LILLIAN GEHLEN obituary

LEWISTOWN - Lillian K. Gehlen, 94, of Lewistown and formerly of Havre, died Sunday, June 12, 2005, at the Central Montana Skilled Nursing Center of natural causes with her loving family at her bedside.

She was born July 22, 1910, in Havre to William E. and Mary Ann (Lamey) Ryan. She received her education in Havre, graduating from Havre High School.

On April 17, 1937, she was united in marriage to Raymond G. Gehlen Sr. They made their home and raised their children in Havre. Before having their children, she was employed as a bookkeeper for the H. Earl Clack Co. In 1984, they moved to Great Falls, where they lived until her husband's death in 1988. She then moved to Lewistown, where she resided with her daughter. Lillian entered the Skilled Nursing Center on Dec. 6, 1999.

Lillian enjoyed her family, baking, knitting and embroidery. She was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church.

Lillian was the third generation of the Ryan/Lamey family dating back to the 1880s to reside in Hill County.

Survivors include her sons, Raymond (Patricia) of Port Orchard, Wash., and Thomas (Gwenda) of Lewistown; daughter, Diane (Jim) Thompson of Lewistown; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; three brothers; and six sisters.

A funeral service will be at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Lewistown on Thursday at 11 a.m. Burial of cremains will be in Havre at a later date.

Memorials may be made to St. Leo's Church Renovations Fund in Lewistown or to St. Jude Thaddeus School in Havre.

Creel Funeral Home of Lewistown is in charge of arrangements.