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Bessie Slavens
SHORELINE, Wash. - Frieda E. "Bessie" Slavens, formerly of Billings, Mont., died peacefully March 16, 1999, at CRISTA Nursing Center in Shoreline, from complications of Alzheimer's disease.
She was born Feb. 28, 1909, in Neche, N.D., to Jacob and Susanna Adolph. The youngest of 11 children, she moved with the family to their homestead near Delphia, Mont., in 1912, and relocated with her mother and sister, Margaret, to Billings in 1922. Bessie graduated from Billings High School in 1929. After studying for a year at Billings Business School, she worked at flower, candy, and drug stores in Billings, until she married
John Slavens in 1939 and moved to Laurel. John and Bessie returned to Billings in 1945, and from then on she devoted her life to her family and volunteer work in her church, her daughter's schools, and the community.
Bessie loved children, music, and flowers, and everything out-of-doors in her beloved Lord's creation. Besides gardening, her hobbies included Bible study, fishing, crocheting, and embroidery.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and all but one sibling. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Shelly and Bill Ehni of Shoreline; three grandchildren, Elizabeth, Katherine, and John Ehni, all of Shoreline; one sister, Margaret Slavens of Billings; nine nephews and nine nieces.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Bessie's life is scheduled for Saturday, May 15, at 11 a.m., at First Congregational Church, Billings. Memorial donations may be given to the First Congregational Church or to the Al Bedoo Transportation Fund, P.O. Box 20673, Billings 59104.
Shon Allen Ackerman
TORRINGTON, Wyo. - Graveside services for Shon Allen Ackerman, 31, were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 24, 1999, at Valley View cemetery.
He died at his home March 20, 1999.
He was born August 3, 1967, in Wheatland, the son of Jack and Dorothy (Smith) Ackerman.
He grew up and attended school in Lingle. He then worked at Holly Sugar in Torrington, JTL Group, Inc. in Belgrade, Mont., and at Intermountain Builders in Lander.
He married
Tana Lynne Powers at Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, on August 3, 1992. Their son, Augustus Allen Ackerman was born on August 8, 1995, in Scottsbluff, Neb. They were divorced on July 24, 1998.
He is survived by his son, Augustus Ackerman; Tana Powers-Ackerman; his mother; two brothers, Jeff and Jack Ackerman; a half-brother, William, and a half-sister, Nyla all of Torrington; his grandparents, Dorothy and Jim Ackerman of Loveland, Colo.; his grandmother, Marie Smith of Torrington; nieces and nephews and his friends, Brad Myrup, Gary Hunter, and Mike Nash, all of Torrington.
He was preceded in death by his father and his grandfather, Silver Smith.
At the time of his death Shon, Tana and Gus were making plans to return to Montana.
He will be sorely missed always by his ex-wife, son and the many people who loved him.
Memorials intended for Augustus Ackerman may be sent c/o Betty Hunter, R.R. 2 Box 184, Torrington, WY 82240
Marguerite (Babe) Erickson
On Friday, March 26, Marguerite (Babe) lost her battle with cancer and went to be with our Lord. She was a beloved Mother and Grandmother. She was born on Dec. 23, 1927, in Ryegate. On June 1, 1947, she married
Charles Erickson and had three daughters. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Erickson, parents Louis and Marguerite Marquardt and brother Richard Marquardt.
Survivors include daughters, Charlotte (Jim) McNeish, Spokane, Wash., Marguerite (Gretta) (Abe) Waldner, Billings, and Mary (Spencer) Beddes, Shepherd; brother Lou Marquardt, Helena; aunt Mildred Christiansen, Columbia Falls; six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to be made to Big Sky Hospice, P.O. Box 35033, Billings, MT 59107.
Nickadomus Heinzman
Nick Heinzman 56, died March 26, 1999, in his home following a fight with cancer. He was born Oct. 20, 1942, in Lemmon, S.D. He was the son of Jacob and Mary Heinzman. He married
Diana Pfleger on Sept. 3, 1963. He worked as an iron worker for many years which brought his family to Billings. In 1990 he worked for the school district and retired in 1998. He was always busy helping his kids and family, he was a carpenter of all trades. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and working on cars. His favorite thing to do was play the poker machine always saying he was going to double his money. He never said no to anyone who asked for his help, if he knew how or not.
He is survived by his wife Diana of 35 1/2 years; three kids Susan (Randy) Maul, Tony (Gerrie) and Nick (Denise) Heinzman. He has six grandchildren, Jay, Brittany, Nickole, Nickadomus, Kayla and Amaris; seven brothers and sisters and many cousins and friends.
Cremation is what dad requested and a gathering of friends and family are asked to join us Sunday, March 28, at the Moose Lodge on Calhoun Lane at 12:00.
He is going to missed. We ask why God took him and all we can come up with is he only takes the best.
Bob Martin
TERRY - Bob Martin, age 89, of Terry, Montana, passed away on Thursday, March 25, 1999, at the Deaconess Hospital in Billings.
Robert Raymond Martin Jr., was born on August 21, 1909, by a midwife, on the family ranch on the Yellowstone River, outside of Terry, the son of Robert and Pearl (Heagy) Martin. He was raised and attended schools in Terry, graduating from Terry High School in 1928. While in school, Bob was very active in football and basketball. On Dec. 16, 1933, he married
Ella Pearl Guenther in Miles City. They celebrated 65 years of marriage this year. Bob trapped for the Government at Fort Koegh in Miles City for many years. He then moved to Shirley and farmed and ranched. They sold the farm and moved to Terry.
Bob owned his own Federal Crop Insurance office in Wolf Point for many years. He thoroughly enjoyed the Federal Crop, his Mercedes Benz, copenhagen, his snuff, livestock, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Terry, Masonic Temple, First Grazing Board of Prairie County, the First Buffalo Rapids Board, the Fair Board, and he was one of the first to go to the 4-H Congress in Chicago. Bob was known for his story telling and his wit.
He is survived by his wife Ella of Terry; two sons: Robert Martin Ill., of Terry; and Edison Martin of Valley City, N.D.; a daughter Lianne Swigart and her husband Wayne of Sidney; eight grandchildren: Scott, Lonnie, Sterling, Chantel, Sonja, Lucy, Clint and Bert, and three great-grandchildren: Aubyn, Paetyn and Blaine. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Ford Martin, and two sisters: Beth Coey and Marguerite "Bubbles" Payne.
Prayer services will be held on Sunday, March 28, at 7 p.m. in the Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 29, at 11 a.m. in the Community Presbyterian Church in Terry with Rev. Leon Rathbun officiating. Interment will follow in the family lot in the Prairie County cemetery in Terry. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Terry is in charge of arrangements.
Elise W. Thomas
MISSOULA - Elise W. Thomas, born April 5, 1917, in Bozeman to Conrad and Alberta Wipf, died March 25, 1999, at the Village Health Care Center at the age of 81.
Elise grew up on the family ranch near Belgrade and attended school in Belgrade until her high school years when the family moved to Bozeman. She graduated from Bozeman High in 1935 and then attended Montana State College graduating in 1939 with a degree in home economics. She was a member of Kappa Delta sorority and a life member of the Alumni Association.
Following her graduation from Montana State, Elise taught school in Hardin and Glasgow, before taking a position as home demonstration agent with the Agricultural Extension Service in Chinook, where she met and married
Bernard W. Thomas in June of 1946.
Bernard and Elise had six children, David, Anne, William, John, James and Christopher, all of whom graduated from Chinook High School and went on to graduate from college.
Elise was active in the Great Falls Diocesean Council of Catholic Women, serving as recording secretary from 1964-66 and president from 1966-68. She served on the Board of Directors of the National Council of Catholic Women from 1968-73.
Elise gave much of her time to St. Gabriel's Parish in Chinook, both as a member of the altar society and as a catechism teacher,
Her interest in state and local history led her to help the Blaine County Historical Museum as a docent. She had an abiding interest in the local library and served on the Blaine County Library Board.
An expert gardener, she had a fondness for African violets inherited from her father. She was an avid bridge player and lethal at Scrabble. She enjoyed knitting and over the years supplied her family and friends with exquisite woolen garments.
Elise loved to travel and when her husband, Bernard, retired as district judge, they took several tours around the United States and to Mexico and Europe.
She loved life and will be remembered for her extraordinary kindness and willingness to help.
Elise was preceded in death by her parents, Conrad and Alberta.
She is survived by her husband, Bernard, now of Missoula; children, David and William, also of Missoula, Anne and son-in-law Lee Kilcup of Redmond, Wash., John of Helena, James of Seattle, and Christopher and daughter-in-law, Vicki; grandchildren, Alison, Kerri, and Kyle, all of Bellevue, Wash.; and her sister, Mrs. F.G. (Ellen) Stroebe of Billings.
Visitation will be from 7-8 p.m. Sunday, March 28, at Garden City Funeral Home. A vigil service will follow. A funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 29, at Pope John XXIII with Father Frank McCormick officiating. Burial will be in Old St. Mary cemetery. A reception will follow.
Pallbearers will be Elise's sons, David, William, John, James, Christopher and her son-in-law, Lee Kilcup.
Esther Christensen
DAGMAR - Funeral services for Esther Christensen will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 29, 1999. Pastor Wes Aardahl will officiate at the service at Nathanael Lutheran Church at Dagmar; interment will be in Nathanael cemetery. Esther, affectionately known as "Mor" died Thursday afternoon, March 25, at Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home in Plentywood at 100 years of age.
Esther was born in Waupaca, Wis., May 27, 1898, the daughter of Jorgen and Kristiane (Olsen) Jorgensen. In 1908 the family moved to Montana to homestead in the Dagmar community, where Esther grew up and has lived since. She married
Folmer Christensen at the Nathanael Church July 17, 1917; they farmed in Dagmar-Volmer community until his death August 15, 1971. "Mor" continued to live on the farm until October 1988, when she moved to the Montana Pioneer Manor in Plentywood; and even after she entered the nursing home four years ago, Dagmar has remained her home. Esther was truly a pioneer; she and her family struggled to carve out a life on the prairie, and survived the "dirty thirties" and depression years, which shaped her perception of priorities and waste ever since. "Mor" was always determined, outspoken, and intensely loyal ... her friendships formed slowly, but remained close forever. Her hands and mind were always busy, crocheting, painting, and reading. She loved historical novels and biographies (anything that was strongly rooted in reality!) and never stopped learning. Even though her lively mind was progressively shut in by failing vision and hearing, Esther saw that as opportunity to think, reflect, and exercise her mind. She lived for her family, and even in failing health, always kept up with everyone's activities and interests.
Esther is survived by two sons, Vernon, and his wife, Mabel, of Plentywood; Kai, and his wife Jackie, of Polson; three daughters, Sigrid Petersen, of Plentywood; Lois Hajenga, of Mocassin; and Etta Tuss and her husband, Pete, of Lewistown. She is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Gerda Christensen, of Dagmar; by a sister, Elizabeth Lindegaard, of Shepherd; by 19 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Besides her husband and parents, "Mor" was preceded in death by a daughter, Ruth, at age 3, her son, Jorgen, in 1997, and by a brother and five sisters.
David G. Lamb
BREMERTON, Wash. - David G. Lamb, of Bremerton, passed away on March 26, 1999, of cancer. He was 72 years of age.
David was born on Sept. 6, 1926, to David Lamb and Ardis Bruffey Lamb in Big Timber, Mont. David attended school in Big Timber and served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He was married
to Olive Alexander-Lamb from 1953 to 1970. He moved to Bremerton in 1971. He married
Doris Ellis on Dec. 28, 1975.
He is survived by his wife, Doris; his ex-wife, Olive; his three children, Micheal and Cheryl Lamb of Helena, Mont., Daniel and Janet Lamb of Billings, Mont., Cindy and Dennis Berg of Glendive, Mont.; and six grandchildren. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Shirley Weldon and Gene Ellis, as well as seven step-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren.
During his early years, David ranched in the Big Timber area, later moving to Red Lodge, Mont., where he ran the Ben Franklin Store for many years. He later moved to Bremerton, where he worked in the Puget Sound Naval Ship Yard for the balance of his work life.
He was a longtime member of the American Legion.
He was blessed with a loving family and many fine friends. He will be missed.
Services will be held at Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home in Bremerton on March 29, 1999, at 1 p.m. Interment will be at Miller-Woodlawn cemetery.
Helen T. Loendorf
Helen T. Loendorf, 82, formerly of Wolf Point, died March 26, 1999, at the St. John's Nursing Home in Billings.
She was born June 23, 1910, in Balfour, N. D., the daughter of Theodore and Magdalena Tritschler. Her family moved to McCone County in 1912, and established a homestead. Helen attended high school at Sacred Heart Academy in Fargo, N.D., and obtained a teaching certificate from Eastern Montana College in Billings. She taught rural school for several years in McCone County.
On May 7, 1936, she married
George C. Loendorf at Vida. She was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker, and endowed her six children with her love of literature and poetry.
Helen is survived by her children, Mary Kessner of Richland, Wash., Jerome of Helena, Joseph and wife, Sharlene, of Billings, Gregory and wife, Emily, of Denver, Colo., Sister Ann Paula of Kansas City, Mo., Clare and husband Daniel Young of Billings. Also surviving are two sisters, Bernice Sievers and Josephine Hayes both of Wolf Point; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband George; two brothers, Andrew and Claude; and three sisters, Theresa, Sister Thecla and Sister Theodora.
The family desires that memorials be sent to charities of choice.
Visitations will be held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 28, at the Clayton Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 29, at the Immaculate Conception Church with Rev. Fr. Steve Zabrocki officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood cemetery in Wolf Point.
Englis Webb Ryan
HARDIN - Englis Webb Ryan, 80, of Hardin, died Thursday March 25, 1999, in the Sheridan Veterans Administration Hospital.
He was born Sept. 27, 1918, in Galatia, Ill., a son of William and Mary Deen Ryan. He grew up and graduated from high school in Illinois. Following his education, he enlisted in the US Army, served during World War II and the Korean Conflict, before receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1963 as a Master Sergeant.
Englis worked as a cook in Washington and Illinois. He enjoyed gardening, while living with his daughter.
He married
Gennie Davis and she died in 1967. He was later married
and divorced.
Englis was preceded in death by three daughters, Katheryn, Sharon and Janet Rogers.
Survivors include one daughter, Patricia (Bobby) White of Hardin; two brothers, Haward Ryan of Illinois and Calvin (Lois) Ryan of Florida; one sister, Lois Russell of Minnesota; and five grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place in the Bullis-Eastern Montana Crematory. Memorial Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Monday in the Bullis Funeral Chapel. Interment of the Ashes will be held in Tacoma, Wash. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements.
