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Mary Anne Rogers, age 64 of Bigfork, passed away from natural causes at her home on Sunday April 22, 2007. Surviving Mary include her son Chris Koppang along with his wife Hallie and their children Sydney and David and her daughter Stefanie Brooke along with her husband Ken and their child Cole. A memorial service will be held on Friday April 27, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the home of Mary Anne Rogers located at 27792 Highway 35. The family request memorials be made in Mary's name to your local Humane Society. Assisting the family with arrangements is Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory of Polson.
Francis C. 'Toot' Williams age 75 of Polson, loving husband and father 'Daddy' went home to be with the Lord on Monday January 30, 2006 after a courageous battle with bone cancer. He was born on April 12, 1930 to Lester and Beatrice Williams in Three Forks, Montana.
Francis graduated from Willow Creek High School in Willow Creek, Montana in 1949, after graduation he helped his family on their Cattle Ranch in Willow Creek. In 1949 he went on to serve in the U.S. Navy serving on the USS Wiltsie. After serving honorably in the Korean War, he returned to Willow Creek to start his own cattle ranch and began raising a family. In the 1970's, Francis and Jeanie moved to Finley Point on the Flathead Lake in Polson, Mt. It was there that he grew cherries in his own orchard for many years. For years to come, folks will remember Francis for his talent and ability to grow things. He was very fond of growing flowers; among his favorites were roses, petunias, and geraniums. Every year, Francis prepared his flowers for the Farmers Market in Kalispell. He also kept a greenhouse where he successfully grew hydroponic tomatoes and sold them to local merchants. Francis also enjoyed watching birds, wildlife, and loved the outdoors. Francis was a member of The Masons for 50 years. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Polson, where he faithfully attended and served for over 36 years.
Francis was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his loving wife, Jeanie of 44 years and two children; eldest, son Bill Williams and wife Melody of St. Paul, Texas and daughter Kim Stallknecht, and husband Kurt of Kalispell. Francis was a wonderful grandfather to four grandchildren: Ariel and Alanis, Daniel and Benjamin. Francis is also survived by his brother Gordon 'Squirt' and wife Barbara of Willow Creek, along with sister Norma Miller of Three Forks. Francis also leaves behind several nieces, nephews and cousins, father & mother-in-law Kirby & Esther Hicklin of Polson.
Visitation will be held at the Grogan Funeral Home on Thursday, February 2, 2006 from 9 am to 7 pm and Friday, February 3, 2006 from 9 am to noon. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday in the First Baptist Church in Polson, with Rev. Rudy Ringhoff officiating. Military honors will be held at the church following services. Military graveside services will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2006 at 2:00 pm in the Willow Creek cemetery at Willow Creek, Montana, with Laurens Edwards officiating.
Violet G. 'Vi' Robinson, age 75 of Polson, passed away at her home on Monday July 30, 2007. Violet was born on December 1, 1931 in Trenton, North Dakota to John and Dorothy Deserly. Her mother passed away when she was 3 years old, and her siblings passed away during her childhood, being survived only by her father. She had a special bond with her cousin Gen Winter, with whom she was raised. They were like sisters. She attended schools in Williston and graduated from Williston High School. Vi married
Arthur Robinson in 1951. She moved to Alabama while Art served his time in the US Army. They moved to Columbus, North Dakota; Stady, North Dakota, and then to Polson, MT in 1954. Art and Vi established and operated the Tastee Freez in Polson until 1963. Vi then worked for the Polson Public Schools for 15 years as a cook and baker. Vi was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Parish Council of Catholic Women, and she was a volunteer at the Country Store. She enjoyed her family, gardening, square dancing, crocheting, and cooking. She was a woman of great faith, courage and stamina who had battled MS for over 30 years. She was a true 'Proverbs, Chapter 31' woman. She always had an optimistic attitude and looked for the bright side of everything and everyone. Her parents, brother Richard, sisters Mary Ellen, Elsie, and Agnus preceded Vi in death. Her husband Art, her children David and wife Teresa of Tenino, WA, Gail Robinson of Polson, Larry and wife Valerie of Dickinson, North Dakota, Valerie Burningham and husband Steve of Polson, cousin Gen (Winter) Arthaud and her husband Lyle, sisters-in-law Alice Johnson of Polson and Beverly Kem of Columbus, MT, 9 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter survive her. Visitation will be held at the Grogan Funeral Home on Thursday August 2, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Vigil service will be held on Thursday August 2, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday August 3, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. with Father Jim Connor officiating. Interment will follow the services at Lakeview cemetery. A reception will follow in the lower level at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Linda Thomas McCoy, 63, passed peacefully in her sleep at home - as she would have wanted - on the morning of Sunday, July, 15, 2007.
She was born Linda Bernice Thomas on January 6th, 1944, to Stephen 'Oliver' and Auda Lind Thomas, in Polson. Up until the 6th grade, she and her sisters, Trish and Heather - who remained her closest friends throughout her life - grew up in Dayton. During those years, Linda attended the one-room Proctor school and was frequently led astray by her older cousin, Connie Thomas Smith.
Linda blossomed socially when she moved to Polson, the town where she lived most of her life, and she made many lifelong friends from the extremely close-knit class of 1962. Linda was eagerly looking forward to spending quality time with those friends again at her 45th class reunion, scheduled for this August.
Linda married
twice, the second time to Chuck McCoy, and the couple gave birth to their son, Stephen McCoy, in October of 1971 in Polson. Linda was a fantastic, devoted mother. The couple divorced after several years, and as a single mom, Linda worked hard at numerous jobs to support her son, who never went without.
Linda continued to work hard as long as she could after developing rheumatoid arthritis at an early age. Of all the jobs Linda ever had, the work she enjoyed the most was volunteering at her sister Heather's daycare because she loved to spend time with all the kids, especially her grandchildren, who brightened her life beyond compare. Linda also always enjoyed working seasonally in the family business, the Thomas Christmas Tree yard, an industry she was involved with from birth until 1982.
Before her health slowed her down, Linda's favorite activities included bowling and golf. She loved to spend time and travel with her family and friends on camping trips at Hubbart Dam, on vacations in Jackpot, NV, and on a yearly journey to the horse races in Missoula. There were also ill-fated adventures in Wallace, ID, where she and her sisters attended an annual bowling tournament for many years running.
Linda loved to watch all sports, but especially her beloved Atlanta Braves, a team she followed devoutly since the 50's, when they played in Milwaukee. Her fondest memories include Hank Aaron setting the home run record, Sid Bream sliding across the plate in 'the miracle of the ninth' to win the 1992 NLCS, and David Justice's solo home run to win the 1995 World Series. A lifelong dream came true for Linda a few years ago when she traveled to Seattle with her son and attended her first Braves' games in person.
Although Linda left her loved ones too soon, her family was blessed with an almost two extra years of her company thanks to the outstanding work of the doctors, nurses, and CNAs of Kalispell Regional Medical Center and Brendan House, who successfully treated Linda for a life-threatening staph infection. This extra time allowed her, among many other things, to meet and bond with her youngest granddaughter, with whom she shared a special connection. Despite her many health issues, Linda always remained positive and lived her life to the fullest.
Linda was preceded in death by her father, Stephen 'Oliver' Thomas. She is survived by her mother, Auda Lind Thomas; her sisters, Trish T. Hoogerbeets and Heather T. Fouty; her 'brother-in-laws' Doane Simshaw and Jim Vial; her son, Stephen C. McCoy; her nieces and nephews, Mike Fouty (whom she loved like a son), Steve Fouty, Jimi Parker, Linda Jane Dumontier and Joel Hoogerbeets; her grandchildren, Kyara (6), Isaac (5), Alesje (21/2), and Sasha (8 mos); as well as by her beloved cats, Avery, Smoltzie, and Andrew. There are too many close in-laws, cousins, friends, 'adopted' children, and extended relatives to name.
An informal reception for family and friends to gather, pay condolences, and share memories, will be held Sunday, July 22nd, at the VFW Hall in Polson from 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to an account to benefit Linda's grandchildren, established at First Citizen's Bank of Polson.
Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home.
Ralph Stanley Kroshus, age 86 of Pablo, passed away from natural causes on Monday July 16, 2007 at the Evergreen Health & Rehab Center. Ralph was born on August 8, 1920 in Iowa. The family moved to Crosby, North Dakota and Ralph went to school in Crosby. He joined the US Air Force and was a mechanic during WWII. Ralph was stationed in London, England during the bombings there. His father taught him how to read blueprints and build houses. He also worked as a hunting and fishing guide in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Ralph learned how to fly small airplanes, enjoyed working in his workshop building picnic tables and many other crafts. He was a member of the VFW and the Elks Club. His parents, one brother and two sons, Leonard and Danny Kroshus, preceded Ralph in death. He is survived by his wife Dorothy of Ronan, daughters Shirley Brown of Chelan, WA, Janet Hawkins of Kent, WA, brothers Dale of ND, Don of CO, Glen of AK, a sister Helen Waters of TX, 8 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A private family service will be held. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory.
James Ralph Finlay, age 71 of Dayton, MT, passed away from natural causes at his home on Monday April 23, 2007. James was born in Los Angeles, CA on June 1, 1935 to Phillips and Elizabeth Finlay. James married
Mary Alice on November 12, 1969. He attended 2 years college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He also served from 1955 through 1957 with the US Army. Jim worked for the Job Corps in Montana teaching Native American youth to operate heavy equipment. Jim was also a tugboat engineer and worked mainly between Seattle, WA and Alaska. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Mary Alice in 2006 and his father in 1972. Surviving Jim are his son Ian Finlay, his mother Elizabeth Finlay, and his sister Fredrica Finlay Parlett. A memorial service will be held on Monday April 30, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Polson with Rev. Esther Angel officiating. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory of Polson.
C. June Ray, 69, of Polson, MT. passed away on May 22, 2005 at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson.
June was born on Sept. 13, 1935 in Oklahoma to Roy & Clara Barnwell. She grew up in Selah, Washington. Like most people, she wanted a happy life. Unlike most people, she had no fear about going after what she wanted and lived by her own terms.
June was great cook & loved to play keno.
June moved to Polson in August of 1995. We will miss her.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband of 18 years- Louis & her three kids Griz, Sara Lee & Pride all of Polson,
2-sisters- Lucy Wailer of Lynnwood, WA. & Dot Huff of Yakima, WA. & 3-daughters- Cindy Lanphear of Puyallup, WA., Lori Lewis of Burlington, WA. & Valerie Evans of Yakima, WA. & 7 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren & numerous other relatives & friends.
Cremation has taken place and at her request no services are planned.
Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory of Polson.
Lila C. Johnson, 96, of Polson, MT. died on July 22, 2006 at Evergreen Health & Rehab. Center in Polson.
Lila was born on Jan. 20, 1910 in Bigfork, Mt. to Oscar & Mary Johnson.
She grew up and attended schools in Dayton, MT. Lila moved to Polson in 1928.
Lila enjoyed gardening & sewing.
She is preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers & 1 sister.
She is survived by 1 brother- Arle 'Swede' Johnson and his wife Marie of Polson and several nieces and nephews.
Private family services will be held at Lakeview cemetery.
Cremation & arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory, Polson.
Bruce L. Hodgdon, 73, of Polson, MT. died on Sept. 25, 2006 at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson.
Arrangements are pending.
John 'Allen' Hibbard, 59, of Polson, MT. passed away at his on March 12, 2007 from natural causes.
Allen was born on October 4, 1947 in Kansas City, Missouri to Blaine & Ruth Hibbard. He grew up in Kansas City and graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.
He was a former staff member at the Dallas Theatre Center. He had been a tutor and a professor of English & Speech at the Salish Kootenai College in Pablo, MT. for the past 17 years.
Allen loved fly-fishing and had made custom fly rods.
Allen enjoyed boating. He had once designed and built an electric boat.
He loved the arts and he enjoyed playing with children.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by a brother- Blaine Hibbard of San Diego, CA, a nephew Pat Hibbard of San Luis Obispo, CA & a niece Courtney Hibbard of Pacific Grove, CA.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date to be announced. Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory.
Jack (Super Jack) Robert Martin age 66 of Polson passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 at his home. His loving family surrounded him during his courageous battle with cancer. He was born September 10, 1939 in Missoula, Montana to Gaither and May Martin. He spent his childhood in Missoula and Auburn, Washington. He enlisted in the Navy on April 25, 1957 and served as a nuclear weapons man aboard the U.S. S. Intrepid. On November 5, 1959 while home on leave, he married
his childhood sweetheart Lucy Steele, whom he met while in the 2nd grade. He loved to share stories of the far away places he visited while in the Navy. He was honorably discharged on November 1, 1963.
After leaving the service he spent many years employed as a log truck driver. He never tired of smell of the woods in the early morning just before sunrise. He became very close to those he worked with over the years. We can't think about Dad without thinking of the beautiful music he made. He was a very talented guitarist and taught all his children to play. We have fond memories of the times we shared making music together. He played in two bands in the late 70's and early 80's. The 5 Valley Freight Line and the Cannon Ball Express.
After retiring and moving to Polson in 1996 he took up woodworking. He and Lucy enjoyed the time they spent with this new hobby. He always had a beautiful yard and built many birdhouses, which were 'rented' each spring to a new bird family. He kept the birds housed and fed and it was a great pastime for him. He loved his little dog Moses and played tirelessly with him each day. They were great buddies. He enjoyed most, the time he spent with his family. When asked, 'Where is your favorite place to be?' he would answer, 'Anywhere Lucy is.'
His parents, two sisters Judy Kodis and Maryann McSloy, preceded him in death. Two brothers Don and Jim Martin, and a son-in-law John Bessette.
His wife Lucy of 47 years survives him. His daughters and their kids Devie Bessette, Levi, Zach and Madi of Missoula; Derie (Rich) Kain, Briana, Tasia & Lauren of Lolo; his sons and their kids, Buster (Suzi) Martin- Heather, Brandon & Savanna of Anchorage, Alaska; Dennis (Renee') Martin-Nick & Bobbi of Missoula and Delane (Simone) Martin- Megan, Lynnze & Jack of Kalispell. Brother, Gene Martin; sisters, Grace Tanner and Jo Pullar. Friend and Brother-in-law, Robert Steele. Jack will be remembered for his quick wit, a smile on his face and a twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes.
A memorial gathering and military honors will be held at the East Missoula Community Center, 300 Montana Ave. on Saturday March 11, 2006 at 1:00 pm. Please come share in a celebration of Jack's life. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Montana Cancer Center would be appreciated. Arrangements and cremation under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson.
Irma M. Karl-Gibbs, age 88 of Polson, passed away from natural causes on February 24, 2006 at the Evergreen Health & Rehab facility in Polson. Irma was born on August 17, 1917 in Madison, Wisconsin to William and Mary Stolle. Irma married
Enoch Allen Karl in 1934 in Slayton, Minnesota. Mr. Karl died of cancer in 1962. Irma was a homemaker and lived on a farm most of her life. She was an officer in the Rebecca Lodge and VFW for many years. She loved gardening and canning her harvest. Irma also loved to play games with her children and grandchildren.
She enjoyed listening to music and loved to dance to it as well. Irma was a member of the First Baptist Church of Polson and attended services regularly. Irma re-married
in 1998 to Charles Gibbs. He preceded her in death in 2004. Her parents, husbands Enoch Karl and Charles Gibbs, three sons and one daughter, two brothers and one sister also preceded Irma in death. Her daughter Alda Hagen of Arizona, her son Allen Karl of Texas, her sister Betty Alrich of Washington, and her brother Wayne Stolle of Washington, survives Irma. Also surviving Irma are her 25 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 10 great great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held for Irma on Thursday March 2, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Polson with Pastor Rudy Ringhoff officiating. Interment will follow at the Lakeview cemetery in Polson. Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home in Polson.
Mary 'Lucy' Harriete Kintz, age 93, passed away from natural causes on Wednesday June 6, 2007 at Evergreen Health & Rehab Center. Lucy was born July 31, 1913 at Red Oak, Iowa to Ira and Lily Askey. The family moved to Burlington, CO and Lucy attended school there until the middle of her senior year and the family moved to Loveland, CO where she graduated from high school. Lucy married
Paul Kintz in 1931 at Black Hills, SD and they later moved to Roseville, CA in 1955. Lucy was a big help with Paul in his many business ventures. She was active in her church where she was the organist. She also played the organ at the mortuary in Roseville, CA. Lucy moved to Polson, MT in 1992 and was active in the Presbyterian Church. She met with the Thursday Presbyterian Women's Group. Surviving Lucy are her children John (Toni) Kintz of Roseville, CA, Mary Rue (Gene) Brown of Santa Maria, CA, and Richard (Arlene) Kintz of Polson, MT, 14 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Cremation has taken place and no local services are planned. Assisting the family with cremation is Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory.
Jerry Wickard, 59, of Bothell, WA (formerly of Polson, MT) passed away April 25, 2007 in Snohomish, WA.
Dedication of the grave and military graveside services will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 12:00 noon at Lakeview cemetery in Polson.
Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home of Polson.
Jami Jolene Sherman, 25, of Ronan, MT. was killed by a hit and run driver on July 1, 2006 on Leighton Rd., northwest of Ronan, just one mile from her home. Jami was born on January 26, 1981 in Saint Ignatius, MT. to Russell and Joan Sherman. She was their fourth of five children and the first redhead.
Jami was raised on the ranch northwest of Ronan. She attended schools in Ronan & Pablo and graduated from Ronan High School in 1999. Jami was actively involved in 4-H for 10 years. She loved to help the younger members at the fair even after she was no longer a member of the Round Butte Future Stockmen 4-H Club. Her favorite part of the Ronan Pioneer days was the lady's calf bloomer race. Jami learned the art of hard work growing up on her parents ranch helping with 350 sow, farrow to finish, irrigation pipe, feeding cows, running tractors and equipment.
Jami worked at Carquest in Ronan for the past 5 years.
She was her dad's right hand gal on the ranch where she still resided.
She was proud of her shiny, red Ford Ranger.
Jami enjoyed Nascar, especially car #8.
Jami was single and never married
. She was always busy loving and caring for her eight nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her grandparents- Gordon and Aggie Sherman and uncles Larry Sherman & Ron Sherman.
She is survived by her parents- Russell & Joan Sherman of Ronan, 3-sisters- & a brother- Toni (Quincy) Taylor of Kinston, NC, Tomi ( Jeff) Clairmont of Ronan, MT., Cody (Libby) Sherman of Ronan, MT., Josi Sherman of Missoula, MT, eight nieces & nephews- RJ, Regan, Madison & Mason Clairmont of Ronan, Tristan, Kiara & Coleton Sherman of Ronan & Sydney Taylor of Kinston, NC. Grandmother Ester Bocksnick of Ronan and numerous aunts, uncles & cousins. She is also survived by her schnauzer puppy 'Darby'.
Memorial services will be on Saturday July, 8th at 10:00 a.m. at the Ronan High School.
Memorials may be made to the Lake County Crimestoppers.
Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory of Polson.
Clarice 'Jake' Tootell
POLSON, MT - Jake Tootell is delighted to join the choir praising the Lord in heaven.
She died on March 29, 2007 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, MT.
Jake was born on Dec. 16, 1931 in Plaza, ND to Harry & Ruby Jacobson. She moved to Bozeman, MT as a youth where she met the love of her life, Donald Tootell, while in the eighth grade. They married
on August 31, 1948 in Spokane, WA. Their family was expanded by the births of their children, Linda and Chris.
Jake supported Don while he attended and subsequently graduated from Montana State University. She and Don lived in various locations during his career, including Durango, Colo. She entered Ft. Lewis College there as a non-traditional student, and was joined by her son Chris for two of those years. She fulfilled her dream, relished her education, received her teaching degree, and graduated as valedictorian from Ft. Lewis College in 1971. She shared her enthusiasm and gifts while teaching in Arvada, Colorado.
In 1987, Jake and Don retired to their Flathead Lake vacation property, which they had owned since 1972. She frequently expressed awe for God's creation as witnessed from this vantage point.
Jake was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Polson, Mission Valley Chorale, Masumola Club and Polson Country Club. She and Don also volunteered as crisis foster parents.
Jake took piano lessons later in life and played beautifully. Her exuberance for life was evidenced by her appreciation for music - she was known to frequently break out singing, at times to the dismay of her family.
Jake loved to golf, read, play bridge and gather with others around the dining room table. She faithfully volunteered at Evergreen Health & Rehab Center, led the residents in singing oldies with gusto and received a volunteer of the year award for this ministry.
She was an extremely hospitable person and never knew a stranger, only friends she had not yet met. She was a woman of strong Christian faith and was grateful to the Lord Jesus Christ for his provision of Grace. Jake always gave of herself completely and loved her family and friends unconditionally. She provided her loved ones with tireless support, even cheerleading.
Jake had an indomitable spirit as was illustrated by her trip to Norway nine months after Don's death in 1994. She followed through on the trip to Norway, which they had planned together before his passing.
Jake and Chris Christensen developed a close friendship in the years following Don's death. Chris had been their respected mutual friend. They enjoyed a companionship that sustained them both until his death in Nov. 2004.
She was preceded in death by her husband Donald, her parents, her dear friend Chris, and numerous other family members.
Jake is survived by her two children Linda Tootell Thomas & her husband Thad of Boise, Idaho and Chris Tootell and his wife Jenny of Missoula. She is also survived by her grandchildren Erin Adams-Griffin & her husband Morie; Jake Adams; Joe Adams; Ryan Tootell; Kjelsi Tootell; Lindsay Tootell; Austin Tootell; great granddaughter Micah Adams-Griffin; brother & sister-in-law George & Lenora Jacobson and brother-in-law Bob Tootell as well as numerous other friends and relatives. Jake was an animal lover and adored her canine companion 'Sunny' & feline friend Isabella 'Izzie.'
A visitation will be held on Monday, April 2, 2007, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Grogan Funeral Home in Polson. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2007, 2:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Polson with Rev. Dave Anson officiating. Later this summer she will be laid to rest next to her husband Don at the family plot in Bozeman.
Memorials may be made to the National Alzheimer's Association or a charitable organization of your choice.
The family would like to give a special thanks to those lovely friends and caregivers who were with mom at the lake before her move to Missoula, including Chris & Viktra Bumgarner, Steve & Christina Pittenger and Laurali Sego. We're also thankful to the Missoula Springs Memory Care and Dr. David Gorman for the kind, competent, and respectful care they provided.
