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Floyd Charles Fairchild
Floyd Charles Fairchild passed away at the age of 85 on Nov. 19, 2003, in the Big Sky Care Center after complications from a stroke.
He was born in Logan, Iowa, Feb. 17, 1918, to Charles William and Goldie Mae (Martin) Fairchild. Their children included: Ed, Roy, Martha, Floyd, Charles Dean and Edna Mae. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ed, sister Martha, and former wife Mavis.
He worked for many years in logging. In the '30s he worked on the Fort Peck Dam, and later as a shovel operator for the Corp of Engineers. He met and Married Marie Patton on June 7, 1941. From this union three daughters were born: Jeannette Babcock of Renton, Wash., Judy Foust of Wenatchee, Wash., and Gail Kersvage of Winlock, Wash.
He moved his family to Bonners Ferry, Idaho, where he farmed, was partners with his brother Ed in a service station, and owned the Moya Club and restaurant. He and Marie were later divorced.
He married
Mavis Purinton who had four children: Bob, Dan, Jim and Vicky. He worked as a crane operator at the Bangor in Bremerton, Wash. After retiring from there he and Mavis moved to Drummond to be near her mother. It was there Mavis passed away.
In 1985 he married
Pat Clark and inherited five grown children: Skip, Mike, Prish, Annette and Roland. In the early years of their marriage they traveled many places from Alaska to Tennessee.
Floyd was an ardent fisherman and spent many hours on Hauser Lake in the boat looking for fish with Clyde Buell at the helm, and enjoying the many good lunches Pat Buell prepared. One adventure took him to Florida with Skip to catch marlin. When he could no longer fish, pinochle and cribbage became his passion.
He is survived by his wife, Pat, his three daughters and their spouses, three brothers and a sister, nine stepchildren, 29 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. He will be missed by all his family and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted from Hagler-Anderson Chapel on Monday, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m., with Pastor Thomas C. Banks officiating. Interment will be in the Sunset Memorial Park in Butte at 2:30 p.m. Family suggest memorials to Girls & Boys Town, P. O. Box 7000, Boys Town, Neb. 68010.
William Paul 'Bill' Hartz
William Paul "Bill" Hartz, 80, passed away Nov. 24, 2003, at Rocky Mountain Care Center where he had been a resident for more than two years.
Bill was born Aug. 21, 1923, in Helena, to Raymond John and Laura (Wallace) Hartz. He was raised on a ranch on Jackson Creek.
He attended grade schools at Montana City and East Helena and graduated from Helena High School with the class of 1941. Before entering the service he was employed at ASARCo. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942 and served in the Pacific Theatre on the USS Miller DD-535 with Admiral Bull Halsey's Raiders. He was discharged at Shoemaker, Calif., in 1946.
Bill was employed as warehouse manager at J.C. Penney for 15 years. He retired July 1, 1985, with 15 years of service at the State of Montana Worker's Compensation Division. An avid horseman, he was a member of the Montana Cowboy's Rodeo Association and the National Rodeo Association. He participated in saddle bronc, bareback, calf roping and bull riding and in later years the Old Timer's Rodeo.
He enjoyed camping and hunting and was an excellent fly fisherman preferring to use barbless hooks and the catch and release method of fishing. Western novels were his favorite. He was a member of Last Chance Square Dance Club and enjoyed dancing with his partner, Iris Maness and members of the club here and throughout the state. One of the most memorable trips was with four other couples who trailer caravanned to Portland, Ore., for the National Square Dance convention.
He married
Ruth Ellen Downs Sept. 23, 1945. She preceded him in death Feb. 14, 1966. On May 3, 1967, he married
Auguste Bruns. She died June 29, 1995.
His parents, grandparents, infant brother Alfred and a grandson Morgen Dennis preceded him in death.
Bill was a member of the sons' and daughters of Montana Pioneers, a life member of Cory Dullum VFW Post 10010 and the East Helena Senior Citizens Club.
Survivors include his loving companion and caregiver Iris Maness, East Helena; sons Roy D. (Maria) Hartz, Eagle River, Alaska, Calvin (Teresa) Hartz, Columbia, Tenn.; brother Raymond (Lora) Hartz, Helena and their sons Raymond, Helena and Luther and his son Brandon of Bozeman; stepdaughters Maggie (Don) Fallang, Helena and Helga (Bob) Newcomb, Shoreview, Minn.; grandchildren Scott (Joanne) Farrell, Newport News, Va., Doug (Cindy) Hartz, ElCajon, Calif., Mark (Traci) Hartz, Eugene, Ore., Becky (David) Bowdish, Eagle River, Sandy (Bill) Grimmis, Helena and Grant and Dena Newcomb, Shoreview; great-grandchildren Diana Farrell, Jordan, Charlotte and Taylor Hartz, Ryan Bowdish, Larissa Shepherd, Washington, D.C., and Jake Shepherd of Missoula; his mother-in-law, Ruth L. Clark Helena, a sister-in-law Mrs. Max (Donna) Watts, Helena and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Bill will be missed and fondly remembered by the Maness family including Dan and Pat Maness of Oro Valley, Ariz. He was grandpa Bill to Troy, Lynn, Joe and Cody Maness, East Helena, Ben, Terri and Kyle Norman, Helena, and Dan, Shauna and Abby Ottman of Billings.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3, from Hagler-Anderson Chapel with the Rev. Thomas M. O'Donnell officiating. Interment to follow in St. Ann's cemetery in East Helena. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Hospice of St. Peter's, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601 or St. Ann's cemetery c/o Irene Murgel, P.O. Box 525, East Helena, MT 59635.
In memory
A beautiful memory, dearer than gold
Of a man whose worth can never be told
Happy and smiling, always content,
Loyal and respected wherever he went.
To a beautiful life came a peaceful end.
He died as he lived, everyone's friend...
Robert Norman Simonich Jr.
"Four Star Big Bear-Neo Asak Askeema Ska"
Rob Simonich, age 45, of Clancy, died on Nov. 28, 2003, from injuries suffered in an automobile accident while returning home from a plentiful hunting trip.
Rob was loved, admired and respected by people of all walks of life. His engaging personality attracted people to join in his large circle of friends. He loved people and was loved by many.
Rob was born in Butte on Oct. 3, 1958, and spent most of his youth in the Whitehall and Boulder area where he cowboyed on several ranches, He became an avid outdoorsman, gifted as an Indian pipe maker and knife maker and a lifelong collector of Indian and western artifacts.
Rob eventually settled in Clancy and worked several years as crew supervisor in the Pegasus Gold Mine in Jefferson City.
From his youth on he made knives as a hobby and in his spare time worked to fill an ever-growing demand for his finely crafted utility knives. In recent years he devoted full time to knife making and teamed with his wife Christine to form "Simonich Knives LLC." Now renowned worldwide as an expert in his field, one of his knives, the Urban Raven, was recently awarded "American Made Knife of the Year" by Blade Magazine.
Rob was especially proud of his Indian heritage, which included ancestry in the Chippewa-Cree tribe. He was a pipe maker, a student of Indian herbal medicine and was devoted to all spiritual practices. He was gifted with the name Four Star Big Bear (Neo Asak Askeerna Ska) that he coveted and revered as a badge of great honor.
His father and mother Norman and Betty Simonich and his son Rob preceded him in death. He is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate Christine, adored daughter Megan; sisters Terry Brooks of Hemphill, Texas, and Sandy Randall of Whitefish; and brother Tony of Helena.
A traditional Indian burial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 6 at 11 a.m. south of Whitehall. From Whitehall, turn south on Highway 55 toward Twin Bridges. After about 5 miles look for "Four Star Big Bear" signs as a guide to the burial site. A memorial service/feast will be held in Clancy at the Simonich home at: 97 Old Alhambra Road following the burial service. It expected to begin about 2 p.m.
The family of Rob requests that those who desire to give memorial gifts support four summer Horse Dance Ceremonies in Rob's memory. Send gifts to Christine, P.O. Box 278, Clancy, MT 59634.
Jesse Leo Cleary
Jesse Leo Cleary, age 74, died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2003, at St. Peters Hospital from a ruptured aorta. He was born on June 21, 1929, in Eureka to Jesse Leo Cleary Sr. and Ellen (Farley) Cleary.
He worked for the Great Northern R.R. at the age of 19; in the Renton Boeing plant on several historical aircraft; he became a journeyman electrician at 28 years of age; worked on seven dams along the Columbia River as well as the Libby Dam. Jesse retired a master electrician. He was a captain in the Salvation Army for 16 years. Jesse was a Golden Eagle of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, being a member for 32 years and served as president of two lodges. He has been mining for approximately 20 years, which led to the founding of GoldenBoy Inc. (manufacturer of gold recovery equipment).
Jesse was very kind and helping to family, friends and strangers in need. As a youth living in Eureka, a sense of compassion and family values were instilled in him by his grandfather, William Farley, who opened his home to many people who had nowhere else to go. Jesse has touched the lives of countless individuals using these same values.
He is survived by his wife Hazel E. Cleary whom he married
on April 16, 1976; two brothers, Philip Cleary of Indianapolis, Ind., and Verlon Miller of Walla Walla, Wash.; three sisters, Laura Ruffcorn of Mesa, Ariz., Joyce Deboer of Wenatchee, Wash., and Darlene Dace of Federal Way, Wash.; three step-sisters, Marlee Manuel of Winnet, Laverna Rae Conrad of Lewiston, and Oleta Olson of Grass Range; four sons, Jesse L. Cleary III., Stanley E. Cleary, David L. Cleary, and Richard C. Cleary; one daughter Kathy A. Friend; three step-children, Ernest McKinney, Judy (McKinney) Blackhall, and Kenneth A. McKinney; dozens of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members. His father, mother, and stepfather Verlon Miller preceded him in death.
There will be no funeral services. Cremation has been taken care of by Retz Funeral Home. A wake will be announced at a later date.
Rita Jane Wolstein
Rita Jane (Hamlin) Wolstein died Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2003, at her home in Helena following a brief illness. She was born June 9, 1930, to Julia and Isadore Hamlin in Gilman, which was a small town just east of present day Augusta.
At the young age of three months, Rita and her family moved to Helena. Rita attended grade school at St. Marys Catholic School and graduated from Helena High School.
She married
Wendy Winfield Belgarde in 1949 and had two children. She married
Richard Wolstein on Oct. 17, 1959, and had five children. After raising her seven children, Rita decided to go to work. She worked for Bobs Valley Service when it was just a small gas station. After Bobs, she then worked for Ray-D-Ant Cleaners and then Capital Laundry, where she remained until her early retirement due to health problems.
Rita wasnt one to just sit around; she enjoyed being around people and became a foster grandparent for the Head Start Program. She truly enjoyed the time she spent with the children. She was extremely proud of the award she received for being an outstanding volunteer for Head Start.
Rita will be most remembered for her beautiful voice. She enjoyed sharing her musical gift with family and friends but she especially loved singing to her grandchildren. One of Ritas fondest memories was singing on the stage of the beautiful Marlow Theatre at age 17 in a competition. She wore a beautiful silver chiffon dress that was hand sewn for her by her mother, Julia.
Rita was Chippewa-Cree and a member of the Little Shell Tribe. She was very proud of her Indian heritage.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, 10 siblings and her son, Reed Wolstein. She is survived by her husband, Richard Wolstein, children: Carla (Mike) Allen, Wayne Belgarde, Trent (Abby) Wolstein, Marla (Wayne ) Wilson and David (Michelle) Wolstein, all of Helena, and Roxanne Wolstein of Davenport, Iowa. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Michelle, Edward and A.J. Allen, David and Carrie Belgarde, Layna and Megan Chuter, Tal Wolstein, Denny Smith, Jake and Jessica Wilson, Alex and Brett Geist, Treg and Haven Wolstein; and her great grandchild, Parker Smith Allen. She also leaves behind many very special nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.
Funeral services will be held from Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, Friday, Dec. 5, at 10 a.m. Interment of cremains will follow at Resurrection cemetery. Family prefers memorials to Rocky Mountain Development Council, P.O. Box 1717, Helena, MT 59624. Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.
Jean Frances (Fowlie) Knight
Jean Frances (Fowlie) Knight passed away at the Mountainview Medical Center in White Sulphur Springs the morning of Nov. 29, 2003, after a lengthy illness.
Jean was born to Major James F. and Lucile Fowlie on March 31, 1922, in White Sulphur Springs where she lived and attended school until graduating (Class of 40). She then went on to business college in Great Falls.
She married
James Quinlan Knight (died May 1971) in Great Falls on Jan. 26, 1943, where he then entered the armed forces.
On Dec. 24, 1943, Jean entered the military service serving as a corporal in the 1505th Army Air Force Base Unit, Recruiting Unit 405. She served in Louisiana, Texas and California with her last assignment being in Washington, D.C., working at the Pentagon. While stationed there she was one of a number of women chosen by Bob Hope to represent the Army in his show in Washington, D.C. She was very proud of serving her country in the armed forces and said that it was the best thing she ever did.
Upon her discharge she went to work for the courthouse in White Sulphur Springs. She held numerous jobs while following her husband in the construction business. Her last position held was working for the Department of Administration where she retired at the age of 65.
She is survived by her beloved children Gregory A. Knight (Marlene), Leigh A. Black (Dick), Lynn F. Jones (Ben); grandchildren Gregory J. and Douglas J. Knight, Stephanie J. and Justin E. Grosfield, great-grandchild Jacob M. Knight, brother Robert Fowlie (Virginia), sister-in-law Lois Knight and numerous nieces and nephews.
Special thanks go to the "walking angels" of Mountainview Medical Center who assisted Jean and her family in completing the last few days of Jeans 81 year journey.
Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at Hagler Anderson Funeral Home. Private inurnment services will be held at the Mayn cemetery in White Sulphur Springs at a later date.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mountainview Medical Center, P.O. Box Q, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645 or to the charity of donors choice.
Norman Edward Warren
Norman Edward Warren, age 65, died Nov. 28, 2003, at the Warren family home of natural causes. He was born on July 7, 1938, in Helena to William Louis and Myrtle Estil (Moren) Warren.
He served in the U.S. Army from Sept. 7, 1961, to Sept. 6, 1967, which included four years in the Army National Guard. While in the service, he was stationed in France.
He married
Thelma Krantz in 1966. His daughter Norma Jean was born on August 27, 1966. He and Thelma were later divorced. He married
Delores Sturn Richeson in 1971, and they were later divorced.
For more than 25 years, Norman worked at Mountain Bell which later became U.S. West, retiring from there in 1994.
He was a member of the Sons and Daughters of the Pioneers of Montana.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents and brothers James and William Grant Warren.
Survivors include his daughter Norma Jean Warren of Reno, Nev.; grandchildren Amanda and Zachariah of Reno; brother Thomas (Betty) Warren of Helena; sister Sylvia (Monte) Eliason of Swan Lake; brother Chris (Dannie) Warren of Helena; sister-in-law Billie Warren of Middletown, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted from Hagler-Anderson Chapel at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3. Memorials may be made to St. Peter's Hospital Cancer Treatment Center, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
Stella Mae McCormick
Stella Mae McCormick, age 87, of Shelby passed from this life on Dec. 2, 2003, in Helena.
Visitation will start at 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5 with a vigil service at 7 p.m. at the Whitted Funeral Chapel in Shelby. Funeral Mass will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, at St. William Catholic Church with burial to follow in Mountain View cemetery.
She was born on May 11, 1916, at home on the family homestead near Lambert. Stella was the sixth of 12 children born to Peter Lorenzo Prevost and Mabelle Victorine (Michaud) Prevost.
Stella attended grade school at the Three Buttes School near Lambert and graduated from Sidney High School. After completing her training at Billings Business College, she moved to Shelby where she worked for the county clerk and met Robert Angus McCormick. Stella and Bob were married
in Sidney Sept. 21, 1939. They resided in Shelby their entire lives except for a time during the 1940s.
During World War II Stella and her two children, Charmaine and Robert (Bob) lived in Lewistown with Stellas sister Regina and nephew, Leland Corkran while Bob served in the Navy. It was in Lewistown that Stellas third child, Mary Ellen was born. In the following years Stella and Bob were blessed with four more children: Colleen, James, Joseph and Patrice.
After most of their children were raised, Stella began her third career as office manager, bookkeeper and secretary for her husband, Bob, in the family real estate and insurance business. She and Bob were a good business and family team. At the end of each day Stella left the office at the office and went home to be a family, because it was her family that meant the most to her.
Central to her purpose was the Lord, her Catholic faith and commitment to raise her children to do the right thing. She reminded us quite frequently that families that pray together stay together.
Stella was a giving person who always thought of others before herself. It was always her greatest joy to have her children together for family dinners and holidays. She made sure everyone had a place to sit and enough to eat before she sat down. When asked to sit with us she wouldnt eat until she was sure everyone was served. She would answer, "later." So, we lovingly named her "Later" for dinner.
She taught us that giving to others gives purpose and meaning to life. She gave her life to her husband, her children and community. She served her church as a member of the St. William Parish Alter Society and her community through Home Demonstration Club and 4-H.
She volunteered to serve others through her quiet, individual ministry to the elderly and those who were down on their luck. It was typical for Mom to provide something to eat and drink for the homeless who came to our door. We simply accepted what Mom did, and how she lived her life as ordinary. It wasnt until we were grown and gone from home that we realized what an extraordinary person she was.
Mom was very proud of her French-Canadian heritage. Dad made it a point to be proud of our "shanty" Irish (with a little Scotch) ancestry and was sure to pass along the "wearin of the green." Mom would go along with our Irish indoctrination and have fun with us, but from time to time remind us that we are half Canadian French. It is a family heritage dating to the founding of New France (now Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia). Mom taught us some of the basic French. We enjoyed speaking French with her until her last days.
Moms friends were very special to her. They kept her spirits going when they got together to have coffee, play bridge or just sit and talk about things that they had in common. In her later days she often told us how she missed them.
Stella passed away seven years to the day after her husband, Bob. She was also preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, four sisters and grandson, Ryan McCormick. She is survived by her children, their spouses and families, Charmaine (Dick) Parker, Bob (Carolynne), Mary Ellen, Colleen (Frank) Lindskov, Jim (Shelley), Joe (Barb) and Patrice (Brad) Hughes. Grandchildren, Craig (Kristi) Parker, Renee (Drew) Shoening, Denise (Lynn) Montgomery, Mike (Kelley) Parker, Kristin (Mike) Cole, Rebecca (Shane) Reno, Jeffery McCormick, Michelle Lindskov, Bob Lindskov, Stephanie Lindskov, Erin McCormick, Scott McCormick, Brad Hughes, Kristopher Hughes, Elizabeth Hughes and 16 great-grandchildren. Stellas sisters, Jeanette Larson, Azalea Butka, Alice (Jim) Brown and Joann (Ed) Conlin also survive her.
Mcre dadieu. Nous prions pour vous, toujours. (Mother, farewell. We pray for you, always.)
We miss the sparkle in your eyes and beautiful smile but feel the warm embrace of your love.
Memorials can be made in Stellas name to St. William Parish in Shelby or to the charity of your choice. Cards for Stella can be mailed to Charmaine Parker, 6160 Penwell Bridge Road, Belgrade, MT 59714.
