RAVALLI COUNTY OBITUARIES

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MARY E. PACKER
May 31, 1878 - February 21, 1931
MRS. PACKER DEAD. RESIDENT OF HAMILTON FOR QUARTER OF CENTURY.
    Mrs. Howard C. Packer died at her home in Hart Addition Saturday afternoon following an illness of two years. She was the wife of Howard C. Packer, former county attorney, and had made her home here 26 years. She was 52 years of age and was born in Talmyra, Missouri, May 31, 1878. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James McMurray, died here and were interred in Riverview cemetery, west of Hamilton.
    Besides her husband and daughter Esther, she is survived by two brothers, J.L. McMurray and W.E. McMurray of Missoula, and by three sisters, Mrs. Thomas N. Marlowe and Mrs. Harry M. Rawn of Missoula, and Mrs. George Wells of Seattle, Washington.
    The services at the Dowling funeral home Monday afternoon were largely attended, many being unable to secure seating room. Rev. P.D. Hartman of Spokane conducted the services and was assisted by Rev. H.C. Stark of the Presbyterian church. Rev. Hartman officiated at the wedding of Mrs. Packer and the wedding of her sister to Thomas N. Marlowe. He also conducted the funeral services for Mrs. Packer's mother. Interment was in Riverview cemetery beside the graves of her parents. The pallbearers were H.H. Spaulding, T.M. McGee, J.W. Johnson, D.W. Reimel, R.H. Nicol, and O.L. Kenney.
Ravalli Republican, February 26, 1931

ROY IRVIN PALMER
August 29,1886 - April 22, 1956
Roy Palmer of Victor Died Sunday, April 22
    Roy Irvin Palmer, 69, a resident of Victor since 1930, died in his sleep early Sunday morning, April 22, following a lingering illness.
    Mr. Palmer was born August 29, 1886 in Blackhawk county, Iowa. He moved to Virginia when a young man and was married to Blanche East at Ammen, VA September 3, 1912. They moved to Victor from Roundup in 1930. He was a deacon and trustee in the Victor Baptist church and was active in all phases of church work until his health failed.
    Mr. Palmer is survived by his widow, four sons, William of Butte; James, Missoula; Martin, Billings; and George of Los Angeles; one brother in Casa Grande, Arizona, two sisters, Mrs. Mary Bassett, Langley, Washington, and Mrs. Bonnie Dawson of Roundup; a step-mother, Mrs. Nellie Palmer in Roundup, and by nine grandchildren.
    Funeral services were this afternoon at 2 o’clock in the Federatd Church in Victor, Rev Hugh Garner officiated and burial was in Victor Cemetery.
The Western News, April 26, 1956

CHESTER WILLIAM PARK
October 26, 1893 - August 7, 1955
C.W. Park Dies Suddenly At Woodside, Sunday, August 7
        C. W. Park of Woodside died suddenly and unexpectedly Sunday, August 6 while working at his garage at 4:45 p.m. He was taken immediately to Daly hospital but the attending physician said that death had been almost instantaneous. While Mr. Park had not had robust health since he had the flu in the epidemic of 1918, he apparently enjoyed fair health and his sudden death was a shock to family and friends.
    Chester William Park was born October 26, 1893 near Lowry City in St. Clair County, Missouri. He was the grandson of early settlers in that county. The Park Grove Christian Church, the Park Grove Graveyard and the Park Grove school are all named for the Park family there. Mr. Park married Marguerite Nicholson September 24, 1913 and they lived in St. Clair county until 1935 when they came to Montana, settling first at Utica then coming in May of 1936 to Corvallis. They lived in Corvallis for three years and moved then to Woodside where he has operated the garage for the past ten years. Mr. Park was a member of the Park Grove Christian Church in Missouri.
    Survivors include the widow; two sons, Ray of Woodside and Eugene of Gallatin Gateway, Montana; two daughters, Mrs. Marjorie Stevens, Missoula and Mrs. Norma Cook of Missoula; eleven grandchildren and one great grandchild; one brother, John of Lowry City; five sisters, Mrs. Fred Tye, Clinton, MO; Mrs. Amy Doty, Springfield, MO; Mrs. Clint Coleman, Mrs. Grace Moutrey and Mrs. Bertha Boring, all of Lowry City.
    All of the immediate family members and their wives and husbands were present for the services, held Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 at the Dowling Chapel with Rev. R.L. Mullen officiating. Burial was in Corvallis Cemetery. Pallbearers were William Miller, William Engler, George Cobb, Domonic Moraca, Thomas Dunbar, and Doyle Dunbar.
    Mr. Park was a kindly man, well liked by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
The Western News, August 11, 1955

MARGUERITE L. NICHOLSON PARK
October 22, 1891 - March 7, 1979
M. Park Died in Hamilton
    Marguerite L. Park, 87, died this morning at the Valley View Nursing Home. She was born October 22, 1891 in Raytown, MO. She was reared and educated there. She married Chester W. Park in Kansas City in 1913.
    She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Wesley (Norma) Cook and Mrs. Marjorie Stevens, both of Hamilton; 11 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by two sons and one brother and two sisters.
    Graveside services will be conducted Friday at the Corvallis Cemetery at 2 p.m. under the direction of the Dowling Funeral Home. The family suggests memorial to the contributors choice.
Abstract from Ravalli Republic, March 7, 1979, page 7

ADA M. PATTERSON
June 15,1875 - August 10, 1946
MRS. ADA PATTERSON DIED HERE FRIDAY; FUNERAL SERVICES AND BURIAL AT LIMA.
    Mrs. Ada M. Patterson, who had made Hamilton her home for the past six years, died at the Daly Hospital Friday night. She had been a patient at the hospital just a day. Mrs. Patterson is survived by her husband, John C. Patterson and their home was at 801 North Fourth Street. She became ill there last Thursday.
    Mrs. Patterson was born June 15, 1875 at Adams, Gage County, Nebraska, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Drown, Nebraska pioneers. Her marriage to Mr. Patterson took place at Lima, Montana July 14, 1893 and that was their home until they came to Hamilton. They observed their golden wedding anniversary here in 1943. Mrs. Claud L. Downing is a daughter and there are three nephews, Orin, Elmer, and Elwood Steppe, whom Mr. and Mrs. Patterson reared following their mother's death. There are several grandchildren.
    The body was taken Sunday to Lima for burial, accompanied by the husband, daughter, and others of the family. The funeral services were held at Lima Monday.
    Mr. Patterson, who passed his 77th birthday July 2, has the sympathy of many Hamilton friends in his loss. Despite his years, he has kept up an active life and he and his wife had the respect of all who knew them.
The Western News, August 15, 1946

THOMAS JEFFERSON PATTY
March 24, 1854 - February 29, 1928
CAME TO BITTER ROOT VALLEY FROM CALIFORNIA 36 YEARS AGO TO MAKE HIS HOME.
Victor, March 7 - Thomas Jefferson Patty was born in Arkansas March 24, 1854, and died at St. Ignatius Wednesday, February 29. When still a baby, his parents made an overland journey with an ox team to homestead in California. Here he grew of manhood and remained until 1892 and then he came to the Bitter Root valley, where he lived until four years ago when he went to St. Ignatius to make his home with his daughter, Mrs. Leah Fellows. Although he had been in poor health for a number of years, death came suddenly and peacefully.
    Funeral services were held at the Community Church Friday afternoon, Rev. L.B. Williams of Hamilton officiating and burial was made beside the grave of his wife, who passed away five years ago. He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Nora Fitzgerald of Oakland, California; Mrs. Lillian Wilson of Stockton, California; and Mrs. Leah Fellows of St. Ignatius, and by three step-children, L.O. and C.A. Blodgett of Spokane, Washington, and Mrs. Elva Philips of St. Ignatius. Mr. and Mrs. Fellows and Mr. Philips accompanied the remains here for burial.
Ravalli Republican, March 8, 1928

MILDRED PECK PEIRCE
July 22, 1912 - August 7, 1997
Mildred B. Peirce, 85. Died Thursday, Agusut 7, 1997 at her Victor residence. She was born July 22, 1912 at Kenesaw, Nebraska, the daughter of Orin and Noral Bradshaw Peck. She spent her childhood living on a farm in the Denman community and attended the Denman school through the 10th grade. On March 15, 1935, she married James E. Peirce in Grand Island, Nebraska. They began their married life together on the Doc. Johnson farm west of Shelton, Nebraska, and later moved to the Wood River, Nebraska area and continued farming. The couple moved to Montana in the spring of 1959. They settled in the Toston and Townsend areas then moved to Helena. In 1964, they moved to the Bitterroot Valley at Victor. She was active in the Florence Bible Church. Surviving are a son Martin and his wife Jan Peirce of Victor; a daughter Janice and her husband Jerome Bathman of Wood River, Nebraska; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death b her husband in 1995; a sister, and a granddaughter. Funeral services will be at 10 am on Wednesday at the Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville with Pastor Cary J. Monaco officiating. Burial will follow at the Victor Cemetery in Victor. Ravalli Republic, Tuesday, August 12, 1997

LENA F. MATTHEWS PENDERGRAFT
September 1, 1899 - September 12, 1934
Mrs. Pendergraft of Corvallis Victim of Illness
Funeral Services Held at Methodist Church Friday Afternoon for Former Iowa Resident
Corvallis, September 19 - Funeral services for Mrs. Clyde Pendergraft, 35, who succumbed to a heart attack Tuesday of last week, were held Friday afternoon at the Corvallis Methodist Church. Rev. C.J. Taber officiated, assisted by Rev. Frank Sutton, who offered prayer, and a quartet, Mrs. Hugh Lockridge, Mr. and Mrs. Dale Felix, and Byron Price, sage two hymns, and Mrs. Lockridge sang a solo, with Mrs. J. Marti accompanist. The pallbearers were V.V. Yadon, Charles Slocum, O.A. Glidewell, Frank Printz, Wilbur See, and Charles Reader, Interment was in the Corvallis Cemetery.
    Mrs. Pendergraft was a native of Pennsylvania, born September 1, 1899. In her girlhood, she accompanied her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James H. Matthews, to Iowa and there she was married to Mr. Pendergraft in December 1923. The family came to the Bitter Root Valley in March 1929, and established their home at the John Watts ranch on Hamilton Heights, where they had since resided.
    She is survived by the husband, a son William, 9, a daughter Louise, 6, the father, a sister, Miss Edyth Matthews, and three brothers, Ernest, Fred, and Charles of Corvallis, and four sisters who live at distant points.
    The deceased had been in failing health for two years, but her condition was not thought to be serious and her death came as a great shock to her family and friends.
Ravalli Republican, Thursday, September 20, 1934

DAVID CLAPHAM PERRY
December 27, 1938 - September 26. 2004
HAMILTON - David Clapham Perry died peacefully Monday morning, Sept. 26, 2004, at home with his wife Joan. He had been diagnosed nearly 18 months ago with ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease. He embraced the opportunity and enjoyed each moment of the remainder of his life.
    David was born to the late Frances and Kenneth Perry in Summit, N.J., on Dec. 27, 1938. He spent his childhood in the Northeast and in 1961 graduated from The University of The South, Sewannee Tenn. Afterwards, he briefly attended Columbia University business school prior to serving in the Navy. He was released early from duty in order to attend law school at the University of Arizona where he graduated in 1967.
    In 1968, he married Elizabeth Lawrence and they bore his daughter Elizabeth Perry Smith. Through the years, David practiced law in Reno, Nev., and Jackson, Wyo. He held dear this nation's structure and legal system but became disenchanted that these principles often failed in the courtroom. He learned to practice mediation and loved the honesty and integrity of peaceful resolution. In 1974, he met the love of his life, Joan Whitney Stoddard. They married in 1975 in Honolulu and in 1978 they bore their daughter Sarah Perry White.
    Joan and David relocated often, presumably searching for "answers." In 1987, through sobriety, they started finding them. Having majored in philosophy, David also had a keen interest in Eastern thought. In 1990, he attended his first meditation course as taught by S.N. Goenka, and knew instantly that he had found his spiritual path. For the next 14 years, David followed the teachings of the Buddha, although he would never label himself a "Buddhist." He adamantly believed that the import of any spiritual path resides in its teachings and practice and not in an adherence to any particular group, sect or church. He spent two hours in meditation almost every day throughout those 14 years. The principles he held in highest esteem were honesty, non violence, education, awareness, sensitivity and love. It was David's sincere wish in his last weeks that it be expressed to his family and friends that he had a great deal of love and affection for them. He felt a deep sense of gratitude and claimed to be the luckiest man who ever lived.
    David is survived by his sister, Frances Weigel and her family; his brother, Kenneth Perry and his family; his daughter, Elizabeth and her husband Dan and their son, Taylor; his wife of 30 years, Joan, their daughter Sarah and her husband Weston and a grandchild from each daughter on the way!
    A celebration of this dear man and a life well lived will be held at River Street Dance at Second and River streets. The service will begin at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1, followed by refreshments. Casual dress or whatever you happen to be wearing at that time on Friday.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bitter Root Humane Association, 262 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, MT 59840, to benefit David's feline friends.
Ravalli Republic, September 29, 2003
Contributed by Joan Perry    

JAMES ARTHUR PERRY
About 1884 - December 4, 1933
Missoula Man Victim of Monday Accident
Car Skidded Into Deep Pond Near Lolo; Was Stock Buyer for John R. Daily Company
    J.A. Perry, for nearly 20 years a stock buyer for the John R. Daly Company at Missoula, lost his life in a slough of the Bitter Root river south of Lolo Monday afternoon while on his return to Missoula from a trip to Hamilton. Mr. Perry’s car skidded on the slippery road, it is supposed, and plunged into the pool beside the highway, where he was drowned. He was unable to extricate himself from the car. Later, passersby discovered the car in the water and help was brought, but too late to save his life.
    Mr. Perry was about 50 years old and is survived by his wife at Missoula, his mother and other relatives at Deer Lodge. He ws well known in Hamilton and other valley towns,having made regular buying trips to stock ranches here for the length of his residence in Missoula.
Ravalli Republican, December 7, 1933

HELEN M. KONRATH PETERS
April 14, 1905 - November 9, 1986
    Helen M. Peters, 81, died Sunday at her home in Florence from natural causes. She was born August 26, 1905 to Anna and Jacob Konrath in Slinger, Wisconsin and attended school there.
    On April 14, 1925, she married Edward Peters in Richfield, Wisconsin. The couple lived in Richfield and Hartford, Wisconsin before moving to the Bitterroot Valley in 1970.
    Mrs. Peters was preceded in death by her husband on January 17, 1971. Survivors include two daughters, Dorothy Svehlek, Brookfield, Wisconsin, and Annette Pattl in California; a son, Fred Peters, Florence; four brothers, Leander and Alfred Konrath, both of Milwaukee; Lawrence Konrath, Slinger; nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
    Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stevensville with the Rev. James Gannon as celebrant. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Stevensville under the direction of Whitesitt Funeral Home.
Ravalli Republic, November 12, 1986
               

MABEL ELIZABETH WESTABY PETERSON
August 8, 1889 - January 16, 1974
MRS. F. PETERSON, 84, LONGTIME CORVALLIS AREA RESIDENT TAKEN
    Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at Dowling chapel for Mrs. Fred Peterson, 84, longtime Corvallis area resident who died the afternoon of January 16. Mrs. Peterson was among the group of residents at Valley View Estates who were enjoying their monthly birthday party when she swiftly and easily slipped from life.
    Rev. Robert Varker officiated at the services and interment was in Corvallis cemetery beside the grave of her late husband. Pallbearers were Thomas Whitehead, Edwin Sager, Jack Filcher, Ernest Davis, Alvin Thorson, and Chester Clements.
    Mabel Elizabeth Westaby was born August 8, 1889 at Forsyth, daughter of Wilson and Ella Kyle Westaby. On August 16, 1911, was married to Fred Lewis Peterson. Mr. Peterson died April 6, 1973, following a short illness after he suffered a stroke.
    Mrs. Peterson is survived by sons Leonard of Corvallis; Everett, Arlee; Keith, White Sulphur Springs; six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and many friends.
Abstract from: The Western News, January 23, 1974

NORMA RAE PETERSON
March 18, 1932 - March 24, 1994
    Artist, Norma Rae Peterson of Hamilton, died Thursday at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. She was born on March 18, 1932 and moved to the Bitterroot in 1979. She, with her husband, taught art in their studio near Woodside. Her paintings have been seen in art shows and galleries throughout the west.
    Surviving are her husband, W.K. Peterson, and seven children. There will be no service as a small service was held at the bedside with just her family. She requested that no flowers be sent, she wanted any remembrance to be a donation to cancer research.
Ravalli Republic, Wednesday, March 30, 1994


MARY ESTELLA BURKS PHELPS
August 8, 1891 - July 12, 1955
FUNERAL RITES HELD FOR MARY PHELPS
    Funeral services were held at Dowling Chapel in Hamilton Friday for Mary Estella Burks Phelps who passed away in Spokane July 12. Rev. James Hastings officiated at the rites after which interment was made in Corvallis Cemetery. The pallbearers were Dudley Bowden, Alvin Clark, John Freeze, Luther Hill, Clarence Jones, and Maurice Holloran.
    Mary Phelps was born near Yates Center, Kansas August 8, 1891 and came with her parents, the late J.H. and Nora Burks, to the Bitter Root Valley in 1900. The family lived at various places in the valley but were located at Corvallis when she met W.C. Phelps who she married April 7, 1918 at Stevensville.
    Survivors include her husband and son, Webster of Belgrade, a brother, Frank Burks of Hamilton, and two nieces, a nephew and two aunts. The latter are Mrs. Ruth Blackburn, Tacoma and Mrs. Len Haddix, Missoula.
Abstract from: The Western News, July 21, 1955, page 5

WILLIAM PHELPS
WILLIAM PHELPS FUNERAL TODAY
    William Phelps, rancher, living on Burnt Fork, passed away at a Missoula hospital, Tuesday morning at about 2:00 o'clock, where he went on Sunday to have an operation. The operation was performed on Monday but his condition was too critical to be improved.
    Mr. Phelps, it is understood, has been suffering for some years with trouble in his ear which affected his hearing and recently this trouble developed to the condition which caused his death.
    Born at Beardstown, about 64 years ago, Mr. Phelps came to this country with his father, Major James Phelps, when a lad about seven years of age. For more than fifty years, he has resided here and watched this section of the country grown from the early pioneer stage to the present time. He has lived on the Burnt Fork most of the time during all the years of his residence in the valley and was a man who stood high in the esteem of his neighbors and his many friends.
    He was married to Lucy Bryant of Atlanta, Georgia, early in life and two children born to them are still living. A daughter, Mrs. Edwin H. Rea lives at Yakima, Washington, and a son, Charles, has made his home with his father up to the present time.
    Mrs. Phelps died about 1916 and Mr. Phelps was later married to Elsie Waldbillig, who survives him. There is a brother, James Phelps, and a sister, Mrs. H.C. Stickney, both living on Burnt Fork.
    The funeral services will be held this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at the Dowling undertaking parlors and the Reverend H.B. Ricketts will have charge. Interment will be at the Maplewood Cemetery.
Northwest Tribune, February 6, 1930, page 1

ELIZABETH ANN PICKEL
October 16, 1843 - December 28, 1929
Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Pickel Died Saturday and Had Resided in Hamilton Twenty Years
    Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Pickel, aged 86 years, having been born at Hammon River, New Brunswick, Canada, October 16, 1843, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mebbie Edwards, Saturday morning. She had been a resident of the Bitter Root Valley 30 years, 20 of which she had lived in Hamilton. She was married in 1861 to William P. Pickel, who died 20 years ago.
    She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Edwards and Mrs. W.A. Walters of Hamilton and Mrs. Birdetta Clifton of San Diego, California, a son, Frank Pickel of Lynn, Massachusetts, seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. The funeral was held at the Dowling Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock by Rev. H.H. Longeneker and interment was in Riverview cemetery.
Ravalli Republican, January 2, 1930, page 1


MILDRED PIERCE
June 15,1875 - August 10, 1946
WARREN EUGENE POLLINGER
November 17, 1882 - January 23, 1957
Warren Pollinger Taken By Death; Funeral Monday; 74 Years of Age
    Warren E. Pollinger died very suddenly at Daly hospital about noon yesterday. he had been in ill health for several years and recently entered the hospital.
    Warren E. Pollinger was born at Twin Bridges, Mont. November 17, 1882, a son of the late pioneers of Montana, Elijah and Helen Pollinger. He came in the company of his parents and other family members to the Bitter Root in 1905 from Twin Bridges and the Bitter Root was always his home thereafter although he was for a number of years, county agent for Missoula County.
    He served as manager of the Ravalli county experiment station near Corvallis for 25 years and also worked as Ravalli county weed exterminator. He was active in civic affairs, being president of both the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and the Ravalli County Improvement Association. He was a member of the Episcopal church.
    Survivors are his daughter, Mrs. Robert Crawford, Seattle; a grandson, also of Seattle; a sister, Mrs. Edith Thompson, Santa Barbara, Calif.; two brothers, Roland and Lowell, both of Hamilton.
    Funeral services will be held at the Dowling chapel in Hamilton, Monday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Carl Lemm-Marrugg officiating. The body will be sent to Spokane for cremation.
Abstract from The Western news, January 24, 1957

ANNETTE MATHILDA SWANSON POPHAM
November 7, 1910 - May 1, 1937
MRS. POPHAM IS DEAD. YOUNG CORVALLIS MATRON PASSES AT MISSOULA HOSPITAL.
    Corvallis, May 5 - Funeral services were held Monday afternoon for Mrs. Clarence Popham, 26, and her infant daughter, both of whom died at a Missoula hospital shortly after the baby's birth. The remains were brought to the family home Sunday and the services were held there, with the Rev. C.R. Miller of Hamilton officiating. Miss Cora Quast sang two solos. Pallbearers were Otto Quast, Maruice Holloron, Richard Bryson, Emmett Smyth, Dudley F. Bowden, and Edward O'Hare. Interment was in the Corvallis cemetery. The profusion of flowers offered and the large attendance at the services testified to the regard in which the young woman was held.
    Annette Swanson was born here on November 7, 1910, the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles J. Swanson of Mountain View. She attended the Corvallis schools, graduating from the high school with the class of 1929. Afterward, she took nurse's training in Spokane and later attended a Missoula business college. On December 30, 1933, a schoolmate romance culminated in her marriage to Clarence Lynde Popham. She was a member of the Lutheran church.
    Besides the husband, Mrs. Popham is survived by her parents, and two sisters, Mrs. Maurice Strange of Stevensville and Miss Mabel Swanson, a teacher at Deer Lodge, and a brother, Carl. Mrs. Popham was friendly and cheerful always, and her death came as a distinct grief to the entire community.
Ravalli Republican, May 6, 1937


MARY ELIZABETH SMITHEY POPHAM
May 26, 1836 - March 2, 1931
AGED LADY DEAD. MRS. POPHAM HAD PASSED NINETYFOURTH BIRTHDAY.
    Corollas, March 4 - Mrs. Mary E. Popham, aged 94 years and nine months, passed away peacefully last Monday evening at the Vaughn home here after an illness of a few days following a paralytic stroke. The body was taken to a mortuary to be prepared for burial, but was brought back to the home for the funeral service this afternoon.
    Mary Elizabeth Smythey was born May 26, 1836 near Florida, Missouri, one of ten children born to William Smithey and Patsy Caldwell. Jack Popham, a Kentuckian, claimed her as a bride at her Paris, Missouri home February 1, 1859.
    In 1882, the couple and their four children came to the Bitter Root valley and homesteaded a ranch four miles north of Corvallis in which Mrs. Popham remained actively interested until her last illness. Twenty-three years ago Mr. Popham died and from that date until four years ago Mrs. Popham seldom left her home. Four years, she was persuaded to move from the ranch to live with her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Matt Vaughn.
    Until she was past 90, Mrs. Popham waited upon herself and assisted with the housework and cooking, helped care for a flock of chickens and a garden. For the past three years, she had been a semi-invalid, due to spinal trouble, although she was up each day and in her accustomed place in the living room. She was remarkably alert of mind until a few weeks ago when she partially lost her memory from the sock of the death of Mrs. Vaughn on February 3. She was a charter member of the local Presbyterian church and assisted materially in the building of the church edifice here. She had endeared herself to everyone with whom she came in contact.
    She is survived by one son, E.L. Popham of Corvallis, and one daughter, Mrs. A.G. Helmers of Lewiston, Idaho, both of whom were at her bedside during her last illness.
Ravalli Republican, March 5, 1931

NAOMI ROMNEY POPHAM
March 20, 1876 - October 29, 1970
Life Concluded for Naomi Popham Early Settler of the Bitter Root
    Private funeral services were conducted at the Dowling Chapel Saturday morning for Naomi R. Popham, widow of the late E.L. Popham and an early settler in the Bitter Root Valley. Rev. E.J. Ruff, a long-time friend of Mrs. Popham, conducted the services after which burial was made in Corvallis Cemetery in the family plot. Mrs. Popham was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H.G. Romney and came with them via a mule-drawn wagon from Utah in 1881, in company of her older brothers and a sister. Naomi Romney was born March 20, 1876 at Beaver City, Utah.
    She was married to Edward L. Popham March 3, 1896 with the late Rev. George Blair officiating at the wedding ceremony. The couple were attended by her brother, the late Miles Romney, and his sister, the late Lucy Popham.
    When she died, she was survived by all five of her children, 14 grandchildren, and 27 great grandchildren. All of her sisters and brothers predeceased Mrs. Popham. The surviving children are Attorney E.W. Popham of Glendive, Lee Popham of Arlington, VA, Kenneth Popham of Winter Haven, FL, Clarence Popham of Corvallis, and Mrs. Oliver Ziebarth of Santa Barbara, CA. All of them, with the exception of Lee Popham, came to the valley to attend their mother's last rites. Lee was unable to make the trip because of illness. Wilder was accompanied by his wife; Mrs. Ziebarth by her husband. A number of the grandchildren and great grandchildren also attended the services.
Abstract from: The Western News, November 4, 1970, page 1

MICHAEL POWERS
MICHAEL POWERS DIES OF HEART FAILURE
After Practically Recovering From Injury, He Succumbs to Heart Failure
    Michael Powers, for 21 years a resident of Hamilton, died at the Hamilton hospital at 8:30 o'clock yesterday morning of heart failure. He had been a patient at the hospital since he was injured in a fall several weeks ago from a trestle on the B. R. V. I. company canal. He had practically recovered from the injury and was normal and cheerful yesterday morning before the collapse of his heart.
     No arrangements for the funeral had been made at noon today. A wire was sent to James Powers, a son of the deceased, at Vancouver, Wash., and the time of the funeral will not be set until a reply has been received from him. He is expected to leave at once for Hamilton.
     Mr. Powers was born 60 years ago in St. Johns, New Brunswick.  He came to Montana 23 years ago and for two years worked at Bonita.  When the A. C. M. company sawmill was built in Hamilton, which was shortly after the townsite was laid out, he came here to work at the mill, and has since worked almost continuously for the company in responsible positions.
    The deceased is survived by seven children. They are: Mary Powers, aged 27; Alice, 22; Will, 20; Gertrude, 18; Hattie, 16; John, 13.  All of them reside here except James. The wife of the deceased died eight years ago.
Western News,  May 30, 1913
Contributed by Shaunee Power

ELLEN JANE LUCAS POWERS
Death of Mrs. M. Powers
Came to Hamilton Thirteen Years Ago and Had Made Her Home in the Hart Addition
     Mrs. Ellen Jane Powers, wife, of Michael Powers, died at 5 o'clock Sunday evening in the Hart addition from the effects of diabetes. She had been in poor health for two years, yet she never complained and attended to her customary household duties until a week ago yesterday, when she went to bed.
Ravalli Republican, Friday, January 20, 1905 
Contributed by Shaunee Power
 
Mrs. Michael Powers Is Dead at Hamilton
 Hamilton, Jan 16 - Mrs. Michael Powers died here Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, after a lingering illness of four years, suffering with diabetes. Although suffering for this length of time she has not been confined to her bed until the last days previous to her death.
    Mrs. Powers was born in Montreal, Canada. In 1866 with her husband and family she moved to Hamilton more than 12 years ago, and while here she won a host of friends. She was of a quiet and unassuming disposition, a good friend and loving mother.  She leaves a husband and seven children under the age of 18 years, to mourn her loss. They have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community.  Mr. Powers is and employee of the Hamilton mills. The funeral will take place at the Catholic church Tuesday at 9:30 a. m.
Anaconda Standard, January 17, 1905
Contributed by Shaunee Power
 
News of Hamilton and the Bitter Root:

Many Attend Funeral of Mrs. Michael Powers
Hamilton, Jan. 19 - The funeral of Mrs. Michael Powers was held at the Catholic church Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock.  High mass was read. The large attendance showed in what high esteem the dead woman was held. The pupils of the sixth, seventh and eighth grades attended in a body and when the procession passed the Washington school the pupils of that building stood in line to pay their last respects to the mother their schoolmates, Hattie and Gertie Powers. Both Mr. Powers and the seven children have the entire sympathy of the Bitter Root people.
    Ellen Jane Lucas, as deceased was known before her marriage, was a native of Canada, being born in Chipman, Queen county, province of New Brunswick, in March, 1861. Here she married Mr. Powers in 1883. With her family she came to Montana sixteen years ago and settled at Bonita.  After living here three years the family moved to Hamilton to reside.
     Deceased was the mother of seven children. They are: Mary, aged; James, aged 16; Alice, aged 14; William, aged 13; Gertrude, aged 11; Harriet, aged 9, and John, aged 4.
     The funeral occurred Tuesday morning at the Catholic church, Reverend Father Loiseau officiating.
Anaconda Standard, Jananuary 21, 1905
Contributed by Shaunee Power

MARY POWERS
1885 - March 5, 1918
DEATH ANGEL SUMMONS MISS MARY POWERS.
    Miss Mary Powers of Hamilton, died Wednesday morning following a brief illness. She was 33 years of age, having been born at St. Johns, N. B. in 1885.
    Miss Powers was the eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. James Powers, both of whom are dead. To Mary fell the lot of caring for the younger brothers and sisters, a task she preformed cheerfully and well.  She was a quiet reserved young lady beloved by all who knew her.
    She is survived by three sisters, Alice, Gertrude and Mrs. Hugh Simpson, and three brothers, Jim, who is with his regiment in France, Will, who is at Camp Lewis and John who was recently discharged from the Navy for physical disabilities.
    Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
The Western News, April 11, 1918
Contributed by Shaunee Power

WILLIAM (WILL) T.  POWERS
- May 9, 1918
WILL POWERS ANSWERS CALL
    Word was received Tuesday of the death of Will Powers at Camp Lewis. Pneumonia was the cause of death. The body which will be brought to Hamilton for burial, is expected to arrive tomorrow (Friday) morning and the funeral will be held Saturday morning from the Catholic church.
    While the arrangements are not completed, it has been announced that a military funeral will be held.  The Home Guards and Old Soldiers will escort the body from the train to the undertaking parlor where it will remain until Saturday morning when the Guards will again escort it to church.  All the business houses will be closed during the services.
    Will Powers was well known in Hamilton, having lived here since childhood.  He joined the colors in Butte last fall and was sent to American Lake.  Just a few weeks ago he came home to attend the funeral of his oldest sister, Mary.  He leaves three sisters, Alice, Gertrude and Mrs. Hugh Simpson and two brothers, James who is in France and John.  The young people have the sincere sympathy in their dark hour of grief.
Contributed by Shaunee Power 

JACK FLOYD PRATHER
February 1, 1916 - April 20, 1987
    Jack Floyd Prather, age 71, passed away Monday, April 20, 1987 at his home in Stevensville, Montana, of an heart condition. he was born on February 1, 1916 at the family homestead in the Horseshoe Hills north of Logan, Montana. He was the son of Ross and Ruby Harbison Prather.   
    Mr. Prather attended schools in Bozeman and Livingston. He apprenticed as a baker at the Bon Ton Bakery in Bozeman. He moved to Stevensville in 1944, and later moved to Plentywood, Montana where he owned and operated “The Bakery.”  He married Emma Logan and after retirement the couple spent many years traveling and living in Florida.
    Mrs. Prather passed away in 1982 in Florida. Mr. Prather returned to the Bitterroot 2 years ago. Also preceding were 1 brother, Gideon Ross Prather, and 1 sister, Patty Mae Thompson.  Survivors include 4 sons, Ross Prather of Missoula, David Prather of Cascade, Mike Prather of Florence, Dan Severson of Stevensville, 2 daughters, Dr. Marcia Prather of Salt Lake City, and Gen Severson of St. Louis; 4 sisters, Elsie Gates, Ethel Wendell, and Maruirite Weaver of Belgrade, and Ida Bea Wroble of Stevensville. Also surviving are many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
    Cremation has taken place and private family services will be held. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville is in charge of arrangements.
Bitter Root Star, April 29, 1987                                 
                                              

CHARLES PREECE
August 16, 1865 - August 2, 1952
LAST RITES HELD TUESDAY AFTERNOON FOR CHARLES PREECE.
    Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon for Charles Preece, who died at a Stevensville rest home about 11 p.m. Saturday. Rev. R.R. Price of the Episcopal church officiated and interment was in Riverview cemetery. Pallbearers were: Matt Egger, Archie Dye, Ralph Brush, Joseph Haigh, C.W. Jones, and George Unrue.
    A native of Goodrich of the parish of Welsh Bickner, England, Charles Preece came to the United States when he was 18 years old. His birth date was August 16, 1865. He worked on farms in the south and midwest for a few months before finally settling at the Welcome ranch near Anaconda. It was there that his bride of six months passed away. He never remarried.
Abstract from: The Western News, August 7, 1952

CHARLES PRICE
KILLED IN A RUNAWAY
Chas. Price is Thrown From a Load of Wood. Wagon Passes Over His Head, Crushing His Skull, and Causing Instant Death. Funeral Wednesday.
    The people of Hamilton and vicinity were shocked Saturday evening by the report that Charles Price, of the west side, had been killed in a runaway. The rumor was all too true.
    While hauling a load of wood down the grade near the Largey mill his team took fright and started to run. Price was thrown to the ground. When picked up he was cold in death. His face was badly mutilated and his skull crushed, evidently one of the wheels had passed over his head.
    A coroner's jury consisting of M.B. Yorton, Jos. Hershman, Frank Strong, John Kughn, F.A. McRae and Wesley Barcus, brought in a verdict detailing the manner by which the deceased and come to his death.
    The funeral took place Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock under the auspices of the labor union, Rev. J.E. Burkhart officiating.

Resolutions of Condolence
Resolutions of condolence adopted by Hamilton Federal Labor Union No. 109, November 12, 1904 in memory of our beloved brother.
Whereas, It has pleased the Giver of all good to enter our camp and remove our beloved brother and co-worker, Charles Price, who gave promise of a long and useful career, but was suddenly stricken down in the prime of his life, his untimely death comes a warning to all of the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death;
Resolved, That we, the members of Hamilton Federal Labor Union No. 109 A.L.U., hereby tender to his wife and family our heartfelt sympathy in this their sad bereavement and be it further
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread on the minutes of this union and that a copy be given to his wife and family, and that our charter be draped in mourning as a token of the high regard we hold for our deceased brother, be it further
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the American Labor Journal and to our local papers for publication.
"At last he has found the sunshine and the flowers, the music and the rest."
A. Biddiscomme, D. McGuire, J.M. Higgins, Committee
The Ravalli Republican, Friday, November 13, 1904

FRANCIS ATKINSON PRICE
June 14, 1874 - November 29, 1958
    Funeral services were Tuesday afternoon at the Dowling chapel for Frank Price, longtime resident of Corvallis who died Saturday November 29 (1958) at the Salter rest home in Hamilton. Rev. E. J. Bracken officiated at the rites and interment was in Corvallis cemetery beside the grave of his wife who died Sept. 11th.  Death was attributed to his age of 84.  Pallbearers were Sam Taber, John Lamoreaux Edwin Sager Earl Moore Ingward Nordheim and James Pile.  Mr. Price was a longtime member of Corvallis Methodist Church.  He was a member of Corvallis IOOF lodge years ago.
    Francis Atkinson Price was born June 14, 1874 at Farmville, VA.  He came to Missouri with his family when about 6 years old and from there to Corvallis vicinity in 1901 with a brother, Charles.  He was married to Mary Eliza (Mamie) Summers at Stevensville on September 25, 1905.  Mr. Price was one of the foremost truck farmers of the area and until this year was a participant in the Ravalli fair with an individual booth.
    Survivors includes two sons, Waverly of Seattle and Byron of Missoula , grand children Ernest, William and Phyllis Price of Seattle and Doris and Marylu Price of Missoula, great granddaughter Cheryl Price of Seattle nephews Joe and Dalbie Price of Portland, sons of his brother, Charles. Mrs. Minnie Moser of Corvallis is a sister in law of Mr. Price.
Contributed by Madeline Reese

VIRGINIA PRICE
Virginia Price Passed Away Monday Afternoon
Corvallis, December 7 - virginia, the ten-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Price, succumbed to valvular heart ailment Monday at 2 o’clock, after having been a patient little sufferer for several ears. Besides her parents, she is survived by one sister, older, and one sister and two brothers younger. The funeral service was conducted from the residence yesterday morning and interment made in the Corvallis cemetery. Members of the Bethany Girls Society acted as pallbearers and had charge of the music. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved family.
Ravalli Republican, Friday, December 5, 1916


IDA BROWN PRINGEY
December 15, 1861 - December 11, 1943
Mrs. Pringey Rites Held Wednesday
    Mrs. Ida Pringey, formerly of Grantsdale, who would have been 82 on December 15, died Saturday in Portland, Oregon, where she had made her home with a daughter, Mrs. E.C. Matthews, for the past two years. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Dowling chapel, the Rev. George C. Lee officiating. Interment was in Riverview cemetery. Pallbearers were Harold Taylor, J.O. Allen, H.H. Spaulding, Del King, H.V. Gilmore, H.C. Packer.
    She was born December 15, 1861 in Belleview, Iowa and moved to Phillipsburg from Sioux City, Iowa with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Brown, in 1876. She was married to Zelman C. Pringey of West Liberty, Iowa, in Phillipsburg in 1885 and in 1886, they came to the Bitter Root Valley, locating on a ranch at Grantsdale.
    Mrs. Pringey went to Portland about two years ago because of her health. Her condition became serious the middle of last week. She was an active member of the local Rebekah chapter and of the Methodist Church at Grantsdale which was built by her father.
    Besides her daughter, who will come here with her husband for the funeral, he is survived by a sister, Mrs. Granville Stuart, Grantsdale.
Ravalli Republican, December 16, 1943

ZELMAN COBURN PRINGEY
June 8, 1849 - April 1, 1928
Z.C. Pringey Dead; Passed Away at His Home
Funeral Was Held at the Residence Tuesday and Interment was in Riverview Cemetery
    Z.C. Pringey, who had been in failing health for the past year, died at his home near Grantsdale Sunday morning. He had been a resident of the community for the past 18 years. He had reached the advanced age of 79 years, having been born in Pennsylvania June 8, 1849.
    Zelman Coburn Pringey, when a small boy, went with his parents to Iowa. In 1879, he came to Montana and was married to Ida Brown at Phillipsburg February 11, 1885. With his family, he moved to Hamilton in 1910, near where he had since resided, and became favorably known to nearly every resident of the community.
    He is survived by a widow, one daughter, Miss Mabel Pringey of Portland, Oregon, a sister in Iowa and a half sister in California.
    The funeral was held at the home Tuesday afternoon by Rev. C.E. Smith, pastor of of the Methodist Episcopal church, and interment was in Riverview cemetery. Many friends in the Bitter Root valley extend sympathy to the bereaved family.
Ravalli Republican, April 5, 1928

JOHN PRINTZ
OLD SOLDIER DEAD.
    John Printz, veteran of the Civil War, died at his home on North Seventh street yesterday morning. He had not been feeling well for some time, but was able to be about and seemed to be feeling unusually well when he retired Wednesday night about 10 o'clock. Shortly after midnight he passed away while asleep.
    Mr. Printz was a native of Ohio and had he lived until fall, would have been 82 years old. He came to Montana in 1880 and had lived here ever since. He fought with the Union forces during the Civil War and was a member of the Ravalli Post G.A.R. He always took an active interest in the affairs of the old soldiers, and was generally liked and respected by all who knew him. Arrangement for the funeral will not be made until word is received from the absent children.
    He is survived by a widow and the following children: Mr. W.E. Walker and Mrs. C.E. Carls of Hamilton, Frank Printz of Corvallis, Mrs. John Richards of Stevensville, Louis Printz of Hamilton Heights, Clark Printz of Clyde Park and Mrs. Dan Tuesley of Niles, Michigan.
The Western News, May 25, 1922

MICHAEL M. PRINTZ
M.M. PRINTZ, PIONEER CROSSES THE GREAT DIVIDE
    The funeral of Michael M. Printz, who died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Grant McKinney, in Darby, Monday evening, was held at Corvallis yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock and was attended by a large crowd. Services were conducted by Rev. J.C. Irvine at Corvallis Cemetery, where interment was made beside his wife gone before. The body was taken to the cemetery from the home of Dr. and Mrs. O.B. Jones of this city.
    Mr. Printz was an old timer in the Bitter Root valley and a pioneer of the state, having come to Montana in 1862. He located in the Bitter Root valley in 1864. He was married in Salt Lake City a few years later, the family taking up their abode in Corvallis where they resided many years. Mr. Printz was born in Ohio and was 79 years of age. He is survived by five children. They are Mrs. Grant McKinney and Will Printz of Darby, Mrs. O.B. Jones, and Jesse Printz of this city, and John Printz of Kalispell.
The Western News, January 24, 1913, page 1                                

GERTRUDE SCHAFFER PUYEAR
June 17, 1909 - October 10, 1990
    Gertrude Schaffer Puyear, 81, of Conrad died last Wednesday in a Conrad nursing home. She was born June 17, 1909 in Miesville, Minnesota, the daughter of Lewis and Josephine Gerlach Schaffer. She was married to Marvin Puyear on November 23, 1932 in Stevensville, MT. The couple lived in Stevensville many years. They owned and operated a slaughterhouse and also farmed and ranched.
    She was preceded in death by her husband. Following his death, she worked for the University of Montana as a caterer in the food service department. Following her retirement, she moved to Valier, MT where she has lived for the past 20 years.
    Survivors include one son, Dr. Robert Puyear, Fargo, ND; one daughter, Janet DeBoo, Valier; two brothers, Carl Schaffer, Mill City, OR, Ed Shaffer, Drummond; four sisters, Mabel Standifer, Coeur de Alene, Idaho, Celestine Rathun, Stevensville, Agnes Johnson, Missoula, Rose Higgins, Stevensville; 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
    A Christian wake service was held Friday at St. Francis Catholic Church in Valier with a funeral mass following on Saturday. Interment will be at Riverview Cemetery, Hamilton, on Monday at 10 a.m. with Father Raymond Gilmore, officiating. Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville is in charge of arrangements.
Ravalli Republic, October 15, 1990