Ethel Lorraine Kalanick

Ethel Lorraine Kalanick

Ethel Lorraine Kalanick, 92, died Sept. 5, after being diagnosed with lung cancer.

Ethel Lorraine Pewitt was born Jan. 15, 1919, in Havre, Mont., to Luther Earl and Ethel Pewitt. Her father died when she was just 2 years old, and she was lovingly raised by her mother and step-father, Albert Kowalczyk, along with her younger siblings, Elton, Louise, Vera and Albert Jr. She treasured her family and childhood and often spoke of her childhood home and spending summers in the Little Rockies on her aunt's farm.

After a 'love at first sight' meeting at a dance, she married the partner of her life, Steve Kalanick, on Oct. 17, 1937. She fondly recalled their wedding cake made by friends, a giant angel food cake baked in a wash tub with a large jar to create the center hole. They worked diligently and later bought his parents' homesteaded farm and ranch near Big Sandy, Mont. She told of her first day being married and on the farm. As a "city girl" from Havre, she didn't know what to do. But after seeing Steve milk the cow after returning from a long day of working in the coal mine, she felt so badly that the next morning she took him by the hand and led him out to teach her how it was done. She spoke often of the joy that came from farm life: raising hundreds of chickens — their two large gardens, cooking with her daughters for large crews of family, friends and hired hands, and once (in their 70s). she and Steve took in the entire wheat harvest on their own.

They shared life's adventures while living in the tiny homestead house. When their youngest child was 2 years old, they built a two-story home with plumbing and electricity. They delighted in raising their five children and found exceptional enjoyment in the successive arrival of their seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter. Together they farmed for 65 years before retiring and moving to Great Falls. In 2010, they celebrated their 73rd anniversary and the following February they were recognized as Montana's longest married couple.

They deeply valued their family, friends and each other. This showed in everything from her life-long love for and friendship with her mother, and taking care of Steve's parents, to making mud pies with her grandchildren. Ethel's grand and great-grandchildren loved her dearly and enjoy reminiscing about summers and holidays on the farm, all getting together to build "The Contraption, " and often try to replicate her delicious cooking.

She was preceded in death by her son, Steve 'Butch' Kalanick; her daughter, Judy Willey; and her grandson Steve Romans.

She is survived by her husband, Steve Kalanick in Great Falls; her sister, Louise Flynn in Arizona, three of their children, Ethel 'Toots' Atkinson in Idaho, Ronald Kalanick (Kandra) in California, and Richard 'Dick' Kalanick in Montana; seven grandchildren, Perry Romans, Ethel Louise "'Sis" Delaney, Chris Brown, Dawn Kalanick, Travis Kalanick, Dr. Brooke Kalanick-Larson (Joe), Dustin Kalanick (Jessica) ; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

She died peacefully at home in the presence of her husband, her son, Richard; and their beloved nurse, Rose Wright. Per Ethel's wishes, there will be a private family memorial and joyful celebration of life.