Betty Jean Strong Cotrell

PORTLAND, Ore. — A funeral service for Betty Jean Strong Cotrell was held on Friday, Nov. 2, 2007, at Holman's Funeral Service in Portland. Betty was interred with her husband, Lewis "Red" Cotrell (1919-1998), at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.

Betty was born to Sidney and Lula Belle Strong in St. Ignatius on July 31, 1920. She died Oct. 30, 2007, at age 87. Betty attended St. Ignatius public schools and the University of Montana in Missoula. She and Red married in 1941 and returned to the valley after the war. They resided on a dairy farm near St. Ignatius from 1948 to 1963.

Betty was active in BPW and the Methodist Church and worked as a bookkeeper for the Reclamation Project for eight years. After moving to California in 1963, Betty completed her Bachelor's studies. She served as a social worker for 15 years for Los Angeles County Children's Services, where she distinguished herself as a devoted protector of children. Upon retirement, Betty and Red returned to St. Ignatius for a year and then moved to northern California to be near their only grandchild. They took up residence in Portland, Ore., in 1989.

Betty was dearly loved by all who knew her for her compassion, humility, and humorous wit. She devoted her life to her family, always giving the most she possibly could in love, support, and inspiration. She was a great lady.

Betty is survived by her four daughters, Sharon Anne Cotrell, Long Beach, Calif.; Gretchen Louise Cotrell, Boise, Idaho; Katharine Marie Cotrell, Portland; and Shelley Christine Cotrell, Washougal, Wash.; her grandson, Christopher Lewis Cotrell, Vancouver, BC; her brother, Robert Strong, Polson; her sister-in-law, Priscilla Cotrell, Aurora, Ore.; and a host of loving nieces and nephews around the country.

The family requests that memorials in Betty's name be sent to the Fostering Success Program of Children First for Oregon, P. O. Box 14914, Portland, OR 97293, which advocates for improved public policy for the State of Oregon's child protective services. This is an Anna E. Casey Foundation funded organization. To learn more about their work or to donate online you can visit their website at www.cffo.org/site/page/donate_now/

Thomas Michael Flynn, Jr.

"Dream as if you'll live forever, live like you'll die today."

Thomas Michael Flynn, Jr., 21, grandson of Joyce Cadieux of Polson, died in a car accident on Nov. 3, 2007, in Tucson, Ariz.

He was born Oct. 6, 1986, and grew up in Coto de Caza, Calif., where he attended St. John's Episcopal School and graduated from Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

He received a Marine Corps ROTC scholarship and attended Washington State University.

In 2007, he relocated to attend school in San Diego, and became a resident of Ocean Beach. An avid skydiver, surfer, and bodybuilder, one could always find him either in freefall over Lake Elsinore, lifting weights on a patio outside of Gold's Gym, or catching a wave along the Pacific coast. He was devoted to his family and always surrounded by many friends.

Tom was known to proclaim on a daily basis that he was "living the dream," and quick to infect others with his comedic quirks and witticisms. His passion for life was both admirable and inspirational to all those who knew him.

He is survived by his parents Eric and Lisa Dobberman; his sister and brother-in-law, Tiffany and Dan Sepp; his stepsister, Elise Dobberman, his grandparents, Tom and Carol Flynn, Joyce Cadieux, and Nancy Dobberman; his uncle and aunt Jeff and Laurie Cadieux, his cousin William Cadieux, and his godchildren Henry and Catherine Cadieux.

A celebration of his life took place at the Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano on Nov. 12.

He will be dearly missed, but today his family and friends find comfort in the fact that he is surfing the perfect wave, flying through the perfect, endless sky, and the rest of his days are … perfect.

Lloyd 'Gunny' Allison

ST. IGNATIUS — Lloyd G. "Gunny" Allison died Monday, Nov. 5, 2007, at his home in St. Ignatius from chronic diabetes.

Born Nov. 3, 1928, on his family's ranch in St. Ignatius to Jenny Ashley Allison and Frank Allison, he was raised on the ranch and grew up with two brothers and two sisters. Gunny attended the Fathers Boarding School at the St. Ignatius Church, then went on to graduate from St. Ignatius High School in 1950. Gunny was a natural athlete, he was active in football, basketball and track. He was also a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootanai Tribes.

After high school, Gunny's first job was a sawyer at the Hungry Horse Dam. He then went on to work at the Kerr Dam. He spent most of his time working in the mountains as a sawyer, cutting Christmas trees and fighting fire. Gunny loved the outdoors — he loved to hunt, fish and camp. He also had a very unique sense of humor, always joking. In his younger years, he liked to play billiards.

In 1960, he married Nadine Felsman, and he continued to work in the mountains as a logger.

Gunny was preceded in death by his mother, Jenny Ashley Allison; his father, Frank Allison; his brother, Frankie Allison; sister, Helen Parker; brother-in-law, John Wheeler; daughter, Karen Hale; son-in-law, Raymond Hale; grandson, Casey Hawkins; granddaughter, Wendy Roullier.

He leaves behind his wife, Nadine Allison; brother, George Russet "Red" Allison; sister, Dorothy Wheeler; daughter, Stephanie Hawkins and son-in-law Joseph Hawkins; daughter, Jackie Dempesy; grandsons, Joe Howlett, Corey Hale and "Baby" Lance Hawkins; granddaughters, Kelly Burland, Shelly Howlett, Tracey Burke and Cheyenne Hale; many nieces and nephews; 18 great grandchildren; and one great-great- grandson.

A funeral was held Nov. 8 at the St. Ignatius Mission Church, and burial followed at the Catholic Cemetery.

Eneas Hammer, Sr.

PABLO — Eneas Hammer, Sr. 38, died Saturday, Nov. 4, 2007, in Charlo from complications of diabetes.

Born Nov. 25, 1968, in Ronan to Leo Hammer, Sr. and Theresa Mary Quequesah, he was raised and educated locally, attending Two Eagle High School, where he enjoyed playing football.

A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Eneas worked for Fire Control, where he was a firefighter. He loved to yard sale, fish, drink beer, play bingo and gamble and to go cruisin' around.

He enjoyed visiting family and friends, and he was always laughing and giving someone a hard time.

Eneas was a loving brother and uncle who when he saw his family, no matter where, he always gave them a hug and said, "I love you."

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Hammer, Sr. and Theresa Quequesah; his brothers, Sam, Bobby, William Boy and Lloyd; and a sister, Vicky; as well many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He leaves behind his wife, Nicki Teigen of Pablo; children, E.J. and girlfriend, Noelle, Taneesha, Nicholas and Jera; his brothers, Tony (Mary Carol), Dennis (Shelia), John (Katsy) and Pascal Sr. (Barb); and sisters, Helen and Annie (Arch); his aunt Sophie (Gene) Mays and uncle Alec (Betty) Quequesah; as well as a large extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Mass was Nov. 8, in the St. Ignatius Mission with burial following in the Ronan Cemetery.

Dorothy J. Couture Morganroth

ST. IGNATIUS — Dorothy Irene Jean June Moss Couture Morganroth, 86, died Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007 at St. Luke Extended Care in Ronan.

A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe, she was born in the early 1920s in Arlee.

She was raised on the Couture Ranch and educated at the Ursuline School in St. Ignatius.

After receiving her college education, she went on to be a cook and waitress in lodges and resorts, living in New York City, California, Illinois and Washington state before returning to St. Ignatius in the late 1990s, where she made her home until complications from Alzheimer's caused her to move into St. Luke's Extended Care in Ronan.

As a young woman, she enjoyed rounding up the horses and bringing them back to the corrals on the ranch, going to rodeos, roping and bronc busting.

She enjoyed being in the outdoors where she hunted, fished and camped.

Dorothy was very independent and private person.

She was preceded in death a daughter, Rosemary, in 1969; grandchildren, Gary Louis "Butch" Ernst Jr., Charlana and William Justus; sister Jeanette Jergensen; brothers William and Robert Moss, and her parents.

She is survived by her children, Priscilla (Phillip) Justus of Charlo, Gary (LuAnna) Ernst of Hot Springs, Jeanne Viramonte of Seattle, Roberta (Tony) Norton of Spanaway, Wash., and Patricia (Jeff) Fremming of Shasta City, Calif.; 18 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild with one on the way.

A Mass was held Nov. 13 in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission.

John Van Davis

RONAN — John Van Davis died of cancer Nov. 10, 2007, in the North Valley Hospital, Whitefish. Graveside services will be held Friday, Nov. 16, at 1 p.m. at the Calvary Cemetery in Ronan. A reception will follow at North Crow Clubhouse.

John was born to Robert L. and Elva Davis of Edina, Mo. He moved with his family to Dillon and graduated from Dillon High School in 1955. He married his wife of 50 years in Dillon in 1957.

He was the father of three children: John Dean, born in 1958; Yvonne Lee, born in 1960, and Lori Ann, born in 1962.

His daughter, Lori, died in January 1974; his mother died in 1973; his father in 1991, and a sister, Dorothy Jean White, also preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife and children, John and Yvonne; a brother, Bob and wife Sandy of Whitehall; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He moved his family to Milfred, Utah, in 1965, where he worked in the mines and farmed. They moved to Ronan in 1968 where he farmed and worked for Cenex and at White's Meats.

He and his wife moved to Columbia Falls in 1997. He worked at various jobs but loved ranching and working with cattle and horses. At the time of his death he had been working for Avis.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfathers and uncle. When it came to kids, he was always there to give support and his knowledge.

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Edward D. 'Kirby' Hicklin

Edward D. "Kirby" Hicklin, 92, died Monday afternoon, Oct. 15, 2007, with his loving wife, son and daughter at his side. He had just celebrated his 92nd birthday on Sept. 18. Kirby was born in Cardwell on the Johnston Ranch homestead. He was raised by his Grandma Johnston and his Uncle Archer Johnston.

Kirby graduated at the age of 16 from Cardwell High School in 1933. On July 9, 1938, Kirby married Esther Dena Phillips in Kalispell. They had been introduced two years earlier by Esther Dena's sister Gladys and brother-in-law Thurman. At present time, Kirby and Esther Dena had just celebrated 69 years of this loving relationship.

Kirby retired from Kaiser Cement Plant in Montana City after 18 years of dedication, at the age of 64, as a big equipment truck driver. They moved to Polson, where Kirby flourished in being part of the cherry harvests with his daughter Jeanie and son-in-law, Francis (Toot), who died in 2006.

Kirby helped with construction of the new First Baptist Church on Highway 35 and he carried the cross up the ladder with great pride.

Kirby loved the Lord, adored his wife, his family and friends, and his surroundings. He truly appreciated all that he had and to talk with him, you knew he took nothing for granted. Whether he stopped to show the grandkids the horse in the field or chat with the "fella" in front of him in the grocery line, he loved what life gave him and didn't hesitate to "thank you kindly."

Kirby was a generous and kind person and his passing will leave a feeling of emptiness in the hearts of his family and friends. Although we miss him, he will continue to remind us of the beautiful place he is in now where he will be reunited with his brother Raymond, who died at age 7 of spinal meningitis.

Kirby was preceded in death by his father Edward B. Hicklin; his mother Lydia A. Hocking; uncle Archer Johnston; grandmother Lilly F. Johnston, and son-in-law Francis (Toot) Williams.

He is survived by his wife Esther Dena; daughter Jeanie Williams of Polson; grandson William W. (Bill) Williams and his wife Melody; great-grandsons Daniel and Benjamin Pierce-Williams of Lavon, Texas; granddaughter Kim Stallknecht and her husband Kurt; great-granddaughters Ariel and Alanis Stallknecht of Bigfork; his son, Milton Hicklin of St. Helens, Ore.; granddaughter Tammy McLean; great-granddaughter Brooke McLean; great-grandson Beau McLean of Renton, Wash.; granddaughter Therese Phillips and her husband Greg, great-grandsons Zayn of Bothell, Wash., and A J Shive of Canby, Ore., grandson Troy Hicklin and his wife Julie; great-granddaughters Mikah and Marnie Clancy; great-grandson Jayce Hicklin of Longview, Wash., and numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Funeral services were Oct. 19 at the First Baptist Church with the Rev. Rudy Ringhoff officiating. Interment was in Lakeview Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

Maxine Arlys King DeSaussure

POLSON — Maxine A. DeSaussure, 69, of Ronan, died of natural causes at her home on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007.

Maxine was born on Feb. 18, 1938, in Valley Creek to Roy and Mary Jane King. She attended school in Valley Creek, Arlee, Frenchtown and graduated from Ronan High School in 1956. Later that year she married Jerry Hamel. They had one daughter, Traci. They later divorced and she spent the happiest years of her life married to Gary DeSaussure.

Maxine loved her animals, friends, family and the outdoors. She was meticulous and her yard, garden and animals showed it. She was an accomplished horsewoman and had many buckles, trophies and numerous prizes to account for her talent.

She was a past member of the Valley Barrel Racers, Mission Valley Cowgirls and the NBHA. She made friends everywhere she went.

Her biggest accomplishment in this life was being the best mother anyone could ever ask for. She was such a special lady and will be missed by everyone that knew her.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Mary Jane King, husband Gary, brother Gordon King, niece Kelli Baker and in-laws Veldon and Marion DeSaussure.

She is survived by her daughter Traci Vaile and her husband Gus of Babb; sister -Beverly Hill of Helena; sister-in-law Margaret King of Dixon, nephews-Bob King of Lewistown, Doug King & family of Dixon, K.C. Hill of Helena; stepson Rich DeSaussure of Santa Fe, N.M., stepdaughter, Paula Homuth of Missoula; grandsons Chris and Kevin Gardipe and Drew Homuth, all of Missoula.

A memorial service was held Nov. 14, at the Pablo Christian Church with The Rev. Dewey Obenchain officiating. Cremation has taken place and inurnment was held at the Ronan Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

Jack Leon Peterson

ARLEE — Jack Leon Peterson, 83, of Arlee, died Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007, at St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula.

Jack was born in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and was later with the 43rd Division Military Police Platoon in the Pacific Theater of World War II. He received a B.S. in ceramic engineering in 1950 from Alfred University in New York where he was president of Klan Alpine Fraternity. He met his wife, Susan, during college and they resided in southern California for 22 years before divorcing. He worked as a ceramic engineer in tile manufacturing and later in the aerospace industry.

Upon retiring to Arlee to fish and hunt, Jack built a home and became active with the Arlee Senior Center and served on the board of the Lake County Council on Aging. He also enjoyed woodworking, boating and his beloved Jocko Valley.

Survivors include son Taag of Arlee; daughters Jill of Portland, Ore., and Jan of Scottsdale, Ariz., and grandchildren Pol, Skyla, Alex, Calder, Annah, Gus, and Kayley.

There will be a reception on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. at the Arlee Senior Center. The family suggests donations to the Arlee Senior Center, Box 392, Arlee, MT 59821.

Fern H. Tiemyer

MISSOULA — Our beloved mother, Fern H. Tiemyer, affectionately known to all, who knew and loved her as Gramma T, died peacefully with her family by her side at Village Health Care in Missoula on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007. She was born Aug. 19, 1923. She was one of 10 children born to Clarence and Eunice Donaldson.

Fern and her husband Harris "Bud" Tiemyer raised five children in their home across the street from Bonner Park in Missoula. After the kids were raised, they lived many years at beautiful Flathead Lake. After Bud's death in 1986, Fern moved into Polson, where she resided with the loving help of her daughter, Dianne, until she could no longer live alone. She so enjoyed her time at her Ladies Auxiliary luncheons and had many lovely friends there.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harris "Bud" Tiemyer; her grandson-in-law Randy Ingram and a granddaughter-in-law, Robin Erickson; two brothers and three sisters.

She is survived by her children, Gwen (Charles) Wemple of Frenchtown, Dianne (George) Dahl of Elmo, Sandra (Dale) Erickson of Missoula, Candice (Ken) Snell of Hillsboro, Ore., and her son, Ralph (Margaret) Tiemyer of Bigfork; her grandchildren, Chuck (Mary) Wemple of Houston, Mike (Kelli) Wemple of Alberton, Rebecca Pace of Frenchtown, Brooke Ingram of Polson, B.D. Erickson and Ragan Erickson of Missoula, Kacie Snell of Mesa, Ariz., and Cory Snell of Hillsboro; great-grandchildren James M. Wemple and Rebecca Ralls of Alberton, Sarah Pace and Jacob Pace of Frenchtown, Evan and Seth Ingram of Polson, and Dalen Erickson of Missoula. Also surviving are her siblings, Allen Donaldson of East Missoula, Irene (Dale) Hendricksen of Missoula, Eileen (Don) Creswell of LaPine, Ore., Genevieve Salido of Antioch, Calif., and her aunt, Helen Self of Missoula.

A celebration of her life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, at the Orchard Homes Country Life Club at 253 S. Third St. W. Mother always wore a "signature" scarf around her neck. We thought that it might be fun if ladies who attend would wear scarves around their necks, if they wish. Please come so that we might tell you more about this very loving and gracious lady.

We wish to thank all of the wonderful people at Village Health Care for their tender loving care. They helped her to pass with dignity and grace. Knowing that she was so well cared for, right up to the end, made our lives so much easier. Thank you.

A special thank you to Awnie, for her loving care while mother was in Polson. In lieu of flowers she would want you to hug and kiss your children, hug your friends and be kind to others. She was that kind of lady.

Rest in peace, Gramma T. You are pain-free.

William R. Anderson

RONAN — William R. Anderson of Ronan died of natural causes Nov. 12, 2007, in St. Luke Community Hospital, Ronan. Arrangements will be announced by Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services, Ronan.

Clara M. Beardsley

RONAN — Clara M. Beardsley, 96, of Kalispell died Nov. 11, 2007, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. Graveside services will be Friday, Nov. 18, at Mountain View Cemetery, Ronan, at 11 a.m. Shrider-Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services of Ronan is assisting with arrangements.