Jean Carter, 77, of Kalispell, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 6, 2013, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Her family and friends were by her side.

Jean was born in Colorado Springs, Colo., on July 28, 1936. She spent her early childhood in Colorado Springs, then moved to Aspen, Colo., as a teenager. She worked at her parents' motel in Aspen, the Swiss Chalet, and spent her free time skiing, hiking, camping and riding horses in the mountains. She also competed in barrel racing.

In 1956, Jean married Tommy J. Carter. They built a home in Aspen and raised three children. For many years, Jean worked at the Copper Kettle in Aspen.

Jean eventually made her way to Whitefish, beginning her real estate career in 1985 and continued working until her death. She was highly respected in her profession and will be greatly missed by her colleagues.

During her 28-year real estate career in Whitefish, she was managing broker at Coldwell Banker and ended her career as a broker with National Parks Realty. In recent years, she teamed with her Realtor daughter, Jill Carter-Jones.

The joy of Jean's life was her interest in raising Pembroke Welsh Corgis and teaching and competing in canine agility. She shared her interest with a large number of appreciative friends who will forever be thankful for Jean's generosity.

Jean also loved to garden and cook and especially enjoyed experimenting with recipes on her family at Sunday dinners.

Jean's dream in life was to live on property with a field for her dogs to run and an agility barn for her dogs to train. She managed to live that dream for over 10 years and died within her beloved home.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Jill Carter-Jones, and husband, Mike, of Whitefish; son, Sean Carter, and wife, Chris, of Kalispell; and son, Michael Carter, of Moab, Utah.

Cremation has taken place. At her request, Jean's remains will be buried in Red Butte Cemetery in Aspen.

An open house to celebrate Jean's life will be held between 4 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Flathead Valley Spay and Neuter Task Force (P.O. Box 2095, Whitefish 59937) or to a charity of your choice.