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Raven Stevens, 35
Raven Stevens died in Hood River, Ore., on Jan. 6, 2010. He was born at home at Madison Junction in Yellowstone National Park on June 2, 1974. He was raised and nurtured in his first year of life at the base of Purple Mountain and the remainder of his childhood was spent in Trego. Raven attended Trego Elementary and Eureka High School, graduating in 1993. In 2000 Raven graduated from the University of Montana as a teacher and taught at the school he had attended as a youngster. For the past three years, Raven and his sister Eve lived near Hood River. With his sister and his friends he explored the surroundings of the Hood River area, spending weekends hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and skiing. Raven loved working at Bryant Pipe, a local irrigation company during the summer and Mount Hood Meadows, a local ski resort during the winter. Raven had many passions " He was an amazing athlete with an ability to master any challenge he put his mind to. He wrestled throughout his K-12 years, winning the Buzz Lucey Tournament four times and a state championship. He was passionate about weight lifting, kayaking and mountain biking, never afraid to find the line and ride it to the finish. He had a remarkable sense of special balance and walked on his hands about as much as he walked on his feet. He was an avid photographer, recording what he saw with an eye for detail and for beauty in the ordinary. Raven had an incredible capacity for knowledge " from sports stats to the names of mountain ranges and plants, he knew what he was talking about or was always ready to learn what he didn t. He loved food and was well known for eating anything ... in quantity. He had a quirky sense of humor and loved pranks and practical jokes. He was goal-oriented and never afraid to challenge himself or others to just do it. He inspired so many in a quiet way, from showing his nephew how to tie a top-knot for rock climbing to showing his sister how to make it down the mountain bike trail in one piece. As a teacher he connected with his students in a special way and loved taking the kids out of the classroom and into the world. He cared deeply for others and had an innate ability to build instant friendships with all who met him. He lived in the land of no regrets and found it beautiful. Raven loved and is loved beyond measure and he is deeply missed. Raven is survived by his father, Bill Stevens, and his wife, Mel; his mother, Carolynn Moritz, and her husband, Chris; his sister, Sensei Powell, and her husband, Stacy, and nephews, Raser and Reush; his sister, Eve Stevens; his stepsister, Clover Kincheloe; and stepbrother, Casey Evans; as well as lots of relatives and friends in Oregon, Washington, Montana and Virginia. An education/adventure fund is being set up for Raven s favorite beings in the world, nephews Raser and Reush Powell, at Parkside Federal Credit Union. For information about donating to the fund, please contact Eve Stevens at eves@waggeneredstrom.com; or Beth Lewis-Anderson at betha@waggeneredstrom.com. A memorial service was celebrated at St. Mary s Catholic Church in Hood River on Jan. 10 attended by relatives and by many of his friends from Oregon, Washington and Montana. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Our Lady of Swan Valley Catholic Church in Condon, with burial following at 1 p.m. at the Bigfork cemetery, Lee Road and Swan River Road. All are welcome. The family will also be celebrating Raven this summer in Trego.
Geoffrey Stephen Hughes, 69
Geoffrey Stephen Hughes, Geoff, passed away on Jan. 19, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a long battle with lymphoma. Geoff was born May 17, 1940, in The Bronx, N.Y., to Gerard and Mary Hughes. He grew up in The Bronx and attended high school at Fordham Prep where he graduated in 1957. He was a champion soccer player and a member of the Fordham Rams varsity basketball team, as well as an avid jitterbugger, winning many contests with his dance partner and cousin Alice Hughes. He spent three years serving his nation at sea as a merchant marine, and in 1966 he graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Jacksonville University in Jacksonville, Fla. While at JU he met Fran Davis who became his wife Dec. 27, 1966. Geoff and Fran moved to Montana in 1969 to enroll in graduate courses at the University of Montana, during which time he and Fran welcomed their first child, a daughter they named Kristin. Geoff graduated with his master s in organic chemistry in 1972 and worked for a few years at American Chemet lab outside of Helena. While in Helena, Geoff welcomed his second child, a son he and Fran named Shannon. In 1975, Geoff moved his family to Kalispell so he could work for the state s Water Quality Research Department, assisting with the implementation of the Clean Water Act, and later worked for the city of Kalispell s water department. Geoff finished his work for the government in 1984 and found his calling in teaching chemistry at Flathead High School. He was the chairman of the science department, oversaw the school s astronomy club and later was the official score keeper for various sports; though he was best known as Periodic Table Man and in his final years at the high school as the Voice of the Braves, announcing the high school s volleyball, basketball and football games. In 1998 President Bill Clinton honored Geoff with the Presidential Award, recognizing him as the top high school science teacher in the state of Montana. Geoff retired from Flathead High School in 2000 and joined the faculty at the Flathead Valley Community College in 2002 where he taught chemistry and took up pottery until he passed away. Geoff loved to be outdoors and his passion was hiking and camping in Glacier National Park where he also sat on the board of the Glacier National Park Associates, a volunteer coordinating organization. Other regions he enjoyed exploring included the Jewel Basin and the Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina, where he and Fran shared a home with her sister Hope. Geoff had a love for playing golf and was a member at Buffalo Hill Golf Course where they allocated the day s second tee-time to his foursome. Geoff was an avid traveler, chef extraordinaire and comedian. He enjoyed spending time in Europe, hiking in Switzerland and Germany with his wife and friends, exploring the local traditions and cuisines throughout the region. He was known by his friends as the best host because his sense of humor coupled with his passion for food allowed him to cook various meals from around the globe and pair each course with an appropriate joke or anecdote, often utilizing accents to emphasize the humor. Geoff is survived by his wife, Fran, of 43 years. He is also survived by daughter, Kristin; son, Shannon; daughter-in-law, Karin; and grandsons, Taylor and Hunter; brother, John; and sister, Marianne. Also surviving Geoff are sisters-in-law, Hope Gedeon and Barbara Hughes; and brothers-in-law, Tom Davis and John Kelly. Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 20, at Epworth United Methodist Church in Kalispell. In lieu of gifts, the family has asked that donations be made to one of Geoff s favorite non-profit organizations: Glacier National Park Associates, P.O. Box 91, Kalispell, MT 59903; The Junaluskans, P.O. Box 87, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745; Epworth United Methodist Church, 329 Third Ave. E., Kalispell, MT 59901.
Romona Lois Norton, 79
Romona Rae Lois Norton, 79, of Kalispell, passed away Jan. 13, 2010, at Colonial Manor, with her loving family by her side. Rae, the daughter of Anton and Grace Mae (Brown) Bartel, was born near the Theriault Ferry (which her father ran) in Lower Valley on Aug. 14, 1930. As a young child she lived in the Creston area and at various locations in the Flathead Valley her entire life. She married
her first husband, Charley Williams (a cowboy and loving father), and from this union she had three daughters and two sons that the two raised in the Borman area. Romona worked very hard in those days taking care of her family and any sick animal that needed her care. They were later divorced and she moved to Kalispell with her children. She married
for a second time to George Norton and from this union she had a daughter and two sons. Romona taught Bible class at the Church of the Nazarene. Children were always an important part of her life and it was during this time that she helped establish the Head Start Program. In later years, when George s health failed, she went to work as a CNA at the Immanuel Lutheran Home and continued to work until her health started to fail. Romona loved being outdoors and always had a garden; her children have many memories of helping their mother with the vegetables and flowers. She also loved being in the country, camping, walking among the trees, the smell of wood, the wildflowers, the birds, and the wildlife she would see. She was a daredevil and free spirited " baa haa-ing through the forest. Rae liked going to Glacier National Park and the National Bison Range. Rae was a rock collector, filling her pockets with memories to add to her rose and carnation gardens. She is survived by her eight children, Audrey Flansaas, Geraldine Smith, Douglas and Wayne Williams, Sharon Jordt, Donna Bear, and Harvey and Russell Norton, all of the Kalispell area. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Roberta Shelley and Rodessa Norton; one brother, David Bartel; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George; two daughters-in-law; two sons-in-law; three grandsons; and three brothers. Romona was laid to rest on Jan. 16, at Glacier Memorial Gardens beside her loving husband George. Although Mom has taken up new residence in the Lord s house, she will live forever in our hearts.
Ann Jeanette Norby Miller, 97
Ann Jeanette Norby Miller, 97, passed away on Monday, Jan. 18, 2010, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. She was born on Oct. 3, 1912, in Hettinger, N.D., to Sven and Serina Norby. Ann married
Woodrow Miller in 1935 and moved to Kalispell, where their three children were born and Woodrow was employed as a carpenter. Ann was active in the community and in Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She was an avid gardener and loved to play pinochle. In her later years, she found time for a journalistic career. She wrote a column for many years for the Kalispell News. She also wrote for several national magazines, the Montana Journal and the Hungry Horse News, receiving three state awards for column writing. In 1987 she published a book, Over the Coffee Cups, a compilation of some of her best columns. She continued writing until just before her death. Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow Miller; a son, Craig; her parents; six brothers; and three sisters. She is survived by a daughter, Wendy Robetorye, of Everett, Wash.; and a son, Douglas Miller, of Kalispell; three brothers; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Graveside services for Ann will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 22, at the C.E. Conrad Memorial cemetery, with Pastor Wayne Pris officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m. today, Jan. 21, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Ann s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Ann s tribute wall.
Bobby Ray Knight, 61
Bobby Ray Knight was born Jan. 7, 1949, in Bradleyville, Mo., to Herman and Mary Jane Knight. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1972. Bob married
the love of his life, Shirley, after 40 years. Bob loved hunting, fishing, good ole country music and a cold beer by the fire. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and making sure they had good grades, and became responsible adults. Bob loved and was loved by everyone who met him " his door was open to all. Most of all, Bob dreamed of catching that big trout, pike or catfish and the mighty majestic bull elk and bear. During the winter Dad bought a 7-mm rifle and hunting knife in the hopes of changing his luck; unfortunately luck would have it we lost our beloved father Jan. 19, 2010, at 9:11 p.m. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Herman Knight; mother, Mary Jane Knight; brother, Melvin; best friend of 50 years, Dennis Young; uncle, John; aunt, Kathryn; and nephews, Everett and Russell. Bob is survived by his wife of 40 years, Shirley; son, Nicholas, and wife, Tasha, and grandchildren, Nicholas, Hunter and Trenton; daughter, Cindy, and husband, Roddy, and grandchildren, Clay, Roddy Ray and Wyatt; son, Ryan, and wife, Shiree, and grandchild, Mariah; daughter, Regina, and husband, Derek, and grandchildren, Bobbie and Terance, and great-grandchildren, Isaac and Blake; daughter, Tiffany, and unborn grandson; daughter, Jolean, and husband, Josh, and grandchildren, Bryan, Kalynn, Cheyenne and Derek; son, Bobby, and wife, Leane, and grandchildren, Kayla, Collin and Kyle; son, Billy Jack, and wife, Mandy, and grandson, Harley; daughter, Kathy, and grandchildren, Kelsey, Nathan, Mariah and Theron; daughter, JoAnn, and grandchildren, Michael, Chris and Eric; Bob s brother and best friend always and forever, Don, and Darlene, and nephews, Donny and wife, Christy, Jeremiah and wife, Jessica, Lucas and Joseph, and niece, Sarah; and numerous great-nieces and nephews; brother, James, and wife, Maryellen, nephew, Greg, and nieces, Melissa and Sandra; brother, Wayne; sister, Evelyn; Bob s best friend of 16 years, Dan, and Chris Catron (whenever there was a need he could count on his buddy Dan); Dan s son, Nolan, and wife, Echo, and grandchildren, Justin, Teka and Megan. In loving memory of the Wild Man now headed to meet the Great Lord. We love you, Daddy, it was a great ride, Strong Stinkin, Pumpin in the wind. A visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. today, Jan. 22, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 23, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. Burial will follow at Woodlawn cemetery in Columbia Falls, with graveside military honors by the United Veterans of the Flathead and the U.S. Navy.
Patricia Rose Dolven, 69
Patricia Rose Dolven, at 69 years of age, died near the Montana border in Idaho, violently but quickly, on Jan. 5, 2010, as the result of a collision between the car she was driving and a semi-truck. She was born Patricia Rose Williams to Darreld and Doris Williams on May 12, 1940, in Eureka. Pat grew up in Whitefish, and then moved to Harlem when she was in middle school. She attended Montana State University in Missoula for two years before transferring to the University of Montana in Bozeman, where she was graduated in 1962 with a bachelor s degree in home economics. Pat married
Fred Dolven, her high-school sweetheart, in 1961. She taught for two years in Bozeman while Fred completed his degree in architecture. Pat and Fred lived briefly in Reno, Nev., in 1964, before joining and serving in the Peace Corps from 1966 to 1968. Upon returning from India, they lived in Billings, where their son, Davin, was born in 1969. The young family moved again to Reno in 1971 where they settled. Their daughter, Danica, was born in 1972. Pat raised her kids in the Huffaker Hills neighborhood of Reno, volunteered at her children s schools, and was intimately involved in Cub Scouts, Brownies, Children s Theater, and countless other activities. The Dolvens were members of St. John s Presbyterian Church in Reno for many years before Fred and Pat became instrumental in planting a new church in Sparks, Nev. Pat was a gourmet cook, a rapacious reader, and an exquisitely talented mother and grandmother. She served as the backbone of a diverse and far-reaching community that spans the globe. She had an uncanny ability to empathize with everyone she met and deeply touched many, many souls throughout her life. Somehow Pat would always say exactly the right thing at any particular moment. Her relationship with her family, while always incredibly strong, was never better than it was this past year. She will live forever in our hearts. Patricia is survived by her husband, Fred Dolven; her twin brother, Richard Williams; her son, Davin Dolven; her daughter, Danica, and son-in-law, Marc Gittelman; her two grandsons, Jacob and Elijah Gittelman; and an extensive network of extended family and friends. A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 23, at Spanish Springs Presbyterian Church in Sparks. A ceremony is being planned for June near her childhood home and parents resting places in Kalispell, to inter her remains. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the charities of your choice.
Sharon Lee (Boe) Tutvedt, 73
Sharon Tutvedt, a very loving and fun-filled wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, left us all to join her other loved ones in heaven on Jan. 15, 2010. Sharon would want us to remember the many good times we ve had with her and know that her faith has been with her all her life. That life began on Jan. 6, 1937, in Cut Bank. Her parents, William Bill and Evelyn Nelson Boe, and her sister, Shirley, welcomed her to this world with open arms. When Sharon was 4 months old the family moved to North Hollywood, Calif., where she loved being able to play outdoors, and eat the fruit from the backyard trees. When World War II began, the family moved back to Cut Bank. She attended school there from second grade to graduation. During those school years Sharon was an active member of the congregation of St. Paul s Lutheran Church, participating in Sunday school classes, Luther League, children s and adult choir and singing solos at church. Her musical ability, in addition to singing, included playing the piano and playing the French horn in the high school band. She also enjoyed cheerleading for three years at Cut Bank High School and band and concert choir for four years. Sharon graduated from CBHS in 1955, after which she attended college at Montana State University in Bozeman. Again, she was involved in cheerleading and musical activities. From MSU, Sharon went to school in Billings where she received her teaching degree. Her first teaching assignment was first grade in Kalispell. She was frequently told by those students that she was among their favorite teachers. In later years she was a substitute teacher and will be remembered by her students as the teacher who sang The Birdie Song. Sharon also taught piano lessons for many years. After marrying Paul on Nov. 7, 1959, they lived on the farm in the West Valley area where they still have the farm which is now managed and owned by the three sons. They were members of Stillwater Free Lutheran Church where Sharon was involved in all aspects of church life. She loved to sing, and sang at many funerals as well as in choir. Playing cards was a favorite past-time and she made many, many friends because of her upbeat personality. Sharon loved to entertain and had many dinner/card parties at their home. Sharon and Paul became snowbirds in the fall of 1994 and became very active in the Sunbird Community Church as a pianist and singer. They developed a wide array of friendships. Sharon always put her family first. She was a storybook grandma who loved playing with her grandchildren, jumping on the trampoline, playing dolls, tea parties, tractors, ball games, building forts in the front room and anything the kids wanted to play. Sharon enjoyed flower gardening and being outside in the fresh air. She was a joy to be around with her fun, outgoing personality. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Evelyn and William Boe; stepfather, John Taylor; and niece, Pam Amberson. Survivors are her husband, Paul Tutvedt, and their three sons, Craig and Laurie Tutvedt, and his children, Breann, Taylor and Will, and their mother, Michelle Tutvedt; Brian and Suzanne Tutvedt, and their children, Megan, Garrett, Nate and Boe; and David Tutvedt, all of Kalispell; Max and Shirley Amberson, sister, of Bozeman; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. Services will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 24, at Stillwater Free Lutheran Church. A celebration of life and catered open house is scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 12, at Doug and Jody Siderius barn. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the Ten Commandments Fund (a benevolent fund used in the community for those in times of need) at Stillwater Free Lutheran Church, 1401 Church Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Ford Wesley Knight, 80
Ford went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010, in Kalispell. Ford was born Sept. 18, 1929, in Butte, to Jack and Blanche (Dickson) Knight. He was followed by brother, Rutherford, and sister, Geraldine. He went to grade school in Bannack and graduated from Beaverhead High School where he played in the East-West Shrine Football game. During the summer he spent time in the Big Hole, haying on the Jardine ranch. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in metallurgical engineering and graduate fellowship from the Montana School of Mines while working in several of the Butte mines. Over his extensive international career, Ford performed duties as manager and project engineer for the Anaconda Copper Mining Co. in Anaconda; E.I. Dupont, Savannah River Plane, Aiken, S.C.; Los Alamos Scientific Lab, K Division, Los Alamos, N.M.; Atomic Power Development Association (Detroit Edison) and FERMI lab, Detroit; United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, Dounreay Fast Reactor Facility, Thurso, Scotland; Westinghouse Electric, France; General Electric in Richland, Wash., San Jose and Vallecitos, Calif., and Tokyo, Japan; Westinghouse Nuclear Fuel Division, Pittsburgh; Westinghouse Electric, Advanced Energy Systems/Waste Management/Environmental Remediation Divisions, Pittsburgh; and Westinghouse Hanford Co., Richland, Wash. Ford s professional affiliations included: Westinghouse Electric s representative on and charter member of the committee on Nuclear Quality Assurance, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and an early and catalyzing member of the ASQC working group on ASQC E-4, Environmental Quality Assurance. Ford was published many times in major publications between 1960 and 1991. One of these publications titled, Acubic Expansion of PU and PU-FE Eutectic Between Room Temperature and 700 to 800 degrees Celsius, was presented at the Second International Conference on Plutonium Metallurgy, Grenoble, France. While in Pittsburgh, Ford met and married
his wife, Nancy Fried Knight. They together raised sons, John and Matthew, on a farm in Saxonburg, Pa. Ford was a well-respected farmer, raising corn and soybeans along with hogs and black angus cattle. All of this was to show my sons good work ethic. Ford and his family returned to his beloved Montana in 1991. He and his family have enjoyed many years in the Flathead Valley where both sons have met and married
their wives, Carrie Griffin Knight and daughter, Tia, and Heather Broeder Knight and daughter, Tiffany, and son, Cody. Ford is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; his sons, John and Matthew; daughter, Leslie Smail, and husband, Eric Hunley; nephew and niece, Jarrod and Atari Faust; and countless friends. Ford was a patriot and loved the free United States of America. The most important thing in Ford s life was his relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Throughout his entire life he credited and honored our Heavenly Father. This was his most cherished legacy. Amen. The celebration of Ford s life will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30, at Cornerstone Community Church, 1970 U.S. 93 N., in Kalispell. Now go straight home and no bar hopping. Friends are encouraged to visit the Web site at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memorials are suggested to Crossroads Community Church; the Veterans Food Pantry; or a charity of the donor s choice.
Glen A. Bestul, 70
Glen A. Bestul, 70, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009, at the Heritage Place in Kalispell. He was born on May 5, 1939, in Arvilla, N.D., to Adolph and Ida Bestul. Glen attended schools in North Dakota and was a longtime carpenter contractor. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice, in February 2008; his son, Glen Bestul Jr., in June 1993; and his parents. There are no services planned at this time for Glen. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Glen s family.
Sadie (Miller) Kauffman, 96
Sadie (Miller) Kauffman, 96, of Kalispell, formerly of Condon, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Dec. 28, 2009. She was born Nov. 15, 1913, to Daniel F. and Sarah (Coblentz) Miller in Bloomfield. On Sept. 22, 1940, she married
Reuben S. Kauffman of Creston. In 1947 they moved to the Swan Valley where she resided until 2004. She then moved to Kalispell where she resided first at Prestige Assisted Living and later at Immanuel Lutheran Home. She was a devoted wife and mother. She loved children and after raising her own, babysat for many neighbor children over the years. For a time she worked for the U.S. Forest Service planting trees in the summer months. Besides cooking, baking and sewing, she liked to take pictures and was known far and wide for the buggy-rim rugs she made. She was a devout Christian and for more than 30 years she and her husband traveled the 60 miles to Creston to attend Sunday school and worship services at Mountain View Mennonite Church. The family also wishes to thank the staff at Immanuel Lutheran Home for the wonderful care they gave our mother during the last months of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reuben S. Kauffman; daughter, Gwendlyn Kauffman; infant son, Jere; her parents; five brothers and six sisters. She is survived by one brother, Nathan Miller, and his wife, Kathryn, of Sidney; son-in-law, Paul Kauffman, of Wolford, N.D.; two sons, Lowell and his wife, Pauline, of Missoula, and Nathan and his wife, Fern, of Condon; two daughters, Myrene Iverson and her husband, Jerry, of Long Lake, Minn., and Carol Kauffman and her husband, Dennis, of Lebanon, Pa.; 19 grandchildren and 43 great-grandchildren. There will be a memorial service for Sadie at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, at Mountain View Mennonite Church in Creston. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home in Kalispell. Interment will be at the Creston cemetery. A private family burial service will take place prior to the memorial service. The family suggests memorials be made to Mennonite Central Committee or Gideons Bible Society. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Sadie s family.
