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Angie Maria ‘Marie’ Galloway, 74
Angie Maria “Marie” Galloway, 74, passed away on Monday, Dec. 20, 2010, at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell.
Angie was born on Jan. 31, 1936, in Kalispell, to Vivian (Barnes) and Stan Mero of Lower Valley.
Marie graduated from Flathead County High School in the spring of 1954. She was head cook at Charlie’s Beer Depot, and later at Nickel Charlie’s for 24 years. Marie was forced to retire after numerous strokes.
Marie enjoyed fishing, cooking, embroidery, and spending time with her extended family, all of whom will miss her very much.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Vivian Mero; and her sister, Phyllis Harkey.
Marie is survived by her husband, Ken Galloway; five children, Reta Lathrop and Bob of Arizona, James Pritchett and Donna, Renee Gilbert and Gary, Anthony Pritchett and Robin and Billy Lammert, all from Kalispell; nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
Services for Marie will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home burial will follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens. There will be a viewing from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 27.
In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage memorial contributions to be made in Marie’s name to Home Options Hospice of Flathead Valley.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Marie’s family.
Wayne Otto Fost
Wayne Otto Fost, 72, of Laurel passed away unexpectedly Nov. 1, 2011, doing what he enjoyed the most, hunting. He was the son of Otto and Leila Fost, born May 18, 1939, in Astoria, OR.
Dad was an avid outdoorsman with many friends that enjoyed hunting with him. He spent countless hours afield with his two best hunting buddies, his grandsons. He was also his youngest grandson’s biggest fan during baseball season.
His most recent challenge was the newest addition to the family, Dutchess, their German Shorthair in whom Anne and he took great pride.
Survivors include his wife, Anne Gray of Laurel; brothers, Richard Fost of Mesa, AZ, and Harvey Fost of Boise, ID; son, Dan (Donna) Fost of Tustin, CA; daughter Cori Fost Thompson of Billings; and grandsons, Joe and Josh Andersen of Laurel and Daniel Thompson of Breckenridge, CO. We love you Grandpa, and you will be truly missed.
Cremation has taken place.
Bobbie Lou Lefler
Bobbie Lou Lefler, 74, of Laurel died peacefully Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011, in Billings after a short illness.
She was born to Luke and DeLola “Tot” (Cox) Ward in Checotah, OK, Sept. 29, 1937. Her family moved to the Bighole Valley in 1951. Bobbie graduated from Powell County High School in 1955.
In August 1955, she married
Norman Bennett. They had four children and later divorced.
In December of 1973 Bobbie married
Bob Lefler and moved to Laurel. She retired as an Advocate Manager from US West (Dex) after 34 years.
Bobbie enjoyed crafts, knitting, sewing, working with leather, golfing and loved to fish anywhere she could find water. During the holidays, Bobbie worked tirelessly to make Christmas better for those in need as president of the Eagles Auxiliary in Laurel.
Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Lefler; and a brother, Andrew Ward.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Yvonne Adams, Leslie Wright, Cassandra Richardson, Scott (Nancy) Bennett, and Bruce (Rhonda) Lefler; and six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Bobbie’s life will be at 1 pm., Wednesday, Nov. 23, at New Life Four Square Church in Laurel.
Agnes Eileen Royer
(July 21, 1928 - January 7, 2017)
Agnes Eileen Royer died peacefully in her home with her loving daughters by her side. Eileen was born July 21, 1928 in Belfield, North Dakota to her parents Joe and Helen Wagner. She married
Glenn Royer in Livingston, Montana and they had three daughters. After Glenn's death, Eileen and the girls moved to Laurel where she resided until her death. She is survived by her daughters Brenda Royer and Rhonda (Michael) Smith and her grandsons, Aaron Smith of Billings and Kyle Smith of Bozeman. She was preceded in death by her husband Glenn, her daughter Glenda Royer, two Grandsons Glenn French and John Christian French. Cremation has taken place and private family services will be held at a later date. Gram was a loving mother and gramma. She was caring and generous, often asking, "are you hungry?" and telling her grandkids "Candy bars are in the cupboard" We will miss you Gram.
Stattie Knapp Whitcanack
Stattie Knapp Whitcanack, 94, passed away Nov. 15, 2011, at St. John’s Lutheran Ministries nursing home in Billings.
She was born Jan. 2, 1917, in Belgrade, the daughter of Paul and Florence Knapp. On May 29, 1938, she married
H.A. “Pete” Whitcanack in Helena. They made their home in Park City for over 50 years.
She was a 63-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She had many other varied interests including gardening, golfing, fishing, sewing, puzzles, and traveling, but her true passion in life was her family. Her personality always put the needs of others ahead of her own.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete.
Stattie is survived by her sister, Pauline Holliday; children, Darryl (Patti) Whitcanack, Penny (Clark) Carpenter, and Paula (Steven) Ottenbreit; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, two nephews, and one niece.
Cremation has taken place and services will be at the St. John’s Ocee Johnson Chapel at 3940 Rimrock Road, Billings, on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 2 pm. Graveside services will be at Park City cemetery following. The family suggests memorials be made to Park City Methodist Church, St. John’s Lutheran Home, or a charity of your choice.
Louise E. Rooley
Louise E. Rooley died at Riverstone Horizon Home peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2011. She went to be with her only love, Clarence “Kid” Rooley. She was born June 1, 1921, in Lovell, WY.
She was survived by her daughter, Jacque Obermeyer; son, Clint Rooley; grandkids, Lisa and Dan Currier, Justin Rooley and Liz Rooley; and great-grandkids Charles Rooley, Stanley Currier and Alianza Zwang. She will be missed greatly by the family she left behind.
Peter C. Giovetti
Peter C. Giovetti, 83, of Laurel died in his home from natural causes on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011.
Pete, the son of Peter C. and Lottie (Sparr) Giovetti, was born Sept. 28, 1928, in Red Lodge.
Pete served in the Army as a young man. He became an accomplished mechanic and acquired numerous self-taught skills throughout his life. Pete had a great thirst for knowledge in all things. Pete loved his family, helping them in any way he could. He made wonderful friends and his generosity was endless.
Pete was preceded in death by his sisters, Dorothy Dalhman and Marjorie Golfe; son, Bob Mattson; and his cherished grandson, Cody Weschenfelder.
Pete is survived by his wife, Millie Bernhard Giovetti; two sons, Daniel Giovetti and Jim Mattson; daughters, Betty Ann (Dennis) Morgan, Luellen (Dave) Nelson, Vickie Schweitzer, and Barb (Dan) Smith. Pete is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and his brother, Sam Giovetti.
Cremation has taken place. Per Pete’s wishes, no services will be held. Private inurnment will be at the Laurel cemetery.
Arrangements are by Cremation and Funeral Gallery.
Shirley Ann Miller
Shirley Ann Miller, 75, of Laurel, died peacefully Friday, Oct. 21, 2011, with her family by her side. Diagnosed with cancer just a year and a half ago, Shirley courageously endured many procedures and treatments with little complaint, just like she went through life.
Shirley was born Feb. 3, 1936, in Lufkin, TX, to Robert Jones and Hertha Brookshire. After having lived in Dallas with her grandparents for several years, Shirley graduated from Roy Miller High School in Corpus Christi, TX, and then worked several jobs to provide for her mother and younger sister until she met and married
Donald Miller at the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station. They were married
for more than 56 years and together had three daughters.
Shirley and Don left Texas shortly after they were married
and traveled to Alameda, CA, for about a year where Don spent most of the time deployed at sea. In 1956 they traveled to Laurel for what they thought was only a visit with relatives, but ended up being where they would make their home. Over the years, and even right up until a few days before her death, Shirley frequently proclaimed she was “just visiting” until she could get back to the great state of Texas.
Shirley worked as a clerk in the Yellowstone County Treasurer's office from 1957 until retiring in 1986. During her retirement years she very much enjoyed many years of volunteer service at Deaconess Hospital (now Billings Clinic) where she delivered flowers. The patients and families brought as much joy to Shirley as we're sure she brought to them.
One of Shirley's greatest joys in life was talking to her daughters and grandchildren on the telephone, often reminding them of her commonly used phrase, “Call your mom. She worries.” She enjoyed watching game shows and murder mysteries on television. There wasn't an episode of “Murder, She Wrote, ” “Barnaby Jones” or “Perry Mason” that she hadn't seen multiple times. And she also enjoyed camping and fishing trips with her family as well as bowling in couples league with her husband.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and only sibling, sister Bobbie Jean Evans.
She is survived by her husband, Don; three daughters, Terri (Jim) Mourich, Sherri (Dale) Holzheimer, and Shelli (Randy) Ritz; five grandchildren, Donielle (Jeremy) Engebretson, Samantha Mourich, Brandon Mourich, Chelsie (Israel) Guilford, and Carli Ritz; one great grandchild, McKenna Engebretson, plus another (baby Guilford) on the way; and brother-in-law Chuck Evans.
Shirley was a very special wife, mother, and grandmother who had an extremely kind and gracious southern demeanor. Save us some preferred seating right next to you in heaven. We love you, Mom.
Memorials are suggested to Billings Clinic Foundation, P.O. Box 31031, Billings, MT 59107, or to RiverStone Health Hospice, 123 S. 27th St., Billings, MT 59101.
Funeral services were Tuesday, Oct. 25, at First Congregational Church, Laurel. Interment is in the Laurel cemetery. Smith Funeral Chapel-Laurel assisted with the arrangements.
Mary Lou Van Buren
Mary Lou Van Buren passed away March 24, 2012, at the Billings Clinic with her family by her side. She was born in Hysham to Joe and Helen Wetch Jan. 30, 1932.
She graduated from Laurel High School and married
Melvin “Clyde” Van Buren in 1950. To this union came three children, two boys and a girl. She spent her life as a loving wife, mother, and homemaker. She and her husband ran a second hand store in Laurel for 20 some years and then she worked at the Laurel High School housekeeping department until her retirement. After her retirement, Mary Lou and Clyde moved to the South Forty Retirement Community in Billings.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 59 years, Clyde Van Buren; brothers, Larry, Raymond, and Ronnie Wetch; daughter-in-law, Sandy Van Buren; and son-in-law, Jon Carter.
She is survived by her children, Dave (Yong) Van Buren, Larry Van Buren, and Kathy Carter; grandchildren, Krista Van Buren, Justin (fiancé Duana) Van Buren, Jodi (Shawn) Manweiler, and Chad Van Buren; three great-grandchildren; her brothers, Leroy and Bob; and sister, Pat.
A memorial service will be at 2 pm. Friday, March 30, at the Smith Funeral-Chapel in Laurel. A reception will follow the memorial service. Memorials may be made to a charity of choice.
Bartlett James Hafner
Jan. 11, 1979, turned out to be a day full of bright sunshine in the midst of a cold, hard winter. On this day, a wonderful child was brought into the world. Bartlett James Hafner was born to Gregg and Marcia Hafner, of Laurel. Bart, age 33, tragically left us July 6, 2012.
Bart was always full of life. He loved all kinds of animals and often brought home a stray cat for his mom. He strongly considered becoming a vet due to his love and compassion for cats and dogs. Upon his passing, he and his wife were the proud parents of three dogs, two cats and two ball pythons.
Bart graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in elementary education. While he was in school, he began working at Sofa Mart where he became an excellent salesman. He treated all his customers with dignity and respect and was known for his continued service after the sale. He was honored with numerous awards as one of the outstanding salesmen of the year.
Bart was united in marriage in January 2007 to the love of his life, LeAlan Kay Hare. They both spent many happy days together working, camping and turning their home into a beautiful showplace of flowers. They also enjoyed traveling, having visited the Bahamas, Mexico, France, and Ireland. Recently, they both took up kayaking and were working on mastering their river and lake skills. They truly enjoyed their short time together and had many plans for the future.
Bart leaves behind his wife, LeAlan; her parents, Richard and Jackie; and her brother, James; his parents, Gregg and Marcia; and his brother, Brian; as well as many relatives and friends.
Cremation has taken place by the Sunset Funeral Home. Services will be Thursday, July 12, at 11 am., at First Lutheran Church, 2808 South Avenue West, in Missoula. A reception will follow.
Bart, you were a wonderful son and loving husband. We will all miss you every day of our lives. We hope you have found peace. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your local animal shelter in Bart’s memory
Rebekah Sarah Lamb
Rebekah “Bekah” Sarah Lamb was born March 4, 1990, to Charity Wood and David Lamb in Modesto, CA. She moved to Laurel with her mother and brother, Michael, in 1996.
Bekah attended school in Laurel, and she made many friends that she liked to hang out with. She liked camping, walking and working out at the YMCA.
Her daughter, MaKayla, was born in 2009. She was Bekah’s pride and joy. Bekah loved playing with her and always planned big birthdays for MaKayla and even bigger Christmases. Her favorite job was casino runner at Montana Lil’s in Lockwood where she made many close friends, including employees and customers. She was always cracking jokes with them.
On May 5, physicians discovered a brain tumor, which they removed May 16. They found out it was a very rare, fast growing cancer. Bekah had another surgery June 16 to stop bleeding, and doctors found more brain tumors.
Bekah fought hard to stay with us but gave up the fight July 5, the day after her favorite holiday.
She leaves behind her daughter, MaKayla; MaKayla’s father, Tom Denson; her mother, Charity, and step-dad, Leland Wood; her father, David Lamb, of Virginia; her brother, Michael (Angela) Lamb, of Texas; her step-sisters, Kori, Kyria, Kallila, and Tracy; her step-brothers, Shawn and Scotty; her half-sister, Rachael; her grandparents, Sharon Herman, of Laurel, Ray and Joanne Lamb, of California, and Janet Harris, of Arizona; her special uncle, Brian Herman, of Billings; and numerous aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, too numerous to mention.
Everyone who knew Rebekah will miss her dearly. We love you. She really touched a lot of hearts.
Services were Tuesday, July 10, at 11 am., at the Laurel Baptist Church. Cremation has taken place, and burial will be at a later date.
Donations can be made to “Bekah’s Back-up: We are fighting for you” trust fund at Western Security Bank.
Roger William Bessler
Roger William Bessler died of a heart attack at age 65 at his home, in Laurel, Saturday, June 30, 2012.
Roger was born in Massillon, OH, in 1946 to Donald and Cedona Bessler. He spent his adult life as a Montana businessman and raised a family in Great Falls.
One of Roger’s favorite pastimes was operating heavy machinery and equipment. He loved gardening, reading, writing, outlaw country, and motorcycles. He was looking forward to spending retirement camping and boating with his wife, Ardell.
His friends and family will greatly miss his compassion, his willingness to help provide second chances, and his unique “Rog” perspective.
Roger was preceded in death by his mother and by his brother, Michael Bessler, of Massillon, OH.
He is survived by his father; his wife, Ardell Bessler; his daughters, Leondra (Brent) Hanson and Wilyna (Tyler) Frankel; his grandchildren, E.J., Kate and Jonathan Hanson, and Miles Frankel; and his many friends and family.
Memorial services were Thursday, July 5, at Smith Funeral Chapel in Laurel. Memorials can be sent to Arbor Day Foundation at arborday.org.
