Christine 'Tina' Butler Matt

DIXON — Christine "Tina" Butler Matt, 72, died Aug. 30, 2005, at her home in Dixon Agency.

She was born Jan. 27, 1933, in Polson to Joseph and Mona (Ashley) Butler but she was raised by her grandparents, Frank & Nancy Butler. She attended schools in Polson and at the Ursulines in St. Ignatius

Tina was married at an early age to Edmund "Buzz" Irvine and there were two children brought in to their marriage, Richard and Bobby.

They later separated and Tina moved to Arlee, where she met L. Jerome "Jerry" Matt in 1956. There were 10 children born in this marriage. In 1985, Jerry and Tina separated and she moved to the Dixon Agency and resided there until her death.

Tina was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. She enjoyed powwows, picnics, baking, shopping at the Amish General Store. Her favorite pastime "yard sales." There was no stray animal in Dixon Agency. She gave all cats and dogs a home and something to eat. Her favorite animal was Abbey. Abbey was her co-pilot and was frequently waiting in her car. When Abbey grew impatient she would honk the horn. Everyone who knew Tina, they knew Abbey her basset hound.

Christina was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands and three children Tim, Melvin and John John Matt

She is survived by her children, Sharon (Brad) of Charlo, Shorty (Anita) of Moiese, Deb (Mike) of Hot Springs, Jerome (Kathy) of Arlee, Linda (Eneas) of Arlee, Dave (Caroline) of Spokane, Diane Matt of Arlee, Richard Irvine of Butte, Bobby (Marjorie) of Missoula; her brothers, Joe Butler of Dixon Agency, John (Karen) of Arlee, Tom (Sue) Antiste of Big Arm; sisters, Sheila Gueredte of Missoula, Judy Herberle of Seattle, Geri Butler of Missoula; grandchildren, Shawn (Miranda), Thomasina Linsebigler, Megan Inmee, Eneas Inmee, Timmy Matt, Lakota Matt, Kody Morigeau, Joshua van Bouchaute, Lane Johnson, Dave Sandau, Mikee Sandau, Riley Sandau, Cheyenne, Dawn, Travis, Garrett, Serine Irvine and Richard's two daughters; a great-granddaughter Shonlea to be born on Oct. 3; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Pallbearers were Sonny Morigeau, Eldena Weatherwax, Pam Butler, Nick LaRance, Lee Lytton and Dib Espinoza. Honorary pallbearers were her grandchildren.

Mass was celebrated Sept. 7 at St. John Berchmann Catholic Church at Jocko Agency.