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HARLAND R. “HUCK” STRAIGHT
BELFRY - Harland “Huck” Straight, age 82, passed away peacefully with his wife Vera at his side, on Oct. 21, 2003, at Beartooth Hospital & Health Center in Red Lodge.
The youngest of nine children, Huck was born September 23, 1921 in Billings, a son of Oscar W. and Clara Emerson Straight. The family lived in Billings where Huck graduated from Billings Senior High School. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps and served for three years during World War II.
Huck married Lillian Smith in 1957 in Billings, and together they raised two sons and three daughters. At the time Huck was driving truck for Safeway Stores and was shortly thereafter transferred to Glendive, where the family lived for four years. Huck was transferred in 1961 to Hardin where the family lived for two years. In 1963 Huck went to work for Garrett Freightlines in Billings, and the family moved back to Billings. They were happy to be back in Billings with their children and near their families. They enjoyed entertaining and celebrations with children, grandchildren, friends, and family. After their five children were raised, Huck and Lillian moved to Belfry, Montana in 1975 to semi-retire.
In 1976 their 31-year-old son Raymond Charles drowned while fishing the Yellowstone River. In October of 1977, Huck lost his wife Lillian and their daughter Paulette Shelby in a car accident near Laurel.
In 1981 Huck met Vera Hodges. They were married in Cody, Wyo. on October 23 and resided in Belfry for 22 years until Huck’s death. Huck always spoke of Vera as “the best thing that ever happened to him” and “his soul mate and best friend.” Huck and Vera enjoyed spending all their time together, whether at home or traveling. They shared 22 years of love, laughter and friendship.
One of Huck’s greatest accomplishments during his 30+-year career as an over-the-road truck driver was his 3.5 million accident free miles for which he received many awards. During his younger years while in good health, he enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting.
Huck was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar W. and Clara Straight, his five brothers – Wes, Dewey, Lloyd, Charles and Oscar, and his three sisters – Ruby Moore, Ruth Spence, and Etta Harvey; his first wife Lillian, daughter Paulette, and son Raymond.
He is survived by his wife Vera Straight of Belfry, daughters Sandy Matule and husband Vince of Helena, and Sherrie Johnson of California, and son Ron Moore of Wyoming; step-sons Dwight M. Hodges of Billings and Duane B. Hodges of Minnesota; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Memorial services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Mountain View Baptist Church on Main Street in Belfry. Interment followed in the Belfry Cemetery. Smith-Olcott Funeral Chapel of Red Lodge was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be given to the Belfry Senior Citizens or to Beartooth Hospital & Health Center Hospice in Red Lodge.
He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.
FRANCES VAN HEUVELEN
Frances Van Heuvelen, known as Fran by her friends and family, was born April 25, 1918 in Bantry, N.D., the daughter of Dr. Vincent and Carrie Irvine. She passed away on Friday, Nov. 7, at her home in Red Lodge, Mont., in the company of her husband and children.
As a little girl she lived in Lankin, N. D., and then spent most of her childhood years in Park River, N. D., where she graduated from the Walsh County Aggie High School in 1936. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Secretary and President of the Home Ec Club, and President of Playmakers. She was also involved in the Glee Club, Aggie Staff, Wildcat Staff, Pep Club, Publicity Board, Student Council, and was chair of the Senior Homecoming, treasurer of her senior class, and was in the cast of “And It Rained” and “Dearest Thing In Boots.” She was known by a quote from her high school year book: “Sincerity marks all her efforts.”
Fran worked in her father’s medical practice one year before starting college at Mayville State University in 1937. She graduated in 1941 with a BA in education. During her years at Mayville she served as secretary to the Dean of Women. She participated in many activities, and lettered in Women’s Athletics. During the summer, Fran worked in Yellowstone National Park, from 1938 at Mammoth, and from 1939-1941 at Canyon Lodge. The Yellowstone lingo of that day gave some interesting names to the college students who worked there. Dishwashers were called “pearl divers,” lodgemaids were “pillow-punchers,” waitresses were known as “heavers,” and porters were tagged as “pack-rats.”
One July day in 1939, Fran went hiking with Harold Van Heuvelen, who worked there as a “pack-rat,” and the two continued hiking together for almost 64 years. They were married on February 20, 1943 when Fran was working in Washington, D.C. at the Justice Department for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Her husband was a young second lieutenant, nicknamed “Van,” recently commissioned in the Adjutant Generals Department. Prior to that, Fran taught 4th grade in Cass Lake, Minn., while Van taught school at Miles City, Mont., prior to the outbreak of World War II and U.S. deployment.
Following World War II, the young couple increased the size of their family to three with the birth of their son, John. Shortly thereafter they moved to Bismarck, N.D., where Van became a teacher in the Bismarck Public Schools and a staff musician at KFYR Radio. In 1950, a second son, Bob, was born to the happy couple. Fran continued to be a wonderful wife and mother as the two boys grew up and matured into talented young men. In Bismarck, Fran took an active part in community affairs. She served as an elder for two terms in the First Presbyterian Church, on a city planning committee to map out plans for the Civic Center, on a planning committee to build a new library, in PEO, church circles, and later on as a secretary to the Department of Music and Fine Arts of the Bismarck Public Schools.
She served in this capacity for 14 years, and was of tremendous help in the development of one of the finest music and arts programs in the United States. After retiring, the couple moved in September 1994 with her husband to Red Lodge, Mont. Once settled there, she became active in the Community Church and the newly-formed Red Lodge Presbyterian Mountain Ministry. She also continued to be active in the Red Lodge Chapter of PEO. In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Fran was well-loved by a host of friends and family. She was a generous loving person, and enjoyed helping others, especially the elderly. This very dear and beautiful lady will be missed by all who knew her and loved her.
She leaves behind her husband, Harold “Van” Van Heuvelen, of Red Lodge; two distinguished sons, John Van Heuvelen and wife Nikki, grand-daughter Susie Van Heuvelen and husband Tom Niederloh, and great grand-daughter Andia Jane, all of Denver, Colo.; and son Bob Van Heuvelen and wife Jane Sherburne, and grand-children Ben Van Heuvelen, Elizabeth Van Heuvelen, and Will Van Heuvelen, all of Washington D.C. Also, she left behind two sisters: Dottie Irvine of Cary, North Carolina, and Connie and Harlan Ford of Lamberton, Minn., and New Braunsfeld, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Ragna Van Heuvelen of Spokane, Wash., and Elverna Irvine of Long Beach, Calif., and a wonderful group of nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews, a group who live in states ranging from California, South Dakota, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Washington, Maryland, Ohio, North Dakota, Minnesota, Texas, Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts. Fran was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Vincent S. Irvine, her mother, Carrie Irvine, and two brothers, Bob Irvine and Done Irvine.
Services were held Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Community Church in Red Lodge.
CHARLES BAIN
Charles Bain, 84, long time resident of Joliet, passed away Monday Nov. 3, 2003 in Joliet.
Charles was born April 9, 1919 on the family homestead north of Joliet to Charles and Lois (White) Bain.
At an early age, he moved with his family to Missouri where they resided for four years. Charles and his father moved back to Montana in 1924. His father married Ethel Blossem Joppa in 1928 and the family lived and worked on many farms and ranches in the Fromberg and Joliet area.
In 1939 they moved to the ranch north of Joliet where Charles resided until his death.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents Ethel and Charles, his half brother and half sisters, and is survived by numerous cousins and many friends and his faithful dog, Jack.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Friday Nov. 7, 2003 at the Rockvale Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Beartooth Hospital and Health Center Hospice or to Beartooth Hospital and Health Center Foundation. Arrangements are by Cremation or Funeral Gallery.
RUBY B. GEARY
BEARCREEK – Ruby B. Geary, 86, of Bearcreek, died Wednesday morning, November 5, 2003 at Cedar Wood Villa in Red Lodge.
Ruby was born on February 2, 1917 in Cody, Wyoming, a daughter of William R. and Bertha Belle Brown. She graduated from Bearcreek High School and later moved to California where she met and married Minus B. Hays in 1943. Their two sons were born while they lived in California. They moved to Livingston where their daughter was born, and then settled in Bearcreek in 1949. Mr. Hays died in 1959.
Ruby enjoyed spending time outdoors, and taught both her sons how to hunt and fish. She worked at Gambles Store and later at Carbon County Memorial Hospital in Red Lodge.
Ruby was married to Jim Goldsberry for about ten years before they were divorced. She later married Edward Geary, and he preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by a son, Richard C. Hays; a sister, Opal; a brother, Warren; and her two dear friends, Lillie Brown and Ann Davies.
Survivors include her son, Robert G. (Debra) Hays of Cody, Wyo.; her daughter, Joyce Ann (Dick) Kaiser of Fredrick, Michigan; a daughter-in-law, Janet Hays of Cody; one sister, Verna Marie Guinder of Washington; two brothers, Wilfred Brown of Utah and W.R. “Bill” Brown, Jr. of California; one step-daughter, Helen Kirby of California; 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10 at Smith-Olcott Funeral Chapel in Red Lodge. Burial was in the Belfry Cemetery.
AGNES VIOLA KLOSTER HIUM
Agnes Viola Kloster Hium, 91, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, November 6, 2003. Agnes was born in Aneta, N.D. on February 10, 1912 to Alfred and Gurnia Kloster. At the age of 2 weeks, she moved with her family to a homestead near Belmont, Mont. She graduated valedictorian from High School in 1930, went on to Eastern Montana Normal School for 2 years, and then taught in Golden Valley County, Mont. In 1932 Agnes and Al Hium were married in Broadview, Mont. and lived in various locations during the Depression. In 1945 they moved to Bridger, where Al became manager of the Aldrich Lumber Company and mom was the bookkeeper until his retirement in 1972.
Agnes worked for State-Line Contractors, was secretary/treasurer for the Bridger Ambulance Service, secretary for various ditch companies, and worked for the Bridger newspaper. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, taught Sunday School, and sang in the church choir. Agnes was a supportive wife and mother, raising two children, both graduating from college. She has 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She enjoyed her yard & rose gardens, playing bridge, pinochle at senior citizens, camping, dancing, and traveling with friends in later years.
She was preceded in death by her husband Al, son-in-law George DeRudder, her parents, two brothers, Elmer Kloster and Robert Kloster, and two sisters, Mabel Nordahl and Alma Moore.
Agnes is survived by her daughter, Karen DeRudder and friend Dick Groen; son Robert Hium and friend Kathleen Smith; four grandchildren - Lori (Kim) Hodges, Mark DeRudder, Rob (Melanie) Hium, and Stephanie (Randy) Bomar; and four great-grandchildren, Cody & Markie Ann DeRudder, and Peyton and Brock Bomar. Three sisters, Thelma Nordahl, Lillian Henderson and Hilma Weidinger, also survive her.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Bridger, MT; St John’s Lutheran Nursing Home, 3940 Rimrock Rd, Billings, MT 59102; Bridger Golden Age Society; or a charity of one’s choice.
Funeral Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 10, 2003 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bridger. Interment will be in the Bridger Cemetery. Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary was in charge of the arrangements.
CARLENE TYSEL
Carlene Tysel was born in Phillipsburg, Mont. on November 16, 1937.
She died in Sumner, Wash. on October 1, 2003.
Carlene graduated Red Lodge High School in 1955 and attended the University of Montana in Missoula.
Carlene had three children: a daughter, Brooke Upton (grandchildren, Liberty and Mason); a daughter, Christi Holloway (husband, Bob and grandchildren Sabastian and Acacia); and a son, Eric Norton (wife, Barbara and grandchild Kaila).
Cremation has taken place.
A memorial service will be conducted during the time of the Festival of Nations 2004.
Notice will be published for those who wish to participate.
EARL GREGORY
RED LODGE – Earl Gregory’s flame went out Tuesday evening, November 4, 2003 after cooking birthday dinner for his nephew.
Earl was a generous man with a heart of gold. He enjoyed family gatherings, dancing, fishing, and always had a good joke to share. A sports enthusiast, his favorites were boxing and baseball. Earl was a member of the Red Lodge Eagles Lodge.
Born on September 12, 1927 at Washoe, Earl was the son of Earl Thomas Gregory, Sr. and Catherine Thomas Gregory. He was raised and educated in the Red Lodge and Bearcreek areas.
On June 26, 1949 Earl was married to Lorraine Mance. He worked as a coal miner, in the oil fields and in construction. They lived in various western states before returning to Red Lodge about six years ago. Earl and Lorraine celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary last summer.
Survivors include his wife, Lorraine Gregory of Red Lodge; one daughter, Eunice (Eddie) Bercero of Long Beach, CA; three sons, John (Linda) Gregory of Glendora CA, Frank (Debby) Gregory of Los Angeles, CA, and Jim Gregory of Douglas, AZ; three sisters, Hazel Postlethwaite of West Union, W.V., Catherine Castagne of Spokane, Wash., and Jenny Wynne of Wallace, Idaho; 6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
“We all love you, Earl.”
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and no public service will be held. Family services will be held at a later date. Smith-Olcott Funeral Chapel assisted the family with arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the Eagles Boxing Club, P.O. Box 854, Red Lodge, MT 59068.
