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Effie (Clark) Dockstader Holmes
Effie (Clark) Dockstader Holmes, 96, died Thursday, June 14, surrounded by family at her daughter’s home in Bigfork.
She was born August 4, 1910, in Red Cloud, Nebraska, to Don and Nellie (Barrett) Clark. In 1917 she moved with her family to Bigfork where they reclaimed a homestead on the East Lake Shore.
Effie graduated from Bigfork Elementary School, Flathead County High School, and Sacred Heart School of Nursing in Spokane, Washington, in 1934. It was so unusual for a Bigfork student (especially a girl) to go to college in the early 30’s that the town hosted a going away party for her in the I.O.O.F. Hall, which was located where the Bigfork Center for Performing Arts is now. Her first nursing position was at Thornton Hospital in Missoula.
On August 13, 1936, she married James Dockstader in Sand Point, Idaho, and he preceded her in death on November 20, 1988, after over 52 years of marriage.
They lived in Somers when first married, and then moved during World War II to Hanford, Washington, where her husband worked for DuPont on the Atomic Project. At the end of the war, they returned to Bigfork where Effie has lived ever since.
She quit nursing professionally when she was married in 1936, but continued using her nursing skills on a volunteer basis. She was “the nurse” for many years in Bigfork before there was a Quick Response Unit or a doctor in the community. No one seeking help was ever turned away, nor was anyone ever sent a bill for treatment. In 1982, she was presented with a Distinguished Citizen’s Award for her service to the community.
She was always an active member of the Catholic Church and Altar Society. In the 1940’s and early1950’s, Effie and her family attended Mass in the summer in the Bigfork High School auditorium where a handmade portable cedar altar constructed by Daryle “Chub” Brown was used. In 1953, Effie and the women in the Altar Society began working to raise $1,000 a year in order to start a building fund for St. Catherine’s Church. The church was dedicated in September of 1958.
She also served as Democratic Precinct Committeewoman in Bigfork for many years and was an active volunteer at Bigfork Public Schools, including serving as president of the Parent Teacher Association, when her children were there.
In 1980, she and a small group of women founded the Shining Mountains Doll Club. Collecting, making, and dressing dolls, as well as the deep friendships she made with club members, became an important part of her life. Last summer, the club made her an honorary lifetime member “for outstanding service to the club as a founding member and contributor.”
In St. Catherine’s Church in Bigfork on August 4, 1995, her 85th birthday, she married Ernest Holmes, her high school sweetheart, whom she had not seen in 66 years. They had five years together filled with trips, a cruise, and season tickets to Griz football games. He preceded her in death on April 11, 2000.
She was also preceded in death by three brothers
, Freddie, who died in childhood, Richard who was killed in World War II, and Verne; two sisters, Margaret and Wanda; and one grandchild, Matthew Hein.
She is survived by three children, J. Michael Dockstader and his wife Wanda, Mary Sullivan and her husband Paul, Maureen Hein and her husband Raymond, all of whom live in Bigfork; eight grandchildren, James Dockstader, Nicole Dockstader, Mark Hein, Mary Amanda Guffin, Paul Sullivan Jr., Maureen Sullivan, Michael Dockstader, and Levi Dockstader; and one great-grandchild, Zoe Guffin. She is also survived by her youngest brother, Don E. Clark of Bigfork, two step children, Ernest Holmes III and his wife Janice of Dallas, Texas, and Sally Sutherlin and her husband Jack of Las Cruces, New Mexico; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, at John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork with Monsignor Donald Shea celebrating and Deacon James Butts assisting. Her grandchildren will serve as her pallbearers. Burial will be at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for the family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Effie’s guest book.
Margaret Fay Eklund
Margaret Fay Eklund, age 86, passed away on Saturday, June 16, 2007 at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. Fay was a rare and special lady who enveloped her family with boundless and unconditional love, sharing her radiant smile and affectionate demeanor with all whom she worked, volunteered, and befriended. Fay’s warmth always made people feel welcome and comfortable. Born January 30, 1921, to Frank Steckman and Martha (Rocks) Steckman. Fay was raised in Kalispell, Montana. Fay truly cherished her home and never once considered relocating; all that she had and all that she loved was here in the breathtaking Flathead Valley. Fay attended Flathead High School, and married Dallas F. Eklund on April 17, 1938, sharing 58 years of friendship and love together.
Above all, Fay treasured her family. Her arms could always reach around the biggest problem, and there was never a burden too large for her strong shoulders. She cradled and caressed her children and her “adopted” children when they were in pain, forever deeply concerned with their welfare and happiness. Fay spent countless hours extending her creativity, imagination, and teaching to young people as a Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, PTA President, and founder of Junior Bowling in Kalispell.
Fay loved trees, flowers, roses, and all of the natural beauty of Montana that surrounded her. She was fascinated and delighted by searching out shapes in clouds, and enjoying sunsets with colorful painted skies; she lived for summer to get out in the garden once again. Fay shared her passion for gardening with good friends in the Lower Valley Garden Club and Flathead Rose Society, often organizing and competing in rose shows both in Kalispell and Missoula, and volunteering many hours in maintaining the Woodland Park Rose Garden.
Always memorable everywhere she worked or volunteered, Fay enjoyed her jobs at the Somers School kitchen and her uncle Eddy’s Market on Main Street before becoming the renowned smiling face of Checkstand #1 at the B&B. Fay watched for planes during the 1950’s with the Skywatchers on top of the Eagle’s building, and later on in life found the time to serve at the Kalispell hospital gift shop, organize her Flathead Class and Somers Reunions, run the Monday cribbage game at the Senior Center, and lead Senior Bowling in Kalispell. Recognized by her community for her lengthy list of contributions over the years, Fay received the Great Chief Award in 1987, an award of which she was always extremely proud.
Fay was always proud of her dedication to and involvement in the fraternal organizations of which she was a member. Known lovingly as “Mama Fay”, she spent many years making a difference in young lives as a Rainbow Girls Mother Advisor. Fay was also an active member of Adah Chapter #17, Order of Eastern Star, Kalispell, serving two terms as Worthy Matron, as well as a longstanding member of the Rebekahs, Bosiant, Daughters of the Nile, and the Flathead Veil Aires. Fay was also a member of the Eagles, serving on the Eagles Auxiliary Drill Team for years.
Fay had a busy life, but not so much that she didn’t take ample time to enjoy our Flathead Lake cabin, fishing, cleaning Dallas’ fish, seeking arrowheads in Somers Bay, hunting in the Bob Marshall wilderness, picking huckleberries in the North Fork, riding her bike, camping in the woods, taking sightseeing drives, and picking out unusual rocks and driftwood pieces. Fay adored her dogs and cats, especially her Boston Bull Terriers.
She loved music and singing, traveling to experience new things, crocheting doilies and afghans, sketching and painting, and made the world’s best dill pickles and huckleberry jam. Fay loved bowling, spending hours each week in various leagues, and then traveling around the state and nation for tournaments; she received the Montana State Woman Bowler of the Year award in 1989.
Fay’s body may have left us, but her infinite spirit remains with us, entwined in every fiber of our being. Fay will forever be with us in the sweet fragrance of a springtime rose, the joyous laughter of a child, the rays of the sun reaching over blue mountains and crisp white clouds; such are the things we will always hold precious and close.
Fay is preceded in death by her beloved husband Dallas F. Eklund, and survived by her four children, Brian F. Eklund of Kalispell, Dona (Charlie) Keller of Rapid City, SD, Rita (William) Ullmann of Pokomoke City, Maryland, Marti (Les) Elletson of Columbia Falls. Fay also leaves 10 grandchildren: Carrie and Mark Wise of Kalispell, Ted Jacobson of Rapid City, SD, Debra (Schott) McAdams of Kalispell, Dallas Schott and his wife Dee of McLaughlin, SD, Joyce (Schott) Mulloy and her husband Jim of Timber Lake, SD, John Ullmann and his wife Amy of Pierre, SD, Angela Ullmann of St. Augustine, FL, Shannon Elletson of Columbia Falls, MT, and Darell Elletson of Kalispell, 10 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 11 a.m. at Johnson Mortuary Chapel. Viewing will be held at the Johnson Mortuary in Kalispell, Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Star services will be given by Adah Chapter #17. The family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to the organization or charity of your choice.
Mary Anthony O'Neill Maurer
Mary Anthony "Toni" O'Neill Maurer, passed away on Monday, July 16, 2007, after battling pancreatic cancer. Toni was born in Brooklyn, New York, on March 9, 1933 to William C. O'Neill and Florence O'Connor O'Neill.
She graduated from Queens College, New York, in 1955 with a degree in Political Science. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi national sorority.
Seeking adventure, she joined the Special Services, U.S. Army, as Recreation Director in 1956, stationed in Karlsruhe, Germany. While there, she met a handsome career Army officer in the Corps of Engineers, David Maurer. Their marriage on August 31, 1957 was the beginning of 50 wonderful years together, living and traveling throughout the United States and all across the globe. Some of their happiest years were spent at West Point, N.Y., where Toni was a ski instructor and avid participant in the West Point Players. In 1980, she earned an MBA from Webster College, St. Louis, Mo.
Toni and Dave retired first to Claremont, Calif. in 1985, where she especially enjoyed her years of involvement with the Foothill Philharmonic. She also became a certified paralegal during this time.
In the summer of 2004, Toni and Dave relocated for the last time to the beautiful Flathead Valley. Toni immediately felt welcomed into the communities of Somers and Lakeside and was so very happy there. She became active in the CCW at Pope John Paul II Church and in the Lakeside Community Club. She will be deeply missed and is remembered as a loving, devoted wife, mother, sister and friend.
She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, David Maurer of Somers; her son, Frederic W. Maurer of San Diego, Calif.; her two daughters; Lisa M. Jibson of Ann Arbor, Mich. and Karen M. Proksch of Boone, Iowa; six grandchildren, David, Jonathan, Tara, and William Jibson, and Morgan and Eric Proksch; her two sisters, Lori O'Neill and Timi O'Neill, both of N.Y.; her brother; William O'Neill of AR; and four nephews.
Mass for Toni will be celebrated Thursday, July 19, 2007 at 10 a.m. at Pope John Paul II Catholic Church in Bigfork. Toni requested memorial contributions to the Pope John Paul II Capital Building Fund, P. O. Box 277, Bigfork, MT 59911. Inurnment will be at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.
Johnson Mortuary & Crematory is caring for Toni's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Toni's guest book.
Elva Mae Knudson
Elva Mae Knudson, age 70, of Kalispell, Montana, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, July 13, 2007 at Health Center Northwest in Kalispell, Montana, following a short battle with cancer. She was born on June 12, 1937 in Kalispell to Harold and Elva (McConnell) Haven.
She was educated in Kalispell and graduated from high school and also attended some college in Idaho. She married Jerry Knudson on August 29, 1963 in Kalispell. Elva was a wonderful mother of three who stayed home to raise them. She loved camping with Jerry and doing crafts. She also loved to brag on her three beautiful granddaughters. She would cook for Bible Camps during the summer. She also loved to sing and was a member of the Church of the Nazarene in Columbia Falls. We love you Mom, Grandma and Mama, you'll always be in our thoughts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Elva Haven and her sister Ardyce Dubia.
She is survived by her husband Jerry Knudson of Kalispell; her three children, Jerilyn Martinez and husband Ron of Spokane; son Aaron Knudson and wife Cyndy and their two daughters, Erika and Kathlyn Knudson, all of Aiea, HI; and daughter Tracy Ware, husband Rob and their daughter McKenna, all of Spokane; her siblings, Harold Haven and wife Sandy of Kalispell; Glenys Bowerman and husband Gordon of Nenana, AK; and Cliff Haven and wife Karen of Kalispell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial services for Elva will be held on Friday, July 20, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. at the Kalispell Church of the Nazarene on Whitefish Stage Road. There will be no visitation. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to the American Cancer Society, 3550 Mullan Road Suite 105, Missoula, MT 59808, or to Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Elva's family.
Helen Greve, 90
Helen Greve was born Helen Forsch in Mott North Dakota to Eva and Adam Forsch.
It was there on the family homestead that Helen and her seven sisters and one brother were raised.
When Helen was 16, she moved to town and there met, at the local dance, the love of her life Henry Greve.
Keith S. Rodaway, 84
Keith S. Rodaway, 84, passed away on Wednesday, December 5, 2007, at his home at 148 Hilldale Drive in Somers.
He was born November 20, 1923, in Lincoln, NE, the son of Edgar Paul and Mary Bernice (Soller) Rodaway.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Ruth Ellen Nett, one half-bother Dick Miller, one half-sister Evelyn McCarty, and one son, Keith Rodaway, Jr.
Asia Day Marie Gray, 28
Asia Day Marie Gray, 28, met an untimely death in Kalispell, Montana on December 12, 2007. Asia was born September 25, 1979 in St. Ignatius, Montana to Jack and Jane Whiting. Jack and Jane brought their second daughter home to the family home in Big Arm where she resided until she was married. Asia was raised along with her older sister Ann on a farm with goats, chickens and ponies. She owned her first real horse when she was 13 and from that time on was determined to be a horsewoman. She spent her summers galloping bareback through the hills with her cousins and around Flathead Lake to see her grandparents. She loved to be outdoors in every season.
Ruth Anne Bergvist, 70
Ruth Anne Bergvist went to live with the Lord on December 15, 2007, at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, Montana.
She was the first daughter of James L and Virginia Hays, and was born March 16, 1937 in Franklin, PA.
James A. Shaffer Jr., 90
James A. Shaffer Jr., age 90, of Kalispell, Montana passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2008 at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. He was born May 11, 1917 in Chicago, IL to adventurous parents, James A. Shaffer, Sr, and Stella Nelson Shaffer, the last homesteaders of Lake County, "Shipmaster" James Alexander Shaffer, Jr. has passed, his life full of travel, friends, and projects. His parents' home schooled him in the family's lakeshore cabin for his elementary education. He graduated from Polson High School. He loved playing his clarinet and had a dance band that played from Polson to Missoula on the weekends.
Jim enrolled in The Montana School of Mines (Montana Tech), where he studied Metallurgical Engineering. He had a passion for geology, materials, and music. He met and married Frances Kelley of Butte. WWII took Jim into the Army and to the shipyards of Tacoma and Bremerton WA where he worked with the noted naval architect, Ed Monk, designing ships for the war effort. It was there in the marine atmosphere of coastal Washington Jim began thinking of a fine ship design for his beloved Flathead Lake.
Jim returned to Butte after the war and completed his education, graduating from the School of Mines in 1951. He moved his family, Fran and two children, Stella and James, to San Bruno, Cali., where his education was much in demand. He worked for Schlage Lock Inc and Vulcan Foundry before becoming intrigued with the aerospace industry and its demands for the synthesis of new materials. This career, pioneering materials for space, took him to Lockheed and then TRW in Southern California. He and Fran added daughters Melissa, Lori, and Donna.
Following the tragic accidental death of their son James, the family returned to Montana where Jim immersed himself in the design and construction of the Retta Mary (The Far West). On Memorial Day Weekend, 1972, Jim Shaffer launched the Retta Mary, fulfilling his dream of a large steel hull vessel on the waters of Flathead Lake. He operated the ship on the lake for many years, hosting weddings, delighting tourists, and performing the occasional bad weather rescue. Eventually the ship was sold, and Fran passed.
Jim remained in Polson, married Marguerite Busch. Together they owned and operated Mission Mountain Metals, an aluminum foundry. The products of the foundry can still be seen today around the Flathead Valley and in Missoula. The foundry was used to produce the letters on the Lake County Courthouse, for example. Jim and Marguerite moved to Big Arm and then Bigfork where they owned and operated the Ronde Vue RV Park for many years. Marguerite passed away in 1996.
Jim retired and married a college sweetheart, Patricia Monk (Warren, Girman) from Lakeside. They enjoyed their life together at Jim's home in Bigfork and her home in Lakeside.
Jim was preceded in death by his loving spouses Frances and Marguerite. He was also preceded in death by sons James Alexander Shaffer "Sonny Jim," and David Morris.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia Girman, and his daughters Stella Larson (Brooks) of Santa Barbara, Cali., Melissa Miller of Newport, R.I., Roberta "Lori" Dapelo (Scott) of Santa Rosa, and Donna Henderson (James) of Brookings, Ore. He is also survived by a large and loving family of grandchildren, Charles Larson (Janette), Alexander Larson (Kelley), Jason Larson (Joanne), Inger Larson Taylor (Michael), Kelley Francis Larsen, Bret Morris (Kym), and Jill Morris. Jim has five great granddaughters, Melody, Oona, Olivia, Charlotte, and Neve. He is also survived by his great grandsons Cody and Jackson. He is mourned by many step relatives, and a community of friends, colleagues and professional associates.
Following cremation, internment will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Polson, in the Shaffer Family plot. A private service was held by the family in keeping with the Shipmaster's wishes. The family suggests that any memorial contributions be sent to The Montana Tech Foundation, 1300 W. Park Street, Butte, MT 59701. In the memo please note Koch/ McGlashen Endowment Fund.
Johnson Mortuary & Crematory is caring for Jim's family.
LaDon Ann Hardman, 79
LaDon Ann Hardman, age 79, passed away Friday, March 14, 2008 in Kalispell, Montana. LaDon was born April1, 1928, in Wilmot, Arkansas, and was the daughter of Lloyd Joseph and Edith Opal (Reynolds) Linton. LaDon grew up in Wilmot and moved to the Long Beach California area where she graduated in1946 from Polytechnic High School in Long Beach. She married Kenneth E. Hardman in Washington D.C. in 1945. LaDon primarily was a homemaker raising her family and spent many years volunteering at the Long Beach VA Hospital. She was appointed director and served for 3 years at that program for the American Legion Auxiliary and following that, she was elected Departmental President for the year 1976-77. LaDon was a fine vocalist and sang with the "Mother Singers" in Long Beach, which was sponsored by the P.T.A. for several years. While living in Bigfork, she was active and spent time with the local ceramics group. LaDon is preceded in death by her parents, a son Daniel in1974 who was in the U.S.A.F. in Thailand during the Vietnam Conflict when he died, and a granddaughter Rebecca. She is survived by her husband of 62.5 years Kenneth E. Harman of Bigfork, MT; daughters Nancy Wallace of Lincoln, MT; Martha Jones of Norco, CA; sisters Marjorie Furry of Battleground, WA; Betty Henderson of Bridger, MT; grandchildren Jef Wallace, April Smalley of Arizona, Daniel Wallace of Great Falls, MT; great grandchildren Emma and Molly Wallace; Japer Smalley; Sierra and Kadence Wallace. Memorial services for LaDon will be held on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 1:00pm at the Swan Chapel in Swan Lake, Montana. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home caring for the family.
