Kyrol Rose Jystad, 78

Kyrol Rose Jystad, a life-long resident of Kalispell, passed away June 27, 2009, after a brief illness. She was the sixth of seven children born to Ross and Rose Kirkpatrick, on Aug. 28, 1930.

A 1948 Flathead County High School alum, Kyrol was never one to sit still. Her diverse career spanned waitressing at the Temple Tea Room (which was owned by her mother), teaching kindergarten, and bookkeeping for various businesses throughout the valley, until she found her niche as custodian for School District No. 5.

Though starting at Flathead High and Kalispell Junior High, she became "Grandma Kyrol" to generations of students, faculty and staff at Peterson and Elrod elementary schools. Her unlimited capacity to work hard and give back made her an integral part of the entire school community in Kalispell.

After retirement, she continued working at the Kindred Spirits Gift Gallery in the airport and in these last several years she volunteered at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Kyrol loved to play cards, collect dolls, garden and go to garage sales and thrift shops. In addition, she was played a lead part in planning the reunions for Flathead's Class of 1948 reunions.

Kyrol's life touched so many; she was dearly loved and will be truly missed. She is survived by two sisters, four children, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

At Kyrol's request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. Instead, she asks that each and everyone take time to hug a child, call a friend, or just do something to make someone's day brighter. Be thankful, as she has always been, that your paths crossed and because of that her life was richer.