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Laurie Adele McCarthy
Laurie Adele McCarthy, 77, Townsend, formerly of Helena, died Friday, March 7, 2003, of natural causes. She was born March 18, 1925, in Townsend to Gene McQuaid and Marie Freezer McCarthy. Laurie attended schools in Broadwater County and the University of Montana in Missoula where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta. Upon her graduation in 1948, she lived and worked briefly in Philipsburg, Mont., and then in San Francisco for several years.
In 1956, Laurie moved to Helena where she began working for the state of Montana. She continued there until her retirement. During the time of her employment at the state, Laurie moved back to her family home in Townsend, where she resided at the time of her death. She was a member of the Townsend Book Club, an avid supporter of the Broadwater County Historical Society and an active and devout member of the Holy Cross Catholic Parish.
Laurie was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Jack and Dan; her aunt and friend, Serena McCarthy of Helena and a special cousin and his wife, Don and Florence McCarthy of Bozeman. She is survived by cousins Joan McCarthy Young and her husband Ralph of Carlsbad, Calif., Bob McCarthy and his wife Judy of Bozeman, Sheila McCarthy Gravage and her husband Pat, of Las Vegas, Nev., Bernard McCarthy and his wife June of Mill Valley, Calif., and Clement McCarthy and his wife Tara of Sausalito, Calif. plus numerous second and third cousins.
Laurie was loved and will be missed by her family and friends. There will be a vigil service, Monday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m. and a Mass in celebration of her life on Tuesday, March 11, at 10:30 a.m., both at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Townsend. Burial at the Holy Cross cemetery will follow the Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Lauries name to the Broadwater County Historical Society or an organization of the donors choice.
Robert 'Bob' Harrington
Capt. Robert "Bob" Harrington, USN, of Eden Prairie, Minn., passed away at age 62 on Saturday, June 28, due to complications from leukemia.
Bob was born and raised in Butte. He was a 1959 graduate of Butte High and a 1963 graduate of Montana State University in Bozeman and also a University of Minnesota School of Engineering graduate. Bob is survived by his two brothers John "Jack" Harrington and Patrick J. Harrington of Butte, his daughter, Angela Daughtry and her three children of Wilmington, N.C., his son, Chris Harrington of Minneapolis, his nephews Joe Harrington of Portland, John Harrington of Omaha, Neb., and PJ Harrington of Fairbanks, Alaska, and his nieces Shelly Harrington-Burke of Sheridan, Mont., and Sherrie Harrington-Stewart of Elk Park, Mont.
Bobs funeral will take place on Monday, July 7, at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Butte. Visitation at the church will begin at 9 a.m. Following Mass, Bob will be laid to rest at Holy Cross cemetery. Thereafter a luncheon will be served at the Red Lion in Butte to honor and celebrate Bobs life. Come with an appetite, and thats an order from Capt. Harrington!
Bobs giving heart and love for his family and friends always remains. He has returned to the beautiful mountains and rivers he so much loved to traverse. Work brought him to Minnesota, but his soul never left his hometown Butte. Music in honor of Bob can be heard at www.chrisharrington.com. Instead of sending flowers, please just send that much more love to your family and friends.
Wilfred Emil Huotari
Wilfred Emil Huotari, 62, of Helena died on July 2, 2003, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. His generous smile, quick wit, and never-failing kindness will be missed by everyone around him.
Wilfred was born in Wadena County, Minn., Feb. 2, 1941, the son of Emil and Aune Huotari. He attended District 42 South through eighth grade and graduated from Sebeka High School in 1959. He attended Bemidji State University and North Dakota State University, Fargo. He served in the Army National Guard of Minnesota from 1963-1969.
Wilfred worked various jobs throughout his life including logging, farming, trapping, and management of the Sebeka Co-op Feed Store while living in Minnesota. He and his son Jeff began Huotari Construction Company of Helena.
In 1965, Wilfred married
Norma Jean Makela of Sebeka, Minn., and had three children, Karla, Jeffrey and Tamara.
Wilfred attended Sunday school and was confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Sebeka. He served the church in various capacities including ushering and serving on the council. He was a member of First Lutheran Church, Helena.
Willie loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren and was always a "kid at heart." He was a great storyteller and would often begin stories with 'like about the time when'. He particularly loved history and the Louis LAmour collection. He had a great memory regarding historical events and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others. He also loved golfing with family and friends and being in the outdoors.
Wilfred was meticulous in his "Finnish" carpentry and took great pride in his craftsmanship. He was proud of his Finnish ancestry and spoke the language fluently.
Wilfred is survived by his wife, Norma Jean; his children, Karla (Mark) Greer, Jeff (Amy) Huotari and Tami (Tom) Cook, all of Helena; grandchildren Justin, Jacob, Kendra; step-grandchildren Bryan, Jason and Christina; brother Larry (Judy) Huotari of Kebeka, Minn.; sisters Gladys Miller of White Bear Lake, Minn., Julie (Dale) Dahl of Salol, Minn., and Jeanne (Dave) Tellock of Nimrod, Minn.; sisters-in-law Sharon Huotari (Roy Hemphill) and Cindi Huotari both of Sebeka, Minn.; brother-in-law Don (Carol) Falldorf of Missoula; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Wilfred is preceded in death by his father and mother; brothers Delvin and Arlo; and sister Clarice.
Funeral services for Wilfred will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2003, at First Lutheran Church (2231 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601).
Retz Funeral Home is caring for arrangements.
Martha L. Youderian
Martha Lena Youderian, 79, of Lincoln, died at her home on Tuesday, July 1, 2003.
Martha was born on March 27, 1924, in Gilman, Mont., to George T. Foster and Martha Lena Parker Foster. She attended school in Augusta and married
Gene E. Youderian on Aug. 9, 1941. Martha and Gene operated an outfitting and guiding business for more than 40 years in the Blackfoot Valley. She also worked for the U.S. Postal Service and retired as postmaster in 1987.
Martha is survived by her son, Gene F. Youderian (Brooke Mortimer) of Lincoln; daughters Becky (Alan) Thurman, of Brandon, Fla.; and Marty (Tom) Tyson of Helena; grandchildren Julie Youderian of Lincoln; Kelly (Larry) Chapman of Helena; Melissa (Bill) Youderian-Yaeger of Lansing, Mich.; Cleve (Faye) Hamilton of East Helena; and Holly Hamilton of Ogden, Utah; and great-grandchildren Rex, Lane and Sloane Chapman, and Colton Youderian-Yaeger. Additional survivors include her sisters Emma Breidenbach of Great Falls; Opal (Don) Smith of Libby; twin sister Minnie Lund of Mandan, N.D., Mildred Hicks of Wolf Creek, Helen (Frank) Morgan of Augusta, brother Frank Foster of Hemet, Calif., and her best friends, Molly and Tulip. Her husband and a grandson, Michael Bogaert, preceded her in death.
She had many talents and was always seeking to learn new things and to meet new people. When she was young, she loved to play basketball and continued to follow the game throughout her life. She taught herself how to play guitar, and in the last few years became quite a computer geek. Her hobbies involved oil painting, woodcarving, quilting, knitting and sewing. In 1992, Martha was recognized as one of the Lincoln Lady Loggers.
Martha held a particular fondness for young people, and was a dedicated 4-H and Girl Scout leader. She was one of the founding members of the Purple Sage Riders, a riders drill team, and she and Gene provided horses for many of the riders.
Martha will be remembered by her many friends and acquaintances for her hospitality and welcoming smile. She especially enjoyed visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Martha was one of a kind, and those who knew and loved her will always remember her kindness, generosity, and fun-loving spirit.
A celebration of Marthas life will be held on Monday, July 7, 2003, at 3 p.m. at the Lincoln Community Hall. A scholarship fund to benefit graduates of Lincoln High School will be established to honor Marthas memory. Memorial contributions may be sent to: Martha L. Youderian Scholarship Fund, c/o First Bank of Lincoln, P.O. Box 9, Lincoln, MT 59639.
Clinton Dee Pearson
Clinton Dee Pearson, 54, Montana City, formerly from Wolf Creek and Lincoln, Neb., died July 1, 2003, at his home, after suffering from lung cancer caused by his exposure to the chemical Agent Orange, during his tour in Vietnam.
He was born in Raymond, Neb., Sept. 12, 1948, the son of Ernest and Goldie Pearson. After his service in the United States Marine Corps, he worked as a lineman for the Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph Company in Lincoln, Neb.
Clint married
Shari in February of 1991, and they enjoyed their son and two daughters.
Upon Clint's early retirement, he and Shari moved to Wolf Creek and proceeded on to Montana City, where he continued to enjoy fishing, hunting, trapping and just being outdoors.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Goldie Pearson and his sister, Susan.
He is survived by his wife, Shari Duganitz-Pearson; son, Zeke Pearson of Helena; stepdaughters, Linsey and Jennifer Renner of Lincoln, Neb.; brothers, Steve, Clay and Melinda of Lincoln, Neb.; sisters, Carla and Andy Squitieri of Lincoln, Neb.; and Paula and Doug Alleman of Ceresco, Neb.
After cremation occurs, services for Clint will be Monday, July 7, 2003, 1 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans cemetery at Fort Harrison with Pastor David Klass officiating. To help with medical and final expenses, those wishing may send memorials to the Pearson Family Fund, c/o Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave., Helena, MT 59601.
Michael Nichols
Michael Nichols, 51, of Golden Valley, Minn., died June 25, 2003, after a battle with cancer.
Nichols is the son of Jerry and Mary Nichols of Helena.
He is also survived by his daughter, Tessa, and her mother, Maria Meade; brothers, Dan Nichols (Colleen) and Tom Nichols; and sisters, Lynn Nelson (Gene), Susan Anderson (Jerry), Patricia Stewart (Doug), and Julie Sanders (Brad). They are all of Helena.
Curtis Laverne Johnson
Curtis Laverne Johnson, age 75, of Helena passed away at his home on Tuesday, April 15, 2003. He was born on Jan. 10, 1928, in Rugby, N.D., to Sigmar A. and Laura M. (Herrmann) Johnson.
Curtis spent much of his youth working on his grandfather's farm in North Dakota. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1945 and served several years on the Triton, a hospital ship in the South Pacific.
He married
Joyce Miller of Grand Forks, N.D., in 1955, and they moved to Seattle in 1957 where they raised their two daughters.
Curtis and Joyce divorced in 1978.
Curtis worked for Kaiser Cement & Gypsum in Seattle for 30 years. He retired and came to Montana in 1983 and built a home at York, Mont.
He is survived by his wife Edna M. (Carlson) Johnson whom he married
in 1984. They lived at York for 10 years and then moved closer to Helena.
He is also survived by two daughters, Nancy (Victor) Macias and grandson, Andrew Macias of Milpitas, Calif., and Marlyne Johnson and a granddaughter, Lauren Chan of Seattle; one stepson, Marty Miller of Helena; two stepdaughters, Carla (Tom) Smith and Twyla (Harold) Bush, both of Helena; two step-granddaughters, Shannon Smith and Kelly (Chris) Hueth of Helena; three step-grandsons, Travis (Angela) McEwen and great-grandson, Talon of Helena, Timothy (Leslie) McEwen and great-granddaughter, Mallory Ann of Breckenridge, Minn., and Tom Smith, Jr. and his wife Katie of Cheyenne, Wyo. He is also survived by one brother, Alton Johnson of Lake Park, Minn., two sisters, Juanita LeFavor of Blaine, Wash., and Estel Richter of Grandforks, N.D., and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.
His parents and one brother, Charles Johnson and a grandson, Jonathan Chan preceded him in death.
Curtis and his wife, Edna enjoyed Yuma Ariz., weather for 18 winters. Curtis liked to catch the big catfish in the Colorado River on the California and Arizona border. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and digging sapphires and gardening at home in Montana.
Private family services were conducted from Hagler-Anderson Chapel on Saturday, April 19, with Pastor Thomas C. Banks of the International Church of Helena officiating.
Interment of cremains will take place on today at the Montana State Veterans cemetery, Fort Harrison at 11 a.m.
Arrangements were entrusted to Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home.
Jerry Gene Grandy
Jerry Gene Grandy, age 32, of Helena was laid to rest with his beloved cat CJ.
He was one of six children, born on May 16, 1970, to Gene and Lonnie Grandy of Elliston. Jerry attended elementary school in East Helena and graduated from Helena High School in 1988 and later from the Helena College of Technology in 1998. He became a skilled machinist and welder and took a job in Kalispell. Jerry held different jobs but most recently worked at the American Chemet in East Helena.
Jerry grew up in East Helena and always considered that his home. As a youngster he always managed to find his way to the creek and surrounding mountains. He enjoyed motorbikes and riding high school rodeos. He loved life and lived it to the fullest and sometimes on the edge. He lived like it was a contest; to see who could have the most fun. Jerry had a heart of gold and didnt have a mean or hurtful side anywhere about him. The power of his presence will keep our hearts lifted just as he would have wanted it. We watched Jerry grow into an incredibly sensitive, caring, tenderhearted and understanding man. His family, friends and CJ the cat meant everything to him.
Jerry had a gifted talent at remembering numbers, dates and historical events although he could never remember his keys.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He was the fuel behind every joke and laughter in a silent room. We will always remember Jerry for his amazing ability to draw you in and make you feel as though you had known each other for a lifetime. His great sense of humor and ability to laugh at any situation would shine through. Jerry gave, shared, lived and loved with all he had and then some.
Although Jerry was taken from us long before it was time for him to go, he surrendered his soul to our Lord and Savior and embarked on an eternal journey but his spirit and memory will live with us forever. May the Son of God enfold him with His Spirit and His love and make him whole.
Our son, brother, uncle and grandson leaves behind his parents, Gene and Lonnie Grandy of Elliston, Becky and Colin Douglas of Texas, Jeff and Rhonda Grandy of Helena, Nicole and Lee Rice of Missoula, Heidi Renshaw of Connecticut, Ryan and Magalie Grandy of New York; nieces and nephews, Colby Douglas of Texas, Cody and Colten Grandy of Helena, Amanda and Rachel of Missoula, Tyler and Ryan Renshaw of Connecticut and Eunice Grandy of East Helena and several aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Charles and Ruth Noland, aunts Retta Lebetrau and Kathy Noland and grandfather Verle Grandy.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 19, at 11 a.m. at St. Marys Catholic Community Church, 1700 Missoula Ave, Helena. Memorials may be given to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P. O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604. Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home has been entrusted to handle arrangements.
Ralph L. Wegner
Ralph L. Wegner of Helena, passed away on May 19, 2003, following a courageous battle with leukemia. He will be dearly missed.
Ralph was born in Helena on March 12, 1932, to William F. and Jesse Wegner. He graduated from Helena High School in 1950 and attended Montana State University for a brief period of time. In 1951, he began farming in the Helena valley.
Ralphs family was one of the original farming and ranching families in the Helena valley and he carried on this tradition through his love of farming, ranching, tractors, livestock and dogs.
Ralph married
Bobby in June 1970 at the Plymouth Congregational Church in Helena. The couple worked and played beside one another for almost 33 years, continuing their familys strong ties to their agricultural backgrounds. They worked the Wegner and adjoining Franks places in the Helena valley before moving to Denton in 1980, where they farmed and ranched until 1998 at which time they returned to Helena.
Upon retirement, they spent the greater part of the winter months in Arizona with friends, Don and Sara Hilger, hosting numerous gatherings at the RV park in the winters and doing the same at their Helena home throughout the summer.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Bobby; his four children, Karen (Phil) Maybee of New Caney, Texas, Bill (Dorothy) Wegner of Helena, Curt (Tammy) Pate of Belle Fourche, S.D., and Darcy (Will) Rasmussen of Choteau; grandchildren Nick (Terri) Marsh of Park City, Willy Wegner of Helena, Jessica King of Nashville, Tenn., Liz (Tom) Stuber of Helena, Michael Maybee of Conroe, Texas, Curt, Kyla, Casey and Quincy Rasmussen of Choteau, and Rial and Mesa Pate of Belle Fourche, S.D.; great-grandchildren Michael, Ryan, and Marlee Marsh of Park City, and Skylar and Lauren King of Nashville. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Jesse, brother Howard, and sister Jeanne Hatlilid.
Ralph lived his life to the fullest, seldom letting a minute go by without living it up. He always had a smile and kind words for all who came into his life through family or friendships. He never met a stranger and always took in those in need of help, companionship, or encouragement. Ralph served as a father and grandfather figure to many. He was often the fuel behind the jokes and laughter in what might have been a silent room.
Ralph was a great entertainer - he enjoyed dancing and presented a challenge to anyone who thought they could keep up with him. His family finds it easy to imagine him up in Heaven endlessly spinning across the dance floor.
A memorial service in celebration of Ralphs life will be held on Friday, May 23 at 2 p.m. at Hagler-Anderson Mortuary. Memorials may be given to East Valley Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 2087, East Helena, MT 59635 or to St. Peters Hospital, Cancer Treatment Center, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
Ruth McIntyre
Ruth McIntyre, the diminutive lady with a big heart and many cute hats, died Saturday, July 26, 2003.
She was 70. She endured the relentless advance of cancer for nine years. What began with breast cancer ultimately invaded her liver and took her life. She died peacefully at home with family at her bedside. She was born Dec. 5, 1932, in Minneapolis to Oscar and Thea Borgen. Ruth was the next youngest in a family of four girls. She was preceded in death by her parents and younger sister Dorothy.
Ruth spent her youth in Minnesota where her parents farmed. She graduated from Princeton, Minn., High School in 1950. During her junior year summer vacation, she had opportunity to visit an older sister in Billings to care for nieces and a nephew. It was there she met husband, Jim. Returning to Minnesota, she completed high school and moved to Minneapolis, beginning work and sending a portion of earnings to her family. In 1951 Ruth returned to Montana where she and Jim were married
December 1951 in Billings at the original American Lutheran Church on North 30th Street. This December they would have celebrated 52 years of marriage.
Ruth continued employment in Billings until 1958 when she left to raise a family.
Son Jason was born in 1960. She remained a stay-at-home mother. The family moved to Helena in 1962 where second son Brian was born in 1967. The family moved to Bozeman in 1968, returning to Helena in 1972 where she resided until death. She participated in Scouting, being an active Den Mother while in Bozeman. She was active in Lutheran Church affairs there teaching Sunday school. She actively participated in events of St. Johns Lutheran Church until illness prevented further activity.
Ruth's intense interest in nursing attracted her to volunteering at hospitals in communities where she lived. Unable to consider college for financial reasons, she volunteered many hours weekly at hospitals beginning in Bozeman. This activity continued until her death. She recently received recognition for 30 years of volunteer work at St. Peters Hospital. She was a longtime member of St. Peters Hospital Association, the hospital auxiliary organization of volunteers. She was elected association secretary in 1993 becoming association president in 1995. To date with her guidance and re-election as association president, the organization has gifted over 300, 000 to St. Peters Hospital.
Except for two special fund-raising events performed annually by Association members, funds are principally generated by Hospital Gift Shop retail sales. This year 53, 000 was given to St. Peters Foundation by the Association for assistance with funding the 800, 000 projected cost expanding the St. Peters Dialysis Center presently under construction. Ruth participated in Gift Shop merchandising by attending trade shows purchasing gift merchandise until illness prevented that activity. She continued to order and display Gift Shop merchandise just a few weeks before death.
Ruth was also secretary and board member for the National Guard Thrift Shop at Fort Harrison, another volunteer endeavor. She volunteered time weekly to sort and qualify merchandise donated to the shop for resale. These volunteers provide substantial financial assistance to causes associated with military related social outreach. Ruth was small in stature, 4 foot 11 inches and a delight to know and be near. Her radiant smile will forever be remembered. Her empathy for others always transcended personal concern; everyone came ahead of her needs or desires. As she liked to say in jest during her lengthy ordeal with cancer, "I never smoked as much as a single cigarette, was blessed with low blood pressure and low cholesterol, but died anyway."
Ruth leaves behind husband, Jim and son, Brian of Helena; son, Jason of Scottsdale, Ariz. Two older sisters also survive, Vivian Ostrom and Jean Blauert, both of Las Vegas.
Cremation has taken place. A service will be held at St. Johns Lutheran Church Wednesday July 30, at 11 a.m. to celebrate the life of Ruth. Interment will be a family affair conducted at a later time. Memorials in the name of Ruth can be directed to: The Cancer Center of St. Peters, St. Peters Hospital Foundation, 2475 E. Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
