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Gladys May Harris
SUN RIVER – Gladys May (Stewart) Harris, 97, P.O. Box 94, Sun River, who homesteaded on the Fairfield bench in 1939, died of natural causes Sunday in a Choteau nursing home.
Visitation is 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday in Croxford & Sons Funeral Home. Her funeral is 11 a.m. Wednesday at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Sun River, with burial following in Sun River cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City or Teton Medical Center Foundation, 915 4th St. N.W., Choteau, Mont. 59422.
She was born Sept 21, 1902, in Wilford, Idaho, and was raised in Teton, Idaho. She married
William Curtis “Curt” Harris July 1, 1922, in St. Anthony, Idaho.
After her marriage the couple lived in Sugar City, Idaho, and moved to Agewam in 1930.
In 1939 she and her husband homesteaded on the Fairfield bench, where she continued to live until moving to Choteau in August of 1999.
Her husband died Feb. 18, 1972.
She worked part time as a cook at Sun River School.
Active in Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she belonged to the Relief Society, taught Sunday school and worked in M.I.A., a group that works with young people. She also belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary.
Her family and other families were a very important part of her life. For example, she was a midwife at several deliveries.
“Her love and kindness touched so many and her concern was always for others, ” said family members.
She enjoyed music, painting pictures, crocheting, quilting, needlepoint and embroidery.
Survivors include three daughters. Rowena Bleecker Minor of Conrad, Colleen Thorn of Cut Bank and Lorraine Sager of American Fork. Utah; four sons, Gordon Harris of Mackay, Idaho, Garry Harris of Billings, Norman Harris and William Harris, both of Sun River; three sisters, Ila Standish Larsen of Choteau and Jessie Crabb and Ida Farnsworth, both of Utah; 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Edward Kozak
Edward Kozak, 73, passed away Sept. 1, 2000, at his home of 40 years in Billings. Edward was born in Kopyczyncy, Poland, on March 19, 1927, to Mieczislaw and Franciszka Kozak.
At age 14, Edward ap-prenticed to become a barber. He married
Czeslawa Leligdowicz in 1949 and they operated a barber-salon until 1961, when they immigrated to the U.S.
He successfully operated Ed’s Barber Shop for 39 years. His professional skill as well as his ability to make people laugh earned him many loyal customers who followed him through several moves. While considerate and generous to family, customers and friends, many local businessmen will fondly remember him for his unwavering and persistent ability to “wheel and deal” for a better price.
Edward and Czeslawa were inseparable. Even when Czeslawa fell ill due to a stroke, he placed a recliner in his shop for her comfort so she could be near him.
Ed enjoyed fishing, was an avid bird lover and always looked forward to get-aways to the family cabin at Cooney Dam. Proud of his heritage, Ed would instruct the “Polish Ways” to his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bronek of Poland, and his loving wife of 50 years, Czeslawa.
Edward is survived by his daughter Teresa Kozak-Kennedy, her husband Larry, and their three children Devin, Sarah and Grace; his son Jerry (Walus), his wife Kathy, and their children Zachary and Czelsi Kozak; four sisters, three brothers, and numerous nieces and nephews, both here and in Poland.
A Vigil Service will be held 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at Michelotti, Sawyers & Nordquist. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, at Little Flower Catholic Church with Rite of Committal in Holy Cross cemetery. Memorials in Edward’s memory may be sent to Little Flower Catholic Church.
Matilda ‘Tillie’ Kuzara
LEWISTOWN – Matilda “Tillie” Kuzara, 83, died Monday, Sept. 4, 2000, at the Central Montana Skilled Nursing Center.
Matilda was born June 2, 1917, in Roundup, the daughter of Joseph and Caroline (Pilch) Kuzara. She graduated from Klein High School in 1935 and attended Eastern Montana Normal School in Billings. She spent several years teaching at country schools in Roundup, Chester and Broadview.
Tillie entered the military service (Army WAC) on Sept. 14, 1943. She was a Sgt. Administrative Specialist A.A.F., which entailed duties in the Administrative Office of the Adjutant General, World Headquarters at Wright Field, Ohio. She supervised and directed the work of five enlisted women who were mail clerks and clerk-typists; was responsible for proper recording, classifying and the routing of top-secret, secret, and confidential, routine correspondence, messages and mail. In 1945 and 1946, she worked with personal statistical reports of future plans of dischargees for submission to higher headquarters and had many other duties. She was honorably discharged, with merits on Feb. 15, 1946.
She taught high school in Moscow, Idaho, and took summer courses at Missoula, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She then went to LaPlata, Md., and, in addition to teaching, took courses at Columbia University, graduating with a master of arts degree in 1952. Following her graduation, she fulfilled her ambition of seeing the world. Tillie was in the Federal Service, SHAPE American Schools for 23 years.
She taught in Japan, Frankfort and Nurnberg, Germany, Paris, France, Warsaw, Poland, and the last 10 years from 1967 to 1977 in Soignies, Belgium, at the embassy. She retired June 22, 1977.
One of her many commendations was that she was instrumental in promoting SHAPE High School. She had a life certificate in education and was nominated for outstanding performance rating in the SHAPE Schools. Her majors were biology, biological, social and political sciences. Some of the activities she participated in and travels were in 1963, she crossed the Arctic Circle in Raveniemi, North Finland; in 1968, she went on a tour of the Republic of Africa; in 1969, she went on a safari in East Africa; and also toured Russia. She attended ballets and operas in London, England, in addition to the Metropolitan Opera in New York; skied in Switzerland, was on a teacher’s bowling team and golfed. She was also a 4-H leader for many years.
During the summer months, she would return to the United States and continue her studies and seminars at Rutgers University, the University of California at Berkeley, Western Michigan University at Kalamazoo and the University of New Hampshire.
She moved to Lewistown after her retirement, where she lived a quiet life. She was a member of the Federal Workers Group in Lewistown.
Survivors include a sister, Mrs. Bellevina McKinney of Lewistown; nieces, Colleen (Jene) Rust of Lewistown, Carolyn (Roy) Arves of Great Falls; nephews, James McKinney of Great Falls, Jerry (Jane) McKinney of Billings, and numerous other nieces and nephews and their spouses throughout the United States.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and two sisters. There will be no services held at her request and cremation has taken place. Private burial of cremains will take place at a later date. Memorials may be designated to the Montana Hope Project, 2550 Prospect Ave., Helena, MT. 59620 or to the charity of donor’s choice.
Creel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
John ‘Bula’ Mentock
SHERIDAN, Wyo. – John “Bula” Mentock, 94, lifetime Sheridan resident passed away Sunday, Sept. 3, 2000 at Memorial Hospital of Sheridan County.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at Kane Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at Kane Funeral Home with Father Cliff Joacobsen officiating. Interment will follow in the Sheridan Memorial Municipal cemetery.
Ruth A. Moody
WINIFRED – Ruth A. Moody, 96, died Monday at the Central Montana Medical Center of natural causes.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in the Cloyd Chapel with interment in the Winifred cemetery.
Marjorie Ruth Otto
“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman that fears the Lord, she shalt be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands and let her work praise her in the gates.” Prov. 31:30-31
POWELL, Wyo. – Marjorie Ruth Otto, 83, passed away Sept. 4, 2000, at Billings Deaconess Hospital of complications from surgery, following a courageous battle with cancer. “Ruth” as she was known, was born Sept. 1, 1917, to Benjamin and Jacoba DeRoe in Panama, Neb. She was raised and educated in eastern Nebraska and taught school for four years before she married
Loran G. Otto on Aug. 19, 1941. They lived and loved until Loran’s death in 1980.
In 1948, they applied for a homestead on the Heart Mountain Irrigation District near Powell, and they were one of five families to have their names drawn in a lottery system. They eventually settled on Homestead Unit 108 and farmed in the Heart Mountain area until 1976 when they retired and moved to Powell.
Ruth loved children and they loved her, including her 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She was instrumental in starting the non-profit Powell Day Care Center and served as its first director in 1972. She served on its Board of Directors for 15 years. She was recently honored as a very proud 53-year member of the First United Methodist Church of Powell. She was active in the Shoshone Rock Club, Fine Arts Club, Mountain View Circle of the United Methodist Women and the Hospital Auxiliary. She will be remembered for the unselfish giving of her time, manifested by tutoring students, fixing hair for residents of the Powell Nursing Home or being the reliable “babysitter” in the community. She will also be remembered for her Christian steadfastness in the face of adversity.
Survivors include three sons, Rolland (Carlie) and Don (Leslie) of Powell; Earl (Judy) of Tigard, Ore.; daughter, Ardell Smith of Powell; three sisters, Thelma Nyland of Adams, Neb., Garetta Bentzinger of Santa Ana, Calif., and Bernice Wilken of Vacaville, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, her sons, Orin and Dale and son-in-law, Dennis J. Smith.
A public viewing will he held Thursday, Sept. 7, 2000, at 9 a.m. followed by services at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Powell. Burial will follow in Crown Hill cemetery. Memorials may be sent in Ruth’s name to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 778, Powell, WY 82435.
Walter J. Pilch
SHERIDAN, Wyo. – Walter J. Pilch, 74, died Sept. 1, 2000, at his mountain cabin residence.
Vigil services will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Kane Funeral Home. Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Holy Name Catholic Church.
Jerry Allen Ray
Jerry Allen Ray was born Aug. 12, 1947 in Fort Benton to Leonard and Helen Ray. Jerry graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1966. He enlisted in the United States Army and served a tour in Vietnam. He was an avid sportsman who loved to hunt, fish and play golf Jerry spent his career as a truck driver.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Kathy of 17 years; his daughter, Sgt. Theresa (Scott) Giarratano and grandson Andrew; his son, Michael Reynard and grandson Matthew; his mother, Helen Curtis of Chehalis, Wash.; his two sisters, Harriet (Bob) Morley of Chehalis, Wash. and Betty Ann (Richard) Forest of Auburn, Wash.; his brother, Ronald (Peggy) Ray of Warrick, Mont.; his parents in law, Mike and Kathryn Barovich of Billings and numerous nieces and nephews and a special uncle, Frank Henderson of Billings who was always there for Jerry. He was preceded in death by his father.
To my partner, I love you and I thank you for coming into my life at a time when I thought life was over. You gave me hope when I thought there was none. You were a father and guiding light to Mike and Theresa. We will always love you.
Cremation has taken place at Smith’s Crematory. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8, at Smith West Chapel, 304 34th St. West. Interment of cremains will follow with military rites at Terrace Gardens cemetery.
Catherine Irene Asay Straight
Our loving mother, sister, grandmother and friend passed away Sept. 4, 2000, from complications due to an illness while living in Provo, Utah.
She was born Dec. 3, 1934, in Billings to Lloyd and Marie Straight. Cathy gave everything she had to serve others.
Survived by her sister, Betty Topel; six children, Linda (Kent), Doug (Julie), Debbie (Scott), Jon (Shawna), Brenda (Brad), Joe (Stacey); 23 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, who loved her dearly. preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Marie Straight and her daughter, Carolyn.
“WHERE’S MY HUG?”
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. Friends may call Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary, 727 N. 400 E.
William Stricker
William Stricker, 77, of Billings passed away at home on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 3, 2000, surrounded by his loved ones.
Bill was born in Ballantine, on July 23, 1923, a son of John and Mary Stricker. He was raised and educated in the Project and entered the U.S. Navy in December of 1941, serving during WW II and receiving an honorable discharge in 1945. On March 17, 1946, he married
Lydia Lackman in Billings. Lydia passed away in 1983.
Mr. Stricker worked as an equipment operator for the city of Billings most of his life, retiring in 1983. On July 28, 1984, Bill married
Frieda Watt in Red Lodge. His leisure hours were spent bowling or working the garden he loved. He liked to dance, especially to polka music and had a true love for his God.
He was preceded in death by a son, Richard, a brother and five sisters.
Survivors include his wife, Frieda; a son, Daryl; five stepchildren, Al, Randy and Keith Watt, Sharon Watt, and Sandy Persoma; a daughter-in-law, Patricia Stricker; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Emma Wegner and Esther Smith ; and a brother, Victor Stricker.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6, at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Military honors and interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials are suggested to Big Sky Hospice or the Montana Division of the American Cancer Society. Smith Downtown Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Velma Berger
Velma M. Berger, 84, of Billings passed away at her home Sunday evening, Sept. 3, 2000 with her family near her side.
Velma was born in Linton, N.D., a daughter of Benjamin and Katie (Miller) Hag-gard. She was raised and educated in Bis-marck and later married
Myron Hawkes in San Diego. To this union a son was born, Ed Hawkes.
Velma returned to North Dakota, and married
John G. Berger in Glendive, Mont. Together they owned and operated Berger Trucking for over forty years. After 50 years of marriage, Mr. Berger passed away in 1981 and in 1990 Velma moved to Billings to be near the family she loved.
Survivors include three sons, Ed Hawkes of Denver, John F. and Patrick L. Berger of Billings; two daughters, Shelley Wanner-Berger and Tiki Berger both of Billings; a brother, Paul Haggard of San Diego; eight grandchildren, Tauni of Dallas, Texas, Chris of Atlanta, Ga., Levi, Cozette, Tauni, Kenneth, Jaxon, and Jon Ryan all of Billings; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Berger, a daughter, Mozell Berger, and a granddaughter, Casey Berger.
Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 at the Atonement Lutheran Church, corner of Lake Elmo and Wicks. Cremation has taken place. Smith Downtown Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
“Our beloved mother, grandmother and friend. Our love for you will remain forever.”
Florencio G. Castro
“Vaya Con Dios, Apa” Our beloved father was called home to our Lord on Sept. 3, 2000, after a courageous battle with cancer. Florencio died at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Florencio was born June 29, 1926 to Santiaga Gau-cin and Cipri-ano Castro, in Sugarland, Texas. In later years, seasonal migrant labor led him north to Montana where he met and fell in love with Isidora Briceno. They were united in marriage on April 23, 1949.
Their early years together saw them in San Benito, Texas, before making their home in Billings in 1958.
Together they had 20 children. Florencio loved and enjoyed his large family, which included 39 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, as well as his many cats and dogs.
Florencio was employed by Exxon Refinery from 1968 until his retirement in 1989. His favorite pastimes included gardening, shopping and baking. He learned the art of baking Mexican breads from his father, to which we are proud to say he passed on to his sons and daughters!
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Olivia, two sons, Robert and Frankie, his brother, Abram, a nephew also succeeded him in death.
He is survived by the mother of his children, Dora; 17 children, Irene (Jim) Larson, Vincent (Kelly) Castro, Mary Ann Shane, Mary Helen (Allyn) Bain, Jesse (Norma) Castro, Flo-rencio (Marlene) Castro, Jr., Santiago (Jimmy) Castro, Richard Castro, Dora Castro, Linda Castro, Virginia Ellis Castro, Christina Castro, Esther Castro, Andy (Bonnie) Castro, Paul Castro, Robert Castro and Sylvia Castro; 39 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, four sisters, Consuello, Andrea, Ignacia, and Guadalupe all of Texas and numerous relatives.
“We all miss you Papee! You are finally at peace. We all love you very, very much.”
Visitation will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at the Smith Downtown Chapel. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 7 at Smith Downtown Chapel with interment to follow at Holy Cross cemetery.
