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Matthew "Matt" Kirk Russell
Matthew “Matt” Kirk Russell, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend, died Friday, April 20, 2012, at the University of Washington Medical Center shortly after being diagnosed with an aggressive liver cancer.
Mr. Russell was born Dec. 13, 1949, in Seattle, Wash., and grew up on Bainbridge Island. In 1968 he went to Argentina as a foreign exchange student. The following year he graduated from Bainbridge High School and then went on to study at Olympic Community College and Western Washington University.
Mr. Russell loved working with his hands and sampled many occupations, but it was his passions that impacted his life.
His first passion was his love for the outdoors. With the Boy Scouts and his family, he hiked for miles, camped under the stars, fished alpine lakes and streams, paddled miles in canoes and saddled up for days on horseback. Traveling abroad he discovered Argentina’s Andes and the “pampas, ” its large central plains. These places and adventures planted a seed in him that grew into a passion for open spaces, and vistas where you can see forever.
He also loved hunting and shooting. As an active member of the Bainbridge Island Sportmen’s Club, he was known as an excellent marksman and trap shooter. He applied these skills in a phase of his life that was yet to come. Varmints, especially coyotes, came to fear his presence.
Mr. Russell’s love for the open prairie and hunting took him to Billings in 1997. There a new passion was about to enter his life.
He began taking country dance lessons there and met Kate, the woman who would become his wife and life partner. It took them a while to figure it out. They thought they were just friends and dancing partners. However, their mutual friends knew otherwise and saw the impending match long before they did. They were married
in Billings on May 4, 2000.
Mr. and Mrs. Russell moved to Miles City in 2006. His job there allowed him to drive and see much of the prairie he loved. Mr. Russell was known by his customers as that really nice tall man with gracious manners and a gentle smile.
He will be remembered for his love of broad vistas and dancing, a giving heart, and his bottomless strength.
His survivors include his wife, Kate; his daughter, Naomi Hubert of Seattle; his brothers, Robert Russell and wife, Jill of Bainbridge Island, and David Russell, and wife, Lisa of Seattle; and his nieces, Janna and Jannell Russell of Bainbridge Island.
Mrs. Russell’s son, Sean Shearer and wife, Ashly of Chico, Calif., daughter, Heather Becerra and husband, Mago and grandchildren, Jasmin and Tomas of Pine Bluffs, Wyo. were also an important part of Mr. Russell’s life. His best friends, Stu Turner and Pat Sinclair, will miss their hunting partner.
A celebration of his life is planned for August in Miles City as well as a Bainbridge Island gathering to be determined.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to a food bank of one’s choice, a local 4-H chapter or the Montana Wildlife Federation.
Don L. Pace
Don L. Pace, 56, of Helena died at home on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, of an apparent heart attack.
Mr. Pace was born in Helena to Jim and Leah Pace on Nov. 13, 1955. He moved to Miles City with his parents as a small child. He attended Miles City schools and graduated from Custer County High School.
Later he moved back to Helena, settled in, and made it his permanent home. In 1993, he married
Dawna Swindler in Helena. They had no children.
Mr. Pace is survived and missed by his wife, Dawna; his mother, Leah Pace of Miles City; and his sisters, Connie (Loren) Delaware of Kansas City, Mo., and Sondra (Mike) Harasymczuk of Miles City. He also is survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jim; and his grandparents, Loren and Martha Sisson of Miles City and Rosella Sayler of Fromberg.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 28, 2012, in the First Presbyterian Church at 535 N. Ewing in Helena. A reception will follow in the church’s reception area.
Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice or to the Eastern Montana Industries of Miles City.
Alma L. Peters
A graveside memorial service for Alma L. Peters of Miles City will be Saturday, April 28, 2012, at 1 p.m. in the Custer County cemetery.
Following the service, a reception will be held in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 119 N. Sixth St.
Jay Dee Singleton
Jay Dee Singleton, 84, of Miles City died Saturday, April 21, 2012, at his home in Miles City with his family by his side.
Mr. Singleton was born on Aug. 27, 1927, to Thomas Dee and Vera “Merle” Emmert Singleton at the hospital in Miles City. He attended first grade through eighth grade at the Tree Coulee elementary school. Mr. Singleton roomed with his aunt and uncle during high school, graduating in 1945. He was active in FFA.
Following graduation he returned to the family ranch. He became clerk of the local school board, and met a young teacher, Mary Margaret Whiteside, who became the love of his life and lifelong partner. They were married
May 28, 1950, for nearly 62 wonderful years. Mr. and Mrs. Singleton raised six children: Douglas, Barbara, Jerry, Larry, Carla and David. Mr. Singletob worked hard to build a ranch and was dedicated to both his ranch and his family.
He started breeding Simmental Cattle in 1970. He was never happier then when checking his alfalfa or wheat, as well as driving through his cattle. In later years he took up competitive target shooting.
A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Mr. Singleton was actively involved in all his children’s and grandchildren’s 4-H years and took a lot of pride in the accomplishments in 4-H.
Mr. Singleton is survived by his wife: Mary Margaret; his six children: Douglas and Judy Singleton, Barbara and Jerry Smalis, Jerry and Joni Singleton, Larry and Deb Singleton, Carla and Maury Murnion, and David and Denise Singleton; 11 grandchildren: Tom Singleton, Jenny and Turk Stovall, Desiree and Vaughn Hoffer, Jesse Smalis, Derick and Shaylee Singleton, T.J. and Awna Irish, Douglas and Tori Murnion, Troy, Marissa and Shauna Singleton; as well as three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Dee and Merle Singleton; and a baby sister.
Visitation will be Wednesday, April 25, 2012, from 1 to 6 p.m. with a prayer service starting at 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be Thursday, April 26, 2012, at 2 p.m. in the First Baptist Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County cemetery.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Holy Rosary Hospice, or the charity of one’s choice.
Chery Elizabeth Schaffner Porten
Chery Elizabeth Schaffner Porten, 90, of Miles City died Thursday, April 19, 2012, at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility in Miles City.
Mrs. Porten was born on May 13, 1921, in Hebron, N.D., Mercer County to Elizabeth Wang Schaffner and F. Gordon Schaffner. She attended rural schools in Dunn County for eight years and graduated from Dodge High School in Dodge, N.D., in 1939 and Dickinson State College in North Dakota in 1944.
She taught in North Dakota, Washington and California.
She and Russ Porten were married
on June 25, 1953, in Dickinson, N.D., and they moved to Miles City where they lived since.
Mrs. Porten was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Women in Miles City. She was active in the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority, Republican Women and Chapter K P.E.O. She operated the Hammil Courts and she and her husband, Russ, established one of the first Kampgrounds of America (K.O.A.) campgrounds in Montana.
Mrs. Porten had many enjoyments, which included flowers, birds, light classical music, poetry, gardening and much more. She loved nature, writing, cooking, baking and entertaining friends. She enjoyed writing many articles for the Miles City Star and even published her own book called “Random Thoughts.” She was known for having lovely teas in her comfortable relaxing home setting.
Mrs. Porten also was fond of animals and their welfare was very important to her.
Her survivors include a niece, Randi Gustafson, and her husband, Bruce; grandniece, Tara G. Peltier and family; grandnephew, Tom Gustafson, his wife, Holly, and their daughter; nephew, Barton Booth, his wife, Kim, and their children; nieces, Cathy Porten Matthirsen, Carol Porten Snow, Leah Grossmar and Beth Nicholls and their families; nephew, Joe Porten III; niece, Janet Porten Boughton and her husband, Keith; brothers-in-law, Joe Porten and Ron Porten and his wife, Linda; special friends, Laverne and Bill Stokes, Glinda Hunter, P.E.O. Sisters and treasured friends, Debbi Smith and Karen Stevenson.
Mrs. Porten was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Russ Porten in 1998; her sisters, Hope Schaffner Lund and Truth Schaffner Moger; and a nephew, Michael Moger.
Visitation will be Monday, April 23, 2012, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Interment will be in the Kyseth cemetery in Marshall, N.D.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Custer County Art and Heritage Center or P.E.O. Chapter K.
Kenneth Wesley Miller, 86
Kenneth Wesley Miller, 86, passed away Friday, Jan. 21, 2011, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell from complications of pneumonia.
He was born Dec. 3, 1924, in Neppel, Wash., the son of Johnnie Roscoe and Eva May (Bower) Miller. His family moved to Kalispell when he was 1 year old where he, the second oldest of 11 children, attended Bald Rock School through the eighth grade, after which he went to work to help support his large family.
Ken grew up in the Rhodes Draw area just a few miles from his future wife Betty (Claridge) Miller. At the age of 4, he was one of the first to hold her when she was born.
In 1944, at age 20, Ken enlisted in the U.S. Army. He spent time in Europe during World War II, serving as a tank driver. He received numerous medals for his duties and achievements overseas, including the Purple Heart and Silver Star.
In 1946 Ken was honorably discharged from the Army, made his journey home to Kalispell and married
his childhood sweetheart. Ken and Betty enjoyed 64 years of marriage together, during which time they had five children that they blessed with fulfilling, active, successful lives.
After the war he went to work in the woods on the business end of a cross-cut saw, but in the first year of logging he lost his leg when a tree fell on him. Having only one leg would easily slow most people down, but not Ken, as he went on to become a hunting guide in the Bob Marshall, a fishing guide on all branches of the Flathead River, and a tree thinner for the Forest Service.
Ken also went to school in Seattle to learn how to put a sharp edge on saws. Word spread and his work attested to his reputation which soon led to numerous jobs from the local mills and the Forest Service. If you wanted a sharp saw, you went to Ken Miller in Evergreen, period. As well as guiding, thinning trees and sharpening saws while raising a family, Ken also held contracts to harvest, transport and sell Christmas trees in California, another inspirational success which he did for 40 years.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, one granddaughter, six brothers, and two sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Betty; daughter Roxy and Rodger Smith of Evergreen, son Ray and Randi Miller of Evergreen; daughter Reta and Jack David of Columbia Falls; son Rod and Carol Miller of Hope, Idaho, and daughter Ronda and Joe Hermosillo of Kalispell. Ken is survived by 10 grandchildren, including Jerry Smith, Tami Engler, Carla Williams, Cory Soucie, Destry and Tony David, Derek, Katie and Trevin and Colton Hermosillo; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; and several great-great grandchildren, with two more on the way; brother, Irvin Miller; sister, Sylvia Evans; and many other nephews, nieces, cousins and in-laws, as well as many friends cherished and held so close to him that they became family as well.
Ken had lived at the Immanuel Lutheran Home for nearly five years and we would like to acknowledge and thank the staff for their wonderful care and compassion. Hospice also helped give care to Ken during his last days with us and our heartfelt gratitude goes out to them.
A celebration of life service will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 28, at the Cowboy Church, 3171 U.S. 93 North. Cake and coffee will be served afterward.
The family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice or to the Immanuel Lutheran Home.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Kevin King, 43
It is with great sorrow that we announce that Kevin King passed away on Jan. 12, 2011, from a sudden illness.
Kevin was born Oct. 7, 1967, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and was raised in Kalispell. He was a longtime resident of Spokane.
Kevin is survived by his beloved spouse, Tamie, of 20 years; his children, Cosette and Garrett; along with his mother, Dorothy King; his sisters, Kris and Betsy; his brothers, Pat, Bob and Dan; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Kevin attended the University of Idaho where he majored in finance and music, and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He was the president of the investment firm Northwest Investment Advisors in Spokane.
Kevin enjoyed many activities, associations and friendships throughout his life. He lovingly restored one of Spokane's grand old homes with his wife Tamie. Kevin was a member of St. Augustine's Parish and was a host father to six foreign students from four different countries. He and his family have entertained countless friends and neighbors with friendship, music and joy.
Kevin and his family have enjoyed many days camping, hiking, fishing and picking huckleberries throughout the mountains and lakes of the Northwest with his family and friends.
Music was a passion of Kevin's, be it playing, singing or listening. While traveling, this included the privilege of singing for Pope John Paul II at Vatican Square. Music and fellowship followed and joyously completed those around him throughout his life.
Kevin was a dear friend and beloved neighbor to all those who knew and came to cherish him. Above all, Kevin was a husband, father and son who can never be replaced. His loss has left a chasm in the hearts of all who knew him.
Funeral services have already been held.
Accounts are established for the children. Checks can be made payable to American Funds and sent to NWIA Attn: King Children at 9 South Washington, Suite 210, Spokane, WA 99201.
Arrangements were entrusted to Hennessey Smith Funeral Home, Spokane.
Karen Buchanan, 49
Karen Buchanan, 49, of Kalispell, passed away Jan. 20, 2011, due to multiple sclerosis.
She was born Oct. 23, 1961, in Philadelphia, where she was raised and where she graduated from high school and attended trade school.
Karen married
Fred Buchanan in 1995 in Kalispell.
She had worked at Syke’s Restaurant, the Outlaw Inn as a banquet supervisor, Rosauers bakery and Master Monograms.
Karen was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
She was preceded in death by her father, Frank Boyle.
She is survived by her husband of 15 years, Fred Buchanan of Kalispell; her mother, Mary Boyle of Philadelphia; sons, Jason, Dan and Joe, all of Kalispell; stepdaughter, Tina, of Butte; stepdaughter Hannah, and stepson Tyler, both of Lawton, Okla.; 10 grandchildren; and a niece, Shannon Boyle, of Philadelphia.
A memorial service for Karen will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24, at the Kalispell VFW.
The family suggests memorials to multiple sclerosis research.
Marvin William Black, 86
Marvin William Black of Kalispell died Jan. 15, 2011, at 11:50 p.m. According to his wishes, he passed peacefully in the presence of his closest friends, in the last home that he built.
He was born on Nov. 10, 1924, to William and Ella Black in the Ohio Camp of Sunburst, Mont., grew up in Oilmont and graduated from Oilmont High School.
Marvin served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific. As one of his accomplishments, he was a Master Mason of Pondera Lodge No. 80 in Conrad. In his long, dynamic life, he was a building contractor in Denver, as Marvin Custom Builder, and more recently in Kalispell as Marvin's Handy, building homes, doing small remodels and custom tile work, retiring just two years ago. Marvin was an avid dancer, doing contra, polka, and international folk dancing all over the United States. In recent years, he learned duplicate bridge and played the game three times a week.
In the last two months of his life, Marvin completed a driving tour of the country, sightseeing and visiting family in Vermont, New York, Georgia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Colorado. He was active and fit all his life and will be lovingly remembered by his family and many friends. Marv taught by example, and we will thoughtfully reflect on his genuine appreciation for the gifts in each new day.
He was predeceased by three brothers, Daniel Black, Alton Black, and Robert Black; and by his son, Thomas Alan Black.
Marvin is survived by his sisters, Louise Ritchey of Tulsa, Okla., and Roberta Bowen of Great Falls; and his brother, John Black and wife, Frances, of Columbia, Mo.
He leaves a daughter, Betty Jo Black of Strafford, Vt.; son, Marvin Benjamin Black of Denver; stepson, Michael Koness and wife, Sandy, of Kalispell; grandchildren, Raymond Frush, Elizabeth Rogers, Sarah Bridges, Will Koness, Shea Koness, nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Acknowledgement is also given to Sherry Sheme, a close and dear friend of Marvin's, as well as dance partner of many years.
The family is planning a memorial service to be held in the spring in Kalispell.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Marvin's family.
