ELEANOR FELTON obituary

CHINOOK Eleanor Jackson Felton, 83, died peacefully on July 20 surrounded by her family at the family home in Chinook following a courageous battle with cancer.

Her funeral is scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m. at the American Lutheran Church in Chinook. Eleanor “Jackie” was born Oct. 12, 1922 at rural Harlem to Ole and Bertha (Shelstad) Jackson, their 11th child. Her mother died when she was 3. In 1928, her father married Bertha Hewitt, who had four children of her own. Jackie attended school at Turner through grade 9, when she moved to Harlem to live with her sister, Pearl Brekke, and family after her father became ill. She graduated from Harlem High School in 1940 and attended Great Falls Commercial College. In 1942, she started working for the Blaine County Clerk of Court as deputy. In 1946, she met the love of her life, Jack Felton, at a dance, and they were married on Dec. 28, 1947 in Harlem. In 1948, she gave birth to triplet daughters, Diane, Darlene and Denise. They welcomed daughters, Vicki in 1954 and Sandy in 1955. Jackie returned to Blaine County as deputy in 1960, and later as clerk of court from 1973 to 1985. After retiring, Jackie and Jack spent time camping, traveling and enjoying their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a special fondness for babies, as they did for her. Jackie was a charter member of VFW Auxiliary No. 4620 and a life member of the American Lutheran Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings and one grandson. Survivors include her husband, Jack; daughters, Diane Jenneskens (Fred) of Bigfork, Darlene Kelley (Gary) of Idaho Falls, Denise Cowan (Steve) of Columbus, Vicki Thomas (Chris) of Bellevue, Wash., and Sandra Bay (Gary) of Helena; 14 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Memorials can be sent to the American Lutheran Church, Box 336, Chinook, MT 59523; Bear Paw Hospice at 30 W. 13th St., Havre, MT 59501; or to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are by Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook.