For the Record
July 2010

Betty A. "Betsy" Plant
MISSOULA — Betty A. "Betsy" Plant, age 84, of Arlee, passed away on Thursday July 22, 2010 at St. Patrick Hospital. Betsy was born in Nespelem, WA. at the family home on March 26, 1926, the sixth child of Michel Plant and Cecille LaMoose Plant. She attended schools in Washington, Idaho, the Ursulines at St. Ignatius and Arlee.

She married Clarence Charlo in 1944 in Arlee. They had one son Clarence (Beeb) Charlo. She later married Eneas Vanderburg; they had three daughters - Shirley, Betty Jean, and Ruby. She later married Ralph Scott and they had one daughter, Rebecca.

In 1975 she began her lifelong journey of sobriety. She also decided to start reading the Bible and soon after gave her life to the Lord Jesus Christ.

She attended the Arlee Alliance Church for several years; she then attended the Dixon Community Baptist Church until the late 1990's when the drive became too hard for her. She was a member of the Jocko Valley Baptist Church and attended there until her death. She dearly loved and appreciated her church family.

She had numerous jobs throughout her life; the latter ones were as a Tribal Alcohol Counselor, a home care worker and the last as a librarian at the Arlee Library. Her grandchildren have fond memories of Yiya's "Library years." She had been retired for several years.

She loved the lord and her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Michel and Cecille, daughter Shirley, infant daughter Betty Jean, brothers Francis "Zok" Plant, Louis "Spill" Murray, three infant brothers and an infant sister.

She is survived by her son Clarence "Beeb" Charlo and wife Jeri; daughters Ruby Vanderburg and Rebecca Relien; grandchildren Shannon, Kristin, Landon and Cherra Charlo, Joe Charlo, June McDonald, Luke Altenhofen, Loushie Charlo, Shilo, Candace Barbe and Madison Scott; several great grandchildren Donovan McDonald, Larenz and SaanJay Smallboy, Darian, Laine, and Jharen Charlo, Hunter, Marcos, and Joslyn Barbe and Lauryn Gordon; and special nieces and nephews Dorothy Plant, Anita George, Francis and James Plant.

Wake services began on Saturday, July 24 in the Arlee Community Center. Funeral services were held on Monday, July 26 in the Arlee Community Center and Pastor Kenny Prewett officiated. Interment followed at the Jocko Valley Cemetery.

Condolences to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

Alice Nenemay Camel
RONAN — On Sunday, July 25, 2010, a Guardian Angel came to take Alice Nenemay Camel, of Ronan, back to her God in Heaven. Before she left, she said, “Do not cry for me for I am, at last, at peace.” Alice passed away from natural causes at the St. Luke’s Community hospital. She was 90!

Alice was a mother, grandmother, a great- and great-great-grandmother, aunt, homemaker, friend, a Salish and Pend d’ Oreille language teacher, and a member of the Salish and Pend d’ Oreille Cultural Committee.

Alice was born to Alex and Elaine Nenemay on January 16, 1920 at a home near Dixon. Alice was one of nine children: Mitch, Michelle, Louie, Frank, Alex, Jr., Annie, Joseph, and Issac.

She was proceeded in death by two children, Henry and Frank; her mother and father; two adult siblings Mitch and Frank Nenemay, who married and resided on the Kalispel Reservation in Washington state; "Blind" Mose Chowteh; her aunt Mary "Daisy" Barnaby; Adelle Durgeloh; and Elizabeth Yateelame Hammer.

She is survived by 12 children, Katherine Fairbanks, Charles Camel, Thomas Camel, Helen Camel, Patricia (Issac) Kelly, Marvin (Norma) Camel, Paula (Terry) McDonald, Florine (Todd) Clifford, Kenneth Camel, Terry (David) Camel-Brown, Robert (Janet) Camel, and Renee (Robert) Van Gunten. She is also survived by 28 grandchildren, 33 great- grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren and a vast extended Nenemay family which resides in the Spokane/Cusick, Washington area.

Alice attended the Dixon Elementary School. After the majority of her children went out on their own, she went on to complete her General Education degree, Associates of Arts degree in Native American Studies in June 1998 and Bachelor of Arts degree in Native American Human Services in June 2001 - all degrees were received through the Salish and Kootenai College in Pablo.

In 1942, Alice moved to Portland, Oregon and worked as a welder (Rosie the Riveter) for the naval shipyard. During her stay in Portland, she attended a USO dance where she met her future husband, Henry William Camel, and father of her children. They married in 1944 and eventually relocated back to an 80-acre home site in Ronan, located at the base of the Mission Mountains, where they raised their 14 children.

To her children, Alice was generous, non-judgmental, supportive, and a strong role model. She taught her children to know what was truly important in life and to never take anything for granted. This, in turn, made her children strong and determined and have the ability to succeed in whatever they chose to do in life. We will miss her amazing strength and sense of humor.

The wake began Tuesday, July 27 at the St. Ignatius Long House. The rosary was scheduled for Wednesday and closing will start at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 29 with the funeral at 11 a.m. in the St. Ignatius Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Ronan Cemetery.

We'd like to thank Marie Fyant, Jeanie McCauley, and Charlotte "Babe" Rose, who were her personal caregivers; the St. Luke's Hospital, St. Luke's Extended Care, and Mountain View Care staff for all their care and attention during Alice's days. Thanks to Dr. Cullis and Dr. Jones who provided excellent care to her and allowed her to die with dignity and grace. Thanks to Foster Funeral Home and staff for their kind and respectful care that they provided to her body as she was being prepared for burial.

Ethel K. "Lennie" Allison
RONAN — Ethel K. "Lennie" Allison, 87, long time resident of St. Ignatius, passed away at St. Luke's Hospital.

Lennie was born on October 29, 1922 in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. She was the oldest of four children to Nels and Grace Lenora Nicolson Klopp. She grew up on a farm in Northern Minnesota. She moved to Southern California as a teenager and graduated high school in 1940. She then married her first husband Abe Lincoln. In 1945 she worked in New York City, New York as an executive secretary for RCA while married to her second husband, TV Producer Mike "Les" Shaw. Moved back to Southern California and met a US Marine Corps. Sergeant, Charles "Red" Allison and married in 1954. To this union they had one child, Rochelle Allison. She worked as an Avon lady for a number of years. In 1989 she work as a domestic for the Jesuit Fathers for the next 18 years.

Lennie was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Betty Jean and Charlotte May and brother Everette.

She is survived by previous husband Charles "Red" Allison; their daughter Rochelle; grandchildren Adaire Rene' and Linus J. Big Beaver; long time and dear friend George Ivanoff; numerous nieces and nephews; and canine companion Cosmo.

Visitation was held on Wednesday at Foster Funeral Home & Crematory in St. Ignatius. Rosary begins at 8 p.m., Thursday, July 29, at Foster Funeral Home & Crematory. Funeral is Friday July 30 at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church, with mass beginning at 11 a.m.; meal is to follow in the basement of the St. Ignatius Catholic Church.

A special thanks to Doctor Heather Jones, Doctor Nichols, Doctor Lemire, and their staff. We would also like to thank Delphina, Sue, Tyna, Anna, and Eva, at Home Sweet Home. Also the staff at St. Luke's Hospital, in Ronan.

Edmund "Ed" Hameline
HELENA — Edmund "Ed" Hameline, 59, of Helena, passed away on July 18, 2010 at St. Peters Hospital.

Ed was born in Browning to Viola and Sam Hameline. He was an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation of Browning. He grew up in Hamilton where he attended Hamilton High School. From there he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Vietnam War.

Ed enjoyed singing with friends during pow-wow season. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and came to love the lord later in his life.

Ed was preceded in death by his father and mother; sisters Joyce Fisher and Samaria Fisher; and his brothers Elroy (Ozzy) Hameline, and Ronald (Muggs) Hameline.

He is survived by his daughter Edie Rowan; sister Sharon and many nephews and nieces.

Funeral Services were held Tuesday, July 27 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Military graveside honors followed at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison, Helena.

Dennis E. Plant, Sr.
ARLEE — Dennis E. Plant, Sr., 62, passed away Saturday in Missoula.

Born in the St. Ignatius Hospital on June 16, 1948, he was the second child of six born to Mary V. Plant and Peter L. Plant, Sr. Dennis was raised in Arlee and educated at the Arlee Schools before going onto the United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, ND and later to Madera, California. He enjoyed working in the auto body industry and seasonally in the orchards.

He was a member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes and loved to bead, fish and pick berries.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father Peter L. Plant, Sr.; children Brenda, Deanna, Ambrose and Ronald Plant and granddaughter Trisha Jo Plant; brothers Peter Plant, Jr. and Charles Anthony Plant and sisters Sandra Marie Plant-Lozeau and Luanna Rose Plant Wesley.

He is survived by his mother Mary Val (Matt) Plant; daughters Valerie (Rick) Plant Two Teeth and Crystal (John) Bunce; sons Dennis Plant, Jr. and Linden (Patrice) Plant; eight grandkids; brother Darryl Plant; sister-in-law Nancy Plant and brother-in-law John Wesley, all of Arlee; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

A wake began Monday at the Arlee Senior Citizens Center and moved to the Arlee Community Center on Tuesday. Wake closing was Wednesday at the Arlee Community Center with Mass following at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church in St. Ignatius. Interment followed in the Snyelmn Sntmtmne.

Shawn Louis DuMont, Jr.
CHARLO — Shawn Louis DuMont, Jr., 28, went to Heaven on Wednesday, July 14, 2010 from complications after surgery.

Shawn was born to Shawn, Sr. and Tammy DuMont on May 11, 1982. He was very proud to be the big brother of Nathan, Ben, Becky Jo and his “brother” Drew, but he was most proud of being Uncle Nawn to his nephew Kelby.

Shawn graduated from Charlo High School and still has many close friends from there. He had a great passion for working on cars. He was especially proud of his 1973 Dodge Charger.

Shawn loved living in Charlo where he could drive his wheel chair all over town visiting and laughing with family and friends. His favorite hang out was the grocery store where he would have coffee with Rick and Linda and talk to the people who came in. He also enjoyed going to the café with Ervin and seeing the people there. He liked going to the sporting events at the school, particularly when his siblings were playing. He would love it when people would stop by his house to visit him. Like when Uncle Ed would come so they could harass each other and talk about the Mariners. Drew and Keagan would be challenged to a game of Mario Kart. It was always a treat when Aunt Brenda would bring fresh cinnamon rolls or donuts. He was very happy to let Nathan and Whitney stay at his house as Whitney always had something cooking for supper.

Shawn loved to go to Wal-Mart with Verlin and Mars Mintz, and to Dairy Queen with his cousin Jody. He enjoyed going to church with Uncle Rick and Aunt Kathy. He couldn’t wait to go to the Mission Valley Speedway where he would cheer on his Dad, brothers and Uncle Dennis. He enjoyed the family get togethers at Uncle Ed and Aunt Karen’s joking with everyone and having chocolate pie for desert.

His most favorite place to go was to Grandpa Jeps. Shawn, Grandpa and Uncle Allan would drink coffee and watch sports on TV. Uncle Allan would make him his favorite dinner, macaroni and cheese. Every 4th of July there would be family reunion at Grandpa Jeps and Shawn would enjoy teasing all his numerous cousins, his uncles, Murray, Allan, Rick, Paul, Mike, Ricky, Gene, Jay and Joel and his aunts, Karen, Kathy, Sharleen, Shellie, Theresa, Carrie and Jan. He would be exhausted at the end of the day because there were so many of them.

We were all blessed to have known Shawn and will miss him dearly. He is up in Heaven now with grandpa DuMont, aunt Sandra, and grandpa and grandma Jeppesen, probably having a cup of coffee with as much sugar as he wants, looking down at us and laughing at all the silly things we do.

A visitation was held Monday at the Foster Funeral Chapel in St. Ignatius. Funeral services were held on Tuesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS) in Ronan with burial following in the Ronan Cemetery.

Lynette Catherine Moran
ARLEE — Lynette Catherine Moran, 42, began her journey to the Promised Land surrounded by her family and friends at St. Patrick's Hospital on July 4, 2010. She was the fourth of five beautiful children born on May 17, 1968 to John "Bear" and Irma Malatare.

On July 25, 1987, she married her high school sweetheart, Ernie Moran. With the love they shared for each other they were blessed with two wonderful sons Austin Lee and Alex Landen. The love and devotion she had for her boys and husband was unconditional.

Lynette had such a charismatic and traditional way about her that she could always find the best of the worst in people and in life, and that was so true when she was diagnosed with Leukemia. She was such a strong believer in her tradition that she knew she was going to win her battle against cancer and that she did. On May 15, 2002 Lynette was given a second chance at new life from a stem cell transplant she received from her youngest sister, Jen, at the University Hospital in Seattle, WA.

Lynette was employed by CSKT Contract Care Dept. until her illness prevented her from doing what she loved.

From that dedication she had for the job was the beginning of lifelong friendships. She beat cancer but battled eight long years due to complications of the treatments and medications she received from the remission. Lyn never let it get her down and continued to be an avid sports fan of her boys. You could always hear her laughter and roar above the crowd. Lyn enjoyed spending quality time with her family and whether it was at a stickgame tournament, camping, or picking huckleberries, she was there with a smiling face. The most important things to her were family and family gatherings, so many memories and stories she told will continue to fill our hearts and bring a smile to our faces. Lyn lost her battle to sepsis, a complication of a recent surgery.

Lyn was a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe. She is survived by her husband Ernie of 23 years; sons Austin (Abbe) and Alex; her parents Bear and Irma; sisters Cheryl (Darrin) Finley, Darcy and her friend Joe and Jen (Ron) Swaney and brother John (Becky) Malatare; grandparents Dollie and Willie Linsbeigler; her mother-in-law Geri Moran; her father-in-law Bud (Audi) Moran and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins as well as a host of good friends.

Special thanks for all the prayers over the past eight years from all her friends. The family would like to thank all of the St. Pat's ICU doctors and nurses along with Dr. Speckart, Dr. Beatty and Theresa and Caroline who took care of Lyn like she was one of their own. They've touched our hearts and will never be forgotten.

A wake began Monday at the Arlee Community Center. Wake closing was held Wednesday and followed by the Mass at the Community Center. Interment followed in the Jocko Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a small donation in Lyn's name to St. Pat's Leukemia Center would be appreciated.

Sandra Lee Mather
POLSON — Our beloved Sandra Lee Mather, 39, passed away Thursday, July 1, 2010, in the arms of her husband.

Sandra had the most beautiful soul. She loved her family and friends and husband most. Negativity was not her vocabulary.

She was born in Tennessee and moved to Reno, Nev., after graduation. In Reno, she met and married the love of her life, Tony Mather. The romance began with a single rose delivered each day. The flowers never stopped, nor did their joy.

Together they moved to Las Vegas, where Sandra worked as waitress and bartender. And eventually back to Ronan, where she continued her bartending career at the Second Chance Saloon.

Sandra is well known for her gentle demeanor and Southern hospitality.

Our bodies may die, but our spirit lives forever. God bless you, Sandra, we love you and will miss you terribly.

Graveside services will be held in Kalispell at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 7, at Glacier Memorial.

Survivors include her husband, Tony Mather; stepson, Aaron Mather; sisters, Lisa Saville and Betty Christenson and their husbands; mother, Shirley Brown; father, Kenneth Brown; and numerous other family members and friends.

Clinton Gilbert Croff, Sr.
BROWNING — Clinton Gilbert Croff, Sr., 30, Substitute teacher and Indian dancer and singer, passed away at Glacier Park on July 29. Cause of death is still under investigation.

Survivors include wife, Destiney Marie No Runner; parents, Justine May No Runner Croff and Raymond James Croff; sons, Camdon Skyler Croff and Clinton Gilbert Croff Jr.; a sister, Ramona Dean Croff; brothers, Kemmer Croff and Loren Croff; Grandparents, James and Marie Croff and Floyd Rider, Sr. Survivors are all of Browning.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Julia Cecile Rider and Joe “Slim” John.

Funeral Mass was held Wednesday at Little Flower Catholic Church. Burial followed in Willow Creek Cemetery. Pondera Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.