daughters, Cheryl and Doug Allen of Cut Bank and Marsha and Mel Lehman of Kalispell; four grandchildren, Scott Allen, Park Allen, Allison Badger and Marcus Lehman; five great-grandchildren; a special friend, Peggy Sweat (who has been her caregiver for the past six years); many cousins, including Mary Jane Nelsen (who was raised as her sister); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 25, at the Epworth United Methodist Church, 329 Second Ave. E., Kalispell. Viewing will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., today, at the church, and Friday prior to services. Burial will be in the C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell. A luncheon will follow at the church. Arrangements are by Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester. 

Memorials may be given to the United Way, Brendan House in Kalispell, or Hi-Line Health Foundation in Chester.