Pansy Achenbaugh
courtesy photo
Pansy Achenbaugh
Polson — Pansy Pauline Achenbaugh, age 100, passed away in her sleep on March 5, 2015, at St Luke’s Extended Care Facility in Ronan, Montana. Pansy was born on Feb. 6, 1915, in Corning, California, to Charles James Owens and Hazel Mable (Wink) Grundy. She was raised with her brother, Jesse (Bud) Ernest Owens and three half brothers: Elwood Eugene, Curtis (Curt) Edgar and William (Honey Bill) Arthur Barba
As a young girl Pansy worked in farming picking fruit, as in a small town like Gerber there was not much for a young lady in business.
She first met and married William Glen Knox about 1933 and had a daughter, Shirley Rose on July 27, 1935, and a son, Billy Dale Oct. 8, 1936. The marriage ended in divorce.
She then married a wonderful man, James Junior Achenbaugh, May 21, 1942. They had no children of their own.
Pansy hired on at McClellan AFB in Sacramento, California, in 1956 and worked in civil engineering as a typist until 1970 when she retired. After moving to Polson, she worked for a while at Funke & Son’s Clothing Store, Darlene’s Dress Shop and Midway Furniture Store, now Harbor Lights, all on Main Street.
Throughout her life she lived in Corning, Gerber and Red Bluff in Tehama County; Gridley in Butte County; Westwood in Lassen County; Sacramento in Sacramento County, California and Polson in Lake County, Montana.
Pansy was a very talented woman. She made most of her own clothes, including work suits and dresses. Some were knitted. Her hobbies in addition to knitting were crocheting, quilting, painting and learning to play the organ. She was also a great cook.
She attended Polson Community Church. Pansy and Jim both enjoyed visiting people that were homebound and taking them goodies.
Jim was an avid hunter and many times Pansy was right there by his side, hunting with him. She was there with Jim one time when he got a moose; in fact she actually spotted it.
Pansy joined Order of Eastern Star of California 428, El Comino, in Sacramento, California. She was elected on March 14, 1961, and initiated March 21,1961. She transferred her membership to Order of Eastern Star of Montana, 53 Mystic Chapter, in Polson, Montana, in 1973 and resigned in 2000. At one time Pansy served as Chaplain and helped serve at the Shrine suppers for many years.
Pansy and Jim moved to Polson, Montana, in 1972, a few years after their close friends Orson and Alice Delay had moved to Montana. Jim had met Orson at the base in California where the families had become very close.
Pansy’s spouse, James J. Achenbaugh; daughter-in-law, Ellen Achenbaugh of Polson; grandson, Brian (Debbie) of Spokane, Washington; granddaughters Kathy Williams, Connie Myers and Paula Fraser; many great-grandchildren living in Colorado and Washington; and many nieces and nephews in Montana, Oregon and California survive her.
Pansy is preceded in death by her daughter Shirley Rose Knox; son Billy Dale Achenbaugh; grandchildren Linda Achenbaugh and Stephen Dale Leckwold; brothers Jesse (Bud) Earnest Owens, Elwood Eugene Barba, Curtis (Curt) Edgar Barba and William (Honey Bill) Arthur Barba.
Pansy’s family and friends will miss her.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Her final resting place will be in Tehama County Cemetery in California where most all of her family members are buried.
Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.thelakefunerlahomeandcrematory.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
