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Furn Leona Boyd, our beloved Granny Furn, passed away at St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson, Montana on Tuesday August 21, 2007. She was born on March 24, 1916 at the family's farm home south of Poplar, Montana, to Charles and Minta Maude Gidley. All those who knew her and loved her will miss her.
Furn graduated from Richey High School, Richey, Montana. She was married
to John Boyd, her high school sweetheart, in Wolf Point, Mt. on June 19, 1933. They lived in Richey where John worked at the Standard Oil gas station and Furn became a mother for the first time. They later moved to Culbertson, Mt. where John was a Bulk dealer for Standard Oil Company and Furn gave birth to two more daughters. Furn and John moved to Wolf Point, Mt. where she was able to enjoy being a mother and an active part of her community. When John retired in 1972, they moved to Apache Wells, AZ. Furn later moved to Leisure World in Mesa, AZ. In 2004, she moved to Polson, Mt. where she had many friends and relatives. She loved Flathead Lake, the Mission Mountains and the beautiful seasons of Montana. She was so happy to return to the resting place of her husband.
Furn had three daughters and she lost her beloved husband, John in May 1974. Furn's infectious smile and sweet manner won her many wonderful friends. She loved the Phoenix Suns, bowling, golf, dancing, playing card games and bridge, but her greatest love was her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a lifetime member of Eastern Star in Wolf Point and a member of the Community Church in Apache Wells, AZ.
Furn was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Minta Maude Gidley; her husband John Boyd; sister-in-law, Gertrude Boyd Gariepy Joy; brothers Jim Gidley, Cecil Gidley, and Maurice Gidley.
She is surivived by her sister Beverly (Johnnie) Johnston, Poplar, Mt; sister-in-law Pauline Gidley, Colorado Springs, CO; daughters Vonda Lee (Gary) Ashberger, Tucson, AZ; Jeanette (Bill) Phillips, Polson, Mt; and JoAnne Lenzen, Minneapolis, MN; Grandchildren, Kelly (Donald) Gonzalez, Fresno, CA; John (Karin) Phillips, Parker, CO; Jennifer (Drake) Bell, Minneapolis, MN; Julie (John) Wagner, Minneapolis, MN; Jamie (Dan) Lachman, Minneapolis, MN; Bob (Leslie) White, Lemoore, CA; Tammy (Bill) Louria, Waxahachie, TX, 16 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at the Grogan Funeral Home on Friday August 24, 2007 from 9 am to 6 pm. Funeral services will be held at the Mission Valley United Methodist Church on Saturday August 25, 20007 at 10:00 am. Interment will follow services at Pleasant View cemetery in St. Ignatius, Mt.
Memorials for Furn may be sent to Apache Wells Community Church, 2115 N. Gayridge Road, Mesa, AZ. 85215 or St. Joseph Medical Center Foundation, 6- 13th Ave. E. Polson, Montana 59860.
Richard Henry Dresen, 83, of Ronan, MT. died on Wed. Feb. 27, 2008 at the Mountain View Care Center in Ronan, MT.
Richard was born on July 15, 1924 in Windham, MT. to Henry & Charlotte Dresen. He grew up and attended schools in Windham. Dick enlisted in the U. S. Navy in May of 1943 and served on a submarine during WW II. After his discharge from the Navy he moved to Polson, MT. He married
Alice Ross on July 3, 1948 in Missoula. Dick worked as a rancher and a union carpenter his entire working career. He and Alice retired in the Spring of 1988 and moved to Red Bluff, Calif. They returned to the Mission Valley this past January.
Dick was a member of the V.F.W. and the Carpenters Union. He loved spending time with horses and keeping his boys 'in-line'.
His parents, 1-sister & 1-brother, precede him in death.
He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years - Alice of Ronan
5-children- Kent Dresen & his wife Phyllis of Polson, daughter Cheri Houle of Pablo, son - Shane Dresen and wife Kathy of Post Falls, Idaho, Rock Dresen & wife Shelly of Kalispell & daughter- Patty Huffman and her husband Bill of Aromas, Calif.
11 grandchildren & 13 great grandchildren and a sister- Virginia Averill of Bigfork.
Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. Condolences may be made to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com or sent to his wife Alice c/o Mountain View Care Center, 829 Main Street, Ronan, MT 59864.
David Leonard Blake was born May 8, 1939 in Seattle, Washington. He passed away at his home in Ronan, Montana on Wednesday May 16, 2007, surrounded by his loving wife and children.
Dave was a resident of Ronan and a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Polson, and he served in the United States Marine Corps from 1955-1958. He later attended trade school and became a journeyman carpenter. He was a master craftsman and builder most of his life. He spent many years building in Washington and Alaska, and completed many large projects in Alaska for Peter Pan Seafood's, building large canneries and hotels. Dave most recently worked at the True Value in Ronan. Dave had many loves, including his wife of 16 years, Mariea, his family, his dogs, and rebuilding his 1950 Chevrolet Fleetwood with his dear friend, Larry Cordis.
Dave is survived by his devoted wife Mariea, loving father Clyde Borgford of Wasilla, AK, children Mark of Anchorage, AK, David (Christine) of Blaine, WA. Robert of Indianapolis, IN, Alicia (David) Saar of Vaughan, WA, Matt (Michelle) of Gig Harbor, WA, step-children Scott (Randee) of Anchorage, AK, and Melanie (Matt) of Anchorage, AK, brother Mike Borgford of Wasilla, AK, 21 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. His beloved mother, Hazel Borgford, brother Ron, and sister Linda preceded Dave in death.
Dave was a kind man with a generous heart and great sense of humor. His family and friends will forever miss him. His good friend and work-mate Larry, his True Value family, dear friend The Reverend Kathy B., will always remember him, and the Merritt family of Gig Harbor, WA and Cordova, AK.
Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at the St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Polson. Celebration of his life to follow at the family home in Ronan.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Guardian Angels (Oncology), or Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson.
Clair Leroy Dickson, age 89 of Polson, passed away from natural causes on Friday August 25, 2006, less than 2 months from his 90th birthday. Clair was born in Circle, Montana to Roy and Ethel Dickson. The family moved to the Polson area when Clair was nine years old and he resided there until his death. He married
Erma Allsop in 1938 and they were together 68 years. After retirement in 1979, Clair and Erma spent their winter months at their 2nd home in Mesa, AZ. Clair was a master plumber and he owned the Polson Plumbing and Heating shop until his retirement in 1979. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, bowling, and playing cards with family and friends.
He was an excellent bowler and golfer. He won many bowling tournaments and once had a hole in on the Polson Golf Course. Since retirement, he spent much of his summers fishing for Kokanee, brining, smoking and canning them and giving them to friends and family. Clair was preceded in death by his parents, sister Belva Hirst and brother Gail Dickson. He is survived by his wife Erma, sister Mary (Joe) Havlovick of Polson, MT; daughters Connie Brown of Seattle, WA; and Linda (John) DeYoung of Libby, MT; 5 grandsons, Rick Brown of Seattle, WA; Craig (Sabrina) Brown of North Bend, WA; John (Jodie) DeYoung of Clinton, MT; Robert (Diana) Brown of Snohomish, WA, and Sean DeYoung of Kirkland, WA; 7 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Grogan Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday September 2, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. with burial to follow at the Lakeview cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory.
Gloria J. Blake, age 63, passed away on Friday, September 22, 2006 at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan, MT. Gloria was born October 25, 1942 in Richmond, California to Kenneth and Ruby Christopher and she was raised in Arlee Montana. She graduated from Arlee High School in 1960 and then attended Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. Gloria married
Jerry Blake in 1962. Gloria supported her husband Jerry throughout his many relocations during his career at Chrysler Corporation.
This took them from Montana to Washington, California, Oregon, Texas, and Michigan. She held various clerical positions including Missoula Blueprint, Texas-New Mexico Power Company, Two Eagle River School, and Salish-Kootenai Fire Management. Gloria loved the ocean, gardening and her family. She was a devoted Grandma, always the life of the party. She will be remembered for her unconditional love. Her mother, Ruby Christopher, and her only son, Kenneth F. Blake, preceded Gloria in death. Surviving Gloria include her father Kenneth Christopher and stepmother Millie Christopher of Polson, sister Marjorie Sparks of Missoula, daughter Kimberly Blake of Kalispell, granddaughter Julia Hudson of Kalispell, grandson Dylan Hudson of Romeo, Michigan, grandson Kenneth Clare and her two nieces Judy and Heather and a nephew Richard.
A memorial service will be held for Gloria on Thursday September 28, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. in the Grogan Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services will follow the service at Lakeview cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory.
Linda Marie Campbell, 63, of Polson, Mont., went to be with the Lord on May 3, 2007.
Linda was born to Calvin and Elsie Ike on May 26, 1943 in Williston, N.D. She grew up and graduated from high school in Williston, where she met her future husband, Bruce.
She married
Bruce Campbell in Williston on November 11, 1960.
They moved to Polson in 1966. Linda always was helpful in the family businesses. She was an active and faithful member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson.
Linda's greatest joy in life was her grandchildren. She always enjoyed hobbies and crafts, reading and playing cards with her husband and grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband Bruce of Polson, and her children Laura and Jim Burrowes of Polson; John and Cheri Campbell of Olympia, Wash.; Jennifer and Charles Salois of Helena, Mont.; and seven grandchildren -- Brianne, Mara and Kaitlyn Burrowes; Michael and Amanda Campbell; and Alexander and Josie Salois.
She also is survived by her brother and sisters -- Lauren and Helen Ike of Condon, Mont.; Richard and Kate Ike of Polson; Steven and Frieda Ike of Williston; and Sara Ike of Williston; along with numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation will be from 1-5 p.m. Monday, May 7 at Grogan Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 8, at 11 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Rev. D. Jacobson officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview cemetery in Polson. A reception will follow at the church. Memorials may be made in the name of Linda M. Campbell to the Lupus Foundation of America, Inc.
Arrangements are by Grogan Funeral Home of Polson.
Glenn Lewis Campbell age 84 of Hot Springs, Mt. passed away on Friday October 19, 2007 at Lakeview Care Center in Big Fork from natural causes. He was born February 6, 1923 at West Linn, Oregon to Frank J. and Louise Knowles Campbell. He attended elementary and high school in West Linn, Oregon and graduated from Oregon State University. Glenn served his country during WW II serving at Fort Lewis, WA. and also in Alaska. After his discharge from the service he worked 38 years for Consolidated Freightways holding various jobs with them.
He was involved with the Boy Scouts for 32 years, enjoyed camping and was always doing something with his family and loved his family very much. He spent 42 years with his wife Emily enjoying square dancing, but after she became ill, Glenn volunteered with hospice.
He was preceded in death by his parents his wife Emily and a grandson Michael Campbell, Jr. Glenn is surivived by his sons David (Yvonne) Campbell of Hot Springs, Steve (Charilyn) Campbell of Spanaway, WA., Michael (Jesse) Campbell of Anchorage, AK, and Alan Campbell of Madras, Oregon., 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 28, 2007 in the Grogan Funeral Home from noon until 4:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 29, 2007 at 11:00 am in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission with Father Drew Maddock officiating. Military honors will be held following the services at the church. Cremation will follow services. A reception will be held following the services at the Indian Center in Hot Springs.
Richard (Dick) Lee Cross age 59 passed away in his sleep Sunday night November 19th at his home in Mountain View, CA from a sudden heart attack. Services will be held at the Grogan Funeral Home in Polson on Wednesday, November 29, 2006 at 3:00 pm, with interment to follow at Lakeview cemetery. Dick was a gifted athlete both in high school and in college. He was an incredibly kind and caring man to his family, his friends, and his cousins and especially to their children. He particularly enjoyed sharing his love for books and knowledge with all of them. He will be greatly missed here on earth, but will be a huge asset to the Lord if complex math problems arise.
Born in Missoula, Montana on July 16, 1947, Dick was raised on Camas Prairie, Montana where he attended Camas Prairie Elementary and then High School in Hot Springs, Montana. He began his higher education at Montana State University before transferring to the University of Washington where he received his first Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Dick went on to receive a Masters Degree in Computer Science from Santa Clara University and a Masters Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University where he was a member of Tau Beta Pi, the Engineering Honor Society. As a firm believer in life-long education, Dick was continuing to work towards his PhD in Aerospace Engineering from Stanford when time allowed.
Dick joined the Air Force in 1970 where he served primarily as an aeronautical engineer and received several Commendations during his four years in the service. He then went on to a life-long career in the field he loved and excelled at, Aerospace Engineering. He worked for 15 years at United Technologies Corporation and another 21 years at Lockheed Martin Aerospace Corporation. During those years he worked on countless projects including single-handedly developing control concepts for Variable Flow Ducted Rockets, and leading the analysis team on the Titan IV rocket project. One of the accomplishments he was most proud of, however, was his work on the Hubble Space Telescope, on which he designed many of the directional control systems.
His hobbies included studying engines, airplanes and spacecraft, and he loved to study both military history and world history. His periodic travels were a means to continue to further his education, and over the years traveled to countless castles and cathedrals in Europe with his son, he view the 900 year-old Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Battle of Hastings in 1066 and he walked in the Lascaux Caves among the 17, 000 year old Lascaux paintings.
Dick was preceded in death by both his grandparents, his father, Herb Cross and by is Uncles Sid and Gordon Cross. He is survived by his mother Mary, his brothers Wayne, Rodney and Wesley, his son and daughter-in-law Herb and Lisa, Herb's mother Andrea, his beloved pet cat Razz, and by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
Emily Currie was born on October 18, 1919 on a farm 25 miles outside of Glendive, MT, on Box Elder Creek, with a mid-wife in attendance. She attended schools in Glendive, Bell Parie County School and Miles City, MT. On July 1, 1939, she married
Andy Blades. Three children were born to them, Darlene Jackson of Ronan, Joe Blades of Laurel, and Larry Blades of Warden, WA. Emily was a cook at Rocky Bar O dude ranch at Bigfork. She was the camp cook for George Moore in Glacier Park, also for Walking Wilderness Society, Herb Tolke in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, Holland Lake Outfitters and her family hunting camps. She loved to fish and play horseshoes. She belonged to the Flathead Lake Good Sams and American Legion Auxiliary. Emily worked at Western Bee and Marshall Saw Mill in Polson, St. Joseph Hospital and cooked for Day Care Center in Polson. Her parents Louie and Leila Chrest of Polson, her husband Andy Blades, granddaughter Lona Mae Sauerbier, her second husband Roy Currie, whom she married
in 1977, brother Russell Chrest of Glendive, and her sister Amy Howell of Polson preceded her in death. Surviving Emily are her children Darlene, Joe and his wife Carol, and Larry and his wife Mary Jane, her grandchildren Mike Sauerbier of Missoula, Brett and Seth Blades of Billings, Matt Blades and Katie Davison of Billings, 2 great-grandchildren Nicole and Caleb Sauerbier of Walla Walla, WA, one sister Arlene Tompkins of Big Arm, MT, her step-children Ronnie and Dan Currie and Jeri Ann Halford of Polson, several nieces and nephews. The family gives special thanks to her niece, Una Rose Graham, for everything over the past years. A memorial service will be held on Monday November 5, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grogan Funeral Home with Rev. John Payne officiating. Inurnment will follow the service at Lakeview cemetery. A reception will follow the services at Grogan Funeral Home for memories of Emily and family gathering. The family requests memorials be made to the Dogs for the Deaf, 10175 Wheeler Road, Central Point, OR 97502.
William Cheff age 42 of Ronan passed away on Monday, September 4, 2006 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula from injuries sustained in an accidental fall. He was born September 14, 1963in Hamilton, Montana. He graduated from high school in Ketchikan, Alaska. William served in the Army Reserves from 1986 to 2006 and served two tours of duty in Uzbekistan, before retiring with 20 years service. He worked as a guide, camp cook, and ranch hand for the Cheff Guest Ranch, and as a millwright at Plum Creek and Stimpson Lumber.
He and Keely Larkin were married
on November 30, 2001 at Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. He was and avid thoroughbred horse owner and trainer, and enjoyed hunting.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Adelle Cheff, Dave and Dorothy Mahoney and a niece Amanda Cheff. William is survived by his wife Keely of Ronan, parents, Kenneth Cheff of Ronan and Carole Perry of Montana, daughters Britney Nicole Cheff and Cassidy Noel Cheff, a son Colton Cheff all of Ronan. Sisters Roxena McDermott of Polson, Wendy Cheff of Missoula, Stephanie Perry of Alaska and Spring and Kendra, brothers Kenny of Polson, Casey and Jimmy both of Florida, and his grandparents Vern 'Bud' Cheff Senior (Grandpa).
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2006 from 9 am to 5 pm in the Grogan Funeral Home and on Friday, September 8, 2006 from 10 am to 11 am at the Ronan Alliance Church with funeral service following at 11:00 am in the church, with Interment with military honors will follow at Ronan cemetery.
Lillian Opal Clough Davis, 92, passed away Saturday afternoon, December 22, 2007 at St. Luke's Convalescent Center where she resided for the past 3 1/2 years. Lillian was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on August 28, 1915, to Bertha & Fred Clough, the youngest of their 3 daughters. She graduated from high school in Okmulgee. Shortly after, while working in a local department store, she met the love of her life, George Tansil Davis. Following a short courtship, they were married
at 9 AM on June 1, 1932 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Lillian and George lived a full and happy 55 years together. In pursuit of George's professional career as an animal science and poultry genetics professor, they lived in Oklahoma, Kentucky, Wyoming, and in 1958 moved to Bozeman, Montana, where George headed the Poultry Department and taught genetics in the animal science department at Montana State University for 9 years. During a one year sabbatical in 1963, the family moved to State College, Pennsylvania where George was a professor at Penn State. Lillian was the consummate wife and homemaker, and her cooking skills and gourmet recipes brought many folks eagerly to the table. Give her a chicken and she could make any number of delectable dishes with it! Every summer, they hosted a large chicken BBQ with their special sauce recipe. In 1967, George was offered an opportunity to work with a team of professionals under the Colorado State University AID program. This adventure took Lillian and George to Nigeria, Africa where they lived for a year, helping teach the Biafran locals how to raise better poultry. When civil war broke out in 1968, they were forced to flee the country, leaving most of their personal possessions behind. They settled in Vancouver, Canada, briefly before returning to Bozeman. George retired in 1972, and he and Lillian moved to Laguna Hills, California and settled in Leisure World there where they spent many hours on the golf course. A consistently good golfer, Lillian was most proud of her 'hole in one', and liked to tell about the bottle of champagne they always kept cold in the refrigerator 'just in case' that elusive hole in one occurred. They made many wonderful friends, and travelled all over the world in their retirement, leaving Antarctica the only continent they didn't set foot on. George passed away in 1995, and in April of 1999, Lillian decided she wanted to live closer to her son, Ronnie and his family, and she moved to Polson, MT. As the onset of dementia stole the memory and the language of this wonderful, most accomplished wife and mother, she moved into St. Joseph Assisted Living in Polson, followed by Edgewood Vista in Missoula, and St. Luke Convalescent Center in Ronan. Her family wishes to express their thanks for the caring, professional care afforded her by those fine institutions. Lillian is survived by her two sons, Larry Lynn of Hemit, California, and Ronnie Ray (Linda), of Polson, MT; and grandchildren Ryan Davis of Missoula, Bradley Davis of Livingston, and Jill (Taylor) Walker of Missoula. At Lillian's request, no services will be held. Memorials are suggested to St. Luke Foundation in Ronan. Cremation has taken place under the direction and care of Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory in Polson.
Rose V. Douglass, age 101 of Polson, passed away on Wednesday February 13, 2008 at St. Luke Extended Care Facility at Ronan. She left this earth peacefully as she slept. Rose was born December 23, 1906 to Alex and Anne (Jorgensen) Valk in Butte, MT. She was raised in Butte graduating from Butte High in 1924. She attended the School of Mines (Montana Tech) for one year then transferred to Montana State University and received a degree in chemistry in 1928. Upon graduation, she ran the laboratory at Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs. She met Archibald (Red) Douglass and they were married
on July 13, 1930. They moved to Helena where Rose again worked in the laboratory at Fort Harrison. She continued to work for the Veterans Administration in Leavenworth, Kansas and Santa Monica, California. During World War II, she and Red lived in San Diego. Following the war they moved to Pasadena. Rose went to work in the laboratory at Lockheed aviation. She remained there until age 70. During the years in California she was active in AAUW, a member of Eastern Star and Daughters of the Nile. She was a very capable businesswoman and took great pride in the real estate she and Red had acquired. Rose made great decisions about stocks and enjoyed attending annual meetings. She sold her California property in the spring of 1994 and moved to Polson to be close to family. Rose loved playing bridge and was accomplished at the game. She enjoyed Thursday afternoons with the ladies at the Presbyterian Church and Fridays at the Senior Citizens. She found great joy in being asked to substitute for the Tuesday women. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting and made many lovely keepsakes that will be handed down for generations. She greatly enjoyed garage sales with her good friend Jane Nelson and Jane's family. Rose was a special aunt, great aunt and great-great aunt. She derived great pleasure from special great nephew Eric Huffine, his wife Leigh and their little girls Maddilyn and Shyloh. This family gave her boundless love, joyful hours and took great care of her during the last days of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband Red in May 1968; her parents; two sisters, Emma Valk and Mae McIntire; and an infant brother George, and a great-great niece Alysa Rose Huffine. Survivors include niece Anne McCrory of Outlook and her children Debbie (Mike) of Medicine Lake; Pam (Mark) of Damascus, MD, and Steve (Debbie) of Creswell, OR; niece Karen Lenz (Gerry) of Polson and her children Karla (Tom) of Phoenixville, PA; Eric (Leigh) of Polson; Mike of Whitefish; 15 great-great nieces and nephews and 2 great-great-great nieces. Cremation has taken place and at Rose's request no service will be held. The family suggests memorials be children's books for the Polson City Library. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Cara Harrop, and the loving and caring staffs of St. Luke's Hospital and St. Luke's Extended Care. Care for the family is provided by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory.
James Devlin, age 78 of Polson, passed away from natural causes on Tuesday March 29, 2005 at the Veteran Home in Columbia Falls, Mt. Jim was born to Neil and Jenny Devlin on February 11, 1927 at Finley, North Dakota. Jim was the youngest of four sons. He attended school through the 12th grade in Finley, ND. In 1944, he enlisted in the Army & served in Japan for two years. He then attended college at Jamestown, North Dakota. Jim married
Beverly Olson in 1952, & they raised three daughters & three sons. Jim had a varied career in the printing business, hardware store manager, & last working for Lorens House of Carpets in Missoula, where he worked until his retirement.
Jim was very musically gifted. He played drums for various bands & also had a great tenor voice. He & his brothers sang barbershop together & loved to entertain family & friends. He also loved to dance!! He & his family loved camping & did so often when the children were young. Beverly passed away in 1988. Jim then married
Gina D'Angelo in 1995, & they resided in Polson until Jim's illness became so severe that he spent his last two years at the Veteran's Home in Columbia Falls.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Jack and Neil, his first wife Beverly, & a daughter Erin Devlin. Jim is survived by his wife Gina, daughters Terese (Jon) Foulke of Big Arm & Colleen Devlin of Post Falls, ID, sons Perry (Joyce) of Butte, Brian of Missoula, & Mark (Laurie) of Polson. Jim's grandchildren are Briane, Tony, Brad, Jamie, Kayla, Michael, Sarah, & Tyler. He has two great-grandchildren Joshua & Zacharia. He also leaves behind his older brother, Ward, & many nieces & nephews.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the Montana Veteran Home in Columbia Falls for the great kindness & excellent care they extended to Jim. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Friday April 1st, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Polson with Father Gary Reller officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory of Polson.
Mildred Genevieve 'Jennie' Matt-Eder
Jennie went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by her family and the caring medical staff of St. Luke Hospital in the early morning hours of April 18, 2007. She was born August 29, 1914 in Ronan, MT to Jule Matt and Louise Poquette-Matt and was the 7th of 10 children. Jennie was a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe and held her culture close to her heart, willingly sharing her knowledge of her traditional lifeways with her family and close friends.
At the age of 5 she and her older brother Woodrow (Woody), and younger brother Wilfred were sent away to Flandereau Indian School, where she received her education until she was 12 years of age. Jennie returned to the Flathead Reservation living with her family in the Jocko for many years. Eventually, in her true independence, Jennie embarked on a life that was filled with hard work, but a life she found to be extremely rewarding. She worked in the woods for several years starting out as a tree skinner, later being promoted to a sawyer where she worked side by side with her male counterparts, much to their astonishment. Jennie went on to master the operation of the skidstear and logging trucks for her employer, taking on these positions with great pride for it was unheard of for a woman to hold such jobs during that time.
Jennie's love for the outdoors was very profound and it is because of this love she was led to seek work as a ranch hand on a homestead in Helmville, MT. Upon meeting the owner of this ranch, she had informed him that she needed a job, and he needed her. After two years of working along side this man, it became evident to them both of them, they were well suited and had developed a bond that would last a life time. On April 12, 1954, Jennie married
Otto Eder. They lived together on the 160 acre homestead that had been originally settled by Otto's parents. Together they built the homestead into a thriving 1, 400 acre ranch. When they had time between raising crops and working their cattle, Jennie and Otto would take off into the wilderness for weeks at a time, enjoying the wild life and picking huckleberries. Both were avid hunters, but only hunted for the food they needed as they were strong believers in being good stewards of the blessings of nature. Jennie was known for her hunting abilities and her great skill with a rifle. She was listed in Boone and Crocket for taking one of the largest bull elk out of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Her love of nature and all it had to offer is a legacy she has past on to many.
During the past 10 years, after the death of her husband, she became increasingly close to her niece, Betty Margquart. Jennie thought of Betty as more of a daughter than anything else. These two formidable women shared a very strong and loving relationship. As Jennie's health needs became more prevalent, Betty brought her to her home to care for her. This relationship spilled over to Betty's children and grandchildren, who also spent many years sharing in Jennie's stories and memories.
Anyone who knew Jennie could not help but be touched by her loving nature and generosity which knew no bounds. She leaves behind many special family members and close friends, who will miss her smiling face and sweet spirit.
Jennie was preceded in death by both parents, the love of her life and soul mate, Otto Eder, her brothers John, Tony, James, Eli, Woodrow and Wilfred, and her sisters Mary Florence, Theresa and Lillian, nephews Andrew Matt, Don Matt, Camille 'Sonny' Matt, Duane Delaware and her special friend Harmon of Phoenix, AZ.
Jennie is survived by her nieces Betty (Clark) Marquart (Charlo, MT), Bernice Tallant and family(Seattle, WA.), and Sandra Stevens and family (Monroe, WA), special nephew Leonard Delaware (Hot Springs, MT), nephew Russell (Linda) Matt (Pablo, MT), niece Louise (Tweetie) Matt (Pablo, MT), great nieces Stacey Kiehn and her family (Ronan, MT), Cheryl Colacurcio and Denice (George) Goodale (St. Ignatius, MT), and great nephews John 'Duffy' (Cora) McQuade (Federal Way, WA.), Curt (Patti) Matt (Auburn, WA), DuWayne (Denice) Matt, (Federal Way, WA.) and Jeff Matt (Seattle, WA), her special friends Don and Julie Potcha and family, Norma and Charlie Hughes, Mike and Linda Willis all of Helmville, MT and special friend Kathy of Phoenix, AZ, and numerous great-nieces and nephews and their families living in and around the Seattle area and the Flathead Reservation.
Viewing will be at Grogan Funeral Home in Polson, MT on Friday, April 20, 2007 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Services are 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 21, 2007 at the Helmville Community Center. Pallbearers are her great-great nephews Jordan Espinosa, Tylar Espinosa and Westyn Kiehn, Rick Kiehn, George Goodale and Don Potcha. Honorary Pallbearers are Clark Marquart, Leonard Delaware, Cheryl Colacurcio and the Potcha boys. Officiating the services will be Jennies pastor, Lockley Bremner. Interment shall take place after the services at the Eder Ranch where Jennie will be laid to rest next to her husband. Funeral services provided by Grogan Funeral Home.
