For the Record...

March 2008 Obituaries

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.

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.