Ida Katherine Kirack, 100, “went home to the Lord” on Oct. 15, 2014, in Kalispell, with family by her side.
Ida was born in Fullerton, N.D., on Nov. 28, 1913, the seventh of 15 children born to August and Sophia Gemar. Her early childhood years were a rich and rewarding experience on the large family farm in Oaks, N.D.
Ida eventually moved to Portland where she met and married her husband Garvin Kirack in 1949, and in 1951 they had their first child, Noel. The two had a happy, albeit short, marriage. Garvin died in a construction accident in 1956 when Ida was pregnant with their second child, LeAnn. Following her husband's death, Ida moved to Newberg, Ore., where she raised her children.
In her latter years, Ida moved to Vancouver, Wash., to be closer to LeAnn and her family, and then in 2006 she relocated to Kalispell to be near Noel and his family. She lived at Buffalo Hill Terrace until the time of her death.
Ida loved life and added sparkle and spunk to everything she did. She will be fondly remembered for giving patient time to everyone, especially babies and children; for the twinkle in her eyes when she was being mischievous; and her flare for making family times so much fun. She loved her family dearly. Ida enjoyed her daily devotions, growing beautiful flowers, and had a reputation for making the best pies in town. Her family jokingly attributed her longevity to eating lots of sweets and anything chocolate.
Ida is survived by her sister, Cora Triplett; and her brother, Harold Gemar; son, Noel, and Marilyn Kirack; daughter, LeAnn and Gary Bixler; grandchildren, Jenny and Jamie Woods, Ryan Kirack, Travis Bixler, and Alissa and Chris Munoz; great-grandchildren, Emily and Ethan Woods; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The number of her days were in the hands of the Lord, and there were many. She left a treasure of a million golden memories. She is home at last. The family is planning a celebration of her life on her birthday at Thanksgiving.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Buffalo Hill Terrace and the Assisted Living staff, Susan and the hospice team, and Dr. Habel for providing Ida with such wonderful care.