Obituaries from Golden Triangle News 5 Oct 2009

Almadean "Dean" Miner
Almadean "Dean" Miner, 84, of Great Falls and longtime Kevin resident, passed away Tuesday at Peace Hospice of Great Falls due to complication from COPD/diabetes. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the Whitted Funeral Chapel in Shelby. A lunch will follow in the fellowship hall of the Community United Methodist Church followed by burial in the Crown Hill Cemetery at Cut Bank.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Almadean "Dean" Miner, 84, of Great Falls and longtime Kevin resident, passed away Tuesday at Peace Hospice of Great Falls due to complication from COPD/diabetes. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the Whitted Funeral Chapel in Shelby. A lunch will follow in the fellowship hall of the Community United Methodist Church followed by burial in the Crown Hill Cemetery at Cut Bank.

Survivors include her daughter, Karyl (Allen) Smith of Tucson, Ariz.; sons, Douglas (Donna) Miner of Spokane, Wash., and Larry (Karen) Miner of Centralia, Wash.; sister, Ruth Glover of Casper, Wyo.; grandchildren, Tracy Russell, Lance Smith, Staci Miner, Corey Miner and Michelle Miner and several great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwight Miner; son, Mike Miner; sisters, June Autry, Lola Butts and Muriel Franzel and brothers, Vernon and Floyd Harwood.

Dean was born March 18, 1925 at Eureka to Guy and Josie (Shorty) Harwood where she grew up and was educated. She married Dwight R. Miner in Stanford, where they lived on a ranch for several years before moving to Kevin in the 1950s, where she ran the school lunch program for many years.

Dean helped build and run the Kevin Senior Center, where she always had fresh baked rolls and coffee ready for anyone who stopped.

In 1984 she and Dwight moved to Tucson, Ariz., where she worked for the Sears Call Center. In 1996 she decided that she missed Montana and moved back to her beloved "Big Sky" country.

She was a board member of the former Kevin Methodist Church and an active member of the Royal Neighbors. In retirement Dean enjoyed being with her friends, playing cards, working jigsaw puzzles, making ceramics, watching sports on TV, especially college basketball, and attending church.

The family suggests memorials to the Gift of Life Family Housing C/O Benefis Health Care Foundation PO Box 7008 Great Falls, MT 59406.

Condolences may be posted at www.whittedfuneralchapel.com.

Betty Ruth "Boots" Lehmicke Marmont Andre
Betty Ruth "Boots" Lehmicke Marmont Andre, 86, a Shelby High School graduate, teacher, guidance counselor and Dean of Women, died peacefully at Hillside Manor in Missoula on Sept. 14, 2009 due to natural causes. Betty chose not to have a funeral service. Following her cremation, her family will hold a private memorial service.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Betty Ruth "Boots" Lehmicke Marmont Andre, 86, a Shelby High School graduate, teacher, guidance counselor and Dean of Women, died peacefully at Hillside Manor in Missoula on Sept. 14, 2009 due to natural causes. Betty chose not to have a funeral service. Following her cremation, her family will hold a private memorial service.

Betty is survived by her three daughters, Nancy Marmont (Robert Heffner) of Missoula, Wendy Marmont Cox (Gordon) of Clarkston, Wash., and Marcy Marmont of Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif.; five grandchildren, Matthew and Leigh Bitney and Marisa, Megan, and Marcus Blackshire and three great-grandchildren.

Betty was born June 28, 1923 in Kalispell to Rupert and Nina Lehmicke. She went through grades K-12 in Shelby and was valedictorian of the Class of 1941. She attended Colorado Women's College in Denver and Reed College in Portland, then interrupted her studies to join the WAVES during World War II. She served from 1943 to 1945 as a Navy recruiter in Illinois, then as a Transport Airman in Seattle.

Betty took leave from the Navy to marry Lt. William Marshall Marmont, also of Shelby, just before he deployed to Europe. They exchanged vows at the Community United Methodist Church in Shelby on Oct. 3, 1944. They were married 23 years and had three daughters: Nancy, Wendy, and Marcy.

Betty raised her family with love and humor, welcoming the trials and tribulations of frequent family moves. With her out-going manner she made friends in each new hometown from Anchorage, Alaska to Montevideo, Minn. Yet she always treasured her Montana roots, keeping in close touch with old friends and family. She fondly remembered the family's return to Shelby in 1958 as a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends and her in-laws, Frank and Marguerite Marmont.

She enjoyed teaching at the junior high, helping with the Methodist Church Sunday School, and playing lots of golf and bridge. Then, and throughout her life, she cherished visits to Glacier Park, Flathead Lake and Whitefish Lake with friends and family.

Betty had a lifelong love of learning. After the war she completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Montana, then obtained a Fifth Year teaching certificate from Chico State College in 1953. In 1967, she earned a Masters degree in Counseling from Washington State College in Pullman.

In 1968 Betty joined the faculty at Spokane Community College, where she was a vocational guidance counselor, then Dean of Women until she retired. She had a vital role in developing guidelines for screening students in the Health Occupations.

In 1972 Betty married Pat Andre, who died a few years later. Their favorite times together were traveling and relaxing at Hauser Lake. Throughout her years at SCC, Betty helped many students and built lasting friendships with colleagues. During vacations she explored many countries and continents.

After her retirement Betty moved to a senior living center in southern California, near her daughter Marcy and her family. Last year, when her health deteriorated, Betty moved back to Montana. She lived in Missoula, near her daughter Nancy.

She was much-loved and will be greatly missed.

Carl O. Westermark
Carl O. Westermark, 91, a longtime resident of Shelby-Dunkirk passed away in Billings from natural causes.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Carl O. Westermark, 91, a longtime resident of Shelby-Dunkirk passed away in Billings from natural causes.

A private family service will be held on the farm he owned in the Dunkirk area now owned by the Fretheim Brothers. It is there that his ashes will thrown, as he said, "To the four winds of Heaven."

Carl was born in Parshal, N.D., on Nov. 11, 1917 and leaves behind his devoted wife, Maxine, and three children, Dale (Julie) Westermark of Billings, Gary (Sue) Westermark of Lynwood, Wash., and Victoria Westermark of Beverly Hills, Calif. Also surviving Carl are his grandchildren Dana, Jenna, Hans, Tara Sue, and Jessica, and stepson, Gary Stracener.

Carl operated grain elevators in Dunkirk and Devon for over 30 years and owned farms there also. He served in the US Air Force for four years. He was active in the Masonic Lodge and the Elks Lodge for many years.

Carl will be missed by his family and friends.

Donna Jean Gun Hammer
Donna Jean Gun Hammer, 49, died Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009 in Missoula of natural causes.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Donna Jean Gun Hammer, 49, died Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009 in Missoula of natural causes.

Rosary will be recited Thursday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. at Glacier Homes Community Center. A wake is in progress at Glacier Homes Community Center. Her funeral service will be this Friday, Sept. 18 at 2 p.m. at Glacier Homes Community Center.

Survivors are her husband, Jade GunHammer; daughters Jacky Makes Cold Weather Hall, Gina Plouff, Katherine Plouff and Lucinda Makes Cold Weather; sons Elijah Makes Cold Weather and Hayes Goggles; sisters Shary Wells, Jackie Morgan, Tara Bare Shin Bone, Verna Dusty Bull, Debbie Westcoupe, Tisha Makes Cold Weather; brothers Jack Makes Cold Weather II, Jack Makes Cold Weather III and Alden Tail Feathers; and 15 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother Lucille Makes Cold Weather and her father Jack Makes Cold Weather.

Dorothy A. Monroe
Dorothy A. (Curley) Monroe, 71, a Browning homemaker, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009 at her home in Browning after a long illness.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Dorothy A. (Curley) Monroe, 71, a Browning homemaker, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009 at her home in Browning after a long illness.

Dorothy was born on June 2, 1938, in Leupp, Ariz. Her parents were Ah-Ha-Ba (Howard's mother) and Riley Curley. She was a full-blooded Navajo and enrolled with the Navajo Nation. In 1953-54, she was sent away to school (Haskell) in Lawrence, Kan., on her own request for three years to attend school. She then went on to Chemawa Indian School for two years, where she graduated in 1959, and then relocated to Seattle, Wash., where she attended culinary school and graduated with a degree in culinary arts.

She went on to Los Angeles, Calif., where she worked at the Good Samaritan Hospital and then met the man of her life, Gary Monroe Sr. They met through mutual friends, Bob Anderson and Arlene Meeks, and were later married on Nov. 10, 1962, in a little chapel in Los Angeles.

They had four children: Michelle Monroe Guardipee (Squee), Annette, Jackie and Gary Jr. They made their homes in Glendale, Calif.; Carson, Calif.; Huntington Beach, Calif., and eventually made their permanent home in Browning in June of 1978. This is the place where she made her home until her death.

During the years, she became a grandma to 14 grandchildren who she loved dearly and is very proud of: Tara Guardipee, Curtis Thomas, Tamara Guardipee, Bryson Monroe, Talia Guardipee, Hardee Skunkcap Jr., Trey Skunkcap, Baby Gary Monroe, Brea Dempsey, Tamika Guardipee, Braylee Dempsey, Tyler, Elizabeth and Ilena Monroe, and a great-grandchild, Amari Thomas.

She loved attending and watching all of her grandchildren's sport functions and was so very proud of her granddaughter, Tamara Guardipee, who played for the Lady Griz that her illness caused her to miss her games throughout her college career, but did watch her on TV whenever possible. Dorothy also enjoyed bingo, having barbecues and spending time with family and friends.

She also loved traveling and attending powwows. If you couldn't find her at the arbor watching the dances, you could find her playing blackjack or stick-game 'til the early morning hours. During these times she liked laughing and telling jokes with her many friends.

In May of 1981, Dorothy developed lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which traveled throughout her body, but never once did she let her sickness slow her down. She took it in stride and did what she loved to do until she could no longer participate. Her husband, the light and love of Dorothy's life, stood by her until the very end. He is a perfect example of how much love he had for Dorothy. He was there in sickness and in health, and it goes to show how great a man he is.

Dorothy thanked her loving husband after getting out of the hospital recently, as she knew her journey was coming to an end, for being such a great husband and always being there for her and taking care of her 'til the very end. That day was a sad day because we lost a great woman - a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. We were very fortunate to have her for as long as we did. But it is also a glorious day because she is no longer suffering and in pain. She will forever be here with us in spirit and in our hearts and she will be greatly missed by all.

Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Gary A. Monroe Sr. of Browning; daughters Michelle M. Guardipee (Squee) of Browning and Annette "Moose" Monroe and Jackie Monroe of Great Falls; a son, Gary A. Monroe Jr. of Browning; sisters Nora Bradley of Mesa, Ariz., Nellie Yazzie of Phoenix, Ariz., Emma Jean Willie and Betty Crosby of Leupp, Ariz.; and a brother, Tom Foster of Leupp.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ah-Ha-Ba (Howard's mother) and Riley Curley; and by her brothers, Hoover, Howard, Robert, Bert, Kenneth, Mertin and Billy.

Gary A. Nelson
Gary A. Nelson, 62, of Whitefish, died Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009 at Four Horn Reservoir near Cut Bank.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Gary A. Nelson, 62, of Whitefish, died Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009 at Four Horn Reservoir near Cut Bank.

A gathering and service will be Friday at 11 a.m. at the Ron Platke residence, 410 Hellman Lane, Columbia Falls. Austin Funeral Home of Whitefish is assisting the family with arrangements.

Gary was born May 2, 1947 at Devils Lake, N.D. to Helmer and Genevieve (Scharf) Nelson and was raised and educated there. He graduated from Devils Lake Community College and Valley City (N.D.) State University with a degree in Education.

He married Carol Rae Andrus in 1970 and they resided in Glacier County where Gary taught fifth grade in Browning and sixth, seventh and eighth grades in East Glacier. In 1984, he and his family came to Whitefish where he transitioned to the construction trade, working as an independent contractor. An avid hunter and fisherman, Gary loved the Montana great outdoors and is survived by countless close friends who will miss hunting and fishing with him very much.

Preceded in death by his parents, Gary is survived by his wife Carol; his children, Sara, Jeremy and Rachel Nelson; brother Ron and wife Debbie; nieces and nephews Melissa, Jason, Eric and Cory; and his best four-legged friends Gibber, Bandit, Kirby, Junior, Emma, Tess, Willy and Ernie.

The family suggests memorials be made to Pheasants Forever, www.pfstore.org, Walleyes Unlimited, www.montana walleyesunlimited.net or the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, www.rmef.org, or 5705 Grant Creek, Missoula 59808.

Glen Tibbitts
Glen Wayne Tibbitts, 58, died from complications with diabetes, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls. He was surrounded by his family and a few close friends.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Glen Wayne Tibbitts, 58, died from complications with diabetes, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls. He was surrounded by his family and a few close friends.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Oct. 2 at 1 p.m. at the Mountain View Baptist Church in Cut Bank, with a reception to follow.

Born in Cut Bank on Aug. 23, 1951 to Molly (Dean) Tibbitts and Trevor "Red" Tibbitts, Glen was the second of three children. Glen attended schools in Cut Bank until his high school graduation in 1969. Following graduation Glen enlisted in the Navy at the height of the Viet Nam War serving from 1969-72 when he was honorably discharged.

He enrolled at Montana State University in Bozeman, while working summers and off-season in the oilfields in and around Cut Bank. He worked for Getter Trucking until 1980 when he went to work for Sheridan Drilling in Bakersfield, Calif., and later drove truck for several propane companies in Bakersfield. He went to work for Coast Gas as a driver and later became a manager of one of their offices. Always looking to get closer to home, Glen took a manager position at Post Falls, Idaho in 1998, where he worked until his retirement in 2003, which led him full circle back to Cut Bank.

In his early years Glen was an avid Boy Scout and often listed his greatest regret as not having completed his Eagle Scout requirement, falling one merit badge short. He also played baseball through all levels including little league, Babe Ruth, legion ball and adult softball with the Hardware Hankers. An avid sports fan, Glen enjoyed following his favorite teams and all things Cut Bank.

Of all his talents, Glen was most proud of his music. He was a fine second tenor and loved nothing more than singing in the choir, with the local folk group New Folk, in the high school musicals or with whoever was on the radio. His performances were often followed by a litany of trivia questions on who wrote the song, who was in the group, etc. As the folks from KSEN will attest, Glen didn't miss a question in their daily rock 'n roll trivia. He was even banned for a while to give others an opportunity to answer. He loved concerts of all types and had an impressive resume of groups he had seen.

He was a master at Jeopardy and amazed all his friends with the breadth of his experiences and his ability to remember the finest of details. If you didn't know the answer, you called Glen. More important than any of this, Glen cherished family and friends. Always quick with a story or joke, Glen lit up any room. He was never at a loss for words and loved a captive audience. He leaves a huge hole in those lives he touched, but we are all better for having known him.

Survivors include his brother Larry Tibbitts of Duck Lake; his sister Faye Dean Tibbitts of Chinook; his nieces Dena Tibbitts and Molly Tibbitts; and numerous cousins in and around Cut Bank.

Glen was preceded in death by his parents.

Genevieve Zapp
Genevieve Agnes Cunningham Zapp, 83, of Lakewood, passed away May 30, 2009. Gen was a member of St. Margaret's Church for many years.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Genevieve Agnes Cunningham Zapp, 83, of Lakewood, passed away May 30, 2009. Gen was a member of St. Margaret's Church for many years.

Survivors include her children Noreen (JB) Bancroft, Jim (Christy) Zapp and Mary Zapp; grandsons Tony (Marie), Joe (Nichole) Money, Ben and Connor Zapp; great granddaughters Annabelle and Angelina Money; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was a loving sister to Elizabeth Cunningham Gavigan and William Cunningham.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, James F. Zapp; brothers Robert and James; and her sister Mary Cunningham.

Harold 'Murph' Brown
Harold "Murph" Brown, 95, a retired accountant, died Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009 at the Glacier Care Center in Cut Bank due to natural causes.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Harold "Murph" Brown, 95, a retired accountant, died Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009 at the Glacier Care Center in Cut Bank due to natural causes.

No services will be held per his request. Cremation has taken place through Whitted Funeral Chapel.

Murph was born Dec. 9, 1913 to James X Brown and Rose Connolly Brown in Browning. He was an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe. He attended grade school and high school in Browning and attended college at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., graduating in 1940 with degrees in philosophy and accounting.

He joined the Army in 1942 and served in World War II traveling to North Africa, France and Italy. He was honorably discharged in 1945.

Murphy worked in the Los Angeles area for 50 years at various accounting jobs and as a security guard for several years before retiring.

He moved to Cut Bank for the final years of his life to be near family and up till age 94, could be seen jogging down Main Street on his way to the store.

He played tenor saxophone and drums while attending Gonzaga and his love of music continued all his life. He enjoyed listening to jazz, horseracing and telling stories of the past. His sense of humor will be missed.

Though there were no services, honorary pallbearers are: Forrest Gerard, Steve BlackBear LaBoueff, Victor Connolly, James Gerard, Jr., Gayle Kramer and Bill Gilham, Jr.

Survivors include a brother, Lawrence "Herb" Brown of Minneapolis, Minn.; a sister, Marjorie Brown Gerard of Cut Bank; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Murph was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Donald; and two sisters, Eileen and Esther.

Irene Iris Peterson
Irene Peterson, 86, passed into God's rest on March 7, 2009 at her home in Snohomish, Wash., surrounded by family after a long illness.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Irene Peterson, 86, passed into God's rest on March 7, 2009 at her home in Snohomish, Wash., surrounded by family after a long illness.

Irene was born to Roy and Una Engle in St. Maries, Idaho on Aug. 5, 1922. She moved to Tacoma, Wash., where she met her only love and best friend, Albert N. Peterson Sr. They were married on Dec. 17, 1942 in Everett, Wash., and enjoyed 59 years of true love and companionship. They were blessed with two beautiful children, Pete and Julie, who were the light of her life. While raising their family she and Albert were known to take in foster children, family, and even the neighborhood children who needed that little bit of extra love.

Irene worked as a seamstress and waitress in the Everett area and when the weekends came around it meant get the camper packed because they were headed to Eastern Washington to go hunting, fishing, or just camping.

After losing the love of her life, she moved to Snohomish and joined the Snohomish Senior Center and lived for Pinochle days. She was always eager to let you know she won! She had a new life companion, her kitty "Rosie," who filled her days with joy. The smell of Irene's hot apple pie or a pot of homemade stew will be missed.

Irene is survived by her sister, Violett Fadeffson, Albert (Judy) Peterson Jr. and daughter, Julie (John) Peterson Shearer. She leaves four grandchildren, Jason (Christy) Peterson, Tammy (Herb) Holten, Kelli Peterson and Scott Peterson; seven great-grandchildren, Justin of Shelby; Ashley, Garrett, Kourtney, Olivia and Clayton; nephews Lance (Vicki) Engle and Brad Engle.

She was preceded in death by her father, Roy Engle; mother, Una Engle; husband, Albert N. Peterson Sr.; brother, William Engle and sister, Mary Taro.

Family and friends will remember Irene as a caring and loving person who had a servers heart and who gave generously of herself to anyone in need. Those that were blessed to know her will be touched by her memory forever.

Burial of ashes will be Sept. 22 at 11 a.m. at the I.J. Peterson Ranch south of Devon.

John Richard (Dick) Kavanagh
John Richard (Dick) Kavanagh, 88, passed away Thursday, Sept. 3 at a Spokane, Wash., hospital in the comforting presence of loved ones, and is now in the hands of God.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

John Richard (Dick) Kavanagh, 88, passed away Thursday, Sept. 3 at a Spokane, Wash., hospital in the comforting presence of loved ones, and is now in the hands of God.

He was born in St. Helens, Ore., on Aug. 20, 1921. When his grandfather, John F. Kavanagh, bought The Shelby Promoter in the fall of 1922 his family moved there where his father, Cecil, worked at the newspaper. Dick grew up in Shelby and was a 1939 graduate of Shelby High School where he played varsity football, was on the track team, and was a member of the All-State Band.

He served in the U.S. Air Force as a 1st Lieutenant during World War II and served in the South Pacific as a meteorologist. He was decorated with the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with a Bronze Star, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Philippine Liberation Ribbon. His sons, Greg and Doug, also served in the Armed Services.

He married Virginia Adams of Independence, Mo., in 1947 and began his career in civil engineering after graduating in 1948 from Montana School of Mines (now Montana Tech.) in Butte, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering. He worked as a consulting engineer in Kansas City, Mo., and was the preliminary surveying engineer for the Hungry Horse Dam, where he was employed by the Bureau of Reclamation as materials' engineer. He also worked for the Portland Cement Association of Kansas City, Mo., in an engineering and promotional capacity. He had worked for Spokane Concrete Products as a sales engineer and then retired as the Adams County Engineer in Ritzville, Wash., after 18 years and then he and Virginia moved back to Spokane.

He enjoyed camping, fishing, hiking and many summer vacations in Glacier National Park. His family will always remember his many adventures on the trail, camping and fishing experiences, and the humorous events in the beautiful outdoors of the Park.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia, of 62 years, six children: Gary Kavanagh of Spokane, Wash., Greg Kavanagh and his wife, Kim, of Pasco, Wash., Dave Kavanagh of Spokane, Jan Schrag of Walla Walla, Wash., Diane Stocks and her husband, Bill, of Spokane, Doug Kavanagh and his wife, Jan, of Vancouver, Wash., nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Hilda Kavanagh; his sister, Patricia Boerner, and son-in-law Gary Schrag.

Dick will be missed and forever live in the hearts of his family and friends.

Memorial Mass was held on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral of Spokane. Interment with military honors was held at 1:30 p.m. at the Immaculate Heart Retreat Center Cemetery in Spokane.

Donations in his memory should be made to the Immaculate Heart Retreat, 6910 S. Ben Burr Rd., Spokane, American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice. Some family members have also suggested that a donation to the Glacier National Park Fund, P. O. Box 2749, Columbia Falls, MT 59912 would be appropriate because of Dick's love of the Park and the many adventures he had there throughout the years.

Jerolyn Schiele LaFromboise
Jerolyn Schiele LaFromboise, 52, of Arlee, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Jerolyn Schiele LaFromboise, 52, of Arlee, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services were held on Monday at the Jocko Valley Baptist Church with Rev. Kenny Prewett officiating. Pallbearers were Dale Schiele, Billy Ashley, Rod VanNess, Chad Cole, Jason Matt and Don LaFromboise. Cremation took place after the funeral services. Grogan Funeral Home of Polson was in charge of arrangements.

Jeri was born on July 27, 1957 in Polson, a daughter of Harold Schiele and Lois Ashley of Pablo.

Jeri worked hard her whole life. She held many different jobs, from nurse's assistant to restaurant manager. In 1992 she started working for the U.S. Postal Service, and was the rural carrier in Charlo until 2000 when she and her husband moved to Arlee, where she was the rural carrier there until the cancer forced her to quit in March of 2009.

Jeri was a special woman with a huge heart. She always put everyone else before herself. She was the glue that held everyone together and the voice of reason when you needed good advice.

Jeri had a soft spot for animals and loved to be out in the field with her horses, Little Boy, Maggie and Cimmeron. They were a very special part of her life. She also had a rescue dog she named Orphan Annie that she found on her mail route and nursed back to health with no help at all from her jealous cat, Catrine.

Jeri also loved to ride her Harley Davidson motorcycle alongside her husband Jeff. When she wasn't on her horses or her motorcycle she enjoyed baking, spending time with her family and going to the Griz games and concerts.

Jeri is survived by the love of her life, Jeff LaFromboise of Arlee; her daughter Codi (Rod) VanNess of Polson; her mother and stepfather, Bill and Lois Ashley of Pablo; father and stepmother, Harold and Eda Schiele of Pablo; her brothers Dale (Pam) Schiele of Phoenix, Ariz. and Billy Ashley of Pablo; her sisters, Rhonda Hogan of Chandler, Ariz., Barb (Dwayne) Hill of Sweetwater, Texas; her brother-in-law, Louis Conrad (Maryellen) LaFromboise of Browning, Don (Elyse) LaFromboise of Butte, sisters-in-law Lois Slater of Pablo, Lorna Morgan of Spokane, Wash., Vicki LaFromboise of Bozeman, Lori (Dan) Harris of Tacoma, Wash., and Lori LaFromboise. She is also survived by her "other two kids", Angela (Chad) Cole and Iain Hogan and many more nieces and nephews who were all very special to her, each in their own way.

She is preceded in death by a sister, Deborah Ashley; her beloved grandparents, George and Elva Doney and Martin and Elsie Schiele; her special aunt and uncle Bernice and Woody Ridnour; and her father-in-law, Robert LaFromboise; mother-in-law Rose LaFromboise; her brothers-in-law T.J., Steve, Roy and Robert LaFromboise; and her sister-in-law, Maryellen LaFromboise.

Our lives were all blessed to have Jeri in them. She made our lives rich with her kindness and love. WE WILL MISS YOU JERI. Rest well "Holy Horse Woman" - Natoyi-Ponoka-mitaa-ki.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com

James Laird
James Laird, age 84, a retired farmer from the north Chester community who was recently suffering with cancer, died Thursday evening, Sept. 17, 2009 in Chester.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

James Laird, age 84, a retired farmer from the north Chester community who was recently suffering with cancer, died Thursday evening, Sept. 17, 2009 in Chester.

His given name was James Kenneth Laird - he was affectionately known by family and friends as "Jim." He was born in Chester on Oct. 2, 1924 - the third of six children to Marie Daly and John Robertson Laird. Jim received his formal education at Joplin, then began working on the family farm 20 miles northeast of Chester.

Jim's sister, Rita, introduced him to his wife-to-be, Patricia J. Cox. Jim and Pat were married on June 4, 1948 at St. Gerard's Parish in Great Falls. In 1952 they moved to the Laird farm, where they raised their family of six. When their kids became active in school, the Laird's purchased a home in Chester in 1963. Jim farmed until his retirement in 1986. In the years that followed, Jim and Pat enjoyed traveling. They made several memorable RV trips throughout the continental United States and also traveled to Hawaii, Mexico and Scotland. Jim was very proud of his Scottish heritage and always enjoyed corresponding with his Scottish relatives. To celebrate his 81st birthday in 2005, the Laird children joined Jim and Pat on a "once in a lifetime" trip to Scotland, where many wonderful memories were made!

In 1992 the Laird's purchased a summer home at Lakeside. Jim loved spending time in the Flathead Valley, where he enjoyed fishing, reading, and "the life of leisure." As they got older, Jim and Pat were spending less time at Lakeside, so they sold their place in 2005. They continued to enjoy their life, home, and friends in the Chester community.

Jim was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and remained an active member at St. Mary's Church in Chester. He was a charter member of the Chester Lions Club, a longtime member of the Havre Elks Club and the Farmer's Union, and had served on the board of the FHA in Shelby.

Jim's hobbies were many. He loved fishing, be it with his family or his two old fishing buddies, Ted Tempel and Fred Joy. He liked to play cards, especially pinochle, whist, and "hand-and-foot." In his quiet time at home, Jim enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and reading. He was an avid fan of Agatha Christy and Sir Conan Doyle "murder-mysteries" and Montana history. In his younger years Jim enjoyed bowling in the Rudyard men's league. At one time he had a nice collection of specialty pennies. Jim's newfound love the past few years was raising fresh tomatoes in his garden.

The Laird family have always been sports enthusiasts. When the kids were growing up on the farm, Jim and the boys gathered around the TV on Saturday nights to cheer on their favorite N.H.L. teams during "Hockey Night in Canada." Jim was a loyal supporter of local high school sporting events, especially those involving his children and grandchildren. Always a social man, Jim loved striking up a conversation with a total stranger in a saloon. He had a good sense of humor and wit, and shared many trademark slogans/sayings with his family over the years. He will be missed and remembered by those who loved him...

Jim was preceded in death not only by his parents, but also by his only daughter, Anna Marie May, in 1979; and his five siblings-brothers Jack, Robert, Richard and Donald Laird; and a sister Rita Melonas.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Pat Laird of Chester; five sons, Ken Laird of Abilene, Texas, Mike (Gail) Laird of Great Falls, Jim (Vonda) Laird of Bozeman, John (Rita) Laird of Chester, and Scott (Jami) Laird of Cut Bank; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and several nephews and nieces.

Funeral Mass was celebrated Monday, Sept. 21 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Chester by Father Joseph Diekhans.

Pianist, Karen Stack, accompanied St. Mary's Choir, who sang "Parables", "Loving and Forgiving," "You Are Mine" and "Gift of Finest Wheat." Granddaughter, Heather Harrington, sang "Ave Maria." Scripture readers were Mitch Laird and Tom Harrington. Ushers were Quannah Bailey and Dave Mattson. Communion gifts were presented by Kelsey Laird, McKenna Laird and Rochelle Miessner. Eucharistic Ministers were Maureen Wicks, Marjie Dahinden, and Karen Mattson. Altar servers were Haylee and Troy Harmon. The eulogy was shared by Cory Laird. Pallbearers were Cory Laird, Mitch Laird, Ian Laird, Pat Laird, Tom Harrington and Mack Miessner. The mass ended with a CD bagpipe rendition of "Amazing Grace." Burial was in the Chester Cemetery and a reception followed at the church. Arrangements were by Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester.

Undesignated memorials will be given to Camp Mak-A-Dream, P.O. Box 1450, Missoula, MT 59806; or to the Liberty County Library, Chester, MT 59522.

Lindsey Nicole Hall
Lindsey Nicole Hall, 22, a waitress from Sunburst, passed away at her home on Sept. 5, 2009. Cause of death is under investigation.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Lindsey Nicole Hall, 22, a waitress from Sunburst, passed away at her home on Sept. 5, 2009. Cause of death is under investigation.

A memorial service was held at the Whitted Funeral Chapel in Shelby at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009. Burial of ashes will take place at a future date in Illinois. Condolences for the family may be sent to www.whittedfuneralchapel.com.

She is survived by her parents, Lisa (Dale) Welch of Shelby and Brian (Debbie) Osborn of Paxtion, Ill.; son Andrew Hallies of Shelby; siblings Brian Breeona and Vanessa Osborn of Paxtion, Ill., Samantha and Steven Welch of Shelby and Justin and Sam Welch of Wentchee, Wash. She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Linda Gray, and grandfather, Chuck Wilson.

Muriel E. Ellis
Muriel E. (Darrington) Ellis, 102, a retired music teacher from Cut Bank, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, at the Glacier Care Center.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Muriel E. (Darrington) Ellis, 102, a retired music teacher from Cut Bank, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, at the Glacier Care Center.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at the First Presbyterian Church with inurnment to follow in the Crown Hill Cemetery. Whitted Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Muriel was born July 5, 1907 at Hesper, Iowa to David and Laura (Lund) Darrington. At a young age she moved with her family to North Dakota where she was educated and later received her Normal Piano Diploma from the University of Chicago.

She married James Russell Ellis, Sr. in Stanley, N.D. in 1925. The family moved to Cut Bank from Coeur D' Alene, Idaho in 1937.

Muriel taught piano for over 50 years in Cut Bank and held a permanent Professional Certificate.

She was a member and former Deacon of the First Presbyterian Church where she was also active in the women's organizations and a member of the National and State Music Teachers Association. She also belonged to Cut Bank women's and literature clubs, the Glacier Historical Society and the senior citizens.

She was the last remaining charter member of the Cut Bank - Shelby Community Concert Association that she helped organize.

Survivors include daughter, Audrey Y. Lehman of Anderson, S.C.; son, James R. Ellis Jr. of Cut Bank; as well as six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one great great granddaughter.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Russell Ellis, Sr.; and a grandson John Lehman.

Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church or donor's choice.

Condolences may be posted on www.whittedfuneralchapel. com.

Comment:

Grace-Marie Freed Magone wrote on Sep 28, 2009 4:16 PM:

Mildred Ione Foote
Mildred Ione Foote passed away peacefully on Aug. 31, 2009, at the age of 101. A memorial service will be held Monday, Sept.14, 2009, at the Laurel United Methodist Church at 11 a.m.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Mildred Ione Foote passed away peacefully on Aug. 31, 2009, at the age of 101. A memorial service will be held Monday, Sept.14, 2009, at the Laurel United Methodist Church at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Laurel United Methodist Church, 307 West 4th St., Laurel, MT 59044 or the Marias Care Center, 640 Park Dr., Shelby, MT 59474.

Mildred is survived by her daughter Sharen (Vern) Robertson; grandson Kelly (Jodi) Robertson; and daughters, Madison and McKenna, grandson, Scott (Janine) Robertson and daughters, Nicole, Kelsey, Quinci and granddaughter Shawn (Andy) Schweyen and boys, Holter and Greyson.

Mildred was born July 12, 1908 , in Montevideo, Minn., to Halvor and Emma Nelson Rodeberg. After the death of her father her mother, brother Hubert, and she moved to Roundup. After high school she attended Eastern Montana Normal School in Billings, pursuing a teaching degree and then teaching in several Montana schools. She met her future husband, Leon C. Foote, while attending college and they married in 1935. They moved to Denton, where Leon taught school and coached for seven years and their daughter, Sharen, was born. In 1942 they moved to Laurel where Leon continued to teach and coach and Mildred taught third grade for 19 years. Each class was special to her.

After the death of her husband she moved to Shelby, Mt to be closer to her family. She resided at the Marias Heritage Center for 6 years where she made many new and close friends. After breaking her hip she lived at the Marias Care Center for the past 3 years.

Mildred was a devout Christian and very active in the United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School, worked with the youth group and was a member of the Women's Society Bible Study Group. After retirement she volunteered at the Billings Deaconess Hospital and was a 50-year member of P.E.O. Her hobbies consisted of playing cards with her great-grandchildren, as well as her friends; reading, crocheting and playing her organ. She loved to cook and bake, was a great hostess and enjoyed having guests over for dinners.

Mildred was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Orson L. Anderson
Orson L. Anderson, 95, a retired parts man from Cut Bank, passed Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, away at the Northern Rockies Medical Center due to natural causes.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Orson L. Anderson, 95, a retired parts man from Cut Bank, passed Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009, away at the Northern Rockies Medical Center due to natural causes.

A celebration of his life will be held 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18 at the Glacier Care Center. Whitted Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

He was born Aug. 16, 1914 at Cardston, Alberta to Orson F. and Florence (Olsen) Anderson where he grew up and graduated from high school. He married Lavina Garrard at Calgary in 1935. They came to Cut Bank in 1957 where he worked as a parts man for Reider Implement Co. until 1979. He then worked for Alme Construction Co. for 18 years.

He was a member of the Moose and Elks Lodges. He enjoyed fishing and there was hardly a lake or stream he hadn't wet his line in.

Survivors include a daughter, Laurita (Ken) Jensen of Great Falls and adopted daughter, Nicole (Brian) Anderson and her three children of Cut Bank; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Lavina and Pearl; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Cal Forslin; sister, Thelma; and brother, Pete.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Glacier Care Center. Condolences may be posted at whittedfuneralchapel.com.

Rebecca Maki
Rebecca Evelyn Hegstad Maki, 77, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009 at the Heritage Place in Kalispell.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Rebecca Evelyn Hegstad Maki, 77, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009 at the Heritage Place in Kalispell.

Funeral services for Rebecca were held on Monday at Easthaven Baptist Church with Pastor Daniel Lambert officiating. Burial was Tuesday in the Crown Hill Cemetery in Cut Bank. Johnson - Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory was in charge of arrangements.

She was born on Dec. 26, 1931 in Powers Lake, N.D. to George and Christine (Erickson) Hegstad.

Rebecca married Toivo Everett Maki on Nov. 20, 1950 in Fergus Falls, Minn. They raised 10 children. When the youngest was five, Rebecca went to work as a housekeeper at the Cut Bank Hospital where she remained for 20 years. She was a member of the Cut Bank Senior Citizens Club. She loved babies, canning, cooking and gardening. When she retired, Rebecca moved to Kalispell to be closer to more of her children. She attended Easthaven Baptist Church and makes the best homemade bread in the world. She also loved her flowers and they loved her too.

She is survived by eight children: Elaine (Ralph) Holmquist of Kalispell, Jeanne (Bruce) Riley of Kalispell, Helga (Jim) Stimson of Helena, Ella (Mark) Hill of Kalispell, Marilyn Wilson of Fort Gibson, Okla., Linda (Ken) Fielder of Kalispell, MT, Nina (Daniel) Carvajal of Logan, Utah, and Victor Allen (Kim) Maki of Kalispell; many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her husband; four sons-an infant, Victor Lee, Everett, and Gerald Maki; two sisters and one brother.

You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Rebecca's guestbook, offer condolences and share memories.

Ray Middlesworth
Ray Middlesworth, 91, a retired electrical contractor from Shelby and World War II Army Air Corps pilot, died peacefully Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 at the Marias Care Center.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:43 PM MDT

Ray Middlesworth, 91, a retired electrical contractor from Shelby and World War II Army Air Corps pilot, died peacefully Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009 at the Marias Care Center.

Visitation was Tuesday from 1 until 8 p.m. at the Whitted Funeral Chapel. Funeral services were 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30 at the Community United Methodist Church. Burial with military honors will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.

Survivors include sister Mary Burns of Cut Bank; son Steve Middlesworth of Kalispell and daughter Michele Middlesworth of Broomfield, Colo.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Norley of Conrad, his parents, Lloyd and Elizabeth (Bender) Middlesworth of Shelby and his younger brother, Herb.

Ole Ray's final prayers were answered on Saturday when he was allowed to slip his bond with earth after 91 years of good living, good friends and good customers. He loved his kids and extended family and is ever so happy to be reunited with his blond bombshell wife, Phyllis. Rest assured they are once again dancing cheek-to-cheek. No doubt his proudest accomplishment was being a pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II and his greatest joy was flying. It took him 13 years to figure out farming wasn't his forte. As a master electrician and electrical contractor, he met and befriended hundreds of people in Toole and surrounding counties, running miles of electrical wire in various establishments and homes. He literally lit the place up. He enjoyed traveling, seeing new things, going to air shows, panning for gold, and, of course, drinking coffee and eating good cookies.

Condolences may be posted at www.whittedfuneralchapel.com

Susie Wurz
Susie Wurz died Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009 at Glacier Hutterite Colony near Cut Bank of natural causes at the age of 89.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Susie Wurz died Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009 at Glacier Hutterite Colony near Cut Bank of natural causes at the age of 89.

Funeral services and burial were Friday, Sept. 11 at Glacier Colony. Whitted Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Susie was born June 26, 1920 in Hutchinson, S.D. to Jacob and Susanna (Entz) Wurz. She enjoyed doing sewing and knitting and was a devoted reader. At the colony, her jobs included teaching kindergarten and working in the garden.

Survivors include sisters, Rebecca (Jacob) Waldner, Katherine Wurz and Elizabeth Wurz, all of Glacier Colony; brothers, Joseph (Rebecca) Wurz of Glacier Colony and Paul Wurz of Cascade Colony, Sun River.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and three brothers, Andrew, Peter and Jacob.

Ted C. Morhardt
Ted C. Morhardt, age 94, a lifelong resident of Teton County, died Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009 at the Teton Nursing Home in Choteau from natural causes.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Ted C. Morhardt, age 94, a lifelong resident of Teton County, died Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009 at the Teton Nursing Home in Choteau from natural causes.

Memorial Services were held Tuesday at the Gorder Funeral Home Chapel in Choteau. Interment of his cremated remains was in the Choteau Cemetery under the direction of Gorder Funeral Home.

Ted was born Sept. 17, 1914 in Agawam, the son of Carl and Katherine (Gemar) Morhardt. He graduated from Conrad High School and earned a lifetime teacher's certificate from Walla Walla College in 1935. Ted taught school in several rural schools throughout the state of Montana for 38 years. He farmed near Agawam until retiring in 1980, when they moved into Choteau.

He was a member of the Moose Lodge and also enjoyed gardening, playing pool, bowling and playing cards. He was an avid fisherman and pheasant hunter.

He is survived by a daughter, Roberta (David) Robinson of Warrensburg, Mo.; a son Larry (Gail) Morhardt of Cut Bank; three grandsons: Terry and Brian (Mindi) Morhardt and Jeff (Stephanie) Jones; two granddaughters, Tammy Morhardt Nickol and Jodi Hickey; three great-grandsons: Austin Doll, Garrett Nickol and Chase Jones; a step-great granddaughter Chessara Birky; and a step-great grandson Michael Birky.

He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Katherine Morhardt; his wife, Clysta "Tommie" Stott-Morhardt; sisters Amelia Hunt, Bertha Aznoe and Freda Kack; and brothers, Ed and Henry Morhardt.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be left at www.gorderfuneral home.com.

Virginia Ann Oursland
Virginia Ann Oursland, 73, "went home to be with the Lord" on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, due to a serious heart infection, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:35 PM MDT

Virginia Ann Oursland, 73, "went home to be with the Lord" on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2009, due to a serious heart infection, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell.

Funeral services for Virginia were held on Friday, Sept. 4, at Central Bible Church, with Pastor Ron Youde officiating. Burial followed at Glacier Memorial Gardens. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory was in charge of arrangements.

She is survived by her husband, David; her son, Mark, and Sheryl; her daughter, Marcia, and Jeff Snyder; grandchildren, Beth and Jay, Janel and Dustin, Kirsten and Jesse, Bryce, Michel, Paul, Austin, Grant and Grace; great-grandchildren, Jorja, Israel and Marcus; her stepmother, Lois Nelson; two sisters, Susan Nelson of Glendive and Sharon Britton of Cascade; and a brother, John Wilkins of Burlington, Kansas.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to Central Bible Church, 902 First Avenue East, Kalispell, MT 59901.

You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Virginia's guest book, offer condolences and share memories.