Berna Mae (McKeever) Hayford

ST. IGNATIUS - Berna Mae (McKeever) Hayford, 75, died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

A member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe, Berna was born in St. Ignatius to Mona (Marcum) and James McKeever, Jr. on June 21, 1929. She was raised in the St. Ignatius area and graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1948. Soon afterward, she married Art Graham. They had two sons, Robert and Stanley.

She later married Gerald "Jerry" Hayford. To this marriage were added Walter and Mona.

Berna dearly loved her children and family. She also loved animals and flowers. She enjoyed playing Bingo, checking out the thrift shops, being with her friends and she enjoyed her gambling.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son Walter Hayford and brother Lester McKeever and a niece, Jamie McKeever.

Survivors include her children, sons Robert "Bob" Graham of Ronan and Stan Graham of St. Ignatius, daughter Mona Hayford of St. Ignatius, nieces Rita McKeevey and family, Leslie LeBeau and family; nephews Allen and Case McKeever of Oregon. She leaves behind many family and friends who will greatly miss her.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and she will be laid to rest on the grave of her son. Graveside services were held Saturday in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery with the Rev. Tish Herries officiating.