Char-Koosta News
The Official Publication of the Flathead Nation online
For the Record...September 2007 ObituariesGracie
Mae Haynes Her parents survive her along with her two brothers Nathan and Tommy, and sister Karlie. Graveside services were held on Tuesday, October 2, 2007 at 4 p.m. in the Lakeview Cemetery with Dr. Daniel Rausch officiating. Arrangements were by Grogan Funeral Home, Polson. Mara
A. Edwin Mara was born on June 9, 1983, and raised by her parents, Herbert and Randi Edwin. She attended school in Ronan Pablo, Mont., and in Tanana where she graduated from the Maudry J. Sommer School. She took pride in her culture and in raising her daughter. She was a very proud and caring mother. Mara loved her daughters with her entire heart. She loved spending time with her family and especially with the numerous friends she made in her life. Mara was known to brighten up even the dimmest room with her beautiful smile and unique personality. Mara had a heart of gold and knew how to make people feel so special and loved, even with the little that she had, she gave love from her heart. Her family said, “She will deeply be missed by all that she left but we are fortunate to have made the special memories that we shall hold in our hearts forever.” She leaves behind many people including her daughters, MaKao Faye Edwin-Perdue and Jaydeen Devin Ducharme-Morigeau; parents, Herbert and Randi Edwin; sisters, Marthe Edwards and Terry Morigeau and Maellen Edwin and Lance Carlo; birth parents, Judy Edwin and Charles Okokak; biological sisters and brothers, Rachel Edwin, Renee Edwin, Tanna Fairbanks, Maggie Okokak, Joseph Okokak, Kate Nashookpuk and Chris Nashookpuk; grandparents, Pete and Anne Ducharme; aunties and uncles, Audrey and Don Bonacci, Niki and Larry Guthrie, Doris and David Solomon, Debbie and Roy Ewan, Carlene and Robert Thronsen, Eugene and Linda Edwin, Dennis and Mary Edwin, Edward Elia and Stanford and companion, Louise Holmburg; biological aunt, Sarah Okokak and cousin, Debbie Suvlu; nieces and nephews, Mya and Brianna Carlo, Skyler Edwin, Ta’shawna and Chris Turco Jr., Zharelle Edwards, Davate Beetus, Nelson Beetus and Chantel Beetus; and many cousins and friends. Visitation and a memorial service were held at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church on Sept. 11. She was laid to rest on Thursday, Sept. 13, in Tanana. Arrangements were by Fairbanks Funeral Home. Anne
Ruth Barnier Anna married Albert Barnier on November 26, 1938. She is survived by her husband, Albert; two sons, Lynn Barnier and his wife Yvette of Helena; Cecil Barnier and his wife Merna of Missoula; grandchildren, Shawn Barnier of Helena; Thane Barnier of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Stacie Barnier of Seattle, Washington; Rochelle Loveland of Billings; and Lynette Barnier of Seattle; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Della Wipplinger of Polson; four nieces; two nephews; and numerous loved ones and friends. Anna will be remembered as a gentle, loving and caring soul whose life gave joy and comfort to all she met. Friends may pay their respects on Friday from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Shrider-Thompson Chapel in Ronan. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2007 at the Faith Lutheran Church in Ronan at 3 p.m.; internment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Ronan. Shrider-Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services of Ronan is assisting with arrangements. Gary
Shelby At the tender age of 4 he lost his mother and his grandparents, Alex and Cecilia Vanderburg raised him along with his brothers and sister in Arlee. He was a self-employed woodsman for the better part of this life. He was also a truck driver and logger. In his youth, he was a champion motocross racer and was known throughout Western Montana for his skilled driving. Gary Dean lived an adventuresome life and was always at his best in the mountains. As an avid outdoorsman, he hunted, fished and hiked most of the Reservation ranges. He enjoyed being with family and friends in the South Fork and throughout the mountains. Gary Dean was preceded in death by his sister Lynn Shelby in February, parents, Dorothy (Morigeau) and Robert Shelby, grandparents, Alex and Cecilia Vanderburg, twin bothers, Dennis and Dale Shelby and Rusty Fiddler, niece, Shasta Shelby and daughter, Lindsey. He is succeeded by his children, Jennifer Shelby, Missoula; Samantha Shelby, Arlee; Sheridan Gentry and Monterey Shelby of Dixon; two Grandchildren; brother, Bruce (Velda) Shelby of Pablo; sisters, Deeda (Neil) Adams of Arlee; Connie Stevens of Deer Lodge; Zelda Charlo of Ronan; Aunts, Alice “Abby” Gardipe and Irene Morigeau of Arlee; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his dog, Max who will be kept by his best friend, Jim Adams of Arlee. Delores
Marie “Deedo” DuMontier She was born to Harold and Louise (McDonald) DuMontier on February 26, 1935 in St. Ignatius. She attended schools in St. Ignatius, Flandreau, South Dakota and graduated from Dixon High School. After graduation, she attended Missoula Business College and then went to work for the Billings Area Office and then transferred to the BIA at the Dixon Agency. In later years, she worked at Doug Allard’s Trading Post in St. Ignatius for many years. A proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe, she held various positions including Clerk of Court and Juvenile Probation Officer. Deedo enjoyed family picnics and gatherings, powwows, and listening to the love of her life, Elvis. She loved attending sporting events, especially those events involving family members. Giving nicknames and having humorous conversations was a gift she had. Most people called her “Gram”, her big heart and knack of gathering information kept her family connected and informed of past and future events, which was always helpful and very beneficial. The wondrous aroma of good home cooking could always be found when entering her home and you never left hungry. She met and married Pete Stasso and they had a daughter together, the light of her life, Michealanne (Stasso) Arca. Michaelanne kept her involved in the Dixon Indian Club as an Advisor to the Big Medicine Drummers and Singers, and also a member of the Indian Education Committee. As her daughter grew she remained active within the Indian community by supporting her daughters reign as Miss Flathead. As her family grew she became an avid follower of all the events of her nieces, nephews and grandkids, especially her grandsons, Nicholas, Jordan and Paul. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Louise (McDonald) DuMontier; infant baby brother, Harold Jr.; sister, Gloria Gail Smith; niece, Pauletta Faye O’Neill; nephews, Mark DuMontier and Joey DuMontier. She is survived by her daughter, Michaelanne (Stasso) Arca of the family home in St. Ignatius; her four grandsons, Nicholas Stasso (Adaire Big Beaver), Jordan Stasso, Paul Arca, Winter Gopher, all of St. Ignatius; brother, Reginald “Speed” (Myrt) DuMontier of Lake Havasau, AZ; sister, Lois “Sally” Mitchell of St. Ignatius; brother, Joseph “Bud” DuMontier of Ronan; brother, Jim DuMontier of St. Ignatius; sister, Debbie Courville (Wayne Coleman) of Pablo; as well as many nieces, nephews and grandchildren to numerous to mention. Bryant
James Schliep Bryant was a remarkable child who touched hundreds of lives during his short stay here on earth. Through all the difficulties of his illness, he retained his easygoing personality, his ready smile, and his sweet, uncomplaining nature. Bryant loved all animals, and he spent many happy hours playing with his dog, Mouse; his kitty, Nana; and his bunny, Francis. He was enthralled with all motorized vehicles, calling them, “vroom vrooms,” and was quick to point out any helicopter and airplane in the air, stating simply, “Bampa.” Bryant loved the outdoors, and we followed his 60-foot oxygen hose many times to discover he had snuck outside to play in the dirt with his trucks. He loved books and balls of all sizes; he had a knack for electronics, and consistently called his family on any cell phone he came across, as well as downloaded music and took many pictures of unsuspecting subjects, sending them to unsuspecting recipients! Bryant embodied a warrior; he met each challenge with enthusiasm and calm determination, never giving up. His resilience and his fighting spirit amazed and encouraged all who met him. Bryant had a wonderful summer with his family. He enjoyed playing in his wading pool, attending horse competitions, rollicking with the puppies, throwing baseballs and rocks, and driving his red Mustang. We will remember his impish sense of humor, his precious way of blowing kisses and cuddling, and his unabashed love of life. He will forever be an inspiration and blessing to all who knew him. Bryant is survived by his parents, Meredith Scott and Dewey Schliep of St. Ignatius; his grandparents, Callie “Ya-Ya” Scott, Kenneth “Bampa” and Adrienne “A-da” Scott; Joyce “Qene” and Gordon “Sx’epe” Schliep; great-grandmothers, Bette Scott, Barbara Bartell, Felicite P. McDonald and Aileen Bain; surrogate grandparents, Bernadine Lovell and Vicky and Henry Johnston; uncles, Brandon “Bra-da” and Trevor “Deena” Scott, Gabe Schliep, Byron (Sarah) and cousins, Tate and Jase Schliep; aunts, Sierra “Dadna,” Laurel “La-la,” and Felicia “Ba-da” Scott; Karin (Scotty) Zeller and Kellie (Arkadi) and cousin Michael Tandilyan; and special friends Keenan “Dee-nee” Nerby, Bobby “Bob” Jensen, Jonna “Donna” Grant, Danielle “Dan-l” Richwine, and Hudson Taylor. Bryant was also blessed with many loving great-aunts and uncles and cousins on both sides of his family. Preceding him in death were his great-grandpas Gordon Bartell, Lester Scott, Louie McDonald, Robert Schliep and Tom Bain. We are all thankful for every moment we had with Bryant; he has blessed us beyond measure and we will carry him in our hearts forever. A private viewing was held on Wednesday. A celebration of Bryant’s life will be held at 4:30 p.m. today, Thursday, Sept. 27, at the St. Ignatius High School gym. The family suggest memorials in Bryant’s name be made to: Seattle Children’s Hospital 4800 Sandpoint Way N.E. C/O Volunteer Office G1010 Seattle, WA 98105. Specify the Bone Marrow Transplant Service. Joan
Gertrude Stewart Lytle She was born on Oct. 17, 1927 in Oshkosh, Neb., to Earl and Mary Kimball Stewart. She grew up on the family farm and loved spending her days working outside with her dad. When she was 18 years old, she moved to western Montana where she worked trick riding and roping at rodeos in the area. In 1945 she met Leonard Lytle and married him three years later. They spent some time moving around and in 1960 settled down in Arlee at the family ranch where she lived near her family for the remainder of her life. Joan was an accomplished country music singer and spent much of her life singing and playing the guitar, harmonica, steel guitar and organ. She also was an excellent artist and seamstress and enjoyed being outdoors with her pets and animals or working in her yard. She was preceded in death by her two brothers Dwight and Robert Stewart. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Leonard Lytle; her two children, Marty Lytle and Lorri O’Neill; and son-in-law Timothy O’Neill all of Arlee. She has also left behind her four grandchildren, Katy Lytle of Missoula and Alyssa, Wyatt and Webb O’Neill of Arlee; her brother Duane Stewart of Eatonville, Wash.; and sisters Imogene Soule of Kalispell and Patricia Stewart of California. Robert
R. Watt Robert was born on December 30, 1957 at Ronan, MT to Donald and Vera Watt. Robert attended schools in Snoqualmie, WA and Polson. Robert was a heavy equipment operator for Zavala Excavation. He also has worked as a sawyer and enjoyed working automotive restoration. Robert loved life. He enjoyed racing cars, fishing, hunting, riding his motorbike, and, most of all he loved spending time with his family. Robert was preceded in death by his father Donald Watt, his mother Vera Watt Ducharme, and wife Sharon Watt. Surviving Robert are his fiancé Wanda Hartung; son Robert Wayne Watt, Jr.; step-children, Sherry (Rob) of Great Falls; Regina of Vancouver, WA; Tara (Russ) of Polson; Richard (Lynn) of Vancouver, WA; Cloy of Pablo; Luke and Travis of Polson; brothers, Ronald (Gloria) Watt of Charlo; Kevin (Sharon) Watt of Ferndale, WA; Cory Ducharme of Polson; sister-in-law to-be Sheri Dolezal and her fiancé Mark of Polson; seven grandchildren, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and friends. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Ronald
Harold Petet Born December 14, 1942 to Harold and Orphinia Petet in Anaconda. He was raised in Hamilton where he graduated from high school in 1961. While in high school he participated and enjoyed all the high school sports, especially football. After graduation he joined the US Air Force and served four years. While in the military, he was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base, Japan and Vietnam. After his honorable discharge, he owned and operated a service station in San Angelo, TX, for two years. He returned to Montana and worked for Prudential Insurance. Ron started to work for the paper mill, now Smurfit-Stone Container, on October 5, 1967, and retired after a little more than 30 years in February 1998. Ron married Charlene Matt in 1976. Ron enjoyed fishing, hunting, getting firewood and working out. For the last 16 years, he also enjoyed spending time in the winter months vacationing in Mazatlan, Mexico, fishing for sailfish and marlins, learning Spanish, relaxing and the beach. After retirement, he was also became very computer oriented and spent many an hour on the Internet where he tracked stocks and managing a portfolio. He was preceded in death by his son Emanuel “EJ” Petet, his parents and Grandmother Ola Hart. He is survived by his wife Charlene of the family home in Arlee; a nephew, Brian Jackson, who he referred to as “My Boy” and “Buddy”; sister, Jean Roberts of Hamilton; his nieces, Kristi Loiacono, Kari Auclair and Kassi Ashcraft; a nephew, Paul Hendren and Rick Roberts. A rosary was held Tuesday, Sept.11th at the Foster and Durgeloh Funeral Home in St. Ignatius. Mass was celebrated at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Arlee where military honors were presented. As per his request, cremation followed the service. Gary
Frank Mitchell Gary was born to Jack and Jane (Whitworth) Mitchell on October 24, 1948 in Aberdeen, WA. He lived in Hot Springs, Perma, Dixon, and Ronan. His brothers, George and Robert; and sister, Marjorie as well Gary, stayed at the Ursulines Boarding School for one year when their mother had tuberculosis - he was five years old and was taken care of by Mother Loyola. Gary attended school in Hot Springs and Dixon. He also graduated from Heavy Equipment Operator and Mechanics School in Chicago, IL. In 1968, he joined the Army and was sent to Vietnam. He belonged to the 547 Corp of Engineers paving roads. In 1971, Gary married Lori Bartholomew when he was working as a Tribal Police Officer and they had two children, Bobbi and Bill. They later divorced and he briefly married Antoinette “Toni” Paro. A diehard romantic, Gary finally married his last love in 2000, Lorene Dumont-Mitchell, who made him the happiest of all. Gary was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. He started working at Kicking Horse Job Corps in 1973 and was still working there when he had his heart attack at his home. Gary’s loves in life were: camping, fishing, fixing his cars and tending his yard and flowers. He had served as the President of the Hot Springs VFW. And if there was a rodeo anywhere, he could be found sitting in his chair in the front row. He was a cowboy at heart. He was devoted to his mother Jane who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his father, Jack; nephew, Robert, Jr.; stepdaughter, Michael Marie; and numerous other relatives. Gary leaves behind his wife, Lorene; children, Bobbi (Matt) Jore and Bill (Jennifer) Mitchell; grandchildren, Ashley and Nic Peterson; and Courtney and Dustin Mitchell; Lorene’s children, Nita (Conan) and their children Shonko, Jedidiah, Kanen and Tyler (Billie) and their children Katie, Cheyenne and Ty; siblings - sister, Marjorie (Urban) Bear Don’t Walk and children Urban, Jr., Scott and Eldena; brother, George (Lynette) and children, Dennis, Shelly, Michelle and Ron; sister, Sharon Noyes and children Tyson and Chad; sister, Donna and her daughter Kayla; brother, Robert and his sons Doug and Lawrence and a brother, Donald and his children Isadore, Tashene, Sophie and Traylon; mother-in-law Lois Dumont; his aunt Harriet Whitworth; his only uncle James “Uncle Fuzz” Whitworth; his cousin June Acevedo and numerous other family members and friends. Dad will always be remembered for his classy style of dress and that twinkle in his eyes. (Dad may all your pain (emotional and physical) be gone and that you rest in peace. You are loved.) Rosary was recited Wednesday evening at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius with funeral services being held today, Thursday, Sept. 20, at 11 a.m. in the Longhouse. Interment will follow in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery where military honors will be presented. Gerald
“Bullfrog” Clairmont Take a wild guess at how many more relatives he left behind. Jerry was like an M&M: hard outside but beyond his hard shell, a big softie. He had many people he loved and touched with his gruff but loving ways. Many knew him through his work at Job Corps. Many children saw him as “Pa” through the foster system. He was a wonderful man who will be missed by many, loved by all, but in God’s hands he rests. He had an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps. He now runs on both legs with God. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Sept. 18, at the Ronan Alliance Church. Pastor Jeff Kingery officiated. Military graveside services were at the Ronan Cemetery. Shrider Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services assisted with arrangements. Victoria
J. Lozeau Born on April 6, 1943 to Margaret Joscum and Tom Lozeau, she went home to be with her parents and ancestors who have gone before. She left behind her companion of 25 years Chuck Ramas, Wapato Wa.; daughters Venita Wall, Ronan; Jolynn (Paul) Cole, Havre; Jackie (Chad) Shoemaker, Clarkston, Wa.; sons, Carl Finley, Missoula; Joseph Stiner, Shelby; William (Jeri) Peterson, Clarkston, Wa; grandchildren, Danielle, Mary, Jeremy, Jon, Matthew, Shannon, Shenita, Tyler, Carl, Gharrett, Adrienne, Cyrus, Antoine, Christal,David, Lily, Francesca,Victoria, Clifton, Joseph, Duane, Chad, James, Shantel, Ava; and her great-grandchildren, Tink and Tristan. She is survived by her brothers, Ken, Ed, Sonny, Pat and sister, Rita; a sister-cousin, Rosanna Yellowhair, Wapato Wa.; and a dear friend, Etta of Wapato Wa. Waiting to meet her are her parents, Tom and Margaret; two granddaughters and a brother and sister. Her infectious smile and laughter, her caring and loving soul will be greatly missed. She is no longer suffering and even as we grieve, please also rejoice with us as she greets her friends and family and dances with them once again. Memorials may be made to Emerald Care Center, Wapato, Washington. LaReta
Holyoak Maughan She was born to Gilbert and LaNae Holyoak Oct. 1, 1950, in Moab, Utah. She moved with her family to a ranch outside St. Ignatius when she was 7. She graduated from St. Ignatius High School and lived in the Mission Valley ever since. Our wife, mother, daughter, grandmother and friend left this world after a long hard-fought battle. She left us proud and full of love. She set an example that family is important, to love the Lord and to never give up, no matter how hard things get. No battles were lost. She has won and we have won because we were blessed with her in our lives. Even though her time here was short, her impact was great. The Lord needed to call her home to help on the other side and watch over us from above. The love and memories that she left behind will never fade, and she will always stay close to us in our hearts and minds. LaReta married Edwin Leslie Maughan in the Idaho Falls Temple on May 29, 1971 and was a loving wife for 36 years. She claimed her family as her greatest accomplishment and considered her grandchildren as her greatest rewards. She enjoyed family outings and supported camping, hiking, whitewater rafting and anything else Ed and the kids thought up. She will be remembered for her kind and generous heart and her wonderful cooking. LaReta is survived by husband, Edwin, at the family home in Ronan; their five children, Ken Maughan (Tina) of Polson; JaRee Howell (Courtney) of Leadore, Idaho; Juanita Gullickson (Ron) of Billings; Stacey Brueckmann (Bruce) of Pablo; and Gil Maughan of Ronan; six grandsons, Kenneth; James; Gabriel; Remington; Dale and Chase; and special granddaughter Kennzington Roze, born during her illness; her parents Gilbert and LaNae Holyoak of Thatcher, Idaho; sisters, Janet Anderson (Merlin) of Dillon; Carolyn Forsgren (Larry) of Thatcher, Idaho; and Marilyn Knutson (Shawn) of Preston, Idaho; brothers Reed Holyoak (Lili) of Stillwater, Okla. and James Holyoak (Andrea) of Aston, Wyo.; numerous nieces, and nephews; and her sisters-in-law, Mary Brown of Federal Way, Wash.; Irene Lake of Ronan; and Betty Baldwin (Richard) of Allen, Texas. Foster and Durgeloh in St. Ignatius assisted the family with arrangements. Enid
Ann (Healy) Andrew Born January 19, 1947 in Browning to Ramona Bremner and Johnny Bostwick, Enid was raised by her grandparents George and Ida Bremner from the age of 6 months. Enid graduated from Browning High School and went to college were she received her degree to become a beautician. Enid had made her home on the Flathead Reservation for over the last 40 years. She was a loving mother, grandmother, friend, wife and partner throughout all those years. Enid was well known for her baking. She made wedding cakes, birthday cakes and goodies all the time. She was also very good with crafts and sewing. Enid was a character and was a fun person to be around; she could put a smile on almost any one, but she also had a temper and she could take you down a notch or two if you needed it. She is preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, a brother Mike Doane and a sister Charlotte Bird. She is also survived by her husband, Danny Andrew, children Marion George Salway of Pablo, Eloise Shepard of St. Ignatius, Billie Jo Healy of Ronan, Joe Andrew of Pablo and Luana Beavers of Hot Springs and numerous adopted kids; sisters Mona Kippling of Browning and Toni Lynne DeVereaux and brothers Charlie Conway of Helena, Rick Gordon of Wyoming and Ronnie of Denver; her little friend Franny and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, including Woody and Charlynn BigCrane, Garrett (Jamie) Finley, Amiel Jon Gardipe, Jr., Catherine Salway, Elizabeth Salway and Darion Salway, John Currie, Kristen Currie and Hayden Currie as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who she regarded as family. |
