The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Kassey Jo Furlong, 45, of Wasilla, AK, passed away on December 4, 2016 while recovering from knee surgery in Wasilla, AK.

A service in memory of Kassey was held at Finger Lake Elementary School in Wasilla, AK on Saturday, December 10, 2016. A memorial service was held Thursday, December 29, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Crossroads Memorial Church, 1700 Market Place Dr, in Great Falls. Legacy Funeral Homes of Anchorage, AK and Schnider Funeral Home of Great Falls, MT are handling arrangements.

Kassey was born in Bozeman, MT and raised in Jordan, MT and Geraldine, MT. Kassey was baptized in the Christian faith and confirmed her faith at the Geraldine Methodist Community Church in MT. She was a lifelong believer. Kassey competed in speech, drama, choir, UNITE, volleyball, basketball and many other activities in the Geraldine school.

She earned a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Education K-8 from Montana State University and began her teaching career in the Ronan-Pablo School District. She also taught in the Bering Strait School District in Wales, AK and at Point Lay, AK. Her final teaching tenure was at the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, she was at Finger Lake Elementary School for the last several years.

Kassey's reach was extensive as in her career she taught pre-school, Nanuaq native pre-school, kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th grades as well as high school study skills. She was a school-wide reading facilitator for K-12, literary coach and served as acting principal when needed. She coached 4th and 5th grade volleyball, basketball, cross-country, track as well as high school basketball and volleyball. Her goal was to make each child know how important they were and give them the skills so they could excel in life.

Kassey was a lifelong learner who took graduate level courses while pursuing her teaching career. She earned a Master's in Education in Reading and a Master's in Education Administration K12. She was continually involved in continuing education, adding to her knowledge to pass on to her students. Through her years of studying and instruction she remained involved in student activities such as MSU dorm resident advisor and Flathead Indian Reservation YMCA Summer Day Camp Instructor.

Kassey's life revolved around teaching and developing children. Kassey also loved animals, the color purple, traveling and visiting family in Montana. She was loved by many and made friends everywhere she went. She made an impact on many people's lives. Kassey's kindness and enthusiasm will be missed.

She is survived by her parents, Earl and Ann (Dronen) Furlong; grandmother: Maxine (Sand) Dronen; sisters Colleen Elpel and Hannah Furlong; brother Edward Furlong and his wife, Chai; nephews Ethan and Jaydan Elpel; niece Kyleen Elpel; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Russell "Bing" and Evelyn (Earl) Furlong and Arthur Dronen.

Memorial donations can be made to any organization of your choice.

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