Irene Louise Wollschlager, 96, of Oak Harbor, a long-time former Montanan, died at Whidbey Island Manor on Feb. 28, 2006.

Mrs. Wollschlager was born in Glendive, Mont., on June 23, 1909, to Charles Nathaniel Pritchard and Eva Anna (Morel) Pritchard. She moved to Missoula in 1946, where she resided until 1999. Irene enjoyed an active, full life. She loved to play softball as a teenager in Glendive. On Dec. 12, 1927, Irene married William C. Wollschlager in Glendive. When they moved to Missoula, Irene became a cook at the Florence Hotel. She was passionate about roses, and had over 400 rose bushes at her home. She was a member of the Missoula Rose Society, was an RSVP Volunteer (the Senior Volunteer Group in Missoula), was a volunteer for the Blood Bank and was a member of the Rebekah Lodge in Missoula and the Oak Leaf Rebekah Lodge in Oak Harbor.

Irene is survived by six children, Maryanne Coffey and husband Bird and Jon M. Wollschlager, all of Oak Harbor, William P. Wollschlager and wife Ann of Sanabel Island, Fla., Roland J. Wollschlager and Eileen J. Smith and husband James, all of Missoula, and Frederick C. Wollschlager and wife Carolyn of San Francisco; eight grandchildren, Mark Wollschlager, Amy Suggs, Selena, Craig and Brian Coffey, Bronwen, Stephanie and Melissa Smith; and two great-grandchildren, Christina and Daniele Suggs.

In keeping with her wishes, a Graveside Committal Service at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Missoula will be announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Missoula Rose Society, or to the Rebekah Lodge. Arrangements under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor, and Garden City Funeral Home, Missoula.