Search Archived Marriage Records
Don Bivins
Don Bivins, 71, died Wednesday, Oct. 3 at his home in Libby. Don and his late wife Mary came to Libby in 1964 where Don taught in the Libby Public School system for over 30 years until his retirement in 1996.
He was born in Great Falls on Feb. 13, 1936 to Ernest and Loring Bivins and graduated from high school in Polson in 1955.
Following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Army for four years and, following his honorable discharge, attended Northern Montana College in Dillon, earning a bachelor of education degree. While in college, he met and married
Mary Webber of Browning and had two children, Kathy and Allen.
Known to everyone as "Mr. Bivins" or "Mr. B," Don taught mainly in grade and middle schools. Don was a loving father and grandfather and enjoyed participating in his childrens' activities, taking them camping and fishing during the summer in the Libby area. He volunteered as a Little League Baseball coach and also as coach of the Libby Boxing Team.
In his retirement years, Don enjoyed another side of his life in his enjoyment of motorcycles. He had been a member of the Thunder Runners motorcycle club and met many friends through this, enjoying many poker runs with the group.
He enjoyed being a snow bird in recent years, spending winters with his son Allen in Florida and daughter Kathy in California and returning to Libby to "brag" about his children and grandchildren.
Survivors include: his son Allen Bivins and his wife Dawnell of DeLand, Flor.; his daughter, Kathy McDonald and her husband Robert of Valley Center, Calif.; a niece, Gail McQueen of Libby; and his grandchildren, Trey, Tanner and Natika. Preceding him in death were his wife Mary; his parents; a sister Colleen Allison and granddaughter Nicole Bivins.
An open house gathering was held Monday, Oct. 8 at the family home in Libby. Arrangements are by Nelson & Vial Funeral Homes & Crematory.
Anna Marie Graham
Anna Marie Graham, 102, died Tuesday, Oct. 30 at Mountain View Manor in Eureka.
Born in Ironwood, Mich.on Jan. 1, 1905 to William and Louise (Martinson) Hagen, Anna migrated with her family to Washington state and later to eastern Montana where they homesteaded a dry land farm between Chester and Fort Benton.
She began attending school at the age of nine, going to school three months each in the fall and spring to country schools.
Her high school years were spent boarding with a family in Fort Benton. Following graduation, she attended Dillon Normal College for one quarter before homesickness and lack of funds took her back to Fort Benton where she began working at the Choteau County Courthouse.
In 1931, she left Fort Benton for Peoria, Ill. to marry Ray S. Graham. They had three daughters: Mary Louise, Linda Lee and Rita Rae.
Anna and Ray spent most of their life together, moving from place to place throughout western Montana.
While Ray worked as a logger, rancher and equipment operator, Anna cooked in logging camps and restaurants until Ray's death in 1959.
Anna returned to Fort Benton in 1960 where she eventually worked again in the courthouse as Deputy Treasurer, retiring in 1968.
Anna's last major move was to Eureka in 1968, moving into her very first new home built by her sons-in-law and family. Even though her move to Eureka was prompted by the desire to be close to family, she found a home for her heart as well.
The Tobacco Valley and it's people became "her's". In 2000, she moved to Mountain View Manor Nursing Home where she was lovingly cared for by the staff while still being able to see her family.
Anna's caring, generous spirit was felt by all who knew her, always being ready to give a word of encouragement, a smile and a hug.
Also preceding Anna in death were her daughter Mary Lou and her son-in-law Jack (Jacky) Stevens. Survivors include her daughters, Rita Stevens of Eureka; Linda and her husband Bill Smith of Marion; as well as grandchildren Bruce Siler, Carole Zacher, Rick Siler, Marita Oliver, Bill Crismore, Jr., Stuart Crismore, Kim Jackson and Joe Crismore; Cheri Chezem, Ray and Larry Stevens, Kari Miller, and Valida McIntyre as well as all spouses and offspring of these grandchildren.
Services were held on Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Eureka with Pastor Pat Lovitt officiating.
Arrangements are under the care of Nelson & Vial Funeral Home in Eureka.
Robyn Baillie
Robyn Baillie, 29, my loving wife and mother of my two children passed away on the night of June 9 due to complications from a seizure.
Robyn was born in Vancouver, Wash. on Dec. 2, 1977 to Jerry and Barb Riedler. She graduated from Columbia River High School in 1996 and Iowa State University in 2001. Robin excelled in softball and soccer, winning a State Championship in fastpitch in 1996 with Columbia River, and playing four years at Iowa State University.
Robyn loved being a stay-at-home mother and her work as a compliance specialist with PacifCap Properties. She enjoyed many vacations; ski trips to Canada, Seahawk football games, and playing softball with the many friends she met over the years. She was my best friend and wife, and I know she is at home with God and her mom.
Robin was preceded in death by her mother Barb in 2004 and her grandma Marge in November.
She is survived by her husband Bryce of almost seven years, her father Jerry, and a brother, Craig. She is leaving behind two beautiful boys, Tyler James, who is 5, and Trent Jay, our 2 year-old. Your boys love you and miss you so much.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 15th, at Evergreen Memorial Gardens followed by a Celebration of Life at the home of the family. Both are open to the public and directions to the Baillie residence will be available at the funeral.
Ashley R. Hall
Ashley R. Hall, 15 month old daughter of Jeffrey D. Hall, Jr. and Cody (McKinzie) Hall, passed away Nov. 29, 2007 at her home in Concord, Ohio. Ashley was born in Bremerton, Wash. on Aug. 30, 2006.
Ashley was the loving infant daughter of Jeffrey D. Hall, Jr. and Cody McKinzie Hall and the sister of Taylor and Jordan, all of Concord; granddaughter of Gail A. Snyder of Madison, Ohio and the late Jeffrey Snyder, Sr.; Sandi McKinzie of Libby; and Kenneth McKinzie of Oroville, Calif.; the great-granddaughter of Lois Hall, Winston-Salem, N.C.; Bob and Betty Cody of Troy; and Ruth Boudreaut of Rock Springs, Wyo.; uncles Derek McKinzie, Kalispell; James Hall, Concord, Ohio; and aunt and uncle Robyn and Kelly Roberts, Chesapeake, Va.
A visitation for family and friends will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday at the Nelson & Vial Funeral Home in Libby. Services will be at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8 at the funeral home.
Bronson D. Parsons
Bronson D. Parsons, 25, of Missoula, died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008 at St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula from injuries sustained in a pedestrian accident involving a motor vehicle.
He was born May 9, 1982 in Libby to Paul and Carol Palmisano Parsons. He grew up in Troy and enjoyed playing football, basketball and tennis.
He graduated from Troy High School in 2000. He then moved to Portland, Ore. where he attended the Willamette Training Center, and completed a four-year apprenticeship under the United Brotherhood of Carpenters. He did internships with Intel and Huffman Construction. He received his certificate as a journeyman in February 2007.
Bronson moved to Missoula in April and was employed with Mostad Custom Home Construction. Bronson received a lot of satisfaction from working with his hands and seeing the product of his work. He appreciated his foreman, Troy Beaver and enjoyed his crew.
Bronson lived life to the fullest. He had a passion for snowboarding and enjoyed his final days hitting some awesome powder on the slopes and hanging out with his great friends in Missoula.
He also had a love for hunting and fishing. Bronson drew three of Montana's special hunting permits: moose, goat and bighorn sheep, while he was still in high school and was successful in all three.
Bronson had a love of flying and had nearly completed his pilot's license. He always hoped to have an opportunity to fly helicopters. Bronson was the ultimate Griz fan and showed his enthusiasm, as with many things in his life. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his parents Paul and Carol Parsons of Troy; two sisters Robin Cummings and her husband Trevor and their son Teagan of Greenacres, Wash. and Erin Leighty and her husband Darwin of Troy.
Services were held on Monday, Jan. 7, 2008 at Immaculate Conception Church in Troy.
Local arrangements are by the Nelson & Vial Funeral Home in Libby.
Warren L. Childs
Warren L. Childs, 62, died Thursday, March 27, 2008 at his home in Libby. He was born on Sept. 5, 1945 in Libby, the son of Lee and Dorothy (Gibson) Childs. He grew up and attended school in Libby, graduating from Libby High School in 1964.
He attended Rocky Mountain College in Havre, graduating with a teaching degree in 1969. He started teaching in Box Elder, Mont., later moving to Billings. He was a wonderful singer and loved music. He recorded an album in Billings called “My Dawn” for his daughter. He then moved to Phoenix, Ariz., where he entertained in many places while there. He moved from Phoenix to Portland, Ore. and worked at an antique store called Partners in Time. He later moved to Salem, Ore. He returned to Libby in December 2007.
He enjoyed playing cribbage, and loved his daughter Dawn very much.
Survivors include his daughter Dawn Marie Ornelas of Havre; his mother Dorothy Childs of Libby; a brother Alan Childs of Condon, Mont.; his sister Kathy Powell and her husband George of Libby; and uncles Roland Childs and his wife Beulah of Libby; and Duane Childs of Minnesota.
Private family services are being held. Arrangements are by Nelson & Vial Funeral Home & Crematory in Libby.
Roy A. Cook
Roy A. Cook, 92, long time resident of Libby, died Jan. 30, 2008 at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Wash. He was born May 24, 1915, the last of 12 kids born to Hart H. and Elisabeth (Mealue) Cook on the homestead in Big Gulch 12 miles east of Hot Springs. He went to school in Oliver Gulch.
He left the ranch in 1942 and married
Ilah M. (Wineberner) Sand on Oct. 5, 1944 and raised three stepsons and one stepdaughter along with one son of their own. He ran the gravel crusher for the city of Kalispell in 1948-1949 while they paved the streets. He moved to Thompson Falls in 1952 and was a planer operator until 1965, and then moved to Libby. He retired from J. Neils and Champion International in 1977.
Survivors include his partner, Myrl Carr of Libby; a son Donald D. Cook and his wife Neddie of Round Mountain, Nev.; a grandson David Cook of Missoula; a granddaughter Tamare Cook of Las Vegas, Nev.; two nephews and three nieces including a special niece Sandy Holloway of Libby.
Private family services are being held. Local arrangements are by Nelson & Vial Funeral Home in Libby.
Mildred M. Baker, 80
Mildred M. Baker, 80, of Libby died Wednesday, July 9, 2008, at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital following several years of poor health.
She was born on May 20, 1928 at Whitefish, Mont., the fourth child of Thomas J. and Emma Graef Papineau.
Mildred entered the first grade in Troy and completed her elementary education at Central School in Whitefish. She began high school in Whitefish, but was unable to graduate, as she was needed to help their family. Her only regret in life was not receiving her diploma.
On Sept. 1, 1946, Mildred married
Robert Lee Field of Whitefish by the Rev. Norman R. Prestbye in the Lutheran Church at Polson. The young couple spent the following nine months in Whitefish, where the Great Northern Railroad employed Bob.
They moved to Anchorage, Alaska in 1947 where the U.S. Air Force at Fort Richardson employed Bob as a pipe layer. A son, Thomas Howard, was born in Anchorage on May 24, 1949. In September 1952, Mildred and her family moved to Libby where her husband began working for the Zonolite company. A daughter, Lynn Marie was born on Dec. 10, 1953.
Robert Field at 27 died of lung cancer on Sept. 23, 1955.
Mildred worked in the county Assessor’s Office for a while and then went to work in the office of J. Neil’s Lumber Co., as a stenographer. It was there that she became acquainted with Benjamin Baker, another Neil’s office employee.
On May 12, 1957, Mildred married
Benjamin at St. John Lutheran Church by Pastor Arthur Werfelmann. A daughter, Melissa Ann, was born in 1959.
Mildred opened a day care in 1960 and operated the business until 1984. Ben and Mildred were also involved in the Foster Parent Program. Mildred served as superintendent/teacher of St. John Lutheran Sunday School. She also was employed for eight years as secretary of St. John Lutheran School.
Mildred’s parents, a son Thomas, sister Lucille Campbell, a brother Doug Papineau, and another sister Florence Quien Cowan preceded her in death.
Mildred is survived by her husband of 51 years Ben Baker of Libby; daughters Lynn Osterhues and husband Roger; and Melissa Rider and husband Grant, both of Libby; a special daughter-in-law Shirley Hatten and husband Bruce of Lakewood, Wash.; six grandchildren, Rachael Osterhues, Aaron Chambers, Kelsi Chambers, Robert Field, and Tammi Dooley; nine great-grandchildren, Hailey May Chambers, Jaydon Nave, Thomas, Brian, Andrew, Erik and Elizabeth Field, and Shawna and Dillin Dooley; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Mildred loved her Lord, her family and her life.
Services were held July 15, 2008 at St. John Lutheran Church. The Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby was in charge of arrangements.
June M. Clark
June M. Clark, 86, a lifetime resident of Libby, passed away Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007 at the Libby Care Center of natural causes.
June was born in Libby on July 13, 1921 to Harold and Marion Miller. She attended Libby schools and graduated with the class of 1938. After graduation, she attended Sacred Heart School of Nursing and received her diploma in nursing in 1942.
She married
Fred Clark in Charleston, S.C. on April 5, 1943. While Fred was overseas, June worked as a registered nurse in Idaho and Washington. Upon Fred's discharge from the Army, they returned to their hometown where they raised three sons and a daughter. June worked as a surgical nurse at St. John's Lutheran Hospital until retiring in 1967.
June was active in the community, serving on several boards including: Modern Arts Club, Women's Club and Red Cross. She was a lifetime member of St. John Lutheran Church and worked with the Sunday School, Lutheran Women's Mission League and Altar Guild.
June spent many happy summers at the family cabin on Crystal Lake. She and Fred traveled extensively throughout Canada, Europe and the U.S. She will be remembered as a woman who placed family and friends first in her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband.
She is survived by her sons: Fred (Rick) and his wife Glenice of Puyallup, Wash.; John and his wife Alta of Libby; Tom and his wife Brenda of Spokane, Wash.; and her daughter Martha Dahm of Libby and Judy Clark of Port Orchard, Wash. She is survived by nine grandchildren: Eric, Sonja, Scott, Tim, Rebecca, Kathryn, John, Mark and Luke. She is also survived by five great-grand children, five stepchildren, 28 step-grandchildren and nine step-great- grandchildren.
Services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15 at St. John Lutheran Church with Pastor Eric Christiansen officiating. Interment will be in the City of Libby cemetery.
Friends may call at the Nelson and Vial Funeral Home from 1 to 8 p.m. on Friday and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Memorials donations may be made to St. John Lutheran Church.
Thomas W. Manaras
Thomas W. Manaras, 86, of Havre, Mont., died Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008 at Libby Care Center.
He was born on June 11, 1922 at Havre to Tom and Ozemma (Rogers) Manaras. He grew up and attended school in Havre, and graduated from Havre High School in 1940.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He married
Carol Hanscen in California. He returned to Havre where he owned and operated the Fair Hotel and later managed the Super 8 Motel.
Survivors include four sons, John Manaras and wife, Susan of Boston, Mass.; Steve Manaras and wife Lindsay of Columbia Falls; and Dan and Dave Manaras, both of Seattle, Wash.; a daughter, Jan Mundy and husband Dan of Orlando, Fla.; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Private family services are being held.
Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby handled arrangements.
William Eastman
William (Bill) Eastman, 86, died Tuesday, Jan. 15 at his home in Libby. He was born in Laona, Wis. to Jessie and Mary (Trice) Eastman on Jan. 17, 1921, the ninth of 11 children. He was raised and educated at Laona and served in the U.S. Army during World War II where he served in France and later, Germany.
He came to Libby in 1956 where he had been a long-time employee of the J. Neils Lumber Company, St. Regis Paper Company and Champion until retiring due to disability Jan. 1, 1980.
On Feb. 27, 1974, he married
Inez Sarbaum. Together they enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping as well as traveling. They spent the winters in Arizona and enjoyed visiting family and friends in Idaho, Montana and Wisconsin during the summer. He had been a member of the Presbyterian Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Ada, six sisters, four brothers, several nieces and nephews as well as a great-grandson.
Survivors include his wife Inez of Libby; stepchildren Lynn and her husband Jerry Shuffield of Emmett, Idaho, Claude and his wife Jolee Sarbaum of Hamer, Idaho, and Blaine Sarbaum of Libby; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and his faithful dog Buster.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 16, 2008 at the City of Libby cemetery with military honors.
Arrangements are by Nelson & Vial Funeral Homes and Crematory. Special thanks to the nurses at St. John’s Hospice for their compassion and care.
