Robert Dale Combs
POLSON — Robert Dale Combs, 74, of Polson, died of natural causes at his home on Friday, July 13, 2007.
Robert was born on Aug. 23, 1932, in Valentine, Neb., to LaVern and Edith Combs. He graduated from Polson High School and then completed his college education in California. Robert served in the US Army and spent time in the Korean War.
Robert worked in construction as a carpenter; he drilled for gold, and worked in several nuclear power plants.
He loved fishing, hunting, camping and enjoyed traveling. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and was a big fan of baseball.
His wife Charlotte, his parents, bothers Bill, Laverne, Jim Combs, and sister Donna Gross preceded Robert in death.
Robert is survived by his children, Cindy (Joe) Wulfekuhle, Cathy Rathbun, Dino (Joyce) Combs, Connie Norton; sisters JoAnn (Don) Cooper, Zina Cosgrove, Aubrey Drebes, Audrey Whittig; 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held July 16 in the Grogan Funeral Home with the Rev. Kevin Rettig officiating. Military honors followed the service.
Memorials may be made in Robert's name to the Mission Valley Animal Shelter, 239 N. Reservoir Road, Polson, MT. Arrangements and cremation were under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com
Phyllis B. de Alva
ST. IGNATIUS — Phyllis B. de Alva, 86, died Saturday, July 14, at Closer to Home in St. Ignatius.
Phyllis moved to the area about six years ago to be nearer to family.
She is survived by her children, Marti de Alva of Arlee, Bill de Alva of Telluride, Colo., Genevieve McCloud of Oregon House, Calif., Paul de Alva of Phoenix, Ariz., and John de Alva of San Diego, Calif.; a Charles Bennett of Prescott, Ariz.; granddaughter Genevieve King of St. Ignatius and her children Sequoia, Aaron and Gaia; grandchildren Jesse King of Missoula, Louis King of Seattle, Chad and Adam de Alva of Telluride, Heather and Christopher McCloud of Oregon House, Daylon, Kyle and Jesse Paul de Alva of San Diego.
Cremation has taken place and services will be held at a later date.
Melville Robert Casper
POLSON — Melville Robert Casper, 95, of Pablo died of natural causes on Sunday July 15, 2007.
Melville was born in Idaho Falls on Dec. 28, 1911 to Cassius and Emma Mary Casper. He attended school in Idaho Falls. After his first wife, Leona, died he married Margaret Robinson. She died in 1943, leaving Melville with five children under the age of 10. His sister, Mabel helped Melville for over a year until she married.
Melville continued raising his children, as a single parent, in the ways of the Lord until they were all grown and married. He lived alone for several years and then married Katherine Frank of Weiser, Idaho.
Melville farmed, worked for Sears, Idaho Wholesale Grocery, and 20 years with the Idaho Falls School District as the warehouse manager. Melville was a charter member and deacon at the Idaho Falls Assembly of God Church. He enjoyed reading, walking, fishing, being with his family, telling stories, and being in the Firth and Idaho Falls area.
His parents, wives Leona and Margaret, three infants, two brothers, and a sister preceded him in death.
Melville is survived by his wife Katherine Casper; daughters Helen (John) Bennett, Marjorie (Melvin) Veland, Violet Wiklund, Joyce (Bob) Clark; son Robert (Sonja) Casper; four brothers; 24 grandchildren, including his special granddaughter Becky Bennett; 46 great-grandchildren, and nine great-great grandchildren.
A visitation will be held for Melville on Friday, July 20, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Grogan Funeral Home in Polson.
Graveside services will be held on Monday July 23, at 10:30 a.m. at Rosehill Cemetery in Idaho Falls. A memorial service will follow at Cornerstone Assembly of God, 187 E. 13th St. in Idaho Falls, Iwith his sons-in-law officiating.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com
John Jinks 'Pete' Forbis
POLSON — John Jinks "Pete" Forbis, 86, of Polson died of natural causes on Wednesday July 11, 2007, at Evergreen Health & Rehab Center in Polson.
Pete was born in Missoula on Jan. 10, 1921, the second son of C. J. and Josephine Forbis. He graduated from Roosevelt Grade School and Missoula County High School (now Hellgate High School).
Pete married Adelle Beaman on Nov. 3, 1948 and they later divorced in 1972, but remained good friends.
Pete entered and served four years in the US Air Force and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. Following his military service, Pete returned to Missoula to complete his degree in Business Administration at the University of Montana.
Pete was involved with several businesses during his lifetime in Missoula, including his time at Warren Harris Buick and the Missoula Country Club, where he finally ended his working career. His father, nicknamed Chick, introduced him to the game of golf at about the age of 10, and it became a life-long source of enjoyment. He had two holes-in-one in his lifetime, both on the second hole at the Missoula Country Club. His love for the game of golf also was passed on to his sons Brad and Rich.
He enjoyed his family, golfing, and was an avid Griz fan since the 1930s. He also painted custom signs for the Missoula Country Club, the Polson Golf Course as well as several other businesses.
Pete moved to Polson in 1989 to be near his children. His parents, a brother Richard Forbis, and his former wife and friend Adelle preceded Pete in death.
Surviving Pete are his children Brad (Becky) Forbis of Cut Bank, Rich (Jennifer) Forbis of Polson, and Marnie Forbis of Bigfork; brother William Forbis of San Diego; sister Mary (Norm) Wyatt of Las Vegas, Nevada, and two grandchildren Madeline and Mackenzie Forbis of Polson.
Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be sent to the Missoula Country Club, Polson Golf Course, or Cut Bank Golf & Country Club. Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com
Matthew Arjuna Bradshaw
POLSON — Matthew Arjuna Bradshaw, 16, died at his home in Polson on July 11, 2007.
He was born May 9, 1991, in Mount Vernon, Wash., to Stefani and Dr. William Bradshaw. He was raised on Orcas Island, Wash., until moving to Silverton, Ore., at four years of age with his parents and older brother Luke.
In August 1996, the family moved to Montana, where Matthew lived for the rest of his life — the next 11 years. The family lived in Ronan initially, then moved to Charlo, and then to Polson, where Matthew attended school.
Matthew's parents divorced in 2001, with his father moving to the Southwest. His mother Stefani remarried in 2003 to David Devore, and bought a home on Rocky Point Road, where Matthew lived with them and his stepsister Hana.
Stefani was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer in October 2006 and died in January 2007. Stefani's death was, as it seems now, a mortal blow to Matthew.
After his mother's death, Matthew remained in Polson with his stepfather. He was planning to attend camp at Lubrecht Forest at the end of July, then move to Colorado with his father to finish high school. On July 11, however, Matthew hanged himself.
Matthew was deeply loved by those who knew him. He was blessed by the wonderful people who came into his life.
He in turn was a blessing to others. He adored his family, who knew him as "M." He had a wonderful smile and an infectious, witty sense of humor.
He loved skateboarding, snowboarding, video gaming, and music of many kinds, which seemed to express his pain and passion better than he could.
He wanted to fit in and be accepted, yet rarely felt he did. In the nights following his death, Matthew's friends, many of whom called him Matty, gave a touching tribute to him in spontaneous candlelight vigils and expressions of love and grief drawn in chalk on the Main Street sidewalk in Polson.
Matthew has and will continue to leave a void in the lives of those who knew him. This void is vast and as unique as Matthew's soul. Something very, very precious has come and passed away. May we all practice kindness.
May we all allow space for others to feel love, and acceptance, so that no one will ever have to write such an obituary for their child.
Matthew was preceded in death by his mother, Stefani Lyon Devore.
Survivors include his father, Dr. William Bradshaw of Leadville, Colo.; his brother, Luke Rollins of Los Angeles; his stepfather, David Devore of Polson; his stepsister, Hana Devore of Seattle; his paternal aunt, Katherine Agbe (Adesuyi) of Lake Jackson; cousins Morenike, Anna, and Ashley; his paternal aunt, Jan McConnell (Dennis) of Lake Jackson, Texas, and cousins Adam and Julia; and his many friends and classmates.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, July 17, at the First United Methodist Church in Polson with the Rev. Esther Angel officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home.
Linda Thomas McCoy
POLSON — "Grandma/Aunt" Linda Thomas McCoy, 63, died peacefully in her sleep at home — as she would have wanted — on the morning of Sunday, July, 15, 2007.
She was born Linda Bernice Thomas on Jan. 6, 1944, to Stephen "Oliver" and Auda Linda Thomas, in Polson. Up until the sixth grade, she and her sisters, Trish and Heather, who remained her closest friends throughout her life, grew up in Dayton.
During those years, Linda attended the one-room Proctor school and was frequently led astray by her older cousin, Connie Thomas Smith.
Linda blossomed socially when she moved to Polson, the town where she lived most of her life, and she made many lifelong friends from the extremely close-knit class of 1962. Linda was eagerly looking forward to spending quality time with those friends again at her 45th class reunion, scheduled for this August.
Linda married twice, the second time to Chuck McCoy, and the couple gave birth to their son, Stephen McCoy, in October 1971 in Polson.
Linda was a fantastic, devoted mother. The couple divorced after several years, and as a single mom, Linda worked hard at numerous jobs to support her son, who never went without.
Linda continued to work hard as long as she could after developing rheumatoid arthritis at an early age. Of all the jobs Linda ever had, the work she enjoyed the most was volunteering at her sister Heather's daycare because she loved to spend time with all the kids, especially her grandchildren, who brightened her life beyond compare. Linda also always enjoyed working seasonally in the family business, the Thomas Christmas Tree yard, an industry she was involved with from birth until 1982.
Before her health slowed her down, Linda's favorite activities included bowling and golf. She loved to spend time and travel with her family and friends on camping trips at Hubbart Dam, on vacations in Jackpot, Nevada, and on a yearly journey to the horse races in Missoula. There were also ill-fated adventures in Wallace, Idaho, where she and her sisters attended an annual bowling tournament for many years running.
Linda loved to watch all sports, but especially her beloved Atlanta Braves, a team she followed devoutly since the '50s, when they played in Milwaukee. Her fondest memories include Hank Aaron setting the home run record, Sid Bream sliding across the plate in "the miracle of the ninth" to win the 1992 NLCS, and David Justice's solo home run to win the 1995 World Series. A lifelong dream came true for Linda a few years ago when she traveled to Seattle with her son and attended her first Braves' games in person.
Although Linda left her loved ones too soon, her family was blessed with an almost two extra years of her company thanks to the outstanding work of the doctors, nurses, and CNAs of Kalispell Regional Medical Center and Brendan House, who successfully treated Linda for a life-threatening staph infection. This extra time allowed her, among many other things, to meet and bond with her youngest granddaughter, with whom she shared a special connection. Despite her many health issues, Linda always remained positive and lived her life to the fullest.
Linda was preceded in death by her father, Stephen "Oliver" Thomas.
She is survived by her mother, Auda Linda Thomas; her sisters, Trish T. Hoogerbeets and Heather T. Fouty; her "brothers-in-law" Doane Simshaw and Jim Vial; her son, Stephen C. McCoy; her nieces and nephews, Mike Fouty (whom she loved like a son), Steve Fouty, Jimi Parker, Linda Jane Dumontier and Joel Hoogerbeets; her grandchildren, Kyara (6), Isaac (5), Alesje (2-1/2), and Sasha (8 months); as well as by her beloved cats, Avery, Smoltzie, and Andrew. There are too many close in-laws, cousins, friends, "adopted" children, and extended relatives to name.
An informal reception for family and friends to gather, pay condolences, and share memories, will be held Sunday, July 22, at the VFW Hall in Polson from 2-4 p.m. The family suggests a donation to an account to benefit Linda's grandchildren, established at First Citizens Bank of Polson.
Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson.
Erma Irene Anderson
ST. IGNATIUS — Our beloved mother, E. Irene Anderson, 82, died Friday, July 13th at the Millpond Assisted Living in St. Ignatius with her family by her side.
Irene was born to Delma (Whitehead) & William Boyce Lake on March 1, 1925, in Falloma, Ore.
On Jan. 19, 1944, Irene married her eternal companion, Lawrence Ray Anderson, in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple for time and eternity.
Together they raised 10 children on a dairy farm near St. Ignatius, which they owned and operated for many years and is still being run by their youngest son, Roy.
Irene was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She spent many of her years being involved with the Boy Scout Program, which she really enjoyed and was made Stake Scouting Director in Oct. 1967, where she served for nearly eight years.
Throughout the years she served in many Ward and Stake callings. Her whole heart was in serving the Lord, her family and others.
She also sewed many things for family and friends. She made hand quilted baby blankets for each of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild, never missing a single one. Including the ones due to arrive before this year is over.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather Francis Moore; her husband Lawrence Anderson; her brother Orral Lake; her grandsons Michael Anderson and Scott McCall; a great grandson, Mason McCall; daughter-in-law Glenda Anderson and son-in-law Steven McCall.
She leaves behind 10 children: Diana (George) Kopecky of Drexel, Mo., Merlin (Janet) Anderson of Dillon, Sharon McCall of Draper, Utah, Dennis (Ginger) Anderson of Missoula, Steven (Kristen) Anderson of Casa Grande, Ariz., Jeniel (Michael) Bennefield of St. Ignatius, Gloria (Tom) Haynes of Arlee, Judith (Melvin) Murphy of West Branch, Iowa, Roy (Charlene) Anderson of St. Ignatius, and LaRene (Rich) Kinkade of O'Fallon, Ill.; brothers Eldon and Bill Lake and sister Lillian Kosteleky; 60 grandchildren, 93 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter.
We extend a special thanks to her many friends at the Millpond, especially to her special friend Mary Hernandez, to Lake County Hospice and Ralph Foster of Foster & Durgeloh Funeral Home.
Mom will be greatly missed by her family, friends and all whose lives she touched.
The family invites you to a time of sharing and visitation on Thursday, July 19 (today) from 6 to 8 p.m. in the St. Ignatius Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Irene's services will be held on Friday, July 20, at 10 a.m. in the St. Ignatius Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Interment will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery.
Johnny R. Harden
ST. IGNATIUS — Johnny R. Harden. 87, died Sunday, July 15, at Closer to Home in St. Ignatius.
Services will be held at Ft. Benning at a later date.
Albert Amos Miller
PABLO — Albert Amos Miller, born Oct. 14, 1928, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Father's Day June 17, 2007.
Albert is survived by his wife Mildred of Yelm, Wash.; daughters Alma Ramlow of Whitefish, Faith Peterson of Spokane; Rachel Peterson and son Harry of Yelm; brothers Harry (Ronan), Paul (Libby), and his sister Nona (Ronan).
Al was preceded in death by his mother, Effie Lela, and his brother Pat both of Ronan.
Albert died peacefully in his home at Cougar Mountain Bible Camp in Yelm.
Al was born in Beach N.D., to Lela and Harry Miller. Harry died when Al was less than one year old.
The family then moved to Ronan, where he lived until he finished high school and entered the Marine Corps. He was a parachute rigger and instructor with the 1st Marine Air Wing, stationed both in Quantico, Va. and El Toro, Calif.
Al received the call to preach and found his life mate in Santa Ana, Calif. Al and Mildred journeyed to North Dakota to begin his first pastorate.
Al was ordained by the Church of the Nazarene where he served until retirement. Albert and his brothers Harry, Pat and Mom Effie Lela, were instrumental in the formation of the Pablo Church of the Nazarene. His pastor's heart lead him to many other places but his heart was always in the valley,
Al pastored the following Nazarene churches: Hurdsfield N.D., Libby, Pablo, Butte, Anchorage, Alaska, Laurel, Federal Way Wash., Tacoma Westgate - Tacoma Wash., and Cougar Mountain, Yelm.
He refused to be limited by what he did not have, and believed that all God requires of us are open hearts and willing hands. He lived in God's abundance, often singing "Little is Much, when God is in it." He believed John 3:16 and lived it. Al did not have a dad, but he became the father to countless others because he learned to walk with his Heavenly Father. He loved children and started two Bible Camps for them, one in Wasilla, Alaska and Cougar Mountain Bible Camp in Yelm.
We salute the passing of a giant. Dad lived Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful). Al's family invites all to attend a public memorial on July 22, at the Pablo Church of the Nazarene. There will be a potluck lunch at 1 p.m. after the regular Sunday morning service. Bring your favorite dish. There will be a time of celebration and remembering, starting after lunch around 2- 2:30. Dad always sang better on a full stomach.
There will also be a memorial at the Whitefish Church of the Nazarene, Saturday, July 21, at 11 a.m.
Al's final arrangements were made by Woodlawn Funeral Home in Lacey, Wash.