Dorothy L. Gallik was born Sept. 28, 1929, to Clayton and Rose Gibbons in Lawton, N.D. She passed away on Aug. 30, 2011, at Peace Hospice in Great Falls, Mont.
When she was 12 years old, Dorothy moved to Great Falls, Mont. She graduated from Great Falls High School in 1947. Dorothy was employed by Great Falls National Bank for three years, and in June 1950 married Edward Gallik. After they were married, she was also employed by Montgomery Wards in Billings, and helped Ed with his water hauling business in Great Falls. She also participated and helped with many facets of the family business, Skyhaven.
Ed and Dorothy had three children, and as a young mother she was involved in many youth activities. She was a Bluebird and Camp Fire leader and Cub Scout Den Mother, and taught Sunday School for many years. Dorothy always found time to help and show kindness to others with a smile.
In recent years she participated in the “FISH” program, one of her favorite charities, which provides food for the less fortunate in the local area. For the past several years she preferred her Christmas gift from her family be given to the FISH charity. She began a wonderful, loving, family tradition of gift giving this way.
All of her adult life Dorothy was an active member of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation, being involved with numerous church activities, including the Episcopal Church Women, serving on the Altar Guild, participating in rummage and bake sales and joining Home Aloners after Ed’s passing, along with many other labors of love at church. Her gifts, materially or spiritually were always of love.
Dorothy had many activities and hobbies that she enjoyed.
She and Ed belonged to the Natatorim and participated in swimming therapy where they made many friends. She also was involved in the Prospect Home Extension Club, where the Christmas homemade cookie exchange was a yearly highlight. She was also an avid and talented water color painter and seamstress, creating many beautiful pieces, to wear or to look at. She had a very special talent in those areas, along with her great cooking ability and special family favorites.
Dorothy is survived by her three children, Diane Dowling, of Spokane, Wash., David (Gail) Gallik, of Helena, Mont., and Gayle (Darrell) Archey of Great Falls, Mont. ; a grandson, J.P. (Allison) Dowling; a granddaughter, Michelle Dowling; and two great-grandchildren, Brady Edward Dowling and Mack Robert Dowling, all of Spokane, Wash. She is also is survived by several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Edward Gallik; a brother, Loren Gibbons; and a sister, Eileen DeCew, along with her own parents, Rose and Clayton Gibbons.
Dorothy Gallik was known for her loving kindness and thoughtful consideration of others. Everybody loved her because she was always so positive and caring, and believed so strongly that God was always in control. Dorothy was grateful for those important in her life including family, friends and caregivers. Dorothy always had special admiration and thanks for the care of Dr. Guter and staff in her later years.
A memorial in celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at The Church of the Incarnation, 600 3rd Ave. N. in Great Falls, Mont., on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011, at 2 p. m. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to FISH, 1620 12th Ave. N., Great Falls, MT 59401.
