For the Record
January 2009

Alice Y. Hawk Bigcrane
RONAN — Alice Yvonne Hawk Bigcrane, 78, of Ronan, beloved mother, sister, auntie, yaya, qene, tupye, passed away of natural causes Wednesday, January 21, 2009 at St. Luke’s Hospital.

She was born in St. Ignatius on January 15, 1931 to Eva (Michel) and James Blanket Hawk, Sr. A Pend d’Oreille, she was a proud member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes. She was raised in St. Ignatius and attended Ursulines Academy. Like many of our Tribal members at the time she spent her youthful summers working on the Yakima Reservation.

She married John Francis Bigcrane in 1954. Through his employment they and their family moved to numerous locations throughout western Montana, north Idaho and eastern Washington. Tragically John died in a car accident on July 1, 1967.

In 1972, she married James J. Swaney. They later divorced in 1978.

In 1973, she moved her family to Clarice Paul Homesites in Ronan where she remained her living years. Her home was always filled with family and friends.

Alice loved spending time with her large family and sharing in their life and activities. She loved giving gifts to her family, family birthday parties and barbeques, attending powwows, cultural events, dinners and memorials, elder’s activities at Two Eagle and the People’s Center. She loved traveling and especially trips to visit family in Washington. For many years she served her Tribe as an election judge in the Ronan District, a responsibility she took pride in and enjoyed.

She particularly loved the time spent with her family’s drum group, the Bigcrane Singers, traveling throughout the country, seeing new places and meeting new people. One of her most memorable trips was to Atlanta, Georgia in June 1996 for an International Drum Gathering preceding the Atlanta Olympics.

A resilient woman, Alice lived her life with quiet dignity and a strong will, spirit and mind.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband John; son Ricky; infant daughter Mary; infant sister Rita; and her brothers Alfred, James and Donald.

She is survived by sister Janie Wabaunsee of St. Ignatius; her "Twin" Rosemary Santos of Schley; her children Roy, Art, Steve, Lester, James, Ed, and Arlene and Willie Caye, all of Ronan; and Ellen Rose and Edgar Pretty On Top of Crow Agency; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers were her grandsons Tomni and Andrew Bigcrane, nephews Jim, Larry and Ken Wabaunsee and Gordon Williams, Willie Caye, and Terry Tanner.

Wake Services began January 21 at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius. Rosary was held January 22. Mass was held January 23, at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church. Burial was held in St. Ignatius at the Snyelmn Sntmtmne.

Arnold Lewis Caye
RONAN — Arnold Lewis Caye, 57, of Pablo passed away on Friday, January 23, 2009 from natural causes at St. Luke’s Community Hospital in Ronan.

Arnold was born on March 31, 1951 in St. Ignatius to Abraham and Agnes Caye. He attended schools in Pierre, S.D. and high school at Flandreau, S.D. Arnold traveled and hitchhiked throughout the Northwest. He was present with AIM during the Alcatraz incident. He attended the University of Nebraska general education program.

Arnold was drafted during the Vietnam War and served his time in Germany were he was a ‘dog soldier’.

He married Nancy Schall in Portland, OR. While in Oregon he attended upholstery school. He worked building bridges all over the Northwest. He attended and received a degree in carpentry from Salish Kootenai College. He worked for Mission Valley Power, KCDC and Salish and Kootenai Housing Authority. He also helped build McDonald Dam and worked as an independent building contractor.

Arnold loved stickgame, cutting wood, cutting Christmas trees and spending time in the woods. He especially enjoyed playing pool and had won numerous tournaments. Arnold’s favorite activity was photography.

Arnold was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe.

Arnold was proud of his last two years of sobriety and enjoyed the time he spent with his children and grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father Abraham Caye.

He is survived by his mother Agnes Caye and stepfather August Lefthand of Polson; three children: Nich’e Caye of Pablo, Madaline Caye and her husband Jason Nentowig of Polson and Numa Caye of St. Ignatius; five grandchildren: Kamryn, Levi, Brayden, Ella and Madelyn; siblings Barbara Caye of Pablo; Delores (Grayson) Sam of Omak, WA; Iris Caye of Pablo; June Caye of Polson; Abraham Caye of Seattle; and Alvin Caye of Pablo; and mother-in-law Betty Schall of Arlee.

Traditional wake services began on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at the Elmo Hall. Mass of Christian burial was held on Monday, at the Elmo Hall. Burial with military honors were at the Dayton Cemetery.

Arrangements were by Grogan Funeral Home of Polson.

Michael Eugene White
PABLO — Michael Eugene White, 34, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2009. The oldest son of Tony and Debby Adams, Michael was born in Polson on March 28, 1974

He graduated from Ronan High School in 1992. He continued on to work at various jobs in different places. He enjoyed fishing, construction work and fixing motorcycles.

He had many nights having "JAM" sessions with his buddies: Joe, Ed, Scott and Kyle. If you heard music throughout Pablo - it was their band.

In 1997, he was involved in a horrible motorcycle accident, where his life was almost taken; we were blessed to keep him here with us. We all took turns taking care of him, but for all of us we have to thank his friend Joe for taking him in for a year after his wreck.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents Doris and Arthur Brueggeman, auntie Geneva "Tootsie" White.

He is survived by his parents Debby and Tony Adams; sisters Amanda (Randy); Trisha and Amelia; brothers Nick (Justin), John and Tony (Chelsea); nieces Kiana, Melanie, Maizy, Aaliyah, Natalie and nephews Dallas, Isaak, Elijah, Bailey, Noah, Randy, Terrance and Little Tony and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Traditional services began Monday with the rosary recited on Tuesday. Wake closing was Wednesday with Mass following in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission. Interment followed in the Snyelmn Sntmtmne in St. Ignatius. Pallbearers were Ben Ascencio, Adam Smith, Mike Rodriguez, Leroy Black, Douglas Kenmille and Jordan Bruegeman.

Traci Lynn Matt Hernandez
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Traci Lynn Matt Hernandez, 43, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2009.

A member of the Confederated Salish, Kootenai and Pend d'Oreille Tribes, she was born the daughter of Earl Patrick Matt and Lucille M. Old Horn. She was born Oct. 30, 1965 in Libby. Growing up on the Flathead Reservation she attended Two Eagle River School in Dixon where she graduated in 1984.

After high school she moved to Minneapolis where she graduated from Hennipen County Tech College as a Registered Nurse. She then moved to California and Washington before returning to Minneapolis.

Traci was a very loving wife and mother, always taking in and caring for all her family with all the love in her heart. Very goal oriented she always accomplished everything she set out to do, achieving so much in life – becoming a foster-mom-mother to Kristopher and Moses. Her nieces and nephews brought a great joy to her life with unconditional love. She was always there for each one of them, whether it was helping in the next step to adulthood or simply teaching you the right kind of make up to wear. She was the best auntie any niece or nephew could ever have asked for.

She married the love of her life Jose’ "Jesse" L. Hernandez in 1995.

She was preceded in death by her mother Lucille Old Horn; grandparents Fred and Christine Old Horn; and aunts and uncles Larry, Sr., Fred "Butch", Ronald "Mr. Brown", Kevin, Debbie and Dorris.

She is survived by her father Earl Patrick Matt, Sr.; husband Jose’ "Jesse" Hernandez; her daughter Chantel Sorrel; sons Andrew P. Wilder, Jr., Carlos Matt Hernandez, Kristopher and Moses Hernandez; two beautiful grandchildren Larz Felsman and Joslyn Felsman; sisters and brothers John Hernandez, William "John" Matt, Fredrick Matt, Earl "Pat" Matt, Jr, Phillip Matt, Patricia Matt, Laurie Old Horn, Angel Matt-Howard and Marie Diaz; aunties Wanda William, Anne Mitchell, Sharon Two Teeth and Regina Old Horn as well as a large extended family of cousins, nieces and nephews.

A wake began at the Longhouse on Sunday with the Rosary being recited on Monday in the Longhouse. Christian funeral services were held Tuesday in the Longhouse.

Interment followed in the Hminsto Cemetery in Camas Prairie. Pallbearers are Lester Old Horn, Rick Two Teeth, Sr., Duffy Two Teeth, Jazz Pierre, Paul Ross, Brian Mitchell, Linden Plant and Larry "Cowboy" Old Horn.

Albert Clifford Paul
ARLEE — Albert Clifford Paul went peacefully to be with his wife and other relatives and friends in heaven on January 20, 2009. He was 86.

Dad was born on November 28, 1922 to Anna Boyer and Dorila "Doc" Paul in the Frenchtown Valley. When he was 12 they moved by horse and wagon to a farm in Arlee. He married his high school sweetheart, Doris Christopher in 1961 and they moved to Portland, Or., where he worked in the shipyards. They later moved back to Montana and worked on the Glory B Ranch in St. Ignatius, where he trained horses and Missoula at the sawmill.

In 1952 they moved with us three girls to Dixon where they owned and operated the Dixon Mercantile until they retired in 1970 to move to Yuma Az., to rock hound and square dance. They would come back summers to check on the grandchildren. Dad returned to his mountains four years ago when his health started to fail. He lived at Clark Fork Riverside Apts. where he made many friends, and also at Riverside Health Care.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; wife Doris; daughter Esther Fowler; brother Willis; grandson Rob; and great-grandson Azure.

He is survived by his sisters, Burnedette Dufour of Lakeside and Cora (Ralph) Brackett of Great Falls; daughters Barbara (Carl) Erlandson of Evaro and Sharon Mitchell of Arlee and son-in-law Ken Fowler (Marcia) of Burlington, WA and Yuma, Az; seven grandchildren: Scott and Bruce Fowler of Burlington, WA.; Kim (Wayne) Kanenen of Helena; Adam Erlandson of Las Vegas, NV; Louise Mitchell of St. Ignatius; Rene Mitchell of Arlee; and Rhonda Hernandez of Ronan; and nine great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.

He wished to be cremated. A service will be held at a later time.

Hildegarde A. Firestone
ARLEE — Hildegarde A. Firestone, 81, went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 15, 2009 in Missoula.

A descendant of Chief Victor, Hildegard was a Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal member. She was born in Evaro on August 9, 1927 and educated at the Urselines School in St. Ignatius. Hildegarde became a devout Catholic and was active in the St. Ignatius and Jocko Parishes as well as the Kateri Tekakwitha Ministry. A very private person, she and her friend Dorothy would often conduct Mass at Jocko and helped serve communion whenever asked. She had many close friends and was also involved in the Senior Citizens and with the Jocko Cemetery Board.

She liked the outdoors and would snowmobile, garden, pick huckleberries and fish. She also enjoyed flying with her husband Jack in their little plane.

Her husband Jack Firestone always joked that he followed a set of moccasin tracks to find Hildegarde and it must of really worked for they made a wonderful life together in the Jocko Valley running many businesses there for many years.

She is preceded in death by her husband Jack Firestone; her parents Laughing Louis Adams and Mary Pellew Adams; stepfather John Peone; and brothers Ed and George Adams and Tony Pellew Adams.

She leaves behind her children Mary (Brad) Habermahl of Warden WA; Michael Hatch of False Pass, AK; Ron Hatch of Tukwila, WA; and Connie Cok of Bozeman; grandson Ronnie Hatch of Olympia WA; a special nephew Shawn Dumont as well as a large extended family of nieces, nephews and cousins including Scotty Gardipe and Charlene SiJohn who she was raised with..

A visitation was held on Sunday at the Foster Funeral Home in St. Ignatius with the Rosary being recited at 7 p.m. Mass was celebrated on Monday in the St. Ignatius Catholic Church with Interment following the Jocko Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made in her name to the Katerie Tekakwitha Ministry or to the St. John Berchmann’s Catholic Church (Jocko) restoration fund.

Virginia Lee Poole Bartholomew
ST. IGNATIUS — Loving wife and mother, Virginia Lee Poole Bartholomew, passed away on January 6, 2009 at the age of 84.

Virginia was born on August 22, 1924 in Seattle, WA. She lived with her mother, Laura Lee Sanders and stepfather, Errol Sanders in California for 23 years.

Virginia later moved to Spokane, WA and met Walter Bartholomew. She became his wife on October 24, 1947. Together they had four children, Tom, Jim, Peggy and Lori. Their family lived for many years in Spokane, WA and later in Paradise, MT. Virginia recently celebrated 61 years of marriage with her loving husband, Walt.

As a young mother, she spent her time canning, cooking, sewing and raising her four children. She was the mother that always added a homemade touch.

Before meeting Walt, Virginia worked at the Spokane Telephone Company. After many years together in Spokane, the family moved to Paradise, MT. There, Walt and Virginia bought the Nip & Sip Café, which she operated while he worked for the railroad.

Virginia enjoyed golfing and participated in several tournaments over the years. She also enjoyed bingo, playing cards, bowling and knitting. Virginia expressed her creative personality through her paintings.

She was always a supportive wife to her husband, as he donated much of his time to the Masons and Shriners. As the years went on, Walt and Virginia became snow birds, traveling each winter to Yuma, Arizona. They were always accompanied by their loyal canine companions, Hilde and Heidi. In 1991, they decided to settle down in St. Ignatius, MT and enjoy a more peaceful time near the mountains.

Virginia is preceded in death by her mother, Laura L. Sanders, her stepfather, Errol Sanders and her husband, Walter Eugene Bartholomew.

Virginia is survived by her children, Walter T. Bartholomew (Cindy) of Spokane, James L. Bartholomew (Sue) of Plains, Peggy A. Marrinan (Michael) of Hot Springs, and Lori D. Charette (Babe) of St. Ignatius. She is survived by 10 grandchildren, Mark Bartholomew (Becky), Brian Bartholomew, Derek Bartholomew (Carrie), Erek Bartholomew (Toni) all of Spokane, Bobbi Jore (Matt) of Ronan, Bill Mitchell (Jennifer) of St. Ignatius, Sarah Marrinan (Jeremy) of Spokane, John Marrinan (Elena) of Camas Prairie, Matthew Marrinan of Whitefish and Annie Marrinan of Kalispell and 12 great-grandchildren.

Virginia will be remembered with love every day.

Virginia and Walt were always together and on this day, too, they will be laid to rest with each other. Services to be held at 1pm January 10th at Manito Masonic Temple, 2715 S. Grand Blvd, Spokane, WA. Graveside service to follow at Spokane Memorial Gardens.

Kellie Lynn Ducharme
POLSON — On January 1, 2009, Kellie left to be united with our Lord and those family members that have passed on before her.

Kellie was the daughter of Harold the late Leslie Ducharme from Polson. She was born on November 14, 1965 in Boise, Idaho. She lived in Polson for the past nine years.

Kellie is survived by her dad, Harold "Bud" Ducharme in Polson; her brother Bill (Ellen) Dorman of Salt Lake City, UT and her sister Rachael (Jim) Jardine and nephews Jack and Grey of Shelley, ID; her uncle Ray and Aunt Phyllis Lewin of Salt Lake City, UT and several relatives in Boise, ID. Kellie also has several aunts, uncles and cousins in the Ducharme family.

Kellie enjoyed being with family, shopping and liked her pet cats. She also liked to pick huckleberries and morel mushrooms. Kellie loved to spend time at the family cabin in the Boise National Forest.

Kellie graduated from Borah High School, Boise, ID in 1983. She attended Boise State University for two years. Kellie was employed at several Best Western Hotels in Boise and later moved to Skagway, Alaska and worked as a tour guide for the White Pass Yukon Railroad.

Services will be held Friday at 1 pm in the Foster Funeral Home in St. Ignatius with a meal following in the Longhouse.