For the Record...

November Obituaries

Helen Elizabeth Mull Bouchard
POLSON - Helen Bouchard, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend, went home to her parents the morning of November 29th, 2006. Helen was born October 29, 1930 to Ella and Gordon Mull in Gallatin Gateway, Montana. She married a man that her father warned her against and for 56 years they lived and loved together. Helen is survived by her husband, Charles "Pat" and their children: Patty, Terry (Jerry), Alan and Dawn (Julio), 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren with another expected in January 07.

Helen spent her early years raising their 4 children. As a family they enjoyed bowling, water-skiing and snow skiing. She was also an accomplished knitter and seamstress. Helen loved being outdoors no matter the weather. Springtime found her putsying in her garden, summertime she fought the deer from eating her flowers, fall she was cleaning up the pine needles and winter she would enjoy the crispness of the air.

Helen was part of a very large and close family. She is pre-deceased by her parents, sister Janie and brother Horace. She leaves behind 4 sisters, Gladys, Dot (Ting), Evelyn "Ev" (Tom) and Lavina "Sandy" (Lee) and her brother Frank (Tony), and numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews. All who knew Helen loved her, for she had the knack of always making them feel welcome and comfortable in her home. Her family came together in Polson to mourn their loss, but more importantly to celebrate her life. We will miss her quiet wisdom and sage advice; she taught us all well and now we go on as she would have wanted us to, loving our families and living each day to enjoy the simple pleasures that life hands us.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials for Helen to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1002 4th Ave East, Polson, MT 59860. Memorials will be forwarded to "Share the Spirit" or "Helping Hands" both local children's charities.

Memorial will be held on December 6th, 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1002 4th Ave East, Polson, MT 59860. Lunch will be provided after the service.

JoAnn "Girlie" Hammer
RONAN - JoAnn "Girlie" Hammer, 57, of Woodcock passed away Sunday, Nov. 26th on her mother's birthday at St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula while surrounded by family.

A member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe, she was born May 6, 1949 in St. Ignatius, Montana to Madeline Barnaby & Joseph Weaselhead. Raised on the Flathead reservation, she received her formal education at Flandreau Indian School.

JoAnn married Sam Hammer and they made their home in Ronan where they started their family.

JoAnn was a loving mother, who was the champion for kids and enjoyed being with her grandkids. She was also the family pet keeper and loved her dog "Bugs" so much that she gave him the honorary title of Mayor of Woodcock. She enjoyed flashy clothing, sewing and beading as well as the company of her friends. She will be dearly missed.

Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband Sam, a son David, a sister Stella and brothers Marvin & Leslie Allen Weaselhead.

She leaves behind her loving family of children Mike Hammer of Ronan, Brenda Hammer (Patrick Lozeau) of Pablo and Renae Hammer of Ronan; grandchildren Shaun, David, Roberta & Eric Hammer; brothers Francis (Nightwind) Weaselhead of Sumpter, OR, Dalon (Susan) Weaselhead of St. Ignatius, Joseph (Linda) Weaselhead of Ronan, John, Arnold and Gerald Weaselhead of Pablo, Anthony Weaselhead of Missoula and David R. Weaselhead of Bonners Ferry, ID; sisters Violet Weaselhead of Charlo, Madeline "Pebbles" (Bobby) Weaselhead of Pablo, Betty (Dave) Van Haverbeke of Pablo; foster parents Bill & Georgie Koll of Ronan; foster sisters Mary Koll of Ronan and Vanita Lozeau of Ronan and foster brother Carl Finley of Missoula.

A traditional wake began Tuesday evening at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius with the Rosary being recited at 8 pm Wednesday in the Longhouse. Wake closing will begin at 10 am Thursday in the Longhouse with Mass being celebrated at 11 am Thursday in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission

Sandra Leann McJoe
SPOKANE - Sandra Leann McJoe passed away at her home in Spokane, Washington on November 13, 2006.

Sandra was raised in GreatFalls, Mt and in the Yakima valley before moving to Spokane in the early 70's. Sandra later moved to the Flathead reservation in the early 80's to further her education at Salish/Kootenai college in Pablo. There Sandra graduated with an Associates degree in management and office professions. Due to a car accident in 2003 Sandra had to move back to Spokane with her family where she lived untill her departure.

Sandra will be truly missed by her family and friends from Montana, Washington, and Oregon.

Services were held on November 17, 2006 in Wellpinit, Washington where she rests next to her niece Margaret and many other family members. Sandra's family will miss her deeply.

She leaves behind her mother, Margaret LaMere, five sisters, Debrough McJoe, Vicki LaMere, Selena LaMere, Theresa LaMere, Mary Stilson and one brother, Joseph LaMere, her side kick Panama Red and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sandra is proceded in death by her niece Margaret Cordova, and her step-father Joseph LaMere.

Doris McHenry Neidt
RONAN - Doris McHenry Neidt age 73 of Ronan, Mt. went to be with the Lord, Jason and her mom on Thursday November 9, 2006 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula from natural causes. She was born August 7, 1933 in Livingston, Mt. to Warren and Christine Arnold McHenry. She attended schools in Idaho and moved back to the Gallatin Valley before moving to the Mission Valley in 1969. Doris married the love of her life Jason Neidt on August 19, 1977 they spent 27 years together before Jason passed away in 2004.

She liked quilting, playing Keno and Yatzee with her family along with crocheting and camping. Doris was a very classy lady, dressed nice, very good hearted and loved her family very much, enjoyed laughing and was not afraid to express herself. Doris meant the world to the Neidt family and they loved her very much.

She was preceded in death by her parents husband and a grandson Rodrick. Doris is survived by her children Cindy (Mark) Buckolz of Two Dot, Mt, Jackie (Dale) Callatine of Sand Point, Idaho, Lloyd Geary (Bambi) of Ronan, Mt. Theresa (Mark) Hartung of Pablo, sisters Lola Cloniger of Helena, Mt, Jean Sullivan and Ellen Wiegly both of Belgrade, Mt. Bother Jerry Zindler of Helena, along with 5 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She will be missed by all of her family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday November 12, 2006 from 12pm to 5 pm in the Grogan Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held on Monday November 13, 2006 at 11:00 am at the Ronan Cemetery with Rev. Karen McRae officiating. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

Jacqueline Ann David
POLSON - Jacqueline Ann David, 62, of Polson, passed away quietly in her sleep Friday, Nov. 10, 2006, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

Jacqueline, known as Jackie to family and friends, was born on Oct. 24, 1944 in Michigan, the second oldest of seven siblings. Her parents were Ira and Lois Helsel.

Our dear mother was quite the adventuress; she loved traveling throughout this great land of America. She always made a joke of having gypsy blood because she loved to gaze at the wondrous mountains and deserts in her travels. But even though she traveled many years while she was with us, she always returned home to us in the Mission Valley.

She spent 13 years working at Joe's Jiffy Stop. In that time she met many people who became her dear friends.

She was well known as a great cook. She loved to cook; she could spend hours cooking and was proud that she could make a meal and share it with her family and friends.

She enjoyed talking and spending time with her friends, and in between those times you could always find her relaxing while reading a good book. She loved her children very much and would spend as much time as she could with them; she would picnic with her children or call one of them to go for that "Road Trip."

She is survived by her children, Mary Lou Watkins of Ronan, Francis Jacob David II "Jake" of Harrisburg, Pa., Michelle David of Hayes and Jason David of Polson. Grandchildren are Ross Harkness stationed in South Korea with the U.S. Army, Stephanie Harkness of Pablo and family Jody and Wanda Sias and their children, Kim Jeriko, Latoya and Novalee; and her dear friends, Rita Mahoney, Jim and Pat McAlpin and Margaret "Binky" Hall.

Funeral services will be held in Ronan at the Ronan Christian and Missionary Alliance Church with Pastor Jeff Kingery presiding. It will begin at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 13. Cremation will follow the services.

The family wishes to thank all of her friends and family members, and we especially would like to thank the staff at St. Patrick Hospital for making our mother's last few days with us as comfortable as possible.

Karl Duane Pinkerman
MISSOULA - Karl Duane Pinkerman passed away on Friday, November 10, 2006 at Community Medical Center in Missoula after a long and courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Duane was born in Denver, Colorado on June 24, 1928 to Karl Clifton Pinkerman and Violet Hazel (Gauss) Pinkerman. He was raised in Anaconda, Montana until 1941 when the family moved to the East Shore of Flathead Lake.

Duane graduated from Polson High School in 1947 and then worked at Security State Bank in Polson for one year after which he enrolled in Eastern Montana College in Billings where he earned a degree in education. Duane taught in Rollins, Noxon, White Sulphur Springs, Three Forks and Hardin, Montana where he retired after 37 years of teaching, 32 of which were in Hardin.

While teaching in Hardin, he met Ruth (Lewis) Giles. On May 27, 1960 they were married in Three Forks, Montana and were married for 46 years. He retired in 1999 and returned to the East Shore of the Flathead Lake where he had a cherry orchard business for over 30 years. In 2002 he turned over the orchard business to his daughter and son-in-law Kari and Mike Nelson.

Duane belonged to Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork, the Montecahto Club and the Yellow Bay Club along the East Shore and the Masonic Lodge in Polson and The Order of the Eastern Star in Hardin where he was Past Patron. Also throughout the years he was involved in the Montana Wildlife Federation and the Hardin Rod and Gun Club.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman and spent many years in the hills and rivers of Big Horn County doing what he loved to do. He also loved to cook and was known for his cookies and candy making. In addition, Duane had great interest in gardening and horticulture.

His parents, Karl and Violet, preceded him in death. He is survived by his ever loving wife Ruth, of the East Shore; his daughter Kari Lei Nelson and her husband, Mike and Hannah Marie Nelson his only grandchild, of Missoula; his stepson, Kenneth (Kip) Giles and his wife, Mary Ann of Buckland, Alaska; his sister, Viola Lewis and her husband, Escoe of the East Shore; his Aunt Mary Gauss, and cousins Arleen Kutney and Maureen Davis all of Canada. Also surviving him are several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 from 9 am to 5pm in the Grogan Funeral Home, Polson and on Thursday, November 16, 2006 in the Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork from 12pm to 2pm. Funeral services will be held in the church at 2:00 pm with Rev. Jack Shannon officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Noah's Ark, a center for youth activities located in Bigfork or a charity of your choice. Condolences to the family www.groganfuneralhome.com

Judy Charette
ST. IGNATIUS - Judy Charette, 62, of Graham, WA passed away Saturday, November 11, 2006 surrounded by her loving family and friends at her brother's home in Ronan.

Judy was born in St. Ignatius on April 17, 1944 to Georgia Meyers & Frank Charette. A member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe she was raised on the Flathead Reservation. Judy worked for Boeing for many years.

She is survived by her longtime love, friend and husband Richard Hansford of Graham, WA; her sons Jay Lena and Jimmy Lena of OK and Marty Hansford of Graham, WA; her grandchildren Grayson and Maddie Hansford of Graham, WA; her brother Laurel "Babe" Charette (Lori) of St. Ignatius; her brothers in laws Dennis & Bill Hansford of Graham , WA; her sister in law Tedi Charette of Ronan; her nieces Sandra Charette-Barnaby (Tony) and their children Misty, Valdena, Tashina and Anton of Ronan, Kim Charette (Mike McCrea) and their children Brandi, Jr. and Yancy of Pablo, Jill Charette of Phoenix, AZ, Lori Charette of Florida, Margaret Wheeler of Polson, Charlotte Wheeler of Pablo and Rosie Wheeler of St. Ignatius; her nephews Brian Charette (Stephani) of Ronan, Monte Bluff (Susan) of Usk, WA, Charles "Chuck" Charette of Ronan, Lance Charette and his children of Indiana, John Charette of Utah, Wayde Charette of Hawaii, John Wheeler and Jimmy Wheeler of Arlee; cousins Darlene & Marlene Neuman, Monica Neuman, Tina Neuman & Gale (Gordon) Fyant.

She is preceded in death by her mother Georgie Meyers, her father Frank Charette, her brother Skip Wheeler, John Wheeler and Norm Charette.

Through our sorrow and tears, we still remember earlier years, where your love and laughter made us smile. Your visits, phone calls and our special trip. The stories and photos so we will never forget. The word "Home" means with your family. So in every Teardrop there is a memory. Now rest in peace, you have earned it.

A wake began Sunday at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius with Rosary being recited at 8 pm Monday evening in the Longhouse. Funeral service will be held Tuesday morning at 11 am in the Longhouse. Interment will follow in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.

Lucille Ann Bell (Ghost Bear) Born - June 5, 1939 Reborn - November 13, 2006
My Mother and best friend Lucille Ann Bell (Ghost Bear) returned to Jesus Christ's (Wakantanka Great Spirit) loving embrace on a Monday, November 13th , 2006 at 2:30 p.m. Her earthly body was stricken with pancreatic cancer, but her immortal soul turned into a hawk and flew free from pain and suffering.

My Mom was a very loving and caring person, who always made sure I always came first in her life, even before her own needs and wants. She would never ignore any duty she felt was important to being a great mother. I remember when I was a little boy, every Easter she would have a chocolate rabbit by my bedside when I awoke, without fail. And on every Valentine's Day she would have a heart of chocolates by my bedside, also without fail.

Too many times to count, I would watch my Mom go without, just to give me the things she did, out of love for me. My Mom was not a rich woman, but everything and anything she had, she would give it to me, just for the asking. What my Mom was rich in was love, and she always showered me with lots of it. My Mom and I went through hardships in life, but she would always stay positive. I always knew I could conquer anything with her and her love behind me. My Mom would always say to me, "Life is what you make it", and "Life is not about how many times you get knocked down, but about how many times you get back up".

I will forever love my Mom, and I will walk through this life, happy knowing that someday I will see her again. This will give me strength. This and my loving and faithful wife Marsha and my twin sons Michael and James. When I look into my son's eyes, I see all the hopes and dreams if my Mom.

My Mom was a humble, unassuming person, who always told me that when she did leave this World, she did not want people making a fuss over her. She simply wanted to be surrounded by Family, and to be cremated and her ashes buried with her other son, Earl Kenneth Lefthand Jr. at the Elmo Cemetery. I intend to do this in the spring.

My Indian Mother, Catherine Hamel, my sisters Tammy Hamel, and GiGi Caye, and my brother Jim Hamel wish to hold a dinner in her memory, the date, time, and place to be announced. My Mom was preceded in her rebirth by her Mother, Elizabeth Close, two sisters, Norma Clairmont, Alice (Micky) Ortloff, a nephew Ronald Wycoff, and infant son Earl Kenneth Lefthand Jr., and her loving husband Bert Bell. I know my Mom is very happy to be back with Bert. At the time of my Mom's rebirth, she was surrounded by her last sister Bernice Thomas, and her favorite nephew Gary Thomas, my wife Marsha Lefthand, and myself. I told her I loved her, and she said "I Love You", and she flew away. Strangely, I felt stronger, as I knew that for the rest of my life, she will watch over me, and I again, know there is nothing I can't conquer with her behind me. And all I have to do is look at my sons and know that a part of her lives on in them.

My Mom is carried on through me, her son Gerald Lefthand, my loving wife Marsha, our twin sons Michael, and James, her sister Bernice Thomas, her sons Roy Thomas

Peter J. Andrew
St. Ignatius – Peter J. Andrew, 64, passed away on Nov. 14th in Sheridan, WY at the VA Hospital.

Pete was born in Hot Springs on Dec. 17, 1941 to Ann Mary Finley and Paul Andrew. He was a full blood member of the Salish & Kootenai Tribes and was raised on the Flathead reservation. Pete attended schools at the Ursillines and graduated from Flandreau Indian School. Shortly after graduation he answered the call of his nations and was enlisted in the United States Army. When he completed his assignment he re – enlisted. It was during this time that he was injured.

Pete enjoyed participating in traditional gatherings, helping elders, visiting or writing letters to friends and relatives and listening to music. He will always be remembered for his quick sense of Indian humor, taking care of his two little sisters and being the favorite Nu-Nu.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents Andrew & Adelaide Andrew; François Finley & Felicite Delaware (Cullooyah); his siblings Annie Smallsalmon, John Woodcock, Louise Andrew, Rose Chalwain, and Mary Andrew, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is survived by one brother Frank (Angie) Andrew, two sisters SuSan (Joe) Dowdall and Mary Pooyah Lefthand, nieces, nephews and cousins.

His final services begin at 10 am today, Saturday, November 18, 2006 at the Longhouse with burial in Arlee at the Jocko Cemetery.

John Elwood Malatare
Arlee - John Elwood Malatare passed away at his home near Arlee on November 17, 2006 due to cancer. He was born March 9, 1927, in Arlee to Florence & John Edwin Malatare. John attended school in Arlee and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force November 1951 and served at Kelly Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas as a basic airman. He was discharged June 25, 1953.

As a youngster, John loved to ride horses, go to rodeos, and visit all the elders. He taught all of his boys to be mechanics and avid heavy equipment operators. John married the love of his life Wyona Bierwagen - Stevens on Dec. 10, 1954.

John worked hard at many jobs during his life including driving truck for Florence Laundry, Missoula Rendering and Burtch's Trucking. He also worked at Montgomery Words, a body shop in Monterey, California and as the Arlee Wartermaster. He was a Tribal Council Member for the Salish and Kootenai Tribes and worked as a prison guard in Deer Lodge as well as Walla Walla, Washington Prisons. He drove school bus for several years for Arlee and Two Eagle Schools.

John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Wyona in Arlee, his daughters Doreen Szpak (Dwight) of Anchorage, Dian Jenkins (Russ) of Ronan, JoAnn Pentland (Joe) or Cour'd lene, Mary Ann Hunter (Gordon) of St. Ignatius, June Sheridan of Arlee and Cheryl Malatare of Pinedale, Wyoming as well as his sons Jody (Artha) from Arlee, Jack (Niqui) of Beaverton, Oregon, and Shawn of St. Ignatius. He is also survived by 27 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Sunday from 7 pm to 10 pm in the Foster & Durgeloh Funeral Home in St. Ignatius with funeral services being held on Monday at 10:30 a.m. in the Longhouse in St. Ignatius. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery in St. Ignatius where military honors will be presented.

Richard (Dick) Lee Cross
POLSON - Richard (Dick) Lee Cross age 59 passed away in his sleep Sunday night November 19th at his home in Mountain View, CA from a sudden heart attack. Services will be held at the Grogan Funeral Home in Polson on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 3:00 pm, with interment to follow at Lakeview Cemetery.

Dick was a gifted athlete both in high school and in college. He was an incredibly kind and caring man to his family, his friends, and his cousins and especially to their children. He particularly enjoyed sharing his love for books and knowledge with all of them. He will be greatly missed here on earth, but will be a huge asset to the Lord if complex math problems arise.

Born in Missoula, Montana on July 16, 1947, Dick was raised on Camas Prairie, Montana where he attended Camas Prairie Elementary and then High School in Hot Springs, Montana. He began his higher education at Montana State University before transferring to the University of Washington where he received his first Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Dick went on to receive a Masters Degree in Computer Science from Santa Clara University and a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University where he was a member of Tau Beta Pi, the Engineering Honor Society. As a firm believer in life-long education, Dick was continuing to work towards his PhD in Aerospace Engineering from Stanford when time allowed.

Dick joined the Air Force in 1970 where he served primarily as an aeronautical engineer and received several Commendations during his four years in the service. He then went on to a life-long career in the field he loved and excelled at, Aerospace Engineering. He worked for 15 years at United Technologies Corporation and another 21 years at Lockheed Martin Aerospace Corporation. During those years he worked on countless projects including single-handedly developing control concepts for Variable Flow Ducted Rockets, and leading the analysis team on the Titan IV rocket project. One of the accomplishments he was most proud of, however, was his work on the Hubble Space Telescope, on which he designed many of the directional control systems.

His hobbies included studying engines, airplanes and spacecraft, and he loved to study both military history and world history. His periodic travels were a means to continue to further his education, and over the years he traveled to countless castles and cathedrals in Europe with his son, viewed the 900 year-old Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and he walked in the Lascaux Caves among the 17,000 year old Lascaux paintings.

Dick was preceded in death by both his grandparents, his father, Herb Cross and by is Uncles Sid and Gordon Cross. He is survived by his mother Mary, his brothers Wayne, Rodney and Wesley, his son and daughter-in-law Herb and Lisa, Herb's mother Andrea, his beloved pet cat Razz, and by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Mary Michel Mills
ST. IGNATIUS - Mary Michel Mills, 97, passed away peacefully into the arms of angels, on her journey to her Lord in Heaven, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006, at her home in St. Ignatius in the loving arms of her grandson Randy Michel.

Mary was born Dec. 4, 1908, in St. Ignatius to Augustus and Maggie (King) Beauchemin. Mary was truly a gift to all who knew her, a lady full of grace. When one of her great-grandsons was trying to learn his Hail Mary prayer, he would say "Grandma Mary Full of Grace." He couldn't have said it better.

Mary raised eight children at the ranch in St. Ignatius and was known as Mom and Grandma to many other special children too numerous to mention.

Mary was also a very active member of the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission. She was generous with her donations of beautiful crochet work for fundraising. She truly had a giving heart when it came to her church and family.

Mary had amazing energy for life. She had a very busy, full life until only a few months ago.

After her children were raised, she enjoyed bartending down the road at the Old 44 Bar, becoming an avid pool player. She has many trophies for her pool accomplishments.

She also enjoyed fishing with Grandpa, playing bingo, traveling or just staying home playing her piano or violin.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, John A. Michel and Homer Mills; brother, Noah (Lum) Beauchemin; sisters, Lucy Mills and Nancy Myers; daughters, Margaret Michel Bosworth and Lois Michel Adams and Lois' husband, Gene Adams and grandson, Bobby Adams.

Survivors include her children, Gilbert J. Michel, St. Ignatius, Marjorie Michel, St. Ignatius, Agnes (Frank) Saldana, Ft. Worth, Texas, George (Anita) Michel, Missoula, John Zazz Michel, Pablo, Rachel (Squeek) Parker, Hardin, Keith (Ruth) Michel, Billings. Mary is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. Also numerous nieces and nephews and church friends and family.

Visitations will be Friday, Nov. 24, at the Foster-Durgeloh Funeral Home, St. Ignatius, with rosary recited at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, at the funeral home. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission. Interment will be at the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Catholic Church basement, provided by the Catholic Ladies Guild.

The family suggests memorials may be made in Mary's name to the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission.

Candace C. Miller
Ronan - Our dear Candace took God's hand when he called for her on Wednesday, November 22. She had followed the path God laid for her and touched many hearts along the way, always keeping the Lord close.

Dillard and Flora Cates were blessed with the birth of Candace on May 29th 1954. She was born in Harlowton, Montana and lived with her family in a variety of places until coming back to live in St. Ignatius in 1964.

Candy attended and graduated from Dixon High School in 1972 as salutatorian, an honor her father was so proud of. She then went on to Montana State University, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education, and a minor in Library Science. She taught in Hamilton at Daly Elementary after her graduation until 1983. During her time there she made a lasting and positive impact on many school children. Former students would recognize her and come and share fond memories of their time with her at both Hamilton and Pablo Elementary schools.

Candy met the love of her life, Daniel Miller in 1982; they were married in March of 1983 and began their life together, making their home in Pablo, MT. Candy then worked for ten years at the County Court house in Polson in the Clerk and Recorders office. She worked under Ethel Harding, who became another one of Candy's special Mom's.

God gifted Candy and Dan with the joy of her life, Zachariah on October 25th, 1989. Zach brought sunshine into Candy's life and you could always see it in her eyes. When Zach started Kindergarten, Candy began volunteering for four hours every day in his class, which was taught by her dear friend Cathy Gallagher. After Zach moved on, Candy stayed in Kindergarten and after 10 years of volunteering; she retired when her friend Cathy did. She was presently volunteering in the St. Ignatius Elementary.

Candy had a love of crafts she learned from her Mother. She enjoyed many hours of doing crafts with her family and friends. All of Candy's spending money (and most of Dan's) went to new craft projects.

Candy was an active and upstanding member of the church of the Nazarene in Pablo, MT. She taught Sunday School and with few exceptions all of her nieces and nephews loved to be part of the Vacation Bible school and the parade through Pablo. Her heart was always with the children and she would and did sacrifice anything of hers to make sure whatever kids were within her reach had what they needed. She will be dearly missed by everyone who was blessed to have some part of Candy in their lives.

Candy is survived by her husband and son, Daniel and Zach Miller of Ronan; Special Moms Clara Miller of Ronan and Ethel Harding of Polson; Sisters Louise (Jerry) Strode of Gaston, OR., Teena (Darwin) Zempel of Ravalli, Susan (Dalon) Weaselhead of St. Ignatius, Susan (Lee) Walsh of Butte, Jann (Rory) Schauss of Ronan, Jane (Aaron) Arneson of Missoula, Mary Anne Miller of Kalispell and Alyce (Tom) Krantz of Missoula; Brothers Glen (Janis) Cates of St. Ignatius, Ray (Nancy) Miller of Ronan, Brad (Cheri) Miller of Florence, Gale Miller of Ronan; 33 nieces & nephews; 51 great nephews & nieces and 1 great great nephew.

Candy was preceded in death by her father Dillard Cates, her mother Flora Cates Morin, a step-father Steve Father and a dad Ray "Pat" Miller, a sister Arlene Ross and a brother James Cates.

smile, quick wit and energy will be greatly missed by all of those who are allowed to share her short time here on earth.

Visitation will be Friday, November 24th at the Nazarene Church in Pablo with services to be held on Saturday Nov. 25th at the Ronan High School Gym at 2 pm. Interment will be held at the Ronan Cemeteries.

Otis R. "Bud" Miles
MOSES LAKE - WA – Otis R. "Bud" Miles died on November 23, 2006 at Deaconess Hospital in Spokane, WA from natural causes.

"Bud" was born February 7, 1925 in Polson, Montana to Joseph Alfred (Fred) and Pearl Miles of St. Ignatius, MT. He was 18 years old when he joined the Navy in Columbia Falls, MT. Through his thirty years in the Navy, he served in WWII, Korea and Viet Nam and became a world traveller. He started out at boot camp at Farragut Falls, Idaho, where he served until August 1943. He was then assigned to the USS Arneb in the South Pacific. After a stretch with the Tiensen Boat Pool in China, he was assigned to the U.S. Naval Hospital until his discharge in April 1946.

He met his wife to be, Mary Maxine Mikel, in December 1945 and married her on January 10, 1946. They were married for fifty-one years before she died in 1997. "Bud" re-enlisted in the Navy in March of 1948 and together he and his bride traveled to Seattle, WA, where "Bud" was assigned to the USS Toledo, then to Guam, to the USS Helena, The USS Columbus, to Bremerton, to Great Lakes, Illinois, to Morocco, the USS Amphion, and to the Terminal Navy Post Office in Yokohama, Japan. While in Japan, he was assigned to the Saigon Air Mail Terminal to set up a ships locator, receiving a special Air Force Commendation for his work there.

After a brief return to the States, he was assigned to Viet Nam for two years, and then to Naples, Italy for another two years before assignment to Seattle as a recruiter. He then moved to Moses Lake, WA where he was a recruiter and also worked for the United States Post Office until he retired in 1973.

"Bud" was also known for his great sense of humor. One of his favorite sayings was "I had to leave the Reservation to become a Chief". This was accomplished by becoming a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy.

He is survived by his son, Bob and wife Cindy, of Burns, OR and daughter, Mary Lou and her husband, Mike Hardy of Ephrata, WA., sisters Dora Morrow of Whitefish, MT, Marie Ardis of Dixon, MT., and Louise Ambrose and her husband William of Kalispell, MT. He will be missed by his good friend, Patsy White of Moses Lake, WA, and by numerous friends and relatives. "Bud" was a long-standing member of the Eagles, VFW and the American Legion.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service with military honors will be held in Moses Lake, WA later this spring. A "Celebration of Life" will take place at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, December 3rd, at the American Legion Hall in Moses Lake.

Georgia Marie Proctor Hageboeck Benson
ST. IGNATIUS - Georgia Marie Proctor Hageboeck Benson, 87, passed away at the Assisted Living, "Closer to Home" in St. Ignatius to start her journey "Home" and join her loving Granddaughter, Melanie on a peaceful afternoon, November 25, 2006.

was born on September 28, 1919, at Post Creek and spent her youth at Post Creek and Polson.

met Vince Hageboeck in Dixon and was married at a young age. Vince and Georgia ran a successful Cattle Ranch and raised two daughters and several other relatives. All the kids loved going out to the Ranch.

Later on in her life, she married Sonny Benson. Georgia owned and operated the Buffalo Bar in Ravalli and the Tepee Bar in St. Ignatius, when, due to her health, the bars exchanged hands.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Claude Proctor and Margaret Trickey; sister Marion Brown; brother Sonny Proctor; granddaughter Melanie; several generations of close relatives.

Survivors included her two daughters, Linda (Wayne) Delaney and Barbara Conley of Ronan; a brother, Ted Proctor of the Bitterroot Valley; Grandchildren Ryan, Jody, Brandy; Michael McCauley of Arizona; Selah & Logan of St. Ignatius and several great grandchildren.

Wake began at the Long House in St. Ignatius with Rosary held at 8 p.m., Monday, November 27, 2006. Services were held at the St. Ignatius Mission Church, Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at 11 a.m., with burial in the Pleasant View Cemetery next to her mother, Margaret.

Virginia Helen Thomason
Virginia Helen Thomason, 85, of Ronan, MT, passed away on Tuesday, November 28, 2006 at St. Luke Community Nursing Home, Ronan.

Virginia was born on April 26, 1921 in Jay County, Indiana to James & Sarah (Knab) Bailey.

Virginia married Charles Rhodes on Sept. 1, 1938 and they later divorced. She married Johnny Thomason in the early 1960's and he precedes her in death.

Virginia operated a daycare in Ronan for several years. She loved spending time with and taking care of her family.

Virginia has lived at the St. Luke Community Nursing Home in Ronan for the past year.

She is preceded in death by her husband Johnny & 6 siblings.

Virginia is survived by her son Chuck Rhodes of Butte, MT & two daughters, Barbara Rhodes of St. Johns, Arizona & Johanna Zundel of Spring Creek, NV, 11 grandchildren & 22 great grandchildren and a sister, Madonna Bailey of Indiana.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned.

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

Arrangements are by the Grogan Funeral home & Crematory of Polson.

William "Bill" C. Mitchell
Polson - William "Bill" C. Mitchell, 49, passed away from injuries sustained in an auto/pedestrian accident near Pablo on Sunday evening.

A member of the Rocky Boy Chippewa Cree Tribe, Bill was born in Hill County on June 19, 1957 and raised by his father Malcolm and mother Anna in the Polson area.

After his graduation from High School he worked in the woods with Forestry and as a Fire Fighter. He also was an avid worker/jack -of -all trades and worked for Leonard Soloman any time he needed him.

He enjoyed fishing, watching TV, playing cards and pool. He was an excellent cook and could build almost anything. Moreover, he enjoyed being around his family most and taking part in their lives whenever the opportunity presented itself.

He was preceded in death by his father Malcolm and a sister Tommy.

He leaves behind his birth mother Velma Rose McFalls; his mom Anna Mitchell; brothers Charley, Brian, Malcolm & Miles; his daughter Annaewnita; sisters Charlette (Ted) dean, Darlene, Georgi (Walt), Lisa, Phyllis, Lori (Darrel Gross, Patsy (Joe) Baker, Sheila (Michael), Annie and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

A visitation/wake will be held at Polson Indian Senior Center on Tuesday from 9 am to 4 pm where Pastor Dean Buffalo will hold services. Cremation will follow the services.