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Steven Collier, 31
Spc. Steven Addison Collier died Saturday in Owensboro, Ky., following an automobile accident. He was stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., and was serving with the 101st Aviation Regiment.
Steve was born July 25, 1971, in Butte to Addison and Barbara (Fitz) Collier. He received his education in Oregon. He was an accomplished cook and had worked as chef at Emilia Ristorante in Aloha, Ore., prior to entering the Army two years ago. He enjoyed biking, concerts, reading, collecting original comic books, loved the outdoors and was an avid science fiction fan, especially of ``Star Wars." He liked lions, and as a Leo, was kind and thoughtful, always thinking of others. Steve was courageous, hard-working, a devoted Christian father and especially enjoyed spending time with his family.
He is survived by his daughter, Toshia Collier, Bullhead City, Ariz.; mother, Barbara Collier, Walkerville; father and stepmother, Addison and Le Ann Collier, Hillsboro, Ore.; sisters and brother-in-law, Lori Nelson, Dayton, Ky., Judy and Bill Kambic, Walkerville; brother, Jason Collier, Walkerville; grandmother, Dolores Collier, Portland, Ore.; aunts and uncle, Corinne Martinell, Beaverton, Ore., Claire Collier, Portland, Charlene and Dan Stansbury, Tigard, Ore.; nieces and nephews, Heather and Jason Williams, Katie Nelson, Kyle Kambic, Ashley Kambic and Kendra Kambic; great-nieces, Justice and Hallie Williams and Konnor Kambic.
Steve's remains are in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home where friends may call at 3 p.m. Wednesday. Services are 10 a.m. Thursday in St. John's Episcopal Church, the Rev. Thad Butcher officiating. Interment: Thursday afternoon at Fort Harrison Veteran's Cemetery, Helena.
Raoul Diaz, 59
Raoul Francisco Diaz died Monday morning in a local hospital.
He was born in Sombrerete, Zacatecas, Mexico, on Feb. 15, 1943, to Frank and Delores (Savedra) Martinez. He was educated in Denver schools.
Raoul worked as a ware house supervisor for Montana Power and PPL in Colstrip for 26 years. He moved to Butte in June of this year. He enjoyed woodworking, stained glass work, auto mechanics, pottery -- any thing involved with using his talented hands.
He married Theresa Dallaserra in Butte on Oct. 27, 1973; she survives in Butte.
Other survivors include his daughter, Antonette Diaz, Yakima, Wash.; daughter and son-in-law, Virginia and Andrew Hanson, Butte; sons, Raoul Diaz, Butte, Raymond Diaz-Aragon, Denver; eight sisters; nine brothers; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
His parents, stepmother Andrea Martinez, sister Tina Otero and brother Mickey Gutierrez preceded Raoul in death.
His remains have been cremated in Butte. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Immaculate Conception Church. Parish vigil services are 7 p.m. Tuesday in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home.
Memorials: Highlands Hospice or charity of the donor's choice.
Ann Lee, 86
Ann Lee died Monday morning at St. James Healthcare.
She was born in Butte, July 16, 1916, to Anne and Arthur McCartan. She married her husband of 53 years, Paddy Lee, in St. Mary's Church in Butte March 5, 1935; he died in 1987.
Ann was employed as a janitress by School District No. 1 for 21 years and also cleaned private homes in Butte for years. She lived 40 years in Dublin Gulch, where she raised five children. Ann was a renowned clairvoyant who spooked people with her perceptions and told fortunes all over town. She had a green thumb and was a great cook and card player. People would kill for her homemade bread and practiced to beat her in gin rummy.
Ann took great pride in her Irish heritage, her Catholic faith, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She wore out her phone talking to family, friends and neighbors.
Ann was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Metcalf; brother, John McCartan; daughter, Mary Foley; sisters-in-law, Loretta McCartan, Mary Shea; brothers-in-law, Charles Lee, Lefty Winters and Dago Shea.
She is survived by her sis ter, Cassie Winters, Billings; daughter, Kitty Venner, Butte; sons and daughters-in-law, Paddy and Marilyn Lee, Kalispell, John and Kathy Lee, Butte; daughter and sons-in-law, Patsy and Larry Hicks, Seattle, Ed Foley, Butte; grandchildren and spouses, all of Butte, Ed and Tracey Foley, Teri and Ed Fisher, Dan and Karen Foley, Mike and Stacy Venner, Pam and Tom Quinn, and Mark and Trisha Venner, Billings, Patrick Lee, Los Angeles, Johnathan Lee, Portland, Ore., Angelia Lee, Brunswick, Maine; great-grandchildren, Keaton Foley, Jaleo Foley, Ryan Foley, Kevin Foley, Sean Foley, Donavan Venner, Turea Venner, all of Butte, and Cassidy Venner of Billings.
In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place. Liturgy of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Ann's Catholic Church. Interment of ashes will be in Holy Cross Cemetery.
Mary Murray, 96
DILLON -- Mary Murray, longtime resident of Dillon, died Saturday in Parkview Acres Care and Rehabilitation Center.
She was born May 23, 1906, in Butte. Mary's love and concern for her fellow man was reflected by her choice of a nursing career. She graduated from St. James Hospital Nursing School and practiced the profession she loved for more than 40 years. In later years she developed her great love of oil painting and com posed some 100 beautiful landscape paintings.
Survivors include her sons, James H. Murray, Raynesford, Warren J. Murray, Dillon, Charles Murray, Billings; numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Her husband Harold C. Murray and son George W. Murray preceded Mary in death.
Mary was a devout member of St. Rose Catholic Church with a love and understanding of her Lord that made her the compassionate person she was. Mary will be missed by friends and family who are grateful for her wonderful contributions.
Visitation is from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday with scripture service at 7 p.m. in Brundage Funeral Home, 300 S. Atlantic, Dillon. Services are 10 a.m. Friday in St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.
Memorials: organization of the donor's choice.
Carol Smith, 63
ST. IGNATIUS -- Carol Jean Smith of St. Ignatius died Sunday in St. Patrick Hospital from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
She was born Oct. 8, 1938, in Deer Lodge to Gordon C. and June A. (Peterson) Ruttenbur.
Carol was raised and educated in Deer Lodge. She loved life and enjoyed spend ing time with her grandchildren. Carol was employed as a respite care provider and took great pride in her work. She loved art and was an avid painter, even teaching painting classes.
Carol is survived by children, Martin Smith, Cindy Kleest, Terry Smith, Wanda Wilber and Molly Hofmann; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Carol's life will be at 4 p.m. Friday in Leon Hall near Charlo. A potluck reception follows the celebration.
Garden City Funeral Home and Crematory in charge of arrangements.
Joe Miller, 62
Larry “Joe” Miller, formerly of Three Forks, died Saturday at his home in Oregon.
Joe was born Jan. 3, 1941, in Willow Creek to Newell and Edna (Parker) Miller. He was raised in Willow Creek and graduated from Willow Creek School in 1959.
He served four years in the Navy and then worked at the Coast to Coast Hardware Store in Bozeman. He married Linda Hagadone on May 16, 1965, in Three Forks and they had two sons. They later divorced.
Joe moved around the country for several years settling back in Three Forks where they owned and operated the Valley Home Products Hardware Store five years. Joe moved to Bozeman and worked for Montana State University. He married Patricia Arndt on July 7, 2000, in Idaho Falls. They moved to Fort Benton and then to Oregon where they lived until his death.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia; sons, Brett Miller, Tampa, Fla., Matthew Miller, Blaine, Wash.; brothers, Dave (Norma) Miller, Three Forks, Guy (Lois) Miller, Belgrade; many cousins, aunts, an uncle and many friends.
A graveside memorial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday in the Mount Green Cemetery in Willow Creek with Pastor Linda Fritz officiating.
K&L Mortuary Chapel of Three Forks is handling arrangements.
Thomas Blaz, 33
10/26/1975 ~ 04/13/2009
Thomas Francis Blaz died Monday, April 13, 2009, in Butte.
He was born to Thomas and Deborah (Collins) Blaz on Oct. 26, 1975, at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego.
Tom was raised in Anaconda and attended Lincoln and Washington schools graduating from Anaconda High School in 1994. He went on to attend the University of Montana graduating with a degree in finance in June 1998.
He was in Boy Scouts and received his Eagle Scout Award. He continued to be active in Boy Scouts of America and the Order of the Arrow. He also belonged to the Rotary Club and was an active member of the Catholic Community. He loved taking his children shopping, to community functions, St. Patrick’s Day festivities and family gatherings. He enjoyed hunting with his father, and spending time at their cabin at Georgetown Lake.
Tom married Ann Giacomino on June 20, 1997, in Butte, at St. Ann’s Parish. Together they were blessed with two beautiful children, Thomas and Nicole. Tom was employed by Wells Fargo Bank of Butte at the time of his death.
He is survived by his wife and children of Butte; parents, Tom and Debbie Blaz of Anaconda; mother and father-in-law, Fred and Mary Jo Giacomino of Butte; grandparents, Doris Blaz and Zelia Collins of Anaconda, Mary Jo Michaud and Agatha Giacomino of Butte; along with numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and lifelong friends who will all miss him forever.
Friends are asked to join the family after 5 p.m. Thursday in St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Parish vigil will be recited at 7 p.m. Liturgy of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday in St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Interment will take place at 2 p.m. in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Anaconda.
