Stanley "Casey" Steve Resch

DRAIN, Ore. — Stanley "Casey" Steve Resch, 62, died of heart related problems on Oct. 8, 2007. Casey was born on June 14, 1945 in Libby, to Steve and Ellen Resch, the third of 10 children born to Steve and Ellen.

Casey grew up and attended school in Libby. He resided throughout Northwest Montana including Kalispell, Lake Blaine and Polson. He moved to Drain, Ore., in 1999 so that he could be closer to his large family.

He married Glenda A. Hitner in Kalispell on Nov. 26, 1991.

Casey enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He always told them stories of growing up "back in the old days." He enjoyed hunting, boating and most importantly, family. He worked in auto sales for many years, and owned Lake Co. Auto.

He raised many foster children.

He was preceded in death by his father, Steve Resch, in 1971 and his mother, Ellen Resch-Dryden, in 2006.

Surviving are his wife Glenda of Drain; stepfather Glenn Dryden of Albany; daughters Mary Pickering of Redmond, Ore., Michelle Hitner of Wilsonville, Ore., Kaeleen Resch of Wilsonville; sons Darren Resch, Sr. of Spokane, Justin Resch of Salem, Ore., Shane Hitner of Eugene, Ore.; brothers Chuck, Joe, John, Steve, Greg, and Randy; sisters Ruth, Diane (Deedee), and Roxy, and numerous nieces and nephews.

No funeral service was planned.

John A. Kelly

John A. Kelly, 86, of Coupeville, Wash., left this life Aug. 9, 2007 at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Wash., after complications from surgery.

He was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, April 2, 1921. He grew up in Polson and was a World War II veteran serving with the U.S. Army.

A long-standing member of Iron Workers Local 86, he spent much of his career working for Issacson Steel.

He is survived by his children and their families, daughters Trudy (Sam) Starr, Cindy (Jim) Davis and Sandra Kelly; sons Artel Kelly and Ted (Patti) Bottorff; daughter-in-law Laura Bosik and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by a brother, four sisters and many dear nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Norma and sons, Darrell Bosik, Terry Kelly and Dick Kelly, his parents, two brothers and one sister.

John will be missed greatly and remembered often by close friends and family. John's level of strength and integrity will live on through his family and people who loved him.

Glenn Lewis Campbell

POLSON — Glenn Lewis Campbell, 84, of Hot Springs died of natural causes on Friday, Oct. 19, 2007, at Lakeview Care Center in Bigfork.

He was born Feb. 6, 1923, at West Linn, Ore., to Frank J. and Louise Knowles Campbell. He attended elementary and high school in West Linn and graduated from Oregon State University. Glenn served his country during WW II serving at Fort Lewis, Wash., and also in Alaska. After his discharge from the service he worked 38 years for Consolidated Freightways holding various jobs with them.

He was involved with the Boy Scouts for 32 years, enjoyed camping and was always doing something with his family and loved his family very much. He spent 42 years with his wife Emily enjoying square dancing; after she became ill, Glenn volunteered with hospice.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Emily, and grandson Michael Campbell, Jr.

Glenn is survived by his sons David (Yvonne) Campbell of Hot Springs, Steve (Charilyn) Campbell of Spanaway, Wash., Michael (Jesse) Campbell of Anchorage, Alaska, and Alan Campbell of Madras, Ore., five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Oct. 28, in the Grogan Funeral Home at Polson from noon until 4 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Oct. 29, at 11 a.m. in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission with Father Drew Maddock officiating. Military honors will be held following the services at the church. Cremation will follow services. A reception will be held following the services at the Indian Center in Hot Springs.

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

John Drew Ralston Jessie Clark Ralston

ST. IGNATIUS — Jessie left our company on Oct. 8, 2007, due to complications from a stroke, to care for the animals who preceded her in death. John left the life's show arena on June 18, 1999.

Jessie was born in Larbert, Scotland, in 1926. John was born in Carluke, Scotland, in 1920.

Brought together by their interest in horses, they were married in Scotland in 1953. John and Jessie immigrated to the United States in 1955, making their home east of St. Ignatius at the invitation of her uncle, Scotty Brown.

In 1961, John and Jessie gave birth to their only child, Martin, who participated in the horse shows and became a very talented rider. They made the Mission Valley their home for the remainder of their lives, ranching and operating a riding stable, where they taught many riders, both young and old.

Jessie was well known for her artistic talents, as seen on many signs, trucks, Christmas cards, sweatshirts, and her veterinary talents throughout the neighborhood. She wrote for the Mission Valley News and designed many of their ads.

She and John hosted many horse events at their Mission Vale Ranch. They were well known for the Search and Rescue Benefit Show, known as "The Spur of the Moment." John was one of the founders of the Montana State Horse Show Association.

John's talent with horses and patient attitude with his students made him a well known figure on the Montana horse show circuit.

John and Jessie were influential in the lives of many in the Mission Valley. Anyone who knew them were familiar with John's gentlemanly manners and Jessie's talent for telling entertaining tales enjoyed over mandatory coffee and cookies.

Long after they could no longer engage in horse activities, they remained friends with many of their students who made regular visits.

After John's death Jessie remained at home watching over her cows.

All who knew them will miss their company but cherish their memories.

They are survived by their son Martin Ralston and Renee Melton; grandchildren, Jamie and Sydney; her beloved dog, Oly; sister-in-law Mary Ralston of Ontario, and numerous relatives in Scotland.

Memorial services for Jessie Clark Ralston and John Drew Ralston were held Oct. 20, in the Red Barn Arena.

Memorials may be made to the Mission Valley Animal Shelter.

Mabel McLaughlin

MONMOUTH, Ore. — Mabel McLaughlin, 95, of Monmouth died of natural causes at Heron Point Retirement Village on Oct. 10, 2007.

She was the daughter of Bolin Harry Depew and Estella. She was raised on a ranch at Ritter, Ore., and later moved to a ranch at Pilot Rock, Ore., when she married Clark Cable, the father of her two sons, Keith Cable of St. Ignatius and Carol Cable of Monmouth.

Her local grandchildren are Pat Cable of St. Ignatius and Valerie Fargher of Arlee. She was also a loving grandmother to nine great-grandchildren.

Upon her husband's death, she married Charlie McLaughlin of St. Regis. He also preceded her in death.

Her ashes will be spread over the ranch she grew up on and loved at Ritter.

Donald Claffey

POLSON — Donald Claffey, 74, died on Monday, Oct. 22, 2007, at his home in Polson.

Don was born on April 10, 1933, in Polson, to Ernest and Ruby Claffey. He attended school in Polson and graduated from Polson High School in 1952. Don took his freshman year of high school off to "work in the woods." He served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1953 to 1954. Don was active with the Ironworker Union and worked on the Alaskan Pipeline.

Don and Karen spent the last eight winters at their home in Mohave Valley, Ariz. He was a "snowbird" ironworker working in California and Arizona during the winter. Don was a Lifetime member of the VFW and a Cootie member.

He also belonged to the National Horseshoe Pitching Association, and loved to pitch horseshoes and compete in tournaments. Don also helped with the Polson Boxing Club and was quite accomplished (commented before commentators did). Rodeo kept Don from playing college basketball and a promising acting career. Don had quite a "hook shot" and loved basketball.

He had several parts in "26 Men." If anyone has access to this movie, Karen would love to have a copy. Don enjoyed watching sports on TV. He loved working with horses and was very willing and anxious to tackle all. Their herd would follow the pied piper with his pocket full of pellets.

Don loved to create anything out of nothing. He created metal tree picture frames that could not be recreated.

His parents Ernest and Ruby Claffey, and his only son "K.O." Kenneth Orion Claffey preceded Don in death.

He is survived by his wife Karen of Polson; his stepsons Erik (Anisa) and Edward Lanphier of Plainfield, Ill.; his granddaughters Breena, Whitney, and Leah, and numerous cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Oct. 26, at 4 p.m. at the Polson VFW Hall with Deacon Wes Vert officiating. A reception will follow the services at the VFW Hall.

Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

Karen LeAnne Krogstad

RONAN — Karen LeAnne Krogstad, 52, of Ronan died on Saturday, Oct.. 20, 2007, at home surrounded by the love of her family.

Karen was born Nov. 4, 1954, in Kalispell to Arlene and Lyman (Babe) Krogstad, both of whom preceded her in death.

Karen attended schools in Ronan, graduating from Ronan High School in 1973. She went to Carroll College and the University of Montana. She was employed by St. Luke Community Hospital and St. Luke Extended Care.

She loved to travel, garden, quilt, laugh and tell stories.

Karen is survived by her brothers, Lonnie of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Richard of Ronan; her sister, Laural Jensen of Vancouver, Wash., and two nephews.

A celebration of her life will take place today (Thursday, Oct. 25) at 3 p.m. in Faith Lutheran Church, Ronan.

The family requests that memorials be made to Lake County Hospice, 711 Main Street SW, Ronan, MT 59864, or to the Bread Basket, P.O. Box 346, Ronan, MT 59864.

Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services of Ronan is assisting with arrangements

Lillian Ruth 'Bunnie' Noble

SEDRO-WOOLEY, Wash. — Lillian Ruth "Bunnie" Noble, 89, joined her husband Richard in Heaven on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2007, at the Clayton House in Sedro-Woolley.

Bunnie was born on May 17, 1918, in Wolf Point, the daughter of Otto and Lillian (Fadness) Krause.

She grew up in Montana and was married to Richard Noble on June 17, 1935, in Glasgow, and they made their home in Polson until 1947 when they moved to Darrington, Wash., and raised their children.

She later moved to Seattle and worked at the Seattle Children's Home for 15 years retiring in 1981. She and her husband then moved to Sedro-Woolley and in 1983, she became the building aide for the Hillsview Apartment Complex for 15 years.

Bunnie enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, watching the Mariners games, but most of all she enjoyed her family and especially her grandchildren, to whom she was known as "Nannie" to all of them.

She is survived by two sons, Ted Noble and his wife, Sally of Yates Center, Kan., Bud Noble and his wife, Rose of Anacortes, Wash.; a daughter-in-law, Carol Noble of Camano Island, Wash.; two daughters, Judy Blanton and her husband Ed of Sedro-Woolley, and Bonnie Kay Cook of Burlington, Wash.; sister Dorothy Hayter and her husband Jerry of Marysville, Wash.; 15 grandchildren, 24-1/2 great-grandchildren; four great-great- grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and extended family living in the Polson area.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Richard in 1992; her son Command Sgt. Major Dick Noble in 2005; her son-in-law, Jerry Cook in 2004; a brother, Gullick Krause, and a sister, Sugie Thompson.

Private memorial services will be held at a later date. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Diane and Chris and the girls at Clayton House for the special care they gave to our mother. Arrangements are under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.

Please sign the online guestbook for Bunnie at www.lemleychapel.com

James W. Gross Aug. 25-1935 - Oct. 16, 2007

POLSON — James W. Gross, 72, died at his Polson home on Oct. 16, 2007.

Jim served in the Army for four years, owned his own business for few years and worked as a handyman for several years.

He is survived by his two best friends, his dogs Cody and Buddy; four sons, Darrell and wife Lori and grandsons Derick of Polson and Devon of Washington; Kevin and his girl friend Kim Evertz of Polson; Trevelin and his wife Cindy and grandsons Jason of Las Vegas and David of Washington; and Ben of Kalispell; one sister and several nieces and nephews.

His wife Donna (Combs) died Oct. 1, 2004.

Funeral services will be this Friday, Oct. 26, at 10:30 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Polson, followed by inurnment at Lakeview Cemetery. A reception will follow in the church basement.

Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

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

Maxine Thorp

RONAN — Maxine Thorp, 68, died at her home in Ronan on Saturday, Oct. 20, after a long illness

She was born Jan. 2, 1939, in Worland, Wyo., to Conrad and Lydia Maul. At an early age her father died in an industrial accident. She was raised in the Billings area by her mother and stepfather, Carl Grainger.

She met her future husband in Moiese while visiting her sister. On June 18, 1960, she was married to Donald Thorp in Charlo. They farmed in the Moiese Valley until 1977 when they moved to Ronan.

Maxine was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy in 1975. Throughout the rest of her life she fought her illness with great courage. She and her husband adopted three children, Tim, David and Catherine. After 10 years of marriage, they were blessed with the birth of Dale Thorp.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, sister Darlene Stipe and brother Dean Maul.

Nine years ago Maxine was disabled by pneumonia. Since then she was cared for at home by her husband, daughter Catherine, and the love and compassion of her nurses, Lisa Edmo, Judy Bracey and Lillian Moure. With their help, Donald was able to keep her home with her loving family.

Until her illness became acute, Maxine and Don enjoyed traveling, camping and Bingo at the senior citizens center. Maxine was a member of the Moiese Grange and a long time member of the Order of Eastern Star.

She is survived by her husband Donald of Ronan; daughter Catherine Duffy of Klamath Falls, Ore.; sons Tim of Ronan, David of Carthage, Mo., and Dale of Polson; a sister, Donna Grainger Hemphilloe of Green River, Wyo.; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services were held Oct. 24 at the Mission Valley United Methodist Church.

Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Ronan.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 2070 Overland Ave., Billings, MT 59101.

Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Ronan assisted with the arrangements.

Arle 'Swede' Johnson

POLSON — A memorial service for Arle "Swede" Johnson, 95, of Polson will be held on Friday, Oct. 26, 2007, in the Grogan Funeral Home at 1 p.m. with his nephew Father Michael Mallory Smith officiating.

Inurnment with military honors will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. A reception will be held in the funeral home following the services.

The obituary appeared in the Oct. 18 Leader.