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Jack Kindsfather
EVANS, Colo. - Jack Kindsfather, age 60, of Evans, was dead on arrival on Nov. 16, 1999, at North Colorado Medical Center.
Jack was born April 3, 1939, in Billings, to Jacob and Esther Vera (Zeller) Kindsfather.
He came to Greeley in 1945 where he married
Donna Lee Leadabrand, Sept. 5, 1959. Jack was a self-employed truck driver for 16 years and worked as a diesel truck mechanic for the rest of his life. He was employed as a mechanic for Steinbecker Brothers, Frontier Produce, and for Colorado Kenworth.
He loved to work on mechanical devices in his garage. He enjoyed listening to '50s music and country western music.
Survivors include his wife, Donna Kindsfather of Evans; sons, Ted Kindsfather of Greeley and Jack Kindsfather II of Johnstown; a daughter, Georgia Jean Carlson of Brandon, S.D.; a brother, Seig Heart Richard Kindsfather of Thornton; sisters, Betty Betz of Greeley, Ina Conaway of LaSalle, Alvera Estal of Greeley, Susan Weidenkeller of Greeley, Nancy Ritchie of Beeville, Texas, Alice Weidenkeller of Greeley, Linda Gray of Dacono, Sharon Friez of North Glenn, and Winnie Stauffer of Commerce City; three grandchildren and two step-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Erma Lee Kindsfather.
Memorial Services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at the Adamson Memorial Chapels' Downtown Chapel. Contributions to the Jack Kindsfather Memorial Fund c/o the Downtown Chapel.
Sophie Langton
GILLETTE, Wyo. - Sophie Langton, 75, formerly of Miles City, Mont., died Thursday, Nov. 18, 1999, at the Pioneer Manor.
Scripture Burial service at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, in the chapel of Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Rite of Committal will be in the family lot in the Custer County cemetery, also in Miles City.
Paul Leon Laquitara
SHAMONG TOWNSHIP, N.J. - Paul Laquitara, 21, son of Pete and Patricia Elliott Laquitara of Shamong Township, died in an auto accident Oct. 30, 1999, in Shamong Township. Paul was born in Casper, Wyo., June 1, 1978.
Paul attended the University of West Virginia. Paul leaves his parents, Pete and Patricia; sisters, Whitney and Vanessa; and brother, Peter; grandmother, Amelia Laquitara Smith; grandmother, Harriet Hinkle of Colorado; grandparents, Jack and DeLores Troseth of Worland, Wyo.; uncles and aunts, John and Ruth Elliott and Chris and Glenna Vilos of Worland, Melody Elliott of Santa Rosa, Calif.; many, many other aunts, uncles and cousins.
Burial took place at Medford Village IOOF cemetery.
Bess Linger
MILES CITY - Bess Linger, 66, died Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1999, at her home.
Memorial services will be December 20 at the Grace Bible Church. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge.
Cynthia A. Marshall
CODY, Wyo. - Cynthia A. Marshall, 36, died Monday, Nov. 15, 1999, at West Park Hospital.
Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, at Ballard Funeral Home.
Elbert Miller 'Pat' Pederson
BIG TIMBER - Elbert Miller "Pat" Pederson was born Jan. 12, 1934, in Big Timber, to Miller and Blanche Pederson. He died Nov. 17, 1999, at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings in the arms of his loving family.
Pat lived his life to the fullest, loving the gifts God gave him to enjoy. Pat was an avid outdoors man, trapping, hunting and fishing, working the soil and raising cattle. Pat did a lot in Sweet Grass County toward raising and releasing wild game birds. He served several years on the Sweet Grass County Weed Board. He served in the U.S. Army for two years with time in Korea.
He will be remembered for his terrific wit, sense of humor and talent for music. He was a professional piano player in the earlier years of his life, one of his many God-given talents.
He is survived by his mother, Blanche Pederson; his wife, friend and partner of 34 years, Kathleen, and their three children: sons, Russell (Trish), Clinton (Vera), daughter, Trish Lehman (Scott); grandchildren: Nicole, Brycen and Carrie; step-grandchildren: Josh Lamphear and Travis Riggs. He is also survived by two daughters from a previous marriage, Kim Brien (Woody), grandchildren Amy, John, Tamar and Tina, and great-granddaughter, Jolene; daughter, Robin LaBorde (M.L.), grandchildren, Robbie, Chris, Jennifer and Jamie.
He was preceded in death by his father, Miller; son, Ronnie (twin to daughter Robin); brothers, Jim and Skip.
We have lost a legend.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, 1999, at Lowry Funeral Home with Rev. Marc Johnson officiating. Interment to follow at the Pederson Land & Livestock Ranch. Lowry Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Walter Eugene Raffelson
BIGHORN - Walter Eugene Raffelson, 62, of Bighorn, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1999, at his home.
He was born April 12, 1937, in Ludlow, S.D., a son of Sigurd and Borghild Anderson Raffelson. He grew up in Ludlow and attended high school in Buffalo, S.D. Following his education, he entered the U.S. Army in 1960 and received his Honorable Discharge in 1962. He returned to South Dakota and operated the family farm until 1969, when he moved to Montana.
Walter married
Sharyl Price on June 3, 1967, in Buffalo, S.D., and the couple made their home on Sarpy Creek in Montana until moving to their Tullock Creek Ranch in 1976. In 1978, he began work for the Montana Department of Transportation, retiring in 1998 from the maintenance division.
He was a member of the American Legion and was a handyman of all trades.
Survivors include his wife, Sharyl of the family ranch; two sons, Rex of Bozeman and Doug of Wyoming; three daughters, Jo Jay of Wyoming, Marty and Kali Raffelson of Bozeman; and three sisters, Betty (Curtis) Clark of South Dakota, Ella Raffelson and Sandi Maloney of Colorado.
In accordance with Walt's wishes, cremation has taken place. No memorial services are planned and a private disposition of the ashes will follow at a later date. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Mary Lou O'Neil Sennett
Friends both animal and human perked up whenever Mary Lou O'Neil Sennett entered the room. Co-founder of Lewistown's Pet Assistance League, she always was willing to take a stray into her heart, whether it was a lost dog or kitten, or a person in need of kindness. Having touched so many lives, Mary Lou's death Nov. 15 of a brain aneurysm deeply affected a diverse group of people in communities throughout Montana and the Northwest.
Her loss will be felt in Havre, where Mary Lou was born on Dec. 27, 1946, and where her ashes will be scattered next spring, among the blooming wildflowers on the ranch where she grew up.
Mary Lou's loss also will resonate in Billings, where she died and was cremated - but more importantly, where she spent many days with her beloved sister, Peggy, and brother, Martin and his family.
Her passing will hit home in Missoula, where Mary Lou produced art and crafts fairs, including the acclaimed Hellgate Rendezvous and the Missoula Renaissance Fair, for the past 19 years. She also produced shows in Kalispell, Billings, Lewistown, and Spokane, Wash.
The tragedy of Mary Lou's sudden departure has perhaps most deeply affected the community of Lewistown, where Mary Lou, her husband, Frank, and their daughter, Katie, made their home in 1991. Although Lewistown is Frank's hometown, Mary Lou was treated as a native daughter by his family and friends from the day they arrived. She always held a special place in her heart for Oregon, where she and Frank had lived for several years in the seventies, and had enjoyed living in Missoula throughout the '80s. But Mary Lou quickly threw herself into Lewistown living, helping to start the Pet Assistance League, joining Garden Club, attending basketball games, plays and concerts at her daughter's school, and working as a reporter at the News Argus.
It was also while living in Lewistown that Mary Lou began writing regular freelance stories for the Great Falls Tribune, covering everything from cultural events to criminal trials. A fine reporter and writer, she had earlier worked on the Arapaho Herald in Littleton, Colo.; the HiLine Herald in Havre; and edited the student newspaper at Northern Montana College. She also served as feature section editor of the Montana Kaimin at the University of Montana, where she graduated with a B.A. in journalism.
Mary Lou's husband reports that the last weeks of her life were some of Mary Lou's happiest. She was thrilled to hear that her beautiful daughter, Katie, a freshman at the University of Montana, had been inducted into Delta Gamma sorority. And she had particularly enjoyed a recent trip to the Missouri Breaks with Frank and his parents, as it gave her a chance to spend the day with her husband in one of his favorite places.
When news of her illness reached family and friends, more than a dozen of those people closest to her rushed to Deaconess Hospital in Billings from as far away as Seattle. Many of those relatives and friends were joined in prayer at her bedside when she passed away. As she lay in the bed, her daughter eased her journey by singing "Amazing Grace" to her in a gentle and soothing voice.
As they waited with Mary Lou, those close to her reflected on her good-natured personality; her love for animals, playful teasing and jokes, travel, and science-fiction, fantasy and mystery novels; and the many good times they had shared with her on trips to Central America, during annual gatherings with her family on Idaho's Lake Coeur d'Alene, visiting Seattle to see her stepdaughter's dance performances and her brothers, Dennis and George, or just playing a rousing game of pinochle around the dining-room table.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her mother and father, Margaret and John O'Neil, and by her grandparents. She is survived by her husband and partner of 24 years, Frank; her daughter, Katie; stepdaughter, Amy of Seattle; stepson, Frank Jr., and daughter-in-law, Heather of Coeur d'Alene; sister, Peggy O'Neil of Billings; brother, Dennis O'Neil of Mount Vernon, Wash.; brother and sister-in-law, George and Nancy O'Neil of Redmond, Wash.; brother and sister-in-law, Martin and Judy O'Neil of Billings; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Eileen Sennett of Lewistown; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Karen and Rick O'Brien of Moore; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clint and Muriel Sennett of Lewistown; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and several wonderful pets.
A memorial service will be held for Mary Lou on Saturday, Nov. 20, at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Lewistown.
Friends may make memorials to the Lewistown Pet Assistance League, or to their local Humane Society or pet-rescue organization.
This year's Missoula Renaissance Fair will be held in Mary Lou's memory Thanksgiving weekend, as she would want it. And the Lewistown Garden Club's 34th annual floral show, which runs Nov. 27-28 at the Yogo Inn, will be dedicated in her memory as well.
Howard A. Shrum
SHERIDAN, Wyo. - Howard Arnold Shrum, 84, died Tuesday, Nov. 16, 1999, at the VA Medical Center.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, at the First Presbyterian Church with interment in Elks cemetery. Kane Funeral Home is in charge.
Virginia Vrana
Virginia Vrana, 78, former Livingston resident, died Wednesday morning at the Eagle Cliff Manor in Billings where she had been a resident since June of 1999. Smith's Funeral Home of Billings is in charge of arrangements. The service will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 22, 1999, at Smith's West Chapel, 304 34th St. W., with the Rev. Dan Millar of the First Church of the Nazarene officiating. Burial will be at the Pleasantview cemetery in Ballantine.
Virginia was born June 22, 1921, at Pompeys Pillar, the oldest child of Frank Fisher and Lola (Skiles) Fisher. She received her education at the public schools in Worden. She married
Fred Schneider on Feb. 7, 1937, and they lived at Worden and parts of Montana all their married
lives. Fred died in June of 1964. Virginia married
Adolph Vrana in 1967 at Burlington, Wash. They later bought a dairy farm at Sedro-Woolley, Wash., where they lived until poor health forced them into retirement.
Virginia and Adolph moved to Livingston in November of 1990 to be near their daughter, Donna. They lived at 910 E. Geyser until June 1999 when Virginia's failing health and need of constant care brought them to the Eagle Cliff Manor where she and Adolph could remain together.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Adolph; two brothers, John S. Fisher of Roberts, Bill Fisher of Powell, Wyo.; a sister, Evelyn Barrett of Powell; four daughters, Donna Miller (Duwain) of Livingston, Dora Knapp (Brad) of Billings, Sheryl (Harry) Mills of Riverton, Wyo., and Lola (Rolly) Graber of Sidney; one son, David (Sandy) Schneider of Billings; 21 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Fred; and one grandson.
Memorials may be directed to the First Church of the Nazarene, 315 E. Lewis, Livingston, MT 59047.
Montee E. Wallace
LAUREL - Montee Earl Wallace, of Laurel, passed away early Wednesday, Nov. 17, 1999. He was born April 8, 1926, in Arma, Kan., to Bert and Hazel (Montee) Wallace.
The family moved to Montana on his third birthday. They lived in Ballantine for a short while before settling in Laurel. He graduated from Laurel High School in 1943 at the age of 17 and shortly thereafter entered the U.S. Navy during WWII, serving on an LSM for 28 months.
Upon returning home, he went to work for the Farmers Union-Cenex Refinery. He retired in October 1988 after 441/2 years of service. Along with trips to Jackpot, Montee enjoyed his garden, making his special holiday candies and helping with his children's baseball and softball teams. Fourth of July was always a highlight along with being on the "Kitchen Crew" with his buddies at the Masonic Lodge.
Montee was also a member of the Al Bedoo Shrine Temple, Billings Scottish Rite, Billings Elks Lodge, Laurel United Methodist Church, past member of the Laurel Herbsfest committee where he served as president for three years, was a member and past president of Union Local No. 443 at the Cenex Refinery and also belonged to the USS LSM-LSMR Association.
Montee was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jacque Yovetich; daughter, Cheryl Wallace; and granddaughter, Nicole Steen.
He is survived by two sons, Mark Wallace and Rich Wallace of Billings; two daughters, Jean Kerr of Laurel and Julie (Tom) Steen of Billings; his grandchildren, Matt, Mike and Mitch Wallace, Montee Kerr, and Eric and Karlee Steen. We feel blessed to have had such a wonderful father, grandfather, and friend.
Cremation has taken place. Services will be held Monday, Nov. 22, 1999, at 11 a.m. at the Laurel Methodist Church with interment in the Laurel cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Scottish Rite Patient Courtesy Transportation Fund, Laurel Community Hope, the Laurel Fireman's 4th of July Fund or a charity of your choice.
Smith Funeral Chapel-Laurel is in charge of memorial services.
James Pattee
BOZEMAN - James Edward "Jim" Pattee, 80, a lifelong resident of the Gallatin Valley, passed away at his home Nov. 14, 1999. Jim was born in Bozeman on July 15, 1919, to Paul and Mary (Kiefer) Pattee. Jim attended Gallatin County schools. On July 2, 1942, he married
Yvonne "Vonnie" Osborn, (daughter of Vernon and Cecilia (Henke) Osborn) in Livingston. Jim and Yvonne had two children, James and Sharon.
Jim was a carpenter and general contractor for many years and was the owner of Pattee Construction. His hobbies were farming, gardening, music and football.
Jim is survived by his son, James (Cheri) Pattee of Billings; daughter, Sharon Pattee of Bozeman, (formerly of Great Falls); brother, John Bernard "Bud" Pattee of Tacoma, Wash.; sister, Helen Gaffney of Bozeman; grandchildren, Dirk David (Chris) Pattee of Missoula and Shawn Patrick Pattee of Dallas, Texas; and great-grandchildren, Seth Pattee and Caitlin Pattee of Missoula; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Vonnie Pattee; a brother, Paul Pattee and a sister, Mary Rightmire.
Visitation, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Vigil will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, at Holy Rosary Catholic Parish. A Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 19, at Holy Rosary Catholic Parish. Interment will follow the Mass at Sunset Hills cemetery in Bozeman. Memorials may be made in Jim's name to Gallatin Hospice, 915 Highland Blvd., Bozeman, MT 59715-6999.
Lillian M. Lincoln
FORSYTH - Lillian M. Lincoln, 90, of Forsyth, died Monday, Nov. 15, 1999, at the Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth.
Lillian was born Sept. 13, 1909, in Midland, S.D., the daughter of Fred and Edith Tracey Nipple. At the age of 3, Lillian moved with her family to the Howard Community west of Forsyth. She attended the Howard School and worked on the family farm.
On Sept. 29, 1928, Lillian married
Leslie O. Lincoln in Forsyth. They lived in Forsyth where Lillian worked as a cook for various cafÈs in Forsyth. Lillian retired in 1969 and has continued to live in Forsyth since, spending many hours in her garden.
She is survived by her son, Ken Lincoln and wife, Dot of Gresham, Ore.; her daughter, Sharon Lincoln of Billings; her sister, Kathy Zurbuchen of Billings; nine grandchildren, Leslie, Margaret, Bridgette, Mike, Mark, Teresa, Cynthia, Richard and Todd; numerous great-grandchildren. Lillian was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie; two sons, Richard and Cecil; and 11 brothers and sisters.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, 1999, at the Beals Mortuary Chapel in Forsyth with interment to follow in the Forsyth cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Rosebud Health Care Foundation. Beals Mortuary of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements.
