This cookbook is what happens when the worst that life has to offer (the death of a mother with six young children) intercepts the best that life has to offer (the outpouring of help from a large number of complete strangers).

On October 11, 2007, Montana native Kelly Moline died. Just 40 years old, Kelly left behind her husband Chris Moline and their six children—Colie (13), Jake (12), Victoria (10), Josie (7), Ian (4), and Colt (2). The daughter of Eldon and Betty Allard, Kelly was raised in the Loma, Montana, area and attended school in Fort Benton. She did a short stint in the U.S. Army before marrying Chris Moline in 1990. They made their home on his Geraldine, MT, ranch.

Kelly's greatest joys in life were her family and her horses. She home-schooled their children and was a 4-H leader. Kelly was also a reporter for the National Weather Service in the Geraldine area. Throughout Kelly's life, she touched many lives with her ready smile and friendly personality.

On October 9, 2007, while gathering cattle, Kelly complained of a headache. Somewhat later, she was thrown from the horse she was riding. She got up, walked a ways, and then collapsed. Kelly underwent emergency brain surgery for a ruptured aneurysm. She was in the ICU unit surrounded by family and friends when she died. She was buried at the family ranch.

Unfortunately, like many young families, the Molines did not have medical insurance, and Chris and the children face not only a future without Kelly, but also tremendous medical bills. Naturally, numerous fundraising events were held for their benefit by family, friends, and neighbors, and a college fund was established for the children. Following the death of their mother, the family received two crock pots and a number of recipe books for Christmas. Then a weekly ag paper published in Billings, Montana, arrived on the scene. Agri-News editor Tami Blake suggested to her nationwide readership that they raise money to augment the college fund, and Agri-News columnist Susan Metcalf, who writes Cooking in the West, put out a call for “kid-friendly recipes.” The recipes poured in from all over America, and pretty soon people were suggesting that a cookbook be made and sold to raise yet more money for the college fund… Here’s your opportunity to order a cookbook or two and do your bit to help these kids!

Cookbooks must be pre-ordered and paid for by August 1. $20 postpaid.
Ranch Kids Cookbook, PO Box 85, Billings, MT 59103.
Christmas 2008 delivery. Discounts available for multiple orders. Questions? 406-967-2161.