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John Jacob Stahley
LAUREL - "Jake" Stahley was born March 13, 1923, on a farm three miles west of Laurel to Phillip and Elizabeth (Reiter) Stahley and lived within 10 miles of Laurel all of his life. He lost a valiant fight to Cancer on March 15, 1999, with his daughter and son-in-law at his bedside.
Jake graduated from Laurel High School and worked for Boeing in Seattle before joining the Army to spend the next two years in the Central Pacific as the Company Supply Sergeant. In 1946, he married
Betty Lou Paronto and together they had two children, Vicki Jo and Gary Allen. They were later divorced.
He worked for Scott's cleaners in Laurel for five years and went on to graduate from The National Institute of Dry Cleaning before purchasing the Orchid Cleaners, which he owned and operated for 30 years. Jake was proud to give several high school students their first after-school job.
He was past president of Laurel Kiwanis Club; a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Billy Post, serving a term as quartermaster; and a longtime member of the V.F.W Honor Guard Firing Party for Military funerals and Memorial Day Service. He was also a member of the American Legion, Elks Lodge, F.O.E. and Moose organization.
Jake was a former Laurel Airport Manager and a private pilot for 20 years. He enjoyed giving people their first airplane ride and was especially proud that three of those people chose flying as a career.
Jake did not know the term of retirement. Following the sale of the Orchid Cleaners, he spent 11 years delivering meals to Laurel senior citizens and continued to work part-time for various dry cleaners in Laurel and Billings. He traveled all over the United States in his motor home and met many people through his Singles Group. His greatest love and joy was spending time with his great-grandchildren.
His parents, a son, three brothers and three sisters preceded him in death. Jake is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Vicki Jo and Stuart Smith of Benton City, Wash.; granddaughter, Bonni Lawrence of Laurel; grandson, Brian Lawrence of Billings; great-granddaughters, Kati, Karissa, and Courtney Hendrickson, special son-in-law, Tom Lawrence of Billings; his sisters, Frieda Stoltz of Miles City, Clara Labrenze of Anaheim, Calif., Tillie Giovenetti of Stockton, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews, all who loved "Uncle Jake."
Cremation has taken place. Celebration of Life will be held at Smith Funeral Chapel in Laurel at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 18, 1999. Memorials can be sent to St. Vincent Foundation or Laurel Senior Citizens.
Gene P. 'Beefy' Martens
EKALAKA - Gene P. "Beefy" Martens, age 55, of Ekalaka, passed away Monday, March 15, 1999, at Ekalaka. He was born Aug. 14, 1943, at Miles City, the son of Walter and Olethia (Lete) Tiedemann Martens. He grew up and attended school in Ekalaka. Gene was married
to Myrna Blutt. To this union, a son, Terry, was born. They moved to Libby where Gene worked in the lumber business. He later worked on The North Slope of Alaska in the oilfields.
On Dec. 31, 1993, he was married
to Tammy Stroppel at Las Vegas, Nev. They moved to Ekalaka where they purchased the Old Stand Bar in 1995. They had operated it since that time. Gene enjoyed fly fishing and hunting.
Survivors include: his mother, Lete Johnson and her husband, Allen of Baker; his wife, Tammy Martens of Ekalaka; two sons: Terry Martens of Florence and Tyson Martens of Ekalaka; a brother, Randy Martens and his wife, Shirley of Baker; a sister, Monty Lou Slagter and her husband, Ben of Baker; two grandchildren: Paul and Tracey; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 19, 1999, at 11 a.m. in the Sorrel Horse Patrol Building in Ekalaka. Interment will follow in the I.O.O.F. cemetery in Ekalaka. Stevenson Funeral Home of Ekalaka is in charge of the arrangements.
Robert L. Wrigley
CODY, Wyo. - Robert L. Wrigley, 51, died Wednesday, March 10, 1999, in Cody. He was born Nov. 22, 1947, at the old hospital in Basin to Harvey B. and Clara (Garwood) Wrigley.
Bob graduated from Basin High School in 1966 and served from July 5, 1966, to July 4, 1972, in the Wyoming Army National Guard, Battery C, 1st Howitzer Battalion, 49th Field Artillery, now part of 2nd Battalion, 300th Field Artillery. He received a marksmanship badge for his expertise with the MI4 rifle. He served in Guernsey and Worland; Fort Lewis, Wash.; Fort Sill, Okla.; and Camp Williams, Utah.
Bob farmed the Wrigley farms on Orchard Bench for several years before he entered the construction business with Sykes Construction in Basin, then Silvertip Construction, and Nicholson Dirt Contractors in Cody. He was a master mechanic, highly valued for his mechanical ability on any kind of equipment, his reliability and honesty.
He was a member of the Eagle's Lodge No. 1431 in Basin.
He is survived by his mother, Clara I. Wrigley of Bailey, Colo.; a sister and brother-in-law, Peggy Reid and Glen F. Reid of Fort Collins, Colo.; a niece, Laura L. and husband, Michael J. Anderson of Pepperell, Mass.; six aunts and uncles: Virginia and Bill Cowan of Greybull, Ruth and Monte Bassett of Cody, Dr. and Mrs. W. C. Garwood of Dubois and Casper; and six cousins, including Douglas Marshall of Basin.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 22, 1999, at the Mount View cemetery in Basin. Following the graveside service, a memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. at the Ballard Funeral Home, 636 19th St., Cody. Pastor Bud Wells, Wapiti Valley Baptist Church, will conduct the services. Friends and family are cordially invited to attend a luncheon gathering at the Sunset House in Cody at 2 p.m. following the memorial service, and a gathering of friends will be held at the Eagles Lodge in Basin following the graveside service.
Memorial Funds have been arranged at the Security State Bank, P.O. Box 531, Basin, WY 82410-0531 and the Shoshone First Bank, 1401 Sheridan Ave., Cody, WY 82414 to benefit the Spirit Mountain Hospice in Cody and the Rocky Mountain Cancer Treatment Center in Cody.
Atwood Family Funeral Directors, Inc. and Ballard Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements.
Mabelle Kreamier Swanson
December 19, 1911 - March 15, 1999
RED LODGE - Mabelle Kreamier Swanson died peacefully in her sleep at Beartooth Nursing Home on March 15, 1999.
She was born in Clarinda, Iowa, on Dec. 19, 1911, the daughter of Charles Henry Kreamier and Nina Edmunds Kreamier. She attended grade and high school in Clarinda, where she met the love of her life, Alvin Swanson Sr., who lived on a nearby farm. They married
in 1929, arriving by train in Billings, where they were driven by a horsedrawn carriage for their honeymoon at the Northern Hotel. They were married
52 years.
In the late '30s and early '40s Mabelle and Alvin owned and operated the Bear Up Lunch Cafe in Red Lodge, so named because of the orphaned bear cubs that served as a tourist attraction. Their children, Susan and Alvin Jr., recall fond memories of those early years in Red Lodge. Mabelle was also a "spotter" during World War II, which required her to stand on the rooftop of the J.C. Penney building in Billings, on the lookout for enemy planes. In 1958, Mabelle and Alvin moved to Placentia, Calif., and she returned to Billings in 1989.
Mabelle truly enjoyed camping and fishing with her husband on Rock Creek near Red Lodge and on the Madison River. Her apple pies were declared the most delicious ever and much enjoyed by her family. Gardening was her passion and she eagerly awaited spring and her annual visit to Gainan's greenhouse where she delighted in buying new flowers for her garden.
Mabelle was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin, in 1982. She is survived by her daughter, Susan DeSmet of Red Lodge; son, Alvin Swanson Jr. and wife, Nancy of Billings; grandchildren: Matt and wife, Erin Gerhold of Laguna Beach, Calif.; Karla Gerhold of Corona del Mar, Calif.; Kelly Swanson of Sydney, Australia; Andrew and wife, Gillian Swanson and Christopher Swanson, all of Santa Barbara, Calif.; Ryan Stahl of Virginia Beach, Va.; and great-grandsons, Cody Gerhold, Drew Gerhold, Tyler and Cameron Stahl.
Mabelle was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Billings and was an ordained deacon at Placentia Presbyterian Church when she lived in California. Her faith sustained her throughout her life and she especially loved the 23rd Psalm and Psalm 118:24:
"Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!"
A private, family memorial service is planned. The family requests that, if desired, memorials can be made to: The Beartooth Nursing Home, P.O. Box 590, Red Lodge, MT 59068, for the purpose of providing activities for its residents.
Robert (Bob) Chouinard
Bob Chouinard, 64 of Billings, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, March 14, 1999, after a long battle with emphysema. He was born Aug. 4, 1934, to Albert and Ruth (Stuard) Chouinard in Butte.
Bob graduated from Butte High in 1954. After graduating, he enlisted and served two years in the Navy. He married
Rose Malia on June 17, 1961.
Bob spent more than 30 years in the computer industry where he was employed by the Montana Power Company, NCR and SuperValu. He retired as Information Systems Manager in 1994.
Bob enjoyed his grandchildren, the outdoors, family gatherings, and especially time with family and friends at his cabin. He was a member of St. Pius X Parish and was active in the Cursillo Movement.
Survivors include his wife, Rose; children, Steve (Hayley) Chouinard, Rob (Sheila) Chouinard, Deanna (Mark) Holle, Ken (Solveig) Chouinard and Wade Chouinard; and grandchildren, Mikayla, Jayce, Kelsey, and Joshua Holle, and Ashley Chouinard, all of Billings. He is also survived by a sister, Delores (Faye) Bumgarner of Butte and numerous nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Ruth Chouinard, and a sister, Sharon Childers.
His witty sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.
The family would like to thank Dr. Wittnam and the gracious people of Big Sky Hospice for their special care.
Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday, March 19, at St. Pius X Church. Memorials may be directed to the Montana Lung Association, 825 Helena Ave., Helena, MT 59601, Big Sky Hospice, P.O. Box 35033, Billings, MT 59107, or the charity of one's choice. Michelotti, Sawyers & Nordquist has charge of arrangements.
Alice 'Addie' Mestdagh
Alice "Addie" Mestdagh, 77, passed away Monday morning, March 15, at Eagle Cliff Manor in Billings from lung cancer.
She was born March 5, 1922, in Roundup, a daughter of G. Frank and Clara Liskow Bolin.
She married
Gilbert Mestdagh in March, 1946, residing in Roundup until moving to Billings in 1988. Gilbert preceded her in death, Aug. 4, 1990.
She is survived by her son, Randy of Billings; grandson, Robin, and two granddaughters, Shelly Burk and Kelly Stoner, all of Billings. Survivors also include three great-grandchildren, Hailey Mestdagh, Wyatt Mestdagh, and Kennedee Burk. She was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Jordan Burk in 1993.
She is also survived by two sisters, Wanda Smith of Roundup and Bernadine McCoy of Newcastle, Wyo.; a brother, Robert Bolin of Billings; nieces, Polly Japp, Denise McCoy and Paula Iverson; nephews, Robert Bolin Jr., Brad Bolin and Brent Bolin; several grandnieces and grandnephews, Kim Smir, Kent Japp, Isaac Iverson, and Nancy Dooley; a cousin, Virgil Cross; and a special friend, Martha Echerholm of Roundup.
Alice loved living in Roundup and life was special to her. She enjoyed a close relationship with God. We loved her very much and will miss her.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, March 19, 1999, at Wier Funeral Chapel in Roundup. Burial will be in the Roundup City cemetery. Pastor John Iverson from Emmanuel Baptist Church of Roundup will be officiating. Lunch will follow at the church. Memorials may be made to the Montana Rescue Mission in Billings or to the Emmanuel Baptist Church of Roundup. Wier Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Lynn A. Spackeen
RED LODGE - Lynn A. Spackeen, 71, of Red Lodge, died Sunday, March 14, 1999, in Cedar Wood Villa.
Born on Oct. 4, 1927, on the family homestead near Columbus, he was a son of Ethel and John Henry Spackeen. Lynn was raised and educated in the Joliet area, and served in the Air Corps during World War II.
After military service Lynn worked as a butcher for several years in Red Lodge, and also at area service stations. Following his retirement he resided in Joliet prior to entering Cedar Wood Villa.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Paul and Elmer Dean, and one sister, Dorothy Hoines.
Survivors include three nephews, David Spackeen of Las Vegas, Nev., Robert Spackeen in New Mexico, and Mike Hoines of Laurel; and one niece, Sophia Quesenberry of Billings.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in Olcott Funeral Chapel. Interment will be in the veteran's section of Rockvale cemetery.
Josephine R. (Jo) Huddleston
Josephine R. (Jo) Huddleston, age 85, a 60-year resident of Billings, passed away on Monday, March 15, 1999, at St. Vincent Hospital.
Granddaughter of Margaret Carlston, known in her day as the "Cattle Queen of Montana, " she was born in the mining town of Sourdough near Elkhorn. Her family ranched in the Paradise Valley area until the mid-40s.
She was preceded in death by husband, Clifford B. (Cliff) Huddleston, two brothers and four sisters, Surviving are her son, Robert B. (Bob) Huddleston and companion, Rae Cleveland; daughter, Barbara Hirschfelt and husband, Terry of Laurel; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and sister, Ramona (George) Roedl of Missoula. Also missing her are good friend JoAnne Bylsma, and Faithful Companion Ginny.
Cremation has taken place at Smith's Crematory. At her request, no services will be held. A memorial is planned for a later date.
Paul F. Wolverton
MISSOULA - Paul F. Wolverton, 34, of Missoula passed away on Sunday, March 14, 1999, at St. Patrick Hospital. He was born on June 6, 1964, in Great Falls, the son of Robert H. Wolverton and Janet H. Bear. Paul was raised and educated in Billings and graduated from Billings West High School in 1984. After high school, he lived and worked in Oklahoma for 5 years, after which he traveled extensively before returning to Montana where he lived for the past several years.
In December of 1997, Paul moved to Missoula to pursue his degree at the University of Montana. He was an enthusiast of automobiles and motorcycles. Paul had a passion for literature and authored several poems and short stories. Paul spent much of his life wandering and always lived life on his own terms.
He is survived by his mother, Janet Wolverton of Klamath Falls, Ore.; father, Bob Wolverton of Whitehall; two brothers: Rob Wolverton and wife Mona of Albuquerque, N.M., and Kevin Wolverton and wife Jereen of Reno, Nev.; and other relatives.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 18, at 1 p.m. at Garden City Funeral Home with Pastor Dan Dixson as the officiant. Burial will follow at Old St. Mary's cemetery. The family suggests that memorials be made in Paul's name to the charity of donor's choice. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory.
Steve Rubin Reich
GILLETTE, Wyo. - On Saturday, March 13, 1999, Steve R. Reich, after dying suddenly in Gillette, went to his eternal home to meet his Lord and Maker.
Steve was born in Billings, Mont., on May 25, 1958. During his lifetime, he lived in Billings, Great Falls and Laurel, Mont.; Laramie; Riverside, Calif.; and Gillette.
Steve graduated from high school in Laurel in 1977. He worked in Laurel until 1979 at which time he moved to Gillette. Wanting to do the California thing, in 1984 he moved to Riverside, working for a trucking company as a mechanic. In 1993 he returned to Gillette. At the time of his death, he was employed at Powder River Transportation.
Steve is survived by his parents, Walter and Jeanne Reich of Billings; his brother, Scott of Modesto, Calif.; and his niece, Stephanie J. Rodgers of Merced, Calif.; and many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
In addition to his family, Steve left numerous very good friends in Gillette. Steve was preceded in death by his sister, Wanda J. Rodgers.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial Services will be held in Billings, on Friday, March 19, at 1 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1108 24th St. W. Following Memorial Services, Graveside Services will be held at the Laurel cemetery. Arrangements by Cremation or Funeral Gallery.
Annetta May Bohannon
Anne (Barney, Keele) Bohannon, went home to the Lord on March 15, 1999. She was born May, 15, 1936, in Billings, to Hiram and Rose (Simpson) Barney.
She was married
to James Keele in 1956 and he preceded her in death in 1961. She then married
Mark Bohannon in 1964 and he preceded her in death in 1985.
She enjoyed ceramics and crocheting. She worked in maintenance for many years, cleaning homes and business, and did child care.
She is survived by four sons: James Keele of Missoula; Frank Keele of Billings and his children, Frank Keele Jr. and Lisa; Bill and Julie Keele of Shepherd and their children, Julieann and James; Tim and Barb Bohannon of Billings and his children, Brandon and Bryce; three sisters and three brothers, Rosalie and Darold Smith and Mary and Arnie Brey of Billings, Irene and Darold Wissel and Irvin and Irene Barney of Colorado, and Bill Barney of Great Falls, Timothy Brey of Billings; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be 10 p.m. Friday, March 19, at the Smith Downtown Chapel. Interment will be in the Red Lodge cemetery, Red Lodge, at 1 p.m.
