Marjorie Mae Mills, 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2011, at Expressions Assisted Living Facility near Columbia Falls.

Marge was born in Kalispell, Aug. 8, 1924, the youngest child of Harrison and Ora Gorton. She spent her early years in the northwest dam area of Kalispell. In 1934, the family moved to the Creston farm, where Margie finished her elementary education at the Creston School.

In 1942, after graduating from Flathead County High School, Marge and several of her girlfriends headed west to Seattle to do their part in the war effort. If getting towed off Lake Union by the Coast Guard in a “dead in the water sailboat” helped our boys win the big one, then the girls definitely did their part. (And apparently on more than one occasion to boot!)

At the end of the war Margie returned home to Creston where she met and soon married her best friend Andy Mills, in 1945. Marge and Andy had many years of enjoyment at their Echo Lake cabin, being involved with their daughter’s horses, 4-H projects and most importantly, just spending time making memories with family and friends.

Marge enjoyed sewing, knitting, ceramics and flower gardening. Her greatest love of all was her animals. We all joked that we would love to come back in another life as one of her dogs.

Her wonderful sense of humor and wit made many fast friends for her. You never had to wonder what she was thinking and you knew she’d always be there if you needed her. She was a great friend and the mom everyone wished they had.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents; brother, James; and her beloved husband, Andy.

She is survived by her daughters, Andrea and Bill Bailey of Kalispell, and Marcy Mills of Missoula; grandchildren, Tara of Seattle, Maren of Kalispell, and Jim Ivey and Blair of Dallas, Ga.; great-grandchildren, Andrew Bailey-Mavis, and Caroline and Garrett Ivey; brothers, Jack and Mary, and Sidney and Monte Gorton; special lifelong friend, Peggy Enberg of Creston; and niece, Kate Heggen, of Kalispell. She also leaves behind her beloved and faithful dog Lucy.

Services for Marge will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 7,  at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.

Donations may be made in Marge’s name to Mission Valley Animal Shelter, 239 North Reservoir Road, Polson, MT 59860.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Marge’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Marge’s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.