Faye Lillian Keith Pitts
courtesy photo
Faye Pitts
DIXON — Faye Lillian Oehrling Keith Pitts, 88 years old, was taken into the arms of Jesus on March 6, 2014, surrounded by the love of her family, after a gallant battle with breast cancer and osteoporosis. Faye was born, Sept. 15, 1925, in Rose Lake, Idaho, to a first generation German immigrant family. She graduated from Kellogg High School where she was a majorette. She thrilled crowds by twirling batons on fire. The school troupe went on to become the Northwest Regional Champions.
After graduation Faye was married briefly to Kenneth Keith who was killed in WWII. To assist in the war effort she moved with her sister-law, Geri Earling, to work in Portland. In 1945, she joined her mother and stepfather in Hot Springs, Mont. While working at the LaRue Mercantile she met the love of her life, Gene Pitts. Faye would not marry until she completed her training at the beauty school in Missoula. She maintained an active beautician license until her mid-seventies, just in case she had to return to work. Gene and Faye married July 5, 1947, and settled into their sweet log cabin on Camas Prairie to run a sawmill. Their first two babies, Lettie and Garry, were born on the Prairie. In 1951, they purchased the old sawmill in Ravalli and moved the family to Dixon. Three more babies were added, Terry, KoLynn and Larry.
Given her children’s many health challenges, diabetes, polio, and multiple head and body injuries, Faye was nickname “Dr. Faye.” She spent tireless hours as a dedicated mother working side by side with her children to complete school work, 4-H projects, or driving them and friends to their multiple events and activities.
Dancing was Faye’s passion, prompting her to teach her kids to dance in the house kitchen. In mid-life she became a paraprofessional at the Dixon Grade School and later an assistant Postmaster. In her later years she was the noted caregiver for her beloved Gene. She prided herself with being his “pit bull” guiding and directing his care to his last breath.
Faye loved people and was the biggest Dixon fan. She was a tiny person, known for her ready smile, hand wave, and visiting with people up and down the valley. You could often see her peeking over the steering wheel of her maroon car. She loved to drink a Coca- Cola while writing notes and sending out cards to people she loved.
She was determined to live out her life in her Dixon home but an unfortunate fall and broken hip lead to her recent residence at St. Joseph’s Assisted Living Community in Polson. At St. Joes old and new friends quickly embraced her, offering her love and friendship. We thank the residents and staff for making her final hours so precious.
Faye’s husband Eugene Pitts; daughter Lettie Pitts Neuman; son Larry Pitts; brother Ed Earling and parents Lillian and Leo Keith and Edgar and Florence Oehrling preceded her in death.
Surviving family are Garry and Christine Pitts of Polson; Terry and Crystal Pitts of Dixon; KoLynn (Pitts) and Paul Sinclair of Yakima, Wash.; Ginger Pitts of Polson; John Neuman of Missoula; grandchildren Greg Neuman; Stephen and (Tiffany) Pitts; Zachary (Valissa) Pitts; Samantha (Andrew) Pitts-Norlan; Zanen (Kendra) Pitts; Don Powell; Whitney (Nathan) Pitts-Danz; Taylor Pitts; great-grandchildren Jett, Tallis and Zanen, Jr.; sister-in-law Geri Earling; Bud and Nina Heitmiller and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 15, 2014, at the Dixon Gym followed by a lunch served at the Dixon Senior Center. Interment will be at 2:30 p.m. at the Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Missoula with a reception at the Staybridge Hotel. Messages of condolences may be shared online with the family at: www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Mary K. Harris
RONAN — Mary K. Harris died at her home on Feb. 24 at the age of 81. She was born on Dec. 18, 1932 to Emmett and Goldie Cox in White Sulphur Springs, Mont. She graduated from school there in 1951. She married O. S. “Bud” Harris on July 11, 1952. They ranched in Meagher County until moving to the Ronan area in 1959, where they have lived ever since.
Mary K. was an active member of the Round Butte Women’s Club for many years. Her family was her world and all loved to get “goodie boxes” with sugar cookies, “gingie” cookies, or some treat near the holidays and special occasions.
Mary’s parents, son Mark and brother Bob precede her in death. She is survived by her husband Bud; sons Herb (Vi) Harris, and Will Harris of Ronan; daughter Sandy (Jim) Jenkins of Belgrade; nine grandchildren: Josh, Stacy, Monty, Brett, and Cassie Harris, Michelle Sharbono, and Briana, Alicia, and Skyla Jenkins and their spouses; 12 great-grandchildren; sister Lois (Jack) McGuire; brother Willie (Myrna) Cox and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, March 14, at 11 a.m. at the Round Butte Clubhouse with interment of ashes to be in Meagher County at a later date.
