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Obituary
Archives click here For the Record...ObituariesRene Nikole Hunter Strahan
Rene was born on July 12, 1970 in Polson, Montana, the daughter of Wilbert Michel and the late Florence Hunter, who passed away in 2001. She attended local schools and graduated from Polson High School in 1988. Afterwards, she attended MSU for two years. Rene married Christopher Strahan. Becoming a military wife, they traveled all over the US as Chris was stationed at different Air Force Bases. She worked for various companies including National Wildlife Fish and Game in Kodiak, AK, served as a hospital coordinator in New Jersey and also at the Division of Lands for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in Polson. During her life, Renee enjoyed writing, traveling and taking her family to places they have never been before. She was always planning vacations with her whole family. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and was loved very much by the children in the neighborhood. Rene was a very kind person who had a big heart. She was a good mother and wife and excelled in everything she did. Those left with cherished memories are her husband, Christopher Strahan, her three sons, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Derek Strahan all of Albuquerque, NM; her father, Wilbert Michel of Polson; grandparents, Mary West of Polson and Clarence Hunter and Dorothy Felsman of Arlee, MT; several extended sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles that grew up with her and helped grandmother raise Rene. She will be greatly missed by all her family. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, March 9 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Polson; Father James Connor officiated. Interment followed at St. Ignatius Catholic Cemtery, St. Ignatius. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for the family of Mrs. Strahan. Denise J. Old Horn
A dearly loved wife and auntie, she was born in Spokane, WA on June 28, 1966 to Delbert and Wilma Carol (Pratt) Lee. Raised in the Spokane area she received her formal education from the Job Corps in Washington State and working for Headstart as an aide before marrying Lester Joseph Old Horn. They made their home on the Salish & Kootenai Reservation where she was dedicated wife, who loved to bead, fish, hike and go hunting with her family. While she was not born native she became one in her family’s eyes and she also had a new nickname whether it was going to powwows or just picking mushrooms and huckleberries. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Duane. She leaves behind her husband Lester of St. Ignatius; a stepdaughter Tiffany Wells and two grandchildren of Missoula; sisters Charie of Oregon and Cindy of Spokane and her grandma Polly Lee Harrison of Spokane as well as a large extended family including her 26 nephews who she considered her own and Reggie, Susep and Nicky. A traditional wake began Saturday evening at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius where the rosary was held Sunday. Funeral services were held on Monday in the Longhouse with burial following in the Hminsto (Pierre - Old Horn) Cemetery in Camas Prairie. Ramone
Jarren Yazzie
He was preceded in death by his great grandfather Ned Ramone Yazzie; great great grandparents Ernie and Annie Sorrell and great grandparents Johnny and Amelia Jones who welcomed him into Heaven. Survivors include his parents Anthony J. Yazzie and Raena L. Jones; paternal grandparents Curtis and Gigi Yazzie of St. Ignatius; great-grandparents Emma Yazzie of New Mexico and Ernest "Rawhide" and "Mama" Lou Sorrell of St. Ignatius; uncles Julian L. Sorrell; aunt Antoinette "Sister" Yazzie and Frank Stanger, Jr.; cousins Audrey Felsman-Sorrell and Jackson Felsman-Sorrell; maternal grandparents Lubert and Norma Jones of Ronan, and Jim and Terry Moses of Lakeside; great grandmother Dorothy "Dot" Meyers of Roundup; uncles Kendall Jones, Brandon Jones of Columbia Falls and Brennan Jones of Polson; aunts Carol and Phillip Bartell of Arlee, Carla Walhood and Clancy Walhood, Patricia Jones, both of St. Ignatius and Andrea Corpron of Kalispell; and numerous other family members. Graveside services were held Friday, February 26. Alma
Josephine Morigeau Luedtke
Alma’s childhood was filled with wonderful memories of a large family working on the ranch raising cattle, horses and tending to their large gardens and orchard. The family had a huge cellar, which was always well stocked as they were all avid hunters and fishermen. They welcomed weary travelers on horse and buggy, along with hosting community barn dances, as the ranch was located on an old stage stop. Her father had an icehouse and sold ice, fruit and smoked fish. Alma began her formal schooling at the Ursuline schools in St. Ignatius, where she remembered waking up to flames and rescuing her siblings. She continued her boarding school experience in Chemawa, Ore., and Rapid City, S.D. When she was 14 years old, she was called home to care for her ailing father. At age 21, Alma met and married Elmer Luedtke. Elmer was working at her brother John’s garage in Arlee. Their union was blessed with two children, Ed and Shirley. The family resided in Arlee, Dixon, Great Falls and Anaconda before moving to Trentwood, Wash., where they were employed at Kaiser Aluminum during the war. The couple eventually divorced and Alma returned home to the reservation. Alma cooked at the Blue Bay Resort in the early ‘60s and eventually made her home at the Kicking Horse Job Corps cooking for the students. Upon her retirement she moved into a lovely home on Clairmont Road in Pablo, where her grandchildren and great-grandchildren spent many hours and gained wonderful memories. Alma was a fabulous cook and passed her legacy onto her children, grandchildren and their spouses. The entire family has special recipes of Alma’s that are their favorite. Alma had a fabulous sense of humor and delighted her family, nieces and nephews with jokes, toasts, funny sayings and her mathematic skills. She even brought her prankster skills into the kitchen, adding rubber bands or wool to pancakes for her husband and grandchildren on April Fool’s Day. She made everything fun, even burnt eggs. If they were lacey around the edges she would serve them proclaiming, “These are the fancy kind.” Alma was a very beautiful, well-dressed woman. She loved silver and turquoise jewelry. She took great pride in her appearance and caught the eye of those who saw her. Alma loved to go camping and spent many summers in her beloved camper trailer at her sister Laura’s home on Flathead Lake. She was an avid gardener and loved to play games. She spent hours playing cards, dice and Rummy Cube with her family. She had a passion for gambling and never missed a chance to play bingo or go gambling in Reno with her lady friends. Just a month ago at her son Ed’s 75th birthday party, she beat the family at a game of dice. Alma loved to fish and spent some of her happiest times with a rod and reel in her hands. She was very excited to travel to Alaska and fish with three of her grandsons and their families. Many summer days were spent with loved ones fishing on area streams, Flathead Lake or the Flathead River. Alma was a pet lover and had several faithful companions. Grandchildren fondly remember her dogs Putsie, Jock, Collette and Peachy. For the past 14 years Alma resided at the St. Luke Extended Care facility, where she was greatly loved and cared for by the staff. They will surely miss her smile and sharp tongue. During these years, Alma’s beloved grandson Danny was her closest friend and companion. Danny made sure his Granny did not want for anything. He would take her out for visits, holidays, family parties and even a couple of fishing trips. They even attended one of Alma’s favorite events, the Arlee Powwow, two years ago. Every adventure Alma and Danny shared produced a fond memory for him and his wife, children and grandchildren. They were all very blessed to have these special years with Alma. It was also a very special time for Alma as she so loved to be around the children and was fortunate to share time with her great- and great-great- grandchildren. She would always tell them just exactly “what she knew for sure.” Alma was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Arthur, John, Walter, Elmer, Carl and Jack; sisters: Grace, Letha, Laura, Lorena and Dehlia; son-in-law Gene Young; grandson Norman Young; and great-great-grandson Tyler Luedtke. She is survived by her son Ed Luedtke of Hayden, Idaho; daughter Shirley Young of Rathdrum, Idaho; grandchildren Valarie (Mike) Dunlap, Scott (Vicki) Luedtke, Danny (Bev) Luedtke, Kent (Brenda) Luedtke, Andrea (Pat) Malone, Erica (Brad) Bell, Erron Luedtke, Dale (Victoria) Young, Bill Young, Diane Young and Brian (Kelly) Young; 33 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends who loved her. A wake began Tuesday at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius, a rosary service Wednesday, and the wake closing today at 10 a.m. at the Longhouse with Mass at 11 a.m. at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church. A family private burial service will be held March 20 when Alma will be cremated and laid to rest with her mother at the St. lgnatius Catholic Cemetery. A celebration of her life will also be held that day at 1 p.m. at the Indian Senior Citizen Center in Ronan. Arrangements were provided by the Foster Funeral Home of St. Ignatius and Mission Valley Crematory of Ronan. Vance
D. Stapleton
Born to Loren and Vera Koistinen on Sept. 18, 1954 in Cartwright, Manitoba, he was raised in Hansboro, North Dakota. Vance was the oldest of eleven children. Vance loved his family and all his friends. He is in our hearts and memories. Vance moved to Sandpoint, ID in 1982 and worked in several jobs moving to Hot Springs in 1999. He worked at Symes Hotel and Hot Springs in Hot Springs, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with grandchildren. Vance married his wife LaRita on Sept 22, 1984 and she survives as well as his parents: Loren and Vera Ann Koistinen; children: Andrew, Casey, LaRita Kamp, Judy Mason and Steven (Becky) Mason; siblings: Pamela Bradley (Tom Duran), Kenny (Shelley) Koistinen, Anne (Bob) White, Laurre (Bryan) Azure, Leah (Pete) Klingbeil, Cindy (Rick) Laverdure, Mary Jo (Scott) Delvo, Blake (Carla) Koistinen and Blaine Koistenin (Kathy Kendall); sisters in-laws and brother in-laws Rocky (Nita) Eveland, Nancy (Don) Metcalf, Carlotta (Jim) Martin, Clayton (Penny) Eveland, Rinnie Eveland, Clinton Eveland, Laura (Dave) Eveland; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his Grandma Ethel Stapleton, brother Michael Koistinen; grandson David Kamp and mother in-law Sharon Stevens. Services were held Saturday, February 20 at the Presbyterian Church in Hot Springs. He was laid to rest by his grandson at the Pack River Cemetery in Idaho. Lisa
Marie Ellis
Her family moved to Polson in 1976 where she was raised. At the age of thirteen she had incredible talent for singing and a love for music and for her birthday that year she wanted to join her family band; yes she got her wish. She played guitar, drums and sang with her family band off and on through her life, as well as many other local bands in Montana, she had her own band in LasVegas, Nevada and played the Nevada circuit. She loved doing a solo introducing her own style of music with the songs that she wrote. Lisa loved people and loved to entertain them, she gave it her all. Lisa attended the University of Montana and Salish and Kootenai College in Pablo. One of her dreams was to become a news broadcaster. Lisa was an enrolled member of the Salish and Kootenai Tribes and was a proud of her heritage. She is survived by her parents Fred and Cheryl Ellis of Polson; brothers Darin Ellis of Austin, Texas, Tahoe Ellis and Mark Ellis of Santa Anna, Ca.; and sister Gwen Barker of Santa Anna, CA.; her aunts Billy Ellis of Polson and Debra Earling of Missoula; her uncles David Ellis of Seattle, Dennis Earling of Spokane and Rob Earling of Evaro; grandmother Florence Earling of Spokane; her boyfriend Dan Lampe of Anaconda; and many nieces and nephews. Lisa shared a special bond with Melody Mergenthaler. Private family services to follow at a later date. A special thank you to the Polson Health and Rehab Center and to the Hospice Team, and all of you that gave great support and comfort to us and our Singing Angel. Thank You Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Judy
Lynn McDonald Matt
A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe, she was born in St. Ignatius along with her twin Julie on Dec. 15, 1966 to Francis and Julia (Hernandez) McDonald. Raised in the Mission area, she attended schools in St. Ignatius, Chemawah Indian School and Dixon, and graduated from Two Eagle River School in 1985. After high school she worked as a firefighter for a short while before starting her family and eventually becoming Gene’s #1. Judy enjoyed fishing with Gene and going in the mountains but most of all she enjoyed visiting with her children, grandchildren, family and friends. She also enjoyed playing dice and making us smile and laugh. She is preceded in death by her father Francis “Popsucker” McDonald and sister Donna “Bell” McDonald as well as several uncles and aunts. Judy is survived by her husband Gene Matt; children and step children Bridget Samuels, Paulette Samuels (Jim CrossGuns), Elizabeth Matt, Michael Matt (Angela), Mary Jo Matt (Frank), Abbey Matt (Cavey), Carol Ann Matt and Mary Matt and their childrenM; mother Julia Hernandez of Ronan; sisters Julie Colon (Willie) of Charlo and Carol Fay McDonald of Pablo; brothers Francis “Fuss” McDonald, James McDonald of Dixon, Allen McDonald of Pablo, Rusty Fristo of Missoula, and Raymond McDonald (Lisa) of Pablo; godmother Clara Charlo of St.Ignatius; maternal aunts Carol Licht, Evelyn Hernandez, Agnes GunHammer, Mary Hernandez of St. Ignatius, Diana Hernandez of Missoula, Delores Martinez of Chimayo, New Mexico and Patty Betz of Billings; paternal aunts Felecite “jim” McDonald, Dolly Linsebigler (Willie), Shirley Trahan of St Ignatius and Theresa Fristo of Missoula; her god child Sonia Flammond and her children Tynneal Flammond-Onesalt and Daylin Johnson (Byron Johnson); and the children she helped Julie raise: Jamie Flammond and her children Myranda, Sean and Jason Trahan (Wayne Trahan); Clifford “JR” Flammond; and Mikaela Flammond. A traditional wake began Friday in the Longhouse in St. Ignatius with the rosary being recited on Sunday at the Longhouse. Funeral services were held Monday in the Longhouse with burial following in Snyelmn Sntmtmne. Lashaundra
Aimsback
A wake began in Browning this week under the direction of Spotted Eagle Tribal Wake Center (338-2099) before returning to St. Ignatius where final services will be held and she was laid to rest in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery. Clara
Ann (Nick) Rossbach
She was born July 24, 1950 to Hy Nick and Mary Andrew Sherwood in St. Ignatius. She attended the Urselines in Wellpinit, Washington and St. Ignatius Schools. Growing up she spent most of her time with her Yaya Mary "Stousee" Finley learning the traditional ways that helped her with her job as a teacher. She taught Salish at Two Eagle, Mission schools, Blue Bay Cultural Camp and the Agnes Vanderburg Camp. Clara had also worked as a nurse working in Minneapolis and St. Ignatius. If you knew Clara she was an upbeat girl full of life. She was an eighteen year old in a 50-year-old body. Clara was always cheery and full of laughs, humming her songs, indulging in her sweet tooth with chocolate, Pepsi and Hershey chocolate bars. Clara also enjoyed telling stories, gambling, camping, stickgames, attending powwow with Ste'me and scary movies. It was hilarious to see her scream. A fan of JaRule and Tupac she enjoyed rap music and most recently became a fan of "Twilight". She collected her little Homies, dolphins and knick-knacks. As a young woman, she met Robert Peltier who she later married. She remarried William Delmer George Rossbach and they had four children together Clara was preceded in death by both husbands and her parents; a stepfather Lil' Dan Sherwood and John Ignace; brothers Mose Nick, Arnold Sherwood, Thomas Sherwood and Donald Sherwood; sisters Mary Ann Williams and Rose Ellen Sherwood; and infant daughter Yavonne Rossbach; grandmothers Mary Stousee Finley and Oshanee Kenmille; nephew Eli Francis Sherwood; and grandchildren Moses Whitegrass and Dancing Bear Rossbach; also her dog Joy Bell and her cats Casper and Tina. Survivors include the love of her life Tazzy and sons Cavey (Abilene) Rossbach of Dixon and William "Dunie" Rossbach of St. Ignatius; daughters Waleya Lynn Rossbach of Arlee and daughter-at-heart Jessica (Julius "Bubba" Whitegrass) Conko of St. Ignatius; sisters Susan Sherwood, Nancy "Bear" Sherwood, Julie "Twerp" Sherwood (Dave Ashley) all of St. Ignatius, Agnes "Any'e" Sherwood (Jeff "Huck" McDonald) of Arlee, Denise "Nee/Nee" Sherwood of St. Ignatius and Joanne Nick Augustine; brothers Warren Teasley, Eneas Nick of Usk WA, Francis Sherwood (Dorthy), Daniel "Jr" Sherwood all of St. Ignatius; aunts Helen Sherwood and Margaret Gardipe; grandchildren Ontequa, Cavey, Naziah, Kelly, Aarron, Rory, Susette, Preston, Nateesha, Donald, Snc'le, Skylar, Donilyn, Carlee and Deon; and great-grandson Robert.; nieces Mary Jo (Frank), Carol Ann, Mary (Brian), Anast'a (Carl), MichaelAnn, Glenda (John), April (John), Lyssia (Emery), Geraldine, Kaona, Rita, Lavonne, Lonnie, Rose, Natisha and Deidra (Bo); nephews Michael (Angela), Arnie, Tony, Jerome, Levi, Alex, Duran (Candy), Daniel (Chanel) and those who in her kind heart she adopted as her own. A traditional wake began Thursday, Feb. 4 at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius with the Rosary being recited Friday, Feb. 5 in the Longhouse. Mass was celebrated on Feb. 6 in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission. Interment was in Snyelmn Sntmtmne. Albert
Nathan Decker
Albert was born in Pablo on January 30, 1925 to Albert C. and Nora (Pablo) Decker. During WW II, he served in the U.S. Army infantry. He was involved in the South Pacific theatre and served in the Philippines at the Battle of Lehtye. He moved to Oregon in 1950 and worked in the lumber industry working for most of the sawmill’s in Prineville. He married Elnora L. Bolton in Goldendale, Washington on November 30, 1951. Albert loved to hunt and fish and was a rockhound with his wife. He enjoyed going to the Senior Center in Prineville and playing cribbage. He was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. He is survived by his wife Elnora Decker of Prineville; daughter Martha and her husband David Rasmussen of Prineville; and two son’s Nathan Decker of Prineville and David Decker of Prineville; two grandchildren Jacob Decker of Portland, and Lakota Rasmussen of Prineville. One brother and his parents preceded him in death. Memorial Contributions may be made to Our Saviors Lutheran Church 695 NW Third St Prineville, OR 97754 or the American Cancer Society 2350 Oakmount Way, Suite 200 Eugene, Or 97202. Arrangements are in the care of the Prineville Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held later. Henry
Crestino Padilla
His family moved to Montana in the 1930s, where Henry attended a variety of schools in the Bitterroot and in Missoula, finally settling in the Moiese area, where he graduated as valedictorian of his class from Charlo High School. After graduation, Henry moved to Seattle to work in the shipyards during World War II. He saved enough money to buy 80 acres in Ronan for him and his parents to raise sugar beets and dairy cows. Henry and his wife, Lenore, married July 30, 1949 and lived on the farm for the next 24 years, where they raised four sons and two daughters. He retired from the farm in 1973, where he had milked 100 cows and farmed 400 acres. After retirement from the farm, Henry worked for Bilile Irrigation into his mid-70s. This past July, his family celebrated Henry’s 90 birthday and Henry and Lenore’s 60th wedding anniversary with friends and family. Henry’s grandkids will always remember him fondly as a very kind, gentle and patient man. He must’ve been because he taught almost all of them how to drive on the backroads of Ronan. As for the great-grandkids, it took Henry a while to warm up to them and their abundant energy. His affection was generally reserved, but with a little coaxing and persistence the little ones won his heart. Henry is preceded in death by his parents, Patricio and Lorenza; two brothers, Pat and Sham; two sisters, Aurora Eiseman (Missoula) and Albira Sloan (Ronan). He is survived by his wife, Lenore; two sisters, Betty Hopkins (Ronan) and Anita Stevenson (Great Falls); and one brother, Socorro (Tony) Padilla (Polson); his six children, Stan (Carol), Lee, Terri (Dennis) Johnson, Mark (Margaret), Craig (Merrie) and Jeannine; 18 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Thursday, Feb. 11, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ronan. A reception will follow at the parish hall. Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services assisted with arrangements. Katherine
Irene Washula Miller
Katherine came to the Mission Valley in 1933. She lived with her sister here and graduated from Mission High School in 1934. On November 16, 1935 she married Merle Miller in Missoula and they made their home in St. Ignatius. Katherine and Merle had four children, Wayne, Barbara, Thelma and Mike. Katherine worked at Dubay’s Grocery store for years, and was best known for her upholstery business, and her crocheted bailing twine rugs. She played Basketball for Mission High and was a loyal Bulldog fan for 76 years rarely missing a home game until this last year. She walked up to the school and would sit through several games, sitting on the top bleachers and helping her friends up and down the bleachers. She spent many hours doing volunteer work at the Senior Center and playing cards with her friends there. Katherine was preceded in death by her husband Merle in 1990; brother John Ivanovitch; sisters Ann Hirschman, Susie Cote, MaryAnn Buffington, Pauline Toczek, and Rosine Davis; her son Wayne Miller; grandson Ray Stonehocker; and a son-in-law Dean Brown. Katherine is survived by her daughters Barbara (Larry) Griffiths, Thelma Brown, and son Mike (Amy) Miller; grandchildren Kim Archambeault, Kelly Larson, Kasey Miller, Kandi Clausen, Dell Griffiths, Robin Griffiths, Randy Griffiths, Shane Griffiths, David Stonehocker, Shelly Stonehocker, Tina Stonehocker, Toby Bartel, Theresa Bryant and Chloe, and Amy (AJ) Miller; 37 great-grandchildren and 24 great-great Grandchildren; her Sister Nell Buffington, daughter-in-law Joy Morigeau; and numerous nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and many many friends. A memorial Service will be held during the summer when all of her family and friends can gather to celebrate her life. Charles
H. Logan
Born in Aberdeen, Washington on November 30, 1965, he was raised in Washington and Oregon where he worked construction and as a forest fire fighter. A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe, he was active in local cultural activities. Loved by many, he was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Julie and Esther. Survivors include his children Angelina Cook, Dion Logan, Chas H. Logan, Jr., Candra Lawerance, Tana Lawerance, Delise, Holly and Jayce Logan; six grandchildren and brothers and sisters Maria Jackson Lopez, Rosie Logan, James Logan, Derek Gibbs, Margaret - Sharon Marker and Serena Logan; uncles Kenny Lozeau and Pat Lozeau and auntie Clara Bourdon as well as a large extended family on the Hawaiian islands, the Quinault and Salish Kootenai Reservations. A service was held at the family home in Portland before returning to St. Ignatius for the Rosary that was held on Monday evening. A traditional closing service was held Tuesday morning at the Longhouse with burial following in the Pleasant View Cemetery where he will be laid to rest beside his mother. Marvin
J. Peone
A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe, Marvin was born in St. Ignatius to Adeline Bernice (Marengo) and Francis Peone. He was raised on the Flathead Reservation where attended the Urselines and Mission Schools before going to Utah to Job Corps. He worked several areas before ending up in the Seattle area where he lived for over the last 20 years. He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings Dean, Kenneth, Leslie, Gary, Stanley and Alan; and several extended family members. Survivors include siblings Howard, Raymond, Douglas, Darrel, Beverly, Joyce and Sharlene as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A visitation began Wednesday morning at the Foster Funeral Home in St. Ignatius with a Vigil/Rosary being recited Wednesday. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Foster Funeral Home with burial following in the Snyelmn Sntmtmne. Sherry
LaMoine Couture Malatare
She was the fourth of six children born to Gene and Jeanette Couture in St. Ignatius on December 5, 1948. She was raised and attended school in Arlee and Seattle, WA area. She graduated from Arlee High School. Sherry also attended and graduated from Griffen Business College in Seattle with a degree in business. Sherry used her education to work in various jobs including Seattle Indian Health and many facets of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, where she retired. She enjoyed spending time with her family, going on picnics and joyrides through the mountains. She was a huge supporter and staple on the sidelines of her grandkid's sporting events and watching her grandkids dance at powwows. She loved to garden and decorate her lawn. Sherry met the love of her life in Arlee at the age of 18. She went on to marry her high school sweetheart Jim Malatare at the age of 20 in January 1968. They enjoyed many things and places together over the last 42 years and Jim will carry her memory on to many more adventures. She was preceded in death by her father and mother Gene and Jeanette Couture, daughter Shelly Malatare, sister Audrey Guardipee, brother Kenny Couture and son in law Trace Mesteth. Sherry is survived by her husband Jim Malatare; daughter Kelly (Allen) Pierre; son Clayton (Terri) Malatare; grandkids William (Ashley) Mesteth, Sean (Miranda) Mesteth, Tashina Malatare, Clayton Malatare, Trey Malatare and Theresa Malatare all of Arlee and Alyssa Malatare of Seattle, WA; her great-grandkids William Mesteth Jr., Leah Mesteth and Trace Mesteth II all of Arlee; brothers Carl Couture and Ron Couture; sister Sandy Shocker; and great aunt Penny Jolly. A wake began Sunday at the Arlee Community Center with the Rosary being held Monday January 25 in the Arlee Community Center. Wake closing was on Tuesday, January 26, at the Arlee Community Center and Mass was celebrated in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission in St. Ignatius. Burial followed at Snyelmn Sntmtmne in St. Ignatius. The family would ask all who knew Sherry in any way to join the family in celebrating her life, at the services as well as dinner. Stark
O. Cherry
David was born on June 26, 1925 in Pittsburgh, PA, and named after his father, Stark O. Cherry, Sr. His mother, however wanted him named David, and it stuck. He attended the Oakwood Academy in Huntsville, AL and the University of Pittsburgh. He served in the US Army from 1944 until 1946 where he was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific campaign medal with a Bronze Star. He also received a Good Conduct and Victory medal, the WWII Army Occupation medal, the WWII Japanese Clasp and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon. David went on to work for the railroad as a purchasing agent and in retirement, became a bartender in Las Vegas. He has enjoyed trips to Nova Scotia, Florida, California, and Old Mexico. His favorite car was his Cadillac. David loved Italian food and Russian classical music. He was a very optimistic person and truly believed in never giving up hope no matter what the situation may be. Those left with cherished memories are; three sisters, Fannie Cherry, Louise Cherry, and Gladdys Cherry; stepsons David Clairmont of Polson and Corky Clairmont of Pablo; niece, Genne Umstead of Washington, DC; nephew, James Lyons of Lexington, KY and David's best friend, Alf Salway of Ronan and Winogene of Pablo. The family wishes to express their appreciation to all the staff of St. Luke Extended Care Facility where David resided for the last several years. A memorial service was conducted on Friday, January 22 at Grogan Funeral Home with Rev. Dick Widerholdt officiating. Graveside services with military honors were held at the Ronan Cemetery following the memorial service on Friday. Messages of condolence may be sent tot the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Cherry's family. Marie
L Dowdall
Marie was born in La Porte City, Iowa to Monte and Louise Bedard Foss. Raised on a farm, Marie attended the University of Iowa, Iowa City, and later Fresno City College, ultimately becoming a nurse. She met her first husband, Michael Dowdall, during World War II in Iowa City. They had seven children together in California, first living in Watsonville from 1946 to 1963 and then in Fresno. Michael was a union leader in California who passed away in 1967 at the age of 45. Following his untimely death, Marie raised her children with the help of her oldest son Jim of Fresno, California and her oldest daughters, Michele Pecina of Madera, California and Katherine Ireland of Oroville, California. To support her family, she worked as a nurse at St. Agnes Hospital in Fresno. Marie married John Dowdall, Michael's brother, in 1973 and relocated from Fresno to Polson. John founded First Citizens Bank of Polson, where he remained as President until his retirement in 2001. John and Marie were partners in founding the Port Polson Players along with Larry and Pat Barsness in 1975. She also supported John in his civic endeavors, including becoming mayor of Polson, establishing the Polson Community Development Association, chairing the capital campaign to expand St. Joseph's Medical center and a number of other civic projects. They both were active members of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Marie loved and studied painting and music; she played the piano as well as an antique accordion. John and Marie retired to Tucson, AZ. After his passing in 2003, Marie re-located first to California, then, Polson and then to Missouri to live with her daughter Rosemary. In addition to Michele, Jim, Katherine and Rosemary, Marie is survived by her sons Michael of Ripon, California, Joe of Polson and Sean of San Francisco. She leaves behind eleven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A private memorial service will be held in California in the spring. Donations honoring Marie are requested to be made to the Mission Valley Friends of the Arts, which supports the Port Polson Players at P.O. Box 1156, Polson, MT 59860. "We will miss you, dear Marie: you taught us how to see the world through artistic eyes." Joan
L. Hawkins
Joan was born on May 29, 1935 on the Flathead Indian Reservation and was a daughter of the late Clifford and Alice Lozeau Courville. Joan was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. She married Charles E. Hawkins and became a military wife. After moving to several different locations, they returned to Montana in 1978. Joan strongly believed in education and served the CS&KT as the JOM Coordinator for several years. She received an award from the CS&KT for her efforts in the education system. Anyone who truly knew Joan knew of her kindness and generosity and the way she challenged to become a better person. She is known as a dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, but most of all, friend. Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Charles E. Hawkins, who passed away in 2007; brother George Mitchell; her adoptive parents Joe and Bess Felsman; granddaughter Shelby Lynn Hawkins; and a great grandson, Brayden Damon. Those left with cherished memories are her children Lori (Joe) Sebestin of Polson, Regina Ely of Pablo, Tammi Jo (Francis) Plante of Dayton, Kevin Aldrich of Great Falls, Cindi McPhearson of Utah, Dawn Scott of Las Vegas, NV, Keith Hawkins of Polson, and Corey Hawkins also of Polson; sister, Nadine Alison of St. Ignatius; grandchildren, Mike, Toby, Jeremy, Uriah, Candace, Charity, Dani Lee, Hope, Adam, Justin, Stormy, Amy, Timothy, Ryan, Skye, Zach, Alexis, Zane, Kenna, Kendall, Bailey, Jana, and Cassie; and 24 great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 21, 10:30 a.m. at St. Ignatius Mission Church, St. Ignatius with Father Drew Maddock officiating. Burial will follow at St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery In lieu of flowers, Joan’s family suggests a donation to the charity of one’s choice or to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, 9480 North Demazenod Drive, Belleville, IL 62223-1160. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mrs. Hawkins’ family. Eileen
Swaney Decker
She was the third of seven children born to James and Mary McDonald Swaney on November 21, 1923 at St. Ignatius. She attended school at Dixon, Montana and the Ursuline Boarding School at St. Ignatius, graduating from Dixon High School. On April 17, 1948 she and Fred H. Decker were joined in marriage and raised three children. She was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and an active member of this country's greatest generation; she contributed to the World War II effort by working at Farragut Naval Base. She started a long career in Indian affairs working for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Tribal Council by taking Tribal Council meeting minutes in the late 1930's and providing secretarial services to the tribal government and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. She was promoted and worked in the Flathead Agency Bureau of Indian Affairs Realty Division until 1975 transferring to the Juneau Area Office to work in the BIA's Trust Rights Protection Office. She was promoted within the Trust Rights Division and received a transfer to the BIA's Trust Protection Office in Washington, DC. Later she transferred back to Alaska working in the BIA's Juneau Area Office, retiring in 1984. She was well known for her love of history and her knowledge of the families of the Flathead Indian Reservation. She had been consulted with by many historians regarding family histories during the allotment era and of the McDonald family. She enjoyed traveling and learning the history of all the areas she visited. She grew to love Alaska making many friends there and loved the great expanse of the land and its wildlife. She lived life as she wanted and was well known for generosity many times bringing those in need into her life and home. She encouraged those in her family to further their educations and careers. She was a staunch supporter of Tribal Government and its quest to protect the land and water of the reservation. She was an avid supporter of President O'Bama's campaign predicting years ahead of his announcement of running for office that he would one day become this nation's President. She was preceded in death by her late husband, Fred; her parents James and Mary McDonald Swaney; her brothers, Jay, Doogie, Bill and Bearhead; and one sister Doris. She is survived by her three children, Denise (Gary) Morigeau; Daniel F. Decker and Mary Jean Decker. Her grandchildren, James Steele, Jr.; Rick Steele; Matt Steele; Bill Steele; Daniel J. Decker; Shawn Decker; Joshua Decker; Amber Walks Over Ice; Amanda Decker; Dylan Decker; Dustin Decker; Wyatt Decker; Shaniya Decker; Frederick Decker; Victoria Decker; and Pauline Never Miss A Shot; her sister Opal Cajune, and twenty great grandchildren. She was returned to her home in St. Ignatius for visitation and prayer last Wednesday evening with a Catholic Service held at the Catholic Church in St. Ignatius on Thursday. Burial services were held at the family cemetery. Loretta
Roseanne McDougall
She was born July 11, 1964 in Denver, CO to Dan and Harriett (Stanislaw) McDougall. She was raised in Denver and at age three moved with family to Renton, WA and then Yakima, WA. It was there that she received her CNA training through the local college and went to work for the local nursing home. While in Yakima she started her family with Roberto Cuevas and to this union their daughter Crystal was born. A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe, In the 1990’s she moved to Hot Springs, where she enjoyed being with her family and friends. True to her Indian name "Dancing Butterfly she was a traveler going wherever the winds might blow her. Sister had many interest and had most recently learned to bead. She enjoyed playing pool, dancing, and watching movies, CSI and Charmed. An avid Bronco fan she also was ready to go fishing, camping or outdoors even if it was working in the woods. A lucky person, she was good at poker and even when she had her winnings she was a giving person who cared for others and was one of the happiest people to be around. Her favorite place though was to be with her family and friends, she had three brothers and three grandchildren she enjoyed being with and held very dear. Lexius, Kashton and Laynie held a special place in her heart and she would spend as much time as she could with them playing and helping with them. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Samuel McDougall, Loretta Bad Road; Joseph and Annie Stanislaw; great-grandmother Mary Louise Parker and brother Samuel Joseph McDougall. Survivors include her daughter Crystal (Rocky Olson) McDougall of Polson, her parents Harriett McDougall of Camas Prairie and Dan McDougall, Sr. of Hot Springs: brothers Daniel "Mooch" McDougall, Billy (Amber) McDougall and Henry "Bear" (Crystal) McDougall; three grandchildren Lexius, Kashton and Laynie; her special aunts Rose (LeRoy) O’Bennick, Angie (Butch) Andrew, Hazel (John "Bud") Barnaby and uncle John Stanislaw as well as a large extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom are too numerous to mention. A wake began Tuesday at Rose’s Plunge in Hot Springs with a Rosary being recited Wednesday at the bowling alley. Services will be held at 11 am Thursday, January 7 at the old Bowling Alley in Hot Springs and cremation will follow. A memorial will be announced for a later date. |
