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Obituaries
James Edward Westerman, Sr.
RONAN - James Edward Westerman, Jr. died at his home at North Crow
Road near Ronan after a lengthy battle with rheumatoid arthritis on
April 28, 2008.
Jim was born on September 18, 1933 to Edith and Earl Westerman in Pablo. He was the fifth child and the second son.
He attended schools in Pablo, Ronan and Polson.
He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict and
received an honorable discharge as a 3rd Class Petty Officer with a
Good Conduct Medal, China Service Ribbon, Nations Defense Ribbon and
the Presidential Unit Citation.
He came home and married Rose M. Phillips on March 5, 1958; they marked their 50th wedding anniversary this year.
Jim worked for the Northern Pacific/Burlington Northern railroad
from 1956-1983. He retired and started work on his yard and garden.
He is survived by his wife Rose; daughter Debra and son Jim,
Jr; his sisters Jeannie and Pearl; his grandchildren Amber, Andrew,
Alan and Adam; and his great-grandchildren Dalton and Debbie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edith and Earl; his
daughter Cheryl Dawn; his sister Marie and brother Paul; and his great
grandson Aethan. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Polson Animal Shelter in Jims name.
Honorary Pallbearers were Andrew Westerman, Alan Westerman, Adam
Westerman, Dalton Olson, John Blixt, Shawn Blixt, Tresten Lindquist,
Wynn Lindquist. Funeral Arrangements were handled by Shrider's Mortuary.
Hazel Viola Matt Keniston
PABLO - Hazel Viola Matt Keniston was born June 4, 1921, to
Catherine (Dubay) Matt and Alfred 'Mattie' Matt at the family home site
near Pablo Reservoir, and went to be with the Heavenly Father on
Sunday, May 4, 2008 at the Village Health Care Center in Missoula, with
close family member by her side. Hazel attended the Ursuline
Convent Boarding School in 1938 and in 1941, and the age of 16, moved
to Portland, Oregon where she later met and married Harold Clifford
Keniston. Hazel worked at the Bess Kaiser Hospital in Portland before
moving back home to Pablo in 1967. Harold passed away in 1992.
Hazel enjoyed gardening, picnics by the lake, and being with
family and friends. Hazel especially loved the Oregon coast where she
spent many memorable vacations. Hazel loved to read, travel, fish,
listen to music, knit, play checkers, socialize at the Senior Center,
and dine at nice restaurants. Hazel loved her home in Pablo, which she
shared with her beloved cat "Friesty", and where she could look out at
the beautiful mountains.
Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Carl
Alloyius Matt, John Earl Marple Matt and Elvin James Matt, and sisters
Eva Matilda Case and Rosemary "Bun" Leaverton. Hazel is
surivived by her sister Violet (Richard 'Dick') Hardy and family of
Pablo;, and her loving children, Patricia Elberson of Beaverton,
Oregon; Wynnette Rosemarie Johnson; Gerald Clifford (Betty) Keniston;
Catherine Olive Anderson and her friend Dave; and Kenny Keniston and
his friend Bevra all of Finley Point; and Pamela Viola Holman and her
friend Art of Portland, Oregon. Hazel also is surivived by her
grandchildren, Catherine, Susan, David, Don, Jason, Sarah, Eric, Susan
V., Heather, Misty, Kienan and many great grandchildren, nieces and
nephews and many close friends who faithfully visited her. All will
dearly miss Hazel, who was always there when you needed her.
Hazel was a proud member of the Confederated Salish and
Kootenai Tribes. Her grandmother was Mary Bisson and her
great-grandparents were Raphael Bisson and Mary Lucy Finley.
Fun loving and "genuinely colorful" until the end, Hazel fought
a long and courageous battle with cancer. Hazel leaves behind many good
friends at the Village Health Care Center in Missoula, where she was
well cared for.
Vigil services will be held on Thursday May 8, 2008 at 7 p.m.
in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial
will be held on Friday May 9, 2008 at 10:30 am in the church with
Father James Connor officiating. Interment will follow at Lake View
Cemetery. Condolences to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com
Robert A. Groom, Sr.
CHARLO - Robert A. Groom, Sr., 52, passed away at his home early Saturday, April 26, 2008.
Born in Polson on January 17, 1956 to Sheila (Hustad) and Baptiste Malatare. He was raised and educated in the Pablo area.
He married Sharon Farnham in 1975 and worked as an auto mechanic
in the area and in Wyoming for a short time before he returned. He was
a jack-of-all-trades and enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as getting
firewood.
His father preceded him in death.
He is survived by his mother Sheila Peterson of Clinton; his
wife Sharon of Charlo; children Bob, Paul and Jim Groom all of Charlo,
Emmett Groom of Bozeman and Victoria (Ron) Meeker of Dubois, Indiana;
13 grandchildren and 2 brothers and 5 sisters.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a gathering will be held at the family home at later this year.
Violet
A. Derflinger
Arlee - Violet A. Derflinger, 79, passed away Wednesday at St.
Patrick's Hospital in Missoula.
Violet was born in Cedarville, California on Nov.
15, 1928 to
Mary (Pence) and Paul Hager. Raised in California and Nevada, she
married Paul Derflinger in Eureka, California and together they raised
their family.
In 1987, she and Paul moved to Arlee where they
retired. Violet
excelled with crafts and loved to paint and play bingo. She was very
family oriented and loved her children, grandchildren and great
grandchildren very dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a son
John.
Violet is survived by her husband of 54 years Paul
of Arlee;
sons Mark of Arlee and Ernest (Cathy) of Arlee; four grandchildren
Shane, Mark, Melissa and Amber and three great grandchildren Dallas,
Aurora and Darrion.
Ralph
Carlyle Ducharme
POLSON - Ralph Carlyle Ducharme, age 60, of Polson, passed
away at his home from natural causes on Friday April 25, 2008 with his
loving family at his side.
Ralph was born on January 4, 1948 at
St. Ignatius, MT to Wilbur and Hazel Ducharme. Following his school
years, Ralph joined the US Army and served his country. After his time
in the service, Ralph moved to Polson.
Ralph married Helen Henry in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho,
in 1971. Helen passed away in 1993.
Ralph worked for the Charkoosta News, St. Joseph
Convalescent
Center, Villegas Janitorial, and Super One Foods as a custodian. He was
an active member of the Eagles #3913 in Polson.
Ralph enjoyed
family gatherings and playing pool with family and friends. He was an
avid bingo player and liked cooking and baking for everyone for any
occasion.
His wife Helen Ducharme, parents Hazel and Wilbur
Ducharme, and sister Debbie Butt preceded Ralph in death.
Ralph is survived by his sisters Victoria (Gus)
Mandelas of
Moses Lake, WA; Denise Banguis of Polson; Carrie Irvine of Pablo; Diane
Ducharme of Polson; Lori (Kelly) Cunningham of Colorado Springs, CO;
his brother Steve (Toni) Ducharme of Polson; and several nieces,
nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, who were very dear to his
heart.
Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan
Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at
www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Duane
"Mike" Plouffe
ST. IGNATIUS - Duane "Mike" Plouffe, 41, passed away in Fort
Lauderdale, FL, from injuries received in motorcycle accident.
A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai
Tribe, Mike was
born in St. Ignatius on March 24, 1967, to Joanne Gingras and Dennis
Plouffe; he was raised in the valley. As a young adult Mike joined the
Navy and served in Desert Storm before returning to make his home in
Virginia Beach, Virginia.
He then returned home to the Rez, where he owned
and operated
M&D Auto Repair and eventually he went to work for Mission
Valley
Power in Pablo. He most recently went to work HICO in Hollywood, FL.
He married Corrine Clairmont of Ronan and they
later divorced. He then remarried to Lori Charette and they divorced.
Mike was into life and he lived it to the fullest.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents
including his
grandma Regina Plouffe, his uncle Norman Charette and a cousin Janet
Pierce.
He is survived by his mother Joanne Schall and
stepfather
Rodney Schall of Dixon and Father Dennis Plouffe of Idaho; his sisters
DeeDee Gingras of Charlo and Renee Plouffe of Idaho; uncles Wiliam
Gingras, David Gingras, Dennis Mitchell, George A. Mitchell and Thomas
Maynard Plouffe; aunts Teddi Charette and Chickee Pierce; and a special
grandma Margaret York as well as many special cousins and large
extended family.
Sharon
Bird - Turczynski
EUGENE, Ore. - Beloved wife, mother, auntie, sister and mama
to all. Sharon passed away peacefully on April 23, 2008 while residing
in Eugene, Oregon surrounded by family and loved ones.
Sharon was born on July 26, 1952 in St. Ignatius
to Charles and
Rose Bird. Sharon married in 1982 to Dennis James Felsman and they had
six beautiful children: Shirley, Sheri, Shelly, Sheila, Rhonda and one
son named Willie, whom she thought the world of and spoke of frequently
to all she met. Her children were her life.
Sharon attended Ursalines Catholic Boarding School
in St.
Ignatius from 1958 - 1962. She then continued her schooling in Ronan
then went on to get her GED in 1972. She attended school in Pablo at
Salish and Kootenai College from 1979 to 1985 where she was also
employed full-time as well as a full time student. In 1998 she went to
work for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in various
departments such as Personnel/JTPA, then DHRD and shortly after that
she moved back to Personnel. Sharon enjoyed traveling, fishing and
bingo every now and then, but especially camping.
Sharon met
and married in October 23, 2006 to the love of her life, Mark Joseph
Turczynski, whom she loved unconditionally. He brought her happiness
while filling her world with love and laughter and will always be a
part of her family. This man has brought her so much love, he was her
life and she could have never asked for a more special husband, friend
and partner in life. She had so many plans for their future, but the
lord had different plans for her. When she met and married Mark, she
also met the most special mother-in-law and father-in-law, Fay and Ed
Cox. They are very special people whom treated her with so much love.
Sharon
is survived by her husband Mark Turczynski; daughters Shirley, Sheri,
Shelly, Sheila, Rhonda; son Willie; her special in-laws Fay and Ed Cox
(Mariah); sisters Darlene and MaryAnn; brother Charlie; her grandkids,
Danika Felsman, Miranda Mahkuk, Kaetau and Matt Felsman, Zion and
Neveah Ross, Tristan Felsman and Byron Colon and numerous nieces and
nephews.
Preceding her in death were her mom Rose
Bird-Chalwain; her dad
Charles Robert Bird Sr.; her ex-husband Dennis James Felsman; her
sisters Diane Muniz and Shirley Bird.
Sharon will be missed dearly by many for she was
the sparkle in
everyone's face. You will never be forgotten mom. Traditional wake
services were held in St. Ignatius at the Longhouse and her ashes will
be held in Eugene, Oregon until her husband's release in October.
Harriet
Adams Whitworth
MISSOULA - Harriet Adams Whitworth, 89, joined her husband Fred and
went peacefully into the arms of the Lord on April 22, 2008.
Mom, Grandma, Auntie and our Friend was a
CS&KT Tribal
member born April 28, 1918 in the mountains to Eneas Adams and Adele
Kaltomee Adams. Harriet married Fred Whitworth Sr. on Valentines Day in
1941, they had 7 children, 20 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.
Harriet was raised traditionally and was fluent in
the Salish
Language and past her traditional values on to her children,
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She worked at the Jocko
&
Valley Creek C.C. (conservation corps) camps, Blue Bay Camp, Salish
Culture Committee in St. Ignatius and taught at the Arlee School. Some
of her joys when she was younger were fishing, hunting, drying meat,
cooking, Christmas treeing, picking fruit in the Bitterroot, ranching
with her husband and packing into the Bob Marshall. She and her family
were also in the Wild West Show with Grey Scott and Ed Lane and
traveled to California, Chicago, New York, Alaska and Washington DC.
While in Washington DC with her husband they testified before a Senate
Sub Committee regarding taxation on the reservation. More recently she
experienced an Arizona winter.
Harriet was a proud member of the St. Ignatius
Catholic Church
and the Salish Elder Advisory Committee. She also received many life
long awards: 2001 CS&KT Agricultural Producer Achievement
Award;
2002 Lifetime Achievement Award; 2004 Flathead River Honoring Award; An
Honorary Bachelors Degree from Salish Kootenai College.
She was preceded in death by her husband Fred,
their daughter
Annette, son Ray, a grandson Shawn, as well as her parents, her sisters
Agnes Vanderburg, Adeline Fyant, and a brother Lome Adams. She is
survived by her children Floyd (Denise) Nicolai, Lauraine (George)
Johnson, Geri Moran, Nadine (Dennis) Clairmont, Fred (Vicki) Whitworth
Jr.
Memorials may be made to the Kidney Foundation in
honor of Harriet Whitworth.
Jack
Dolson
HOT SPRINGS - Jack Dolson, 74 years old, died peacefully Saturday
morning, April 12, 2008 at St. Joseph's Medical Center. His doctor and
nurses complained of the "bad time" that he gave them: being the
targets of Jack's good-natured teasing. You couldn't know Jack for long
before you got a "bad time" of your very own. Chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease was finally too much for his heart. That together
with prostate cancer that had spread throughout his bones had fatigued
Jack for these past couple years.
Jack was born at home, October 20, 1933, to Bert
and Bertha
Dolson on the family ranch near Hot Springs. Rosa Markle, his
grandmother, helped deliver him. Jack attended school at Hot Springs
until his junior year of high school when he moved to Kalispell to seek
employment working on Hungry Horse Dam. He joined the United States Air
Force in 1954 and served in such exotic locations as Florida and Japan
as an airplane mechanic. He returned home while completing his years of
reserve duty.
On July 8, 1957, he married Meredith McClary of
Nairada. After a brief stay in Great Falls, and Portland, Oregon, the
couple settled in Polson where Jack drove logging trucks for the Dupuis
Lumber Company. In 1963, Jack and Meredith purchased the family ranch
from his parents and they returned to Hot Springs to take up cattle
ranching. Jack hired out to supplement the ranch activities as a
mechanic. He worked for the local mechanic shops, first at the "Y"
Chevron and then with Lewis Mountjoy.
In 1970, Jack built a
mechanic shop at home on the ranch and continued to work on machinery
and autos to supplement the ranch operations. Other times he would hire
out to help the custom hay contractors throughout the valley, and
always worked on their equipment. If you needed it fixed, Jack could
get it done. Jack ranched and did mechanic work throughout his entire
life with the help of his family. His latest purchase, two young red
angus bulls, were delivered to the ranch the day he went into the
hospital. Jack only saw pictures of them.
Jack was a member of the Confederated Salish and
Kootenai
Tribes. He was always very interested in the activities of the tribes.
If you got to know Jack, you know that he always looked to find humor
in everything around him, but once in a while you did hear, "Oohhh
bull****" from him. This was an expression he used on occasion when
talking about certain topics, especially tribal topics.
Jack is survived by his wife, Meredith, at the
family ranch
south of Hot Springs; by his daughter Candy Franklin (Hot Springs) and
her children, Amy (Don) DeTienne (Hot Springs), Michael Franklin (Hot
Springs), Jacquie Franklin (Hamilton), and Amber Franklin
(Pennsylvania); by his son Michael (Lisa) Dolson and their children
Rosa and Jack (Camas Prairie); by his great-grand children, the
DeTienne kids, Joseph, James, Alexandrea, Berton, Lilianna, and
William. Jack is also survived by his sisters Carole Lane of Kalispell,
Virginia Walker of Scotland, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents Bert and
Bertha, his
brothers Bert Norman (Pat) Dolson, William (Mickey) Dolson, and his
sisters Ellen Aycock, and Mary Joan (Molly) Nelson.
Arrangements were entrusted to Sunset Hills
Funeral Homes for Plains & Thompson Falls.
Marian
Tyro Seines
PLAINS - Marian Tyro Seines, 94, died of natural causes on April
10, 2008. She was born in Plains in November 1914 to F. M. and Ida
Lewellen.
She graduated from Plains High School, earning a
scholarship to
the University of Montana. She earned her bachelor's degree in music
education from UM in 1936. She married Frank Tyro, a civil engineer, of
Dillon. Being with the government service, they moved many times, but
resided in St. Ignatius eight years before his death in 1952. Marian
started a kindergarten in her St. Ignatius home.
On Oct. 22, 1953, she married Hilbert Seines and
they moved to the Seines ranch in Round Butte the following spring.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years,
Hilbert Seines;
daughters, Denise Fyant (Floyd Nicolai); and Bonnie Tyro; son, Frank
(Lori Lambert) Tyro; 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and 16
great-great grandchildren. Her parents, F.M. and Ida Lewellen, and her
brother, Jack Lewellen of Plains preceded her in death.
Memorial services were held Monday, April 14, at
the Mission Valley United Methodist Church on the top of Post Creek
hill.
Memorials may be made to St. Luke's Extended Care,
the Mission Valley United Methodist Church or the Round Butte Women's
Club.
Frances
Dodge 'Candy' Cantrel
KALISPELL - Frances Dodge 'Candy' Cantrel, 89, passed away on
Wednesday, March 26, 2008, at the Heritage Place here. She was born on
Nov. 8, 1918, at Plains, to Wilbur and Nell (Clark) Cameron.
Frances was raised on the family ranch in the
Little Bitterroot
area near Hot Springs, where she attended a one-room schoolhouse until
moving to Plains for high school. After graduation, Frances went to
Kinnman Business College in Spokane. She decided that teaching was her
calling and went on to get her Bachelor of Arts degree in education
from the University of Montana.
Frances met George Dodge while teaching at Noxon.
They married
in November 1943. After the death of her husband in 1958, she accepted
a teaching position at Dixon grade school where she met and later
married Gerald 'Ed' Cantrel.
Frances taught school at Noxon, Heron, Dixon,
Arlee, Charlo and
Ronan. She dedicated her life to her students up to her retirement in
1986 from the Ronan School District. At that time she moved to
Kalispell to be near her family.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband
George, with whom
she had four children: her second husband, Ed; her brothers, Phil
Cameron and Richard Cameron; and a sister, Virginia Erchul.
She is survived by her children, Deanna Mathison
(Steve) of
Kalispell; Patricia Murphy (Ron) of Whitefish; Jon Dodge (Ann) of
Laramie, Wyo.; and George Dodge Jr., of Kalispell; and grandchildren,
Stephanie Bell (Charlie) of Pearl City, Hawaii; Rebecca Mathison of
Kalispell; Jessica Curry of Butte; Bryan Dodge and Dan Dodge (Karrah)
of Fresno, Calif.; and great-grandchildren, Hannah Bell and Owen
Burwell.
A memorial service will be held in June at the
Noxon Cemetary.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for
Frances' family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com
to offer condolences and sign Frances' guest book.
Alma
I. Bailey
LIVINGSTON - Alma I. Bailey, 90, died at her home Saturday morning,
March 22, 2008. Cremation has taken place at Franzen-Davis Crematory
and a graveside committal and burial will take place at a later date in
St. Ignatius.
Alma was born December 12, 1917 to Clay and Julia
(McDonald)
Williams in Dixon. Alma served in the Nurse Corps in the U.S. Army
during WW II. She was stationed in Palm Springs, California, at Torney
General Hospital and at Madigan Army Hospital in Tacoma, Wash. Alma was
honorably discharged in 1945. She married to Arthur L. Bailey in Palm
Springs, California.
Alma was the unconditionally loving and devoted
mother of two
sons, Gary Bailey of Clinton, Utah, and Wayne Bailey of Deerlodge and
one daughter, Inez Hawk of Livingston. Also surviving are six
grandchildren, Clifford Hawk of Havre, Jeff Hawk and Anjanett
Hawk-Johnson both of Billings, and Chris Bailey and Donovan Bailey both
of Missoula; and several great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and
nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband,
two sons, Lee and Gene Bailey and one brother, Jack Williams.
God saw her getting weary; He did what he thought
best. He put
his arms around her, and whispered "come and rest". It broke our hearts
to loose her, but she did not go alone. For a little part of all of us
went with her, the day that God called her home.
"Because I live, you will live also" John 14:19
If desired, memorial donations may be directed to
Rock Mountain Hospice, 301 Edelweiss Drive Suites 5&6, Bozeman,
59718.
Eugene
Lefthand
ST. IGNATIUS - Eugene was born August 18, 1945, in St. Ignatius. He
began his journey to join his mother and other loved ones who left
before him in March 2008.
Gene was born in St. Ignatius to Rose Andrew and
Samuel
Lefthand. His maternal grandparents were Mary Cullooyah Andrew and Paul
Andrew; paternal grandparents were Coomsah Lefthand and Basil Lefthand.
Gene attended school at the Ursuline School, in
St. Ignatius, and graduated from Ronan High School.
He married Jeanne Hahn and his only child Michelle
Lefthand was
born. The marriage dissolved and his ex-wife and daughter moved to
California.
Gene was a very intellectual and private man, who
enjoyed
reading, word games, and TV game shows with Jeopardy being his
favorite.
Gene worked as a hunting and fishing guide for
Cheff Ranch, for
several lumber mills and farms and ranches in the area. He did seasonal
work such as Christmas trees and potato harvesting. He also did farm
and ranch work in Oregon.
Gene loved his culture and was a fluent speaker in
both
Kootenai and Salish Languages. He often talked about how much he had
learned from his special great-great auntie, Oshanee Kenmille.
Gene loved the mountains, steams, and lakes and
loved fishing,
hunting, and driving the back roads. He also enjoyed the keno and poker
machines.
Gene is survived by his daughter Michelle Singh
and
grandchildren Rowan and Joseph of Holtville, California; sisters, Ann
Marie Lefthand and family of California; Sharon (Mark) Tarczynski and
family of Oregon; Darlene Bird and family of Charlo; Maryanne Bird and
family; and brother, Charlie Bird and family of Charlo; his foster
family, Pat Cousins and daughters of Ronan; Kay Padilla and family of
Pablo; Jim Shepard and family of St. Ignatius; Joe Shepard and family
of Charlo; Abbey Combs and family of Missoula; and Joe Combs or
Arizona.
Preceding him in death are his sisters, Shirley
Bird and Diane
Muniz; his grandparents, Basil and Coomsah Lefthand; Mary and Paul
Andrew; his beloved mother, Rose Bird Chalwain; father Samuel Lefthand;
foster-parents, Ruby and Harley Shepard; and many other friends,
relatives and "old buddies".
Urn bearer was Vincent Burrafato. Honorary
Pallbearers were
Chuck Zieler, Pete Zieler, Jim Shepard, Joe Shepard, Rodney West,
Rawhide Sorrell, Laurence Kenmille and Buck Morigeau.
Judy
A. (Henry) Dumoulin
CALDWELL, Idaho - Judy Dumoulin, formerly of St.Ignatius, passed away
Monday March 17, 2008 at West Valley Medical Center in.
Judy was born May 16, 1958, in St.Ignatius to Gail
and Yvonne
Orr Henry. She was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai
Tribes. Judy attended school in St. Ignatius and moved to Idaho in the
early 1980's.
In 1989, Judy married Joe Dumoulin and they made
their home in
Middleton, Idaho, along with their dogs Tiny and Prince. She was an
avid collector of miniature clocks, beanie babies, and dream catchers.
She is survived by her husband Joe Dumoulin and
child Sheri
(Bob); grandchildren Chase and Tyler of Middleton, Jay (Melissa) of
Boise, C.J (Rachell) of Vancouver, Washington; brother-in-law Gabe
Hupko; siblings Dave (Terry) Orr, Kathy Smith (Misael), Doris Gainan
(Jerry) of St. Ignatius, Ray (Jerry) of Hoonah, Alaska, Frank Henry
(Michelle) of Arlee, Dora Henry (Charlie) of Potomac, and Dorothy Henry
of Ronan; nieces and nephews Ryan and Charmel Smith, Brandon Gainan and
Tyrah, Jonathan and Amanda Salway, Sara and Shawn Orr, Bill Brown,
Dustin Walker, Arianna and Jon-Anthony Henry, Karoline, Gayle, and
Sophie Henry, Franny and Christine Williams; great-nephews, Leroy III
and Lucus Black; Jarred and Mason Smith; Justin and Jason Brown; and
great-neice, Tianna Brown.
She was proceded in death by her grandmother
Carrie Felsman
Orr; parents Gail and Yvonne; brother Ralph; nephews Robbie and Steven;
and her beloved dogs.
Judy will be greatly missed at family gatherings
playing cards and a mean game of spoons.
At Judy's request, cremation has taken place and a
memorial
service is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 5, in St.
Ignatius. Foster and Durgeloh are assisting with the memorial and
people can contact the family or the funeral home at 745-6789.
Kenneth
"Dominick" Burland
RONAN - Kenneth James "Dominick" Burland Sr., 60, of Ronan, lost
his battle with diabetes Friday, March 14, 2008, in Missoula. He was
born to Josephine Lamoose Finley on May 23, 1947. With his passing, our
tribe lost a fluent speaker of the Salish language.
A proud member of the Confederated Salish and
Kootenai Tribes,
he was raised in the Camas Prairie-Hot Springs area by his mother. His
uncles, Baptiste and Tony Lamoose, played a significant role in his
upbringing. Dominick attended vocational training classes in Missoula
and Pierre, S.D., studying auto mechanics. He never really used his
training except to keep his own vehicles running and to help his family
and friends repair their cars. He worked for a short time in Wellpinit,
Wash., for Spokane Tribal Forestry, as well as other various odd jobs.
Dominick had a variety of interests. He enjoyed
hunting and
fishing with his nephew Duane, dancing at powwows, attending other
cultural doings, driving on the back roads, visiting with friends and
family, telling stories and joking around with people.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine;
brother,
Peter Finley Sr.; sister, Mary Catherine; and uncles, Baptiste and Tony
Lamoose.
He is survived by his children, Patricia, Kenneth,
Darlene, Ann
and Raymond; sister, Harriet Finley Sherman; uncle, David Lamoose;
numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins; and his longtime
friend, Jesse Gonzalas.
A rosary service was held Sunday night at the St.
Ignatius
Longhouse. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17,
at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the Lamoose
Cemetery.
Gordon
Francis Hunter
ST. IGNATIUS - Gordon was born Nov. 4, 1951, to Eldena (Bellmore)
and Chuck Hunter in St. Ignatius. Gordon went to join his parents and
ancestors on Saturday, March 15, 2008.
A proud member of the Confederated Salish and
Kootenai Tribes,
Gordon had many different jobs. But the one he took the greatest pride
in was being a Fish and Wildlife game warden for the tribes. He held
this position for 35 years.
Gordon was well known for being a "big" teddy
bear. He was very
respectful, respected and just a really good person who we truly love.
He will be greatly missed by all of us.
He liked to take his "boys" camping, fishing,
hunting, and took
long drives - especially in the mountains. He really enjoyed taking the
kids swimming, letting them (Bun-Bun, Beans, Jori and Su-Su) jump off
his shoulders and swimming back and forth across the dam. The thing he
loved the most was driving around in "his true love of his life" - his
'55 Chevy wagon, which he restored.
Gordon is survived by "the wife," MaryAnn; his
stepchildren,
Nona and Brad; grandsons, Kanyon, Jayden and Shade; son, Joseph, whom
he was raising; sisters, Char and LeAnne (Clark) Matt; brothers, Kenny
(Suzie), Denny (Suzie), Hobie and Ron; nephews, Charles, Mike, John,
Steve (Jackie), Jericho (Kim), Beau, Dillon, Franklin, Darius and
Dante; nieces, Michelle (Anna, Jon Anthony), Jori (Dan and kids),
Eldena (Rose), Brittany, Suzie (R.J.) and Pam; special buddies, "bros"
Charlie and Archie; his other family; the Tribal TRs; his nunus, Jody
(Frog) and Clarence (Dorothy); his other mom, Wyona; and many friends
and other relatives.
A rosary service was held Sunday at the St.
Ignatius Community Center. Burial was at the Catholic Cemetery.
William
Joseph "Joe" Moran
ARLEE - William Joseph "Joe" Moran, 65, passed away peacefully at his
home surrounded by his family on March 12, 2008.
Joe was born on September 22, 1942 in St. Ignatius
to Ernest and
Alice Moran. He graduated from Arlee High School in 1960. He joined the
Navy as a Hospital Corpsman at the age of 17; he served in Vietnam 1967
to 1968 on the rivers, was chosen in 1971 as one of the first 12
physician assistants, went on to become a Medical Service Corps Officer
in 1972, and retired in 1982 as Lt. Commander.
Joe had an extensive educational background. He
graduated from
Pensacola Junior College in 1971; George Washington University in 1975
and graduated from the University of Montana's School of Law in 1986.
He
worked for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes as the Chief
Judge of Tribal Court in 1994 to 1995 and held his own Flathead Law
Practice in Arlee until his retirement last year. He also served as the
Chief Judge in Browning, and was currently the Chief Justice of the
Appellate Court for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Joe
also served a term on the Tribal Council for the Arlee District.
Joe
married his wife of 44 years, Marylin Arthur in 1964 and they had two
boys and one daughter. One son, Scout, preceded him in death in 1998.
Joe was a wonderful family man and his family always came first.
Joe is survived by his wife Marylin Moran; his
children,
Marianne (Mike) Pierre; and Daniel (Rolanda) Moran; brothers Bud (Audi)
and Mike (Evelyn) Moran; sisters, Sarah (Chuck) Twoteeth, Karen
Williams; a sister and brother-in-law Nancy and Peter Plant; his grand
daughters Kayla, Lindsay, Autumn and Lexi; grandsons Daniel, Devin and
Derek; and great grandson Wemilo "Baby Joe" and great granddaughter
Azalia; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family whom he loved
dearly.
Joe is proceded in death by his parents; a son
Joseph D.
"Scout" Moran; sister and brother-in-law Connie and Jim Coulson; a
brother Tom Moran; nieces Linda Dahl and Tiffany Twoteeth; and nephew
"Bam" Twoteeth.
"Here lies a gentle, kind and honest man who
enriched our lives
beyond measure. A man's life should not be measured in years nor by the
value of his possessions on the day he died, but by the number of good
friends and memories he leaves behind and Joe left many. He will be
sorely missed!"
Interment followed in the Jocko cemetery near
Arlee where
military honors were presented. Pallbearers were Sam Williams, Pete
Plant, Duane Plant, Joe Antiste, Brian Tanner, Michael Garza Charlo,
Leonard and Troy TwoTeeth.
Thomas
C. Wheeler
ALBERTON - Thomas Charles Wheeler, 67, of Alberton, passed away on
March 13, 2008, at his home in the loving arms of his family after a
long battle with cancer.
He was born November 11, 1940, in St. Ignatius to
Joseph and Margaret Wheeler. He graduated from High School in St.
Ignatius.
On July 1, 1960, he married Willy Almendinger in
Missoula. In
July of 1966, they moved to Tarkio where they raised their five
children and opened their home to many other children. Tom and Willy
relocated to Alberton in 1982 where Tom was active in many community
organizations such as the School Board, Volunteer Fire Department, Team
Ready, Mineral County Fair Board, St. Albert's Catholic Church, Special
Olympics, Poverello Center and the M.M.H.R. Board. He was known for his
sense of humor, positive outlook on life, generosity and his love of
helping others.
Tom lived a full life and loved his family and
community dearly. The memory of his smile, and helping hands, as well
as loving heart will never be forgotten. His love of the outdoors and
working with his hands lives on in his children and grandchildren.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph
and Margaret;
grandparents, Thomas and Emily Wheeler, Charles and Helen Ashley;
brothers, Joe, Jimmy and Mike; and sister, Betty.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years,
Willy;
mother-in-law, Blanche Almendinger; sons, Thomas (Laurie), Bear
(Josie), Shawn (Inna); daughters, Deb (Wayne) Boyes, Joan Wheeler and
John Nichols; foster-children, Tony, David, and Tiger Notti;
grandchildren Nikki, Kelly, Ashley, Mandy and Charlie Wheeler, Justin
(Heather) Boyes, Shay (Tim) Brown, Brett, Kayla and Shelby Mills, Dani
(John T.) Condin, Cory and Michael Bledsoe; Sokol Celmeta;
great-grandchildren, Skyler, Madison, Cerenity and Raistlyn Merndorf;
and John Condin III; sisters, Binky (Mitch) Bowman, Petey (Larry)
Gariepy, Dorothy (Larry) Clinkenbeard, Carol Jarrell, Jackie (Bruce)
McRae, Zetra Wheeler; brother, Bob (Jean) Wheeler; aunts, Cassie
Phillips, Dorothy Wheeler, Blanche Wheeler; as well as numerous nieces,
nephews, cousins and friends whom he loved immensely.
Pallbearers were Tom M. Wheeler (Red Tom), Mark
Wheeler,
Michael Wheeler, Joe Wheeler, Todd Ahern, Heather Edwards, Terrie
Petty, Chandler McRae, Jason Clinkenbeard, Tommy Fleming, Jackie
Wilson.
Fr. Drew Maddox was the celebrant and Fr. Kevin
Christopherson was the co-celebrant.
The family asks that memorials be made to Helping
Hands of Alberton, P.O. Box 506 Alberton, MT 59820.
George
"Cap" Cordis
ST. IGNATIUS - George "Cap" Cordis passed away peacefully Wednesday,
Feb. 27, 2008, with his family by his side.
Cap was born April 27, 1914, in Rushville, Neb.,
to Fred H. and Dory Luebbs Cordis, and was the fifth of eight children.
He attended school in Kimball, Neb. and was the
only one of his family to graduate from high school in 1932.
The family moved to Montana in 1934, where he had
a variety of occupations.
He married his wife and soul mate, Jean Spooner,
on June 20,
1940. They were blessed with three children, Sharon, Bill, and Gary.
They owned and operated the Post Creek Store from
1953 to 1976, when they retired and moved to Jean's family homestead.
After celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary
in June 1990, Jean passed away later the same year.
In 1995, Cap sold the family home and moved into
the Maxwell
Apartments in St. Ignatius and spent many happy hours at the Senior
Citizens Center visiting and playing bingo. He never turned down the
opportunity to play pinochle or cribbage and always had a story about
the "good ol' days."
He is survived by his children, Sharon (David)
Todd, Bill
(Shirley) Cordis and Gary (Kristy) Cordis; nine grandchildren; 20
great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place and per his request no
services will
be held. A celebration of his life will be held from noon to 4 p.m.,
Monday, March 3, at the St. lgnatius Senior Citizen Center. In lieu of
flowers, memorials may be made to the St. lgnatius Senior Citizens
Center.
Sunset Memorial Funeral Home assisted the family
with
arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at
missoulafuneralhomes.com.
Floyd
Douglas Virgil Anthony Nevarez
MISSOULA - Floyd Douglas Virgil Anthony Nevarez, 53, passed away at his
home on March 3, 2008.
Floyd was born on April 6, 1954, in St. Ignatius
to Leopold and
Mary (Pablo) Nevarez. He attended grade schools in Charlo, Hot Springs
and St. Ignatius. He attended high school in Shalako, Oklahoma and
graduated from Ronan High School. While attending high school in Ronan,
Floyd was on Ronan's first state wrestling championship team in 1973.
Floyd won the state heavyweight wrestling title that same year.
Floyd
attended Technical Institute in Bellingham, WA, for marine biology
underwater training for two years. He returned to St. Ignatius where he
continued his stained glass artwork and he also worked for the Post
Creek fish hatchery. Floyd moved to Missoula where he worked on antique
car restoration in Bonner and as a bouncer at the Top Hat.
Floyd had a new found faith in Jesus Christ since
1999. He was
a proud member of the Pablo Baptist Church and Jocko Valley Baptist
Church in Arlee.
He was known worldwide for his "Gary the Bear"
stained glass artwork. One of his works of art hangs in the Pablo
Baptist Church.
Floyd also enjoyed attending the Arlee 4th of July
celebration.
Floyd is preceded in death by his parents, brother
Raymond Santos and Janice Nevarez.
He is survived by his one son, Darnell Hensrud of
Missoula; and
six siblings, Julia Barton of San Diego, CA; Joseph Santos of Ronan;
Vincent "Spaghetti" Burrafato of Missoula; Diana Jones of St. Ignatius;
Louis Nevarez of Ronan; and Guadalupe Jones of Ellensburg, WA; and
numerous nieces and nephews.
Wake service began on Wednesday at the St.
Ignatius Longhouse
and services were held on Thursday at the Pablo Baptist Church with
Pastor Ken Prewett officiating. Burial followed at the St. Ignatius
Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial may be made to the Pablo Baptist Church.
Condolences may also be left to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are by the Grogan Funeral Home of Polson.
James
F. Antoine
PABLO
- James F. Antoine, 68, "Jimmy A.,," aka "Skinny Jimmy," our loving
dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, left us quietly and
peacefully in his sleep early Friday morning. He was well prepared and
made sure that he picked his own pallbearers and honorary pallbearers.
Jimmy was known throughout the Rez for his
generosity and his
hospitality. You could say he had an open door policy as friends and
strangers came and went, even when he wasn't home.
During his last few years of pain and suffering,
he still
managed to make you smile and laugh, and usually the latter. His sense
of humor was unsurpassed. You had to always be on guard when you were
around Jimmy A. or he'd be pulling a trick on you.
His favorite response to callers checking on him
was "same-ol',
same-ol'." He was grateful for every year the Creator gave him and his
comment every New Year's Day was "Well, I made it another year." He was
always there to listen to anyone's problems, any day, anytime, and
anywhere. Whether you're happy, sad or angry, he always knew how to
cheer you up with his favorite words: "So...life goes on!"
Known for his hard work ethic, he made many
friends through his
work as a firefighter, tree planter, and harvester of Christmas trees
and post and pole. A jack-of-all-trades, he was always there with a
helping hand. In his own words, he would tell you how he could run a
"d*** good chainsaw". He loved to gamble and would often spend a night
of gambling and still go straight to work from there.
He was a kid at heart, but as a father he loved
his daughters
and grandchildren unconditionally. The times spent with them were his
life's highs.
Preceding Jimmy in death were his parents Frank
and Susie
Antoine; brothers Billy, David, Paul and Richard; sisters, Rosie, "Dee"
and Helen; and daughter Teri Lynn.
Surviving him are his daughters Jami Frances
Antoine Lozeau
(Butch); Jeanne Delores Irvine Antoine II (Charlie Gardipe);
stepchildren Michael Jon Irvine (Angie) and Edmund "Ed" Irvine;
grandchildren Kyro, Tiana, Elizabeth (Jami/Ott), Mary (Jeanne/Tweet),
Mitch, Bo and Cyrus (Teri Lynn); sisters Alice Goodman, Marian Andrew,
Cecille Antoine and Francine Antoine; nieces, nephews too numerous to
mention; and step-grandchildren include Erin, Tailyr and Michael (MJ),
Clint, Tyson, and Philicia (Ed). He was anxiously awaiting his first
great grandchild and another grandchild, both due in May.
We
leave you with Jimmy A.'s final words of his prepared poem, The Great
Spirit: "So we are off to the Arlee Cemetery, where everyone can say a
little prayer and farewell for now...try to forget your heartaches as
you turn and leave me there."
Kathleen
Marie "Kitty" Barnaby Conko
RONAN - Kathleen Marie "Kitty" Barnaby Conko, 59, started her journey
home while surrounded by family on Friday, February 22, 2008.
A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai
Tribes,
she was born in St. Ignatius at what is now Tallman Park to John "Bud"
Barnaby and Martha Curley on October 4, 1948. She was raised on the
Flathead and Coeur d'Alene reservations.
A kind and loving mother and wife, she married
young and
started her family. She first married Peter Omingo and they had a son
DJ, she then re-married to Eneas Conko, Sr. and they had two children
Nicolette and Eneas, Jr. Eneas Conko, Sr. passed away in January.
Kathleen lived numerous places throughout her
life, most recently residing in Ronan. She was sober for 29 years.
She graduated with high honors at SKC where she
received
her BA degree in human services. She was employed by the CS&K
Tribes as a drug and alcohol counselor and helped lots of teenagers and
was a BABES coordinator.
She enjoyed playing stickgame, bingo, babysitting
her
grandkids and spoiling her nieces and nephews. She lived a traditional
lifestyle doing sweats, medicine dances, taught her kids to dry meat
and was Miss United Nations 1st runner-up.
Preceding her in death are her sisters, Valdena
LittleCrow, Mary Barnaby and Allison "Ponce" Meshell.
Kathleen is survived by her mother Martha Curley
Gardipe
and her father John "Bud" (Hazel) Barnaby. She is survived by her three
children; Eneas, Jr. (Vanessa), Nicolette (Patrick) and DJ (Monica);
her loving grandchildren: Ravyn, Kathleen, Shane, Delicia, Trevor,
Trentin, Josiah, Tashina, Kristina, Mariah, Larrs, and Dominque; her
siblings Philip (Jackie), Leo, Martin (Sharon), Tony (Sandra), Victor
(Delores), Louie, Larry, Joe Butterfly, Sam (Aide), Tonto (Edie)
Barnaby and Sonny Boy (Drenda) Lozeau. Kathleen also cared for her
nephew Charlie LittleCrow and his children Chrystal and Dakota. She
also leaves behind her nunu's: Domnick (Ida) Curley, Milton Nomee and
John "Bear" Malatare and an aunt Sophie Tellier, as well as a large
extended family from the Flathead and Coeur d'Alene reservations.
Jesse
Leo McDanal
POLSON - Jesse Leo McDanal, 97, passed away on Thursday, February 21,
2008, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born October 22,
1910, in Hurley, Missouri, to Marie Woosley.
Jesse served in the armed forces in his younger
years.
He was also a golden gloves boxer and a master of all trades. He
retired after working 30 years as an electrician.
He enjoyment was his family and was also a master
at
pool and loved a good game of crib. He was an inventor of great things
that were and are important to humanity and the environment. Jesse, as
everyone that knew him, had a heart of gold, and loved to listen to any
problem his kids or grandkids had. He was a problem solver. He loved to
be with his family, and loved to share his stories and thoughts.
Jesse married his wife Lucy Pluffe in 1958 and
together
they made their family. He is survived by his wife Lucy; children,
Junior Pluffe; Zella Fisher; Charles James; Marie McDanal; Marlene
McDanal; Marilyn McDanal; Mike McDanal; Maxi Tenas; and many many
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Wake services began on Saturday, February 23.
Interment followed at the Ronan Cemetery.
Crystal
Rose Pichette (Cline)
EVERSON, Wash. - Crystal Rose Pichette (Cline) was born on May 24, 1983
and passed away on the evening of February 3, 2008.
Crystal was a member of the flathead Nation and a
descendant of Lummi Nation. Chrystal was well known in Lummi and
Nooksack communities. She graduated from Lummi High School in 2002. She
worled for Abercrombie & Fitch at the Bellis Mall while going
to
college and she had a number of different jobs working for the Lummi
Indian Business Council.
Crystal was a great athlete and she loved to play
soccer, basketball, fast pitch and softball. She loved spending time
with her daughter, other family members and friends. She was able to
brighten anybody's day with her loving smile and hugs. She is going to
be missed by all very much.
Crystal is proceded in death by her grandpas:
James
Scarborough Sr., and Baptiste James Pichette; uncles Harold
Scarborough, Sr., Baptiste James Pichette Jr. and auntie Carol Ann
Pichette.
Crystal is survived by her loving daughter
Kayshish
Marie Cline, husband Ryawn Cline, father Steve Scarborough, Sr., mother
Carolyn Pichette; brother Jason Pichette; in-laws Ross and Dawn Cline
and family; grandmothers Annette (Sanchez) Soloman and Marian Pichette;
uncles Jim Scarborough, Frank Solomon, Ike Scarborough, Dennis
Pichette; aunties, Celeste Jefferson, Rhonda Scarborough, Kim
Scarborough, Shawneen Smith, Laurlinda Scarborough, Angel Scarborough,
Gloria Scarborough, Cierra Montoya, Sherry Pichette and Debbie Pichette
and numerous cousins and relatives.
Charles
Glynn Plante
WOLF POINT - Charles Glynn Plante, age 47, of Wolf Point passed away
Saturday, February 9, 2008 at the Billings Clinic in. (GF Tribune-cause
of death: injuries sustained.)
Charles was born November 24, 1960 in St. Ignatius
to Charles Plante and Norma Belle (Fourstar). He grew up and attended
schools in St. Ignatius. Charles received his GED and attended college
at Bethel, Alaska.
Charles was a firefighter/sawyer, a security guard
in Alaska, worked at the IGA meat department, was a mechanic for
Wal-Mart, did maintenance for Silver Wolf and held various other jobs.
He loved motorcycling with his brothers, PowWows, barbeques, fishing,
hunting, camping, traveling, jogging, cribbage and horseshoes.
Charles lived in various communities: Moses Lake,
Washington; Ronan; Bethel, Alaska; Billings; Oroville, Washington;
Missoula and had lived in Wolf Point as a child and currently for the
last three years.
Charles is preceded in death by his parents,
Charles and Norma Plante; brothers and sisters, Mitchell Plante, Andrea
Plante, Angela Plante, Gail Plante, Gayla Plante and Melvin Firemoon.
Charles is survived by his first wife, Connie
Sutherland of Poplar; girlfriend, Karol Fisher of Polson; second wife
Emmeline Brown of Crow Agency; friend, Jackie IronCloud of Wolf Point;
his children, Charles G.(Celestine) Plante, Jr. of Havre, Jisah Plante
of Polson, Bruce (Audrey) Eagleman of Crow Agency, Tyrell Plante ,
Colssun Plante, Adoralenn Plante and Nakota Plante, all of Hardin;
three sisters, Veronica (Julian) Shields of Wolf Point, Judy (Kenneth)
Shields of Poplar, and Juanita Plante of Ronan; two brothers, Kevin
Small and Jerry (Arlene) Small, both of Wolf Point; three uncles,
Dallas Fourstar of Wolf Point and Andrew Fourstar of Frazer and Joe
(Elaine) Plante of Arlee; five aunties, Arlene Jackson of Wolf Point,
Shirleen (Harold) Gleed, Ruby (Mason) RunsThrough and Irene (Mason)
RunsThrough, all of Frazer, Val Plante of Arlee; special niece, Thelma
(J.R.) Gray of Wolf Point; eight grandchildren; and numersou nieces and
nephews.
A Mormon Prayer Service was held on Thursday,
February 14, 2008 at the Wolf Point Community Hall with interment
following at King Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at
csmc@nemontel.net or www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson
Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Dorothy
E. Couture Smith
ELMO - Dorothy E. Couture Smith, 58, passed away surrounded by her
family on February 12, 2008 in Elmo. Dorothy was an active member of
her Elmo community and loved being with her grand kids. She loved the
outdoors, picking huckleberries and playing stickgame. She was raised
in Elmo by her father Pete Couture and Elizabeth Buckskin. At the young
age of nine years-old, Dorothy's father passed on and her step-father
Camille Kenmille raised her.
Dorothy was educated at the Urselines in St.
Ignatius, Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota and at SIPI in
Albequerque, NM.
Dorothy was a CAN and a devoted mother.
Dorothy married Emery Sr. and they raised their
children together: daughters, Lorena (Mike), Sheila (Mike "Mook"), Gina
and sons; and sons, Emery Jr., Russell (Tara), Jon (Bernina) and
Casper. Dorothy continued her devotion to her children and those she
claimed as her own: Yevette Makes Cold Weather and Ken Lozeau, as well
as her loving babies, Derek, Jordi, Caitlin, Carnell, Brittany, Ceara,
Dallas, Jayden, Jax, Cloe', Matt, Lee, Eli, Justina, Cheyanna, Jaydon,
Dakota and Jonah.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, a
brother Danny Tenas and sister Caroline Lefthand.
She is also survived by her aunt Helen Charlo of Elmo and uncle Matt
Michel of Elmo; her sisters Lovina Big Beaver of Elmo and Jackie Mathis
of Pablo, a brother Mike Kenmille of Nirada and step-brothers Wilfred,
Eneas, and Laurence Kenmille of Elmo and Donald Kenmille of Worley, ID.
Jason
Morigeau
PALMER, Alaska - Palmer resident Jason Andrew Morigeau, 34, died Feb.
4, 2008, at his home.
Jason was born Jan. 4, 1974, in Polson. Jason
moved with his family to Alaska in 1974.
He was raised in Palmer, where he played football,
was a
state champion discus thrower and runner-up in shot put. He graduated
from Palmer High School, class of 1992.
He worked for the Department of Transportation as
a
highway construction-engineering technician. He had worked for the
state for nine years.
Jason, or "Mojo" as his friends called him, loved
the
outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who enjoyed snowmachining
and spending time at the cabin in Copper Center. He enjoyed berry
picking and hunting for morel mushrooms to garnish the gourmet meals he
created. On a frigid February day, he could often be found ice fishing
on Lake Louise.
"He had an unbelievable memory for minute
details," his
family recalled. "His quick wit and clever comebacks were amusing and
enduring. Although a man of great stature, he was tenderhearted,
thoughtful and generous. He had a special place in his heart for
animals, even the scraggly cat he fed on his deck.
"(He was) always clad in Carhartts. Jason was a
trendsetter. He was wearing out Carhartts before they became popular."
Jason is survived by his parents, Bob and Donna
Morigeau
of Palmer, Alaska; brothers and sister-in-law, Joshua and Jeanne
Morigeau of Helena, and Justin Morigeau of Palmer, Alaska; niece,
Hannah; grandmothers, Jo An Lynn of Polson and Diane "Grandma Turkey"
Morigeau of Yakima, Wash.; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and a
multitude of friends close enough to be family.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers,
Robert E. Lynn and Ben Morigeau; and grandmother, Harriet Higbie Lynn.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the
American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.
David
Eugene Cote
ST. IGNATIUS - Dave moved camp for the last time early on the morning
of Thursday, February 7, 2008. He has begun his eternal journey of
fishing and hunting. No more hoping for good days over the tough ones
in his 10-year battle with cancer. Now, all his days will be, as we
often heard him exclaim, "Today has been the best day of my life!"
David was born September 18, 1937, in St. Ignatius
to
William and Christine Cote. He attended the Ursuline School in St.
Ignatius through the 8th grade.
He married Francie Marie Cordier on August 23,
1954. They had three children: Gary, Dellie and Tina.
Dave worked at Gamble's Store in St. Ignatius from
1954
to 1959, when he went to work at Plum Creek. This became his lifetime
career, from which he retired in 1999.
His marriage ended in 1990. He married Florence
Felsman in 1996. His marriage to Florence ended in September 2007.
Dave's greatest pleasures were taking his children
and
grandchildren hunting and fishing in the Bob Marshall, as well as
Alaska and Canada.
Along with a lifetime of wisdom and life skills
shared,
he leaves his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren a legacy
of profound love and respect for nature.
David is preceded in death by his mother,
Christine
"Susie" Marie Cote, brothers Francis Noel and Daniel Edward; paternal
grandparents Baptiste and Annie Cote; maternal grandparents Michael and
Pauline Washula; granddaughter Christine Maria Glover; and nephew
Daniel Cote, Jr.
He is survived by his father, William Cote;
brothers
Pat, Lawrence (Cheri), Jesse (Connie); sister Bonnie (Ralph) Scheffler;
son Gary (Chris) Cote; granddaughter Jessie (Frank) Cote; grandson Will
(Charlie) Cote; great-grandchildren Carter, Decker and Timber; daughter
Dellie (Steve) Ashley; granddaughter Alina (Warren) Graves;
great-grandchildren Pathe and Lily; grandson Ben Barbre; daughter Tina
Cote; granddaughters Jennifer Alverez and Whitney Glover; and the rest
of his beloved family and friends.
A memormial mass will be held at the St. Ignatius
Catholic Church on Saturday, February 16, at 11 a.m. A luncheon will
follow downstairs in the church reception area.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested all
donations be made to Dave's 2 1/2 year-old grandson Decker Cote, who
has recently been diagnosed with autism. An account named "A Dream for
Decker" has been established at any branch of Valley Banks.
William
George Barba
POLSON - William George Barba, age 80 of Polson, passed away from
natural causes on Sunday, January 27, 2008, at St. Joseph Hospital.
Bill was born at Pittsburg, PA on February 11,
1927 to
William and Amelia Barba. Bill joined the US Navy in 1944 and served
through 1946. He then returned to school and graduated from Woodrow
Wilson High School in California.
On February 13, 1948, Bill married Dolores Sumner
in
Hollywood, CA. Bill returned to the armed forces and joined the Air
Force in 1950 and served through 1952.
Bill worked with microfilm. He was a fireman, real
estate agent, land developer, welder, salesman, and was the inventor of
the salvage master.
In the late 1970's, Bill tried his hand in
politics by running for the position of Lake County Commissioner.
Bill had a wide variety of hobbies and interests.
He
enjoyed photography, fishing, hunting, making model airplanes,
restoring old cars, painting heavy equipment, oil painting, scuba
diving, flying, metal cowboy art, and he built a bi-plane from scratch
from plans he had purchased.
His parents William V. and Amelia, sisters Queen
and Pat, brothers Vince, Jack, and David precede Bill in death.
Bill is survived by his loving wife Dolores,
children
John Charles, Donald Robert, Evie Marie, Philip James, sisters Lois and
Monte, brothers Bob, Jerry and Jimmy, and seven grandchildren.
Memorials may be made in Bill's name to the
Christopher
and Dana Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike Suite 3-A, Short Hills,
NJ, 07078; or at www.christopherreeve.org.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Eldora
W. (Miles) Morrow
WHITEFISH - Eldora "Dora" Winifred (Miles) Morrow, 90, a long time
resident of Whitefish, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning of
January 31, 2008, at Immanuel Lutheran Nursing Home. She was born to
Joseph Alfred and Pearl (Noel) Miles in Polson, April 2, 1917.
Dora started her lifelong joy of learning at the
Ursuline Nun's school in St. Ignatius and continued her education at
Flathead High School in Kalispell.
She married David S. Morrow on December 4, 1933,
and Whitefish became their home.
Dora worked as a retail clerk for several
Whitefish
businesses and retired from the staff of North Valley Hospital. Her
proudest time of employment was helping the World War II effort as a
mechanic's helper at the Great Northern Railroad roundhouse in
Whitefish. She prided herself on being able to carry around 50 pound
wrenches with her 110-pound frame.
She also loved to travel. From Hawaii to Hong
Kong,
Canada to Mexico, Florida to California, she continued learning about
this world.
Dora and Dave raised three children, all of whom
survive
her. David (Pat) H. Marrow (Margo) of Sacramento, CA; Marla Natoli of
La Crosse, WI; and Glenda (Thomas) Vollertsen of Anthem, AZ. She is
also survived by sisters Louise (Bill) Ambrose of Bigfork and La Verna
Nielson of Anchorage, AS; and brother C. Mickey (Bonnie) Bartlett of
Vancouver, WA. Dora was blessed with nine grandchildren and 14
great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family wishes to
extend love and thanks to very special friends, Liane Jett and Arleen
Nelson, both of Whitefish.
Dora was preceded in death by her parents; her
husband
Dave in 1990; sister Ocie Kelsey; brothers Robert and Otis (Bud) Miles
and Raymond (Buzz) Bartlett; son-in-law Neil Natoli; and
daughter-in-law Lois Morrow.
Honoring her wishes, Dora will be laid to rest in
the
springtime when the family gathers for a private graveside service at
Glacier Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be given to the charity of your
choice in her name. The Austin Funeral Home of Whitefish is assisting
with the arrangements.
Laura
Martha Matilda Detert
ST. IGNATIUS - On January 11, 2008, Laura Martha Matilda Detert,
"almost 96", was taken to heaven to be with her Lord and savior.
She was born January 23, 1912, in Ceylon,
Minnesota, the
oldest girl of Anna and Otto Prust. In the middle of much activity and
laughter, she was brought up with Walt, Mike, Evelyn, Alice, Pete, Bob
and Anna Mae. Anna Mae Iverson, Fairmont, MN, is now the only survivor
of Laura's siblings, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Laura graduated from the 8th grade and then was
asked to
stay home from school to help take care of her brothers and sisters. On
December 3, 1933, Laura married Selmer Detert and began a great
adventure - they moved to the "Wild West" - St. Ignatius, Montana!
Unsure of how she could survive there, her parents sent her a Sears
catalog so she "wouldn't have to wear buckskins." Worried about the
condition of Laura's soul in such an "uncivilized" place, her parents
arranged for a Lutheran missionary pastor to come to the Mission
Valley, and several churches were established there.
Her son, Roger was born April 23, 1941, and farm
life
kept her busy. Fluffy, handmade angel food cakes were her specialty as
she cooked huge dinners for Selmer's thrashing crews.
Laura loved new cars, good jewelry and nice
clothes, but
most of all, she loved flowers. She always had beautiful flowerbeds in
her yard, and her floral arrangements won many prizes. She made flower
arrangements for the altar of Zion Lutheran Church for over 50 years.
She belonged to the Garden Wall Garden Club and became a floral show
judge. She was also a member of the Foothills Club and the Lutheran
Women's Missionary League.
In the 80's Laura and Selmer became "snowbirds"
and
enjoyed part of their winters in Mesa, Arizona and joined most of her
sisters and brothers.
Selmer died May 29, 1994. They were married 61
years.
After several strokes, Laura became a resident of Mountain View Care
Center in Ronan. Because of the dedication and friendliness of the
staff and Dr. Vizcarra, she had 12 more comfortable years to play
bingo, tell stories about babysitting Walter Mondale, be a rascal,
laugh with family and friends and tell people about Jesus. Mom, grandma
and friend, Laura, you will be missed so much.
Laura is survived by her son, Roger (Rosemary)
Detert;
grandsons Bruce (Jessi) Detert and their daughter Abby of Seattle, and
Daniel (Hollie) Detert and their children, Kiera and Cole of Livermore,
CA.
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church,
Mountain View Care Center or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Alma
Bernice "Butch" Goode
RONAN - Alma Bernice "Butch" Goode, 78, died Sunday, Jan. 27, 2008.
Because of the love and special care of her family, she was at her home
in Ronan.
She was born January 21, 1930, at the family home
in
Camas Hot Springs and was one of five children born to William and
Judith (Cluzen) Markle. She attended schools in Hot Springs and
graduated in 1949 and was voted "Best Legs", Athlete and Dancer.
Bernice was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
On November 5, 1949, she married Harold S. Goode
in
Rapid City, SD. The couple lived in Hot Springs where they raised their
two sons, Ralph and Gary, and a niece Sue. Besides being a wife,
mother, and Cub Scout Den mother, she worked as a bookkeeper for Fisher
Logging, at the Hot Springs Post Office, and The Hot Springs Citizen,
the local newspaper.
Bernice had a special gift of conversation and
could
make anyone feel special. She loved and spoiled her pets and was a
great cook who was excited to pass on her recipes to the next
generation, but playing cards with her family and friends was a
favorite pastime. She enjoyed bridge, pinochle, Scrabble and other
board games and was always eager to share her skills with anyone who
would dare to challenge her. She also loved helping her grandkids,
nieces, and nephews with their math in a game or two of crib. If anyone
wanted to play bingo or keno, you could always talk her into going and
most times she came out a winner. There was hardly a garage sale she
would miss or a special deal she could pass up in order to get that
"special granny gift".
She is preceded in death by her husband Harold, an
infant daughter, son Gary Goode, her parents Bill and Judith Markle,
brothers Ted and Jasper and her sisters Jean and Frances Snyder.
She is survived by son Ralph (Janice) Goode of
Charlo;
daughter-in-law Maggie Goode of Niarada; and niece Sue (Dave) Woods of
Helena. She was Gramma to her grandchildren; Rory (Terrance); Todd
(Macy); Sue (Suny); Stan (Michele); Becky (Paul), Craig (Kay), Keeley,
and Shayla; and MeMa to her great-grandchildren; Suny J, Jed, Faith,
Wyatt, Boston, Saray, Ryan and Brenna. She is also survived by her
wonderful extended family and friends who called, stopped by to visit,
or just sent a note or card.
A very special thank you to her daughter-in-law
Maggie
Goode, and nieces Raelynne Peterson and Christy Rhine for their
kindness, care and love for her these past few months. It is no secret
that family was important to her; she was so proud of the
accomplishments of her sons, grandchildren, and the many nieces,
nephews and other relatives that she has left behind.
Cremation has taken place at Grogan Funeral Home
and a
service and celebration of her life will be held in the spring. The
date and time of the celebration will be announced by the family. In
lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Lake County Hospice, your
choice of cancer societies or youth programs.
Condolences may also be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Lorraine
Jessie McDonald White
ST. IGNATIUS - Lorraine Jessie McDonald White, 50 passed away January
15, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Lorraine was born to Felicite
McDonald and Louie McDonald on September 12, 1957; one of seven
brothers and six sisters, she was the twin sister to Louie.
Lorraine always put her family first in her life;
husband Bob and two sons Galen McDonald and Pete White, along with
their families. She lived a simple life along side Bob, running and
managing the family meat packing company. Lorraine enjoyed making and
beading moccasins and gloves. She loved to be outdoors, some of her
favorite past times were fishing steelhead on the Salmon River and
playing with her three Qene's: Mackenzie, Kyler and Meagan.
In high school, Lorraine was an accomplished
basketball
player and cheerleader while attending school in St. Ignatius. She
graduated from high school and attended Haskell Indian Nations
University in Kansas, studying in dental assistance.
Lorraine loved to take pictures of everyone; she
loved
to watch her boys as they grew into men and had families of their own.
There was never a hungry mouth when Lorraine was around. She always
made time to help family and friends who might need her kindness. In
the summer, alongside Bob, they would regularly feed up to 20 people or
more at a time. She loved to cook; no matter what she was doing she
always put her heart and soul into it.
Along with being a loving wife and mother she was
also a
rodeo secretary. She ran the entire business end of the rodeos her
family had a hand in. Her job was stressful and strenuous, but that's
what she loved to do. Being organized and hard working was just who she
was. There wasn't a place she had ever been where no one knew her.
Lorraine was loved by everyone she met.
Lorraine is preceded in death by her grandparents;
her
father, Louie McDonald; brothers, Billy; Pat; and Baby Doug; and
sister, Ruby McDonald.
Lorraine is survived by her husband, Bob; her son
Galen
(Niki) McDonald and Qene's Mackenzie, Kyler and Meagan; and son Pete
(Shanna) White. Lorraine is also survived by her mother, Felicite
McDonald; sisters, Clara Charlo, Maxine McDonald, Vi (Ron) Trahan,
Joyce (Gordon) Schliep and Lisa (Joe) Frost; her brothers, Ben, Louie,
Arnie (Andrea) and Phillip (Monique) McDonald. Lorraine was auntie to
several nieces and nephews.
Clement
William (Bill) Bourdon - "Whistling Elk"
PABLO - Clement William (Bill) Bourdon, 74, of Pablo, passed into the
loving arms of his beloved wife Mary Ann on Sunday, January 20, at his
home in Pablo.
Bill was born on December 20, 1933 in St.
Ignatius,. to
Columbus F. Bourdon, Sr. and Ursula (Vinson) Bourdon. Bill attended the
Ursaline School in St. Ignatius. He joined the U.S. Army and served
during the Korean War, achieving the rank of Sergeant. After his
honorable military discharge he returned to the Mission Valley. Bill
married the love of his life Mary Ann Ford Altman in 1967. He welcomed
her and raised her seven children as his own. In addition, Bill and
Mary Ann brought two loving sons, Willie and Art, into this world. Bill
worked various jobs to support his large family. He always made sure to
keep everyone in his family fed. Bill worked at Indian Health Service,
Dupuis Lumber, Pack River Sawmill and eventually went to work at Salish
Kootenai College. Bill worked at SKC as the Maintenance Supervisor for
over 30 years.
Bill was an avid hunter and shared his game with many in the community.
Fall was his favorite time of the year and when his neck would swell,
it was time to go hunting and camp in Valley Creek. He loved to watch
his kids and grandchildren play sports and attended their games. He was
a loyal New York Yankees fan and also supported the Lady Griz. Bill was
a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and a member of
the Tribal Veterans Honor Guard.
Bill was proud of his Baptist faith and his
sobriety. He
was a man of prayer for his loved ones and humanity. He was a founding
member of the Pablo Baptist Church when it began in 1991. In fact, the
church began in Bill and Mary Ann's home in Pablo. The library in the
church is named after his wife Mary Ann Bourdon. As an active part of
his faith, Bill would travel with Pastor Kenny to other reservations to
help with the other churches.
"Uncle Bill" loved and was loved by many. He was
always
there to provide love and support for each of those lives he touched
dearly. One couldn't help but return the friendship and affection he
gave. The college community respected and admired him and is deeply
affected by the passing of this great man.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife Mary
Ann, his parents, four brothers and two sisters.
He is survived by his nine children: Willie
(Lorraine)
Bourdon of Ronan; Art (Staci) Bourdon of Pablo; Ken (Debbi) Altman of
St. Regis; Steve (Gail) Altman of Polson; Becky Altman of Mullan,
Idaho; Janet ( Don) Munn of Polson; Diane (Cecil) Mattingly of Fremont,
Utah; Bruce Altman of Pablo; Alex (Cindy) Altman of Finley Point; 19
grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Visitation will be held on Wed., Jan. 23 from 9
a.m. to
5 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 24 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Grogan
Funeral Home in Polson. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, Jan.
25 at 1 p.m. at the Joe McDonald Health and Athletic Center on the SKC
Campus, with Pastor Kenny Prewett officiating.
Interment with military honors will follow at
Lakeview
Cemetery in Polson. A reception will follow graveside services at the
Pablo Baptist Church. 3 Ave and 6th Street.
Memorials may be made to the Pablo Baptist Church,
PO Box 68, Pablo, MT 59855
Condolences may also be made to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Wesley
Lowell Jones
POLSON - Wesley Lowell Jones passed away on Sunday, January 20, near 10
a.m. in the morning, at the family home, surrounded by his daughters,
his wife and several of his granddaughters. He was just ten days shy of
his 89 birthday.
Wes was born on January 30, 1919 in Klawoch,
Alaska near the Pacific Ocean.
His early days were spent in Ketchikan, Alaska and
he
was a proud member of the Tlingit Indian Tribe. He had numerous
brothers and sisters.
Wesley was a decorated Army Veteran of World War
II. He
entered the Army on January 10, 1942 at Ft. Ray, Alaska and separated
from the service on December 13, 1945. Upon discharge, Wes received the
Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, the World War II Victory Medal and the
Good Conduct Ribbon Medal. He was a Technical Sergeant in the Harbor
Craft Detachment.
Wesley spent some of his adult years in Alaska and
Montana. When Wes was fifty-one, he met the love of his life, and
present wife Marjorie A. Noel Jones. They were married in April 1970
and remained married for 37 years. The joy of Wes's life was their
daughter, Jody.
Through his live, Wes enjoyed deep-sea fishing in
Alaska, laborer work, and highway construction work.
Wes was content to mow the lawn on his riding
lawnmower
at Turtle Lake. One of Wes' favorite pastimes was giving his
grandchildren rides on his lawnmower. He enjoyed pow-wows, driving in
the mountains, and spending time with his grandchildren and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a
first wife, Mabel Dupuis Jones.
He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, his
daughters Jody
Jones and her children Kelsie Jones, Ridge, Malia and Lucas Vanderburg,
Jeanne (George) Christopher and her children Melissa Jones, Joseph
(Korrie) Christopher and James Christopher, Julie (Brian) Johnson and
their children Cassandra (David) Riley and Boone (Samantha) Johnson and
Teresa (Tom) Wall-McDonald and children Andrea, Katie, Erin,
Christopher and Noah McDonald. Wes also had eight great-grandchildren
Alex and Avery Jones, Lauren, Ethan, Bruin and Mason Christopher,
Benjamin McDonald and Sky Dustybull-McDonald.
In recent years Wes's health declined. Yet, he
retained
his good spirit, handsome smile and quiet sense of humor. Since Wes was
such a private man, the family will not have a public viewing. The
family asks that all remember his twinkling eyes and wide smile.
A memorial service will be held on Friday January
25 at
11 a.m. at Grogan Funeral Home. A reception will follow the services at
Grogan Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Gerry
Byrl Weivoda
POLSON - Gerry Byrl Weivoda, 71, of Pablo and Polson, passed while
surrounded by her loving family at the family home on Clairmont Rd. in
Pablo on Jan. 7, 2008.
Gerry was born in Bancroft, Idaho on April 28,
1936 to
Koral and Dick McLain. The family moved to the Polson area in 1945
where she attended and graduated from Polson High School in 1954. While
attending high school, Gerry was proud to have been a Candy Striper at
the St. Joseph Hospital.
In August 1954 she married Wallace Weivoda and
they made
their home in Ronan and later in Polson. They raised five children and
their kids' close friends and countless tag alongs. All those who
entered Gerry's home left with a full stomach; a good night's sleep and
laundered clothes.
Wally and Gerry owned and operated the Gambles
Store on
Main Street in Polson for 13 years, where they forged lifelong
relationships with many residents of Lake County and the surrounding
areas. Gerry owned the Kut-n-Kurl Beauty Shop in Polson from 1972
go1993 before turning the keys over to her daughter, Bev. Upon retiring
in 1980 Gerry and Wally became snowbirds and were Las Vegas residents
during the winter months. The first season they tried the Airstream
life, but gave up and bought a condo instead.
Gerry's love for hummingbirds was evident both
inside and outside the family home.
She leaves behind so many close friends and had
such an
outpouring of concern, love and visitors that it left the family dizzy
at times. This year marks the 29th year in which Gerry's life was
afflicted with cancer of one sort or another. She fought a courageous
battle and will be an inspiration to us all. The love of her life was
her family and she treasured the frequent gatherings that they held.
She wasn't satisfied until all bellies were filled and the dishes were
done.
She was preceded in death by her
grandson,Christopher
Craig Weivoda; parents Dick and Koral McLain; and grandparents: Ray and
Maude Kelly of Polson and David and Loretta McLain of Bancroft, ID.
She is survived by her loving husband Wallace of
Pablo;
her children: Leonard Combs of California, Beverly and Dewey Richards
of Pablo, Deborah Weivoda of Pablo, Chuck and Carolyn Weivoda of Pablo
and Michael and Pamela Weivoda of Polson.
She is also survived by grandchildren: Sgt. Justin
Borders, Blake Richards, Charmel (Shawn) Sternick, Koral (Pat) Haggard,
Brianna Weivoda (Fiancé-Brad Rowe) and Anthony Weivoda;
great
grandchild, Haislea Sternick; brother; David "Ray" (Jeannie) McLain of
Polson; sister Adrienne (Rick) Smith of Pablo; and numerous nieces and
nephews.
Also surviving her is Aunt Virda McAtee of Twin
Falls,
ID, who held a special place in Gerry's heart and was more of a sister
to her.
A service and celebration of her life will be held
at a
later date this spring. Time and date will be announced. In lieu of
flowers, memorials are suggested to Cheerful Hearts, Lake County
Council on Aging, Lake County Hospice and St. Luke Hospital.
Condolences may also be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Carol
Marie (Dellwo) Kleidosty
RONAN - Carol Marie (Dellwo) Kleidosty, 67, of Hot Springs went to join
her husband and son in God's Holy Kingdom, on January 8, 2008 after a
brave battle with cancer.
She was born to Henry and Rose Dellwo, August 19,
1940 in Ronan.
She met the love of her life, John Alvin
Kleidotsy, at
age 15 in Seeley Lake. Their marriage was blessed with two sons; John
Avin Jr. and Thomas Alan. Carol's husband and son Thomas preceded her
death, as well as her firstt granddaughter, Carly; her parents; grand
parents Nick and Regina Dellwo; Rudolf and Sophie Otto and numerous
uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her son John A. Kleidosty, Jr.
and
family of Hayden Lake, ID; her sister Yvonne (Rusty) Cordier of Ronan
and family. Terry (Dave) Orr; Jim (Joyce) Cordier; Dalene (Frank) Homan
Scott (Colleen) Cordier (Terri Jo) Cordier and her brother Tom (Sandy)
Dellwo of Seeley Lake and family; Mike (Joan) Dellwo; Dean (Gerri)
Dellwo; and Theresa (Jeff) Christiansen of Great Falls.
She is also survived by her cat Sassie and her
dear and
loyal friends, who helped Carol in so many ways, after she learned of
her illness - thank you from the bottom of my heart to Marcia
Strandlof, Dale McDaniels, Millie Alseth and all her other friends in
Hot Springs.
Carol's last 20 days of life was spent with her
sister Yvonne, in Ronan.
At her request, there is no service and her ashes
will join her husband to be spread at her special location.
Laura
Morigeau Matte
ST. IGNATIUS - Laura Morigeau Matte and her twin sister, Lorena, who
preceded her in death, were born January 29, l9l2, at their home in
Valley Creek to John Morigeau and Matilda Gebeau. They were two of l2
children. Laura died peacefully in her sleep January l4, 2008, of
natural causes, at the Home Sweet Home Assisted Living Center, where
she resided for the past year and a half.
During her early education years, she attended a
boarding school operated by the Ursuline Nuns in St. Ignatius. At age
l2, she and a couple of sisters, went to an Indian boarding school in
Rapid City, SD, and stayed for three years before coming home. During
that time, she tried to run away but got caught downtown.
After she was home for a couple of years, she and
two
sisters, were sent to boarding school at Chemawa, in Salem, OR. She met
her husband, Joseph E. Matte, a Gros Ventres Indian from Fort Belknap
while at Chemawa; they were married October ll, l934. After their
marriage, their honeymoon was a three-day trip driving back to Flathead
country. Her husband was eventually employed with the Bureau of Indian
Affairs and they lived most of their lives at the old Dixon Agency
until his retirement.
They raised five children in the years they lived
at the
old Agency. After Joe's retirement, they moved with their youngest
daughter, Sara, to Blue Bay on Flathead Lake, to live in the log house
they had built together. Their home was the favorite gathering place
for their extended family, many friends and relatives and will continue
to be.
Laura was a proud member of the Confederated
Salish and
Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Reservation. Because of her
interest in the Tribes, she got more involved in tribal affairs by
running for the Tribal Council. She became the second woman to serve on
the Council but she was the first woman elected to a full-term.
She was very proud of her daughters' graduating
from
college, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren
continuing on in college because education was a very important factor
for her. She was also very proud of her grandchildren working for the
CS&K Tribes and other Indian entities in the Northwest.
Some of her other pastimes were spent fishing,
hunting,
crafting, sewing, beading and socializing. As the first Indian
bartender on the reservation, she worked for Belle Holt and Rose
(Wagner) Bailey who both at one time were individual owners of the
4-Star Bar in Ravalli. She was the first Avon Lady in the area and also
sold Stanley Brush products. She and her sister, Alma Luedtke, operated
a small café in Ravalli in the '60's before she ran for
Tribal
Council.
Laura and her husband, Joe, were Montana
snowbirds.
Every winter, they would travel to Tucson, AZ, to stay with their
daughter, Diane, Ed and two children, Joe and Laura. While there, they
would take side trips to Mexico and other tourist spots throughout the
Southwest. In more recent years, Laura continued to winter in Arizona.
She loved going to the local casinos to play the slot machines and her
favorite game, bingo. She also enjoyed shopping and just letting the
"dry heat" warm her bones.
She was preceded in death by her husband of
60-plus
years; her son, Wayne; parents, five brothers and four sisters;
sons-in-law, David Lipscomb and G. Kirk Samsel; grandson, John
Lipscomb; and two great-grandsons, Jeremy and Dillon Lipscomb.
She is survived by her sister, Alma Luedtke,
Ronan; four
daughters, Joan Samsel, Polson; Carol Lipscomb, St. Ignatius; Diane
(Ed) Simmons, Tucson, AZ; and Sara (Robert) Matte-Wilber, Poolesville,
MD. She has 11 grandchildren: Frances, Suzanne, Richard and George
Gates; Laura (Steve) Bermel; Brian (Allyson) Lipscomb; Daniel (Alicia)
Lipscomb; Laura (Mike) Mitchell; Joseph (Liana) Simmons; Sasha and
Christopher Wilber; and l4 great-grandchildren, Nicole Samsel; Tim,
Bethany and Emily Bermel; Jacob, Caitlin and Jenna Lipscomb, Jared and
Candace Neiss; Benjamin and Taylor (Trista) Lipscomb; Chelsea and Tate
Lipscomb; last but not least, Madison Mitchell. She is also survived by
many nieces, nephews and a former sister-in-law Phyllis Piper, and
card-playing partner Stella Janison.
Traditional wake services will begin at the
Longhouse in
St. Ignatius, Saturday, January l9. Rosary will be on Sunday, January
20, at 7 p.m at the Longhouse, and funeral Mass will be Monday, January
2l, at 11 a.m., at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church; burial will follow
at the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.
Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be
pallbearers as she travels on to her final resting place. She's
probably swinging from a star saying, "Look where I am now!" We love
you and will miss you, Mom.
Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, is assisting in
arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Eneas
Eugene Conko, Sr.
ST. IGNATIUS - Eneas Eugene Conko, Sr., 61, passed away on January
10th, at home while surrounded by his family.
Eneas was born on January 13, 1946 to Louise Adams
and William Conko in Worley, Idaho.
He was raised by his mother and grandparents,
Sophie and
Eneas Conko. He later went to Worley, Idaho with his Uncle Francis and
Auntie Margaret. He attended school at Worley High School where he
earned his diploma. Worley was a good time for Eneas and there are many
stories that could be told of his days there.
Eneas was a proud Marine and often talked about
his experiences in Vietnam.
When he returned from the Marines, he married
Kathleen
Barnaby and went to school in the Dakotas where he received his
Criminal Justice Degree.
After his schooling he lived in Worley, Moses
Lake, WA,
and on the Flathead Reservation where he worked for the Confederated
Salish and Kootenai Tribes and for his brother John's business, Iron
Horse Fencing.
Eneas enjoyed watching basketball and football. He
did
not like hunting or fishing; he'd rather visit friends and speak his
language. He was very social and loved to visit, tell jokes and laugh
around. He is going to be missed so much by his family and friends. We
all loved and cared for him.
Eneas was preceded in death by Louise Adams Conko,
William Conko, Margaret Friedlander, Christine "Peewee" Conko, Anthony
Paul, Duane Pierre, Jeanette Conko Torosian and Mary Agnes Conko.
Survivors include his wife Kathy of Ronan; his
children
Nicolette (Pat) Conko, Inya (Vanessa) Conko, Shanna (Zeno) Conko, DJ
(Monica) Omingo and Simone Joseph; siblings Ellen Hendrickx, Millie
Camel, John (Linda) Conko and Harold Paul; his 13 grandchildren and his
tupeye, Makaelah; and his friend and longtime caregiver Charlotte
"Babe" Rose.
Gordon
Coe
POLSON - Gordon Coe was born February 25, 1931, in Sioux City, Iowa to
Floyd and Vivia (Lake) Coe.
He delighted in taking time to talk, listen, and
joke
with everyone he met, being particularly fond of politics and social
issues. If he wasn't listening and talking, he was avidly people
watching.
He supported Native American tribal sovereignty
and
advocated for the oppressed. A self-described iconoclast, he challenged
others to think independently, to question and resist the dominant
paradigm, and to recognize the interconnection and sanctity of the
earth and all her inhabitants. He walked this world in his own time and
rhythm, savoring his moments, until a lengthy battle with prostate
cancer pulled him from us on January 11.
He is survived by his mother, Vivia Coe; his
long-time
companion and wife, Eloise Wiebe; his four children, Mark, Robin,
Tammerly, and Jordan; six grandchildren and a plethora of loving and
supportive friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that
donations be sent to Home Options Care Hospice of Flathead County,
751-4200.
Francis
J. "Frank" Lucara
POLSON - Francis J. "Frank" Lucara died on Sunday, January 6, 2008 at
his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on May 28, 1919 at Red Lodge under the
backdrop of the Beartooth Mountains. Born to Joseph and Anna Lucara of
Northern Italy, Francis was the last of three brothers and three
sisters.
His childhood was spent in the beautiful
countryside of
Red Lodge. This is where Frank flourished. He hunted, he fished, he
schooled, and he grew up, all this with his favorite dog "Snuggles."
Frank married the "love of his life", his high
school
sweetheart, his compliment, his best friend, Miss Sylvia Vivian Koski,
on September 16, 1940 in Helena. Throughout his life, she has been
constantly at his side.
Frank and Vivian moved in 1942 to San Rafael, CA,
where
he worked as an apprentice carpenter. Then, with the outbreak of WWII,
he went to work in the Shipyards. After the war was over, they ventured
back to Montana, where they built their life together with their four
children. As time went, that adventuresome Frank went into the soft
water business in Powell, Wyoming. Then he decided that briquettes
would be his next game. So on to Polson in 1960, that adventure led to
a career at Plum Creek Timber. He retired from Plum Creek in 1981.
Now he decided to be a gardener and garlic should
be his
game and garlic he grew and grew. For several years he grew and sold
garlic to many of Polson's residents and passing tourists. From garlic,
to goats and to wine making, Frank had many, many talents. He loved
woodworking and built everything his mind could conjure up, from houses
to furniture; he loved carpentry. His children and many others have
enjoyed his handiwork.
Many of us have a Francis classic, the signature
stool.
Frank "fished the fish" and "built the built" the
things
that made him a happy man at heart. It was during this time that he
really got the sense of serving his Creator, Jehovah God, as one of
Jehovah's Witnesses.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sylvia
Vivian;
his son, Francis David (Luella) Lucara; his daughters, Anita (Virgil)
Peek; Lynette (Virgil) Dupuis; Vondanette Holland; sister, Elizabeth
(Henry) Hodnik; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on
Friday,
January 11, 2008 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Arrangements for the family are being taken care of by Grogan Funeral
Home and Crematory. Condolences may be sent to the family at
www.groganfuneralhome.com.
So this is how it is from the beginning to the
end, with the hope for him to start life all over again.
Max
Joseph Andrew
PABLO - Max Joseph Andrew, 25, has begun his journey home to be with
his parents, Martin Andrew and Jeanie Senecal.
Max grew up in the Ronan area with his sisters
April,
Amber and Alida. He attended school in Ronan until the 8th grade. He
always had a smile on his face and liked to raise heck with his family
and friends. He enjoyed playing pool, being outdoors and hunting until
his hunting accident. His survival was proof that miracles do happen.
Max fought long and hard to learn how to walk and
talk
again. His strength and determination was an inspiration to us all. But
even through that ruff and tuff time Max still had a smile for everyone
and a kind loving heart. When he was able to play pool again it was
with one arm, but he didn't let that stop him from kickin some butt on
the table.
I bet he could've given his dad a go!
He is preceded in death by his grandparents
Harriet and
Andrew Andrew, Sr. and Alfred and Bernice Senecal; his uncles Andy
Andrew, Jr., Gerry Sias and Maxine Andrew, for whom he was named after;
his aunts Diane Andrew, Gerri Andrew and Enid Andrew and his sister
Michelle Courville.
He is survived by his uncles Joe Senecal, Ted
Sias, Fred
Sias, Herb Sias (Ann) and Danny Andrew; his aunts Tina Andrew and Lucy
Senecal; sisters April Garfield, Amber Garfield, Alida Garfield,
Angelic (Shawn) Schlensker and their children Damian, Martin and MJ
also many cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends to numerous to
list.
Richard
"Rik" Alan Matt
BIG ARM - Richard "Rik" Alan Matt, 45, of Big Arm died on Dec. 20, 2007
in Polson, MT.
Rik was born on Sept. 7, 1962 in Butte to Sophie
and
Joseph Matt. He graduated from Flathead High School in 1980 and
attended Flathead Community College and Central Arizona College from
1980-1982, where he majored in Business Administration. He was the
first Flathead Indian to become a golf pro. He was a golf pro in
Oregon, Arizona, Florida and Montana. He was committed to teaching
young people how to play golf. He had a "hole in one" in August of 1983
at the Polson Country Club and was co-holder of many course records at
golf courses across the country. He also had a hole-in-one in Pablo at
the Silver Fox Golf Course.
He enjoyed golfing, tutoring golf and making
necklaces.
He is preceded in death by his father Joseph and
brothers Dean and Randall.
He is survived by his Mother Sophie of Big Arm and
a
sister Barbara Clark of Kalispell and a nephew Robert Joseph Clark of
Kalispell.
Arrangements were by Grogan Funeral Home of
Polson.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Howard
F. Morigeau
ST. IGNATIUS - Howard Francis Morigeau, 76, peacefully stepped onto the
Red Road connecting him with the ancestors who have gone before him in
the crisp early morning hours of December 20th.
He traveled to meet his parents Cora Louise
Grenier and
Joseph Antoine Alexander Morigeau; grandparents Mary Frances Blanket
Hawk and Moiese Grenier; uncle Forrest Morigeau; son William Morigeau;
best friend Ben Ascencio and all who have traveled the path before him.
The much-anticipated first grandchild of Moiese
and
Mary, Howard entered this world August 19, 1931 days after his
grandfather passed on.
A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai
Tribes,
Howard grew up on the reservation. He sampled life in the Northwest
working in hospitals and healthcare facilities. He met Cynthia Jane
Morigeau in Lynnwood, Washington where they married in 1971.
Howard and Janie continued to sample life in
various
north-west communities and Oklahoma, always being called back to the
Flathead Reservation or bordering communities.
Howard earned his Chemical Dependency
Certification to
become a drug and alcohol counselor for the CS&K Tribe. He and
Janie opened their home to numerous foster children in Montana.
He leaves behind his wife Janie; his special
daughter
Dina Morigeau Sebring; daughters Shelley Mackey and Donna Mathwig; sons
Robert Morigeau, Beau Parker and Mitch (Nikkolette) Parker; his
sister-cousin Dorinne Bingham and numerous grandchildren and
great-grandchildren.
We will miss Howard's wacky wisdom, warped and
wild humor and his well-hidden gentle love.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January
12,
2008 at 1 p.m. in the Foster & Durgeloh Funeral Chapel in St.
Ignatius.
Jason
Calhoun "Big Jay" Julius
RONAN - Jason Calhoun "Big Jay" Julius, 33, passed into the loving arms
of Jesus in his sleep on Tuesday, December 18, 2007 in Polson at his
aunt's home of natural causes. He was surrounded by his loving aunt,
dear cousin and friend.
Jason was born on August 10, 1974 to Rod and Paula
Julius in St. Ignatius, Montana. The first grandchild born to Rose
Redhorn Tanner and the first baby nephew to a large extended family who
loved him.
In his youth, and throughout his life he lived
both in
Montana as well as in Bellingham, Washington where he enjoyed spending
time with his family and friends. He was a proud member of the
Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Eagle Clan of the Lummi
Nation. He attended schools in Bellingham, Arlee, Ronan and Two Eagle
River School where he met his lifelong friends who gave him the
nickname "Big Jay". He was proud to be named after his uncle Cal.
He enjoyed movies, listening to music, playing
videogames, attending family dinners and cruising with his friends. Big
Jay was known to spin good tales and liked to tease his family and
friends and was always looking for laughter. He had a big, loving,
generous heart and would help out any of his friends or family if he
was able.
His biggest enjoyment, and what brought him joy,
was to
spend time with the love of his life, his daughter Deja. Big Jay would
travel to Bellingham to visit with his father and family and loved to
spend time on the beach, watch the canoe races, and participate in his
Lummi Tribal culture. Big Jay lived for his family. Both families as
well as his friends are going to miss his company, laughter and big
spirit.
Jason was preceded in death by his grandparents,
Rose
Redhorn Tanner, Haynes and Vela Julius, numerous uncles, aunts and
cousins who he now joins in heaven.
Survivors include his loving daughter Deja and
mother
Paula of the family home in Ronan; father Rod Julius of Bellingham,
Washington; brothers, Willie Azure; Marcus Azure of Ronan; Rod Jr.,
Reese, Gary and Jesse Julius of Bellingham, Washington; sisters, Kathy
Julius of Ronan and Kelly Julius of Bellingham, Washington; special
nephew; Issac and niece Victoria; godparents, Andrew and Rita Woodcock;
numerous aunties and uncles, cousins and several nieces and nephews
both in Montana and Washington.
Clifford
Armond Matt
ST. IGNATIUS - Clifford Armond Matt, age 75, lifetime resident of St.
Ignatius and member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes,
went to join his ancestors peacefully while surrounded by his loved
ones on December 18, 2007 due to complications from surgery.
Born on May 26, 1932, Clifford lived a life full
of
family and friends, and all who were blessed to share his life with
him, loved him deeply.
The oldest of twelve children, Clifford devoted
his life
to the people around him. He attended boarding school in Pierre, SD and
Chemewa, OR and graduated from St. Ignatius High School where he met
his best friend and love of his life. He married Charlene Tellier at
age twenty-one and the couple made their home in St. Ignatius.
Following that, he entered the army in the 2nd Infantry Division and
was stationed at Fort Carson, Fort Lewis and in Alaska. Returning home
to Montana, Clifford started working in construction, and later with
the BIA Roads Program at the Dixon Agency. He continued to work for the
BIA for the next forty-four years, retiring at the age of 70 from the
Flathead Irrigation Project.
Clifford loved being in the mountains hunting and
cutting wood, working outside, tending to his garden, watching sports
and westerns, and spending time with his friends and family. He
especially loved the game of baseball and was a pitcher in a men's
semi-pro league when he was younger. A great storyteller, he was always
making the people around him laugh; and he loved to visit. Clifford is
the pillar of a strong family who are all very close. He will be
greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents Armenia
and Louis "Sonny" Matt; son Craig Matt; and grandson Anthony Howlett.
He is survived by his wife Charlene Tellier Matt,
with
whom he was happily married for fifty-three years; children Clayton
(Yolanda) Matt of Pablo, Ronda (Kevin) Howlett of Arlee and Cort Matt
of Missoula; grandchildren Caato and Crystal Matt, Daniel and Sierra
Howlett and Bradie Ann Matt; great-grandchildren Macao Jackson and
Trushaun Matt; siblings Helen (Gene) Leishman, Thelma (Wyman) McDonald,
Merle (Diane) Matt, Ronnie (Andrea) Matt, Joyce (Ernie) Wallen, Edith
(Sam) Morigeau, Zilia (Bob) Lewis, Bonita "Bunny" (H.B.) Wilder, Janice
(Tom) Shea, Marlene (Tom) Roberts and Penny (Willie) Kipp; and numerous
nieces, nephews, and friends.
Joshua
Dean Young Running Crane
ARLEE - Joshua Dean Young Running Crane, 22, went to be with Creator on
Monday Dec. 17 in Arlee.
Born in Browning on January 3, 1985 to Rhonda
Cockrum
and Michael Young Running Crane, he was raised and educated on the
Blackfeet and Flathead Reservations.
A kind, well-liked and good friend with a very
caring
heart, Josh was a hard worker and had worked as a carpenter and as a
beekeeper. A special person, he enjoyed being around his friends and
family, playing basketball and being outdoors whether it was camping,
fishing and hunting or just taking rides in the hills. His path to
being an avid fisherman and hunter expanded when he shot his first buck
nine years ago. It brought such an enthusiastic zeal for the outdoors
that one could not believe the smile it gave him. His smile and
presence will be sorely missed.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather Duane
Rutherford as well as many other older members of his parent's
families.
Survivors include his parents Rhonda (Clayton)
Pierre of
Arlee; Michael Young Running Crane and family of Birch Creek, MT;
brother Robert Young Running Crane of Browning, Sisters Rochelle Young
Running Crane of Arlee and Michelle Young Running Crane of Birch Creek;
grandparents Eva Horn, Gene Grant and Bobby Rutherford as well as
numerous aunts, uncles and cousins from the Young Running Crane,
Rutherford, Horn and Pierre families.
Asia
Day Marie Gray
KALISPELL - Asia Day Marie Gray met an untimely death in Kalispell,
Montana on December 12, 2007.
Asia was born September 25, 1979 in St. Ignatius,
Montana to Jack and Jane Whiting. Jack and Jane brought their second
daughter home to the family home in Big Arm where she resided until she
was married. Asia was raised along with her older sister Ann on a farm
with goats, chickens and ponies. She owned her first real horse when
she was 13 and from that time on was determined to be a horsewoman. She
spent her summers galloping bareback through the hills with her cousins
and around Flathead Lake to see her grandparents. She loved to be
outdoors in every season.
After much study and reflection, Asia decided to
dedicate her life to Jehovah God. She symbolized this by baptism on
July 7, 1990. She was a poet, a dreamer, and a thoughtful and loyal
friend to all who knew her.
Asia attended Polson Schools and graduated in June
of 1997.
A lifelong dream was realized for Asia when she
married
her best friend Loren James Gray of Bigfork in a festive and beautiful
wedding on May 29, 1998 in Creston, Montana. Loren is the second son of
David and Dee Gray and they welcomed her into their family as if she
was one of their daughters. Asia and Loren were partners in many
adventures including annual fishing trips to Alaska and Mexico, pack
trips in the mountains of Montana and vacations in Hawaii. Loren gave
Asia wings and her talents flourished in their time together. She had
the ability to create anything: carpentry, native beadwork, baskets,
painting, sushi, vintage Volkswagens, a beautiful barn and beautiful
photographs.
She was self-employed as a horse trainer and
helped her
dad with his Polson Storage business. Loren and Asia were generous
hosts and made their friends welcome and comfortable. Asia was
tenacious and feisty and beautiful in the most natural, unaffected way.
She grew more beautiful every year. She deeply loved her horses and
worked hard to communicate with them. This love and her natural talent
combined to make her an effective horse trainer. She knew the freedom
and power of being a rider. She was capable of packing into the Bob
Marshall Wilderness, backpacking through Ecuador and working in New
York City with ease and style. Asia was a frequent participant in
barrel races, hunter-jumper shows and Indian relay races throughout
Montana.
Asia dearly missed her mother Jane, who passed
away in
March 2007. She looked forward to seeing Jane in the resurrection as
promised in John 5:28,29. We also eagerly anticipate our future reunion
with Asia and Jane on the Earth under much better conditions than we
experience now. Revelation 21:4 says, "And he will wipe out every tear
from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor
outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away. "
Asia's captivating smile was as constant and genuine as the daily
sunrise.
She is survived by her husband Loren Gray, father
Jack
Whiting, sister Ann Whiting and numerous great-aunts and uncles, aunts,
uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and in-laws in the Flathead Valley and
Flathead Indian Reservation and Pacific Northwest.
She was preceded in death by paternal grandparents
Don
and Elva (Crockett) Whiting and maternal grandparents Walter and Gladys
Jo (Lozar) Fouty and mother Jane Mildred (Fouty) Whiting.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday
December 20,
2007 at 1p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Polson
Montana located on Highway 93 south of Polson. There will be a
gathering at the Elmo Community Hall immediately following the memorial
service.
Funeral arrangements have been made by Johnson's
Mortuary in Kalispell. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnsonsmortuary.com
Mack
C. Olson
ST. IGNATIUS - On December 10, 2007, Mack C. Olson passed away due to
injuries received in an auto accident.
Mack was born to Lloyd and Jo Ann Olson in
Grinnell,
Iowa on January 5, 1966. He graduated from BGM High School in Brooklyn,
Iowa in 1985. Mack's interest in the beef industry drove him to enroll
in the beef program at Rick's College in Rexburg, Idaho. During
college, Mack did internships at various ranches including Nelson Angus
Ranch in Salmon, Idaho and Sitz Angus Ranch in Harrison, Montana. After
graduating from college, he went to work for B & L Angus Ranch
in
Shawnee, Oklahoma.
In 1988, Mack went to work for Stewart Angus Ranch
where
he met his true love and companion forever, Wendy Stein. On November
24, 1990 Mack and Wendy were married in Lewistown, Montana. For the
next few years, Mack had his own Custom Feeding and Fitting Business,
traveling to various shows to fit show cattle. In 1991, Mack and Wendy
moved to Midway, Utah where Mack managed River Meadows Ranch and later
Duncan Angus Ranch in Aberdeen, Idaho. In September of 1992, they were
blessed with their first child, Kyla Shelby.
The Olson's moved to St. Ignatius, Montana in 1994
to
manage the Inniway Angus Ranch for their dear friends Bill and Pert
Wunderlich. It didn't take long for Mack and Wendy to fall in love with
the Mission Valley. They thought it would be the perfect place to raise
their family. Their son Kane Tanner was born in January of 2000.
After the Inniway Angus Ranch dispersed in 2002,
Mack
had the privilege of joining the Mytty Angus Ranch program. With cattle
spread from the Bitterroot Valley to the Mission Mountains, Mack and
Kevin Mytty established a herd of Registered Angus Cattle that are
known worldwide.
Mack was a proud member of the American Angus
Association, the Montana Angus Association, the Western Montana Angus
Association and was a director for the Western Montana Stockgrowers
Association. He was also a beef superintendant for Lake County 4-H.
Mack was very involved in the local 4-H club and truly loved working
with all of the kids. Mack had a passion for cattle and an eye to fit
the champion of champions. He was always willing to share his knowledge
as well as his smile with all of his friends. In 1995, one of Mack's
greatest accomplishments was winning the Herdsman Award at the Western
National Angus Futurity in Reno, Nevada.
Mack lived for his family and touched the hearts
of
many. He will be missed by all who were blessed with the opportunity to
know him.
Survivors include his wife Wendy, daughter Kyla,
son
Kane; parents, Lloyd and Jo Ann Olson; brothers, Marc (Lori) Olson and
Matthew (Lori) Olson; sisters, Mindy (Dean) Huls and Molly (Tom) Judy;
all from Iowa. Father-in-law Tony (Lori) Stein, brother-in-law Wade
(Debbie) Stein of Lewistown, MT; and sister-in-law Rachel Stein of
Seattle, WA; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial in memory of Mack has been set up at
the Lake County Bank, PO Box 664, St. Ignatius, MT. 59865.
Perry
F. Roys
POLSON - Perry F. Roys, 85, of Polson passed away on December 8, 2007,
at Village Health Care Center in Missoula after a stoic battle with
lung cancer.
Perry Franklin Hartmann Roys was born in East
Helena on
September 22, 1922. He was the youngest son of Norwegian emigrants,
Inga and Henry Roys, who preceded him in death. A brother and two
sisters also preceded him in death.
He met his future wife, Helen Mae Butterfield, in
1941,
while in college at Montana State University of Bozeman. They were
married January 19, 1946, while he was home on leave from the Navy.
In his early years, Perry worked for the Northern
Pacific Railroad and managed the Bungalow Drug store soda fountain in
Bozeman, where he learned to make superb ice cream and malts. Perry and
Helen also managed the Penguin Shop in West Yellowstone, MT, where they
made thousands of doughnuts.
As a Naval officer, Perry served on a fleet
hospital
ship based outside of Okinawa when the Japanese surrendered. He was
tossed into a rice paddy by a typhoon during the occupation of Japan,
but returned to active duty after his jaw and teeth were repaired. He
was recalled during the Korean conflict and served in California for
two years. He also authored a report on the economics of tungsten for
the Atomic Energy Commission in Washington, D.C.
After the war, Perry earned an M.B.A. from the
University of Michigan. He also attended Carroll College and Harvard
Graduate School of Business Administration. His fields of study were
business, economics, and government, which led to a career focused on
regional planning, economic development, and business administration.
He first taught at the Montana School of Mines (now Montana Tech) in
Butte and eventually retired as a professor of business management from
the University of Montana. During the intervening years, he also taught
at the University of Omaha and the State University of New York at
Buffalo. He served as Director of the Montana Department of Planning
and Economic Development in Helena under several administrations. He
was the manager of the Area Development Department for the Northern
Natural Gas Company in Omaha, Nebraska. In Buffalo, New York, he was
executive vice president of the Greater Buffalo Development Foundation.
In 1980, Perry retired from the University of Montana to devote his
time, energy, and carpentry skills to the beloved family gathering
place at Flathead Lake.
Perry was one of the pioneers in Montana skiing;
in high
school and college he skied competitively, won and placed in many
events, including downhill and ski jumping championships. He was also a
creative carpenter, boat builder, fly fisherman, and once received
national recognition for pitching a no-hit softball game. In later
years, he became a fine senior golfer and also played pool with his
golfing buddies.
Perry was a positive and energetic man, a
philosopher, a
professor, an entertaining storyteller, and a genial, thoughtful,
intelligent, and generous man. He encouraged people to be open to new
experiences and challenges, and he followed his own advice. As a
result, Perry was even able to view his experiences and the new
friendships formed in the "chemo lounge" with a positive attitude.
His wife, Helen, survives him at their home in
Polson.
He leaves behind their son, Hal Roys of Salt Lake City, Utah;
daughters, Krista Roys (William O'Connor) of Madison, Wisconsin, and
Adina Pagel (Ron) of Missoula; seven lucky grandchildren, including
five granddaughters and two grandsons; two great-grandchildren; four
nieces and two nephews. In addition, two cousins survive him: Odd
Stronnes of Norway and Everett Lay of Manhattan.
He was a member of the Sons of Norway, the Polson
Elks, SCORE, and the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson.
The family wishes to thank the many people
involved in
Perry's care during this past year of illness: Dr. Shull Lemire; Dr.
Ries and Dr. Beatty of the Montana Cancer Center; radiologists, Dr.
Markette and Dr. Menendez; the fifth floor staff of St. Patrick's
Hospital; Polson Home Health, and the Village Health Care Center of
Missoula. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society, the
Cheerful Hearts of Polson, or an organization of your choosing.
A memorial service will be held at Good Shepherd
Lutheran Church in Polson (409 4th Avenue East) on December 27, 2007,
at 2 p.m. Grogan Funeral Home of Polson will handle the arrangements.
Condolences may also be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Donna
Mae Dupuis
POLSON — Donna Mae Dupuis, age 72 of Polson, passed away from
natural
causes on Monday December 10, 2007 at Heritage Place in Kalispell, MT.
Donna was born September 3, 1935 in Big Timber, MT
to Carl and Angie Violett. They made their home in Dayton, MT.
She attended Dayton Elementary School and
graduated from
Polson High School in 1954. On April 26, 1958, Donna married Floyd
Kenneth "Kenny" Dupuis. They had two sons, Kevin and Todd.
Donna worked at Queens Court, Sears, Service
Incorporated, worked as a nurses aide, Captains Wardrobe Drycleaners,
and bartended at the Eagles Lodge #3913 in Polson.
Her parents Carl and Angie Violett, sister Fern,
brother
Bob, nephew Jack, and her husband Floyd Kenneth "Kenny" Dupuis preceded
her in death.
Her sons Kevin Dupuis and Tina Darnell, Todd and
Sally
Dupuis, and her grandchildren Michael Lochner, Jazmyn Mae Dupuis,
Christina and Matthew Darnell survive Donna. Several nieces and
nephews, and everyone who called her "mom" also survive her. Her love
and her best friend, Cliff Bucher of Polson, who shared 14 wonderful
years together, also survives her.
We love you. She will be missed greatly but her
spirit
will move on. Donna Mae loved to play piano and loved to be with people
she loved. A special thanks to the staffs of St. Luke's Hospital in
Ronan, MT, also to Kalispell Regional Hospital and the Heritage Place.
A remembrance of Donna's life will be celebrated
on
Saturday December 15, 2007 at 3 p.m. in the upstairs hall at the VFW in
Polson, MT. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Paul
W. Speck
POLSON — Paul W. Speck, age 91 of Polson, passed away from
natural causes at his home on Tuesday December 4, 2007.
Paul was born on January 8, 1916 at Rockford, IL
to Paul
and Cora Speck. In his youth, Paul enjoyed boxing. Paul left home at
the age of 15 and later told great stories of his "hobo-ing" years. For
several years, Paul earned a living as a bull rider on the rodeo
circuit.
Paul joined the US Air Force and retired as Chief
Master
Sergeant with 30 years of service. He served in WWII, Korea and Viet
Nam.
Following his discharge from the Air Force, Paul
worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator.
His parents, twin sister Pauline, brother Vernon
and stepsister, Ada Gould preceded him in death.
His life partner Gladys Malmstrom, sisters
Kathleen Young and Bernice Freschet and her husband "Fuzz" survive
Paul.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials
be made in Paul's name to Lake County Hospice, PO Box 39, Polson, MT
59860.
A memorial service will be held at Grogan Funeral
Home on Sunday December 16, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. with Ron Ryan
officiating.
Arrangements and cremation are under the direction
of Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory.
Condolences may be sent to the family at groganfuneralhome.com
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