Gayle Crane, 85

Gayle Marie Crane, 85, of Polson, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at The Village in Missoula of cancer.

She was born on April 17, 1940, in Missoula to Maynard and Martha Crane.

Gayle was a good friend to many, a loving mother and grandmother, who loved to spend time with her family. She especially loved sharing her lake house with her family and daughter-in-law’s family where they played bingo, laughed until they cried and, of course, fished from dawn to dusk.

Gayle graduated from high school in Whitefish, class of 1958. She attended the University of Montana where she acquired her BA in 1970, master’s in 1977 and doctorate in 1989. All in the education field. She worked in the education field in Missoula, Arlee, Hardin and Havre, and Hayden Lake, Idaho, Pahrump and Amargosa, Nev., and Powell, Wyo.

She enjoyed bird watching, hiking with her best friend, Joanne Hall, traveling, flower gardening and exploring the deserts of the Southwest. Her travels took her to France, Italy and many other European countries.

She was involved in many conservation organizations. She also had a great love for her dogs.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Martha and Maynard Crane, and daughter Kathrine Kovalicky. Survivors include son John Kovalicky, his wife Deb of Lolo, and two grandsons, Jace and Justin Kovalicky of Polson; sister Joyce Roedel, her husband Ted, niece Tammy Schmitz, her husband Dirk, nephew Mike Roedel, and grand niece and nephew Hanna and Nate Roedel all of Minnesota.

Gayle’s wishes were to be cremated and laid to rest with her daughter, Kathrine, at her Flathead Lake residence and in Glacier National Park. There will be no service per Gayle’s request.