Ina Mae Herriges

Ina Mae Herriges, (Rice), 86, passed softly away to heaven October 2, 2024; surrounded by beloved family and caregiver friends. Everyone always tried to give her 'the best today', and that Wednesday morning was no exception. Though she isn't with us anymore, she will be thought of, loved and missed every. single. day.

Ina was an amazing Mom, sister, aunty, grandma, great-grandma, and friend. Everything she did, she did in love, with a gentle grace. She was always our angel on earth, and now she flies with the angels in heaven.

Ina Mae Rice was born November 17, 1937, in Powers Lake, North Dakota. Her father, Rudolph, drove her mother, Gudren to the hospital in a blizzard, leaving the older children at the farm in White Earth. It happened to be Ina's oldest sister Irene's birthday, so Irene not only cared for her sisters that day but baked her own birthday cake as well. Aunty Irene always said that she didn't mind. Ina was the 5th child of 10; 9 girls and one boy. Her family was very close all her life, and it was easy to see where she learned her gentle, fun-loving, compassionate ways.

Ina attended school in White Earth, ND, Kalispell, MT, and graduated from Whitefish High school. She also earned her associate's degree in human services from FVCC.

She married Jim Herriges in 1956. Jim joined the Navy, so they moved around a bit while raising their own family of 5 children, eventually returning to the Flathead Valley in 1972. They welcomed a 6th child some years later, completing their family. Ina and Jim divorced, but she remained in the family home until the day she left us.

Ina was a gentle, kind woman, who would do her best to help any and everyone. She was completely devoted to her family and friends. Ina had a kind, easy-going spirit that also reflected a real zest for life. She loved family events, which were numerous given the size of our family. She never forgot anyone's birthday and would call on the person's special day and sing 'Happy Birthday' to them and make sure they knew she was thinking of them, even if we were having a get-together later. She cherished family traditions and her favorite was Christmas Eve, which was always at her house. She really loved her whole family, and she loved us all very well.

Ina was also a very active lady. She loved being outside, whether it was skiing, (both water and snow), hiking, biking, camping, picking huckleberries, horseback riding, or gardening. She had an amazing talent for growing things and her yard was always a thing of beauty, with wonderful design and lots and lots of gorgeous flowers. Ina gave up skiing in her 81st year, not because she couldn't do it anymore, but because she was worried that she might break a hip should she happen to fall.

She also absolutely loved to dance, and would seize any opportunity to go dancing, mostly with her sisters and brother on Saturday nights at the Eagles Club.

Her 80th birthday was celebrated at the Eagles. She wasn't looking forward to her 80th birthday until she found out that her party would be held at the Eagles and there would be dancing. It was an enchanting night for her.

Ina enjoyed traveling and going places; mostly driving trips to visit family. Her sons Nic, (and wife Kirsten) and Jim took her on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see Norway and visit with family there. She also hiked and kayaked in Alaska with Jim.

Ina worked at many different places in her lifetime. Once the kids were all in upper grades at school, Ina worked at a local flower shop, where she was able to express her love of flowers through arranging. And as typical, she took care of her family even during long workdays around the big holidays. Her longest job was at the Pathways building of the hospital here in Kalispell where she received her 25-year pin and also where she retired from when she was in her 70's.

She also loved to read and was a long-time member of a book club, where she made deep and lasting friendships. She loved her book club ladies, and they love her still.

Ina led a full, fruitful life and touched many, many others in so many positive ways. We will love her, miss her and remember her always. She made such a difference in so many lives, and that's quite a legacy.

Ina was preceeded in death by her father Ruben, mother Gudren, sisters Irene, Audrey, Lorraine, Helen, brother Rudy and sister Ruby, great-grandson Talis, grandson Brandon, ex-husband Jim, son Steve, grandson Chris as well as other family members. She is survived by her sisters Janet, Geri (who has since also passed away), and Connie; her children Nic (Kirsten), Jim, Dianne (Tim), Duane (Michelle) and Eric (Janine); grandsons Spencer and Brandon; grand-daughters Danielle, Rebecca, Mary, Kandi,

Alyssa, Kelsey, Eden and Ivy, as well as many great grandchildren, precious nieces and nephews, and many, many other family members.

Ina's celebration of life will be on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, at 11 am at Fairview Cemetery Chapel at 1225 Fairview Cemetery Rd. in Columbia Falls. with interment of both Ina and Steve. Following that, a potluck reception will be held in the ballroom at the Eagle's Club in Kalispell; probably around 1:30 or 2. Meats, cheeses, rolls, etc will be provided.