Dorothy Kittilson

Dorothy Isabel Day Kittilson, 90, of Libby died Sunday, Oct. 22, 2006.

Dorothy was born March 1, 1916, in Fairfield, Iowa, to Newt and Mary Frieberg.

Her family moved to Scobey, where she played French horn with Scobey High School Band before graduating in 1935.

While attending a grange hall dance in Flaxville, Dorothy was accidentally released from her partner. She slid across the dance floor and landed at the feet of accordion player Harold Day.

Shortly thereafter, they married and raised 10 children on their farm south of Flaxville.

The family in the early 1960s moved to Libby. Later, with the help from their children, the Days built a home on Angel Island where they lived until Harold's death in 1978.

Through activities with Libby Senior Citizens, Dorothy met and married Wayne Kittilson in 1981. They enjoyed hobbies, social memberships, traveling, adventures and time together.

Dorothy was proud of her children, 42 grandchildren, 73 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren and would cheerfully teach them with patience.

Dorothy could show them how to make an afghan, prepare a large meal, bait a fish hook, read and sew. She attended music recitals and cheered players at games.

Dorothy also loved games and was always up for cribbage, pinochle or dominoes.

She may be best known for her love of painting. Dorothy was a longtime member of Libby Fine Arts group and participated in many shows. Her work depicts scenes of natural beauty and often recalls special memories of places and events dear to family.

Dorothy was a devoted Catholic and member of St. Joseph Parish in Libby.

She participated in the Cursillo Movement and had been a member of Libby Altryea.

She lived a good, happy life and was deeply loved by family and friends. She will be remembered for her cheerful smile and witty, sharp sense of humor.

Those who knew her will miss her.

Dorothy is survived by her children, Patrick Day of Missoula; Donna Leatherberry of Baraboo, Wis.; Ella Myers and her husband, Herman, of Richland, Wash.; Sharon Weber and her husband, Don, Robert Day and his wife, Sonya, and Hazel Day, all of Post Falls, Idaho; Sara Hedahl and her husband, Keith, and Dennis Day and his wife, Linda, all of Libby; Agnes Sunell and her husband, DeWayne, of Priest River, Idaho; and Don Day and his wife, Gloria, of Lufkin, Texas.

Calling hours will be 1 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Nelson & Vial Funeral Home in Libby. A parish vigil and rosary will follow at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mass of the Resurrection will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Arrangements were handled by Nelson & Vial Funeral Home.