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William D. Kersey
William D. Kersey, age 73, of Wolf Creek passed away at St. Peter's Hospital on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2002, of cancer. He was born on Jan. 22, 1929, in Jacksonville, Fla., to Charles E. and Annie (Grohman) Kersey.
He and June A. Benson were married
in Boulder July 7, 1949. He was the owner of Frenchy's Motel in Wolf Creek.
He is survived by his wife, June of Wolf Creek; two sons, Emil of Wolf Creek, and Dean of Clancy; three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren; mother, Annie of Live Oak, Fla.; brother, Joel Dean of Fort White, Fla.
No formal funeral services are scheduled at this time. Cremation has taken place. Hagler-Anderson Mortuary was entrusted with funeral arrangements.
Orville E. Jones
Boulder - Orville E. Jones, 75, of Boulder died Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002, at the VA Hospital at Fort Harrison.
His funeral will be held Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 1 p.m. from the Assembly of God Church in Boulder with the Rev. Joel Kallberg officiating. Interment with military honors will be in the Boulder cemetery.
Rosemary Sewell
LAS VEGAS - Rosemary (Kuka) Sewell, 69, of Las Vegas, died Thursday, Nov. 28, 2002, in Scottsdale, Ariz., surrounded by her children.
Rosemary was born Jan. 21, 1933, at Birch Creek. She attended Cut Bank Boarding School and graduated from Browning High School in 1950. She served as a corporal in the Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed for two years at Andrews Air Force Base, Washington, D.C.
She was a real estate developer, ranch owner and entrepreneur. She was a horse enthusiast.
Rosemary was a Christian woman devoted to her faith. She was a generous and loving person. She especially loved her family and her grandchildren.
Survivors include daughters, Robyn (Packy) Walter of Cut Bank, Ronda Davis of Phoenix and Rinay (Andy) Bender of Helena; sons, Raymond Sewell of Helena and Ross Sewell of Denver; a sister, Patricia (Bud) Cobell of Great Falls; brothers, Vern (Marie) Kuka of Birch Creek, and King (Marietta) Kuka of Great Falls; a special friend, Dannie Ramos of Las Vegas; and four grandchildren, Zack, Hanna, Grace and Luke.
A rosary vigil will be at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Day Family Funeral Home Chapel in Browning. Funeral Mass is 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Heart Butte, with burial in Robare cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Anne's Catholic Church in Heart Butte.
June R. Erickson
June R. Erickson, age 72, of the family ranch, three miles south of Jefferson City, died on Monday, Nov. 25, 2002, at Big Sky Care Center.
She was born Feb. 26, 1930, in Elko, Nev., to Tony and Rose (Mikolich) Gasser. She spent her junior years in Neihart, and her teen years at St. Joseph's Orphanage. On June 6, 1949, she married
Edwin Erickson, whom she met in Corbin, at the Lutheran Church Parsonage by Rev. Nels Norbeck.
She enjoyed crocheting, playing the accordion and the piano, and watching soap operas.
She is survived by her husband, Edwin of Jefferson City; daughter, Martha Erickson of Butte; grandchildren, Alvin Steiner and Angee Webb; two great-grandchildren; siblings, Edward Gasser, Robert Blotnick, Betty Smallfield and Mary Lou Elicegui; and nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2002, at Retz Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at Retz Funeral Home with interment to follow at Jefferson City cemetery.
Karen Marie MacDonald
Karen Marie MacDonald, lifelong Helena native passed away Jan. 1, 2002, after a long illness, surrounded by her family. She was born Jan. 9, 1945, in Helena to Patrick H. and Rose I. Miller.
Karen graduated from Cathedral High School in 1963. She married
Sandy MacDonald, her childhood sweetheart in 1966. Together they had two sons Trevor and Jim. She worked ten years at City Plumbing as a bookkeeper, and then she worked ten years as a bookkeeper for American Sheet Metal. In 1980, she and Sandy purchased the local Budweiser beer franchise, renamed it Sandy Mac's Distributing and she was the office manager.
Her father, Patrick, preceded Karen in death. She is survived by her mother Rose; her husband Sandy; two sons Trevor and his wife, Diana, MacDonald, and Jim MacDonald and his wife, Liane, Taylor; two grandchildren to be; brothers Wayne, Ronnie and Joe Miller; and many nieces and nephews.
Karen loved watching Trevor and Jim bowl, and traveling to Budweiser conventions with the love of her life, Sandy. She was a people person who enjoyed the company of friends and family. Karen had a strong, vivid personality and a soft heart. She loved life. She will be deeply missed.
Chapel services will be held at Hagler-Anderson Chapel on Friday Jan. 4, at 2 p.m. A reception at the VFW hall in East Helena will follow. Family prefers donations to be sent to God's Love, 533 N. Main, Helena, MT. 59601.
John Emmett Murphy
Butte - John Emmett Murphy died of heart failure Dec. 31, 2001, surrounded by his children. He celebrated his 85th birthday two weeks ago with family and friends. Emmett was born in Butte to John Emmett and Margaret Sullivan Murphy, also Butte natives. He attended St. Patrick's, Boys' Central and Carroll College. World War II interrupted his education. He enlisted in the Army, and while he attended Officer Candidates School near Washington, D.C., he became re-acquainted with Rita Kelley, a classmate from St. Patrick's. Rita was in the Navy, stationed near the Potomac, and they were glad to find each other in Washington. On Dec. 15, 1945, Emmett's birthday, he received his commission as lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers and married
Rita at Fort Belvoir, Va.
He served in Germany, and after his discharge from the Army, he and Rita settled in Butte where they raised five children. Emmett earned a degree in mining and metallurgy from the Montana School of Mines and received an honorary degree in professional mining in 1971. He retired after 38 years with the Anaconda Co.
Emmett worked in most of the Butte mines. He was the last foreman of the Travonia and worked at the Berkeley Pit from its beginning. Eventually, he became superintendent of the Pit. Men frequently called his home, "rustling" a job, and he tried to give everyone a chance.
In the early days, mining at the Pit never stopped, so Emmett worked long hours with little time off. To spend time with his kids, he used to give them hard hats and take them on quick trips into the Pit. If he had a weekend off, the family often packed up and headed for Yellowstone, stopping for Mass along the way, of course. He was a man of faith and a member of St. Ann Parish for 50 years.
Until his last breath, Emmett loved to tell the history of Butte. His stories were accurate and fascinating. He seldom forgot anything and would remember dates, faces and how Butte families were related. He loved to entertain visitors with a tour of his beloved Butte, followed by one of Rita's pasty dinners. Visiting with Emmett was always an uplifting experience because of his happy and optimistic view of life. He was always a gentleman, and his hospitality was legendary.
Emmett served 30 years in Butte Rotary, spearheading many committees and projects. He was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship and became the first "Member Emeritus." He was past president of the Montana Tech and the Butte Central alumni associations, served on the St. James Hospital Advisory Board for 20 years and volunteered at the Butte Food Bank for six years. His hobbies included gardening, collecting and tumbling rocks, fishing, and traveling with Rita all over the country until her death in 1986, after 40 years of marriage.
Everyone who knew Emmett loved him, and he will be greatly missed. Survivors include his children, John and Judy Murphy of Clancy, Jeanette Murphy of Seattle, Patrice and Lenny Luzzi of Bothell, Wash., Dennis and Marie Murphy of Montana City, and Walter Murphy and Scott Dixon of Seattle; beloved grandchildren, Annette (Doug) Compton, Kevin (Leann) Murphy, Erin, Daniel, and Caitlyn Murphy, and John and Joe Luzzi; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Etta Murphy of Joliet, Ill.; sister, Margaret Carroll of Capay, Calif.; Rita's family, Walt and Barbara Kelley, Isabel Van Swearingen, Lenore Karsted, and Winnie Vine, and numerous cherished nieces and nephews.
Emmett thoroughly enjoyed the care of Highlands Hospice, as well as the staff and his friends at Prestige Assisted Living. The new phone number at the family home is 782-2570. Emmett's remains are in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home where friends may call beginning today, Thursday, Jan. 3, at 2 p.m. Parish Vigil services will be today, Jan. 3, at 7 p.m. Prayers will be recited Friday, Jan. 4, at 9:30 a.m., proceeding to St. Ann's Catholic Church where Liturgy of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment will be in Holy Cross cemetery. Memorials may be made to Highlands Hospice.
Kory Lynn Ring
Deer Lodge - Kory Ring, 21, beloved son, brother and friend, went to join his grandfather on Dec. 31, 2001, due to a snowmobile accident west of Deer Lodge.
Kory was born Feb. 16, 1980, in Helena. He was currently working at his father's business Xpress Lube of Deer Lodge.
Kory enjoyed doing many things including snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, riding horses, the family cabin, and spending time with his family and friends. He has touched many lives in his short time with us and will be greatly missed.
His grandfather, Richard Wallace, preceded Kory in death. Survivors include his parents Randy Ping and JoAnn Wallace of Deer Lodge; two brothers Russell Ring of Helena, and Kalvin Sharette of Deer Lodge; grandparents Bill and Helen Ring of Iowa, and June Wallace of Deer Lodge; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be Sunday, Jan. 6, at 1 p.m. at he Jewell Funeral Home with Claudia Eastmark officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the donor's choice. Jewell Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Joe Irving
M.R. "Joe" Irving, 61, of Helena died Dec. 22, 2001, in Phoenix of cancer. He was born Sept. 8, 1940, in Portland, Ore. to Mac and Ruby (Johnston) Irving.
Joe attended schools in Tooele, Utah and Portland, graduating from Park Rose High School in Portland in 1959. He was in the 75th infantry of the U.S. Army Airborne Rangers at Fort Benning, Ga., serving 10 years. In 1994, Joe moved to the Helena area, where he worked as a carpenter. He married
Janey Campbell on Dec. 20, 1995.
Survivors include his wife Janey of Helena; a brother, Steve of Oregon; numerous children and grandchildren.
Services have been held in Portland with burial in the Willamette National cemetery on Dec. 28, 2001.
Frank Ripplinger
Frank Ripplinger, age 88, of Helena, formerly of Harvey, N.D., went to be with the Lord on Dec. 31, 2001. Frank was born Sept. 28, 1913, in Esmond, N.D. to John and Frances (Leier) Ripplinger.
Frank attended schools in North Dakota and fared in the Balta, N.D. area until he moved to Harvey and was employed with the railroad. He later became employed at the Farmers Union Oil Company until his retirement in 1974.
He married
Frances Lesmeister Sept. 7, 1933, in Balta. Frank and Frances were married
65 years. Together they had one son and three daughters. Frank and Frances moved to Helena in 1991 to be near their daughters. Frank was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Helena.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife Frances in 1999, son Duane in 1965, his parents and all his brothers and sisters.
Survivors are his daughters Bernie (Tony) Martian, Shirley McIntosh, Millie (Jim) Leibhan all of Helena; nine grandchildren Antoinette Mee, Denise Martian, Rick, Tracy and Mike McIntosh, Susie Leidle, Scott Ripplinger and Tim Ripplinger; seven great-grandchildren Hannah and Tanner Mee, Josie Martian, Alissha McIntosh, Ashley McIntosh, David McIntosh and Christopher Leidle.
Family and friends may pay their respects from noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4, at Retz Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday Jan. 5, at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Resurrection cemetery.
Grant W. Moomaw
Grant W. Moomaw, age 46, of Marysville, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2002. He was born on May 10, 1956, in Effingham, Ill., to William J. and Carolyn J. (Bly) Moomaw.
He attended medical school and graduated with a Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas. He was the owner and operator of the Marysville House restaurant in Marysville.
He is survived by his mother, Carolyn Moomaw of Effingham; brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Janice Moomaw; nephews, Adam and Zachary Moomaw; and grandmother, June Bly, all of Stewardson, Ill. He was preceded in death by his father, Joe, and niece, Kristin Moomaw.
Cremation has taken place and a service will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hagler-Anderson Mortuary.
Reba L. Cowles
Reba L. Cowles, age 99, of Helena, died on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2002, at Rocky Mountain Care Center. She was born Jan. 23, 1903, to John and Ida (Brazelton) Epler in Elbert, Colo.
She is survived by her son, Maurice of Helena; granddaughters, Montell Carey of Portland, Ore., and Marnette (Buddy) Phillips of Helena; six great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Private graveside services will be held in Loveland, Colo.
Edgar Allen Swoboda
Edgar Allen Swoboda went to be with His Lord on Sept. 20, 2002. He was born in Omaha, Neb., on Oct. 23, 1922, to Eleanor E. Beranek Swoboda and Frank B. Swoboda.
He attended school in Omaha, Neb., and graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in 1945. He married
his childhood sweetheart, Norma Rae Jull, on June 8, 1945. He served as a dental officer in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War.
He and his family moved in 1958 to Helena, where he worked as a dental officer at the Veterans Administration at Fort Harrison until he retired in 1976. He and Norma moved to Sequim, Wash., in August 1996. They attended Cornerstone Baptist Temple.
Survivors include Norma, his beloved wife of 56 years; sons and daughters-in-law, Lee and Mary of Belfair, Wash., and Gary and Cheri of Portland, Ore.; and grandsons, Ryan and Tim of Portland. He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert, and both parents.
The funeral service will be at Cornerstone Baptist Temple in Sequim on Saturday, Sept. 28. Memorials may be made to Cornerstone Baptist Temple, 261351 W. Hwy 101, Sequim, WA 98382.
Drennon-Ford Funeral Home at 260 Monroe Road in Port Angeles, Wash., will be handling burial arrangements. Burial will be at Tahoma National cemetery in Kent, Wash.
Richard A. Buell
Richard A. Buell, formerly of Helena, died unexpectedly Sept. 17, 2002, in Cottonwood, Ariz. Richard was born May 30, 1944, in Helena.
He attended Helena schools and graduated from Helena High School. He also attended both the University of Montana and Montana State University. Richard was employed as a materials technician by the Montana and Arizona highway departments as well as by firms in the private sector.
Richard loved to hunt, fish and hike through the mountains of Montana and Arizona.
His son, Jason Buell, and his mother, Wilma Buell, preceded him in death. Survivors include his daughter, Lauren Buell, son, Ryan Buell, and their mother, Karen Franklin, all of Arizona; his father, Raymond Buell of Helena; sister, Kathleen Woods of Hillsboro, Ore.; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, at Retz Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice.
Beulah Ruth Boyle
Beulah Ruth Boyle, age 74, of Helena passed away Nov. 1, 2002, at St. Peter’s Hospital. She was born May 17, 1928, to Violet and Roy Thurlow in Atkinson, Neb.
She married
William Boyle on May 30, 1954, and they were married
for 49 years. She was a nurse’s assistant and worked at health care facilities in the area.
Beulah was an avid horse race fan. She loved to read, quilt, embroider and visit with friends. She loved and enjoyed the time spent with her children and grandchildren immensely. Her home was always open to her children and grandchildren’s friends, where they were always welcome and cared for.
She is survived by her four daughters, Linda O’Connell of Pocatello, Idaho, Sharlene Bengtson of Helena, Cheryl Strom of Perham, Minn., and Shirley Ranes of Cascade; four sons, Gerald O’Connell of Atkinson, Neb., Larry O’Connell of Townsend, William Boyle and Ronald Boyle, both of Helena; two sisters, Mazie Cearns of Bellvue, Neb., and Vivian Shaffer of Yankton, S.D.; 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents, a grandson, Brandon Robbins, and two brothers.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m. at Helena Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be held Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with the family present at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Graveside services will follow at Forestvale cemetery.
