Goldena W. 'Dena' Craig

POLSON — Goldena W. "Dena" Craig of Polson died Feb. 12, 2008, at home amongst family and friends.

Dena is survived by her sisters Julie Maguire, Sharon Tipton and Carol Fisher; sons David Craig, Jim Craig, Richard Craig and Kevin Craig; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In addition, there are multitudes of "spiritual" family members that have a deep, eternal bond with Dena. She will be greatly missed.

She was born in Leadville, Colo., on May 19, 1935, to Roy Forrest Gabbert and Julia Willene Alley Gabbert. As a child, Dena grew up in Fullerton, Calif. She excelled in school, was editor of the school newspaper, president of the French Club, and was very active in the Methodist Church. She graduated from San Fernando High School Later, she moved to Sacramento, Calif., where she met and married Richard E. "Dick" Craig on March 12, 1960.

In 1967 Dena and husband Dick moved from California to Gresham, Ore., where they bought a small country grocery store, which they owned for 10 years. She served as clerk and treasurer of the Lusted Water District for the next 20 years. In 1995, Dena, Dick and oldest son David moved to Big Arm where they enjoyed the diverse beauty of Montana.

Dena and Dick worked with local churches, ministries and missions wherever home was at the time. They ministered to and with the Messianic Jewish, Romanian, Hungarian and Native American communities and mission agencies. They facilitated seminars, retreats, and conferences in Portland, Ore., and eventually the Mission Valley in Montana. Dena and Dick worked with Youth With A Mission for 17 years in YWAM's Portland inner city ministry, counseling and youth center where they taught English as a second language and tutored students, with mission outreaches to Japan and the Philippines.

After moving to Montana, they were deeply involved with various ministries such as Montana Intercessors, First Nations to the Nations, Father Heart of God, Freedom in Christ and Ancient Paths. Dena was the area coordinator of Equip21, a ministry to equip people for life and service in the 21st Century, and the Polson office administrator for the Guinea Bissau, West Africa Mission Project led by Emosi Tatukevel.

Dena Craig was generous in spirit, secure in her faith, joyous in friendships, supportive in love, provided example in daily living, and felt rewarded in reaching out to others in faith. She was a friend, mentor, and "spiritual mother" to young and old alike. She was a well respected and sought out woman of God, who gave a listening ear to thoughts, dreams, concerns and gave wise counsel that was incredibly significant to the lives of many.

Dena's heart and home were always open and available — welcoming hurting folks, encouraging them to find hope and help in Jesus. She hosted many Bible studies and prayer gatherings, including her treasured Wednesday night ladies fellowship group. Her gifts of hospitality and organization were greatly appreciated.

Dena had a heartfelt connection to the Jewish and Native American people. She appreciated their customs, culture and view of life. Dena was deeply moved by the acceptance of the Native American community. In her closing days, she mentioned that this was considered one of the highest honors in her life.

A memorial celebration in honor of Dena will be held at New Life Christian Church in Polson on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 2 p.m. People are invited to bring salads or desserts for the reception following the celebration service.

Dena asked that donations be made to Equip21, for it was her desire to see people be equipped to fulfill God's call and purpose for their lives. You can make donations payable to Equip21, P.O. Box 777, Ronan, MT 59864 and designate for "Dena."

Addison Ernest 'Addie' McKinnon

ANACORTES, Wash. — Addison Ernest ("Addie") McKinnon, 92, died Monday, Jan. 21, 2008, of natural causes. Addie had moved from Missoula to Anacortes after the death of his wife, Alberta, in 2004.

Addie was born Dec. 3, 1915, in Foremost, Alberta, Canada, to American citizens Lauchlan and Florence McKinnon. His family moved to St. Ignatius when he was 12 years of age. He finished his education in St. Ignatius, graduating in 1934.

On Dec. 6, 1942, Addie married Alberta Flatten, his longtime sweetheart. From 1942 to 1945 Addie served in the 7th Infantry Division of the Army in the Pacific Theater.

After his discharge, he returned to his lineman position in St. Ignatius. In 1951, he and Alberta and their two daughters moved to Missoula, where he began working for the Missoula Presto-Log Co. He retired from a management position in the company in 1976, and continued to live in Missoula until 1990.

A favorite weekend and vacation retreat for Addie and Alberta was their cabin on Finley Point at Flathead Lake.

The cabin was often full of family and friends. Addie was always ready to teach another niece, nephew or friend how to water ski, no matter how long it took.

After retirement, he and Alberta spent six months of the year at their cabin on Flathead Lake.

After dividing their time between Polson and Missoula for several years, the couple sold their cabin and their home in Missoula, and purchased a new home in Polson, where they lived for 12 years. Addie and Alberta were active in their church, and were founding members in the planning stages and in the building of a new church.

Wherever Addie and Alberta lived, they were always surrounded by many friends, and were never far from their relatives.

They were a fun couple to be around.

Addie was a self-taught "handyman," never afraid to tackle any project that came along. Building the cabin, sometimes with the help of family or friends, gave him great joy and a sense of accomplishment.

He was an avid reader, card player and golfer, scoring a hole-in-one at the age of 70, and continuing to play into his late 80s. He enjoyed calling his daughters to tell them that he had "played his age today!"

Addie was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Alberta; his brothers John, Roy and Kenny McKinnon and sister Doris Welch.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law Marliss and Bob Correll of Denver; daughter and son-in-law Karen and Ron Metcalf of Anacortes; grandson and granddaughter-in-law Ross and Kate Metcalf and great-grandsons Ryan and Jack Metcalf, also of Anacortes.

He is also survived by his sister Grace Scales and his brother Howard McKinnon, both of Missoula, and numerous nieces and nephews. He held his family very dearly.

Addie was a man of great integrity, self-discipline, humbleness and patience. He had a good sense of humor, was devoted to his family, was a good friend, and always looked for the joy in people and life. He was a gentleman. He is gone, but he will not be forgotten.

A memorial service was held Feb. 9 at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Missoula.

The family suggests donations to the Polson Senior Citizens Center, 503 Third Ave., Polson, MT 59860; or the charity of your choice in Addison's name.

Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.missoulafuneralhomes.com

Marie A. Decker

RONAN — Marie A. Decker, 86, of Ronan died at her home on Monday, Feb. 18, 2008. Memorial services will be held Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008, in St. Paul Lutheran Church, Ronan, at 11 a.m.Cremation has taken place at Mission Valley Crematory in Ronan.

A complete obituary will appear later.

Dorothy E. Couture Smith

ELMO — Dorothy E. Couture Smith, 58, died surrounded by her family Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008, in Elmo. Funeral services were held Feb. 15 in the Elmo Community Hall, with burial following in the Dayton Cemetery. Obituary will appear next week.

Marvin Schiele

RONAN — Marvin Schiele, 76, died at St. Patrick hospital in Missoula. Arrangements are pending with Foster & Durgeloh Funeral Home of St. Ignatius.