For the Record
March 2009

Mary ‘Virginia’ Mullin
ELMO — Mary ‘Virginia’ Mullin went to meet her Lord and Creator on the dawn of March 28, at the age of 82.

She was born to Annie Charlo Vanderburg and Samuel McDougall near Perma on March 24, 1927. Her grandmother, Cecilia Charlo Vanderburg, raised her along with her three younger sisters. In 1954, when her grandmother passed, she took in her late sister’s children, Harold and Cheryl Badroad Bart, to raise. With her first husband, the late Thomas Jeffries, Virginia gave birth to five children: Judy (the eldest), and two sets of twins - Tim and Tom, and Melba and Melvin.

Through her years she worked as a homemaker and a CNA in various nursing homes. In March of 1967, she married the love of her life, Floyd G. Mullin.

She wasn’t your everyday easy paced grandmother; she was made of spit and fire. She lived life fuller than most. Never hesitant behind the wheel of her fire engine red Dodge Daytona, she would fly by the other grandmothers, especially on her way to Whirley. Like a true Montanan she was an avid fly fisherman. She also enjoyed cooking meals for her family, reading The Bible and books by Danielle Steel. In the summers she enjoyed picking huckleberries, going to yard sales, taking scenic drives and enjoying a good conversation with family, friends, and even perfect strangers. In the late nineties she was diagnosed with cancer and knocked it out as if it was a common cold.

She was a fighter, a woman of strength, and she showed this through her final days. When those days arrived she was surround by family and friends at her home in Elmo. She told her family not to worry, as she was excited to begin her new journey with the Lord.

She is loved and greatly missed by her family and friends. Virginia is survived by her children Judy (Ron) Pearce, Tom (Sue) Jeffries, Tim (Linda) Jeffries and Melba (Dan) Boyd; sisters Florence Earling and Violet Feather; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Floyd G. Mullin; son Melvin Jeffries; sister Louise Badroad Bart; nephew Harold Badroad Bart; and granddaughters Micki and Mitzi.

Services will be held Saturday, April 18 at 1 p.m. at the St. Ignatius Mission. A reception will follow at 3 p.m. in Elmo at the Koosta Hall.

Dean A. Gillette, Jr.
ARLEE — Dean A Gillette, Jr., passed away March 30, 2009 at his residence in Arlee.

Dean was born February 14, 1967 in Plentywood to Dean and Marie Gillette. He was raised in Pinedale, WY and graduated from Pinedale High School in 1985.

Dean enjoyed various hobbies throughout his life which included snowmobiling, four-wheeling, boating and hunting - he loved the outdoors. Dean moved to Arlee in 1998 where he continued enjoying the outdoors and his newest enjoyment became wagon rides around the valley with family and friends and his team of mules (Nick and Boobs). Dean was a gentle giant and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Dean will always be with us in our hearts.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dean A. Gillette, Sr.

Survivors include his mother Marie Gillette of Arlee; sisters and brother Margaret Gillette of Pinedale, WY, Pamela Gillette of Arlee, and John Wayne Gillette, also of Pinedale, WY; nieces and nephews Kara Dean Wiebe, Marissa Preece, Benjamin Preece and Shane Gillette; a great niece and a great nephew; and the ones who make him great, Rayne-bo Anderson and Oscar Huerta.

A rosary was held Friday evening at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Arlee and funeral services were held on Saturday, April 4th at the Arlee Community Center.

Memorials to assist the family may be made in care of Marie Gillette, PO Box 168, Arlee, MT 59821.

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory of St. Ignatius assisted with thearrangements.

Chi Dawn (LeBeau) Wolf
ST. IGNATIUS — Chi Dawn (LeBeau) Wolf, 34, lifelong resident of Montana passed away on Friday, March 20, 2009 at her home in St. Ignatius from a long term illness.

Chi Dawn was born June 10, 1974 in Missoula to Leslie (McKeever) LeBeau and Hildred L. LeBeau. She was raised and educated in Ronan, St. Regis, Sanders Co. Schools and St. Ignatius. She received her AA Degree in Business Management at Salish Kootenai College. She worked for several of the businesses in St. Ignatius, also working in Missoula providing home caregiver services to the disabled and for several retail businesses. Most recently, Chi worked for S&K Technologies prior to her illness.

Chi chose to trust God in the beginning stages with illness. She had a strong faith in her Lord, which gave her comfort and strength during the difficult months of illness. Chi enjoyed traveling, camping, hunting and shopping with friends and family. She liked to try out new recipes to share with family, friends and co-workers. Chi loved spending most of her time with family while camping at a National Park or in the big cities where she enjoyed shopping and seeing the sites. She also liked being with elderly people as well as enjoying her cousins and friends new babies. Her husband and daughters were the light of her life. She was a scorekeeper for several Women’s Pool Leagues and will be fondly remembered for her love of sunflower seeds and the social atmosphere she brought with her.

A member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation in Fort Washakie, Wyo. and a descendant of the Salish Tribe of the Flathead Reservation. She married the love of her life Adam Wolf, a southeastern Montana native, on May 18, 2002. They lived in the Billings area and Missoula for a few years then made their permanent home in St. Ignatius.

Chi was preceded in death by her father Hildred LeBeau; grandfather Lester McKeever; mother in law Delores Wolf; aunt Jamie McKeever Hernandez and great aunt Berna Hayford.

Chi is survived by her beloved husband, Adam and their three daughters Kiara, Sevanna, Paje; her mother Leslie LeBeau of St. Ignatius; her brothers Kyle Managhan and his son Kyler of Missoula and Celsey Managhan of Lolo; grandparents Nancy Salo of WA, Ada of FL and Earl LeBeau of Fort Washakie, WY; aunts Rita McKeever of Perma, Heidi Standeven, Jennifer Salo, Kila Salo of Northwest Coast, Rhonda and Jola LeBeau of WY; uncles Wade, Bennie and Tommy of WY, Allen and Casey McKeever of OR and David Matne of WA as well as step grandmother Donna Veteh and step uncle Steven Hutchison of OR. If we left out any one please don’t be offended.

Her daughter Kiara said "Chi was the greatest mom anyone could ever have. Us three girls were lucky to be gifted with her." She will be greatly missed, she was a good wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. We will never forget those big beautiful brown eyes and beautiful smile and her laughter. We are looking forward to the day we are reunited."

A wake was held March 23 and 24 at the Longhouse where funeral services were conducted on Tuesday, March 24. Burial followed in Snyelmn Sntmtmne.

A special thanks from her family to Lori Cap John, Bernie Alexander, Roxy Acevedo, Carla Block, Dawnelle Sorrel and her mom, Morrey Tellier, Roberta Steele, Michele Barlow, Shaquille Bundy Ness and Ralph Foster.

Myna Joy Boyd
WOLF POINT — Myrna Joy Boyd went to be with the Lord at 3 am on March 26, 2009 at Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point. Myrna was born to James A. Boyd and Florence Iron Ring Boyd on August 20, 1936. Throughout her life, she was known as an advocate for Native Families, especially children. She was instrumental in getting a Senate Investigation into the mistreatment of Native Children in the State of Montana’s foster care system, and was the co-Founder of the Walks Far Society, which has been active as an advocate for Native Children since 1979. She also was active in many other organizations that work in related fields, and was the Montana Coordinator of the Trail of Self Determination Caravan, which was a nationwide march to Washington, D.C. that fought for Native rights.

Myrna is survived by her children, Linda lroncloud; Theresa lroncloud; Laurie (AI) Hulm; Chauncey Whitright III; Boyd (Pat) Whitright; Ruby Whitright; and Myrna Whitright-Azure (Alfred), all of Wolf Point. She is also survived by three generations of grandchildren, nieces and nephews, as well as sisters Bonnie Nelson and Mavis Martell both of Wolf Point.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Wayne Boyd, Sr., sons William James and Donald Wayne Whitright, and one daughter, Anita Ironcloud.

Her life was an inspiration to her children, friends and acquaintances, and the battles she began will be carried on by her descendants that share her passion for equality for Native Peoples.

A wake was Tuesday, March 31, 2009. Funeral services followed on Wednesday, April 1, 2009, at Silver Wolf Casino. Interment was at Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point.

All services will be officiated by Pastor Steve Smith of the South Side Assembly of God in Wolf Point.

Louis Snowy Mountain Shepard
POLSON — Louis was born an Angel on March 10, 2009. Louis is the infant son of Gabriel Louis Shepard and Cora Kendra Alexander; paternal grandson of Andrea Adams and the late Arthur Louis Shepard; maternal grandson of Levi Alexander and Byrdy Finley; great grandson of Louis W. Adams and the late Nadine Adams, and of Josie Hernandez and the late Benny and Cherokee Finley. Services were held Wednesday March 11, in St. Ignatius by Foster Funeral Chapel and led by Jason Adams and Louie Adams. Pallbearers were nunus Brendan Adams and Julius ìBubbaî Whitegrass. Honorary Pallbearers were big brother DaShaunDre Steele and nunus Michael Assiniboine, Calvin Shepard, Levi II, Isaac Alexander, Adam and Tommy Mahseelah, Deon Whitegrass and any other nunus who would have taken him hunting. Interment was at the Adams Family cemetery in Valley Creek.

Shyla Rae Lamere
HELENA — Shyla Rae Lamere, 23 of Box Elder passed away on March 19, 2009. Shyla was born on April 17, 1985 to Carmie Lamere. She was raised in Helena and Arlee.

Shyla is survived by her three children; Izaik of Box Elder, and Zara and James Freiburg of Arlee; mother Carmie Lamere of Box Elder; grandparents James Lamere of Box Elder; and Chuck and Sarah Two Teeth of Arlee.

Shyla Rae loved to be around all of her family, nieces, and nephews. She adored and loved her children deeply. She loved to go to powwows and traveling all over meeting new people. She was very outgoing and got along so well with others. She will be deeply missed.

Shyla was preceded in death by her great-grandparents John and Rosie Two Teeth; grandmother Nancy Two Teeth Lamere; uncles Curtis Alexander and Bam Two Teeth; and cousins Jesse John Weaselboy and Tiffany Two Teeth.

Shyla Rae is also survived by her aunts Violet (Mike) Norris, Alvena Ameline, Sarah (Charles) LaFountaine of Helena, Gloria (Edi) Tanner, Kathy (Mike) McClure, Stacy Two Teeth, and Terry Two Teeth of Arlee; her uncles Billy Weaselboy of Helena and Troy Two Teeth of Ronan; and many cousins.

Wake services were held at Salvation Army Gym in Helena on March 19th and 20th and traditional wake closing on Saturday March, followed by the burial at Resurrection Cemetery in Helena.

Pallbearers were Brian Tanner, Charles LaFountaine, Paul Santana Flores, Jr., Mike Norris, Bub Norris, and Darrin Ameline.

Honorary pallbearers were Myia Weaselboy, Victoria Swanby, Kristen Two Teeth, Tami Quinn, Terry Rose Norris, Jonell, Jovan, and Jonea Norris, Brandy Brien, Kayla Moran, and Starla Ford.

Kenneth L. "Ken-Dog" Miller
KALISPELL — Kenneth L. "Ken-Dog" Miller, 55, passed on Friday, March 13, 2009 at Kalispell Regional Hospital.

Born to Clifford and Leah (Foss) Miller on November 21, 1953. He was raised in Lewistown from where graduated from high school. Following his graduation he worked on the oilrigs and hauled oil waste. He was also a UPS driver based out of Missoula and worked at the mill in Missoula and eventually put his master carpentry skills to use in his contracting business - Grizzly Construction.

Kenny was a wonderful man and will be deeply missed by his family and his true friends. Ken-Dog enjoyed the outdoors. If he wasn’t fishing, he was hunting or hiking. He enjoyed camping and was an avid river rafter living on the North and South Fork of the Flathead. It was his favorite thing to do.

He was also proud to be a member of the Dream Team on Big Mountain, which taught the handicapped to ski. He also had the chance to star in a commercial and enjoyed being called the new nickname of "Hollywood Miller".

He is survived by his wife Michelle of the family home; daughter Makenzie Miller; step-children Angela Phillips, Aria Haliday and her children Nora and Adam, Jamie Haliday, Jeffery Hughes and Cole Milne-Jones; his parents Clifford and Leah Miller of Lolo; sisters Janet Granthum and her children Lea and Roxanne of Maui, HI, Cathy Miller of Lolo, and Debbie West of Leavenworth, WA; and brother James Miller of Missoula as well as many close friends and extended family members.

You are invited to come celebrate a life full of love and fun the way he wanted. As per his request a Celebration of His Life will be held at the family home located at 28321 Cougar Trail in Bigfork at mm#80 on Highway 83 (call 260-2797 or 837-3276 for directions) this Saturday at 3 p.m. A potluck reception at the residence will follow the service.

Mary Kay Brown
PLAINS — Mary Kay Brown, 62, passed away Saturday, March 14 at Clark Fork Valley Hospital.

A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe, she was born June 23, 1946 in St. Ignatius to Geraldine (Fleming) and Jacob Brown. Mary’s parents died when she was a young girl and she eventually moved to Plains where she worked with the Little Bitterroot Services until a few years ago when she moved to Hot Springs.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her brother in Helena, an aunt and uncle Tom and Fritz Dillon of Missoula and several nieces and nephews.

Services are planned for later in the year when she will be laid to rest next to her mother in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.

William Jordan Prewett
POLSON — Jordan died from hypothermia seeking help for himself and his friends following an automobile accident on March 10, 2009.

Jordan was born October 3, 1987, in Cortez, CO to Kenny and Merrie Prewett. The family moved to Pablo in 1991 where Jordan attended Glacier View Christian School. The family then moved to Arlee in 2000, and Jordan attended Valley Christian School in Missoula. Most recently Jordan had worked for Sheehan Construction on a pipeline job in Florida and was preparing to go to the next job in Georgia.

Last fall Jordan had renewed his faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ and had returned home eager to share it with his friends. We could see the blessings of God in his life. He was a joy to be around.

Jordan leaves behind his parents, Kenny and Merrie; brother, Asa (Jenna) and their children Izayus and Amira; sister Laura (Sonny) Ford and their daughter Kate; and sister, Anna; grandmother, Floanne Prewett; and close friend, Sergey Svetlichny.

Visitation was held on Sunday at the Grogan Funeral Home in Polson. Jordan’s funeral was held Monday, March, 16, 2009 at Jocko Valley Baptist Church with burial immediately following at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson. Grogan Funeral Home had charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may also be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

"Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Mary ‘Virginia’ Mullin
ELMO — Mary ‘Virginia’ Mullin went to meet her Lord and Creator on the dawn of March 28, at the age of 82.

Through her years she worked as a homemaker and a CNA in various nursing homes. In March of 1967, she married the love of her life, Floyd G. Mullin.

She is preceded in death by her husband Floyd G. Mullin; son Melvin Jeffries; sister Louise Badroad Bart; nephew Harold Badroad Bart; and granddaughters Micki and Mitzi.

Services will be held Saturday, April 18 at 1 p.m. at the St. Ignatius Mission. A reception will follow at 3 p.m. in Elmo at the Koosta Hall.

Virginia McDougall Mullin
ELMO — Virginia McDougall Mullin, 82, of Elmo passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at her home from natural causes.

Virginia was born on March 24, 1927 in St. Ignatius to Samuel and Annie McDougall.

She is survived by her four children: Judy (Ron) Pierce of Kellogg, ID, Tom (Sue) Jeffries of Hot Springs, Tim (Linda) Jeffries of St. Ignatius, and Melba (Dan) Boyd of Missoula; sisters Florence Earling of Spokane, WA and Violet Feather of Elmo; brother Magic McDougal; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband Floyd Mullin and son Melvin.

No services are planned at this time. Cremation and arrangement are by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory of Polson.

Condolences may be left to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com