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Cynthia Marie Kobylenski
Our beloved Cynthia Marie Kobylenski passed away Sunday August 9th. How does one begin to describe the life force of Cindy? To begin, Cindy was born May 30, 1957 in Riverhead, New York to Helen and Frank Ruskowski.
She attended NYU Polytechnic in Brooklyn where she received her masters in electrical engineering. Her degree culminated into a job at Hazelteen Corporation where she was an aeronautical antenna development engineer and taught as an adjunct professor at NYU Poly for electrical engineering.
Cindy lived and worked in New York until she and her future husband Len, married on May 10, 1986. After their wedding, Cindy moved to Montana where they grew with great flourish and ingenuity, Mission Mountains Mercantile.
Through the store, Cindy’s cooking and creative genius soared, bringing delicacies previously unknown to the valley. After building the successful Mercantile, Len and Cindy started Swan River Valley Real Estate which expanded across western Montana.
Her love for children and the community was exhibited through her dedication to Swan Valley Elementary where she served as a School Board Trustee for ten years, a track and soccer coach and a devoted mother.
Life for Cindy was made even better by obsessive downhill skiing, boasting 1,200,000 vertical feet just this last year at Big Mountain with her other ski bums. She was a pedal to the metal wave-runner, avid snow-mobiler and a gourmet chef who loved entertaining.
Cindy’s love for life extended to all of her family and friends for whom she would donate time and her vast energy and love. Most of all, however, she prided herself in being the number one fan of her children.
She is survived by husband Len Kobylenski, daughter Basia and son Lenny, both current students at MSU; parents Helen and Frank Ruskowski, siblings Frank and Susan, and Len’s parents Leonard I. and Anelia.
There will be a Funeral Mass on Saturday, August 15 at 11am at Our Lady of Swan Valley. Following shortly after the service there will be a celebration of Cindy’s life at Tori and Ronnie Matthew’s residence. For more information please contact Dawn Bishop at 754-2444 or Lucinda Heekin at 754-2448.
Donations may be made in Cindy's name to the Condon QRU.
Rodney Jacob (Jake) Loudon
My dearest son Rodney Jacob Loudon (Jake) died June 25, 2009 in Seeley Lake, MT at the age of 18. He was riding his bicycle on Hwy. 83 and was struck by a pickup truck.
Born in 1991, Jake spent his early years in Oregon and loved the summers spent in Montana with his Aunts and Uncles.
The past four years Jake lived in Seeley Lake with his grandmother Liz and sister Hailey, graduating from Seeley Swan High School the spring of 2009. Jake went out for most sports but his true love was baseball.
Montana was a great place for the self proclaimed "Red Neck." Two years ago he was lucky enough to get a 5pt. Bull Elk. He loved to fish, hunt and drive around the back country roads listening to music with his many friends.
Jake's friends came from all walks of life. He will surely be missed by many whose lives he touched.
His heart was a mixture of butter and iron, and he was one of the most sensitive men we ever knew. A true friend.
I've never seen or heard of better friends than Jake had. These young people can be so proud of themselves for making a mother see what special children she has.
They say it takes a Village to raise a child. To the Village of Seeley Lake I'd like to say "Thank You" for the love and kindness you showed Jake the past years of his life and the beautiful cross placed on the Hwy. by his loving friends.
Yes, he was taken from us way too soon, but God must have had something in mind for him.
Hailey coordinated an emotional Celebration of Jake's Life at the home of Mark and Laurie Darrow the 4th of July, a favorite holiday of his. Thank you for all who made that day so special.
Jake was very proud of his Pioneer Heritage with families dating back to 1845 in Oregon and to 1870 in Montana. He even had family members who pushed handcarts to Utah. Jake was a member of the Church of the Latter-day Saints in Seeley Lake.
He is missed by his family and friends from all over: mother Jeri of Oregon, Grandmother Liz Loudon, best friend and sister Hailey Louden, Aunt Margaret Ogg Phelps and Uncle Bud Phelps all of Seeley Lake, as well as many other numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews in Oregon and Montana.
Jake is also survived by his 100lb. companion dog, Leroy, who is now in the loving care of his dear friend Tim Pratt. Jake was very close to the Pratt Family and our many thanks to them for their care and help to our entire family. Special thank you to Shelby and son Scott, Becky and son Brandon and his girlfriend Maria. We were so glad you were there for him.
Jake, we love and miss you, Mama.
If you have any photographs of Jake from his high school years, especially graduation, and photographs of Hailey and are willing to share them with their mother, please call 503-960-0255 or email msjloud@yahoo.com.
Maxwell Melvin Hamilton
Melvin Hamilton, 83, of Ovando, passed away surrounded by his loving family, Wednesday, August 12, 2009 of natural causes at St. Patrick’s Hospital.
Melvin was born October 12, 1925 to Mary and John Hamilton. He was raised and educated in Helmville.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma.
Survivors include his son, Punk (Aggie) of Helena; daughter, Maxine (Roy) of Ovando; son, Willard of Potomac; daughter Wanda (Bill) of Deer Lodge; nine grandchildren, Justin, Nicole, and Misty Hamilton, Melissa Hoover and Joe McCoy, Jon and Cristal Hamilton, and Billie Orvalla and Sam Duenas; and five great-grandchildren.
Memorial services for Melvin were held on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at the Ovando School Gymnasium.
In lieu of flowers please send memorials to the charity of your choice.
Robert (Bob) Glen Hawkins
Robert (Bob) Glen Hawkins, 76, passed away August 12, 2009 at his home in Seeley Lake of natural causes.
Bob was born in Fairplay, CO to Frances and Lulu (Strangeway) Hawkins. He was one of thirteen children.
Bob served in the Army during the Korean Conflict Era from January 1953 until December 1954. He was a Corporal in the Signal Corps and served in Italy, Camp Kilmer New Jersey, and Camp Gordon Georgia.
On August 23, 1956 he married Sarah K Baker in Anaconda. Bob wanted a larger family, and he and Sarah raised five children. Bob worked for the Smelter in Anaconda and various ranches, but the Logging Industry became his career.
Bob loved the outdoors; he loved to hunt, fish, camp, picnic and hike to high mountain lakes. Dad was a gentle man, loved and respected by his family and friends. He was a kind person who helped anyone in need. Dad enjoyed an audience and commanded the conversation. He loved to tell stories, reminisce and just visit.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his loving wife Sarah of Seeley Lake, his children Julie (Ray) Mann of Garrison, Glenda (Troy) Bauer of Missoula, Gary Hawkins of Seeley Lake, Peggy (Mike) Gerig of Austin Texas, and Cliff Hawkins of Seeley Lake, his Grandchildren Keith and Timothy Mann and Colin and Miranda Gerig, his brother and sister-in-law Walt (Juanita) Hawkins, and sisters Ellen Merrill and Julia Moore, numerous nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 11 am in Seeley Lake at Mission Bible Fellowship. A private burial will follow at the Seeley Lake Cemetery.
Take a deep breath and exhale in memory of Dad. Every breath is a gift.
Linda Lee Duncan
1948 ~ 2009
Linda Lee Duncan of Salt Lake City, UT passed away peacefully on August 22 2009 at her home after a long battle against breast cancer.
Linda was born in Rush City, MN on October 27, 1948 to Myrtle and David Nordstrom. Linda grew up on a dairy farm in Sandstone, MN. She attended college at the University of Minnesota Duluth and later moved to the twin cities where she worked for Northwest Airlines, and Sperry Univac.
Linda met and later married Paul Jass whose work relocated them to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1977. They had two children, Patrick and Peter Jass. After a divorce in 1982, Linda raised her two sons while working for Litton Guidance and Control Systems.
On September 27, 1987 Linda married Jim Duncan and moved to Park City, UT. From 1990 to 1992, the family relocated to Littleton, CO for Jims’ work, then returned to Salt Lake City, UT.
Linda was an animal enthusiast who always had pets. She loved the summers at the family cabin on Big Sky Lake in Montana, enjoying the evening boat rides and the wildlife that came to visit, somehow always knowing when she was there.
Linda was an avid reader, loved to follow and invest in the stock market, had an interest in astrology and the Native American culture. Linda was the type of person who would light up the room when she walked in. She had one of the biggest hearts of anyone and taught us all how to love unconditionally.
Linda is survived by her husband Jim Duncan, her sons Patrick Jass (Jenn Major) and Peter Jass, her step daughters Lindsey Duncan and Ashley Spear (Steven) and granddaughter Aubrey, her in-laws Dick and Shirley Duncan, her sister Ruby Brull and brother Dennis (Pete) Nordstrom.
Preceding Linda in death are her Parents David and Myrtle Nordstrom and brother Don Nordstrom.
Linda will be deeply missed by all that were fortunate enough to have her in their lives. She taught us so much.
The family would like to thank the Utah Cancer Specialist team, Intermountain Medical Center and Intermountain Homecare for their wonderful support.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make donations to the Susan G Komen Foundation in Linda’s memory.
James Edward Cowan
James Edward Cowan left for greener pastures on June 25th, still concerned about his irrigation duties and the need to move his herd of horses back to Seeley Lake for summer grazing. Jim lost his rapid battle with pneumonia and MERSA in his lungs and blood stream.
Born August 15, 1934, Jim’s parents, George and Edith, who preceded him in death, would have never imagined the many roads, successes and varied interests their baby son would explore during his 75 years. His early school years were spent in Chinook, working as a paper boy, newsstand clerk, farm and ranch laborer and grocery stock boy.
After high school graduation he worked in the oil fields of North Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma and Wyoming. For two years he served in the US Army 7th Infantry Division in Korea with Special Clearance for Secret and Top Secret. During that tour of duty he married his love, Joan Y. Grogan in 1955, forever after referring to her as his “new bride”.
While in college at Northern Montana College and the U of M, Jim’s strong work ethic continued, while collecting friends and stories along the way, sharing all with Joan. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in 1960, Jim began his banking career. Jim graduated from the Commercial Division of Pacific Coast Banking School, University of Washington in 1973.
Jim’s banking career reflected his ability and success in financial management–in Havre, Fort Benton, and Great Falls and achieved one of his greatest goals of becoming part owner of an independent bank in Polson and moved his family to beautiful western Montana. His final and most rewarding career achievement was organizing the First Valley Bank in Seeley Lake, serving as C.E.O. and controlling stockholder.
In 1998, Jim retired, trading his suit and ties for the more comfortable blue overalls so he could begin the dream of handling his own hay and irrigation ranches in Seeley Lake and Charlo and in the winter months–enjoying traveling the Southwest in their motor coach. Jim claimed the Bob Marshall Wilderness as his play ground and is enjoying its majesty and beauty now.
Jim received much recognition in his professional career: Governors Schwinden, Stevens and Racicot appointed Jim as he served 10 years as Vice Chairman of the Montana Board of Investments and 10 years as Chairman of the Montana Teachers Retirement System. But Jim was a man of diversity. The “cowboy” Jim was known to many as a horseman and having a knack and ability to work and understand the horses, and also known to his long list of email recipients as a sender of political views, humor, and recipes to add to the enjoyment of living.
We will miss Jim and the soft spoken words, those given in earnest and those given with that deep laugh of enjoyment that will be missed by the cow pokes, the carefree friends on river floats, and the unhurried visits that Jim shared with us all.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Joan and three children that he was very proud of: James N, of Sheridan, WY, Vicki M. of Portland, OR, and Jeffrey W. of Libby along with 3 grandchildren (James N.) Kieran, Tara, and Timothy Cowan. Other survivors include his sisters, Marion Culleton, and Sandra Cowan, and Brother Ted. He is also survived by many relatives and special friends who he considered family.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be sent to Montana Special Olympics (www.somt.org), Seeley Lake Community Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
A memorial service led by Pastor Louis Stoker to celebrate his life will be held at Seeley Lake Community Hall on Friday, July 3, 2009 at 2 pm with a reception following.
Honorary pall bearers will be Kieran Cowan, Bruce Wold, Mark Nicholson, Roger Johnson, and Dick Duncan.
Trent N. Toms
Trent N. Toms, 67, of Seeley Lake, was transferred home to be with Jesus on July 19, 2009.
Trent was born on January 23, 1942, raised with older sister Toni Wilson of Preist River, ID and younger sister Tammy Bauer of Billings, MT by grandparents in Logan, MT. Trent graduated from high school in Forsyth, MY.
Following graduation, he spent six years in the US Navy as a machinist.
Trent married Glenda Hardin in 1964 and had three children: Karl Toms of Marysville, WA, Kati Pereira of Modesta, CA and Dustin Toms of Renton, WA.
Trent worked as a machinist for about 20 years, owning his own business for 15 years. He spent eight to ten years in the Seattle area, where he married Cynthia (Sam) Slater. Trent was also in sales and moved back to Montana in 1998, where he was semi-retired and the owner and operator of an ornamental iron shop in Seeley Lake.
A lot of good things happened in Trent’s life, the latest being his partner Kathy Augustinas of Missoula. (He would say that God sent him an angel when talking about her.)
He would tell you he had a wonderful life and a lot of expensive hobbies, which caused him to meet numerous good people.
Trent is also survived by his mother Lola Mortensen and several half brothers and sisters.
A going away party will be held for Trent at Mission Bible Fellowship church on Hwy. 83 in Seeley Lake on July 27, 2009 at 1pm.
Ruben L Wendel
Ruben L Wendel, 79, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 25, 2009 at Riverside Health Care Center in Missoula.
Ruben was born on March 20, 1930 in Holden, Missouri to William and Eva (Taylor) Wendel.
Ruben served honorably in the US Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1953 to the Army reserves. He married Mabel Fay Stoneking and they were blessed with four children, they later divorced.
Ruben spent his working career for Pyramid Lumber in Seeley Lake; he retired from that job in 1987. He enjoyed cooking, fishing, and his grandkids and really enjoyed his working career in the timber industry.
Ruben was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings. He is survived by his children, daughter Marsha, daughter Cindy, son David and son Shawn. He is further survived by his grandchildren: Mark, Wesley, Kristina, Jillian, Darcy, Travis, Tiffany, Lane, and Trista and four great grandchildren.
Viewing was held on May 28, 2009; a private burial service in Seeley Lake will be held at a later date. The family wishes to thank the loving staff at Riverside Health Care Center that cared for Ruben.
Charley F. Hughes
Charley F. Hughes, 90, of Ovando, passed away from natural causes at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula on Sunday, June 7, 2009. He was born April 3, 1919 on the family homestead in Helmville, the son of Frank E. and Alena Hughes.
He attended high school in Deer Lodge and went on to serve with the Army Air Corps during WWII as a bombardier. He married the love of his life, Norma Oxford, his “honey bunny”, on August 18, 1952.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father in law and a sister. His family includes his wife, Norma of the family home; sister, Emma Meyers of Colorado; sister-in-law, Irene Weaver and her husband John and their children, of Ovando; nieces and nephews; his Idaho Daughters, all of his dear friends and his beloved dogs, Shadow, Ruff and Dottie.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Charley’s life will be held Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 1:30pm at the Ovando Gymnasium. The family suggests that memorials be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Cremation is under the care of Garden City Funeral Home.
