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Robert Lee Sevier, 81
Robert Lee Sevier, 81, passed away Friday Sept. 3, 2010, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls after a lengthy battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. He was born to Herbert Eugene Sevier and Grace (Jane) Muir-Sevier in Windham on Aug. 19, 1929, the youngest of eight children. The family moved to Kalispell in 1934. He graduated from Flathead County High School in 1949. He then joined the U.S. Navy and spent two years on board the U.S.S. Frontier in Japan during the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, he returned to Kalispell. Bob married
Shirley Main and they had two children, Robi and Ron. They later divorced and Bob married
Wanda Ward on Nov. 25, 1967. Bob worked construction during the building of Hungry Horse Dam. He joined the Kalispell Police Department in 1956, rising in the ranks from Patrolman to Detective and retired in 1976 as Assistant Chief. He also attended the FBI Academy at the Justice Building in Washington, D.C. After retiring from the police department, he went to work in security at Glacier International Airport for 17 years. He also worked for Garrett and Consolidated Freight Lines. Bob learned to fly and became a licensed pilot flying Piper Cubs in the area. He was an avid sportsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and camping. Every fall he and Wanda made a trip to Canada, fishing, along with friends. They later purchased a motorhome and became snow birds, going to Arizona for the winter. They later sold the motorhome and bought a park model home in Quartzsite, Ariz. They made many new friends along the way. He is survived by his wife, Wanda; his daughter, Robi and husband Greg McCue, of Missoula; his son, Ron Sevier of Spokane; grandsons, Ryan and wife, Henriette Vickhammer of Missoula, and David and Blaine McCue of Missoula; brothers, Gene Sevier of Polson and William Sevier of Lewiston, Idaho; sister, Mary Mints of San Jose, Calif.; and sister-in-law, Patty Sevier of Kalispell. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Jack and Parker Sevier; and sisters, Alice Lamach and Hazel Swanson. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. The family will have a private burial at a later date. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Bob s family.
Judy Marlene Siblerud, 60
Judy Marlene Siblerud finished her journey on earth at her home Sept. 6, 2010, in the loving presence of her daughter, Deva, her siblings and her wonderful hospice nurse, Laurie. Judy loved living and valued every breath she was given. She tenaciously and courageously fought cancer for 15 years. Sept. 23, 1949, Judy was born, the fourth child of Ellsworth and Kathryn Siblerud. She joined her siblings on the family farm in the Egan area and embarked on her first adventure at age two, riding her trike a mile to Zobach s to check on the crying lambs. Judy graduated from Egan School, Flathead High School, Eastern Montana College and earned her master s degree in school administration from the University of Montana. She received many honors academically, musically and socially throughout her formal education for her excellence. Judy taught school in Missoula and Lewistown before being elected as Fergus County Superintendent of Schools for eight years. She especially enjoyed being involved with the Hutterite schools in the area. She moved to New Mexico where she completed massage school and various alternative health courses. Her travels took her to Hamilton, where she worked with friends at Garden Seed Company for several seasons. That circle of friendship maintained its closeness and loyalty even in the last days of Judy s life. Nov. 2, 1989, Deva Elise Maeser Siblerud was born in Hamilton. Deva was Judy s passion and joy, evidenced in their close relationship. They lived in Canada for two years before settling in their home a mile from Judy s childhood home. Deva welcomed Judy s presence in her everyday life, and so did Deva s friends, especially Tasha. Judy s adventures took her to Hawaii, Jamaica, Amsterdam, Germany and most recently Brazil, searching for a cure for her disease. Her appreciation for God s creation initiated adventures through the wildernesses of Montana and Idaho via horseback and covered wagon. She loved to hike in Glacier Park and other spots with her cousins Marcia and Bob and many friends. Mount Aneas was one of her favorite places to go. Judy was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and has attended Christian Science church and Shining Mountains over the years. Judy will be missed by her daughter, Deva; siblings, Lonnie (Ginni) Siblerud, LuAnn (Bob) Borgen, Jan (John) Bustad and Joyce (Alan) Schmautz; Aunt Jo and Uncle Don; nieces and nephews, Juleen, Tammi, Jason, Jaime, Janae, Katie, Cody, Will, Seth, and Kadyn; family members, Walkin and Harmony Maeser; close friends, Sally and Steven; and many relatives and friends. Services will be held Thanksgiving weekend, time and place to be determined. An account to benefit Deva has been established at Valley Bank.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Margaret Shirley, 93
Margaret Shirley left her broken-hearted family on Aug. 14, 2010. She was born Jan. 28, 1917. Margaret resided in many places, but she was best known and loved in Eureka and Kalispell. At one time, she was married
to Bud Giese and resided in Eureka, where together they owned the Stockman's Bar in Eureka. She moved to Washington in 1968 where she married
Leslie Shirley. She was a member of the Moose Club, Eastern Star, The Red Hat Society, and the Tobacco Valley Ridge Riders. Margaret and Les returned to Kalispell in 1976. She loved to work in her yard and gardens. She couldn't conquer the weeds and rocks, but she tamed a lot of the land. She even somewhat tamed an ornery donkey named Rosie. She loved all of her pets; of which there were many, even the ones she made from rocks and the stuffed dog that stood guard in the entrance way. She was preceded in death by her husband, Les; and her daughter, Judy Yates (Pilatti). She leaves behind her daughter, Linda Miller, of Washington, granddaughter Terry Webb of Eureka, and daughter Desiree, and grandson Tracy Webb and wife, Twila, and children, Lena, Katie and Britney of Eureka; grandson, Goose Fleming and daughter Amber of Kalispell, and granddaughter, Kim Fleming and husband Don Barta of Kila. We love you grandma. Bye the bye, for now. Friends of Margaret are invited to join her family at 2 p.m. on Sept. 18 at 555 North Hill Road in Kalispell where she will be granted her final wish to have her and Les's ashes spread on the hill overlooking their home. Afterward, everyone is invited to the home of Kim Fleming and Don Barta at 293 Hoffman Draw in Kila. You may call Kim at 257-8166 for more information.
Walter James 'Jim' Lauterback, 82
Walter James 'Jim' Lauterback, 82, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. Jim was born on May 5, 1928 in Glendale, Calif., to Walter and Melba (Evans) Lauterback. He worked as a railroad brakeman and owned and operated his own body and paint shop. He loved playing pool. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Lauterback of Lakeside; children, Steven Lauterback of La Crescenta, Calif., Sandy McKee of Glendale, Calif., and Veronica Morris of Springfield, Mo.; four grandsons; one granddaughter; and four great-grandsons. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, at Eidsvold Lutheran Church in Somers.
S. Elaine Persinger, 77
S. Elaine Persinger, 77, passed away Thursday, Sept. 9, 2010, and went home to our dear Lord and Savior. She was born in Hondo, Texas, July 24, 1933. She was the oldest child born to Will and Loreta Neely and had a younger brother, Jimmy. They have all gone to meet the Lord. She attended Multnomah University-Bible College as a young woman, then met her husband, Wesley Gene Persinger in Hines, Ore., while she was attending nursing college in California. She then stopped school to be married
and create a family. They were married
on Dec. 17, 1954. They soon had four children, Brent, Gary and Ilene, Scott and Wendy, Cindy and Don Bullock. She soon finished her nursing degree at Boise State. They raised their children in Burns, Ore., then Wes and Elaine managed Motel 6 in Kalispell for 13 years, retired, and then bought Riverside Trailer Park in Columbia Falls. She was preceded in death by her parents, Will and Loreta Neely; and her brother, Jimmy Neely. She is survived by her husband, Wesley Persinger; four children; 11 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren. Elaine was always smiling and enjoyed hunting, camping and fishing. She had great love for God and her family. She lived her life as a wonderful Christian woman, expressing her morals and values along with offering prayer and loving advice for all those in need. Our dear loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother will be truly missed and cherished. A gathering and celebration of her life will take place from noon to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, at the family home at 1055 Jellison Road, D-7, Columbia Falls. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is assisting the family.
William 'Bill' H. Hathaway, 94
William 'Bill' H. Hathaway, 94, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010, at the Heritage Place in Kalispell. Bill was born in Kalispell to Oliver and Millie Hathaway on April 12, 1916. He finished his schooling early and drove cattle from Kila to Hot Springs and Nirada in the spring and fall. In his teen years he drove freight trucks to Spokane for Claude Walter. He met and later married
Grace Jeanette Weldon on Nov. 11, 1939, in Kalispell. Bill bought his own truck and started to haul logs and fuel tankers. He started Glacier War Surplus on Main Street which operated for a few years, then he returned to trucking. Bill semi-retired in the 60s and drove for Garrett Freightliners. He finally retired in 1971. He and Grace started heading to Arizona for the winters, first hauling a trailer, then buying a home. They enjoyed spending the summers in the Valley. Bill loved to fish and camp, and took a memorable caravan trip to Alaska. He was a member of the Eagles, Presbyterian Church and the Flathead County Sheriff s Posse. He is survived by his daughter, Judy Hathaway of Kalispell. Bill was preceded in death by Grace; his two sons, Jim and Bob; and four brothers and sisters. A memorial service for Bill will be held at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 14, at the First Presbyterian Church in Kalispell with Pastor Glenn Burfeind officiating. Bill s family has invited members of the community to offer memorial contributions in Bill s name to the Kalispell Jaycees Coats for Children project, P.O. Box 427, Kalispell, MT 59903. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Bill's family.
Phillip J. Lipp, 88
Our dad, Phillip Lipp, 88, died on Sept. 7, 2010, in Kalispell. Phil was born March 8, 1922, to Andrew and Katharine Lipp in Fairchild. The family of eight moved to a farm south of Hingham in 1923. Phil graduated from Hingham High School in 1940 and attended Carroll College and Montana State College. He was inducted into the Army Air Force in September 1942, and served in Iran and Saudi Arabia. He was honorably discharged in November, 1945. Phil married
a Hingham girl, Clara Muller, on Oct. 8, 1946, and they lived in Hingham until their five daughters were raised. During those years, Dad managed Lipp Motors, the local garage, gas station and fuel distributorship, until it was sold in 1982. Phil and Clara moved to Kalispell in 1983 and retired from the farm business in 1986. During their years in Kalispell, Dad replaced his love for farming with fulfilling yard work in the summer. In the winter he was always there to clear his neighbor s driveways with his trusted John Deere tractor. His manicured yard was his pride and joy. Dad and Mom enjoyed many years of golf and making new friends, but the most treasured times of their lives were visits from family and old friends from the Hi-Line. Phil was a very quiet man and like so many of his generation, he rarely spoke of his military service. It took many years for us to become aware of how proud he was to serve his country. He loved the Hi-Line, his friends and the farming way of life. His death was preceded by his wife, Clara on July 1, 2010; oldest daughter, Carolyn Davies in 1998; and his grandson, Drew Engebretson in 1990. His three brothers and a sister also preceded his death. He is survived by his daughters and their husbands, Marge and Bob Hoene of Bigfork, Jane and Nate English of Lolo, Rita and John Laird of Chester, and Diane and Keith Engebretson of Kalispell. Kim Spicher, of Whitefish, was considered their sixth daughter. Their grandchildren are Casey, Sara, Jessica, Cory, Heather, Mitch, Aaron, Megan, Keegan and Leah; and great-grandchildren, Carolyn, Finley, Edie, Evelyn, Georgia, Declan, Caitrin, Spencer and Emerson. Phil is also survived by his sister, Betty O Donnell of Billings. A special thanks to Dr. Tim Obermiller of KRMC for his thoughtful care of Dad. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13 at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at Risen Christ Catholic Church with the Rev. Rudy Bullman officiating. Interment with military honors will follow the services at C.E. Conrad Memorial cemetery. The family requests memorials be made to a charity of your choice in Phil s name.
Rest in peace Mom and Dad. We love you. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Richard J. Downen, 46
Rich Downen, 46, of Columbia Falls, died at his home on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2010. He was born Nov. 21, 1963, in Whitefish, the son of Richard and Dorothy Downen of Columbia Falls. He grew up in Columbia Falls and attended Columbia Falls schools. After attending Trapper Creek Job Corps he returned to Columbia Falls and worked at the Plum Creek fiberboard plant for over 25 years. At the time of his death he was an assistant apartment manager for his cousin, Dennis Howard, at an apartment complex in Columbia Falls. He had many interests and hobbies, including family genealogy and raising his organic vegetable garden. He is survived by his daughters, Anna, Sarah and Emily Downen, and his parents, Richard Downen and Dorothy Downen, all of Columbia Falls; his sisters, Rebecca Grady of Seattle, and Debra Dotson and her husband, Mike, and children, Adrienne, Allyssa and Jerad of Spokane; his uncles, Stan Downen of Columbia Falls, and Joe and Jan DeFlyer of Bishop, Calif.; his aunts, Clarice Harrison of Whitefish, and Arlene Rowe of Kalispell. He is also survived by many cousins and friends, including his friends since his grade school days, Chuck and Tom Oxley. Rich was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Alice DeFlyer, and Archie and Persis Downen; as well as his cousin, Tracy Downen. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at Fellowship Alliance Church in Columbia Falls.
Frances 'Frankie' L. (Battenfield) Shea, 61
Frances 'Frankie' L. (Battenfield) Shea passed away at her home in Tucson, Ariz., on Sept. 6, 2010. Frankie was born in Prairie Grove, Ark., to Fred and Pearl Battenfield on June 8, 1929. She married
Donald J. Shea in Shelby on Oct. 3, 1948. Don and Frankie raised their four children in Shelby, until moving to Seattle in 1962. They remained in Seattle until 1993, then returned to Montana, settling in Kalispell and enjoying retirement together until Don passed in 1999 after 51 years of marriage. In 2008, Frankie moved to Tucson living near her niece, Betty Davis, and husband, Doug. In June of 2010 Frankie married
Howard McClellan. Frankie's focus in life was her family. She was a devoted wife and mother and a selfless care giver for her husband, Don, for the last two years of his life. Her boundless energy was evident in managing of home, finances and kids, working full time, yet embracing play and friends. Frankie's reputation for great meals is remembered by all who sat in her kitchen as was spirit, passion, and her love of family. Frankie is survived by her husband, Howard; sons, Michael and Lorna, James, and Dan and Sue; daughter, Janet; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. today, Sept. 11 at Christ Community Church in Tucson.
James 'Walkin Jim' Stoltz, 57
'Walkin Jim' Stoltz set off on his last forever wild hike on Friday, Sept. 3, 2010. Our master troubadour and dear friend fought a heroic battle with cancer in Helena. He was 57 years old. Walkin Jim is widely known throughout the U.S. for his unique combination of long-distance hiking, original songwriting and photography. He accomplished over 28, 000 miles of long-distance treks, including the Pacific Crest Trail, the Appalachian Trail, an east to west cross-continent hike, the entire U.S. Continental Divide, and trips from Yellowstone to the Yukon. Between trips, Jim would create, produce and perform original shows of his travels with photography and music, always incorporating his keen sense of environmental awareness and justice for all things wild. His musical, hiking and environmental career spanned 45 years. Jim produced nine musical albums, one music video for children, and was also an accomplished poet, writer, photographer and painter. He founded the nonprofit Musicians United to Sustain the Environment (MUSE) with a group of professional musicians concerned about the health of our planet and wanting to help protect it. The Environmental Protection Agency honored Jim with its Outstanding Achievement Award for his advocacy of nature and wilderness across America. Jim was born in Royal Oak, Mich., June 8, 1953, to Wilbur and Audra Stoltz. He graduated high school from Royal Oak - Kimball High School. Walkin Jim began playing the guitar when he was in the fourth grade and first attained his love for the outdoors and hiking with the Boy Scouts. He is survived by his true friend, Leslie Stoltz, of Big Sky; brother, Mark Stoltz, of Honor, Mich.; sisters, Susan Grace Stoltz of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Lisa Mohr of Wixom, Mich.; and many nieces and nephews. Jim s life work and dreams centered on his desire to share and protect the beauty, the unique character, the mood, and the value of wilderness through his music, writings, art and activism. He leaves a special and enduring legacy to his family, friends, and innumerable list of fans. Contributions can be made in honor of Walkin Jim Stoltz to MUSE (Musicians United to Sustain the Environment) P.O. Box 1512, Helena, MT 59624. More about Jim is at www.walkinjim.com.
James Lindley Patterson III, 56
After a short battle with cancer, James Lindley Patterson III, 56, of Bigfork, was taken to heaven on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, on the wings of his angels while surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born on Jan. 3, 1954, in Santa Monica, Calif., to Meryl Cook Patterson and Dr. James Lindley Patterson Jr. At the age of 4, he moved with his family to Butte. He attended school in Butte and graduated from Butte High School in 1972. Jim attended Montana State College World Semester at Sea, graduating from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn., with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. After graduation, Jim spent two years working with the Zoological Society in Jackson, Miss., where he developed a keen interest in elephants. He spent the next 25 years working with and training elephants on various circuses in the U.S. and Canada. He spent six months in Japan with Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus and upon returning to the U.S., met the love of his life and wife of 16 years, Michelle Lomando Patterson. They worked together on Garden Bros. Circus of Toronto, Canada, until retiring in 1999 and settled in Hazleton, Pa., with their 3-year-old son, Sam. Jim worked as a truck driver for Y.O.U. Trucking for the next eight years. In 2007, the family moved to Bigfork, where Jim continued driving for Jim Palmer Trucking until his death. In addition to his parents, wife Michelle, and son Sam, he is survived by his sister, Leslie Ann Patterson Selin, and husband, Lonnie, and their children, Kari Ann and Kelsey Paul, of Salt Lake City; aunt, Elizabeth LaBorde, and cousins, Barbara Schoenberger and John and Kathy LaBorde, all of San Diego; cousins, Benjamin and Linda Taylor, of Raleigh, N.C.; Dr. Gordon King, of Georgia; Mary Frances Jones of Duncan, Okla.; and Nancy Poole of Dallas; and sisters- and brothers-in-law, Mary Lomando and Fernando Li of Pompano Beach, Fla.; Dorothy and Ed Wood of West Hazleton, Pa; Lisa and Dennis Chapman of Kalispell; and Carla and Jeff Garber, and children, Danielle, Jeffrey and Christopher, of Newtown, Pa. His loving, four-legged companions, Nibby and Benny, will miss their nature walks with Jim. Jim will be greatly missed by his many friends and co-workers and will forever be remembered for his passion for life, devotion to his family, and respect for all animals and nature. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Sept. 10, at St. Patrick s Episcopal Church, 30631 Montana Highway 209, Bigfork. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Beatrix Mae Peterson, 54
Beatrix Mae Peterson, 54, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. She was born on Feb. 10, 1956, in Kalispell, the daughter of Phillip and Rodessa (Bartel) Norton. She was the fifth of six children. She went to Peterson Elementary School and graduated from Flathead High School in 1974. During her senior year, she moved in with her sister Jan and her husband, and was a tremendous help with the children, Renee, Derek and Denise. Soon after graduation, she moved to Juneau, Alaska, to live with her sister Linda and worked in various state offices, eventually being promoted to assistant to the commissioner of Waters and Harbors. In Alaska, she fished for halibut, picked wild blueberries, and totally threw herself into a lifestyle foreign to her. She quickly made many friends. One of her biggest joys was baby-sitting her niece Alycia who was just a toddler. The joys they shared are unforgettable and cherished. When she returned to Montana, she found a job on the pot lines at the Anaconda Aluminum Plant. She prided herself on being able to work as hard as men and appreciated the reward of a larger paycheck. She moved to Beeville, Texas, with a friend and soon met her husband, Greg. He was from Shelby and was in the U.S. Navy. Soon he was stationed in Whidbey, Wash., and she followed. On Jan. 1, 1987, they were married
in Kalispell and moved again to another assignment, eventually ending up in Handford, Calif. Greg was shipped out during Desert Storm and was away for quite some time. She found work in various print shops in the area. One of her proudest accomplishments was designing a brochure for the U.S. Park Service. Her two sons were born in Handford; Phillip Gregory on June 20, 1992, and Jan-Michael on April 26, 1994. When Greg retired from the Navy, the family moved back to Montana " God s Country. Greg soon looked for something to do and found work at Stoltze Lumber and Bea worked at the Town Printer in Columbia Falls doing what she loved most, printing. It wasn t long before she went looking for a bigger operation and more responsibility. She found it, the Kalispell School District 5 print shop. She enjoyed the challenge of the computerized printer and enjoyed her work there until ill health forced her to leave. During the past several years, Bea suffered many health issues and became mostly homebound. Bea always put others before herself, especially her sons. She loved personal pictures and crafts her sons made and she posted them proudly. She loved animals and birds. As a young child, she fell in love with chickens and had to be watched closely so she wouldn t wander away trying to catch one of the Banty chickens the neighbors let run loose in their yard. She also loved crafting. Each of the older nieces and nephews received a cherished Christmas stocking that she worked for hours on as she expertly embroidered and secured multiple sequins onto the design. Before she fell ill, she and Greg enjoyed riding their Harleys. It was always her intention to get well enough to do that again. She was extremely intelligent and could read and write at a very early age. She had a great imagination, a quick wit and an infectious laugh. She was watched over by her oldest sister Jan and the two had a special lifelong bond. She was the best mom her sons could have hoped for. She was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her sons, Phillip and Jan-Michael; her mother, Rodessa Norton; her sisters and their spouses, Jan and Roger Weller, Linda and Art Hayes, Cynthia and Terry Dell, all of Kalispell, and Deborah Norton of Geraldine; and brother, Steve Norton, of Seattle. She is also survived by Renee Weller, Derek Weller, Denise and Duane Schrade and their children Abby, Anna and Andrew, Andrea and Rob Benitz and their children Lilly and Hayden, Alycia Hayes and Kimberly Brown. She was preceded in death by her father, Phillip Norton, in 1985; and her husband, Gregory Peterson, in 2008. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, at Glacier Memorial Gardens. A reception will immediately follow at Woodland Park Pavilion. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Bea s family.
Edna Reese, 90
Edna Reese, 90, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Edna was born on April 26, 1920, in Cold Springs, Okla., to Sanders and Marian (Peters) Martin. She was raised in Lone Wolf, Okla., where she graduated from high school. After high school, she attended Enid Business College for two years.
Edna married
Troy Reese in September 1939; they were married
for 58 years when he passed away.
Edna was very active in her church, and loved to play bridge, as well as gardening, painting and doing needlework.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Troy Reese; a brother, Bill Martin; sisters, Ruth Swain and Erma Davis; her parents, Sanders and Marian Martin; one grandson, and one great-granddaughter.
She is survived by her children, Jean Reinschmidt, of Clinton, Okla., Joyce Craig, of Corinth, Texas, Dean Reese of Alberton, Sandy Briggs of Flagstaff, Ariz., and Dennis Reese of Lakeside; grandchildren, Debbie Ferguson, Jackie Archer, Cammy Gaston, Colleen Baker, Kevin Wade, Stacy King, Wendy Cabrales, Launi Holland, Kelly Avants, Joshua Reese, Jenny Herrick, Troy Briggs, Ty Briggs, and Tracy Briggs; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. today, Sept. 11, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. today at Lakeside Chapel in Lakeside.
Ray Bilile, 66
Ray Bilile, our loving husband and father, has gone to be with his Lord and Savior after a battle with respiratory complications. He was born in February of 1944 in Ronan, where he grew up on the family farm. He graduated from Ronan High School in 1962, then went on to the University of Montana and graduated from pharmacy school in 1967. He returned to Ronan and ran the farm and started R&R; Drug. He owned R&R; Drug for 34 years before selling it and retiring to the Bigfork area with his wife Tere. He spent the last years of his life working on their home and working on the board of directors for St. Luke s Community Hospital in Ronan. He enjoyed hiking, camping and kayaking in new and interesting places around the world, but he was always thankful that God had put him in the most beautiful place in the world, western Montana. He enjoyed his friends and families laughter. He was preceded in death by his father, Clarence; mother, Louise; and his sisters, Alice, Evadine and Maxine. He is survived by his wife, Tere of Bigfork; his sons, Corey of Bigfork, and Brandon and Trevor, both of Kalispell; his brothers, Morris and Roy, both of Ronan; grandson, Jeff, of Billings; and granddaughter, Lyric, of Kalispell. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Tyson. We all love you and miss you and will remember you forever. A memorial celebration will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Oct. 16, at the Mission Mountain Country Club east of Ronan. The family suggests that any donations be made to the Ray Bilile Memorial Fund in care of Community Bank, P.O. Box B, Ronan, MT 59864. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Ray s family.
Jim Floyd Edward Eugene VanDeHey, 85
Jim Floyd Edward Eugene VanDeHey, 85, The Nicest Guy in Missoula, bowled a 119 on Friday, Sept. 3, and on Tuesday, Sept. 7, he went to see Jesus, with great courage, in his home, surrounded and loved by family and friends. Jim was born in Appleton, Wis., on March 24, 1925, to Julia and Frank VanDeHey, weighing a whopping 1.5 pounds. Jim was orphaned by the time he was 6 years old. From age 6 to 14, Jim lived in a Catholic orphanage that he ran away from several times. The last time, at 14, he came to Missoula, where (lying about his age) he got on at Bonner Mill, the youngest person ever. Jim headed back to Wisconsin. He was married
to Ella Schaefer in West Bend, Wis., on Aug. 10, 1945. Ella and Jim had two children, Dewayne and Dean. They moved back to Missoula in 1949, where later he and Ella divorced. Jim married
Patricia Jean Harris on Oct. 18, 1955, blending their families, which included three children, Dean, Terri and Penni. Pat and Jim had three children together, Robin, Lisa and Patrick. Grandpa Jim, or the nicest guy in Missoula, as he introduced himself, brightened the lives of anyone he came in contact with. Jimmie lived life with enthusiasm and vigor. Much of Grandpa Jim s time was spent at the cabin he built with his best friends, Karl and Effie Schmidt, in Seeley Lake. It was a favorite family gathering spot where Grandpa taught his kids life lessons and instilled in them his infamous work ethic. Making his living as a cement finisher in the Five Valleys, he had a hand in some of Missoula s historical developments, including pouring the cement for the M on Mount Sentinel. Other projects included the dam at Georgetown Lake, as well as the Nevada Creek Reservoir Spillway. Jim s life was filled with family and friends, of which he made new ones wherever he went. Grandpa Jim s charm and charisma won t soon be forgotten. The family would love to see you at his service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Missoula, where he was a charter member. So put your teeth in your pocket, get your stocking cap on and we ll see you there! Jim is preceded in death by his son, Dewayne Pooki VanDeHey; his parents; and 12 of his siblings. He is survived and much loved by his children, Dean VanDeHey and wife Brenda, Terri Curtis and husband Mark Stevens, Penni Keersemaker and husband John, Robin Rau and husband Marty, Lisa VanDeHey and husband D.C. Haas, Patrick VanDeHey and wife Mindy; grandchildren, Matthew Keersemaker and wife Kristi, Sally Rau, Jessica Keersemaker, Christopher Rau and wife Julia, Kailey VanDeHey, Katie Haas, Karley VanDeHey, Nick Haas, Noel Walker, Alan Aavedal, Christina Kuntz, Yvonne Paul, and Brian McEvoy; great-grandchildren, Kelsey Keersemaker, Carson Keersemaker, Tylia Hawkins, Benjamin Rau, Joshua Lamp, Michael Keith, Tyler Keith, Cody Lague, Kaleb VanOstrand, Bryaonna McEvoy, Alayanna McEvoy, and Brea Kuntz; as well as several family members in and around the Green Bay, Wis., and Illinois area, and far too many friends to mention. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please send a donation to the Sleepy Teepee Trust Fund. His cabin, The Sleepy Teepee, was Grandpa s passion, and he would want it to be around for generations of family and friends to enjoy. Donations can be made to Missoula Federal Credit Union, care of the Jim VanDeHey Memorial Fund. God loves ya, and so do I!
