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Chris Stobie
HOT SPRINGS - Dec. 6, 2003, Chris Stobie, 71, lost his battle with cancer and died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. Well known for his sense of humor and quick smile, Chris brought cheer and comfort to his friends and family in his last days as he did all of his life.
Born March 12, 1932, to Ruth Aeimesseger Stobie and Victor Stobie in Plains, Chris was raised at the Stobie Ranch up Thompson River with his brother Herb and sisters Peg and Victo.
After graduating from Plains High School in 1951, Chris, his father and brother Herb started a logging business. In 1952, he talked his good friend Eddy Burnham into joining the Army on the buddy system. Eddy was sent to Korea while Chris went to Germany. Chris broke his back in a truck accident while in Germany and returned to Ft. Lewis Army Hospital in a complete body cast. After recuperating he was discharged and returned to the Stobie Ranch and started logging again.
Chris attended the University of Montana in Missoula for three years where he studied journalism while still helping out with the family logging business in the summer. Then he and his brother Herb bought a hardware/grocery store in Thompson Falls that they operated with their father Vic.
In 1959, Chris met Ruby Sheffer in Thompson Falls, and setting the example for his good friend Dick Vinson, decided to marry this Canadian import on June 26, 1960. They were happily married
for 43 years.
During the following years Chris and his father and brother owned and operated IGA grocery stores in Plains, Paradise, Thompson Falls and Trout Creek. He continued to operate heavy equipment despite having a broken back go out on him on his 40th birthday, and built many of the roads in the Thompson River Drainage.
Chris served in the Montana State Legislature as the Sanders County representative from 1977 to 1983. During those terms he served on the appropriations, highways and transportation committees. During his tenure he was instrumental in getting Trout Creek designated as the Huckleberry Capitol of Montana. He also served as the chairman of the Republican Central Committee for Sanders County and managed to make the Republican dinners almost bipartisan, selling tickets to both Democrats and Republicans. At many of these dinners he used his auctioning talents to auction off many strange and unusual items to several unwilling and unsuspecting bidders, both Democrat and Republican.
Chris was the Sanders County Fair manager and board member, a position he held for 20 years without pay. He was responsible for instituting the still popular demolition derby. He was the president of the Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs in 1974 and was the manager-director from 1963 to 1981.
He was the president of the Sanders County and Paradise-Plains chambers of commerce and chairman of the Natural Resources Committee of Sanders County. He served on the board of directors for the Montana Food Distributors Association and belonged to the National Association of Retail Grocers, the NRA, the Thompson Falls Lions Club, and was a life member of the Plains VFW and the American Legion in Paradise. He was also a staunch promoter of rodeos and once was the announcer at the rodeo in Hot Springs when the need arose.
Chris's friends and family will remember him for his practical jokes, his love of fishing, playing pinochle, poker and cribbage, the many football bets he won, (as Todd Sanders knows), the numerous things he sold for good causes, and the many people he helped.
His grandchildren will remember his army khakis which he wore long before they became stylish, fishing trips, his ability to take a nap anywhere, his colossal snoring and the many games of pinochle they played with him.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ruth and Vic Stobie and brother-in-law Bert VanCampen. He is survived by his wife, Ruby; his children, Robin and husband Jeff Miller, and Jim and wife Paula; his grandchildren Kyle and Jase Miller, Chris and Conner Stobie, and Hanna and Randi Arnold, all of Hot Springs. Other survivors include his brother Herb Stobie and wife Juanita; his sisters Victo VanCampen, Peg McCarthy and husband Larry; and numerous and much loved nieces and nephews.
There will be a viewing at the Coffelt-Bunch Funeral Home in Plains Friday Dec. 12, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. and funeral services at the Sanders County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Plains Saturday, Dec. 13, at 1 p.m., with a dinner following at the VFW Hall in Plains. We would like to remember how Chris lived and enjoyed life. Please come, and write down your favorite memories. We'll be reading them aloud at the dinner afterwards. He'd like that. The family suggests memorials to Clark Fork Valley Hospice, Box 768, Plains, MT 59859.
Herbert A. Smith
Herbert A. Smith, age 62, of Helena, died peacefully at home on Saturday afternoon, Dec. 6, 2003. He courageously struggled with Lou Gehrig's disease over a year and a half; he never lost his sense of humor and kept his faith. Herb never complained and gave life to all those around him to the end.
Herb was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Feb. 25, 1941, the son of Herbert and Mitzi Smith. After attending school on a football scholarship at Texas A&M;, Herb joined the Air Force and had a tour of duty in Germany.
His working career began with Southern Bell in Dallas. Herb moved to Montana with his first wife, Kathy, and daughter Robin in 1973. They later divorced. He continued working for Mountain Bell in Missoula for 10 years. Herb married
Patty Groven in 1983 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Herb and Patty and their daughters, Tanya and Robin, moved to Helena in 1985 where Herb finished his career of over 30 years with U.S. West (formerly Mountain Bell).
Herb was preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by sisters, Nancy Smith and Susan Barry; brother Ladd Smith; and several nieces and nephews. Survivors also include wife, Patty; daughters Robin Garland and husband Shawn and Tanya Fritz and husband Josh; granddaughter, Josie Fritz and grandchild Garland expected in April.
A Master Mason and Past Master of the Missoula Lodge #13, he loved his brothers in the lodge and supported many charities. His passions were golf, watching sports, especially football, big-game hunting, boating, ice fishing and fly fishing. Herb loved playing pool with family and friends. Herb also enjoyed the occasional float down the Missouri River. But most of his friends remember his remarkable joke-telling prowess and his charisma- felt in any room he entered.
Herb loved people and made time for everybody. In retirement, he particularly appreciated the students and enjoyed bussing them to school and sports activities. He loved his Yorkshire Terriers, Jessie and Jazzie.
Although his 62 years among us were far too short, he never failed to live life to its fullest. The special love of his life was wife Patty, a wonderful and compassionate partner. Daughter Robin was the apple of his eye and he heartily enjoyed the rest of his family. Friends were very important to Herb, and he treasured all the special moments they shared.
The family would like to thank the wonderful support and caring they received from friends, St. Peter's Hospice nurses and volunteers, the doctors who cared for him, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 2070 Overland Ave. #101, Billings, MT or to the Hospice of St. Peter's, 2475 Broadway St., Helena, MT 59601.
Viewing will be from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Retz Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m at the St. Paul's United Methodist Church on Thursday, Dec. 11, with interment at 1:30 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens cemetery in Helena. Retz Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Effie K. Cutler
Effie K. Cutler, 85, of East Helena, passed away Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, at St. Peters Hospital.
She was born in Coombs Flat, Mont., and graduated from Laurel High School. She came to Helena to work in the State Legislature. She married
Ira B. Cutler in 1939. Effie retired as commission secretary in 1978 from the Montana State Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Robert; and sisters, Betty and JoAnn. Survivors include her daughter, Karen; her sister, Edna; grandchildren, Robert B. (Connie) Cutler, Tara Cutler, Tammy (Craig) Warner, Tim (Teresa) Cutler, and Robin (Jason) McCauley; and seven great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place. Effie requested no funeral. The family will hold graveside services at a later date. Those wishing may send memorials to donors choice. Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home was entrusted with local arrangements.
Viola Pentecost Hebert
Viola Pentecost Hebert passed away Tuesday evening, Dec. 9, 2003, in St. James Healthcare. She was born Viola Nora Goettel April 20, 1918, in Lewistown, the daughter of Julius and Inez Goettel. She graduated from Fergus County High School.
She married
John "Jack" Pentecost Sept. 4, 1937, in Lewistown. They had five children; Bobby, Karen, Mary, Karl and Curt. John passed away July 10, 1967.
Viola attended the Butte Academy of Beauty Culture in 1968. In 1970 she completed the LPN course at the Butte Vo Tech. She worked at the State Hospital in Warm Springs and later at the Care Unit at Butte Silver Bow Hospital.
In 1974 she married
Kenneth "Bud" Hebert. They enjoyed traveling, dancing and playing cards. Ken preceded her in death in 2000. She was also preceded in death by her son Robert in 1973.
Her greatest joys were her family and friends, her flowers and animals. She delighted in making the holidays special. She was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church for over 50 years.
She is survived by her brother, Fred Goettel, of Lewistown, her children, Karen and Carl Maehl of Helena, Mary and Hans Larsen of Fenwick, Mich., Karl and Jean Pentecost and Curt Pentecost and Lura McGee all of Butte; stepchildren, Sally Clack of Westminster, Calif., and Ken Hebert of Oregon; grandchildren, Julie, Kate, Carl John, Dave, Paul, Jodi, Chris, Amy, Colleen, Karl Robert, Jennifer, Ellen Viola, Ann, Hans, Ivan, Ian, Mark, Don, Mary Lynn, Meredith and Michael and by 16 great-grandchildren and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, cousins and many close friends.
In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place. Relatives and friends may call after 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, in the Duggan Dolan Chapel. Rosary services will be conducted at 5:30 p.m. Liturgy of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in St. John the Evangelist Church. Interment will follow in Holy Cross cemetery. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of the Rockies, Highland Hospice or to a charity of donors choice.
"God Bless" Mom!
Helen Louise Irey
Helen Louise Irey, age 88, of Townsend, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, at Broadwater Health Center.
She was born July 7, 1915, to Floyd J. and Barbara (Brakstad) Goddard in Clyde Park, and later moved to Livingston. She worked as a supervisor for Mountain States Telephone Company in Livingston. Later she moved White Sulphur Springs and worked as the deputy treasurer and then the treasurer for Meagher County.
Survivors include her husband, Jack; two brothers, Don R. Goddard of Deer Lodge, and Floyd James Goddard of Brigham City, Utah; a sister, Mary Lou Shields of Houston; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Her funeral is 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, with graveside service at 2 p.m. at Mountain View cemetery, Livingston. Connors Funeral Home assisted the family with the services.
Harry E. Morgensen
Harry E. Morgensen, age 84, of Livingston, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2004, at a Livingston hospital.
Cremation has taken place. A graveside service has been held Mountain View cemetery in Livingston on Wednesday, Dec. 10, with members of Livingston Lodge #246 officiating and military honors provided.
Franzen Davis Funeral Home of Livingston are in care of the arrangements.
David Stewart Rennie
David Stewart Rennie, 86, passed away peacefully on Dec. 8, 2003, in Conrad after an extended illness. He was surrounded by family members including his loving wife, Dorothy, and his stepdaughter, Gayle and her husband, Kirk Mycke.
David was born in Quincy, Mass., and was raised primarily in the New York City area. He served as a navigator and bombardier in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and was discharged from the Air Force Reserve in Great Falls.
After the war, David lived for many years in Anaconda and retired from the U.S. Postal Service. David was married
to Grace Elizabeth (Beth) Rennie, nee Marchion, who preceded him in death, and they had one son, Paul. In his later years, David moved to Helena, and found marital happiness once again when he wed Dorothy Christianson.
David will be remembered by many friends for his quick smile, twinkling eyes, and wonderful sense of humor. He greatly enjoyed the outdoors, spending many weekends camping, fishing and backpacking until his last years. Building on his military experience, David was also an aviation enthusiast, and finally, in his 70s, achieved a long-standing dream of studying to become a pilot.
He was a longtime member of the Anaconda Amateur Radio Club, was active in his church life, and a member of the VFW, the American Legion and of the Anaconda Toastmasters.
David was preceded in death by his parents, David Sr. and Joan, his two sisters, Myrtle and Mina, and his wife, Beth. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy (Christianson) Rennie of Helena; a son and son-in-law, Paul and Darin Heitt-Rennie of Belgrade, and by Dorothys seven children, their spouses, and numerous grand and great-grandchildren.
Arrangements are being made through Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home, 650 Logan St., Helena. Friends may visit beginning at 1 p.m. Thursday afternoon. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12. Interment with military honors will be at the Montana State Veterans cemetery, Fort Harrison immediately after the funeral, followed by a bereavement dinner at the American Legion Post No. 2, 3095 Villard Ave., Helena.
A memorial service will also be held in Anaconda at a time and place to be announced.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Shodair Childrens Hospital, P.O. Box 5539, Helena, MT 59604, Peace Hospice of Montana Pondra, 300 N. Virginia, Conrad, MT 59425 or other of the donors choice.
Robert B. Brown
Robert B. Brown, 74, a man centered on God, his family, and his country, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2003, at his home in Kalispell of natural causes.
He was born Aug. 5, 1929, in Marion, Ind., to H. Kenneth and Delores (Williams) Brown. After graduating from Marion High School, Bob completed one semester at Purdue University before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He served three years in the Army before entering the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Upon graduation from West Point in 1955, Bob married
his sweetheart of four years, Helene Arrotta. Together, for the next 20 years, they were stationed at several Army bases throughout the United States and the world, including the Pentagon. Having served in Korea and in Vietnam, Bob retired as a Lt. Col. He received the Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Service Medal and various campaign medals. After retirement Bob and his family moved to Missoula to enjoy the beauty of the West.
Bob received a teaching certificate and a masters degree from the University of Montana. He was a dedicated educator who served in the positions of teacher, principal, professor, personnel director and superintendent in Missoula, Hardin, Bozeman and Clancy. Bob and Helene moved to the Many Lakes area of Flathead Valley in 1989.
Bobs interests included skiing, hiking and football (he was a big Broncos fan). He enjoyed teaching Spanish and meeting with his Wednesday morning mens Bible Study group. Bob was a man of integrity and character. He was a devoted servant, faithfully living out his commitment to Jesus Christ and his church family. He loved his wife, daughters and family very much.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, David R. Brown. He is survived by his wife, Helene; daughters, Kathleen and Don Bischoff and their children, Luke, Joel, Amy, Ellen, and Mary of Helena; and Susan and Bill Salonen and their children, Andrew and Ryan of Great Falls; one brother, James C. Brown of Syracuse, Ind.; brother-in-law: Louis Arrotta of Newburgh, N.Y.; and a stepmother Allie Brown of Marion.
A memorial service for Bob has been held. Burial will take place with full military honors on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 1 p.m. at the Montana State Veterans cemetery in Helena. An open house will be held following the burial service at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 800 N. Hoback.
The family suggests memorial gifts be given to Flathead Pro-Life: P.O. Box 2211, Kalispell, MT 59903. Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson Mortuary & Crematory.
Don Thomas Henderson
Don Thomas Henderson of Helena passed into Gods hands on Monday, Nov. 10, 2003, at The Big Sky Care Center.
Don was born in Glendive Sept. 23, 1931, the oldest son of Thomas Richard and Lura Mae Quick Henderson.
He attended grade school and high school in Glendive. He also attended Milwaukee School of Engineering in Milwaukee. Don had fun memories of time spent in the Glendive swimming pool across the street from his home and the hiking and camping with his dad and boyhood friends in the badlands of Eastern Montana.
Don was a member of the Montana National Guard. In 1950, he joined the Navy and served four years in the Korean War aboard the destroyer escort, USS Hanna DE-449. He was honorably discharged in 1954.
Don was married
to Sharon Kay Uhlich on Sept. 4, 1955, in Glendive. They lived all their married
life in various areas around the state. Their two children, Dean Davon and Darla Dawn, were born in Billings.
Don retired in 1985 after 30 years with Mountain Bell and U. S. West. After retirement, he operated Big Sky Photography, a mobile professional photographic studio.
During the summer he and Sharon worked in Helena; during the winter their attention turned to RV and mobile home parks in Arizona. They photographed Algeria Shrine members throughout Montana and produced a photographic book for the Shrine. During their married
years, they personally built three homes together during after-work hours and weekends.
Don was very active in the community during his working years. The Tel-Talkers, a Mountain Bell group for aspiring speakers, often awarded him the traveling trophy for his speeches. He sang in the Grace Methodist Church choir in Billings and the Plymouth Congregation Church choir in Helena.
He was treasurer of the church board. Don was scoutmaster of the Grace Methodist Troop #128 and the Green Bar Patrol in Billings and assistant scoutmaster of the Plymouth Congregational Troop #228. With many scouts from Troop #128, he attended the 50th National Jamboree in Colorado Springs, Colo. Troop #228 backpacked 60 miles through the Bob Marshall Wilderness, which was a tremendous experience for many young boys. He was president of Skyline Chapter of the Pioneers of America, a service organization to handicapped children and adults, for Utah, Idaho and Montana. He also sang in the Telephone Choir.
Don and Sharon traveled extensively in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Maritimes with the Foretravel RV Motorhome Club and on their own. They especially enjoyed the many friendships made during these happy, carefree years.
Dons hobbies were reading, church choir, amateur radio, photography, carpentry, traveling, hiking and camping. He loved dogs and they were a continual source of joy in his life. Life was busy, exciting and rewarding.
Don was a member of the King Solomons Lodge # 9, AM & AM, Scottish Rite, Algeria Shrine, Miriam Chapter #1 of the Order of Eastern Star, Shrine Drum Corp, Masonic Travel Club, Plymouth Congregational Church; Amateur Radio Club, Escapee Travel Club, Foretravel Motorcade Club, the Telephone Family Camper Club and a life member of the Telephone Pioneers.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon Henderson, of Helena; a son, Dean Davon (Theresa) Henderson of Colorado Springs; a grandson, Marc Ryan Henderson of Flint, Mich.; a granddaughter, Holly Ann Henderson of Grand Junction, Colo.; and a brother, Robert Lewis Henderson of Napa, Calif. His parents and his daughter, Darla Dawn, preceded him in death.
Memorial services will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church, 400 S. Oakes, in Helena at 11 a.m. Friday Nov. 21, 2003. The Rev. F. Vern Wright and officers & members of King Solomons Lodge #9, AF & AM will conduct the service. Entombment of cremains will follow at the Plymouth Columbarium with military honors provided by Lewis and Clark Veterans Council. A reception after the services will be held downstairs in the church.
Memorials may be made to the Columbarium Memorial Fund, Plymouth Congregational Church, 400 South Oakes, Helena, MT 59601, or to Hospice of Saint Peters, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.
Hagler-Anderson Funeral Home was entrusted with local arrangements.
