Lillian Mae Stubbert Ness, 75

Lillian is, and will always be, deeply missed. She passed away on New Year's Day Jan. 1, 2026.

She was born on Oct. 3, 1950, in Kalispell. She grew up in Galata and attended Shelby High School. In her early twenties, she returned to Kalispell, where she met and married James R. Ness Jr. and together, they raised their family.

Lillian experienced profound loss at a young age. She lost both of her parents before the age of twenty. As a young mother, she endured the heartbreak of losing her second son to stillbirth and her infant daughter, Talitha Elizabeth. She later lost her husband, Jim, when she was only 39 years old, and her beloved 22-year-old son, Jimmy, when Lillian was 53.

Despite the immense grief she carried throughout her life, Lillian remained deeply devoted to her family. She bore her losses with quiet strength, yet always found a way to smile, to love, and to bring joy to others. Her resilience and gentle spirit were evident to all who knew her.

For more than 30 years, Lillian worked at Evergreen Gas and Deli. It wasn’t just a job to her — it was a place where she connected with people. Many faces came and went, but Lillian remained the same steady, kind presence behind the counter, caring about everyone who walked through those doors. She welcomed many owners and countless customers. She was a familiar, trusted presence in the community and took pride in her work.

Faith was central to Lillian’s life. She took her children to church and showed them the way to Jesus. Her children continue to walk in the faith, a lasting testament to her example.

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, James R. Ness Jr. and her children, James Nathaniel Ness, Baby Boy Ness and Talitha Elizabeth Ness; her parents, Delbert Henry Stubbert and Mary Delilah Fox Stubbert; her brothers, Melvin Stubbert and Edwin Stubbert; and her sister, Virginia Stubbert Mitchell.

She is survived by her devoted children, Chris Stubbert, Valentine Ness Hopp (and Jason) and Daniella Ness, also LeeZann who she loved like a daughter. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, from Valentine — Josiah, Gabriel, Caleb, Samuel and Rebekah (and Colton); from Daniella — Saige Ketchen (and Joe), Savanna Davis (and Chris) and Matthew Ketchen (and Sheridan).

Lillian was blessed with great-grandchildren, Josie and Nellie, children of Saige and Joe, and a great-grandchild on the way from Matthew and Sheridan.

She is also survived by her brother, Carl Stubbert, her cousins, Linda and Bill Stewart and family, Sue and Dan Schraeder and family, her brother-in-law, Lonnie Mitchell and nephews, Travis and Troy Mitchell and their families. She is also survived by many other family members and her beloved dog, Silly.

Mom, we may no longer see you here on earth, but we know we will see you again. Thank you for being the very best mother and grandmother. We miss you beyond words. We will always remember you for your strength, faith, and unwavering love for your family. The only thing that will ever fill this emptiness is the joyful reunion we look forward to when we see you again.

Lillian's memorial will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24 at Valley Community Church of God located at 2149 U.S. 2 E., Kalispell, MT. 

Thank you to all who have expressed condolences and to all who are able to attend Lillian's memorial. We appreciate you. 

Thank you to Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home for helping us through this difficult time.