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Agnes Bishop
Agnes L. Bishop, 80, of Miles City died Sunday, July 24, 2011, while under the care of Holy Rosary Hospice. She fought a hard but thankfully short battle, with lung cancer. She enjoyed her last few days with her four children by her side and knew her husband, father, and mother were waiting for her in heaven.
Mrs. Bishop was born March 29, 1931, at her Aunt Kitty’s home in Lodge Pole, S.D., during a terrible snow storm, the daughter of Harry and Mary (Warner) Stuit. The family moved from South Dakota to North Kortwright, N.Y., in 1935. She attended elementary and high schools in South Kortwright. She was very proud of the fact she helped her parents by taking care of her younger brothers, while they worked long hours on the defense line during the war at Sidney, N.Y., and later as they worked on their family farm.
In 1948, Mrs. Bishop met the love of her life, Ray, in Oneonta, N.Y. They were married
on Jan. 30, 1949, in Hobart, N.Y., at the age of 17. In March 1950, Douglas was born, Kathleen and Cindy followed. In 1960, the family moved from New York to Poulsbo, Wash., to help her parents run their large chicken farm. In August, 1960 their fourth child, Jani, was born.
In 1963 is when their journey to Miles City began, when Mr. Bishop took a position with the Federal Government as a Air Traffic Controller. It was a very hot August day (108) when she rolled into town with her mother and four children. Mr. Bishop had already been in Miles for a short time. It was then she said she was only going to stay in Miles City for one year, as she did not like the heat (that one year turned into 48 years). During the time in Miles City, besides raising a busy family, she was a cosmetologist for a couple of local retail stores.
Mr. and Mrs. Bishop owned and operated the Red Rock Bowling Lanes for a number of years. They moved to Midland Texas in July 1977, to go into business with their son and started Evergreen Landscaping. After the sudden death of her husband, Ray, in 1978, she moved to Tracy, Calif., with daughter Kathy. She became a restaurant office manager at her daughter’s restaurant. In 1983 she made the move back to Miles City where she had resided since.
Mrs. Bishop loved sewing, playing cards, shopping, and was an avid bowler. She was a lifelong fan of the San Francisco 49ers, Atlanta Braves, and the Custer County Cowboys and Cowgirls. She loved watching her grandchildren play sports, in all their years missed only a couple of their activities, traveling many, many miles.
Her survivors include her son Doug and wife Vicki, their children Brian and Tori all of Silverdale, Wash.; son Robbi, wife Becca and their children, Sarah, Kate and Zach of Issaquah, Wash.; daughter Kathy Rau and her husband Larry of Rosebud and their children, Stephen and Dace of New York City, Shannon and Tim Ratts, and their children Jayce and Jax of Golden, Colo., Sarah and Erik Peterson and their children Elaina and Gus of Miles City, Andrew Rau of North Carolina; daughter Cindy Kelm and her husband Allen of Miles City, their children Brandon of Baker and Marty of Billings; daughter Jani Lynam and her children Dustin and wife Becca and their children Isaich, Rachel, Carrie and Jacob, Ryan and his son Royce, Kayla and Thomas Hernandez and their daughter Anna Bella of Arkansas; a brother Donald and wife Elenor Stuit of Newburgh, N.Y., and David Stuit and wife Beth Tunturi of Honaunau, Hawaii. She was always “Gramma” to Hunter, Jakob, Tate Doeden and Josie, Jessie and Jayce Chapweske.
Mrs. Bishop was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her granddaughter, Julie Vaughn Bishop in 1971; and her beloved dog, Coco.
Visitation will be Wednesday, July 27, 2011, with family to receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be Thursday, July 28, 2011, at 10 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.
Mardean Tupper Bartleson, 69
A lunar eclipse during the full moon of the winter solstice only happens once in a lifetime. It is only fitting that someone as special as Mardean Tupper Bartleson “was called to the Lord’s side” in the company of her husband Rod, daughter Colleen, and cherished dog Pepper on such a night. She passed away at 9:11 p.m. on Dec. 20, 2010, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, from colon cancer.
Mardean Tupper was born in Grass Valley, Calif., on Dec. 1, 1941, and raised by her maternal grandparents, Sherman and Jenny Wallace in Creston.
She graduated from Flathead County High School in 1959 and married
Rod Bartleson on Oct. 17, 1959. They moved to Cut Bank that year and have lived there since.
The couple are parents to three children, Mark, Colleen and Neal. Colleen and Mardean even share a birthday! Mardean was a dedicated and committed mother and shared a close relationship with her children throughout their lives.
In 1971, the young couple opened Browning Lumber and Hardware in Browning. The store flourished and has now been in business for nearly 40 years. In those early days it was not unusual for Mardean to be hauling material (and the kids) to and from Great Falls. She was involved in every aspect of the store. Mardean was “The Queen” at Browning Lumber and when she talked, people listened.
Mardean was the ultimate Seattle Mariners fan. She was a highlight when she went to Seattle to attend games or collected her winnings on some “for fun” bets with customers.
She loved to spend time with her grandchildren and was a big part of their lives. Everyone looked forward to special cards and phone calls from Grandma.
Faith was a pillar in Mardean’s life. She was very involved with St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for the 51 years she lived in Cut Bank. Her church circle was a monthly highlight for her and she made friendships that she cherished deeply. She spent much of her time in different aspects of service with the church over the years. One of her most enjoyed projects was the Gift Program at Immanuel Lutheran Home. She had faithfully coordinated the donation and delivery of Christmas gifts to every resident.
Mardean was a loving and dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. She was a faithful and trusted friend. Anyone who knew Mardean, because of her soft, gentle and giving spirit, loved her.
Mardean was diagnosed with colon cancer in September of 2009. She endured many trials and tribulations in her fight. She showed grace and endurance throughout the last year. Her faith ran deep and true and gave her strength to the very end.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Rod Bartleson; and her children, Colleen and Dennis Billman of Cut Bank, and Neal and April Bartleson of Kennewick, Wash., and grandchildren, Ashley, Whitney, Austin and Madeline.
Mardean was preceded in death by her son, Mark (1980).
A celebration of Mardean’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cut Bank, with burial to follow in the Crown Hill cemetery.
Memorials in Mardean’s honor in lieu of flowers are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Communities in Kalispell and the Bell Choir at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Loretta ‘Marty’ (Martin) Schwalk, 68
Loretta “Marty” (Martin) Schwalk, 68, of Columbia Falls passed away Dec. 19, 2010, from cancer.
She was born May 6, 1942, in Streeter, N.D., to Gilbert and Caroline Martin.
Loretta was raised on the family farm with her three brothers Melvin, Eugene and Kenneth. After graduating from high school in 1960, Loretta worked as a nurse’s aide in Jamestown, N.D.
In 1961 Loretta married
James Schwalk in Streeter, N.D. In 1969 they moved to Montana. Loretta would spend most of her life as a homemaker and mother, raising their three children, Rory, Ronna and Renae. After their children were grown, she worked as an inventory clerk at Semitool. Loretta enjoyed camping, fishing, flower arranging, canning, quilting, snowbirding in Yuma and “happy hour” with family and friends.
Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, her three brothers, and her daughter-in-law.
She is survived by her husband of 49 years, James; their children, Rory and Janet Schwalk, Ronna Schwalk, and Renae and Jeff Iverson; and grandchildren, Alicia, Danielle, Ian, Joshua and Kayla.
There will be no service per Loretta’s wishes. A celebration of Loretta’s life will be held May 7, 2011.
In lieu of flowers, Loretta’s wishes were that donations be made to either of the following: The Montana Hope Project, P.O. Box 5927, Helena, MT 59604; or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, 911 W. Fifth Ave., Spokane, WA 99204.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Marcia Lorraine Mansfield Aaberg, 74
Marcia Lorraine Mansfield Aaberg, 74, died peacefully Dec. 11, 2010, at the Ocotillo House Adult Care Home in Tucson, Ariz., after an extended illness. Marcia loved her family, tole painting, sewing and RV traveling. She was an active church member, den mother and enjoyed being a "Red Hat."
She was a proud Montana resident, born and raised in the Flathead Valley.
Marcia is survived by sons, Rick and Dulane; daughter, Alicia, and Don McDonald; and grandchildren Derrick, Benjamin, Melissa and Luuk.
She was preceded in death by her son, Darryl; and husband, Orville.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Hudgel Swan Funeral Home. At her request, services will take place this summer in Columbia Falls.
Frederick Herman Krause, 90
Frederick Herman Krause, 90, broke camp for one last time on April 12, 2010, at the Montana Veteran s Home in Columbia Falls. Fred was born near Polson to Edith (Rein) and Herman Krause on Jan. 20, 1920, and spent his early years there, before moving with the family to the Bad Rock area near Columbia Falls. He spent time in the Civilian Conservation Corps during the late 30s before moving to the Seattle area. Fred was Dutch Harbor, Alaska, as a civilian worker and was at sea when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. He was in Dutch Harbor on the two occasions when it was bombed. Returning to Seattle he worked in ship building until he was inducted into the U.S. Navy in 1943. He served with the Navy Construction Battalion CBs. He saw action in the Gilbert and Marshall island campaigns and on Iwo Jima, where he was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received on May 13, 1945. Returning to the Flathead after the war, he met and married
Minnie Hissong on Sept. 15, 1945, at her parents home in Somers. They were blessed with five children and over 64 years together. Fred was a logger without equal and a road builder. He was always proud of having built the Peter s Ridge Road to the Jewel Basin area. Through the woods weather logging, wood cutting or hunting was his greatest passion. He also farmed for many years west of Whitefish in the Bissell community, one of his special joys was to get the Christmas tree for the Bissell School. Fred was a man who worked hard but cared deeply for others and will be missed. Fred was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; one brother; and one grandson, Craig. He is survived by his wife, Minnie, at Colonial Manor in Whitefish; one sister, Colleen Schafer, of Bothell, Wash.; daughter, Myrna, and husband, James Dull, of Columbia Falls; sons, Fred Edwin of Columbia Falls, Harold and wife, Caroline, of Whitefish, Mark William of Pablo, and Steven Paul of Homer, Alaska, 13 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. today, April 22, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 23, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls, with Pastor Darrell Newby officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview cemetery, with graveside military honors by the United Veterans of the Flathead and the Montana Army National Guard.
Sheila Leslie Burton, 65
Sheila Leslie Burton, loving wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at home with loved ones at her side after a long battle with ovarian cancer on Dec. 13, 2010.
Sheila was born on July 18, 1945, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Margaret Engel and George Grace.
She is preceded in death by both parents. Sheila is survived by three brothers, Barry and Cyndie Grace of Kalispell, Greg and JeNeil Grace of Kalispell, and Brian Kasstle of Long Beach, Calif.
She attended elementary and high school in Kalispell and the Kinman Business School in Spokane.
In 1965, Sheila married
Bob Daniels and had two beautiful daughters, Lisa and Pat Kruger of Boise, and Kelly and Mike Janssen of Stanwood, Wash.
Sheila moved to Montana in 1999, when she married
Larry Burton. With this marriage came three more daughters, Sheri and Mark Trevenna of Littleton, Colo., Lisa and Troy Valdez of Highlands Ranch, Colo., and Stacey and Nathan Taylor of Highlands Ranch, Colo. Her 10 grandchildren meant the world to her, Sloan and Brooklynn Kruger, Eric and Evan Trevenna, Hailey Valdez, Alex, Kyle and Rilynn Taylor, and Holden and Jacob Janssen.
Sheila loved flowers! She was an active member of the Butte Garden Study Group and spent countless hours in her beautiful yard on George Street. Sheila loved the outdoors. She enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping in the mountains with Larry. Sheila found much enjoyment in entertaining friends and was a gourmet cook. She was very passionate in her Christian faith and touched the heart of everyone she met.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 20, at the Butte Evangelical Free Church at 2210 Florence Avenue. A reception will follow at the church.
Memorials may be made to Highlands Hospice at 3703 Harrison Avenue, and the Shrine Transportation Fund.
Shirley Rundell Brown, 93
Shirley Rundell Brown, 93, died Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010, at home in Kalispell. She was born Feb. 7, 1917, in Ambrose, N.D., to Elmer John and Clara Brooks. Shirley attended school in Kalispell, graduating from Flathead County High School in 1935. On Aug. 29, 1936, she married
Donald Rundell. On Nov. 5, 1977, she married
Clinton W. Brown. Shirley was preceded in death by husband, Donald Rundell; infant daughter, Beverly; husband, Clinton Brown; parents, Elmer and Clara Brooks; sisters, Sylvia Sustello and Vera Brandewie; brother, George Brooks; grandson, Dennis Rundell; niece, Georgene Brooks; and nephew, Robert Brandewie. She is survived by son, Howard, and Joyce Rundell; daughter, Donna, and Ralph Tice; stepdaughter, Mary, and Don Patterson; grandchildren, Wendy Howard, Kirt Harbin, Steven Harbin, Leslie Harbin, Bradley Harbin, Stacy Tice, Tami Tice and Shannon Tice; and many grandchildren, great- and great-great-grandchildren. She loved them all! A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 603 S. Main Street, Kalispell. Pastor Debra Abbott is officiating. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date at C.E. Conrad Memorial cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Shirley s behalf to Bethlehem Lutheran Church; Samaritan House, 124 W. 9th Avenue, Kalispell; or Abbie Shelter, P.O. Box 1401, Kalispell, MT 59903. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Shirley s family.
Rebecca E. 'Becky' Mattson, 88
Rebecca E. 'Becky' Mattson, a longtime resident of Lakeside passed away from natural causes on July 5, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She was 88 years old. She was born June 25, 1922, and raised in Duluth, Minn., she was the youngest daughter of Swedish immigrants Selma and Gustav Lundmark. She graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1940. In 1945 she married
Richard C. Mattson, her high school sweetheart. Becky owned and operated Mattson Realty with her husband Dick Mattson since the 1960s. She was first licensed as a Montana Realtor in 1960 and was one of the first women in the profession. Her business specialized in lakeshore property and homes. Her Happy Homes Mattson Realty logo was a reflection of her sunny personality and commitment to finding the right home for her clients. In the early 1970s, Becky and husband Dick established the National Good Neighbor Day Foundation and worked tirelessly throughout the next three decades in lobbying Congress to establish the fourth Sunday of every September as a day for neighbors to help each other. Three U.S. presidents and multiple governors signed proclamations recognizing Good Neighbor Day. Becky loved children and being a clown for community fundraisers. She was an artist, working in oils and pencil, and designed her own business logo, posters and advertisements. Her contributions to the community were many, including working with the North Shore Coalition to stop lakeshore property erosion; working on the acquisition committee for the Lakeside Sewer District; active in the local Women s Club and the annual Lakeside Fair; helping overturn plans to sell the Lakeside School; and serving as a notary public for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick Mattson; parents; four brothers and one sister. She is survived by her son, Dick Mattson, who lives in East Glacier; her sister, Dorothy Stange, of Mabel, Minn.; and several nieces and nephews. Her bright smile, sparkling eyes and enthusiasm for living each day to its fullest will be missed by many. A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, at the Lakeside Volunteer Park or, in case of inclement weather, at the Lakeside Chapel. Memorials can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, or the Richard Mattson Memorial Scholarship fund at Flathead Valley Community College.
Richard 'Dick' Lee Wingate, 57
Richard 'Dick' Lee Wingate, 57, a carpenter from Cut Bank, lost a long battle with cancer at his home in Cut Bank on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010. A potluck memorial will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18, at the Larry and Pam Wingate residence located at 2130 Lion Mountain Road in Whitefish. (You may contact the family for directions). Also, a gathering of friends will take place 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at the Village Inn in Cut Bank. Whitted Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Dick is survived by his mother, Elaine Lawlor, of Kalispell; older brother, Larry Wingate, of Whitefish; sisters, Kathy Dortch of Kalispell, and Becky Forbis of Cut Bank; his son, Christopher, of Illinois; daughter, Shannon, of Wisconsin; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Motichka; and Mr. and Mrs. Art Wingate; and his father, Arthur Wingate. Dick was born March 27, 1953, in Kalispell to Art and Elaine (Motichka) Wingate and grew up in the Flathead Valley. He graduated from Whitefish High School in 1972. He was a carpenter by trade and enjoyed the out-of-doors, hunting, fishing, camping and woodworking. Dick loved life and never passed up opportunities for fun.
Lee Longfield, 51
Lee Longfield passed away Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, at his home in Columbia Falls, of a massive heart attack. He was born Oct. 2, 1958, in Salmon, Idaho, to Alvia Lee and Mary Longfield. Lee graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1976. He graduated from the University of Reno, Nev., in 1981. In 1982, he returned to Columbia Falls. Lee and his brother Paul bought the Paul Bunyan Bar. In 1984, he married
Brenda Felstet and started their family. In 1985, they were blessed with their daughter Meagann and, in 1989, their son Matthew. Lee fulfilled his dream of becoming a groomer on Big Mountain where he was approaching his 25th year. He was an avid skier and called the mountain his second home! During the summer he worked at Whitefish Golf Course. He enjoyed golfing with his friends and son in his free time. Lee always enjoyed watching sports and doing play-by-play with Matthew, whether together or on the phone. Lee s greatest joy in life was his children. Lee was preceded in death by his father, Lee; and his brother, Tom. He is survived by his daughter, Meagann; son, Matthew; mother, Mary; brother, Paul, and his wife, Shawn Longfield, and their children, Dalin and Terryl and her husband, Kelly Johnson; nephews, Micheal Longfield, and Todd and wife Shannon Longfield; several other nieces and nephews; and many golf and skiing buddies. We now know Daddy, you are grooming the ultimate ski slope. Rest with all our love. There will be a celebration of his life and luncheon at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at the Eagles in Columbia Falls.
Dillard Gail LaMunyon, 92
Dillard Gail LaMunyon, 92, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2010, in Mesa, Ariz. Dillard was born in Laverne, Okla., on April 5, 1918, to Charles and Blanch Carrie (Brooner) LaMunyon. He grew up on the family farm in Laverne with his four siblings. He married
his beloved wife of 58 years, June Moorehead, in 1937, and they lived happily together until her death in 1995. Together, Dillard and June lived in many places before settling down in Great Falls, in 1950. Dillard worked for Gambles Stores as an operations supervisor. Upon his retirement from Gambles Stores, Dillard and June moved to Flathead Lake for the summer months and Mesa for the winter. Dillard served shipboard on the USS Conserver in the Pacific with the US Navy during World War II. He was an active member of the Elks Club, Masons and Shriners. He rode with the Motosikl Tauf for the Al Bedoo Shriners Temple and enjoyed many trips and adventures with friends from the Shiners and Gambles organizations. Dillard will be missed by his daughter, Velora LaMunyon, and son-in-law, Wayne J. Anderson; three grandchildren, Ginnette and Wynn Kearney of Mankato, Minn., Mike and Linda Sinclair of Auburn, Wash., and Ann and Clay Damon of Spokane; two sisters, Leota Neff of Oklahoma City, and Florene Alder of Newton, Kan.; and close friend, Ruth Baker. Eleven great-grandchildren loved their Bubby. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and two brothers. The family will have a private burial at a later date. Memorials are requested to go to Shiners Children s Hospitals.
Harold Fitzner, 90
Harold Fitzner, 90, of Branson, Mo., passed away Friday, Sept. 10, 2010, at his home. No services are planned with cremation under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home, Branson. Private burial will be at a later date in Ozarks Memorial Park cemetery, Branson. Visitation at the family home is welcome at any time. Harold Walter Fitzner was born Feb. 25, 1920, near Winner, S.D., and grew up near Edgemont, S.D. He hitchhiked to Boulder, Colo., at the age of 16 where he worked his way through school and graduated from Boulder High School. He joined the National Guard and served in the Army when the guards were mobilized prior to World War II, and later received a medical discharge due to a knee injury. Harold married
Betty Richardson in 1943 and two sons were born to them. They moved to a Montana ranch in 1961. Harold served as Lake County Commissioner in the 1980s. They later moved to Hudson, Fla., and lived there from 1989 until 2005, when Harold and Betty moved into their present home in Branson. Harold is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Betty Fitzner; son, Gary, and wife, Crystal, of Overland Park, Kan.; grandson, Shawn, of Portland; and Shawn s mother, Judy Fitzner, of Missoula. Also surviving are two stepgrandchildren, Ryan Smith and Ra Vae Smith, of San Diego; two brothers, William Fitzner of Hot Springs, S.D., and Ralph and wife Dorothy of Rapid City, S.D.; two sisters, Helen Bennett of Hot Springs, S.D., and Esther Wineteer of Gillette, Wyo.; and many other friends and relatives. Preceding Harold in death were his son, Richard; grandson, John George Fitzner; his parents, Fred and Emma Fitzner; brother, Orville Poore; sister, Virginia Nelson; and sister, Ruth Howe. Harold loved the Lord and always worked hard to provide for his family. In recent years he looked forward to Saturday night with the Gaithers and Lawrence Welk and sharing a bowl of popcorn with the family Pomeranian, Tiger II. All who knew him will remember fondly his laugh.
Jerald D. McDonald, 60
Jerald D. McDonald, 60, of Columbia Falls, was born March 29, 1950, and passed away Sept. 12, 2010. He graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1968 and attended the University of Montana before joining the Army. He served for three years with one tour of duty in Vietnam. Afterward, he worked as a Montana Highway patrolman and at Plum Creek before starting at the aluminum plant in 1976, where he worked 30 years, retiring on medical disability. He was preceded in death by his parents, Doug and Elna; and brother, John. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kay; two sons, Jason and Sharon, and Chris and Paula; and granddaughters, Jacey and Quinn; brothers, Dan and Jean of Columbia Falls, and Donald and Barbara of San Diego; along with nephews Ryan, Rob, Greg, Geoff, Brad, Justin and Will; and nieces, Jessi, Melissa, Meredith, Lynette and LaRay. Jerry loved the outdoors, especially the hunting and fishing trips with his boys. He is loved by his family and friends, especially Poppa s granddaughters, and will be greatly missed by all. Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 17, at Our Savior s Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls. Memorials can be made in his name to Project Hope, P.O. Box 5927, Helena, MT 59604.
Gary Hall, 67
Gary Hall, 67, of Olney, died quietly in his sleep early Saturday morning on Sept. 11, 2010, after a long, courageous battle against cancer. Gary was born Aug. 2, 1943, the first-born of three to Lowell "Larry" Hall and Janet Cummins Hall (Ayelsworth). He married
Rita Mary Cole on Dec. 27, 1971, in Naples, Fla., and they moved to Montana in 1974. After residing in Bigfork they moved north of Olney where they built their log home and raised their two children, Jeremiah and Sarah. He worked at American Timber for 18 years where he was head mechanic. After retiring, he dedicated his time to serving his community and fighting relentlessly for the causes he believed in. He served as treasurer and wrote the newsletter for Montana Gold Prospectors and enjoyed many prospecting outings with the group. He also served as vice president and webmaster of Montanans For Multiple Use and fought diligently for the freedoms the organization stands for. He also served on various community-minded boards and committees. Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, backpacking, skiing, prospecting, poker nights, Bible study and spending time with his family. Gary will always be remembered as a loyal and loving husband and father. He was a true friend to many and fully devoted to those close to him. He loved his Lord, Jesus, and currently resides with Him in heaven. Survivors include his wife, Rita M. (Cole) Hall; son, Jeremiah Hall, and wife, Selena Coats Hall; daughter, Sarah Hall; brother, Steve Hall; and sister, Kathy O Connell, and husband, Larry. He also leaves behind his beloved dog Misha, numerous nieces and nephews, and one uncle. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell, followed by a luncheon at True Life Church in Whitefish. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service. The family requests donations to Montanans for Multiple Use or True Life Church.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Robert Louis Schultz, 70
Robert Louis Schultz passed away Sept. 10, 2010, at Colonial Manor of Whitefish. Robert was born Nov. 17, 1939, in Hot Springs, S.D., to Louie and Edna Schultz. Known to his classmates as Dakota Kid or handsome, Robert was raised in Custer, S.D., where he attended school for 11 years. He graduated from high school in Troy in 1958. After graduation, Robert took up employment at W.R. Grace before joining the Navy in 1961. Robert served in the Navy as an engineman through the Vietnam War. He returned to Kalispell after the war in 1966, where he lived until he passed. Robert brought joy and laughter to the lives of many and enjoyed associating with everyone around him. He enjoyed leatherwork, walking, music, dancing, traveling and genuinely enjoyed being with his family and friends. He was known as a generous man and a friend to many. Robert was notorious for brightening the days of all around him with gifts and flowers. Robert was preceded in death by his infant brother, Richard; stepfather, Mervin Amick; father, Louis Schultz; mother, Edna Amick; and brother-in-law, Gary Ayars. Robert is survived by brothers, Donald Schultz and Loraine of Kalispell, Francis Schultz of Castle Rock, Wash., James Schultz of Kalispell, Mervin Amick of Denver, and Walter Amick of Butte; sisters, Sharon Ayers of Riverton, Wyo., Mary Nelson and Dennis of Snohomish, Wash., Carol Amick of Kalispell, and Cecilia Thomason and Dick of Ironwood, Mich.; an uncle, Delbert Knight of Iowa; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Special thanks goes to niece Tashya Evans for being such a special friend and loving caregiver to Bob. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory, with burial to follow at C. E. Conrad cemetery. Johnson Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Robert s family.
Betty Jean McDonald, 86
Betty Jean McDonald, 86, passed away Friday, Aug. 20, 2010, at St. Peter s Hospital in Helena. She was born to the late Henry and Marie Evans on Dec. 10, 1923, in Helena. Betty married
Nicholas R. Mergenthaler in 1945, and they divorced in 1963. They had three children. Betty then met and married
Charles E. Chuck McDonald on July 31, 1967, and they just recently celebrated their 43rd wedding anniversary. Betty and Chuck lived in Kalispell and owned the McDonald School of Music from 1968 to 1978. Betty was also an avid painter and attended Carroll College, where she studied art. Betty s paintings were shown in art shows all over the Northwest, including Canada. Her art won Best of Show and People s Choice awards during these shows. In 1980, Betty and Chuck relocated to Helena and owned and operated High Country Plumbing until their retirement in 2000. Her favorite activities were hunting and fishing with her family and friends. Betty is survived by her husband, Chuck; three children, David Mergenthaler of Kalispell, Roger and Martha Mergenthaler of Helena, and Lynn and Judy Mergenthaler of Kalispell; and her sister, Barbara Toftley of Seattle. She is also survived by her son-in-law, Jim Cooper of Unionville; as well as 14 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and a nephew. Betty was preceded in death by her daughter, Claudette Cooper of Unionville. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Betty s life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, at the family home, 406 S. Park in Helena. For information, please call (406) 442-4872. In lieu of flowers, it was Betty s wish that donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children Burn Centers, 911 W. Fifth Ave., Spokane WA 99204.
