The Boulder MOnitor Boulder, MOntana
 
 
Diane Thompson Diane Woods Thompson, age 63, of Boulder, Montana, died Friday, August 6, 2010, as a result of a motorcycle accident near Cottonwood, South Dakota. Survivors include her fiance Mike Anderson of Helena, Montana; one daughter Maureen Thompson and her husband Michael Stuckey of San Diego, California; one son Marshall Thompson of Salt Lake City, Utah; their father David Thompson of Denver, Colorado; three grandchildren Margaret, Robert, and Marshall Stuckey; three brothers: Bob Woods and his wife Mary of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Dan Woods of Missoula, Montana, and Michael Woods and his wife Cindy of Great Falls, Montana; and a host of other relatives and friends. Diane was preceded in death by her parents Keith and Margaret (Gieger) Woods; and a granddaughter Charlotte Stuckey. A memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, August 14, at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds Volunteer Hall in Boulder, Montana. An online guest book is available at rushfuneralhome.com. Terri Leary Terri Leary died at home June 9, 2010, after complications from lung cancer. Terri was born September 3, 1962 in Glendive, MT to Carl and Jill Clapp. Her parents later divorced and she was raised by her mother and stepfather Ken Rohyans. She attended schools in Glendive, Federal Way, WA, and Helena and graduated from Capital High in 1980. Terri attended college at Eastern Montana College in Billings and graduated from Carroll College with a degree in Special Education, inspired by her sister Becki and uncle Jack.    Terri spent 24 years working at the Montana Developmental Center (MDC) starting as a teacher and soon becoming interested in developing a vocational training program. The department grew under her guidance and vision. She had a passionate desire that the clients of MDC experience job placement, a sense of responsibility and overall achievement. Terri was the Supervisor of Vocational Training for many years with her energies always dedicated to her clients.  Over the last 20 years Terri was ever present cheering on her boys during their baseball, basketball and football games. Tyson, Kahner and Reilly were the great loves of her life and she was their biggest fan and supporter. Terri and her mother Jill shared a very special bond, especially the last 4 months as they journeyed through cancer together and gathered strength from one another.    She was interested in and so very talented at jewelry making, beading, crafting, and scrapbooking. She loved Glacier Park, Harley Davidsons, rock and roll music, concerts and most especially the sound of the river as she watched her beloved boys fishing. She enjoyed her boys’ hunting stories and she prided herself on her shooting ability, referring to herself as “ol’ sure shot Terri.” Terri was preceded in death by her father Carl Clapp, stepfather Ken Rohyans, sister Becki Rohyans, grandparents June and Pete Terrett, uncle Jack Terrett, grandmother Frieda Clapp and David Benson.  She is survived by her three sons: Tyson Benson and Kahner and Reilly Leary; mother Jill Rohyans; stepmother Jeanne Clapp; sisters: Amy Rohyans Stewart (Brian and their daughter Vienna), Barbara (Marty) Denny, Patricia Coakley and Kathy (Harold) Wells; brothers: Mark Clapp (Rachel and their children Tyler and Ashley), Dave (Karen) Rohyans and Mark Rohyans; and aunt Jane (Rick) Marks; cousin Chris (Scott and son, William) Phillips; and her special friend Dan Fenner. Terri loved her family and friends deeply, most especially her three boys of whom she was so very proud. Thank you Tyson, Kahner and Reilly for taking such good care of your Mom and for making her laugh like no one else could. Services were held Monday, June 14, at 11:00 a.m. at Plymouth Congregational Church, 400 So. Oakes in Helena. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established at First Security Bank for the boys’ educational needs. Minnie Westover Minnie Muriel Westover, 88, of Clancy, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2010 at St. Peter’s Hospital with her children and grandchildren by her side. Muriel, born January 18, 1922 in Shelbina, Missouri, was the fourth child of Laverne and Edna (Pike) Johnson. The family moved to Montana in the late 1920s. Muriel attended school at Lakeside, Helena and Clancy. She met the love of her life, Walter A. Westover, and they married in 1938. Walter and Muriel were blessed with five children: Minnie Edna, Gene, Arlieta, Carolyn and Lorretta. Muriel worked for several years at the Parrot Confectionary in Helena. She enjoyed playing cards, traveling, gardening, crocheting, quilting, camping, fishing, boating, and spending time with friends and family. She was always ready for a good game of cards. She was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 10010 Women’s  Auxiliary in East Helena; Helena Senior Citizens; Rebakah Lodge #5, and the Clancy Methodist Church. Muriel was preceded in death by her parents, Laverne and Edna; husband, Walter; sister, Lavera Lagle; brothers, Olin and Edwin Johnson; son, Gene; daughter, Minnie Edna; son-in-law, Jerome Woodward and grandson, Walter Woodward. Left to celebrate her life are daughters, Arlieta (Don) Holshue, Carolyn Woodward, and Lorretta (Rick) Strobel; daughter-in-law, Mary Westover; sisters, Clara Johnson Robinson, Purita Gorda, FL and Oline Albright, St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Kim (JK) Weiss, Tempe, AZ, Kevin (Natalie) Holshue, Las Vegas, NV, Kelly (Diana) Holshue, Helena, MT, Ken Holshue, Richland, WA, Myrle (Mike) Cunis, Ashland, MA, Kelley  Woodward, Rapid City, SD, Chine Strobel, Clancy, MT, Rick (Kassi) Strobel, Helena, MT and Oliver Westover, Helena, MT; fourteen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Viewing was at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home on Thursday, June 3. Funeral services were scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday, June 4 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.  Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Missoula Office, 3550 Mullan Rd, Ste 104, Missoula, MT 59808; Clancy Methodist Church, PO Box 30, Clancy, MT 59634; or to the organization of donor’s choice.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Deirdre Lyn Alheim Deirdre Lyn Alheim of Montana City passed away on May 16, 2010, after a courageous three-year battle with breast cancer. Deirdre was born in Portland, Oregon, on October 23, 1960, to Richard and Barbara Cole. She graduated from Centennial High School in Gresham, Oregon, in 1978 and immediately joined the U.S. Coast Guard. She served as a coxswain on 44-foot motor lifeboats on the Oregon coast; an instructor at Boatswain Mate and Coxswain C schools in Yorktown, Virginia; search and rescue coordinator at Group Mobile, Alabama, and Group Mobile, Boston; housing inspector at Support Center, Governor’s Island, NewYork; and barracks master at Arms Activities, NewYork, in Staten Island. While in the Coast Guard, Deirdre met Larry Alheim, an instructor at Marine Safety School in Yorktown, Virginia. After dating only four weeks, Larry proposed, and lucky for him, she accepted. They were married in 1984 and celebrated their 25th anniversary in December. In 1998, Larry and Deirdre retired from the Coast Guard and moved to Helena with their daughter Erin. In 2006, they moved to Montana City and joined the Montana City Volunteer Fire Department. Deirdre was named Rookie of the Year in 2006, and Firefighter of the Year in 2007 and 2009, for outstanding service in the fire department. Even while undergoing chemotherapy in 2007, 2008 and 2009, Deirdre still remained active, responding to over 70 percent of the department’s calls, including structure fires, wildland fires, vehicle accidents/extrications/fires, and hazardous materials incidents. She also responded to large mutual aid calls on the Meriwether fire, Spring Meadow Lake fire, Indian Trail fire and the MacDonald Pass fire. Deirdre, Larry and Erin would like to thank Dr. Tom Weiner, Dr. Robert Pfeffer and all the great nurses in the Cancer Treatment Center and the oncology floor of St. Peter’s Hospital for their outstanding treatment and care. Deirdre was preceded in death by her father, Richard Cole. She is survived by her husband Larry; and daughter Erin of Montana City; her mother, Barbara Cole of Portland, Oregon; sisters, Candy Dylla of Bend, Oregon, and Cindy Vanhoff of Spokane, Washington; as well as many nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held Monday, May 24, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Helena. Burial with military honors followed the service at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison. To offer condolences to Deirdre’s family or to share a memory of Deirdre, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be sent in Deirdre’s name to the Cancer Treatment Center, c/o St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601; or to the Montana City Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 2094, 1 Jackson Creek Road, Clancy, MT 59634. Arrangements are under the care of Retz Funeral Home in Helena. Philip Romero Philip Abraham Romero, age 43, went to see the Lord unexpectedly on May 18, 2010. He was born in Duarte, California February 23, 1967 to Leocadio and Consuelo Romero. He lived and worked in Southern California until he moved to Boulder the fall of 2009. He fell in love with the area. He worked at Town Pump and made many friends who loved his positive attitude and his quick wit. His family could always depend on him to make them smile and laugh.  He enjoyed fishing and being outdoors. He is survived by 8 brothers: Martin, Max, Jerry (wife Arits), Gilbert (wife Pam), Manuel, Louis, Edmund (wife Tuyet), Leo and 7 sisters Gloria, Virginia (husband Ben), Bertha, Mary (husband Viviano), Margaret, Tina (husband Steve), Rita and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service was held Saturday, May 22, at the Assembly of God Church in Boulder. K&L Mortuaries & Crematory of Boulder assisted with the service. Rachel E. Kresge Rachel E. Kresge, 84, our beloved mother, sister and grandmother passed away peacefully, April 19, 2010 at Cooney Convalescent Home. Rachel was born April 10, 1926 in Fortuna, ND to Frances Grace (Westover) and Theodore Leonard Thorbergson. Rachel was the second oldest of four children. The family moved from Fortuna, ND to Clancy when Rachel was eleven years old. They later moved to Wickes where Rachel’s mother was postmistress for 50 years. Rachel married Ted E. Kresge January 2, 1943 in Butte. Together they raised seven children, five girls and two boys. Rachel loved family gatherings at their home in Wickes. Rachel and Ted loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, camping and snowmobiling. Rachel was a kind loving wife and mother. She was an exceptional cook and loved crocheting and yard work. Rachel is survived by her sister, Gloria Clark Henry; brother, Lloyd Thorbergson; and her seven children, Madeline (Jim) Cottrill, Maxine (Butch) Fournier, Marlene (Rod) Platt, Mickie (Ron) Bulkley, Mary (Steve) Elwood, Ted (Julie) Kresge, and David (Kristi) Kresge; 20 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Dotte Thorbergson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Rachel was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Ted E. Kresge, her brother, Ronald Thorbergson, her parents, grandson Cory Bulkley, and brother-in-law, Les Clark. The family wishes to thank the staff at Cooney Home for their special care of their mother. Memorials may be sent to Cooney Convalescent Home, 2555 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or charity of donor’s choice. The family received friends Friday, April 23, 2010 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home followed by a procession to the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison for graveside services at 4 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Helena Irene Carney Helen Irene (Lackman) Carney, 76, of Great Falls, a retired secretary for Consolidated Freightways in Billings, died Tuesday of MS at a Great Falls nursing home. A private family service will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home. Survivors include her husband, Robert “Bob” Carney of Great Falls; son, Steve (Laura) Carney of Boulder; granddaughters Rebecca (Jim) Averill and Stephanie Carney of Boulder; and great-grandchildren, Tori, Kaera, and Maddy Averill and Kyler Frazier of Boulder. Helen was born at home in Yellowstone County on March 18, 1934. She was the youngest child in a large farming family. She was part of the graduating class of 1951 from Senior High School in Billings, Montana. Helen worked as a secretary for Consolidated Freightways in Billings and that is where she met her future husband and love of her life, Robert “Bob” G. Carney. Helen and Bob were married in Billings in 1954. They loved to go dancing every weekend and spend time in the company of their many siblings. Helen chose to be a stay-at-home mom when their first and only child, Steven Lorin Carney, was born in 1962. Helen was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis several years after Steve was born. She battled her disease with courage and fortitude for many years. She did her best to keep her spirits up and those of everyone around her, too. She will always be remembered for her smile and her infectious giggle. Helen lost her battle against MS on April 20, 2010, at Missouri River Care & Rehabilitation Center, when the Lord called her home to rest. Her indomitable spirit will be remembered by the family she has left behind. Condolences may be posted at chapelofchimesfunerals.com. Doris Ida Nininger Doris Ida Nininger, 86, of Gladstone, Mo., died March 14, 2010, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Funeral services 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at Mt. Moriah Terrace Park Funeral Home, with visitation from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, at the funeral home. She was born December 31, 1923, the daughter of Lafe and Eunice Wilson. She was raised on a farm near Butler, Mo. In the late 1940s, she moved to Kansas City, where she was employed by Sears. In January of 1948, she married John W. Nininger, with whom she recently marked their 62nd wedding anniversary. Together they had six children. While John worked for TWA, Doris stayed home to raise the children. She never missed a chance to attend a concert, play, spelling bee or other event in which her children or grandchildren participated. On snowy days, she would greet the children with fresh hot chocolate and always made sure homework was a top priority. Doris took great pride in all of the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Near the end, nothing perked her up like a visit from a great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Lois, Alice, and Mary, brother Kenneth and well-loved nephew Dale Proffitt. She is survived by her husband, John; daughters Sharon (Thom) Stewart of Gladstone, Janice (David) Anderson of Boulder, Mont., Patricia Nininger of Kansas City, and Connie (Jim) Armstrong of Kansas City; sons Donald and Douglas Nininger of Kansas City; grandchildren Christina Stewart, Mary (Darren) Plunkett, Daniel (Tracey) Anderson, Paul (Katie) Anderson, Crystal (Jason) Berry, April (Dane) Van Ravenswaay and Amanda Armstrong; great grandchildren Braden Plunkett and Quyen Anderson; brother Chester Wilson and sister- in-law Pearl Wilson, and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be deeply missed by all. Richard J. Griffin Richard J. (Dick) Griffin passed away on March 8, 2010 at the VA Hospital in Fort Harrison, MT. He was 80 years old and suffered from Parkinson’s disease. He was born September 29, 1929 to Richard and Ann Griffin in Butte, Montana. He was raised in Butte and moved to the Helena area after receiving degrees in Architecture and Applied Art from Montana State University and University of California at Berkley. He also served in the U.S. Air Force. He was a licensed Architect in Montana and Washington. He designed and was the project manager for many familiar buildings in Montana including the Helena Regional Airport Terminal. His firm also designed and managed the project to construct the Jefferson High School expansion in the mid-1980s. He was in partnership with Crossman-Whitney-Griffin PC Architects and worked for Morrison-Maierle INC. in Helena. He enjoyed hiking and skiing with his family, playing the piano, listening to classical music, gardening, and reading the Sunday New York Times. He married Shirley Kasperick on January 2, 1960 in Helena. Dick is survived by his wife; son Eric and his family, Denice, and Riley of Helena; son Leif and his family, Leanne, Morgan, and Robert of Missoula; and daughter, Mary and her husband, Kevin Todd of Kent, Washington. He was preceded in death by his parents Dick and Ann Griffin of Butte, MT. Cremation has taken place and a funeral Mass was held at Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church in East Helena on Friday, March 12, 2010 at 12:00 noon. The family is very pleased with the care he received at Elkhorn Health and Rehabilitation Center, 474 Highway 282, Clancy MT 59634 and the VA Hospital at Fort Harrison, MT. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to either of these facilities, or to an organization of your choice. Arrangements were under the direction of Retz Funeral Home of Helena. Edith Semple Edith Lucinda Semple, age 87, recently of Montana City, left this life peacefully on March 2, 2010 surrounded by loving family at Country Life Assisted Living Home in Montana City. Edith was born on the family homestead February 3, 1923, in Weymouth, Massachusetts, the youngest of five children to Margaret and Charles Glines. She took great pride in her mother’s Irish heritage that was passed on to her in addition to being a Yankee from New England. Edith was raised in Weymouth and received her education from Weymouth High School. Upon graduation in 1942, she attended business school in Quincy, MA, which prepared her for a job at Weymouth Savings Bank – a job she loved and often recalled in her later years. In 1951, Edith married William Semple and together they had two children. They later divorced. Edith’s focus in life was family – spending time with her siblings and her own children – eventually with her grandchildren and most recently playing with her almost one-year-old great-grandson.  She loved Sunday drives, family dinners and holidays with everyone at the table. When all her siblings had passed on, after a life lived entirely within a ten-mile radius of where she was born, Edith took the giant step of moving to Helena in 1998 to be near family. By doing this she had the pleasure of seeing her son and many of her grandchildren frequently – watching them grow up into adulthood. She traveled to California to see her grandchildren there and cherished the special times she spent with them. Edith had artistic talent and was a member of the Weymouth Art Association until her move to Montana. She loved her tea (always with milk!) and enjoyed taking tea with her Montana family members. She also enjoyed crochet, reading mystery novels, and baking sweets. Edith was passionate about shopping and formed many acquaintances with clerks and workers at Albertson’s, Dillard’s, Macy’s, Ross and Safeway. Edith is preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Charles Glines; her brother, Albert Glines; her sisters: Gladys (Ernest) Milde, Ethel (Leonard) Fox, and Helen Glines. She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Janet (Dr. Larry Hess) Semple-Hess, of Chatsworth, CA and her son, Douglas (Karen) Semple, of Montana City, MT; her grandchildren: Rachel (David) Weidner, of Alamogordo, NM; Matthew (Cindy) Semple, of Great Falls, MT; Elizabeth (Christopher) Mathison, of Fort Lewis-McChord, WA; Abigail Semple, of Montana City, MT; Michael Hess, Benjamin Hess and Rebecca Hess, all of Chatsworth, CA; her great-grandchildren: Ashlie and Rylie Weidner, and Conner Semple. Funeral arrangements were coordinated by Helena Funeral Chapel.   Interment will take place at Village Cemetery in Weymouth, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be sent to Hospice of St. Peter’s, First Lutheran Church, or the charity of one’s choice. Kathryn Chamberlain Kathryn B. Chamberlain, 91, of Hamilton passed away Monday, February 15, 2010 at her home of natural causes. Services will be held on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton. Raymond Morton Raymond E. Morton, age 66, of Boulder passed away February 14, 2010 at St. Peter’s Hospital at Helena. Raymond was born March 18, 1943 at Stilwell, Oklahoma. As an infant he moved to Washington and later to Montana. He worked and lived in Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Wyoming, always calling Montana home. He worked as a heavy equipment operator in many industries and on various construction sites. Some noteable sites in Montana included working on the interstate system between Whitehall and Butte, and working on the Yellowtail Dam by Hardin. Raymond was preceded in death by his mother Pearlie Hill, and his sister Dianna. Survivors include his loving companion Sherry, his brothers and sisters Ben, Linda, Gordon, Dema, Jackie, Debora, and Donna, and numerous nieces and nephews. At his request cremation has taken place and no services will be held. K&L Mortuaries & Crematory of Boulder assisted with arrangements. Nina Powell Nina Mae Powell, 76, of Boulder, passed peacefully into the Lord’s care early Saturday morning February 13, 2010. She was born Nina Mae Johnson on October 25, 1933 in Livingston, Montana to Paul Eugene and Buelah Mae Johnson. She spent the first of her years on the “Homestead” in Greybull, Wyoming, later moving to Livingston and then to Boulder where she met and eventually married Donald Powell. Nina returned to work in Livingston while Don served in Korea. Upon his return, they spent brief periods in Boulder, Livingston and Butte, eventually settling in Boulder where together they raised four sons. Nina began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Boulder River School and Hospital, retiring early after 25 years to care for her ailing husband. As it is with people in most small communities, Nina whole-heartedly supported town activities and functions too numerous to mention. One of her favorite past times was bowling with her husband and their friends. She loved animals, especially horses and dogs; loved to sit and look up at the stars at night while everyone was asleep in the tent; had a wonderful sense of humor, and rumor is she could yodel like nobody’s business; was a dang good shot with a rifle in her younger days. Nina was more than a sister, wife, daughter-in-law, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother – She was a friend and will be missed by all of us. Thank you Rocky Mountain Hospice! You all were a Godsend in helping us make her last days comfortable in a familiar surrounding. Nina is survived by her sons, John (Tammi), Jim, Jay, Jeff (Anna); brothers and sisters, Helen, Robert (Carolyn), Lois (Bill), Stuart (Bonnie); ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren; numerous aunts, uncles, nephews and nieces. Among those close to her who preceded Nina in death are her parents; father-in-law Les; Don, husband of 38 years; brother-in-law “Sully”; daughter-in-law Peggy; brother Stanley. Viewing will be held Thursday, February 18, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at K & L Mortuary Chapel in Boulder. Services will be 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 19, 2010 in Boulder at K&L Mortuary. Reception will be at the Catholic Church following a short graveside service. Harlow Kneeland Harlow G. Kneeland, age 77, of Sheridan, Montana passed away February 7, 2010 at the Ruby Valley Hospital at Sheridan, Montana.. He was born August 4, 1932 in Great Falls, Montana to George and Eda Venetz Kneeland. He attended Castner Falls and Orr Schools. He lived in Castner Falls, Smith River, Millegan and the Great Falls areas before moving to Madison County in 1964. While living in Castner Falls his family owned and operated a wheat and hog farm until his sixth grade, then they moved onto a cattle ranch on the Smith River and Hound Creek. He worked several ranches in that area.. He owned the Bunnell Ranch on Clark Creek near Millegan. After selling the ranch he moved to Great Falls where he worked at Croxford & Sons Mortuary for 10 years. From there he moved to Virginia City where he and Joe Lukkason purchased the Raper Funeral Homes in 1964. They consisted of Three Forks, Ennis, Twin Bridges, and Virginia City. In 1966 they built a mortuary in Harrison. Harlow moved to Sheridan in 1974 where he opened the mortuary there. In 1980 he bought his partner out. In 1997 he purchased the Boulder and Whitehall mortuaries along with his son Keith who has taken over the family business. He has held several positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and at various times has been involved in Kiwanis, Elks, Rotary, School Boards both in Great Falls and Virginia City, Commercial Club in Ennis, and served on the board of directors for the Ruby Valley National Bank. On September 23, 1966 he married Faye Curry in Rexburg, Idaho. They were later married and sealed December 10, 1977 in the Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah. They have four sons and daughters-in-law: Aaron and Brenda Kneeland of Miles City, Keith and Kristen Kneeland of Whitehall, Eric and Tracy Kneeland of Oregon City, Oregon, and Bruce and Patty Kneeland of Virginia City; eight grandsons: Raymond, Justin, Bradley, Robert, Joshua, Chase, Ethan, and Adam; one granddaughter Jenna; and one great granddaughter. Memorials are preferred to the Ruby Valley Ambulance Service, the Ruby Valley Hospital, the Tobacco Root Mountain Care Center, the Madison Valley Ambulance, the Madison Valley Hospital, or the Madison Valley Manor. Funeral services were held Friday, February 12, at 10:00 a.m. from the Old Sheridan High School Gym at Sheridan, Montana with Bishop George Breakall officiating. A reception followed at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at Sheridan. Private entombment was held Friday at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial in Great Falls, Montana.. Jean (Curtiss) Gilmer Jean Gilmer, a lifetime resident of Basin and Boulder, Montana, passed away unexpectedly on February 2, 2010, at the age of 81 at the hospital in Butte, loving family by her side. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 8, at the K & L Funeral Home in Boulder. Following interment, friends gathered at the Boulder Catholic Community Center. The family received friends at the funeral home Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. Jean was born Jean May Curtiss on November 1, 1928, in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, to James Kenneth “Ken” Curtiss and Maud (Evernham) Curtiss. They lived up Cataract Creek near Basin until Jean was seven when, she fondly remembered, “Mom said ‘Ken, we’ve got to to move to town and get Jean in school or the law will be after us.’” Jean and her younger sister Margy Belle, attended the two-room grade school in Basin and graduated from Jefferson County High School in Boulder. Jean attended college in Dillon – she always wanted to be a teacher like her mother – but marriage and children interrupted her dream. She married Boulder-native Milton Oscar “Bud” Gilmer on November 7, 1948 at Boulder, Montana, and had three children over the next four years – Milton Bruce “Bruce,” Brenda Jean, and Barbara Lee. The family moved from Basin to Boulder in 1960. Jean was able to teach under a provisional license, first at the Boulder River School and Hospital and then kindergarden at the Boulder Grade School. A second son, Steven Carroll, was born in 1961. She went back school and graduated from Carroll College in Helena in 1974, the same year her daughter Barbara graduated from the University of Montana. She happily taught fourth grade in Boulder until her retirement in 1993. She hosted many family holiday gatherings her family will always remember. Remembrances from her past were preserved as part of the Boulder Heritage Center oral history project. She was preceded in death by her husband, sister, and parents. She is survived by her son Bruce and wife Donna, Boulder, MT; daughter Brenda, Helena, MT; daughter Barbara and husband Stephen Shink, Mead, WA; son Steve and wife Flora, Soda Springs, ID; grandchildren, Ken, Sam, and Ryan Gilmer (Bruce), Katie Shink (Barbara), and Chantelle, Lacey, and Brad (Steve); and great-grandchildren Benjamin (Sam) and Mira (Ken). In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the Boulder Methodist Church, P.O. Box 389, Boulder, Montana 59632, the Boulder Basin Seniors Citizen Center, P.O. Box 669, Boulder, Montana 59632, or a charity of their choice. Vicki Kyler Vicki B. Kyler, 70, passed away in the company of her children January 10, 2010 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena after losing a courageous battle to cancer. Vicki was born on August 28, 1939 in the Manhattan borough of New York City to Beatrice Kent and Pat Bennett. Born to a military family, Vicki lived all over the country while growing up and graduated high school in Okinawa, Japan. Vicki moved to Boulder in the early 1970s; there she met and fell in love with local rancher Ed Kyler. Together they had two children Casey and Kenny. Vicki wrote several columns for the Montana Stockgrower’s Association, Independent Record and was active in the Montana Cowbelles Association. Besides writing columns Vicki also wrote and published the cookbook “Beef King of the American Dinner Table.” An active member of the community, Vicki also coordinated the Clancy Flea Market and Clancy Days for several years. Money was raised for the Clancy Elementary School, Montana Hope Project and Disabled American Veterans. Though she worked in several occupations, she loved being “Nana” to her grandchildren, whom she took care of on a daily basis. Her interests included horseracing, cooking, painting, reading, writing columns and short stories. She devoted much of her time and energy as a caregiver to her two grandsons and disabled granddaughter until she passed away at the age of 6. Vicki is survived by her children Casey Kyler-West (Shad West) and Kenny (Corinne) Kyler and her grandsons Wyatt West and Kolton Kyler. Vicki is preceded in death by her husband Ed Kyler and her granddaughter Alexis Gilbert. The family would like to thank Dr. Weiner and his staff of the Cancer Treatment Center for the care and attention they gave to Vicki while she was undergoing treatment and during her final days; their commitment to her care and well being made the process easier for both Vicki and her family. A celebration of Vicki’s life took place at St. Paul’s Methodist Church at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers the family is asking people to send donations to the Cancer Treatment Center at St. Peter’s Hospital or the Disabled American Veterans. To offer condolences to Vicki’s family or to share a memory of Vicki, please visit retzfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the care of Retz Funeral Home. Stella Upman Stella Ann Upman, 89, of Boulder, Montana passed away December 30, 2009 at St. James Hospital in Butte. She was born February 3, 1920 in Elkhorn, Montana to Mary (Guizzo) and Louis Schiavon. Later, the family moved to Boulder and Stella graduated from Boulder High. She married Guy (Chic) Upman before WWII and they had three daughters, Carla, Connie and Candace. They remained in Boulder and Stella worked as the clerk of the high school, where she retired in 1985. After retirement, Stella filled her life with travel with her daughters and caring for her grandchildren, Samantha and Heidi. She also began to attend woodworking classes and made several pieces of furniture for her own house and family. Stella also did stained glass work and passed that skill on to her grandkids after school. She was a member of the Catholic Church and attended faithfully every Saturday night. Her best friend was her daughter Carla, as they spent a lot of quality time together and “did lunch” in town every Saturday. Stella is survived by her daughters: Carla Matlack, Connie Upman and Candace Upman; granddaughters: Samantha Matlack-Folkman (Scot) and Heidi Matlack-Larson (Josh); cousin Emma (Pinky) Perotto; nephews: Bob (Jackie) Haab and Dick Haab. She was preceded in death by her husband Chic, and siblings Ski, Norma and Emma. Cremation has taken place and a private family service is planned. Stella’s family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, cards and thoughts. A special thanks to Levi Streib of Rocky Mountain Hospice; Danielle, Mickey and Karen at the Boulder Medical Clinic; and Lori Lagerquist for always being there. You are all truly appreciated. Robert Pohley Robert ’Bob’ George Pohley, 75, Boulder, died at the Salt Lake City VA Hospital in Salt Lake City December 14, 2009. Pohley, familiar to many in the Boulder community as a Santa for the community Christmas dinner, was born February 20, 1934 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He served in the Marines in Korea. He later worked as a custodian at Capital High in Helena, Montana and retired in 2001. He moved to Boulder in 1991 and also worked for two years at the Boulder Elementary School after retiring from Capital. He married Elie in 1978 and she survives. Also surviving: two sons, Robert and Steven, and daughters Cory and Tamera, all from a previous marriage; siblings David and Sue. He was preceded in death by siblings John, Ed and Eva. He loved children and serving as Santa, something he did at Walmart in addition to the Boulder annual dinner. Cremation has taken place and he will rest in Nevada City, California. Louisa E. Rothfus Louisa E. Rothfus passed away at June’s House on December 13, 2009 in Helena. Louisa was the youngest, and now the last of four children born to Wilhelmina (Hoppe) and John Rothfus, early ranching and mining settlers in Montana. She attended schools in Helena, and upon graduation from Helena High School she enrolled in college in Boise, Idaho and was later employed by the Governor and the Attorney General of the State of Idaho. In order to gain additional work experience, Louisa moved to Pittsburgh where her brother was living, and worked for several years for a firm of patent attorneys in their foreign department. Because of illness in her family, she returned to Montana, and was secretary to the state highway engineer in Helena. At the change of the administration in Helena, she moved to Butte and was employed for many years by the Corette Law Firm from where she retired. In addition to her parents, Louisa is preceded in death by her brothers, John and Elmer; her sister, Christina Smith; niece, Theresa Wareham; and a nephew, John Smith. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Olive Rothfus of Sun City, Arizona; nephew Franklyn ‘Bud’ (Paulette) Smith of Boulder, MT; nieces, Sally Allen of San Francisco, CA and Janet Rothfus of Scottsdale, AZ; as well as several grand nieces and nephews. There will be a private funeral service at the First Lutheran Church with interment at Forestvale Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the World Museum of Mining, P.O. Box 3333, Butte, MT 59701 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. To offer a condolence to Louisa’s family or to share a memory of Louisa, please visit RetzFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are under the care of Retz Funeral Home. Lynn Wilson Lynn Wilson, gentle wife of Jeff Wilson and loving mother of Matthew and Mandi Wilson, died at home with the family she loved on December 5, 2009. Lynn was born in Butte, MT to Rod and Nancy Holm on November 26, 1960. She attended the Great Falls school for the deaf. She met and married Jeff Wilson on July 26, 1986 in Butte. She gave birth to Matthew December 18, 1988 and Mandi December 15, 1990. She moved to Boulder with her family in 1991 and worked at Dairy Queen. She then worked at the Boulder Town Pump and after that at the MDC kitchen until her health failed. Her loves were her family and pets. She will be greatly missed by all. She is survived by her husband Jeff Wilson, son Matthew, daughter Mandi all of Boulder, her mom Nancy Holm and sister Wendy Hoar of Butte, and brother Mark Holm of Pullman, WA. She was preceded in death by her father. Memorials may be made to the American Lung and Heart Association. Services will be held Friday at 2:30 p.m. from the Faith Lutheran Church with Rev. Gale Everson officiating. Cremation will follow services. Viewing will be Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at the K&L Mortuary Chapel at Boulder. Kyle Grove On December 3, 2009 a tragic accidental fall quickly took Kyle Patrick Grove from his family and friends. Kyle spent his last hours surrounded by his friends celebrating his 24th birthday. Kyle was born December 2, 1985 in Helena, MT to Patrick and Denise (Thiel) Grove. His brother Austin born in 1988 and sister Ivy born in 1990 made the family complete. The family moved to Boulder in 1993 where Kyle attended elementary school and Jefferson High until his senior year when he transferred and graduated from Helena High in 2004. Kyle's generous heart and compassionate nature endeared him to family and friends. His gentleness drew people to him and his early departure will leave a void in our lives. Known as KG by his friends Kyle enjoyed camping, good music, reading fantasy, folfing and was an avid Green Bay Packer's fan. As an adult Kyle spent a short time as a "roughneck" working the oil rigs in Eastern Montana and North Dakota. But his love of Western Montana and the desire to be near his family and friends drew him back home. Kyle found that his temperament was well  suited for working with developmentally disabled adults. He did this work in Missoula, Helena and Boulder and will be missed by the many clients he served. His early departure has stolen from us the chance to see the man he would become. His love of children makes us all miss the father he would have been. He was preceded in death by his Papa, Jack Thiel and his Grandma Judy Casey. Kyle is survived by his parents Patrick and Denise Grove, brother Austin and sister Ivy all of Boulder. Other survivors include grandparents Ellen Rae Thiel (Boulder), Harold Grove (Oregon), and Don Casey (Helena); aunts and uncles Tracy Gehring, Bill Gehring, Tim Grove, Mike (Wendy) Grove (all of Helena); Linda (Wes) Bacon (Wibaux), Jackie Thiel (Boulder) and Jeanie Thiel (Boulder); numerous cousins and coutless "best friends." Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 9 at the Jefferson High School South Gym in Boulder. Reception will follow the service at the Catholic Center in Boulder. Friends of the family have set up a memorial fund at First Boulder Valley Bank. K&L Mortuaries & Crematory of Boulder is assisting with arrangements. Joseph Pierce Joseph (Joe) Matthew Pierce, 53, of Clancy, MT was called home to the Lord on November 22, 2009 after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.  Joe was born on June 18, 1956 in Bozeman, MT, the third child of Howard E. Pierce, a Methodist minister and Jane LaBertew Pierce, homemaker. Joe's siblings are Burton and Camille.  In June of 1961, the family moved to Seattle, Washington where Joe attended school. After graduating from Rainer Beach High School, Joe moved back to Montana, where he attended Montana State University for a short time and then moved back to Billings where he worked at car dealerships and for the school district. In 1981, Joe joined the Sheriff's Reserve, where he held the ranks of Cpl, Sgt, Lt. and Captain, and served as chairman on the board of directors. It was while serving in the Sheriff's Reserve that Joe met his best friend, soulmate and future wife, Kelly. Fittingly, Joe and Kelly were married on November 25, 1994, in the court room of Judge Baugh in the presence of family and friends, with Police Chaplain Joe Rockstad officiating. It was during the time Joe was serving as a Reserve Deputy that he was hired by the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office as a Detention Officer at the newly built Yellowstone County Detention Facility, later becoming the Prisoner Transport Officer. He put in a combined 15 years fulltime in addition to his prior 7 years as a reserve deputy. Joe and Kelly relocated to Joliet, MT in 1995 and commuted to Billings for work everyday. They were blessed to share their home in Joliet with Joe's father until his passing on May 20, 2002. Always dedicated to the safety of the community, Joe volunteered for the Carbon County Sheriff's Reserve, worked part time as an officer for the town of Joliet, MT, as well as volunteering for Montana Operation Lifesaver, as a presenter for rail crossing safety. Anyone that knew him could attest to Joe's passion for classic cars, trains & history. When he was not working or volunteering or spending time with his family, Joe could be found scouring the rails for pieces of railroad history. Joe was knowledgeable about history, particularly about railroad history and would patiently tell you the story that goes along with each artifact he collected. Joe was also an avid collector of cars; anything MOPAR, hence the nickname "Mopar Joe."  Sun, rain, even snow could not keep Joe from combing the wrecking yards in hope of discovering that elusive part needed to restore one of his (or some else's) classic cars. As time passed, Joe's wife found his hobby irresistible and it was not unusual to find Kelly accompanying her husband in his search. It was his passion for old cars that moved them to Whitehall in 2003. While living in Whitehall Joe and Kelly felt called to find a church. After a time of searching, they were invited to attend worship services at Helena First Assembly of God and knew they were home. (It was an added bonus that the church was located on Dodge Avenue). Joe had been first baptized at the Pine Creek Methodist Church in Paradise Valley as an infant. However, after becoming members of First Assembly and having been filled with the Holy Spirit, Joe and Kelly underwent water baptism and their walk with the Lord was deepened. Joe and Kelly relocated to Helena where Joe worked at Columbia Paint Manufacturing and most recently at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and volunteered for Montana Supporting Soldiers. Having been separated from his bride (as Joe called her always) on earth, Joe will be patiently waiting for the time when she too will join him to worship our Heavenly Father for all eternity. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Kelly Nielsen Pierce; Kelly's daughter, Tara Wellnitz; his granddaughters Alexis and Alicia Miller of Billings; Kelly's son Sgt. Ryan Wellnitz; daughter-in-law Sundi Wellnitz of Ft. Lewis, WA; as well as two stepchildren from a previous marriage: Cory Schwartz (Trevor), their children Gunnar, Kyla, Ashlyn & Aden, and Dana Schwartz Marlow, her children Trevor and Faith; his brother Burton Pierce (Ginny), his sister Camille Lingenfelter (Ray); Burton's children: Juli Pierce (fiance Shane Bancroft), Kari Johnson (Jeremy), Kylie, Kennedy & Colter Pierce.  Joe is also survived by his mother-in-law Lucille Nielsen; her special friend Alvin Hennen; sister-in-laws Kay Baxter, Betty Nielsen, Sandi Barnes; brother-in-laws Mark Nielsen, Paul Barnes; and their respective children and grandchildren. Joe was preceded in death by his father; mother; nephew Chris Lingenfelter; his grandparents: Rexel LaBertew, Lois Monger LaBertew, Eugene Sites, and Ann Burton Rodgers; his very special uncle William "Bill" Rodgers; and his father-in-law LeRoy Nielsen. Joe's family would like to thank Dr. Weiner, the staff and nurses on the Oncology floor at St. Peter's Hospital for their care, concern and utmost respect during Joe's stay there. K&L Mortuaries has been entrusted with the arrangements. Cremation has taken place and the memorial services will be held Saturday, November 28, 2009, at 2:00 PM at Helena First Assembly of God at 2210 Dodge Ave, Helena, MT. Memorials if desired may be left at Helena First Assembly of God to support missions. Jeanne Reinwand Jeanne P. Reinwand 66, died suddenly November 21, 2009 in an auto accident in Island Park, Idaho, near Last Chance. Jeanne was born June 4, 1943 at Salt Lake City, Utah, the daughter of George E. Paradis and Nina Hershberger Paradis. She grew up in Boulder, Montana. She married Jack Reinwand June 16, 1961 in Boulder, Montana; the marriage was later solemnized in the LDS Temple. They moved to Parker, Idaho, in the early 1970s where they built their home and have since resided. Jeanne worked at BYU-Idaho for several years as an administrative assistant and office manager. She was a student of Russian history and language. She enjoyed the outdoors, wild flowers and art, along with spending time with her family. She is survived by her husband Jack, of Parker, Idaho; children: Adam (Sherri) of Rexburg, Idaho, Seth (Nellie) of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Noah (Ashley) of St. Anthony, Idaho, Sarah (Brian) Chestang of Parker, Colorado, Jacob (Emily) of Sante Fe, New Mexico, and Isaac of Idaho Falls, Idaho; eleven grandchildren; sisters: Anne (John) Seliskar of Helena, MT and Ronnie (Jerome) Tuss of Wenatchee, WA; sisters-in-law: Cindy Paradis of Helena, MT and Connie (Riley) Moffat of Hawaii; brothers–in-law: Louis (Lane) Reinwand of Provo, Utah and William Reinwand of Portland, Oregon; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons, Jonah & Joshua, and a brother, John Paradis. Memorial services were conducted Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the Parker, Idaho, LDS Church with Bp. Doug Hanks officiating. Wally Kalchbrenner Walter Ernest Kalchbrenner (Wally), 70, of Clancy, passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital on November 20, 2009, after a long battle with prostate cancer. Wally was born to Walter and Florence (Scott) Kalchbrenner in Chicago on March 6, 1939, the third of five children. Raised in Chicago, he graduated from high school in 1956 and later served in the US Army from 1962-1964. He was stationed in Korea during that time. He married Jeann Wojcik from Chicago, and they later divorced. During a hunting trip to Montana in 1973, he met “his lady,” the former Ginny Price of Clancy, and they married on February 16, 1974. Wally worked in the sheet metal industry for over 50 years. He moved to Montana in 1977 and was employed by McLees, Inc., until he and Ginny started Merit Mechanical Services, Inc. in 1985. He remained active in the business until a few months ago. Wally was an active member of the Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA) having served twice as president of the Montana chapter. He also served on various committees as well as on two national committees. Until this year, he attended every national convention since joining the association 22 years ago. Wally remained very devoted to the sheet metal industry up until the time of his death. Wally was a past president of the Clancy Volunteer Fire Department and the Montana Roofers Association. At the time of his death, he was serving his third term as president of the Helena Valley Timing Association of which he was one of the founding members. Wally has always had a passion for old cars and Lionel trains. He also enjoyed collecting memorabilia from the ‘50s and ‘60s. He loved the holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas, and spent hours decorating his yard and home for those occasions. He also loved having special Halloween parties and a Christmas stroll just for the kids. He especially loved the time he spent playing cards, coloring and eating ice cream with his “little lady” Jaden. Wally received much joy in helping the kids his daughter, Kirsten, brought home throughout the years. He and Ginny were foster parents for several years. His parents, two sisters, two nieces and a nephew preceded Wally in death. He is survived by his wife Ginny; his children, Russ(Laura), Heather (Dave), Kirsten, Candice (Justin) and his grandchildren Rachel, Jaden, Lauren, Rylan and Savannah. Many special nieces and nephews also survive him. The family would like to thank Dr. Weiner and the staff of the Cancer Treatment Center for the wonderful care Wally received. Special thanks to Joan from “Rudy” — you made everything so much easier for us. We would also like to thank the wonderful nurses from St. Peter’s oncology unit who took care of Wally the last couple of weeks. Thanks, Nichole, for showing Wally your “super secret” handshake and a special thank you to Catie for helping us celebrate Wally’s life. Wally had many friends and we are thankful for all your support. Bob Pierson, Vern Evans and Mike Erb were more than friends during this difficult time. Not only did they finish Wally’s car project along with help from other members of the Helena Valley Timing Association, but also they were always there for us. Bob & Vern spent many hours being Wally’s chauffer, nurse’s aid, therapist and walking companion. We can’t even guess how many miles you walked with Wally in the halls of the hospital. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for all you have done. Wally’s family will receive family and friends from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, November 27 at Retz Funeral Home. A funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, November 28 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church with burial to follow the service at Forestvale cemetery. To offer a condolence to Wally’s family or to share a memory of Wally, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in honor of Wally to: Howard Daley JATC Training Facility, 4 Technology Way, Butte, MT 59701 or Montana SMACNA Scholarship Fund, 205 Vista Court, Butte, MT 59701. Arrangements are under the care of Retz Funeral Home. Michael Cahill Michael Grant Cahill was a victim of the attack at Ft. Hood Army Post November 5, 2009. He was born July 16, 1947 in Spokane, Washington, the third child of Richard and Edith Cahill. Richard (Dick) Cahill was a teamster and drove for United Paving. Edith (Brown) worked in retail when she wasn’t a homemaker. He was preceded in death by both parents, his sister Patricia Cahill Kraut and his nephew Richard Kraut. He is survived by his wife Joleen (Murphy); his daughter Keely Vanacker (Lee) of Kerrville, Texas, son James Cahill of Levelland, Texas, daughter Kerry Cahill of Chicago, IL; grandson Brody Vanacker; sister Marilyn Cahill Attebery of Spokane Valley, Washington, sister Rebecca Cahill of Lincoln City, Oregon; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. He grew up in Spokane, Washington and in 1965 graduated from Rogers High School where he was a member of the cross country team. He joined the 161st Unit National Guard around 1966 and was trained as an infantryman. Mike attended Spokane Community College and Eastern Washington University, earning a B.A. degree in psychology in 1973. He also attended Carroll College and Northern Montana College in Montana. He met his wife Joleen (Murphy) a Gonzaga University student in 1969. They were married in Spokane on September 24, 1972 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. They spent their honeymoon backpacking around Europe. During their early married years, they resided in Montana: Great Falls, Havre, Boulder, and Wolf Creek. The family lived in Boulder while he worked at the Montana Developmental Center, known at the time as the Boulder River School & Hospital. He was employed as an habilitation aide (direct care worker) there from July 1973 to September 1976 and again from August 1980 to April 1983. He was an EMT who served on the Boulder ambulance crew and at Columbus Hospital. Mike then became a Physician Assistant through the Army National Guard at Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. He graduated in 1985 with a degree from the University of Oklahoma and Commissioned a Warrant Officer CW2. He then moved the family back home to Montana and practiced at a V. A. Clinic in Billings. The family then moved to Oregon, where he practiced at the V.A. Hospital in Portland and a small rural clinic in Bly. He was the last 24/7 health care professional to work at the remote Bly clinic. In 1992 the family moved to Post, Texas where he continued family practice at a small health care clinic. He retired from the Army National Guard after 23 years of service with the following units: Spokane, Washington; Havre, Helena and Bozeman, Montana; Portland and Medford, Oregon; and Lubbock, Texas. At that time, Mike was presented with a unique opportunity to work for Hughes Corporation at a remote missile site in Russia, as a medical care provider and an inspector. After that the family moved to Cameron, Texas in 1997 where Mike continued his life’s work – practicing family and rural health care with Dr. Sydney Richardson. His career brought him to the V.A. Hospital in Temple, Texas and the last 7 years at Ft. Hood’s health care clinics and the Soldier Readiness Center. Mike was involved with the Rural Health Initiative in Texas and the Texas Academy of Physician Assistants, where he also served on the board as secretary and was an adjunct professor for Baylor University teaching the next generation of Physician Assistants. He also served on a variety of committees, MHMR Boards, and health organizations. Mike was a voracious reader of history, biographies, science fiction (especially Ursula LeGuin), medicine and current events often reading two or three books at one time. He had many hobbies including photography, collecting antiques, stamps, coins, researching genealogy, and participating in the local community theater. He loved old movies, especially Dr. Zhivago. Mike made it his mission to stay current on world events and politics and could talk for hours with anyone about virtually any topic. He had a love for travel that he passed on to his entire family, which is why Mike was so proud of his children for being able to study abroad and fulfill their educational and personal dreams. He loved his wife dearly and could not have imagined life without her. He was deeply passionate about his work and having the honor of caring for patients and the soldiers at Ft. Hood. There was a Rosary at St. Monica’s Catholic Church in Cameron, Texas on Saturday, November 14. The funeral took place at St. Monica’s Catholic Church, Sunday, November 15. Interment will take place in the spring of next year in Montana. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Soldier’s Angels, TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), National Association of Free Clinics, or Doctors Without Borders. There is an account set up at Classic Bank in Cameron, Texas for those wishing to support the Cahill Family. Inez Irene Corley Hahn Inez Irene Corley Hahn passed Thursday, October 22, 2009 at her residence in Kentucky. She was born August 1, 1935 in Anderson County to the late George Washington Corley and Zula Mae Moore Corley. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Charles Lee Hahn; three children, all of Lawrenceburg, KY: Charles Lee (Sherry) Hahn Jr., Kathy Ann Hahn, Tammy Wynette Hahn (Anthony D.) Stratton; grandchildren, Charles Lee Hahn, III, Ryan Matthew Hahn, Adam Patrick Drury, Deborah Renee’ Hahn, and Anthony Chad Stratton; brother, Eugene (Shirley) Corley; sisters, Georgia Bond, Mary Lou Corley, and Marlene (Billy) Duvall. She was preceded in death by sisters, Marjorie May and Catherine Louise Gritton. She was a 1953 graduate of Western High School; a 21-year employee of Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY; member of Chaplin Christian Church Disciples of Christ, Unit # 34 American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, and of the Anderson County Democratic Women’s Club. Inez was well known in the community as one of the finest cooks in all of Anderson County. The American Legion Women’s Auxiliary Rites were held Saturday evening, followed by services on Sunday at Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home with Bro. Lee Cox officiating. Burial was at Lawrenceburg Cemetery. A luncheon followed at the Lawrenceburg American Legion Hall. Memorials suggested to Chaplin Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, P.O. Box 63, Chaplin, KY 40012. Helga Turkia Helga Turkia 82, died from cancer on October 15, 2009 at the Elkhorn Health & Rehab center in Clancy, Montana.   She was born in Stambaugh, Michigan, on October 11, 1927, to Erick and Fannie Jarvi.  She later moved to Iron River, Michigan and then to Butte, Montana at 14 years of age.  She graduated from Butte High School and later married Roy Turkia in August of 1947.  In her early 50s Helga received her LPN License and worked in Butte, Boulder, and Warm Springs. In 1984 she moved to Orofino, Idaho to be near her mother. Here she worked again as an LPN until her retirement. She then lived in Lewiston, Idaho for several years but due to illness, she moved to Boulder, Montana in September, 2008.  In her younger years she enjoyed camping and fishing. She was a music lover; as a youth, loved to sing and play guitar.  Helga was preceded in death by her parents, husband and also two brothers (Toik Jarvi  and infant brother Benjamin Jarvi ). She is survived by her sons Wayne Turkia of Butte;  Jim (Mikki) Turkia of Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia, and daughter Judy (Bill) Johnson of Boulder, MT; her granddaughters Carly (Brian) Hadley of Dixon, TN; Lisa Johnson of Sandy, OR; Sara (Dave) Erickson  of Buchanan, North Dakota, and her precious great-grandchildren Brandon Hadley of Dixon, TN; and Ally Erickson of Buchanan, ND. Also surviving Helga are numerous cousins; very special cousins Gertie Toivonen of Butte; Dawn Duea of Fulton, MD; special friends Debbie & Marvin Horne of Missoula and so many friends in Orofino and Lewiston, ID.  A very special thank you for the kind and loving care that she received at Elkhorn Rehab in Clancy. Also to Dr. Weiner and his wonderful staff at the cancer center in Helena.  You are all so appreciated! Mom will be missed so very much; life will never the same without her. Per her request there will be no services.  Memorials can be made in her name to the Elkhorn Health & Rehab 474 Hwy 282 Clancy, MT 59634-9519 K&L Mortuaries of Boulder has charge of cremation arrangements.  David Christensen David Landon Christensen, age 23, of Montana City died at his home on Saturday, September 19, 2009. The family will receive friends between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 23rd at Retz Funeral Home and also in the Relief Society Room at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 24th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1610 E. 6th Avenue. A luncheon will be held in the church immediately following the church service. Interment and dedication of his grave will be at 3:00 p.m. at Elliston Cemetery in Elliston. All are welcome. David was born at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, January 23, 1986 to David K. and Kathleen (Borg) Christensen. He was a graduate from Helena High School the Class of 2004. He attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks, with studies in Wildlife Management. David was employed by TMK Construction and also owned his own business, Big Sky Bedliners in Helena. David was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He enjoyed spending time outdoors with family and friends and his dog Creek. David also took advantage of Montana’s big game and fowl hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and horseback riding. David was preceded in death by his grandfathers, great grandfather and great grandmother. David is survived by his parents, David and Kathy Christensen of Elliston; brothers, Jacob (Amanda) Kimble of Helena, Chad Kimble of Bozeman; sisters, Ashley (Patrick) Ballance of Bozeman, Chardell (Mark) Buchanan of Salt Lake City, UT, Cami (Dustin) Klien of Raleigh, North Carolina; grandma Christensen, grandma Borg and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Memorials in David’s name are suggested to the David Landon Christensen Memorial Fund, C/O Valley Bank of Helena, P.O. Box 5269 Helena, MT 59604. To offer a condolence to Landon's family or to share a memory of Landon, please visit www.RetzFuneralHome.com. Katherine (Kathy) Fay Madison Katherine (Kathy) Fay Madison unexpectedly passed away peacefully at home Saturday, September 5, 2009. Kathy ws born to Sara and Fay Warner in Ft. Adkins, Wis., on May 26, 1957. She spent her childhood in the Stratford-Marshfield area and graduated from Stratford in 1975. Kathy was attending technical school in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., when she joined friends on a trip west in 1978. She loved the beauty of Montana and after finding employment with a local nursing home she made Helena her home. Later that year at a Kansas concert held at the fairgrounds, Kathy met William (Lee) Madison. They were married March 8, 1980, and made their home in Jefferson City. From this union Kathy was the proud mother of two daughters, Chelsea (Tony) and Cassie (Mike) James, and two sons, Zion and Zane. She was also blessed with two grandsons, Derek and Darren James and a granddaughter due this December. Kathy was an avid reader, a very talented crocheter, and an admirer and great collector of panda bears. She was also a “diehard” Green Bay Packers fan and seldom missed a game. If the networks happened to not be carrying the Green Bay game, you could count on a few choice comments. Kathy was employed at the Montana State Library where she received her 15 years of service award in June. Kathy is preceded in passing by her father Fay; her brother Kevin; and grandparents. She is survived by her husband and children; her parents, Sara and Peter Wiegel; brother Kirt Warner; sisters Kari (Gary) Bohman, Kim (Ron) Daly, Kelly (Steve) Strand; and numerous nieces and nephews. Kathy was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She will be dearly missed by those who knew and loved her. A celebration of Kathy’s life was at the Clancy Methodist Church at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 12, with fellowship following. The family requests donations be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Orville Willett Orville O. Willett, 84, of Clancy passed away peacefully September 1, 2009 at his home. Orville was born May 4, 1925 to Oral and Ester (Barber) Willett at Adams County, North Dakota. He graduated from Lemmon South Dakota High School in 1943. Orville enlisted in the U.S. Navy after graduation. He served as a radioman on the USS Montgomery, which sunk due to hitting a mine and the USS Gairaid in the South Pacific during WWII, making the first landing in Japan after the war ended. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. On February 8, 1945 Orville married Joyce Ham at Lemmon, South Dakota and they had five children. They moved to Clancy, Montana in 1966. As a licensed public account Orville did tax preparation in Lewis and Clark and Jefferson counties. He and Joyce managed the Big Boulder Housing for many years. His greatest love was his grandchildren. Orville had a passion for horses, in particular race horses. He had the privilege of owning and training Hot Biscuit, the grandson of Sea Biscuit. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Virgil; sisters Francis, Delores and Loretta; and son Michael. He is survived by his wife Joyce of Clancy; brother Raymond Willette, St. Paul, MN; sons Dennis Willett, Littleton, CO, Leonard Willett, Boulder City, NV and Ronald Willett, Clancy, MT; daughter Charlene Willett, Butte, MT; 10 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Graveside services were 11:00 AM, Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at Montana State Veterans Cemetery with Military Honors by the U.S. Navy and the Montana National Guard Honor Guards. Family requests donations to Hospice of St. Peter’s, Helena. Please help us celebrate Orville’s life by visiting our online memorial at www.bigskyfunerals.com and signing the online guest book. Big Sky Cremations assisted the family with the arrangements. Kathleen Knudsvig Kathleen ‘Kathie’ Ann Knudsvig, 54, of Helena, passed away in an accident on August 29, 2009 in Buffalo, WY. Kathie was born on April 7, 1955 to Charles L. and Maude E. (Penrod) Kennedy in Havre, MT. She graduated from Jefferson High School and was a primarily a homemaker. Kathie had four children, Jon, Matt, Rebecca and Melissa when she met and married Wayne B. Knudsvig on January 16, 1989 adding two step sons, Shane and Bryan. Wayne and Kathie were inseparable. Kathie loved reading, but especially loved her family and was a great mother and grandmother who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. Kathie was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Maude Kennedy; brothers, Allen, Red, and Gary Hulse; and sisters, Arlene Fetter and Myrna Torgerson. She is survived by her husband of over twenty years, Wayne Knudsvig; her children, Jon (Kim) Moog, Matt Moog, Rebecca Moog, and Melissa (Joel) Senn all of Helena, MT; step sons, Shane (Tammy) Knudsvig of Lethbridge, AL and Bryan (Jolene) Knudsvig of Helena, MT; and a sister Nora (Greg) Thackeray of Boulder, MT. She is also survived by her wonderful grandchildren, Chas, Kierra, Caleb, Andrew, Aubrey, Tolliver, Maysie, and Adrienne. A Funeral Service was held Saturday, September 5, 2009 at Retz Funeral Home Chapel in Helena with a burial following the service at Forestvale Cemetery. Memorials in Kathie’s name are suggested to the Komen Race for the Cure, 825 Helena Ave., Helena, MT 59601. Please help us to celebrate Kathie’s life by visiting our online memorial at www.MeM.com and signing the online guest book. Lawrence Koleff Lawrence R. "Chief" Koleff, 81, of Boulder, MT passed away August 14, 2009 at Helena. Larry was born September 25, 1927 in Great Falls, the son of Joseph and Anna (Bann) Koleff. Larry was preceded in death by his wife Blanche, a son Michael, brothers Bill, Bob, and Frank, sisters Beverly and Elizabeth, and his parents Joseph and Anna. Survivors include his sister Helen (Bill) Fisher of Oregon; five sons: Timothy (Carmen) Wyant of Swan Lake, MT, Buddy Long of Billings, Robert Mann of Boulder, John Mann (Rick Sears) of Helena, Hugh Mann of Billings; a daughter Christina (Rick) Collins of Manchester, Ohio; one very special daughter-in-law Edith of Anaconda; nine grandchildren; five great grandchildren; one very special great niece "Lil" Lori (Decervel) Reinhart of Great Falls; and a thank you to a very special friend Cindy Yanzick of Boulder. Larry served in the US Army during the Korean War.  He was a painter over half of his life, something he enjoyed very much.  He moved his wife and family to Anaconda in the 60s where he worked at the Anaconda Smelter until the 80s.  He then moved his family to Boulder, MT where he worked and retired in 1990 from the Montana Developmental Center where he was a painter.    Memorial services will be held Thursday, August 27, at 3:00 p.m. from the K&L Mortuary chapel at Boulder with Rev. Waveland King officiating.  Interment will be held August 31 at 1:00 p.m. from the Highland Cemetery at Great Falls. Kenneth J. Carr Kenneth J. "Kenny" Carr, 58, formerly of Boulder, recently of N7706 Sleighway Street, Christmas, Michigan, entered eternal life Tuesday evening, August 11, 2009, at Marquette General Hospital where he had been a patient for the past three weeks. Kenny was born September 20, 1950 in Munising, Michigan, a son of Frank and Irma (Kumpu) Carr, and was raised in Christmas. He was a 1968 graduate of Munising’s Mather High School and later enrolled at Northern Michigan University where he pursued an accounting degree while also working at Marquette General Hospital. He was also employed for a time at the Kimberly-Clark Mill in Munising. Kenny then enrolled at Michigan Technological University in Houghton where he earned his equalization and tax assessing certificate, becoming state board certified in 1972. Working for a while for the city of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin as an assessor, he returned to the Upper Peninsula in 1974 where he was employed in Newberry as the Luce County equalization director, tax assessor, and abstractor. On July 5, 1975, Kenny married the former Susan E. Burton in Newberry. Throughout their married life, Kenny and Sue remained best friends and often referred to themselves as having always been "newlyweds." They worked together on projects in their community and enjoyed being with each other. Kenny’s career as an accountant would span many years and take him to several employment situations. In 1978, he was employed at the Newberry Regional Mental Health Center, retaining his position as Luce County abstractor. In 1980, the Carrs moved to Boulder, Montana where he was employed in the accounting department of the Boulder River School and Hospital Institution. He relocated to Helena, Montana in 1983 when the Montana Lottery system was being set up and three years later, in 1986, he was employed with the Montana Department of Human Services until his retirement in 2004. He returned to Christmas in 2007. Throughout the years, Kenny became "Uncle Ken" and like a second father to many school students in the areas he resided. He both attended and participated in numerous local school activities, coaching Little League in Newberry and being involved in drama, band, and debate in both Newberry and the Boulder school system. In September of 2004, Kenny and Sue were awarded the Montana High School Association and Wheat Montana Super Fan Award in recognition of their outstanding support of school activities, the first ever award of its kind in the state. Known as a goodnatured prankster and jokester around people he knew, he relished being the first to "put one over" and both family and friends were the beneficiaries of his antics. He had a special love for his many pets, especially his canine pal, Nitter, and feline companions, Poopsie and Panther. In his leisure, Kenny enjoyed camping with family and friends, hunting, fishing, and boating. He was an avid reader, often reading a book a day. Kenny was a 38-year member of Newberry Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. #1706, life member of the Boulder-Basin Masonic Lodge, and a member of the Munising Sons of the American legion and Munising Moose Lodge. A loving husband, brother, uncle, and friend, Kenny is survived by his wife and best friend of 34 years, Susan E. Carr of Christmas; two brothers: Richard D. Carr of Christmas and Bernard W. (Karen) Carr of Houghton; nieces: Amy Carr and Melissa (Jason) Verdi; nephews: Frank (Rosa) Carr and Keven (Stacey) Burton; six great nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law: Betty J. Burton of Helena, MT and Betty J. Burton of Midland; and his close friend and soul brother: Dan Sturdevant of Clancy, MT. In addition to his parents, Kenny was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ernest and Loretta Burton; and brothers-in-law Norman and Donald Burton. Honoring Kenny’s request, no services will be scheduled. The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at www.fassbenderswanson.com Daryl “D.D.” Craft Daryl "D.D." Craft, age 53, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls surrounded by his family. DD was born September 13, 1955 in Conrad, Montana to Harold and Olive Craft. He spent his first growing years in Polson, MT until his family moved to Boulder in 1964. He attended Boulder Elementary and graduated from Jefferson High in 1973. Shortly after graduation he enlisted in the US Air Force which took him to places like Hawaii and Thailand.  Upon his completion of the service he returned back home to Boulder and started his law enforcement career with the Boulder Police Department and then as a deputy for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for the next 20 years all the while being involved in the community as a school board member, EMT, football and baseball coach. On August 8, 1987 he married Rhonda Hagerty in Boulder and from that union they had two beautiful children, Michael and Jessica. Looking for a career change in 1992 he went to work for a short time at MDC and as a security officer at Fort Harrison and a part time school bus driver for Harlow’s. In 1994 he and his wife owned and operated the R & D Video store in Boulder but his love for law enforcement took him back to the Jefferson County Sheriff's office as a 911 dispatcher.  While pursuing his love for the law he threw his hat into the ring for the mayor seat and for the next nine years he spent many hours dealing with the problems and accomplishments of Boulder.  He was very proud that he was involved with the Main Street project, getting the city back on its feet and most recently working on the renovation of the Boulder swimming pool. One of the greatest joys in his life was his children and their friends. Many would call him dad. However, first and foremost, he was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law, and all around best friend who we will deeply miss. DD was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Rhonda; son Michael, and daughter Jessica all of Boulder; brothers Gary (Marilyn) Craft; Gerold (Carmen) Craft, and Jim Quinlan all of Boulder, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. "Till we meet again, D.D." Love You. Memorials are suggested to the development of the Centennial Park which DD was working with. Memorial services will be held Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. from the Jefferson High School South Gym (the old gym) at Boulder with Rev. Waveland King officiating. K&L Mortuaries & Crematory of Boulder is assisting with arrangements. Gene Haselton Our dear friend Gene Haselton passed away Monday, July 13, 2009, in St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Henderson, Nevada. He was 86 years young. He was – to all who knew him – a hero, not only to the United States Navy, but to all his friends. He was a man of great integrity. Gene was a friend’’s friend, always ready to help everyone else in need. He served 22 years in the military, from WWII to Korea and Vietnam. He was an original Frogman, which eventually became SEALS, and he also taught SEALS. A memorial service to celebrate the wonderful life of this great man was held on his birthday, July 18, at the American Legion Hall in Boulder City, Nevada. Internment was at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Boulder City, Nevada. Gene is survived by his beloved wife Thelma; his children Eunice, Brad, Julita, Kevin, Scott, Randy of Boulder, MT, Cary, Garth, Dawn, Heather, Rebecca and Teisha; forty-two grandchildren, fifty-three great grandchildren, and many friends who will never forget him. Earl Stagg Earl A. Stagg, beloved father, grandfather, and friend, entered into rest on June 24, 2009 in Spokane, WA. Earl was born December 16, 1938 in Scobey, Montana. He will be remembered as a man with an incredibly creative mind and a special talent for gunsmithing. Earl was a life long member of the NRA and helped to organize the Last Chance Hand Gunners. As a young man, he loved to ride his motorcycle, hunt, and invent new things. As he grew older, Earl spent much of his time fixing old vehicles, reloading, re-furbishing old guns, and working in his shop. Earl was a kind soul who loved Montana and most of all, loved his family and friends. He will be deeply missed. He is survived by his children Harold Stagg and his wife Philinda of Twin Falls, ID, Sonja Fletcher of Basin, MT, Karen Stagg and her husband Bill of Boulder, MT, Valerie Stagg of Basin, MT, Darrell Stagg of Basin, MT, Lyle Stagg of Spokane, WA and Addie Stagg and her husband Craig of Spokane, WA, in addition to 8 grandchildren ( Levi, Tyler, Amber and husband Jory, Dennis, Salina, Cetaira, Holden, and Amanda, and 1 great grandchild Kiya with another on the way). He is preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Ellen Stagg, his brother, Eugene and his sister, Sharon. A memorial service will be held at the High Ore Gun Range, located between Basin and Boulder on August 8, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Inland Northwest Health Services Foundation P.O. Box 469 Spokane, WA 99210-0469 or online at http://foundation.inhs.org. Charles Reiter Charles Joseph Reiter, 88, died Sunday, June 28, 2009 at the Community Hospice of NE Florida surrounded by his family. Charles was a member of Immaculate Conception Cathedral. He loved to travel and visited his daughter in Montana on numerous occasions, a grandson in Alaska and many visits to his hometown of St. Louis. He made a lasting impression on whomever he met. As an avid sports enthusiast, he supported his grandchildren and great grandchildren in their many athletic endeavors. He was also an enthusiastic St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Charles was preceded in death by his first wife of 56 years, Evelyn G. Reiter, and his second wife Mary Elwood Reiter of 3 years. He is survived by son Ronald C. Reiter (Kay), Festus, MO; four daughters: Barbara A. Reiter, Boulder MT, Charlene R. Exum (Reginald), Jacksonville, FL, Debbie A. Reiter, New Smyrna Beach, FL and Sandy M. Molter (Gordon), Jacksonville, FL; seventeen grandchildren: Ronald Jr., Gregory, Jeffrey, Russell, Brian, James, Eric, Nathan, Lisa and Andrew Reiter, Julie Exum Breuer, Reggie and Roger Exum, Christopher and Ryan Schmidt, Jordan and Janine Brown; twenty five great grandchildren; one brother in Festus, MO, one sister in Collinsville, IL and one sister in Chicago, IL. A Mass of Christian burial was held at 9:30 AM Friday (July 3rd) at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Jacksonville, FL with co-celebrants Fr. Daniel Cody and Fr. Greg Fay. Interment was at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Cemetery followed by a reception at the Cody Family Enrichment Center. The family received friends Thursday (July 2nd) from 5-8 PM, with the Rosary recited at 6:30 PM in the chapel of Hardage-Giddens Mandarin Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Community Hospice of NE Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32257, TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) Conference, 114 South 2nd St., Festus, MO 63028, Sisters of Divine Providence, contact the St. Louis Development Office at 314-209-9181 or email development@divineprovidencesisters.org. Arrangements were made by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home in Jacksonville, FL. Richard Llewellyn Richard J. (“Rich”) Llewellyn passed away June 15, 2009. He was born on November 24, 1944, to Robert (“Bert”) and June Llewellyn. He was raised in the Spokane Valley where he graduated from East Valley High School in 1963 as class valedictorian. He graduated with honors from Washington State University in 1967, where he was inducted into numerous national scholastic honorary societies, including Phi Beta Kappa. In 1971, he graduated with honors from University of Montana Law School, having been awarded the Dean Leaphart Scholarship for his efforts on behalf of indigent criminal defendants. He was also inducted into the Order of the Barrister after participating on a championship moot court team. After law school, Rich worked in the Offices of Governors Forrest H. Anderson and Thomas L. Judge, where he became Director of the Government Operations Unit, forerunner of the modern Office of Budget and Program Planning which he conceived. During this time, he drafted and lobbied the Montana Water Use Act and worked on other significant environmental legislation. Rich later served as Jefferson County Attorney from 1975 to 1979 and again from 1987 to 1995; in that capacity, he prosecuted a number of cases which received statewide and national attention. In 1966, Rich married Betty Nelson of Naches, Washington. Their son, Richard, was born in 1972. Although they later divorced, Rich and Betty always remained good friends. In 1978, Rich married the love of his life, Colleen Burke of Bozeman and Boulder. Together, they had three beautiful children, Bobby, Nan and Laura. Rich loved his family more than anything, and he was truly proud of Colleen and the kids. He especially enjoyed watching his children participate in school activities, such as band, Christmas concerts, basketball, tennis, and various state basketball and tennis tournaments. Rich loved to hunt, fish, camp, and drive around in the mountains of Montana and Idaho in his old pickup trucks. He fished only with fly tackle for 48 years, and he tied his own flies. He fished the Livingston spring creeks with the best flyfishers in America, starting in the 1960s with Outdoor Life fishing editor Joe Brooks, and he more than held his own. Rich loved his bird dogs Molly Brown, Frau, Beau, Dandy and also the family dogs Bear, Rusty, Sammy, and Amelia. Rich was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved son Bobby. Rich is survived by Colleen, Boulder; his son and daughters and their significant others: Richard (Gina Lusk) of Nine Mile Falls, Washington, Nan of Anchorage, Alaska, and Laura (Kyle Brulla) of Boulder. He is also survived by his brother (and lifelong hero) Steve, and his sister Lauren, both of Spokane; and by his twin grandsons Hunter and Kenyon Carda of Victoria, British Columbia. At Rich’s request, a private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. K&L Mortuary of Boulder is assisting with the arrangements. Douglas O’Dell Douglas O'Dell, age 66, passed away on June 5, 2009 in Mesa, Arizona due to complications from a childhood injury. Doug is survived by his son Johnathan and his 7-year-old granddaughter Kyra of Gilbert, Arizona. A resident of Boulder for over 30 years, Doug will be greatly missed by his church family, neighbors and family alike. He will be laid to rest at the Salesville Cemetery after a private family service. James B. Flemings James B. Flemings, age 69, of the Boulder Valley passed away May 26, 2009 at his home. He was born September 5, 1939 in Pennsylvania to William and Ethel (Harriett) Flemings.  He was raised in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He married Kath Piper April 21, 1962 in Medford, New Jersey. They then moved to Maine where he worked at a lumber mill. They then moved to the Yukon river near Circle, Alaska. They lived throughout Alaska in the wild where James worked as a trapper and guide for a living. They moved to Montana in 1993. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother. Survivors include his wife Kath Flemings; children James Flemings, Jr. and wife Melinda, Shawn Flemings and wife Nelia, Kathy Elshazeley, Colter Flemings, Hope Flemings and husband Marvin Halverson; grandchildren Robert, T.J., Sascha, James III, Austin, Natasha, Shania, and Kimberly. He is also survived by two sisters: Lorraine Gower and Ethel Ann Withrow. Graveside services were held Monday, June 8, at 3:00 PM from Mount Moriah Cemetery at Butte. K&L Mortuaries of Whitehall assisted with arrangements. James Colombe James Marty "Indio" "Indian Jim" Colombe died June 2, 2009 at St. James Hospital at Butte, MT of a massive heart attack. He was born September 6, 1960 in Pierre, South Dakota to Milford E. and Gladys K. Colombe. He was preceded in death by his mother Gladys K. Colombe and father-in-law John Welfl. He is survived by loving wife Teresa K. Colombe of Basin; children Robyn, Tara and Brandon Colombe; stepchildren Trista, Kayla, and Leah; grandchildren Breylin, Damari, Joey, Micha, and Jacob; father Milford E. Colombe; siblings Jani (Billy) Brothers, Jon Colombe, Judi (Doug) Collins, Jackie Colombe and daughter Keva, and Julie (David) Lacer; grandmother Mary Hanson; uncle Kenny (Judy) Lenoir; mother-in-law Millie Cooper; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, and special friend Dudley Smallwood. Indian Jim was an avid fisherman, hunter, storyteller, and cook. He loved to take people into the mountains and introduce them to nature’s edible bugs and plants. His favorite pasttime was sitting at the Silver Saddle Bar with a can of Bud and a shot of Crown, telling stories to his numerous friends. He was a wonderful brother and a great dad. Indian Jim's love of geology was evident in his career as a driller for Godbe Drilling of Montrose, Colorado. He spent the last 25 years drilling all over the US and Mexico. John Godbe became like a second father and John's sons like brothers. John and Jean Godbe and their sons became Indian Jim's extended family. Memorial services were held Saturday, June 6, at 11:00 AM from the Basin Community Center at Basin with Rev. Dee Anna officiating. K&L Mortuaries & Crematory of Boulder is handling arrangements. Clifford M. Hestdalen Clifford Melvin Hestdalen was born June 19, 1926, to Abe and Allie (Bobst) Hestdalen in Abercrombie, N.D. He was educated in Abercrombie and drafted at the beginning of his senior year before graduating from high school. He was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service in the African and European campaigns during World War II. He returned to the United States to serve in the Ceremonial Detachment at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery and the White House. After his discharge from the Army, Cliff attended Moorhead State University in Moorhead, Minnesota. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Accounting and a teaching certificate. He went to work as a teacher, counselor, coach and administrator in North Dakota, Montana, California and Washington. From 1950 to 1953 he taught commercial students at Jefferson High School in Boulder, Montana and coached the American Legion Baseball team. He was also class advisor for the JHS Class of ‘53. While in California, Cliff was instrumental in the initiation of the “inside/outside work experience programs.” He retired from education in 1980 and moved to Poulsbo, Washington with his wife Sharon and son Brannan. During their retirement, the couple spent 30 years traveling the U. S., taking cruises from Mexico and Alaska through the Panama Canal and elsewhere. Cliff was an active man who made the most out of every day. His interests including RVing, golf, baseball (volunteering at the Mariners’ Cactus League), fishing, gardening, travel and especially his family. He belonged to a number of organizations and clubs, including the National Education Association, Kiwanis Club, Rotary, Elks, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 2003, he visited Boulder to join in the 50-year reunion of the JHS Class of 1953. He was an affable and optimistic gentleman who was seldom seen without a smile on his face. He was a loving friend and father whose dry sense of humor touched all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Sharon of Longview, WA; his son Brennan (Melanie) Rowe of Poulsbo, WA; four sisters: Dorothy (Oscar) Leelman of Lead Hill, Arkansas, Frances (Herb) Meeks of Concord, California, Hazel Stowell of Schroon Lake, New York, and Fay Littlefield of Hillsboro, Oregon; two brothers: Donald (Marlyne) Hestdalen of Abercrombie, WA, and Gene (Linda) Hestdalen of Terrebonne, Oregon; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Frank (Cynda) Webb of Longview, WA and Bill (Kris) Grace of Lynden, WA; his granddaughters, Caitlin Rowe of Springfield, Ohio, Cassidy (Josh) and Elijah Conners, all of Tacoma, WA, and Miranda Eubanks of Poulsbo, WA; his family friend, John (Claudia) Arruda of Poulsbo, WA; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Clifford M. Hestdalen, Jr.; a brother, David Hestdalen; a sister, Myrtle Worth; and his parents. http://www.retzfuneralhome.comhttp://www.retzfuneralhome.comhttp://www.RetzFuneralHome.comhttp://www.bigskyfunerals.comhttp://www.MeM.commailto:development@divineprovidencesisters.orgshapeimage_2_link_0shapeimage_2_link_1shapeimage_2_link_2shapeimage_2_link_3shapeimage_2_link_4shapeimage_2_link_5
Obituaries
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
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