Jeanine Hatlen

Jeanine Elizabeth Hatlen, 69, died on Jan. 22, 2005, at her Green Spring apartment in Libby, one day after returning from Kalispell where surgery successfully replaced her left elbow.

Jeanine was born on Dec. 10, 1935, at Kalispell, the first child of K. Harold and Hilda Lee Hatlen.

Jeanine attended school at Somers and later at Libby, after moving here with her family in 1949. Jeanine was an early participant in Libby programs for developmentally disabled students.

She worked at various jobs at Achievements Inc. until her retirement.

In 1996 Jeanine was named Employee of the Year for her work in the Baby and Toddler department of Achievements¹ Thrift Store.

Jeanine loved to design and crochet doll clothes and in 1982 she placed first in the crochet Dress a Doll contest sponsored by Libby¹s United Bank.

A gifted artist, her painting of a church won a merit award at the Governor¹s Art Conference in 1994. In 1997 Jeanine¹s oil painting ³A Rural Scene² was entered in a statewide competition for Montanans with Disabilities and was included in their 1997 calendar.

Jeanine was a faithful member of Christ Lutheran Church, rarely missing a service until mobility issues made attendance difficult.

As a young girl she was a 10-year member of 4-H and enjoyed working on home and self-improvement projects.

Jeanine is survived by her mother Hilda E. Hatlen, Libby; a brother and sister-in-law, Roe and Beverly Hatlen, Apple Valley, Minn.; brother and sister-in-law Richard and Karen Hatlen, Menlo Park, Calif.; nieces Monica Roys-Myers and Kari Hatlen; nephews Erik, Hans, Lars and Leif Hatlen; an uncle Robert Hatlen, Kalispell, three aunts in Minnesota, Normal Hilgert, Bird Island, Ida Vien, Clarkfield, and Betty Jacobs, Minneapolis, and numerous cousins.

Jeanine was preceded in death by her father in 1992 and her sister Betty in 2000.

Jeanine will be remembered by her family as a special person who made the most of her gifts. She unselfishly used her talents to give joy to others in the form of handiwork that ranged from practical potholders to elaborate doll clothes.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 27, at Christ Lutheran Church with Pastor Les Nelson officiating.

Memorials may be made to Achievements Inc, 101 Mineral Ave, Libby.

Local arrangements are by the Nelson & Vial Funeral Home.