For the Record...

October 2006 Obituaries

Marj Knaus
Marj Knaus departed Polson on October 27, 2006 enroute to a far better place. Marj was born in Buffalo, MT on June 17, 1920 to Clarence D. and Dollie D. Rung.

Marj graduated from Stanford High School in 1936 and moved with her family to Polson (Valley View) after graduation. She met and married Carl L. Knaus in November of 1938.

Her husband Carl, her parents Clarence and Dollie Rung, sister Maxine Proctor, daughter Carla J. (Knaus) Hahn, and son Gary Lee Knaus preceded Marj in death. Her two sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Andie Knaus of Polson and Kevin and Luisa Knaus of Menomonie, Wisconsin, a sister Mayme Mullis of Kalispell, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces', nephews and cousins survive her.

Marj served many years as the Lake County Treasurer. She lived a full rich life and was loved by all who had the good fortune to be called her friend. We will all miss her wit, humor, and infectious laugh.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in the name of Marj Knaus to the Polson Community Church, 1814 1st Street East, Polson, Montana. A memorial service is pending and will be announced when the date and time have been confirmed. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

William J. "Bill" Mai
St. Ignatius - William J. "Bill" Mai, 67, passed away on October 22 at Community Hospital in Missoula, the result of complications of surgery.

Bill was born to Herbert & Marion (Gerber) Mai in Eau Claire, WIS on Dec. 9, 1938. Raised and educated in Eau Claire, he moved to Kenosha early in his career where he worked for AMC; he then moved to Racine where he owned the local corner gas station before moving to Kalispell in 1974 to work for an auto parts store. In the early eighties, Bill opened C& C Auto Parts in St. Ignatius ran it for the next 25 years, eventually selling to NAPA where he worked for a year.

He continued working part time for an auto parts store in Polson, but his true love was fishing and he spent many a day off Blue Bay catching what he could. A loveable guy, Bill was known to have a "Lively Debate' as he would have put it. Bill will be truly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Allen and sister Mary.

Survivors include his brothers Lauren (Ellen) Mai of Appleton, WIS, John (Mary) Mai of Racine, WIS; sister-in-law Gretchen Mai of Eau Claire, WIS; brother-in-law Ed Wahlen of Kenosha, WIS; a step-grandaughter Delena Jackson of Texas and his brother by choice Gordon Hunter of St. Ignatius, MT.

A memorial gathering will be held at11 am Saturday in the Foster & Durgeloh Funeral Home in St. Ignatius.

George Roy Morigeau, Jr.
Our beloved brother and uncle died October 25, 2006 at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson. George was born to George Roy, Sr. and Ruby Archey Morigeau April 24, 1945 at St. Ignatius. George was one of the original "Dam Kids" growing up at Kerr Dam where his father was employed from the time of construction and became one of the first operators.

He attended Polson Public Schools until joining the U.S. Navy in 1965 thru 1971, serving aboard the USS Widgeon MSC-208 in Viet Nam. He was trained as an electrical technician.

He worked in the electrical field in Wyoming, on oil and gas projects and also in Nevada and Montana with the Salish & Kootenai Tribes.

George loved gardening, fruit trees and yard work. He was an excellent cook and cooked a mean pot roast, plus gravy, and was known for being a mean pie maker. He also loved his cats and tinkering around with old cars.

He was a very private person but had many special people in his life: Denise Morigeau, Russell Dupuis, Sandra Pierre who thought of him as a kind, loving thoughtful brother and friend and many others who knew they were included.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Janet Marie Barce, brothers Joseph Leroy and infant Roy, nephew Edward Sturm, niece Janet Marie Funke, great nephew Lance Cpl. Kane M. Funke.

Surviving are his sisters Pat (Tom) Funke of Polson, Helen (Bud) Meek, Aunt Stella Jamison, Nephew Jim (Debbie), David (Patti) Lawrence of Kalispell, Tom & Todd Funke Big Arm, Gregg (Kathy) Funke of Polson, Matt (Teresa) Funke of Ronan, Eric (Juli) Funke of Spokane, WA. Kenneth Brickzin of Dillon, and Denis Brickzin of Phoenix, AZ. Nieces Francine (Tony) Smith, Heidi (Jim) Currier and Stephanie Funke of Kalispell and many loving grandnephews and grand nieces and cousins.

Visitation will held on Sunday October 29, 2006 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm in the Grogan Funeral Home. A vigil services will be held on Sunday at 7:00 pm in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Steve Lozar officiating. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Monday at 10:00 a.m. in the church with Father Jim Connor officiating. Military honors will follow services at the church. Private family interment will take place at a later date.

Pallbearers will be Rene' Pierre, Jim Lawrence, David Lawrence, Todd Funke, Gregg Funke, Tom Funke. Memorials may be made in George's name to the Mission Valley Animal Shelter, the Veterans Warrior Society or to the donor's choice. Condolences to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

Mary G. "Jennie" (Keenan) Riekena
St. Ignatius - Mary G. "Jennie" (Keenan) Riekena, 90, passed away October 23rd at St. Luke's Extended Care Center in Ronan.

Born in Arlee on February 9, 1916 to Patrick and Mary (PokerJim) Keenan, she lived in the Jocko Valley most of her life. She raised her family and ranched on Finley Creek until 1991 when she moved to St. Ignatius. In 2003, because of health reasons, she moved to Ronan.

A prim and proper lady, she enjoyed beading, embroidery, gardening, dancing and eating out. Jennie looked forward to the Arlee Pow-wow and was a fluent Salish speaker. She enjoyed spending time with granddaughter Jennifer and time in the mountains when she was with the boys.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a son Bosco in 1989; her brothers Harry, Art & Chuck Keenan and her sisters Rose Bacon, Clara DuMontier and Annie Espinoza.

She is survived by her children Dolly Hirsch of Missoula, Vi DuMontier of East Missoula, Pete LaRance of Hot Springs, Nick LaRance of Charlo, Thelma "Lee" LaRance of Missoula, Bodge Whitworth of Arlee and Myrna Graham of St. Ignatius; a sister Regina Veitenheimer of East Missoula as well numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A rosary will be held Thursday evening at 7 pm in the Foster & Durgeloh Funeral Home in St. Ignatius with Mass being celebrated at 11 am Friday in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission. Burial will follow in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Dave Love, Dave Pierre, Dean Brockway, Floyd Nicola, Bob White & Bernard Hakes. Honorary bearers are her grandchildren, great grandchildren, Karen LaRance, Glenda Whitworth & Mike Graham.

Patricia A. Sloan
St. Ignatius - Patricia A. Sloan, 60, passed away October 24 at St. Luke's Community Hospital in Ronan.

A member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe, she was bornJ anuary 15, 1946 to Maria Gress & Alvin Sloan in Walla Walla, WA. She made her home with her mother in the St. Ignatius most of her life.

Patricia acquired Parkinson Disease, but still managed to work for the Folkshop for ten years. She enjoyed walks, riding her bike and taking her dogs for rides on her bike.

Survivors include her father Alvin Sloan of Pablo; mother Maria Gress of St. Ignatius; brothers and sisters Ruth Ly Sloan of Timberlake, SD, Clay Sloan of Pablo, Sandy Castor of St. Ignatius, Lorma Sloan of Ronan, Liberty Plouffe of Ronan, John Roy Sloan of Spokane, WA, Vicki Delack of Helena, Caroline Derosia of Kalispell and Crystal McClure of Spokane as well as many nieces nephews and cousins.

Cremation has taken place, and a graveside service will be held at a later date.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made in her name to Lake County Bank in St. Ignatius.

Aloysius Raymond Hewankorn
The last grandchild of Chief Koostahtah was laid to rest by his family and friends at Dayton Indian Cemetery on Thursday, October 26, 2006. Al died on Monday October 23rd.

Al was born at Jette on January 10, 1936 to Jerome and Mary Hewankorn. He grew up on Dayton Creek with his parents and grandparents, Koostahtah and Suzette Big Knife. Like other traditional Kootenai homes, a large extended family lived together. This often included parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Often during his years of employment Al would be the main provider for the extended family.

He worked at the Plywood Mill in Polson for a few years but his main lifetime occupation was working in the woods. He cut wood, Christmas trees, and hauled logs for different companies throughout his career. Al also has the distinction of serving the longest term on the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Housing Board, from 1966 to 1999, a span of 33 years. He also served many years on the Shoreline Protection Board. Al was Sergeant-at-arms for the CSKT Tribal Council prior to being elected as the Elmo/Dayton Council Representative for the years 1982 to 1989. He was a founding member of the Elmo Road Corporation, which served to train and employ many community members during a period of high unemployment.

Throughout his life, Al taught many skills to his nieces, nephews, and other family members from cutting wood and Christmas trees to driving a tractor or stick shift pickup. He will always be remembered as a man who dedicated his life to working hard for his people from behind the scenes. Many benefited and continue to benefit from his influence on programs/Boards, policies, and as a role model.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patricia of the family home on Dayton Creek; daughters Geraldine of Elmo, Josephine of Big Arm, and Darlene of Elmo; sons Al, Jr. of Dayton, and Michael of Elmo; his uncle Tony Anderson of Cle Elum, Washington; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Traditional Kootenai wake services began on Tuesday, October 24 at Elmo Community Center. Rosary was recited on Wednesday the 25th and funeral services were held on Thursday, October 26th with burial at Dayton Indian Cemetery. Cross bearer was Adrian Hewankorn; pallbearers were Mike Finley, Gary Mathias, Vernon Finley, Jerry Hewankorn, Barney Finley, and Bud Mathias.

Ward Patrick Devlin
POLSON - Ward Devlin peacefully died of natural causes surrounded by his family at his home in on Monday afternoon, October 16, 2006.

On February 21, 1920, Ward was the second-born of four boys to Neil and Jenny (Oxton) Devlin in Steele County, North Dakota.

His parents, brothers Neil, Jack and Jim preceded him in passing, as did his sisters-in-law Dorothy, Beverly, El Dora and El Dora's husband (and Ward's great pal) Vernon. His beloved wife of 54 years, LaVere passed on December 28, 2000.

Ward and LaVere met when they were students at MSTC (Mayville State Teachers College), Mayville, North Dakota.

Ward graduated in the spring of '42. He was stationed with the U.S. Army at Fort Snelling in St. Paul, Minnesota. After the service, Ward taught school at Hunter, ND; then at Bagley, MN.

Ward and LaVere were married August 12, 1946 in Fargo, North Dakota. They had accepted teaching positions - along with brother Neil - in Tulelake, California. Ward and Neil taught high school and LaVere taught first grade. Following the two-year stint in California, Ward and Neil accepted the positions in Polson, Montana that would complete their respective teaching careers. They established the Commerce and Art curricula at Polson High School in 1948.

Ward is survived by cousin Molly Sampson of Rialto, California; sisters-in-law Dolly Devlin, Michigan, North Dakota; Gina Devlin, Polson and children Greg, Charles, Thomas, JeNeil (Greg Grace), Patrick, Kathy (Pat Collicott), Karen, and Jeff (Grace). Additionally, 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews will remember "Papa" Ward.

Dad was a popular individual. His commanding personal presence, spirituality, intellectual curiosity and insight, substantive wisdom, and playful humor combined to make him an enormously well respected educator. He was a paragon as a dad -- raising kids - like his students -- with gentle sincerity and with firm 'logic' (oh, yes... sometimes a reminder of his Golden Gloves title!) when necessary. A life-long competitor and outdoorsman, he was equally comfortable matching wits, trading stories, wrangling over faith and philosophy or arm wrestling... he was not one to back down from a challenge!

He generously shared his many traits among us, his eight children. The leader of our band has given us the opportunity to manifest his unique goodness and to make it reverberate. We love you and thank you for sharing your life expression, Dad.

A prayer vigil was held Sunday, October 22 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Polson.

Mass for the Celebration of Ward's Life was offered on Monday, October 23, 2006.

Arrangements were under the care of Grogan Funeral Home of Polson. The Family requests that memorials be directed to the Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation, 107 US Hwy 93, Ronan, Montana, 59864.

Nancy Myers
SPOKANE - Nancy Myers, 81, of Spokane, died Monday, Sept 25, 2006 in Post Falls. She was born Dec. 10, 1924, in Helena, MT, to Gus and Maggie Beauchemin.

Nancy moved to Spokane in 1985 from Wallace where she had been a long time resident. She was a menber of the American Legion Post in St. Ignatius, Mt. Nancy enjoyed spending time with family, walking and bingo.

She is survived by ons Celic Maybers of Coeur d'Alene, Robert & Lola Myers of Smelterville and John Myers of San Diego, daughters Judy and Michael Shelly of Osburn and Waunita Myers & fiance Jim Rambo of Spokane; sister Mary Mills of St. Ignatius, MT; three grandchildren, Sean Shelley, Jarir Mallah and Sabrina Mallah. She is preceded in death by her husband Edward in 1971; seven brothers and seven sisters.

Services were held at St. Ignatius Cemetary on Sunday, October 8 with dinner following at Michelle Ranch in St. Ignatius.

Carol Marie (Paul) Buck
RONAN - Carol Marie (Paul) Buck, 60, was lovingly received into the arms of our Creator on Sunday, Oct. 22 at her home near Ronan.

Born on Dec. 23, 1945 to Agnes (PokerJim) and John Peter Paul in St. Ignatius she was raised in a traditional Salish / Pend Oreille family on the Flathead Reservation. Her education started at Ronan and later MSU in Bozeman before she received her BA in Healthcare Admin. from Idaho State Univ. in 1983.

Carol & her husband Dusty just celebrated their 41st Anniversary. She married Leslie "Dusty" Buck on Oct. 17, 1965 in Harlem, Montana and they made their home in many places over the next few years while she and her husband finished their education. They started in Texas (Welding School) and went to Oakland, CA (shipyards), returned to St. Ignatius briefly before going to Spokane (barber school) and living in Idaho from 1974 to 1983. They returned home to the Ronan area in 1983, where Carol was hired by the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes. Carol held various positions in the Tribe for 22 years. The most recent position was with Tribal Credit until her health forced an early retirement.

Carol's favorite things were to play Keno and Bingo, and go shopping and yardsaling. Many of her most memorable times were spent attending cultural gatherings with the Elders where she would participate in the annual journey to the Medicine Tree, digging bitterroot, gathering berries and attending pow-wows. Huckleberry season was also special for her as she always enjoyed a good meal with frybread and huckleberry cheesecake.

Carol was preceded in death by her son Donald who passed away this summer, her parents John & Agnes Paul, sisters and brother Katie, Susie, Cecile and Antoine and a niece Sarah.

Survivors include her husband Dusty; her children Leslie (Dorinda) of Spokane, WA, Michael of Ronan, Richard of Ronan and Al Bert Buck of Ronan; 8 grandchildren; Brothers Phillip (Debbie) Paul of Post Creek and John Paul, Jr. of Washington; sisters Adele Meshell of Worley, ID, Josephine Quequesah of St. Ignatius and Nancy (Leon)Grant of Post Creek as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

Burial will be in the Paul Family Cemetery at Post Creek.

Karen Ann Sorrell
ST. IGNATIUS - On May 15, 1952 Karen Ann Sorrell started her journey of life in St. Ignatius, MT as the daughter of Ernest and Annie Sorrell. Her journey on Earth ended on October 11, 2006 when her Mother took her hand and led her on her next journey to the Creator.

The Sorrell family was a close knowing and loving family that were raised in a one-bedroom home. While her brothers went hunting and chopping wood with their father, the sisters stayed at home with their Mother when Karen's everlasting bond to her Mother was forged. This bond remained strong even after Annie died on October 11, 1992.

During the summers of her childhood the family would pack up their belongings and head for the Arlee Pow-Wow to celebrate in a traditional way for 10 days. This is where Karen's life long love of handgame was born. Following the Pow-Wow, the family would move camp to the mountains where picking huckleberries was the first order of business, but playing and laughing was just as important. Karen's sense of humor and laugh is something everyone will always remember.

Karen's skill and love of bingo was legendary. She could play 48 cards at one time while keeping track of the numbers on the cards of the person sitting next to her and telling stories, smoking and enjoying a cup of coffee.

Karen was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. She worked in many different positions throughout her career including jobs at Tribal Fish and Game, Tribal Administration and Tribal Health and Human Services. Her work also took her to Coeur d'Alene Tribe in Idaho where she was the Tribal Council assistant secretary. She served as secretary of the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians.

Most important to Karen were her children and grandchildren. She would gather her grandchildren and them about the ways things were when she was growing up. Yaya Karen would encourage the grandchildren, sometimes through teasing, to continue in school and stay involved in sports. She loved to watch them play any sport but especially baseball. Her grandchildren will always remember Yaya's cooking brown macaroni, potato salad and watching CSI and the SciFi channel on TV. The family will miss her extremely large bowls of fruit salad at holiday dinners.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Annie (Finley) Sorrell, two sisters Genevieve and Judy Ann and one brother Wesley Sorrell; three nephews Jay Ryan, Antoine "Stoney" Curley and James "Jimbo" Sorrell as well as several aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her son, Arnold and his wife Dawnelle and their children Davin, Alyssa and Caitlyn; her daughter Tina Decker and her children Kathyrn, Tamera, Robert and Kenneshia and her son Wesley Adams and his partner Celia Bravo and their son Tobias. Karen's siblings Alice and Bob (deceased) Ryan, Ida and Dominic "Sonny" Curley, Ernest and Mary Lou Sorrell, Jr., Joe and Carroll (deceased) Sorrell, Gene and Anna Sorrell, James "Bo" and Chris Sorrell, Eva and Reed Anderson, Dan and Dorsey Sorrell, Judy Harlow and Gigi and Curtis Yazzie. Karen's godchildren Wayne Anderson and Julian Sorrell and her beloved companion Tiny Man and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

A traditional wake began on Thursday in the Longhouse in St. Ignatius with rosary being recited at 8 pm Saturday in the Longhouse. Funeral services will be held at 11 am Sunday. Pallbearers Reed Anderson, Sr., Curtis Yazzie, Jon Wrede, Harold McClure, Fred Gariepy and Charlie Gariepy. Honorary pallbearers are Lorie and Danielle Lefthand, Iris Caye, Shirley Glover, Kathy Felsman, Sonya Chippewa, and the many people with whom Karen played handgame.

Cecile Patricia (Plante) Williams
ST. MARIES, ID - Cecile Patricia (Plante) Williams was born on September 10, 1944 in Vancouver, Washington and she died on September 21, 2006 in St. Maries, Idaho at the age of 62 following a prolonged illness.

Mrs. Williams was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Reservation in Montana, and she was a member of the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Worley.

Her biological mother was Ernestine Matt but she was adopted and raised by her great-grandparents, Isaac and Sophie Plante, at a very young age. Her grandparents were Cecile Plante and Peter Matt.

She attended the school run by the Ursuline Sisters in St. Ignatius, Montana, at the school run by the Sisters of Providence at DeSmet's Sacred Heart Mission, and at the Indian boarding school run by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Flandreau, South Dakota.

At the age of 15 Mrs. Williams moved to the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation to be with her grandmother Cecile Plante who, after the death of her husband Peter Matt, was remarried to Baptiste "Bill" Meshell. Her great-grandmother Sophie Plante, and her brother and two sisters had also come to live at their family's new home at Worley.

In 1961, at the age of 17, she married Coeur d'Alene Tribal member Francis Williams, the son of Ignace and Mary (Whatkan Daniels) Herbineaux Williams in Seattle. The couple later returned to have their marriage union blessed in the church at DeSmet by Father Ferretti.

The couple had six children together. Only the last three survived. In 1967 Mrs. Williams moved to Medera, California with her husband as participants in the Bureau of Indian Affairs' relocation program. There, they each completed vocational education programs. Mrs. Williams graduated and became certified in office and clerical work.

Mrs. Williams' first post-graduation job was doing office work, with her cousin Marian Staten, in a Los Angeles office. After about six months she and her husband decided they disliked city life and moved back home. Without any employment opportunities available on the reservation at the time they returned to Los Angeles for a short while but came home again.

She eventually obtained a job and flourished as a teacher's aide at the elementary school in Worley. She worked there for 25 years before retiring. She enjoyed taking trips to Montana to visit her relatives, attending yearly powwows at Arlee, Montana, attending family reunions, barbecuing, playing bingo at Coeur d'Alene Casino, and watching Gonzaga University basketball games on television.

Eventually the pain of her arthritis slowed her down and she began to stay home more frequently. In her final days she was hospitalized from a severe and prolonged bout with pneumonia until she was released to the rest home in St. Maries.

A son, Francis Michael "Mick" Williams, Jr., preceded her in death in 2004.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years Francis Williams of the family home in Worley; two sons Lane Williams and Tim Williams of Worley; one brother, Marvin Sonder of Worley; two sisters, Francine Pierre of Plummer and Elaine Pierre of Spokane; six grandchildren; two great-children; nieces; nephews; and other extended family and friends. Rosary was recited on Saturday, September 23, 2006 at Ha qa'lqhelpkwe' E tso'mlkhw (the Rose Creek Longhouse) in Worley, Idaho. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated upon Monday, September 25, 2006, also at Ha qa'lqhelpkwe' E tso'mlkhw. The Reverend Thomas E. Connolly, S.J. officiated. Burial was at St. Michael's Cemetery in Worley. The pallbearers were Clemo Friedlander, Eddie Matt, Robert Curley, Frankie SiJohn, Peter Matt, Kenneth Pierce, Joel Pierce, and David Crowe.

The honorary pallbearers were Aaron Williams, Mickey Williams, Brandon Williams, Michael Williams, David SiJohn, Tim Wolf, Allora Williams, Cheyanna Williams, Christopher Wren, Stacey Sonder, Luke Sonder, Colten Curley, Ryan Curley, Tylor SiJohn, Kyle SiJohn, Austin SiJohn, Adrian Sonder, Andrew Sonder, and Justin Hendrickx.

Marguerite Marie Campbell Chitwood
MISSOULA - Our sweetheart Marguerite passed away early Monday morning, Oct. 16, 2006 at St. Pat's Hospital, the same hospital that she was born in July 2, 1940. Marguerite was a dam kid growing up at Kerr Dam where her father worked for Mt. Power Co. She graduated from Polson High School in 1959. While in high school she was the drum major that led the band for football and basketball games.

After high school she went to Denver and it was there she met and married Jerry Chitwood. They returned to Kansas and were wheat farmers, Marguerite also worked in the banking business while raising three children, Danny, Jeri Lynn and Jimmy.

Marguerite returned to the Mission Valley in 1990 and worked for the tribe in several capacities. During this time she met her life partner Ken Ross. Marguerite and Ken were meant for each other and enjoyed each other's company to the fullest. One thing they both looked forward to was going to Overton, Nevada in the winter months. When Marguerite's health failed, Ken was at her side every minute.

Marguerite was a fabulous seamstress, cook and quilter. Her quilts will be held to those who received them as a precious heirloom. Marguerite never complained about her health situation and was always positive. She was a great example to all of us.

She was preceded in death by her former husband Jerry, parents Glen and Kathleen Campbell and her three lost babies. She is survived by her life partner, Ken Ross, her sister and brother-in-law Cheryl and Lawrence Cote of Ronan, her children, Danny Chitwood of Conway Springs, Kansas, Jeri Lynn and her partner David Duft of Great Bend, Kansas, and Jimmy and Jane Chitwood of Conway Springs, Kansas. She also leaves her grandchildren, Brittany, Morgan, Jennifer, Julia and Jed. Her life long friends in Polson, Ronan, and Kansas also will miss her.

A memorial mass will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2006 at 10 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Polson with Father Jim Conner officiating. Memorials may be made in her name to Camp Make A Dream. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson.

Alice Blackbear Ignace
USK, Wash.- Alice Blackbear Ignace (84) lifetime resident of Usk, Washington and the Kalispel Tribe of Indians passed away at her home on October 5, 2006.

Alice was born March 26, 1922 in Usk, Washington, the daughter of Joseph Blackbear and Josephine (Bigsmoke) Ignace. Alice grew up in Usk on the Kalispel Indian Reservation.

She was instrumental in the building of the original Community Center, the claim on the land settlement, as well as being a founding member of the Casino. Alice loved to gamble; she had her own chair at the blackjack table. She also enjoyed yard sales, stick game, and pow wow's.

Survivors include her two daughters Shirley (& David) Sandoval of Spokane, WA and Allie (& Sherman) Chaddlesone of Andarko, OK; and one sister Susan Finley of Usk, WA.

Survivors also include four grandchildren Michelle Treetop, Angela Spottedwolf, Shawn-Dae Chaddlesone and Alison Chaddlesone; seven great grandchildren Byron Treetop, Kevin & William Bowman, Sythia Chaddlesone, Tahli Spottedwolf, Summer Spottedwolf and Melvin Harragarrah; one great great granddaughter Sicily Treetop. Alice was a Grandma and Auntie to many.

Besides her parents she was preceded in death by one son Kevin White, a sister Adeline Nomee-Burns, a brother Thomas Ignace and a niece Bernice Wilson.

A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, October 7, 2006 at the Community Center on the Kalispel Indian Reservation with burial in the Kalispel Cemetery # 2. A dinner followed at the Tule House.

Sherman-Knapp Funeral Home in Newport, Washington was in charge of arrangements.

Leonard Raymond Joseph
ELMO - Leonard Raymond Joseph, 80, went home to the Creator on October 3, 2006. Leonard was born in Desmet, ID to Agatha and Louis Joseph on January 22, 1926. He was the youngest of twelve children. Leonard grew up in Desmet. He attended school in Desmet and nearby schools as a young man. At age 17, he met and fell in love with Nancy Lefthand, who was fond of telling the story of their meeting at Airway Heights, near Spokane, WA. They married on April 25, 1944, with Father Burns officiating in Desmet.Once his tour of duty was completed, they nestled into family life, living in many places quite happily. This was during the Indian Relocation Act.

With their family growing and their lives full, Leonard was left permanently disabled from an accident in 1959. This did not stop Lenny from being the big hearted, humorous, and gentle man he would remain. Stories of his generosity and spirited nature, whether involving baseball or pancakes, both things he greatly enjoyed, will be passed down with much love and laughter for generations to come.

Lenny was preceded in death by his mother and father, Agatha and Louis, his siblings Ernest, Margaret, Ignace, Bertha, Evangeline, Francis, Pauline, Matthew and Norbert, his wife Nancy, his sons Dennis and Dale, and his daughters DeeAnne and Debra, and his grandson Leonard Joseph.

Survivors include his sisters Lavinia Joseph Felsman and Evangeline Joseph Abraham, both of Desmet, ID, his daughters Donna Joseph of Elmo, Dorsette Joseph and Dovita and Delinda Finley of Pablo, his sons Darryl Joseph and Delbert Joseph of Elmo, and Desmond Joseph of Pablo, and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The rosary was held on October 5, 2006 at the Elmo Hall. Mass of the Resurrection was held on Friday October 6, 2006 at the Elmo Hall.

Interment followed the services at the Dayton Cemetery.

The Crossbearer was Desmond Joseph and the pallbearers were Ron Matus, Levi "Jerry" Hewankorn, Eugene Seyler, Richard Seyler, Dane Kenmille and Dale Joseph. Arrangements were under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home in Polson.

Catherine 'Babe' Bogard
RONAN - Catherine "Babe" Bogard, 84, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2006, with her family by her side at Saint Luke's Extended Care in Ronan.

Babe was born in Missoula on March 6, 1922, to Ernest and Catherine Martin. Third of 11 children, she grew up and spent her life in Missoula.

She worked and made many friends at Bug's Barb-B-Que for more than 20 years. Babe was famous for her wonderful pies that she made. Mike Bessette has taken on her well-known legacy of pies. She was written up in the Readers Digest as the "Queen of Pie."Babe quoted, "The best thing that ever happened to me was my family."

Babe had touched many peoples' lives who knew and loved her very well. She will be missed greatly.

Babe had three children, Kenny (deceased), Karen of Florida and Susan Rogers of Turah. She also had three grandchildren, Annette McGreevey of St. Ignatius, Kevin of Florida and Rusty of Florida; and she was blessed with five great-grandchildren. Three brothers, Wayne Martin of Sunburst, Roger Martin of Seatac, Wash., and Lloyd Martin of San Bernardino, Calif.; and sisters Vera Helgeson of Hamilton and Rose Bomar of Helena also survive her

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Oct. 11, at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

She will be cremated with a later private burial service.

Arrangements were under the direction of Foster & Durgeloh Funeral Home of St. Ignatius.

Marian DeSaussure
RONAN - Marian DeSaussure, long time Pablo resident, passed away quietly at St. Luke Community Nursing Home on October 7, 2006, just two months from her 100th birthday. Marian was born December 2, 1906 in Fonda, Iowa to Alexander and Myrtle Kennedy. Marian moved to the Mission Valley in 1910 with her family. In 1911 the Kennedy family purchased 80 acres near Pablo from Mary Duplissis. This property is where Silver Fox Golf course is now located.

Marian attended school in Pablo. She was the last to graduate from Pablo High School in 1925. At the conclusion of the 1925 school year, the high school was closed and Marian was the only one in her graduating class. After graduation, Marian attended Kinnman School on Business in Spokane, Washington. She returned to Polson and worked at the Lake County Courthouse.

Marian married Veldon DeSaussure, June 1, 1935 in Libby. It was a surprise to all when it was revealed a year later that they had been married the previous year. During the depression a husband and wife were not allowed to both work.

In early 1940's Marian became part owner in Lake County Abstract. She sold her interest in the company in 1978 and continued to work until 1979. In 2000 Marian moved to St. Joseph Assisted Living where she made many friends.

Marian enjoyed many things in life, music, sports, flower gardening, cooking and animals. She was and avid bowler and had many trophies to show for her enthusiasm. She loved music and played the piano beautifully by ear. Animals were always welcome at Marian's and especially dogs. "Dukie" was one of her favorite visitors. Marian was an enthusiastic sports fan. She looked forward to attending games and later listened to the local football and basketball games on the radio.

Marian is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Veldon DeSaussure; son Gary DeSaussure; sister, Gladys Kennedy; brother, Kingdon Kennedy and grandson in-law Paul Homuth. Survivors include grandson Rick DeSaussure, granddaughter, Paula Homuth; great grandsons Kevin and Christopher Gardipe and Andrew Homuth, great granddaughter, Ali DeSaussure; daughter-in-law Maxine DeSaussure and great great granddaughter, McKenzie, and step granddaughter Traci Vaile.

Cremation has taken place and services are planned at a later date.

Arrangements and cremation were under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson.

Marion A. Feucht
ST IGNATIUS - Marion A. Feucht, 77, passed away peacefully at her home near St. Ignatius on Saturday night.

A longtime resident of the St. Ignatius area, she is survived by her husband George; children Steve (Ronda) Feucht of Condon and Layne (Robin) Scheel of Texas; a sister Kate Gross of Missoula; two grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

At her request no services are planned. Foster & Durgeloh Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

Patricia Marie "Pat" BigSam
ARLEE - Patricia Marie "Pat" BigSam, 55, passed away at her home near Arlee on Sept. 30, 2006.

She was born in Browning, MT on March 23, 1951 to Julian Guzman and Rosalie Sarceeman. She moved to the Arlee Valley in 1963 where she spent the rest of her life. Yaya enjoyed being around all her family and friends for every occasion. She enjoyed spending time with the love of her life, Nelson, watching her children - grandchildren participate in all the sports. Yaya had a heart of gold and anyone that knew her would get the biggest smile and knew she cared. Yaya enjoyed working on her big beautiful lawn, going for rides in the mountains be it cutting wood, huckleberry picking or just spending time with her family.

Our family was always together, just as she wished and liked.

Yaya is survived by the love of her life and soulmate of 36 years Nelson and children Debbie, Brad (Rachel), Brian, Ellen (Chad), Gwen, Mitchell, Michael, Latoya, Trina (Troy) and Wendy (Damian); her grandchildren Patrick, Nelson, Bradee, Derrick, Dale, Molly, Anna, Kyle, Zachary (Boo), TJ, Dallas, Maria and Autumn; brothers Alvin Guzman, Joe Big Beaver, Tony Cutfinger, Rudy Cutfinger, JR Cutfinger, Raymond Big Beaver and Peter Big Beaver; sister Mary BigSam, Rosemary Bautista and Roseanna Fisher. Yaya also had a special place in heart for her "special" brother in law Uncle Jerry Beck.

A traditional wake began Saturday in the Arlee Community Center with the Rosary being recited at 8 pm Monday in the Arlee Community Center. Wake closing began at noon Tuesday in the Community Center with Mass being celebrated at 1 pm Tuesday in the Arlee Community Center. Interment will follow in the BigSam Cemetery near Arlee. Foster & Durgeloh Funeral Home of St. Ignatius is assisting the family with arrangements.

Sydney Pauline Harris
BUTTE - Sydney Pauline Harris was born on December 23, 1915 in Butte, MT and peacefully passed away this Tuesday, September 26, 2006 in St. Ignatius, MT.

Pauline was the third child of Herbert Edgerton Rolfe and Evie May Cunningham Rolfe. She enjoyed family, friends, cooking, church, flowers, her garden, camping, hiking, skating, dancing, singing and the Columbia Gardens in Butte.

She had been a professional cook. She was a member of the Sons and Daughters of Montana Pioneers. She was named Sydney after great grandfather, Sidney Edgerton, the first territorial governor of Montana.

Her paternal grandmother, Martha Amelia Edgerton Rolfe (Plassman), was the first woman editor and owner of a major newspaper, the Great Falls Leader. Her maternal grandparents, Gilbert and Martha Jane Cunningham were early pioneers of Sun River, MT.

Pauline raised nine children. She is predeceased by her husband, Albert k. Harris, his son Albert Jr., her four sisters and her two oldest children, Barbara and Lawrence.

Pauline is survived by her only brother, Gilbert Edgerton Rolfe, her sons Gilbert, Donald and John; her daughters Mylene, Marlene, Joyce, and Kathy; her step-children William, Sarah, Mary Ellen Jessie and Martha. She has numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

She will be missed by all whose lives she touched. Services were held in St. Ignatius Saturday September 30, 2006 at 12:15 in the chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints where Pauline was a devoted member.

A viewing will be held at the Foster & Durgeloh Funeral Home in St. Ignatius on Friday evening from 6 pm to 9 pm and on Saturday in the Primary Room at the church prior to the funeral.

Ralph F. Stockstad
CHARLO - Ralph F. Stockstad, 69, passed away on to eternity after a long illness on Sept. 26, 2006 at his home near Charlo, MT.

Ralph was born June 2, 1937 in Gettysburg, S.D. to Senor & Elizabeth Stockstad. Ralph left Gettysburg in 1956 and joined his brother Stocky and his wife Hope in Missoula, MT. where he received his degree in wildlife biology. While is Missoula he also worked for the U.S. Forest Service.

In 1958 he joined the U.S. Navy and served his country for 23 years and retired as Aviator at the rank of Commander.

Ralph failed retirement "101" and worked for Lockheed Martin in Denver as System Engineer designing future Space systems for 12 years. He loved to play in the future but Montana called. He returned to the Mission Valley he so loved in 1993.

He married Edeltraud Graesslin in 1978 in Norfolk, Virginia.

He and Traudle moved to Charlo, Mt. and lived for 13 happy years in their home, which he designed and built.

He enjoyed hunting & observing the abundant wildlife.

He is preceded in death by his parents & a brother Dwight (Stocky) Stockstad.

He is survived by his wife Edeltraud "Traudle" of Charlo. His children- Megan Stockstad of Israel, Mitchell Stockstad of Virginia, Mathew Stockstad of North Carolina & Erik Stockstad of Utah. Sisters- Avis Iversen of Gettysburg, S.D. & Norma Harer of Hoven, S.D. Grandchildren- Corey, Taylor, Marissa & Toren Stockstad.

Funeral services were held on Sat., Sept. 30, 2006 at Faith Lutheran Church in Ronan, Rev. Rand Drollman officiated. Graveside services with military honors followed at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson.

Arrangements were by Grogan Funeral Home of Polson.

Phyllis Ann Kohnle Castor
ST. IGNATIUS - That's all, folks!

I've had a wonderful, happy life. My family and dear friends have given me so very much. I've been so lucky. I've loved my family with all my heart.

Bless you all.

Phyllis Ann Kohnle Castor died on Monday, Sept. 18, 2006, at her home.

Phyllis is survived by children David and Holly, Mark and Carol, Matthew, Bud and Sandy; grandchildren Bridget, Josh, Andy, Logan, Katie, Meaghan, Piper and Tim; great-grandchildren Skyla, Shaylee, Sydney, Warren, Emily, Ethan, Lucie; and many dear friends.

A celebration of Phyl's life was held at the Ninepipes Restaurant.