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BERTHA A. KIMMEL
POLSON -- Bertha A. Kimmel, 92, of Polson, died on March 26, 2006, at Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Graveside inurnment was held on March 30 at the Lakeview Cemetery.
Arrangements were under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home of Polson.
ESTHER LOGAN
PABLO -- Esther Marie Logan, 45, went to be with the Ancestors on March 25, 2006, the result of an auto accident. Esther, the daughter of Christine Lozeau and James Logan, was born on July 9, 1961, in Seaside, OR. Raised primarily on the West Coast and in the Portland area she came back to the Flathead Reservation many times to see her large extended family before settling in Pablo, where she was attending college. She had just made the High Honor Roll at SKC. A peer and mentor in the Portland area drug and alcohol programs, she was well-known and respected within the community. She enjoyed hanging out with her friends and being with her family, as well as making people smile. She was preceded in death by her parents, Christine Marie Lozeau and James Logan, and a sister, Julia Green. She leaves behind her husband, Danny Gonzalez; and brothers and sisters James Logan (Portland, OR), Charles Logan (Polson), Derek Gibbs (Polson), Margaret Lozeau (Pablo), Maria Jackson and Rosanna Logan) both of Portland) and Serena Hill (Goldendale, WA); as well numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, aunties and uncles from across the Northwest, including Clara Bourdon, Pat Lozeau, Vicky Lozeau, Kenny Lozeau, Rosanna YellowHair, and Punkin and Dunner Parazoo. A wake was conducted in the Longhouse in St. Ignatius. Mass was celebrated on March 29 in the St. Ignatius Catholic Church with interment following in the Pleasant View Cemetery in St. Ignatius.
THOMAS LYLES
RONAN -- Thomas John Lyles, 20, was called home by the Creator early on March 11, 2006, from injuries sustained in a car accident west of Ronan. Our thoughts and prayers are also with Chuck and Carolyn Weivoda, who lost their son Chris in the same accident. Thomas was born on April 9, 1985, to John Lyles and Patty Swaney. The couple later divorced and Patty married Willie Stevens. Willie raised Thomas as his son and loved him as any father would. Thomas attended school in Ronan, where he made many friends due to his easy-going and affectionate nature. He also made friends with people much older than he was, and often went out of his way to visit with his elders and was respectful and courteous to them. He was a basketball player and we are proud to say he was a member of the Ronan Chiefs when they were the state Class A runner-up in his junior year. Thomas was a natural leader on the court and continued his love of the game after high school by playing in every pick-up game and 3-on-3 tournament he could get into. Thomas found something he loved more than the game of basketball when in 2005 he fathered a son with Vivian Black. Brian was the absolute joy of Thomas' life from the moment he entered the world, and it is hard to imagine a prouder and more devoted young father. Everywhere he went, he had Brian with him and we know it was Thomas' hope that Brian would grow up to share his love of basketball. We know that Vivian and Brian will miss him. Thomas is survived by his parents and his brother Joseph Stevens at the family home in Ronan; his sister Joanna Phillips and niece and nephew Erica and Jason of Kotzebue, AK, and Gary Baldwin of Anchorage. Thomas is also survived by his birth father, John Lyles, and three siblings in Swaledale, IA. His family at home includes his sile' Thomas "Bearhead" Swaney, his yaya' Dorene Vallee and her husband John Vallee; aunt Kim Swaney and cousins Jamie and Raymond, aunt Ruth Swaney and cousins Marianne and Catherine, and uncle Bill Swaney and aunt Dawn Thomas and cousins Kyle, Kale and Kayla. Extended family includes Virgie Woodcock, Andy and Rita Woodcock, Dorothy Woodcock, Gary Stevens, Lorraine Stevens, Laura Stevens, Bob Woodcock, Millie Woodcock, and Louella Heavy Runner and all their families. Thomas was a special young man who touched many lives during his brief time with us, and it is not possible to list all of the special friends and extended family members who were a part of his life. We do want to recognize Terry and Crystal Pitts and their sons Zachery and Zanen; Gene and Anna Sorrell; Karen McMullen and Bob Marcenich; Lorena Lawson and Eddie Ivanoff; Doug Allard; and Chuck and JoAnn Tellier and all their families. Wake services and visitation began at noon on March 13 at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius. Prayer services were held at 8 p.m. Wake closing took place on March 14, followed by burial at the family cemetery east of St. Ignatius. Pallbearers were William Croft, Lincoln Jore, Tyler Crockett, Mike Crockett, Chauncy Red Crow, Richard Jackson, Andy Samsel, and Chance Remien. Honorary pallbearers were Zach and Zanen Pitts, Doug Mays, and Thomas' many friends and classmates. A memorial service is planned at the Ronan High School at a later date to celebrate the lives of Thomas and Chris.
ROMAN BELL
PABLO -- Roman Don Bell, 22, of Pablo, died from injuries suffered from a vehicle accident on April 3, 2006, near Pablo. Roman was born on March 20, 1984, in Polson to James Allen and Dawn Bell. Roman attended schools at Pablo Elementary School, Ronan High School and Two Eagle River High School in Pablo. Roman's hobbies and interests include hiking, fishing, snowmobiling, motorcycles, and hanging with family and his friends. His uncle Doug; grandfathers Orson, Mel, George and Bud; and his great grandparents preceded Roman in death. His parents, Dawn and Ron DeLay (Pablo), and Jim and Vicky Allen (Ronan) survive Roman. Also surviving Roman are his sisters Jordan Allen (Ronan) and Brittany Jaccaud and her husband Justin and son Brenden of Germany; brothers Trevor Delay (Pablo) and Ryan Lane (Ronan); grandparents Virginia Ness (Pablo), Gene Bell (Ronan), Alice DeLay (Polson), Jane Johnston (Polson), and Jack and Shirley Allen (Proctor, MT). A memorial service was held April 7, 2006, at the Pablo Baptist Church with Rev. Ken Prewett officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory of Polson.
DORIS CARR
HOT SPRINGS -- Doris Briemo Carr, 79, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2006, at the Evergreen Nursing Home in Hot Springs. Doris loved to do crossword puzzles, listen to music and the radio (especially Paul Harvey); she loved to chat on the telephone and listen to the news on television. Throughout her life she loved to garden, shop at thrift stores and be a big part of her family's life. Doris was born on Nov. 25, 1926, in Somers to Harold "Harry" and Lillian Alfreda (Bondenson) Briemo. Doris' father Harry contracted the Herman brothers to build what is now known as the Larson Apartments and ran them for many years. She attended school in Hot Springs and graduated in the Class of 1944. She later attended Montana State University and graduated with a B.S. in accounting, and due to her persistence, Donald graduated with a B.S. in engineering. She and Donald became lifetime alumni of MSU. While she was attending MSU she became an avid Bobcat fan and has remained one until her passing. She married Donald L. Carr on Dec. 31, 1947; they moved to Vashon Island in Washington and began to raise their children. They loved the island but could not get the love of Montana out of their hearts; many visits were made by driving the family car or flying in Donald's airplane. Due to Donald's illness, he retired from Boeing, and Doris retired from Water District 19 after many years of service. Doris, Donald and family lived for many years on Quartermaster Drive, and many happy times around friends and neighbors were had by all. Doris was a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Star on Vashon Island, where she played her beloved piano for many years. Music was a big part of the Carr family. After retirement Doris decided to move back to Hot Springs so that she could be closer to family and friends, and she has remained there ever since. Doris and Donald taught their children that friends and family are worth more than money in the bank. Doris' love of music included collecting old sheet music and encouraging her children to enjoy music, also. She liked everything from swing jazz to reggae to rock and roll to classical and enjoyed seeing her children live through the '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s enjoying their music. Her last music purchase was Eric Clapton and B.B. King. She used to like to say that when swing jazz came out during World War II that the older generation thought the young kids had lost their minds. Doris and Donald's generation ('40s) invented the jitterbug, a type of music and dancing that the older generation at that time thought was inappropriate. Doris was preceded in death by her husband Donald; a brother, Donald Briemo; both of her parents; two of her four children; and, of course, her beloved Auntie Q (Mrs. Quilligan). Doris is survived by her daughter Marta Barbeau and Adrian (Kauai, HI); son D. Andrew "Drew" Carr and Jennifer (Hot Springs); two granddaughters, Jennifer Quig (Wilmington, DE), and Samantha Sue Carr (Hot Springs); and two grandsons, Cody Scott and Earl Cook (both of Hot Springs). There will be a memorial service at a later date for family and friends. Doris has been laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to the music program at Hot Springs School or Evergreen Nursing Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Bunch-Toews Funeral Chapels.
LESTER COUTURE
PABLO -- Lester (Two Feathers) Jean Couture, 26, of Pablo, passed away from injuries suffered in a vehicle accident near Pablo on April 3, 2006. He was born on July 29, 1979, in Polson, to Wesley Jean Couture and Debbie Lee Bell. Lester grew up in Pablo and attended schools in Pablo, Ronan and Two Eagle River. He won the Montana Golden Gloves Boxing at age 16, and was proud of winning the rollover contest at Mission Valley Speedway. He married Alice Moran at Coeur d'Alene on Nov. 21, 1998. He liked to hunt and fish and spend time with his children, family and friends. Lester also liked to take long drives in the mountains and back roads, and loved karaoke. He was preceded in death by his grandmother Nadine Couture; niece Deanna Whitworth; and cousin Roman Bell. He is survived by his wife, Alice Couture (Pablo); five children, Daylan, Kelan, Julian, and twins Shaylin and Donovan (all of Pablo); brothers Chaney Bell (Turtle Lake, MT), Michael Tenas (Ronan), Jeremey Couture (Billings), Casey Couture (Billings), and Jalen Bell (Pablo); four sisters, Amy Collicott (Turtle Lake), Kyndra Collicott (Phoenix, AZ), Chrystal Couture (Billings), and Amber Couture (Billings); grandparents Roy and Janice Couture of Ronan (Roy passed away April 4, 2006), Gene Bell (Ronan), Virginia Ness (Pablo), Peggy Collicott-Morigeau (Turtle Lake); and numerous other relatives. Funeral services were held on April 6 in the Elmo Hall. Burial followed at the Dayton Cemetery.
RONALD COUTURE
RONAN -- Ronald "Roy" J. Couture, 71, of Ronan, passed away on April 4, 2006, after an 18-month battle with lung cancer at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. Roy was born on July 30, 1934, in St. Ignatius, to Joseph and Susie (Andrews) Couture. He mostly grew up in Dayton and Elmo but had lived in several places throughout the west. He attended schools at the Ursulines, Flandreau in South Dakota and graduated from Polson High School. Roy served in the U.S. Marines during the Korean War. After his discharge from the military he returned to the Flathead Reservation. Roy married Nadine Ducharme and four children were born to this union. He and Nadine later divorced. He married Janice Cotton on May 23, 1962, in Coeur d'Alene. Roy worked in the woods his whole life. He logged for Bud Clark, Jack Long and Dick Grile for most of his career. He also cut Christmas trees, firewood, post and poles and railroad ties. Roy also worked at the Lake County Sheriff's Department as a jailer. Roy fought forest fires until he was 56 years old. Roy was still working until a week before his death. He enjoyed hunting, working on cars, attending powwows and spending time with and raising his grandchildren. Roy really enjoyed working in the family concession stand at powwows. He spent his last 18 years working on his biggest dream, which was to see that all of his grandchildren be enrolled members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. He is preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Kathleen Sue Couture; granddaughter Cameron Hendrickson; grandson Lester Couture; sister Regina Matt; and brother John Thomas Couture. He is survived by his wife Janice (Ronan); his children and their spouses: Wes Couture and wife Linda (Billings), Tammy Couture (Reno, NV), Ronnie Couture (Pablo), and Herbie Couture and wife Betty (Great Falls, MT), Ronnie (Carmel) Couture (Ronan), Joe Couture (Ronan), Shannon (Scott) Maxwell (Lewistown, MT), Todd (Gwen) Couture (Charlo), and Shelly (Shane) Hendrickson (Valley Creek); several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Rita Cannon (Polson), Rhoda (Joe) Whitehorse (Rocky Boy, MT), Judy Phillips (Pablo), Richard (Annette) Couture (Elmo), Butch (Barb) Couture (Parshell); and Aunt Helen Charlo of Elmo. Wake services began on April 6 at the Elmo Hall. Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated on April 8 at the Elmo Hall with Father Val Zdilla officiating. Burial with military honors followed at the Dayton Cemetery.
JOSEPH DUCHARME
PABLO -- Joseph Ducharme passed away peacefully on April 23, 2006, at home. Known as Joe, Jody or Su-Sep, he was born on Feb. 6, 1925, in St. Ignatius. He was an enrolled member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. He attended the Ursuline School in St. Ignatius as well as Pierre Indian School in South Dakota. His life was filled with a deep commitment to the Catholic faith and years of hard work. He was employed for 35 years by Champion Lumber Company in Missoula and retired in 1987. Joe was a proud WWII Native Veteran who served in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in England and France for two years. Joe's love of the outdoors was known to everyone. He was happiest when he was fishing, hunting or camping in the Mission and Jocko mountains. His true passion was bowling, a sport that he participated in for over 50 years. He attributes his lasting physical condition with his weekly bowling. A sense of humor was his greatest gift to others as well as his attitude "to just let people be." He was a quiet man who could express his emotions when necessary. His seven children, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren were always in his thoughts and prayers. His sole-surviving brother, Pete Ducharme, also held a special place in his heart and prayers. In his later years, bowling, lunches at the Indian Senior Center, Sunday Mass and yard work were the pleasures in his life. Joe is survived by his wife, Jean, of 53 years; daughter Jo Ann Ducharme and her son Ben Coffroth; daughter Becky Messing and her two daughters Kylee and Josey; his oldest son, Alvin McClure, from a former marriage; Penny Erickson, Candy Palmer, Sandy Drake and Keith Ducharme, many grandchildren and several great grandchildren and his brother, Pete Ducharme and his wife Ann. Many nieces, nephews and cousins will share the loss of "Uncle Jody." The family would like to thank the medical and professional staff of St. Lukešs Hospital, Ronan, and Community Medical Center, Missoula. A special thank you to the CS&K Tribal Health staff and the Lake County Home Health Agency, especially Marget Gloessler, the home health nurse who made all the difference. Thank you to the many, many friends and relatives and to Father Bernard Koenig of Ronan who visited Joe during his final days and helped make them brighter. His kindness will always be remembered. Mass was celebrated on April 23 at the Ignatius Catholic Mission. Interment followed in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery, where military honors were presented. Pallbearers were Leonard Cordier, Fred Cordier, Danny Ducharme, Terry McDonald, Gene Sorrell and Phillip Paul. The family asks that memorials be made to the Lucky Strike Bowling Center in Ronan.
EDNA MAE FINLEY
ST. IGNATIUS -- Edna Mae Finley passed away on April 12, 2006, from complications following surgery at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Edna was born to Christine and Earl Jacobs on Oct. 1, 1932, in Wyoming. Edna was very close to her oldest sister, Gladys Esponda of Buffalo, Wyo. Her parents, younger sister Betty and two brothers, Jimmy and David, preceded her in death. Edna married Ray Stuart Finley on Aug. 2, 1951, in Broadus. They had three sons, Thomas, Larry and Monty. Ray worked for the Bails family ranch while Edna took the neighbor ranch kids to school in her jeep pickup. In May 1962 Ray and Edna moved to the Mission Valley to help with the family dairy. The coffee pot was always on in Edna's kitchen and there was always a place for another plate at the table. She was among the very best of hostesses. Edna started working at Mission Drug in St. Ignatius in 1963 where she made many friends and enjoyed working in the pharmacy. After 41 years of service, she retired in 2004. Some of her other jobs were cooking for her family (and whomever might happen by at meal time), keeping the Finley ranch finances and feeding the milk pen calves when she got home from work. Edna enjoyed spending time with grandkids (and great-grandkids), swimming and taking care of the swimming pool, reading and crocheting. Edna is survived by her husband, Ray, and a special granddaughter, Joni, at the family home; three sons, Tom (Iris) Finley of Casper, Wyo., Larry Finley of Hanna, Wyo., and Monty (Barbara) Finley of Lance Creek, Wyo.; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and many other "adopted" children. She will be missed greatly by all who knew her. Graveside services were on April 14 at Pleasant View Cemetery.
