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October 29, 2009
Walter Lee Allen, Jr.
RONAN — Walter Lee Allen, Jr., 61, passed away on Oct. 19, 2009, at St. Luke Extended Care Facility in Ronan.
Walter was born on May 14, 1948, in Bridgeport, Conn., to Gloria and Walter Allen, Sr.
Walter attended schools in Seattle and in 1993, he married Georgi Mitchell.
He worked for Burlington Northern Railroad and retired in 1993.
Walter loved the outdoors and running half-marathons.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Gloria Allen; brother, Charles Allen; and an infant sister, Margie.
Walter is survived by his wife, Georgi Mitchell; parents, Walter Allen, Sr. (Ola); daughter, Margie (Tony Clark) Allen; step-daughters Tricia Finley, Annie Mitchell, Jocelyn Finley and JoAnn Mahler; sons James Allen, Walter Allen III (Thaydra); adopted son, Ryan Allen; brothers Robert Allen and Steve (Patty) Allen; and sister-in-law Ardith Allen.
A memorial service was held on Oct. 24 at Grogan Funeral Home.
Linda Eileen Decker
RONAN — Our dearest wife, mom, grams, sister and daughter went to be with Jesus and her Daddy on October 23, 2009.
We have a feeling her Daddy was waiting with a big prime rib and baked potato with lots of butter and sour cream.
Linda’s dream came true. The love she imparted to her family, friends, and the countless number of others she touched will never be forgotten. Linda had a sincere and gentle spirit which impacted everyone she was around. Her compassion was without comparison.
When she began to lose her voice over the past year, she shed tears not about her own troubles, but because she could no longer speak and visit with people like she once had.
Linda was always about family and wanted everyone to be together as much as possible. We always liked to tease her about how she cried when she saw someone come and cried when they would leave.
She loved the holidays, especially Christmas and would always manage to find, or at least talk Gale into finding, the perfect Christmas tree. Her loving touch was evident from the popcorn strung on the tree, to the heart shaped coffee cakes we enjoyed every Christmas morning.
Over the last few months, Linda was surrounded by family and friends showering her with love, hugs, kisses, flowers, cards, and more love, hugs, kisses, flowers and cards. After a full lifetime of taking care of others, God gave Linda’s family and friends a chance to take care of her.
Linda is survived by her husband of forty-two years, Gale Decker of Ronan; mother, Charlotte Powell of Ronan; daughters Noelle Decker of Ronan, Holly Duffey (Jack) of Ronan, Mandy Patch (Nick) of Ramona, Calif.; sons Jeffrie Decker (Katie) of White Sulphur Springs, Christopher Decker (Angie) of Missoula; grandchildren Holly, Brady, Rhett, Jackson, Madeline, Cooper, Marissa; and great-granddaughter Mataya; sisters Terry Reusser (Al) of Kirkland, Wash., Judy Looper (Ray) of Spokane, Wash, and Laurie Franklin (Mike) of Ronan; and many, many nieces and nephews too numerous to list who held a special place in her heart.
Linda was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Powell and sister, Thora Ann (McConnell) Larson.
Memorial services were held at the Ronan Christian Missionary Alliance (CMA) Church Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Camp Mak-A-Dream through its website at www.campdream.org or the local Ken Sagmiller Memorial fund at Community Bank in Ronan.
Marianne H. Goff
PABLO — Marianne H. Goff, 82, passed away on Oct. 20, 2009 at Polson Health and Rehabilitation.
Marianne was born on Feb. 24, 1927 in Breman, Germany to Heinrich and Maria Witte.
In 1948, Marianne left her native Germany to begin her life in the U.S. Obtaining her citizenship in 1954 was one of her proudest accomplishments.
In 1951, Marianne married Bernard R. Wilson and they had three children together. They later divorced in 1960.
She enjoyed everything from square dancing to the jitterbug. She loved the changing seasons of Montana. She enjoyed her special friendships that spanned the decades.
Marianne was happiest loving the family around her.
Marianne leaves behind her daughter, Florence Haninger; husband, Fritz; grandson, Michael Rasmussen; great-granddaughters Kristina and Heather.
Cremation has taken place and there are no public services scheduled.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Daniel P. Seery
ST. IGNATIUS — Daniel P. Seery, 86, passed away Oct. 22, 2009, in St. Ignatius.
Dan was born to Michael Joseph and Anna Keegan in 1923.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Jack, Frank, Leo, and Tim Seery; sister, Mary Ellen Aune; and infant son, Daniel Patrick Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Isabelle; children Danielle Smith, David Seery, Debbie Maher and Denise Seery; foster son, Tony Miller-Seery; grandchildren Kyle and Shannon Seery, Danny and Katie Maher and David Smith; brother, Joe Seery; sister, Doty Everson; sisters-in-law Patsy Seery and Alice Seery; and double-cousin, Eileen Perry.
Rosary services were held Oct. 26 and funeral mass was Oct. 27. Cremation was under the direction of Foster Funeral Home. A family ceremony was held Oct. 28 at Missoula’s St. Mary Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Tim Ryan Mission Valley Scholarship Foundation or a charity of the one’s choice.
Randy Joseph Trosper
POLSON — Randy Joseph Trosper, 55, died peacefully of natural causes at home on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, after a short battle with heart disease, cancer, and additional complications.
 Although he lost the battle, he fought it with courage and his innate good humor.
Randy was born in the old Catholic hospital in St. Ignatius on March 12, 1954, to Alice Stockton Trosper and George Lester Trosper.
He was the youngest of six children making him the guinea pig for many childhood adventures and experiments while growing up at Kerr Dam. Randy was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
He attended Polson public schools, graduating from Polson High School in 1972. During that time he worked at Safeway. He attended Flathead Valley Community College after graduation, fighting wildfires for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes during the summer to finance his education.
He then completed a truck driving school. He joined the U.S. Army in 1978. Randy began his military career as a draftsman and was trained later as a nuclear weapons advisor specialist serving three overseas tours in Germany and Greece. He attained the rank of Sergeant First Class and was honorably discharged in June of 1992.
Randy attended Salish Kootenai College, graduating with an Associates Degree. In September of 2001, he began work at the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Natural Resources Department as a fisheries technician while pursuing a fisheries biology degree through the University of Montana.
Randy was employed with the Tribes Water Quality Program beginning in January of 2003, until his much too early death.
Randy was proud of his cultural heritage and was a very active member of the Veteran Warrior Society, often traveling out of state and to Canada for powwows and life celebration ceremonies.
Randy thoroughly enjoyed and loved his nine nieces and nephews and their children. He was a history buff and an avid reader with varied interests.
Randy was married and divorced twice.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lester; sister, Lynda and grandparents.
He is survived by his mother, Alice; siblings Danna Hurtt (Richard), Eldeana Davis, Brad Trosper (Marilyn) and Leslee Dickson (Buz); two aunts; one uncle; and numerous cousins.
Visitation will was held Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Grogan Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, located at 409 4th Ave. E., Polson with Rev. Paul Rowold officiating. Military grave side services will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.
A reception will be held at VFW Post 2986 after the services.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of the donor’s choice. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Grogan Funeral Home is assisting the family.
October 22, 2009
Vernita (Jean) Pichette Ducharme
RONAN — Vernita (Jean) Pichette Ducharme, 77, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 19, 2009 in Ronan.
Jean attended the Ursiline’s School in St. Ignatius and Chemewa Indian School in Oregon. She spent the majority of her life working as a nurse at Missoula’s Community and St. Patrick Hospitals. Her proudest accomplishment was obtaining her LPN license.
The love of Jean’s life was her husband of 53 years, Joe Ducharme. Jean and Joe had known each other their entire lives. Jean and Joe — everyone knew “they went together.” His passing in April of 2006 was so difficult for Jean.
Together they raised their daughters, JoAnn “JoJo” Ducharme of Anchorage, AK and Becky Messing of Spokane, Wash.
Jean also had a daughter, Kelly Garcia, of New Mexico and is survived by her nieces Delores Abel Plumage of Ft. Belknap, and her family and Judy Abel Gray also of Ft. Belknap and her family; also is her brother-in-law Pete Ducharme of Missoula.
Her three grandchildren were so precious to her and she is survived by Benjamin Coffroth of Anchorage, AK and Kylie Messing of Spokane, Wash.
Jean was preceded in death by her father, Baptiste Pichette; mother, Mary Combs Felsman; sister, Bernice Pichette Abel Clairmont; and grandchild, Josie Messing of Spokane, Wash. who passed away in June of 2009.
The wake will begin on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 1 p.m. in the Longhouse in St. Ignatius with the rosary being recited at 8 p.m.
Wake closing will be on Friday, Oct. 23 at 10 a.m. in the Longhouse with mass being celebrated at 11 a.m. in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission. Burial will follow at the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.
The pallbearers will be Christopher Plumage, Charles Plumage, Jason Gray, Benjamin Coffroth, Steve Munford and Joe Pablo with Leonard Combs being an honorary bearer.
Mary Elizabeth McCready
RONAN — Mary Elizabeth McCready, 82, of Ronan passed away at the home of her daughter in Lakeside on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009 of natural causes.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24 at 11 a.m. at Ronan's Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Burial will follow at the Ronan Cemetery.
Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services of Ronan is assisting with arrangements.
Ruby G. Penniman
Ruby G. Penniman, 92, of Ronan passed away at her home on Friday, Oct. 16, 2009 from natural causes.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 1:30 p.m. at the Cornerstone Faith Center in St. Ignatius.
Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services of Ronan is assisting with arrangements.
Veda Mae Everson
Veda Mae Everson, 88, of Charlo passed away on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2009 at Ronan's St. Luke Extended Care Facility of natural causes.
Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced by Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services of Ronan.
October 15, 2009
Dwayne Odom
CHARLO — Dwayne Odom, 46, loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend passed away suddenly on Friday, Oct. 9, 2009 to be with our Lord. He was born July 13, 1963 in Phoenix, Ariz. to Bill and Juanita Odom.
Dwayne began his painting career as a teenager and worked for others, as well as running his own business as a commercial and residential painter. His accomplishments are seen at many Mission Valley and Missoula residential and commercial sites.
It was love at first sight for Dwayne when he met his wife, Rochelle, in 1999 in Phoenix. They moved to Charlo, Mont., in August, 2000 and were married on Sept. 26, 2004. They have two children, Toby and Paige. He loved all six of his kids and grandchildren with his whole heart.
Dwayne enjoyed outdoor activities and making furniture. The biggest dream he was pursuing was building motorcycles and hot rods.
Despite his rough exterior, the people who took the time to know him knew his love for the Lord made him a compassionate, emotional man who helped anyone in need, even if it meant it would make things a little tighter for himself. His last loving act was as an organ donor, giving life to others he didn’t even know.
He is survived by his wife, Rochelle; children Kyle (Katrina), Heather (Travis), Misty K., Dwayne, Jr., Toby, and Paige; two grandchildren, Hannah and Braelyn; parents Bill and Juanita Odom; sister Wanda; and brothers Richard and Darren. He will be missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Valley Bank to assist in the raising of his two minor children.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Cornerstone Faith Center, 516 N. Main in St. Ignatius.
October 8, 2009
Mary Josephine Cote’ Smith
ST. IGNATIUS — Mary Josephine Cote’ Smith, 94, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 at St. Luke’s Community Hospital in Ronan.
Josephine was born on Oct. 30, 1914 in St. Ignatius. Josephine married Stanley Oliver in 1930. They divorced and later she married Richard Smith.
She was preceded in death by children Mickey, Richard, Kenney, Stanley and Tony; sister, Beulah; and brother, Roger.
She is survived by sister, Annie Edwards; brothers Joe Cote and John “Jack” Cote; children Judy Oliver-Davenport, Linda West, Barbara Oliver, Lora Lynne Oliver, Robert Oliver, Douglas Oliver and Susan Jo “Jody” Faucett.
A wake began Wednesday, Oct. 7 in the St. Ignatius Longhouse with the rosary being recited. Mass will be on Friday at 12 p.m. in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission.
Cremation will follow the services.
In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family suggests donations to the Humane Society.
Fern Margurite Goodman
POLSON — Fern Margurite Goodman, 91, of Polson, passed away Sept. 28, 2009 at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula.
Fern was born March 19, 1918 in Dillon to Iva and Andrew Downing. She married James L. Steffes in 1936. She divorced and later married Jack W. Goodman.
Fern "Nana" loved her grandchildren, to travel and listening to country music.
Survivors include daughters June Sloan and Sherry Ruttenbur (Neil); grandchildren Karen Loewen (Roy), Greg Sloan, Gordon Sloan, Lee Ruttenbur and Christi Ruttenbur; eight great-grandchildren: three great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Her parents, husband, Jack and a grandchild, Loren Ruttenbur, preceded Fern in death.
The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to Shriners Hospital for Children, 911 W. 5th Ave, Spokane, WA. 99204-2910 www.shrinershq.org
Graveside services were held Oct. 5 in Ronan. A reception followed at Grogan Funeral Home. Messages may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com
Ronald Lee Haynes
POLSON — Ronald Lee Haynes, 42, of Polson passed away on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009 at his home in Polson.
Ron was born Nov. 11, 1966 in Cottage Grove, Ore. In 1991, Ron married Christine Joyner and they later divorced in 1996.
Ron worked many jobs including tree service and landscape maintenance.
Ron loved animals, especially his dog, Sheba. He enjoyed movies, reading the Bible and creating unique walking sticks.
Ron is survived by parents, Marilyn and Don Miller and Jerry and Maureen Rice; sons, Arron Lee Haynes and James Alan Haynes; brother Brian Roger Haynes; and one granddaughter.
A memorial service was held on Monday, Sept. 28 at Grogan Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Northwest Montana Humane Society, 3499 U.S. Hwy. 93 North, Kalispell, MT 59903.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Trisha-Jo Marie Plant
PABLO — Trisha-Jo Marie Plant, 22, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 30 in Pablo.
Born in Missoula on May 31, 1987, she was raised in Arlee and Turtle Lake and educated at Arlee and Two Eagle River High School. She was currently attending Salish Kootenai College, hoping to become a Salish teacher.
She was the bestest, greatest daughter any mother could ever hope for. Everyday she showed her mother or told her how much she loved her mom and Rick. The last words ever to touch her mother’s ears from her voice was “I love you mom.”
She loved all her brothers with all her heart. She was a very loyal loving sister. She was very giving. If she was on her last dollar, she would give it to a stranger, family or friend who might need it.
Trisha had many, many friends from all over. She never forgot anyone, her love was too great.
She was preceded in death by Dianna Rose (aunt), Brenda Lynn (aunt), Ronald Plant (uncle), Ambrose Plant (uncle), Charles Plant, Luanne Wesley (aunt), Peter Plant (uncle), James Lozeau, Ronald, Larry, Butch, Lucille, Keven, Doris and Debra Old Horn; great-great-grandparents Tony and Clara Plant; and great-great-grandparents Steve Matt, Adaline Parker Matt and Louise Isaac Matt.
She is survived by parents Valerie Plant and Rick TwoTeeth, and Leigh Malatare and Ronda Lozeau; Godparents Susan Valley and Gary Plant; siblings Alex Woods, Taneesha Hammer Plant, RickRick TwoTeeth, Tristen TwoTeeth, Blakely TwoTeeth, Coy TwoTeeth; adopted siblings Malissa Gardipe, Josie Bear, Malissa, Josie, Keven OldHorn II, Natasha Walking Eagle; aunts Crystal and John Bunce, Mikki Pierre, Michaelanna and Theresa Michele; uncles Linden (Patricia) Plant, Dennis Plant Jr. and Raven Burland; grandparents Dennis Plant Sr. and Helen Hammer, Regina Old Horn and Melvina and Doug Malatare; and great-grandma Mary Val (Matt) Plant; and great-grandparents Melvin and Rena RunnningRabbit; great aunts and uncles Nancy Plant, Darryl Plant, Wanda Old Horn, Anna Mitchel, and great-pgreat aunts and uncles Magaret Coffee, Lucille Parker, Clark Matt, Steve Matt and Wilhemina Wright.
A traditional wake began on Thursday, Oct. 1 in Arlee with the Rosary being recited on Friday evening. Mass was celebrated at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission. Burial followed in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Malissa Gardipe, Crystal Craft, Jessica Cooper, Kristen TwoTeeth, Josie Bear, Tasheena Mitchell, Frank Lozeau and Dakota Lafley.
Honorary Bearers were Alex Wood (Plant), RickRick TwoTeeth, Tristen TwoTeeth, Charles (Luke) Plant, Joseph Plant, Emanual and Loren Hernandez, Jordan Plant, Louis Bunce, Pat Pierre III, Bugbug MadPlume, Marlene Finley, Shayla Cote, Jessica TwoTeeth, Angela Gardipe, Ciera Steele Lozeau and all her cousins, friends, and family too numerous to name. If Trisha could she’d name everyone.
October 1, 2009
George E. Collins
POLSON — George E. Collins, 81, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009, peacefully in his home after a courageous battle with cancer.
George was born on November 29, 1927, in Placentia, Newfoundland to Mary Bridget and Francis Collins.
He immigrated to Montana in 1948, and was employed as a general foreman for the Burlington Northern Railroad for 35 years. He married Elinor Cass in 1953, and they had four children.
George is survived by wife Elinor; children, Michael (Kari Klehm), Patti (Keith) Woo, Debbie (Scott) Stuart and Lori (Robert) Malcolm.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 1, at Grogan Funeral Home in Polson from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a vigil at 7 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. Memorials may be given to Cheerful Heart, PO Box 688, Polson, MT, 59860.
Ronald Lee Haynes
POLSON — Ronald Lee Haynes, 42, of Polson passed away on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009 at his home in Polson.
Ron was born on Nov. 11, 1946 in Cottage Grove, OR. In 1991, Ron married Christine Joyner and they later divorced in 1996.
Ron worked many jobs including tree service and landscape maintenance.
Ron loved animals, especially his dog, Sheba. He enjoyed movies, reading the Bible and creating unique walking sticks.
Ron is survived by parents, Marilyn and Don Miller and Jerry and Maureen Rice; sons, Arron Lee Haynes and James Alan Haynes; brother Brian Roger Haynes; and one granddaughter.
A memorial service was held on Monday, Sept. 28 at Grogan Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Northwest Montana Humane Society, 3499 U.S. Hwy. 93 North, Kalispell, MT 59903.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Kelly S. Johnson
POLSON — Kelly S. Johnson, 48, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009.
She was born September 11, 1961 to Kenneth and Barbara Ross. She was married in August of 1984 to Roger Johnson.
Kelly was an excellent mother, daughter, sister and friend. She touched so many people’s lives. She was a remarkable craftsman, interior decorator, and enjoyed the outdoors and family outings.
She was preceded in death by husband, Roger.
Survivors include children Kristin and Ross Johnson; parents Kenneth and Barbara Ross; sisters Cindy Rossmith and Kimberly Ross; and numerous other relatives and friends.
There will be no memorial service. The family would rather have you celebrate Kelly’s life by enjoying time with your family, or make a donation to the Humane Society.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, is assisting the family.
John Sago Jr.
POLSON — John Sago Jr., 83, passed away on Sept. 24 at Evergreen Care Facility in Polson, though in his heart, he was with his beloved wife Louise at his home overlooking Melita Island and Flathead Lake.
John was born June 29, 1926, to John Albert and Minnie Etta Sago in Big Timber, Mont. John served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Pearl Harbor.
He is survived by wife Louise; sister Joyce Appleman (Don); children, Virginia Bolstad, Virginia Hooper (Ralph), Martin Sago (Nan), Andrew Sago (Joyce), John James Sago, Annetta Spurlock (Marty), and Thomas Sago (Naureen); 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Friday, Oct. 2, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. at Grogan Funeral Home. Memorial services will be Saturday, Oct. 3, 2 p.m. at Lakeview Baptist Church with Pastor Kevin Rettig officiating.
Memorials may be made to The Gideons, PO Box 205 Polson, MT 59860.
Nancy A. (Braun) Schweigert
POLSON — Nancy A. (Braun) Schweigert, 71, died Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2009 in Polson after a long battle with congestive heart failure.
Nancy was born on Oct. 25, 1937 in Baker, Mont. She was one of 11 children. On June 18, 1955, she married Riggie Schweigert. They moved to various places in Montana and proudly raised five children.
Nancy is survived by husband, Riggie; sons Terry (Mary), Tony, Todd (Tammy), TJ (Ashley); daughter, Tamara; brothers Gene and Ted; sister, Bonnie Duffield; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service is tentatively set over Memorial Day Weekend 2010 at Canyon Ferry Lake in Helena, which was one of Nancy's most cherished places.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson is assisting the family.
Sam J. Gonzalez
PABLO — Sam J. Gonzalez, 40, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 22 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Ronan.
Born to Hill and Virginia Gonzalez in Hayward, Calif. on Jan. 9, 1969, he was raised and educated in California before moving to Arizona. It was here that he met his partner, Joyce Peone, and they returned to live on the Flathead Indian Reservation in 1996 where he worked for Jake Snout at Big Sky Heating and Air Conditioning until recent health issues forced Sam to be a homebody.
He enjoyed cards, cribbage, visiting friends, watching TV and raising cane with his dog, Chomps. When possible he still enjoyed fishing.
He is survived by his partner Joyce Peone of Pablo; father, Hill (Dora) Gonzalez of Modesto; son Raymond; one brother and three sisters.
A wake was held at the Foster Funeral Home in St. Ignatius on Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. until later that evening when cremation had taken place. He will be returned to California to be laid to rest beside his mother.
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