Rose McKay

iRose McKay, 90, of Missoula, passed away Monday, January 12, 2015, at St. Patrick Hospital of natural causes.

Rose was born on February 21, 1924 in Watsonville, California to Crispulo and Felicitas Hidalgo, immigrants from Spain. She spent her early life in Watsonville before moving to Richmond, California, where she met the love of her life, Jim McKay, in 1943. They were married in Reno, Nevada on a 72-hour leave while he served in the Navy during World War II. Rose and Jim celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on May 12, 2014. They lived in the Bay Area of California for many years before moving to Susanville, California in 1974. In 2005 they moved to Montana to be closer to family.

In California, Rose was active for many years in White Shrine, Soroptimist Club, Monticola Club, Good Sam Club and various other clubs and organizations. In Missoula, Rose enjoyed Mall Walkers and attending her grandchildren's games and events.

Rose loved babies, animals, and flowers, and was an avid collector of pigs and all things Christmas. Most of all she loved her family, for whom she would do anything and who, in turn, would do anything for her. Rose was very thoughtful and always kind. She was a generous soul who loved unconditionally and was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her passing leaves a void in our hearts that may heal with time but will always be felt.

Her sister, Doris Rider and brother, Jack Hidalgo, preceded her in death.

Survivors include her husband, Jim, of Missoula; daughter Phyllis Jones of California; son Jim (Trish) McKay of Missoula; sisters Betty Burton and Marie Ditora of California; brother Ignacio Hidalgo of California: grandchildren Heather (Mitch) Bakich of California and Tom, Morgan, and Ian McKay of Missoula; great-grandchildren Mia and Natalie Bakich; and many cousins, nephews and nieces.

There will be a private graveside service on Friday, January 16. Celebrations of her life will be held this spring in California and this summer in Missoula.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to: Humane Society of Western Montana, 5930 Highway 93 South, Missoula, Montana 59804.

Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com

Garden City Funeras assisting the family.

Read Rose McKay's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.