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Lottie Ellen Skufca
Lottie Ellen Skufca, age 81, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2002, at St. Peter's Hospital in Helena.
She was born in Roundup on Oct. 14, 1920, to Edward and Rosa (Olden) Harris. She graduated from Roundup High School in 1938, and then moved to Helena where she met Frank J. Skufca.
They were married on July 10, 1943, in San Francisco and, after the war, returned to Helena to raise their family. She went to work for the State of Montana Department of Revenue in 1958, and retired from there Jan. 1, 1981.
She is survived by her husband and children, Karla (Albert) Jeremiah of Kailua, Hawaii, John (Carol) Skufca of Helena, and Laura (John) Linjanen of Helena. She is also survived by her sister May (Matt) Jasbeck of Roundup, and sisters-in-law Eleanor (Ray) Hiltner of East Helena and Marie Harris of Shepherd. In addition, there are nine grandchildren: Albert, Keoni, Kristine, Edward, Janelle and Jason Jeremiah of Kailua, Naomi (Jason) Torick of Helena, Zane Skufca of Bozeman, Alison and Merle (Janelle) Linjanen of Helena; two great-grandsons, Ryan and Zachary Linjanen; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Rosana and brothers Wesley and William.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday, Feb. 14, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until Mass at 10:30 a.m., with the Rev. James Connor officiating at Saint Mary's Catholic Community. Cremation will follow services. Interment of cremains will be Friday, Feb. 15, 2 p.m. at the Montana State Veteran's Cemetery, Fort Harrison.
Family prefers memorials to donor's choice. Family and friends may also pay their respects at Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Michael “Mike” E. Morris
Michael “Mike” E. Morris, 82, Augusta area rancher, died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2002, in Great Falls after a long battle with cancer.
His funeral will be Tuesday, Jan. 29, at 11 a.m., at St. Mathias Catholic Church in Augusta. Burial will follow in Augusta Cemetery. Viewing will be Monday, Jan. 28, from 5-7 p.m., at the Gorder Funeral Home in Choteau.
Mike was born April 5, 1919, on a ranch northwest of Augusta to parents Michael and Katherine (Grisak) Morris. He attended school in Augusta. At age 17, Mike’s father died and he took over management of the family ranch.
In 1945, he married Ina Hanson of Simms. Mike and Ina employed many youths on the ranch, including troubled youths that needed help. They treated them like family, taught them responsibility and self-respect, and helped them to become productive adults.
Mike and Ina enjoyed the company of family and friends. Their home was always a place for people to gather and enjoy each other’s company. Together they had a band and played at many events in Augusta, Choteau and Fairfield, to name a few.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother George; and sisters Ellen (C.O.) Gorder, Fern (Ben) Woodcock and Kathryn (Tony) Namen; niece Benita Burchak and nephew James Namen.
Survivors include his wife Ina of Augusta; a brother Fred E. (Judy) Morris of Choteau; a sister Pauline (David) Warn of Helena; sons Michael H. of Fairfield and Merle (Rosanna) of Augusta; daughters Sandra (Bob) Cecrle and Sherry Gallagher, both of Great Falls; nine grandchildren; three great-granddaughters, and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to St. Mathias Catholic Church in Augusta or to Trinity Lutheran Church in Choteau.
William ‘Tuffy’ DeBray
Born January 31,1904, in Opheim, Mont., to Louis and Mary DeBray, William “Tuffy” DeBray grew up around the Glasgow area.
At the age of 3 he survived a bout of pneumonia, thus his nickname “Tuffy” began.
As a welder by trade he began his working career at Fort Peck Dam in 1932. He traveled to Havre, where he worked as a carpenter. In 1942, he worked in the ship yards in Vancouver , Wash., as his civic duty to WWII. He also helped construct the atomic plant in Richland, Wash.
He eventually returned to Montana, where he met and married Rosella M. Putra in 1951. He ended his working career as a welder for the City of Helena, retiring in 1969.
He is survived by his wife Rosella of 51 years. He is also survived by sisters Adeline Rummell of Great Falls and Mary Grant of Bozeman. A brother Herman DeBray of Helena also survives. Step-daughter Frances Griffin of Salem, Ore., and stepson Theodore Putra of Helena also survive.
In addition, his six step-grandchildren, Evelyn (Michael) Martin, Oliver Griffin, Colleen (Lyle) Taborsky , Ronald (Angie) Griffin, Janice (Wes) Williamson of Montana and Linda McNeill of Oregon survive. He also has 18 step-great-grandchildren, one step-great-great-grandson, and numerous nieces and nephews who survive.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Louise Kauffinan, Lena Heppler, Elizabeth Holmquist and Georgia Burke, and brothers Angus and George DeBray. Also preceding him in death was his step-son-in-law Francis Griffin and a step-great grandson.
Chapel services will be Monday, Jan. 28, 2002, 11 a.m., from Hagler-Anderson Chapel. Interment services will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
David Shaner
David Shaner passed away at home, in the care and comfort of his wife, Ann, after a prolonged bout with ALS. David was born in Pottstown, Pa., in 1934. He recognized his passion for the arts early in life, earned a master of fine arts degree in ceramic design from Alfred University in Alfred, N.Y., and served as assistant professor of art at University of Illinois. In 1963, he moved his family west to Helena, where he directed the Archie Bray Foundation, steering it to financial stability, maintaining the facility, and continuing its vision to provide serious ceramic artists a fine place to work.
In 1970 he moved to Bigfork where he made pots in his studio for almost three decades. He shared his ceramic expertise through workshops at numerous universities and art centers across the country. He leaves a legacy of artwork gracing many homes and art museums. His love and commitment to art, music, gardening, nature, and his stewardship of the environment indelibly touched his family and enriched the lives of many friends and colleagues.
He is survived by his wife, Ann; two sons, Daniel and Cedric, both of Fort Collins, Colo.; two daughters, Catherine and her husband, Mike Gilbert of Missoula, and Coille and her husband Jay Putman of Omaha, Neb.; and four grandsons.
A family memorial will be held later in the summer.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Studio Building Fund, Archie Bray Foundation, 2915 Country Club Road, Helena, MT 59602.
Gareth Moon
POLSON - Gareth (Gary) Chappelle Moon, 77, died at his home in Polson Oct. 4, 2000. He was born May 31, 1923, in Crete, Ill., to Esther Myers Moon. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Lloyd Moon, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Gary graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls and subsequently joined the U.S. Marines in 1941. He served in the South Pacific during World War II and fought on Guadalcanal, Bouganville, Guam, and Iwo Jima under the 9th Regiment, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Division. He returned home in 1945 and married Marjory Ruth Elliott. They moved to Missoula and started their family while he completed his education at the University of Montana. He received a degree in forestry in 1949 and worked as Assistant State Forester in Rapid City, S.D. They returned to Missoula where he served as Montana State Forester from 1954 to 1980, and as Montana Land Commissioner from 1981-1982. Gary was a member and active in numerous national, state and local civic and fraternal organizations, particularly those dealing with natural resources and land management. He was a member of Masonic Lodge Harmony 49 of Missoula, Knights Templar; honorary member of he Board of Directors of Blackfoot Forest Protective Association, and life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a member of Society of American foresters and the Association of State Foresters. He was formerly a president of the Western Montana Council of Boy Scouts of America. Survivors include his wife, Marjory Ruth Elliott Moon; two sons, Kerry Patrick Moon of Martinez, Calif; Gareth Colin Moon of Seeley Lake; two daughters, Susanne Marjory Edgar of Stuttgart, Germany, and Serena Jean Priscilla Moon of San Jose, Calif.; three brothers, Boyd of Sioux Falls, Denny of Minneapolis, and Delmar of St. James City, Fla.; twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Michael Elliott Moon of Bonner. Memorial services were held Tuesday at Squire, Simmons and Carr Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Missoula County Cancer Association, Camp Mak-A-Dream, or the Salvation Army. Local arrangements were made by Grogan Funeral Home, Polson.
Eunice Joubert
RONAN - Eunice Hutchings Joubert, 99, of Ronan died at St. Luke Extended Care in Ronan on Oct. 4, 2000. She was born in Sheldon, N.D., Feb. 28, 1901, to William and Margaret Hutchings. Eunice was educated in Sheldon and graduated with honors from Jamestown College in Jamestown, N.D. She later earned a master's degree in French and Spanish at the University of Wisconsin, and also studied at the University of Chicago and at the Sorbonne in Paris, France. She taught school in several locations in North and Montana, the latest at Charlo. While teaching in Glendive, Eunice met and married Leonard Joubert. They ranched in the Fort Benton area for many years before moving to Charlo in 1964. She was very active in the Republican party, was a life member of the Woman's Club, and was active in church activities wherever she lived. Leonard preceded her in death in 1968. Eunice moved to Ronan in the fall of 1970. Surviving are two daughters, Jeanne (Ray) Steinhoff of Moscow, Idaho, and Marie (Lonnie) Smith of Ronan; nine grandchildren, Sheila Dorrance of Morrisonville, N.Y., Margaret Grassl of Sandy, Ore., Tony Steinhoff of Chattanooga, Tenn., Andy Steinhoff of Redmond, Ore., Peter Steinhoff of Pullman, Wash., Valerie Steinhoff of Bend, Ore., Kelly Smith of Colorado Springs, Lea Gradney of Billings and Tim Smith of Ronan; and eight great-grandchildren. A memorial celebration of her life was held Oct. 7 at the Ronan United Methodist Church. Shrider's Mortuary was in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Marian Mossestad
POLSON - Marian Caroline Durfey Mossestad, 85, of Polson died of natural causes Oct. 3, 2000, at St. Joseph Hospital. She was born March 28, 1915, in Vida. She and her husband Art worked their farm in Vida after their marriage on Aug. 23, 1933. Marian was active in the Vida Farmerettes, the Royal Neighbors of America and the Immanuel Lutheran Church until 1976 when she and Art moved to Polson. One of her foremost loves was her farm and the farm life. She enjoyed Polson, spending time on the lake, crocheting, knitting, visiting family and friends, writing poetry, playing bridge and working arts and crafts. She made many quilts to give to her many friends and family. Her greatest joy was her granddaughter Jody. Marian was preceded in death by her parents, Robbie Ray and Louise Meta (Bruhan) Durfey; husband Arthur Mossestad; daughter, Janet Pauline Saarela; son, Alan Joseph (Joe) Mossestad; brothers, Karl Follett Durfey, Robert LeRoy (Roy) Durfey and Floyd Alfred (Bud) Durfey. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Jack Svendsen of Missoula; granddaughter, Jody and her husband Joshua Hayes of Billings; son-in-law, Walter Saarela of Bozeman and numerous close cousins, nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Services were Oct. 7 at the Grogan Funeral Home with the Rev. John Olson officiating. Burial was at Lake View cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of the donor's choice.
Mercedes Guyette Hanson
POLSON - Mercedes Guyette Hanson, 89, of Polson died June 18, 2000, at St. Luke Extended Care Facility in Ronan.
Mercedes was born in Cresco, Iowa, on June 5, 1911, and moved to Perma when she was five years old. Mercedes attended schools in Perma, Thompson Falls, Missoula and Ronan, and graduated from Polson High School in 1929.
She attended Dillon Normal School (now Western Montana College), earning a teaching certificate in 1931. Her first teaching assignment was as a third-grade teacher in St. Ignatius. She also taught in primary grades in Frenchtown, Pablo and Ronan. There she met R.S. "Bob" Hanson, and they were married on June 6, 1938.
She and her husband lived in Billings, Lewistown and in California during the World War II years. They returned to Ronan in 1948 and purchased the Ford dealership. Mercedes loved teaching in the primary grades and served as a substitute teacher for several years. Most recently she and her husband resided in Polson.
Mercedes was active in the Altar Society at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ronan and the American Legion Auxiliary. She also worked at the state legislative sessions in 1967, 1969 and 1971. She enjoyed traveling with her husband, spending several winters in Arizona. She also enjoyed family gatherings at their summer cabin on Flathead Lake.
Mercedes is survived by her husband of 62 years, R.S. "Bob" Hanson of Polson; son and daughter-in-law Rob and JoHanna Hanson of Helena; grandsons Chris and wife Lisa of Butte, Pete and wife Amy Hanson of Redmond, Wash., and Andrew and fiancee Virginia Diaz of Butte. She is also survived by great-grandsons and great-granddaughters Beau and Bailee of Butte and Sarah and Matthew of Redmond, and by her brother- in-law and sister-in-law, Hib and Sarah Jane Hanson of Polson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ruth Guyette; sister Helen McNeely, and infant son John.
Memorial Mass was held Wednesday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ronan, with Father Gary Reller as celebrant. Inurnment followed at the Ronan Cemetery, with arrangements and cremation by Shrider's Mortuary in Ronan.
Memorials may be made to the St. Luke Extended Care Facility, Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ronan or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Conrad R. "Connie" Phillips
RICHLAND, WASH. - Former St. Ignatius resident Conrad R. "Connie" Phillips, 81, of Richland, Wash., died June 4, 2000, at Kadlec Medical Center.
He was born March 31, 1919, in St. Ignatius, and had lived in Washington's Tri-Cities area since 1944.
He retired as fire captain from the Hanford (Wash.) Fire Department in 1979 after 35 years with the department. He was a member of the Southside United Protestant Church, A.F. & A.M. Lodge 283, and Toastmasters.
He is survived by his daughter Connie Lyon Newcomer of McCall, Idaho; son William Phillips of Richland; grandson Joshua Lyon and wife Lisa of Loveland, Colo.; granddaughter Jessica Lyon of Bellingham, Wash.; sister Jean Phillips Ellis of Bremerton, Wash.; sister-in-law Billie (Mrs. Woodrow J.) Phillips of Missoula; brother-in-law Roy Fortune of Richland, and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Faye; his parents; one sister, and two brothers.
Funeral services were held June 7 at Southside United Protestant Church in Richland, with committal at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
The family suggests memorials to Southside Church, 517 Jadwin Avenue, Richland, Wash., 99352; Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House, 2108 West Deschutes Avenue, Kennewick, Wash., 99336; Legacy House, 2614 West Deschutes Avenue, Kennewick, Wash., 99336, or the World War II Memorial, American Battle Monuments Commission, Attn. GRO48, Box 96074, Washington, D.C., 20090-6074.
