Doris Louise Falk Reynolds

HAMILTON - Doris Louise Falk Reynolds was born February 1, 1931 to the late Elmer and Fostine Falk in Valentine, NE and passed away at home on May 29, 2015. She leaves behind her three children by marriage to Adelbert E. Reynolds, her late husband; Adelbert E. Reynolds, Jr and wife Susan of Hamilton, Rhonda Tingle of Hamilton and Wanda Edinger and husband James of Stevensville; grandchildren, Ryan, Allison, Lindsy, Bryan, Brandi Jo and Tayne; great-grandchildren, Tyra Lea, Casey James, Cainen John, Kestin, Tyler, Charlie and Talyn; brother, Richard (Mary Ann Falk) of Hamilton and David (Ina) Falk of Longview, WA; nephews, Jim, Dennis, Wes, Jason, Brad, Ronnie, Aaron and Jeff; and nieces, Charlotte, Peggy, Linda and Cindy.

Doris was preceded in death by her brothers, Hank C. Falk and Leonard Falk and her sisters, Dorothy Falk Schliecher and Betty Falk Weisman.

Mom had quite an occupational history. She worked for the Anaconda Building Company making raspberry and strawberry boxes during the late 50's. She was a bookkeeper for Chevron Oil Company working for Bud Thompson at the A frame building, which is now the Red Rooster here in Hamilton, in the late 60's. Doris was also a clerk at the Sprouse Reitz Store for nearly 20 years, located at the now occupied Elks Lodge. She worked for Link Shonkwiler at the Ravalli County Bank as a bookkeeper for some years, and as a clerk for the late Frank Robinson, the local State Farm agent. And last but not least, she worked for Dr. Palmer for many years.

Doris married Adelbert E. Reynolds on September 13, 1947. Mom and dad ran off to Butte and got hitched by a Justice of the Peace, JJ MacNamara, and the two witnesses, Raymond C. Reynolds and Ed Mulholland. Mom met dad at a weekend dance at the old VFW hall down by the red bridge in the summer of 1947.

Although her early marriage interrupted her high school education, mom later received her GED despite work and raising us. It was one of her greatest personal achievements.

Mom's life became much busier after the birth of her children while she managed to work the above jobs and provide a healthy home environment. We all didn't want to miss the ritual of fried chicken, pickled beets and tomato jam on Sunday's.
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In the late 70's, dad and mom purchased a cabin lease up on Painted Rocks Reservoir. Mom enjoyed the mountains and especially taking her granddaughters, Allison and Lindsy, rockhounding. Dad even bought mom her own Trail 90 to cruise the mountain roads. She had many adventures there and enjoyed her company and especially her neighbors, Carol and the late Don Grant.

As our dad gave his service to our country, so did our mother. Mom had a passion for youth, she was a Cub Scout den mother and held the meetings for our pack at our home on Cooper Lane. She was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary unit #47 of Hamilton. She and one of her dearest friends, the late Jean Pfeiffer, attended many functions together. In August of 1984, she was honored as the "American Legion Auxiliary Member of the Year" for the State of Montana at the convention in Lewistown. She traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah for her contribution as children and youth chairwoman to the Unit, with her "Project Identification", a voluntary fingerprinting for children. Later, her grandson, Bryan, would be injured in a tragic motorcycle accident that left him bedridden. Mom and dad built their last house and included Bryan in their plans, where mom cared for her grandson at their new home until she too became too bedridden to assist in his care.

The family would like to thank our special caregivers, Sharon Holmes and Sheryl Frank for their tremendous effort in the care of our mother. We would also like to give our appreciation to our uncle, Richard Falk, who called and visited our mother, his sister, these past years.

At Doris's request no funeral services will be held and cremation has taken place. The family will have a private ceremony at a later date.