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Mildred Louise (Shelhamer) McMillion
LIVINGSTON - Mildred Louise (Shelhamer) McMillion, 77, of Livingston, died at her home Thursday morning, March 11, 1999, after a cruel bout with cancer. Memorial services will be 1 p.m. Monday, March 15, in the chapel of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home, 118 N. Third St. in Livingston, with Rev. Lyndon Kacick of Grace United Methodist Church officiating. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Interment of the cremated remains will take place at a later date in Clyde Park cemetery.
Mildred was born Jan. 16, 1922, in Livingston, the daughter of Jamie and Bertha (Uhl) Shelhamer. She grew up on the family's ranches near Clyde Park and rode a horse to school during the early grades. She was intensely proud of her ancestors who pioneered the Shields Valley. After graduating from Clyde Park High School at age 16, she earned a teaching certificate from Eastern Montana College. When she was 18 years old she began teaching at the one room Pepper School near Wilsall.
Mildred loved traveling, playing bridge, helping people, telling stories and laughing with her friends. She believed in getting up early, working hard, ignoring gossip and always showed up early. During the final years of World War II, she and a friend decided to see the country, working odd jobs and traveling to the east coast and deep south before riding trains to the Seattle area. There she met her future husband, Bob McMillion.
After getting married
, they lived in a variety of locations throughout the United States as he pursued a career in the Army. Their union produced two children before ending in divorce. She was a working single mother when that was an uncommon thing and remained devoted to her children throughout her life. She returned to Montana and her teaching career in 1958, settling in a first-grade classroom at Winans School in Livingston, where she taught until her retirement in 1984.
During nearly 40 years of teaching, Mildred taught hundreds of children how to read and write, do their numbers, take turns and share with others. She specialized in helping children with special needs. She followed the lives of many of her students and rejoiced at their successes and grieved at their sadnesses. During her retirement, she continued to follow educational issues and worried deeply about a system that raises its eyebrows when a teacher hugs a child. While working and raising her family she also found time to earn a master's degree in education at Montana State University.
A voracious reader all of her life, she began writing children's stories during her retirement, spending long hours in her basement office. She began traveling again, voyaging to the Far East, to Alaska many times, all over America and, last August, though cancer had begun taking its toll, to England and Ireland, places she found enchanting. She could do rope tricks, grow amazing flowers and, until she became ill, walk for miles before breakfast.
Mildred was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Park County Pioneer Society, Yellowstone Club, several budge clubs, Montana Retired Teachers Association, and has been honored by the Park County Chapter of the Montana Association for the Blind for her frequent help to members of that group.
Survivors include her daughter, Laura Van Diest and her husband, Randy Van Diest of Chickaloon, Alaska; her son, Scott McMillion and his wife, Peggy O'Connor of Livingston, and a step-granddaughter, Cassie Kiderlen; her "adopted" son, Tim Goicke of Bothell, Wash., and his daughter, Megan of South Dakota; her "adopted" daughter, Karen DeYoung of Elko, Nev., and her children, Amber and Jade, of Salt Lake City; numerous cousins, two nephews, one niece and an abundance of close friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Mae Jones; and her brother, George Shelhamer.
Memorials in Mildred's memory may be given to Gateway Hospice, 504 S. 13th St., Livingston, MT 59047.
Dorothea Miller Fink
LOVELL, Wyo. - Dorothea Miller Fink, 88, of Lovell, was taken to her heavenly home March 12, 1999, of natural causes.
She was born March 14, 1910, in Baskagooka, Russia, baptized into the Christian faith, March 28, 1910, and became a naturalized American citizen in 1936.
She married
John Fink Jr. on Jan. 29, 1933, and was blessed with nine children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gottfried and Sophie Miller, brothers Fred and John Miller, son-in-law Jack Shawley, three grandsons and one great grandson.
Survivors include her husband of 66 years John, five sons: Daniel Helmuth (Phyllis) of Hartsel, Colo.; Edwin (Marie), Casper; Albert (LaRoyce), Denver; Paul (Mary Ann), Shoshoni; Gottlieb Butch (Kandida), Lovell; four daughters Marie Louise Shawley, Grangeville, Idaho; Lillian (Richard) Hettinger, Lovell; Hermina (Harland) Hess, Rozet ; and Linda (Harvey) Sachau, Rapid City, S.D. Also five sisters Kate Spomer, Powell; Rose Harrison, Lovell; Sophie Panasuk, Bainville, Mont.; Minnie Gams, Lovell; and Babe Schierkolk, Riverton; 27 grandchildren, 57 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Dorothea lived all of her life in the Lovell area and was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church.
Services will be at St. John's Lutheran Church, March 16 at 10 a.m. with Pastor Chris Brandt officiating. Haskell Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements, with burial in the Lovell cemetery. In observance of the Lenten season, memorials may be given to the Lutheran Hour Ministry or to a memorial of your choice, in lieu of flowers.
Evelyn Donaldson
CLARK, Wyo. - Evelyn Donaldson, 73, of Clark, Wyo., formerly of Kennett Square, Pa., died of cancer at her home on April 10, 1999.
In Pennsylvania, her love of children was demonstrated by her volunteer service to the Upland Country Day School and her role as District Commissioner and instructor for the Cheshire Pony Club. In addition, she was a beloved Girl Scout troop leader for many years.
In Wyoming, she was active running her Rock Creek Ranch, serving as a first responder Emergency Medical Technician for the Powell ambulance service, and volunteering for the Clark Pioneer Area Recreation Project.
She was a life-long nature enthusiast and was involved with many wildlife organizations, including the Red Lodge Zoo. Her personal interests included travel, fishing, collecting fossils, needlework, and sports. She represented the United States in Europe as captain of the 1951 U.S. Women's Lacrosse Team.
She is survived by one sister, three brothers, four daughters, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to The United States Pony Club, 4017 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, Ky., or the Clark Pioneer Area Recreation Project, 321 Road 1AB, Powell, Wyo. 82435.
A Memorial Celebration of Life supper will be held Sunday, May 2, 1999 at the Clark Pioneer Recreation Center, Clark, Wyo., from 5-7 p.m. Friends are invited to attend.
Wanda V. Smith Stewart
MOUNT PLEASANT, UTAH - Wanda V. Smith Stewart, 86, passed away Friday, April 2, 1999. She was born Feb. 5, 1913, in Mount Pleasant, Utah to Oscar J. and Susan Kump Smith. She married
Guy C. Stewart Dec. 31, 1945. She and her husband lived in Billings, Mont., for over 30 years. They moved to Spring City, Utah in 1979 and to Mount Pleasant in 1985. Her husband preceded her in death in 1987.
She was an active member of the LDS Church and served in the District YWMIA in Montana for 20 years. Wanda graduated from North Sanpete High School in 1931. She was a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers and the Fine Arts Club of Mount Pleasant and enjoyed the many friendships she developed in these organizations and through the church throughout her life.
Wanda is survived by her son, H. Pete Smith (Lois), San Antonio, Texas; grandchildren, Ross Smith (Luisa), Shreveport, La; Dana Smith (Brent), Kaysville, Utah; Ryan Smith (serving LDS Mission in Argentina); three great-grandchildren, and her brother, Dick Smith (Kay), Medford, Ore. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, four sisters and three brothers.
Funeral services were held Monday, April 5, 1999 and interment was in the Mount Pleasant, Utah City cemetery.
LaVerne Irene Meyer Hart
ABSAROKEE - LaVerne Irene Meyer Hart passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Absarokee, on April 14, 1999, at the age of 75. She was born on July 3, 1923, in Miles City, the daughter of Gordon and Ada Wilson.
She is survived by three daughters: Gloria King of Seattle, Lora Jones of Nye, and Karen Weninger of Livingston; two sons-in-law, who she thought of as her sons: Thad Jones and Wayne Weninger; five grandchildren: Tina Palaoro, Teresa Terry, Doug King, Carrie and Michael Weninger; five great-grandchildren: Laurie Terry, Amanda and Mason King, and Austin and Jacob Palaoro; and nephews and nieces: Gordon, Chuck and Lori Gerttula and Linda Carlson.
LaVerne married
Henry Meyer on Sept. 27, 1941.
LaVerne was known and loved for her laughter and smile, her love of people and her open and caring heart. She never met a stranger and had many "adopted" sons and daughters who called her mom.
Private family Memorial services will be held.
Smith Funeral Chapel-Columbus was in charge of cremation.
Memorials are suggested to charity of choice.
Wayne Solum
POPLAR - Wayne Solum, 40, of Poplar died Thursday, April 15, 1999, at the Glendive Medical Center
Wayne was born Jan. 7, 1959, to Glen and Irene Solum in Havre. He graduated from Havre High School in 1977 and received a technical degree in Waste Water Management from Northern Montana College in 1979.
He was employed by the City of Poplar from 1979 to 1999. At the time of his death, Wayne was serving as Public Works Director for the city.
On Oct. 22, 1990, he married
Mary Elizabeth Hollom in Poplar. He loved sharing his life with her.
Wayne was active in the Kiwanis and a volunteer in the Poplar Fire Department. He enjoyed world traveling, his pets, walking, science fiction novels, music and surfing the Internet. Wayne had a strong work ethic and was a dedicated employee.
Survivors include his wife, Mary of Poplar; his mother, Irene of Havre; his father, Glen of Havre; and a brother Dale Solum of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Visitations will be from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, April 18, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Poplar. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, April 19, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Poplar with the Elders officiating. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20, at the Highland cemetery in Havre. Clayton Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Montana Affiliate, P.0. Box 2411, Great Falls, MT 59403-9989.
Wilbur S. Dethlefsen
JOLIET - Wilbur S. Dethlefsen, 100, of Joliet, passed away April 16, 1999, at his home. He was born in Dennison, Iowa, to Nicholas and Mary Dethlefsen on March 11, 1899. He moved to Chinook when he was a baby. His dad herded sheep. In 1906 the family moved by covered wagon to the Hardin area where they homesteaded.
He was presented a trophy in 1915 for the ten best ears of corn in Big Horn County.
Wilbur attended school in Bozeman in 1919 and was active in the R.0.T.C.
While living at Lodge Grass, he raised Registered Herford Cattle.
On July 4, 1937, he married
Alma Grindvold. They had three children, Joyce, Nick and Wayne. In 1942 he and his family moved to Billings where he worked and lived until 1953. The family moved to Roberts in 1953 until 1957 when they moved to Joliet to farm and ranch and have resided there since. Most of Wilbur's life was spent farming and ranching; he retired in 1992. He loved to hunt and fish. He was a member of the Joliet Masonic Carbon Lodge #65 and attended Senior Citizens XYZ.
Wilbur celebrated his 100th birthday March 13 at Rockvale, with an open house hosted by his family. In attendance was his life long friend from grade school, Ray Horton, of Columbus, and long time friend Danny Stevens of Lodge Grass, along with many other friends.
Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Mary Dethlefsen in the 1950's and his son, Nick in 1993.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Alma; also his son, Wayne of Joliet, daughter, Mrs. George (Joyce) Deines of Arizona and a daughter-in-law, Kyung Dethlefsen of Nevada. Wilbur had four grandchildren: Delynn Gschwend of Utah, George J. Deines of Ariz., Sandra and Diana Dethlefsen of Nevada; and five great-grandchildren: Melody and Rena Gschwend of Utah, George Q. and Nina Deines, of Ariz. and Rebecca Dethlefsen of Nevada.
Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 21, at Joliet Lutheran Church. Smith Funeral Chapel-Laurel was in charge of cremation.
Memorials are suggested to Senior Citizens XYZ or Carbon County Masonic Lodge #65, Joliet, MT.
Raymond Douglas 'Doc' Lee
GLENNALLEN, Alaska - Raymond Douglas "Doc" Lee, 52, of Glennallen, Alaska, passed away April 14, 1999 at the Powell Hospital after a lengthy illness. He attended and graduated from the Powell High School in 1964 where he participated in sports. He loved wrestling in which he was a crowd pleaser under the name of "Doc."
For several years he worked at the Badges Basin Husky refinery. He was a dedicated member of the Powell Volunteer Fire Department for several years. When the Hamilton House was the Driftwood, he managed the lounge. He bought the K-Bar which he had for several years. He was a member of the Powell Elks Lodge for 32 years, and held some offices. He was an avid fisherman and bird hunter. He then moved to Glennallen, Alaska, where he was presently residing, and employed by the Copper Valley Construction Company. He has many good friends, and will be greatly missed.
Survivors include: his mother, Jeannette Lee, Powell, Wyo.; one brother: James Lee of Great Falls, Mont.; uncles: Richard Miller of Salmon, Idaho, Charles Robert Lee of Vashon, Wash.; two nieces: Jennifer and Andrea of Great Falls, Mont.; and an aunt: Fay Miller of Pocatello, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. W.R. Lee, DVM, and a sister, Jo Marie.
Rosary will be held at St. Barbara's Catholic Church on Sunday, April 18, 1999 at 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, April 19, 1999 at St. Barbara's Catholic Church at 10 p.m. Father John Wright will be the celebrant.
John S. Siemion
HARDIN - John S. Siemion, 86, of Hardin, former St. Xavier area pioneer rancher and hay contractor, passed away Wednesday, April 14, 1999.
He was born April 13, 1913, in Aberdeen, Wash., a son of John and Sophie Pachot Seimion. At an early age, he moved with his family to the Ingomar area, where he grew up and attended schools. Following his education, he worked for area ranches. His mother died when he was 11 years old, forcing him to grow up fast. He worked with his father on a ranch in the St. Xavier area for several years.
John married
Katie Fox on Sept. 21, 1938, in Billings. The couple lived in Billings and Laurel, while he worked for the railroad, later returning to the St. Xavier area. The couple worked for the Soap Creek Cattle company for 17 years, acquiring enough funds to purchase their own ranch in 1955 on Rotten Grass Creek. They later purchased a ranch near Reed Point in 1963. Mrs. Siemion died in 1997.
Survivors include three daughters, Nancy Siemion of Hardin, Cecilia (Charlie) Scherzberg of Fishtail and Mary Jane (Ed) Larson of Nebraska; two sons, George (Nelevette) of Fort Smith and John (Karen) Siemion of Reed Point; one sister, Helen Engle of Big Timber; three half-brothers, Steve (Margie) of Colorado, Anthony of Deer Lodge and Mike of Roundup; eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Monday in the Bullis Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in the Fairview cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Agnes Anderson Waisanen
RED LODGE - Agnes Anderson Waisanen died Apri1 15 at St. John's Lutheran Home. She was born in Preston Pans, Scotland in 1903, the only daughter of Thomas and Agnes McBride. She and her family immigrated to the U.S. in 1910. While crossing the Atlantic, she saw Halley's Comet. The family traveled across the country by train and stagecoach, settling in Bearcreek where her father worked in the coal mines.
Agnes married
Emil Anderson in 1922 and had three children, Elmer, Melvin and Doris. Emil was killed in the Smith Mine disaster of 1943, and that same year, her son Melvin was killed in an auto accident. Agnes and daughter Doris moved to Red Lodge where Agnes started her first paid job in a drug store.
Agnes married
Elo Waisanen in 1946 and had one child, Kaye. The family lived in Mouat where Agnes was the cook for the mining company. When the family returned to Red Lodge, she cooked at the Carbon County Memorial Hospital, retiring at age 75. After retiring, she cooked for the Red Lodge Senior Citizen Center.
Agnes was known throughout the community for her baking skills and immaculate house. Agnes loved to entertain friends and family with her fresh baked goods and hot coffee while her grandchildren counted on a fully stocked cookie jar. In addition, the Festival of Nations counted on Agnes for authentic ethnic baked goods for over 40 years.
In later years Agnes moved to Rock Creek Village where she and her two friends, Clara and Arvilla, were known as the "golden girls." She moved to Joliet in 1993, and to St. John's in 1995.
Agnes will be remembered for her sparkling eyes when happy and her flashing eyes when not. She was a strong, vital woman who was generous and giving of herself and her possessions. She had the courage to survive much heartache and pain, and will be missed by all that love her, especially by her family who have lost their strong-willed matriarch. She has given each of us a part of herself to hold and carry forth a memory of integrity, character and compassion.
Agnes is survived by her daughter, Doris Spaulding of Joliet, daughter and son-in-law, Kaye and Bill Palmer of Bellingham, Wash., daughter-in-law, Betty Anderson of Port Townsend, Wash., 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-granddaughters.
Preceding her in death was husband, Elo, son Elmer; son-in-law, Jay Spaulding, grandson, Bruce Anderson, and seven brothers. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. John's Lutheran Home or Beartooth Hospital and Health Center or a favorite charity.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, April 19 in Messiah Lutheran Church in Red Lodge. Interment will be in the Red Lodge cemetery, with the Olcott Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.
