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MICHAEL COTE JR.
ARLEE -- Michael Eugene Cote Jr. died in an automobile accident near here on Jan. 6, 2005. Born and raised in the Great Falls area, recent St. Ignatius resident, Michael was an energetic free spirit who loved his children and family. He loved watching NASCAR with his dad and playing pool. He also loved to play video games with his children and working on his Camaro. Mike worked for Nutritional Labs of Arlee. He was preceded in death by his brother Joey, nephew Kaleb, Uncle Donnie and Grandpa Joe. Survivors include his children, daughter Vicki (7) and son Phil (10) and their mother Virginia Wells; his girlfriend Mandy Haynes; his father Michael Sr. (Sonya Weaving); grandmother Betty Rege; brothers Lucas and Chris; sister Kim with her children Latisha, Christopher and Jacob; Uncle Bob and Aunts Linda and Terry. A wake began Jan. 7 at the Foster & Durgeloh Funeral home in St. Ignatius and continued through Jan. 8, at which time cremation took place. Memorial services were held on Jan. 11 in Great Falls. Memorials may be directed to Michael Cote at 2304 Sherwood Lane, Missoula, MT 59801.
DANIEL DOYLE
POLSON -- Daniel J. "Mick" Doyle of Polson passed away Sunday, Jan. 16, 2005, at the Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation Center here. He was born on March 11, 1916, to James and Josephine Doyle in Dillon. Mick grew up in the Centennial Valley and attended schools there and in Dillon, where he graduated from high school. He then attended The Univ. of Montana for two years and the Great Falls Business College. He worked at O'Connor Funeral Home then joined the U.S. Navy and was a pilot during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He was discharged from the service in 1945. Mick married Evelyn Withee on Aug. 6, 1942, in Great Falls. They started ranching in 1948 near Armstead, MT. They sold the ranch in 1979 and retired to Polson, where Mick enjoyed golfing and spending time with his family. He attended the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mission Valley Elks Lodge and a was past member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Dillon and Polson. Mick was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Nell and Margaret. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn (Polson); children, Mike and Dolores Doyle (Aurora, CO), Bob and Martha Doyle (Corpus Christi, TX), Dan and Laura Doyle (Edcouch, TX), and Margi Corey (Choteau); six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; a sister, Isabel "Tim" Lasich; and a niece, Jo K. Lasich (Missoula). Memorial Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated on Jan. 21 in Polson Cremation has taken place.
WINNETTE M. ELLSWORTH
Winnette M. Ellsworth died on Jan. 17, 2005, in Hayward, CA, where she had been a resident for over two years. The daughter of Mary Amelia Bousquet and Henry J. Meyers, Winnette was born in Polson on Oct. 25, 1920. She grew up on her parents' dairy farm seven miles outside Polson. An enrolled Salish-Kootenai tribal member, Winnette attended first grade in St. Ignatius, where she received her First Holy Communion. Thereafter she attended Reservoir Valley School. Winnette graduated from Polson High School in 1940 followed by two years at Eastern Montana State Normal School in Billings. While teaching elementary school full time, Winnette continued working toward her college diploma. In 1957 she completed her B.S. degree in elementary education at Eastern Montana College of Education in Billings. Winnette took her first teaching job in 1942 in Arlee. One of her fondest memories of that year was teaching "a bright little boy" by the name of Louie Adams. Louie's mother beaded a pair of moccasins for Winnette at the end of the school year, and a lif -long correspondence ensued between Louie and his teacher, "Miss Meyers." While she was teaching in Montana, World War II began. At that time Winnette decided to contribute to the war effort by taking a summer job working in the shipyards in Bremerton, WA. As she put it, she was "Rosie the Riveter." Petite though she was, Winnette always claimed to outwork the men who were building ships alongside her. In 1942, Winnette was married to Howard Ellsworth, and they established their home in Richland, WA. They divorced in 1953. Winnette spent her entire career as an elementary school teacher, mostly in California. She also taught in Montana, Washington, Nevada, Alaska "before it was a state," and Okinawa, Japan. She retired from teaching in 1981. During her retirement years, she enjoyed working out at her gym in Milpitas, CA, where she made several lifelong friends. She also enjoyed visiting with friends and family, and is deeply missed by all. She will be remembered for her sense of humor; her gusto for good food; and her one and only self indulgence: gold and silver jewelry purchased on television's QVC. Winnette's passing represents a great loss to her friends and loved ones, who take much comfort in knowing that her suffering is over, and that she is not alone on the other side, having been predeceased by her parents, Mary and Hank; her sister Donna; and many other friends and relatives. Winnette is survived by her sister, Twilla Johnson, and niece Rita Roosendaal (both of Henderson, NV); niece, Suzanne Peregory (Monte Rio, CA); and two nephews, Bob Peregoy (Ronan) and John Peregoy (Morehead, KY.)
ZELMA EPPLER
HOT SPRINGS -- Zelma Ione Eppler, 97, of Hot Springs, died at her home on Jan. 22, 2005. A memorial service was held on Jan. 25 at the Hot Springs Seventh-day Adventist Church.
RUSSELL FEIGHTNER
POLSON -- Russell Gordon Feightner died on Jan. 5, 2005, at the age of 49. He was born to Gordon and Shirley Feightner on June 14, 1955, in Long Beach, CA. His father, Gordon Stewart Feightner, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Gail Robinson (Polson); and his mother, Shirley Mae Onstot, and her husband, Curtis (Ontario, CA). He will be missed by his son, Shannon (Shane) Russell and wife Jennifer (Columbia Falls); A brother, Lawrence Stewart Feightner and family (Lincoln, CA); and his sister, Tiffany Dawn Onstot (Ontario). He graduated from Salish Kootenai College with a bachelor's degree in nursing. His talents with art and leather where unmatched. A memorial service was held on Jan. 14 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Polson Ward.
MARGARET FINLEY
ST. IGNATIUS Margaret Barnaby Matt Finley, 78, died on Jan. 29, 2005, at St. Patrickıs Hospital in Missoula. Margaret, born on Oct. 5, 1926, in St. Ignatius to Andrew and Annie Barnaby, married George Matt who died in 1942. They had 14 children. Now deceased are Carol Ann Matt, Donald Matt, Gordon Lewis Matt, George Matt Jr. and Daniel Matt. She was also preceded in death by Jody Finley. In 1970, she remarried Martin Finley from Arlee. She is survived by Victor and Judi Matt (Dixon); Clarice and Frank Zepeda, Georgeanne Matt and Henry Owens, and Eugene and Judy Matt (all of St. Ignatius); Larry Lee Matt and Verna West (Moiese), Duane Dennis Matt (St. Ignatius); James Richard Matt, Judy Matt and Paul Corral (all of Wellpinit, WA.), Douglas Matt (Dixon), Rose Howlett (Ronan,) and Rita Adams (St. Ignatius); Danny Andrews, Martina Andrews and Carol Finley (all of Ronan); a sister, Madeline Barnaby (Ronan); 21 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A wake began at Sunday at her home in St. Ignatius and moved to the Longhouse on Monday. Mass was celebrated on Wednesday at the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission. Interment followed in the Snyelmn Cemetery in St. Ignatius.
STEPHEN GRAY
HOT SPRINGS -- Stephen Mark Gray, 54, a musician professionally known as Stevie Sparks, died on Jan. 20, 2005, at Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains after a three-year battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Born in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 5, 1950, he flirted with celebrity in Hollywood before moving to Maui, Hawaii, where he became house entertainer at numerous resorts. He also played in numerous bands and was a columnist. An advocate for Hawaiian indigenous rights, Sparks requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to support the Kingdom of Hawaii, P.O. Box 2845, Wailuku, HI 96793; www.freehawaii.org. He is survived by his wife, Susan Campbell-Gray (Hot Springs); his children, Jeremy Baker Hubert and Elizabeth Leilani Hubert (Vancouver, British Columbia); his parents Faye F. Delaney (Sun City, AZ), and Earl Nelson Gray (Tampa, FL); his adoptive brother, George Lawrence Hubert (Bethesda, MD); a half-sister, Dawn Gray (Germantown, M); and five half-brothers in Ohio and Arizona. Sparks had been adopted by the George Hubert family of Chevy Chase, MD, but in the last year of his life, Sparks found his natural birth parents, both gifted vocalists. Condolences to the family may be posted through his Web sites: www.steviesparks.com or www.leisurescience.com. A memorial service will be held on Feb. 17 in Washington, D.C. His ashes will be laid to rest on the island of Maui on the anniversary of his passing, Jan. 20, 2006.
JOHN GUNHAMMER JR.
SEATTLE -- John James Gun Hammer Jr., died of lung disease on Jan. 31, 2005, here. He was born in Rosebud, SD, to Margaret Lydia Clairmont Gun Hammer and John James GunHammer, Sr. He was raised in Belle Fourche, SD. He met his wife, Agnes (Lorraine) Hernandez, in San Jose, CA, and married her on Nov. 1, 1969. John loved to cook and bake and was well-known for his frybread and famous meatloaf. He enjoyed barbeques and picnics and fellowship with his family and friends. John loved playing his guitar for the Lord and played for the Womenıs Aglow Ministry and the Master's Touch Ministry and area churches around the Flathead Reservation. He loved to travel with his wife and being involved with Womenıs Aglow Ministry. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching football and basketball with his grandson. He was proceeded in death by his parents; brothers Donald and Cleveland; and sisters Betty Satchell, Arlene Giroux, Bernadine Teppo, and Virginia GunHammer. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Agnes (St. Ignatius); his children: John James (Mel) Gun Hammer, III (St. Ignatius), Cleveland Troy Paul (Missoula), Rebecca Lorraine, Jade Damian (Donna), Diana "Daisy" (St. Ignatius); a sister; Jackie GunHammer (Belle Fourche); a brother, Richard GunHammer of (Interior, SD); three adopted brothers, Ron, Michael and David Anderson; nine grandchildren; six foster children; his favorite pest, Carol McDonald; sisters-in-laws and brothers-in-laws; and many other nieces and nephews and friends. Wake services were conducted and funeral services took place on Feb. 9 in the Longhouse in St. Ignatius. Burial took place at the Snyelmn Cemetery afterwards.
BENTON LYTLE
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Benton W. Lytle, 87, formerly of Arlee, died at home here on Jan. 2, 2005. He was born July 11, 1917, in York County, Neb., to Stanley W. and Anna Reiners Lytle. Benton was a World War II vet, a Golden Gloves boxer and a retired rancher. He was an exemplary gardener and loved his family greatly. Benton was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Winton, Roland, Harley and Maurice Lytle. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cleo Schall Lytle; daughters Sue Anne (Rolf) Korp, Nancy (Randy) Hoopes, Pamela (Terry) Greene and Sarah Lytle; sons Simon, Randy and John Lytle; brother Leonard Lytle of Arlee; sister Idonna Ewell of Kent, WA; 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews; and extended family. Graveside services were held on Jan. 5 at the LDS Cemetery in Tucson.
JOSEPHINE 'JO' MILLER
POLSON -- Josephine Virginia Miller died on Jan. 12, 2005, at St. Joseph Hospital here. Josephine was born on Jan. 18, 1918, in New York City to Domenic and Ruth Trapani. She married Harry Lloyd Miller. Together they arrived in Polson from Maryland on July 4, 1981. She received her major art education at Hunter College in NYC and the American Academy of Art in Chicago. Jo was an art instructor in public and private Eastern schools. Jo was a professional illustrator and portrait painter of long standing. Her gallery and commissioned paintings have been exhibited in New York City, Chicago, Washington D.C., Hawaii and in Montana at the Sandpiper Gallery, Outlaw Inn, Yellowstone Art Museum and the annual C.M. Russell art show. She illustrated book jackets, record album covers, art books and periodicals. Jo was trained in traditional book restoration techniques by a British book binder. She did book restorations for private clients. As a volunteer of many years, she repaired and rebound books at the Polson Library. She was a freelance law enforcement and courtroom sketch artist. She received honorary membership in the Maryland "Crime Solvers" organization teaching quick-sketch portrait recognition techniques from verbal descriptions of suspects. Jo held membership in the Guild of Scientific Illustrators and had achieved artist and published author status in the National League of American Pen Women. She was a charter member of the National Museum of Women in the Arts and held life membership in the American Artists Professional League. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Earl; and a nephew, Donald. She is survived by a sister, Beatrice Jenkins; nine nephews and a cousin. Jo requested to be cremated and that there be no memorial service. Inurnment was at the Maplewood Cemetery in Stevensville.
'SAM' GEORGE MORIGEAU
ST. IGNATIUS -- Sam Morigeau, 57, died at home surrounded by his family on Jan. 30, 2005. Born April 12, 1947, in St. Ignatius to Walter and Helen Morigeau, he attended high school in Arlee. After graduation, he served from 1965 to 1969 with the U.S. Navy. During his enlistment, he worked as an engineer for subtenders on submarines. In 1969, Sam married Edith R. Matt in Charleston, South Carolina, while stationed with the Navy. They returned to Montana where he attended Northern Montana College and later Montana State University, graduating with a degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he worked as a production engineer for Proctor and Gamble in Green Bay, WI. Eventually, he returned to Montana and to the U.S. Forest Service. His Forest Service career of 23 years included two tours of duty in the Washington office with the USDA and a congressional assignment on the Hill in Washington, D.C., including stops in Oregon, New Mexico, Wisconsin, and once again, Montana. In addition to the USDA, he worked for the Salish and Kootenai Tribes as a department head for the Natural Resources. He loved the outdoors; he enjoyed running, hunting, fishing, riding his Harley Davidson, and scuba diving with his wife in many warm and exotic places. In 2004, he proudly earned his PADI Master Dive Instructor License and enjoyed sharing his love of diving with others. He will always be remembered for his honesty, strength and kindness, generosity, devotion to his family, leadership, and love of animals. Survivors include his wife, Edith Morigeau, sons and daughters-in-law, Stuart Morigeau and Eden Shullenberger (Lafayette, CO), and Ryan Morigeau and Kirsten Sayson (Seattle, WA); sisters and brothers-in-law, Moria and Mike Robinson (Cortez, CO), Grace and Mac Hamilton (Reno, NV), Yvonne Jean Ciraulo (San Jose, CA), and Barbara and Robert Schliep (Ronan); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Natalie Rassmussen, and brother Walter H. Morigeau. A wake began Wednesday in the Longhouse in St. Ignatius. Mass was celebrated on Feb. 4 in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission. Interment followed in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery where military honors were presented.
RICHARD SCHALLER
POLSON -- Richard F. "Dick" Schaller died on Jan. 27, 2005. Dick was born on July 28, 1947, to Leo and Lois (Elsner) Schaller in Madison, WI. He grew up and graduated from high school in Belleville, WI. He married Jane Hanold on April 3, 1971, in Belleville. They moved to Denver where Dick studied gunsmithing at the Colorado School of Trades. The couple moved to Texarkana, TX, where Dick practiced gunsmithing. They moved back to Wisconsin and lived there for eight years before moving to Polson in 1985. Dick worked for Lake County as a rock crusher operator. He enjoyed spending time with his family, and many outdoor activities. He was very involved in Pathways/Tresdias and was a member of the Faith Community Church in Polson. Dick was preceded in death by his father, Leo, and his stepfather, Paul Schanke. He is survived by his wife Jane (Polson); his son Damon (Helena); his mother Lois Schanke (Belleville, WI); a sister, Janice Lubcke and her husband Terry (Oregon, WI); and nieces Erica and Betsy (Madison, WI). A memorial service was held on Jan. 30 in Polson. Memorials may be made to either the Tresdias Montana or Big Sky Tresdias.
FRANK SHERIDAN
ST. IGNATIUS -- Frank Douglas Sheridan, 44, of Arlee, died on Jan. 23, 2005, of cancer. Frank was born on Aug. 8, 1960, to Rose (Vanderburg) and Mickey Sheridan. Frank spent time working in Alaska, North Dakota, and Wyoming. He also attended the Sturgis rally in South Dakota for a number of years. In October 2003, Frank completed 15 years of work for the CSKT. He was hired in June 1983 for the Summer Recreation Program. He then was hired as a Field Aide for the Wildland Recreation Program in June 1984. November 1988, he was hired in the Weatherization laborer position for the Salish and Kootenai Housing Authority. He began work as a Forestry Technician in June 1990. He returned to SKHA as a maintenance worker in December 1990, then he was promoted to Maintenance Technician in August 1992. He was promoted to HIP/Weatherization Inspector in October 1992. In February 1997, Frank transferred to the position of Comp Grant Inspector. Since December 199, he served in his current position of Scheduled Maintenance Inspector. Frank enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, camping, riding his Harley, restoring his 1965 Chevy Impala, family dinners and events, and spending time with his family, never failing to show his nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews all the love he had to share. His love for his daughters, Miranda and Shannell, was immeasurable. Preceding him in death were his parents, brother John "Harvey" Sheridan, and nephew Tony Cut Finger. Survivors include his daughters Miranda and Shannell Sheridan (Arlee), his special friend Lorma Sloan, brothers Tom (Lind) of Dixon, Jesse (Usk, WA), Sam and Courtney of (Tensed, ID); sisters and brothers-in-law Cheryl 'Babe' and Les Clairmont (Arlee), LeeAnn and Keith Nicolai (Ronan), Nicole and Bob Doty (Arlee), Lori Ann (Ronan); and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews. Wake services began Jan. 24 at the new Community Center in Arlee, and closed on Jan. 26. Funeral services were conducted on Jan. 26, and he was laid to rest in the Sheridan Family Cemetery.
ORVILLE SOLBERG
YUMA, Ariz. -- Orville S. Solberg, 77, died on Jan. 13, 2005, at his home here. He was a summer resident of Hot Springs. He was born March 11, 1927, in Whitewater to Simon and Olive (Frigaard) Solberg. In 1950, Orville married Marilyn Hadford. They later divorced. On Oct. 28, 2000, he married Polly Olson. Orville was preceded in death by two siblings and a son, Wesley Solberg. Survivors include his wife, Polly (Hot Springs); children, Glena Solberg-Kosovich (Seattle), Darlene Nardi (Kalispell) and Chris Solberg (Idaho Falls, ID); brother Mike Solberg (WA); two sisters, Grace Cowell (WA) and Hazel Lacock (Saco); and four grandchildren. Services were conducted on Jan. 22 with private burial following. A memorial service was held that day at the New Life Christian Center in Polson.
MARY VOORHEES
POLSON --Mary "Mike" Voorhees, 98, of Polson, died on Jan. 16, 2005, at the Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation Center here. She was born on March 29, 1906, to Harry W. and Adelaide Voorhees in Elmwood, Ill. In 1929 Mary graduated from Knox College in Galesburg, Ill., where was a member of the Phi Mu Sorority. She received her master's degree in library science from the Univ. of Michigan. She then went on to other post graduate work at The Univ. of Montana, Univ. of Missouri and the Univ. of Wisconsin. She taught biology, Spanish, and physical education as well as working as the librarian in the Polson schools for many years. She also published two books of poetry. She enjoyed boating, fishing, golf and especially loved her cabin on Flathead Lake. Mary was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by several cousins in three states. A funeral service was held on Jan. 21 at the Grogan Funeral Home Chapel. Burial took place at Lakeview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Polson City Library in honor of Mary.
