Anita Big Spring-Funk
courtesy photo
Anita Big Spring-Funk
BIG ARM — Anita Carol Big Spring-Funke, passed away on July 30, 2023. She was born May 30, 1958, in Browning to Darlene and Adam Big Spring.
Anita’s youth was spent between East Glacier and Hill 57- Great Falls MT, Chamawa Indian School in Oregon, and Kellogg, Idaho. An ambitious teen, Anita left the family home at the age of 16. She picked up many trades in her youth from waiting tables to welder’s assistant along the Hi-Line of eastern Montana.
Anita’s heritage was Metis Cree and Blackfeet. She was enrolled with the Blackfeet Nation. However, the CSKT Reservation is where she laid her roots and raised her two children. She married James Adams II of Kellogg. She later married Kenny Friedlander Jr. of Pablo.
Anita obtained her Secretarial Science Degree from Salish Kootenai College. She was hired soon after as the Presidential Secretary and Secretary for the Board of Trustees for the College. She served under five presidents during her 28 years with SKC. Dr. Joseph McDonald was her initial hiring president. They served together from 1995-2010 until his retirement. They had a special bond and remained close until her passing.
Anita had a nurturing spirit and took many students and faculty under her wing at the college. She kept many in line and the president’s office running smoothly. It is said her laughter could be heard down the halls of the Big Knife building. She will be missed for her dedication, kindness, and sense of humor.
While working full time at the college, Anita found purpose in community advocacy. She was instrumental in creating change. Since 1996 she organized many “Get Out the Vote” for school, state, and national elections. She courageously disputed the 2004 Lake County HD 12 election results, which the Montana supreme court justices ruled in her favor. The Democrats won House majority that year.
Anita was a founding board member to establish a local women’s and children’s domestic violence shelter in Lake County. She helped establish a mentor program in the Ronan School District to help reduce the American Indian dropout rate. In all this, she still found time to volunteer for the SKC Annual Auction and the local food banks.
Also worth telling, she was a crafter and beader. She made Blackfeet style high top moccasins, dance regalia, and beadwork. She beaded nearly 100 pairs of moccasins for the Early Childhood promotion program one year. She shared her gift for many to enjoy.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father; two older sisters, Iris and Echo; her dear friends, Lois and Bob; and her uncle Bill.
She is survived by her son, James Adams III (Alisha Adams); and six grandchildren in Kalispell; her daughter, Mariah Friedlander- Camel (Mervyn Camel); five grandchildren in Polson; and her husband, Tom Funke, Jr. She is also survived by her many beloved friends she considered family, Debbie, Gail, Karen, her maid of honor Tracie, and Hayward, to name just a few.
Anita lived the last of her years on the lake with her doting husband, Tom Funke Jr. and her beloved fur babies, Buddy, Abby, B, Toto and cats, Kit Kit and Jack.
Her days were filled on the lake. She sometimes sunbathed or jet skied, prepared many home cooked meals, enjoyed a house filled with grandchildren to share the sunsets with and bonfires into the night for smores. She was a wonderful mom, grandma, wife, sister, and friend.
She will be missed by many.
There will be no burial services at this time, but a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.
Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
