John Joseph Driscoll

John Joseph Driscoll, 99, died Aug. 7, 2008, in Overland Park, Kan.

John was born May 14, 1909, in Butte, Mont. to Jeremiah and Catherine (Sullivan) Driscoll.

John was married to Anne Simeone for 50 years. She preceded him in death in 1991.

John was also preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Stanley, Lawrence and James Driscoll; and two sisters, Mary Walsh and Irene Driscoll.

John is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Bastasch (Paul), Overland Park, Kan.; son, Dr. Michael Driscoll (Lorilee) of Butte, Mont.; sisters, Alice McNamara, Katherine Millnamow and Geraldine Murdock; six grandchildren, Elizabeth Hoffmann, Michael Bastasch, Stephen Bastasch, Michael Driscoll, Neal Driscoll (Alia) and Callan Driscoll; one great-grandson, Joshua Hoffmann, and 31 nieces and nephews.

John was a schoolteacher for many years, and was a caring person who tried to live a good life and had many friends.

A Memorial Mass was held Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, at The Church of the Holy Cross in Overland Park, Kansas.

Services in St. Ignatius will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008 in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission with inurnment following at the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic Charities Hospice, 9720 W. 87th St., Overland Park, Kan. 66212.

The family would like to thank the staffs of the Atriums, The Forum and Catholic Charities Hospice for their love and concern for John.

Roger Scott Johnson

Roger Scott Johnson, 47, of Polson, MT. died unexpectedly on Saturday, August 30, 2008. He died doing what he loved most, spending time with his family at their cabin in the Thompson River Valley. Roger was an avid outdoorsman whose passions included his family and friends while hunting, fishing and enjoying the great outdoors. Roger is survived by his wife of 24 years, Kelly; daughter Kristin and her fiance Justin; son Ross; parents Elliot & Hattie; sister Josie; brother Brian and his wife Julie and their children, Cassandra & Boone, as well as many extended family members and life long friends.

There will be no memorial services held. Instead, at his request, those who wish to celebrate his life should take the opportunity to spend a joyful day with their families. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com

Thomas Michael Jones (w/pic: t_jones.jpg)

At the age of 52, Thomas Michael Jones of Polson, MT, died of natural causes at his home in Polson on September 1, 2008. Tom was born to Jim and Clara (Kubas) Jones on October 28, 1955 in Glendive, MT. The family moved to Polson in the late 50's. Growing up, Tom went through the Polson school system graduating from Polson High School in 1973. Along with his schoolwork, Tom excelled in football, wrestling, and baseball. He later went on to the Great Falls Business College and the Flathead Valley Community College studying a business administration curriculum.

After returning home to work in the family business, Tom met his wife Rosanne in Polson. They were married on August 18, 1978 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Polson. They have one son, Michael. After living at a home in Pablo for 12 years, he and the family moved into town to a house near the golf course.

In Polson, the family owned and operated the Pondera Bar and Restaurant. As with all family businesses, Tom grew up working in the business and later helped take over operating the family business. The bar and restaurant was owned and operated in the Jones family for 37 years.

After his time working in the bar and restaurant business, Tom was a casino manager for the Town Pump organization for four years. He opened and managed casinos in Whitefish, Ronan, and Polson. Tom recently made a career change to become a mortician in his late 40's. In 2004, he started working at Grogan Funeral Home in Polson while going through school on-line full-time during his nights and weekends. He graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, and most recently became fully licensed through the state on April 15, 2008 as a mortician. Although Tom grew up in the bar and restaurant business, this profession seemed to suit him perfectly. Along with his incredible network of friends and family, his kind demeanor and overall character made him a perfect fit for his new found passion. Tom had many passions including sports (including coaching and officiating), cooking, traveling, hunting, and being with friends and family. He genuinely loved people, and as a mortician he felt that helping a family through this trying time was the last kind thing he could do for the person and their family . His easygoing manner and contagious smile will be missed.

Tom was a member of the Polson City Council, Ward II; served as a fireman in the Polson Volunteer Fire Department; member of the Parish Council and Finance Council at Immaculate Conception Church; member of the Knights of Columbus where he has held all offices at the local level and has served also at the state level; and was a Fourth Degree Knight.

He is survived by his wife, Rosanne (Pfeifer) of 30 years of Polson; their son, Michael, of Breda, Netherlands; a brother, James (wife Debbie) of Polson; a sister, Karen Woods (Randy Gunderson) of Missoula; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and many close friends. His mother and father preceded him in death.

Visitation was held on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Grogan Funeral Home. A vigil service was held at 7:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Mass of the Christian Burial was Friday, Sept. 5th at 10:30 a.m. and burial followed at the Lakeview Cemetery in Polson. A reception followed at the church.

Condolences may be sent or a guest book may be signed at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

Manning

Anna "Ann" Grace Manning age 82 of Polson passed away at her home in Polson on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008 from natural causes. She was born Dec. 31, 1925 at Decker, Mont. to George and Nellie Weltner Manning. She attended and graduated from school in Arlee. Anna married Donald D. Manning on April 27, 1946 in Polson. She was an avid gardener did beautiful needlework, and worked for 15 years at the B & B in Polson. Ann was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and will be missed very much.

Her parents, and a son Jerry L. Manning preceded her in death. Anna is surivived by her husband Donald, daughters: Jane Swanson of Phoenix, Ariz, Margie (Mark) Larson of Denver, Colo., and Dona Sharbono of Columbia Falls, Mont. and a son David Manning of Limon, Colo. along with 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Sept. 12, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Calhoun officiating. Interment will be held at Lakeview Cemetery. A reception will follow in the Gessaman Hall of the church. Condolences to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Thomas McDonald

Thomas Eugene (Satch) McDonald was the 12th child born to the late John A. McDonald and Lydia Luddington McDonald of St. Ignatius, Montana on November 28, 1934. He died at Missoula Community Hospital on August 28, 2008. Satch is survived by his children, Valarie McDonald and her children Thomas Tanner, Jennifer Shelby, and Samantha Shelby of Arlee, his son Jeffrey (Huck) McDonald and his daughter Paula McDonald of Arlee, his other son Paul McDonald of St. Ignatius, Judy Gobert of St. Ignatius, Mockalee McDonald and her children Susep and Elisha of Santa Cruz, California, and Mary Jane Billideaux of Charlo. He is also survived by one sister, Gladys Disney of Polson, and one brother, Wyman J. McDonald of Ronan, his former wife, Sylvia McDonald of Arlee and many grandchildren and great grand children who loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his sisters, Lona, Mabel, Evelyn, Alma, Mary Lou, and Betty Jean, and his brothers Donald (Boots), Roy, Jack, and Daniel.

Satch was a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. He was also a descendant of the Nez Perce, Eastern Shoshone, Chinook, and Iroquois Tribes, in addition to being of Scottish, French, and English descent. His grandparents were the late Joseph and Lucy Deschamps McDonald, and Richard and Elsie Tellier Luddington. His great grandparents were Angus and Catherine Baptiste "Eagle From the Light" McDonald. Angus was an early fur trader and settler in the Mission Valley, who came to the U. S. in 1838 from Craig and Glencoe in the Highlands of Scotland. Catherine was closely related to the Nez Perce Chiefs, Eagle From the Light, Looking Glass, White Bird, and Joseph. Angus established Fort Connah, a Hudson Bay fur trading post in the Mission Valley in 1847.

Satch attended the Ursuline academy in St. Ignatius, and graduated from St. Ignatius high school in 1953. He was a good all around athlete and particularly excelled in basketball. He was well known throughout the area for his ball handling, passing and shooting skills for many years. He had a very quick wit, and had a phenomenal manner of relating to children.

Although, he spent most of his life working in the woods as a logger for various logging contractors, and independently cutting posts, poles and Christmas trees, he was also a well-known political and environmental activist. In 1964, he ran for the United States Senate against Mike Mansfield in the democratic primary, and took second in that primary with nearly half the vote total of the Senator. He spent numerous years working for and directing the Reservation Community Action Programs, and the LIGHT (Low Income Group for Human Treatment) program in Missoula in the 1960's and 70's.

In his later years he could often be seen hitting golf balls from his yard across the street from the Mission Church to the adjacent park. He was always an athletic man and continued his athletic pursuits through his passion for golf. He transcended cultural and socioeconomic expectations by playing with, teaching and inspiring young people to share in his love for the sport of golf and all of his endeavors through his life. He treated his knowledge of golf as he did most things in life, as an opportunity to teach young people and adults alike.

Satch was a visionary of his time, a politician, an activist, a proud man, a warrior, a leader, a lover, a fighter, and a hero to many including his children and grandchildren. He was loved and honored by many, not due to obligation but due to his inescapable magnetic charm and charismatic personality. He was a handsome, strong man that honored us all with his presence. He was an icon that touched the lives of many youth on and off the reservation. He had a strength and wisdom that captured people and a personality that commanded respect. He was loved by his family, and many others. Satch is irreplaceable and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Cremation has taken place and a meal will be held in the Longhouse at noon on the 12th of September with memorial services following at 2 p.m. in the Longhouse in St. Ignatius.

James Clifford Mergenthaler

James Clifford Mergenthaler, age 63, was born on March 23, 1945 in Helena, Mont., to Clifford and Katherine. On Friday, Sept. 5, 2008 he was at his home when he went to be with His Lord after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was the oldest of three sisters: Karen Cracraft, Kathy Kirkman, Noralyn Zullo, and two brothers: Richard Mergenthaler and Patrick Heaney. He graduated from Helena High School and went on to study geology at Montana State University.

In September of 1964 he married his high school sweetheart, Midge Peabody. They celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary on Sept. 4, 2008. He moved to Polson in 1968 and bought property in the country to raise his family.

To this union were born five children. Shawnaliece (Ted) Basden, Shane (Lynda) Mergenthaler, Brande (Heather) Mergenthaler, Jeremiah (Heidi) Mergenthaler, Gabriel (Aleta) Mergenthaler. They later adopted three girls: Amber, Melody and Kipper Shay. He was blessed with16 grandchildren.

James was the Meadow Gold milk man of the Flathead Valley for 39 years. The children (and their children) at the grade school knew him as the man with the popsicles.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Polson where he served his Lord faithfully wherever needed. His love was teaching the Bible. He was an avid car buff and still the owner of the first car he ever purchased, a 1956 Chevy which is still being restored.

No father ever loved or admired his children more. From hunting, fishing, and enjoyment of cars, he loved being with them. His whole life was dedicated to his family.

James is survived by his wife Midge, their eight children and their sixteen grandchildren as well as his parents and his three sisters and two brothers.

James was buried in the family cemetery on Friday, Sept. 5. A memorial service will be held on September 13, 2008 at First Baptist Church, 40401 MT Hwy 35 in Polson at 2 p.m. with a celebration of his life to follow at the family home located at 41796 Wilderness Valley Rd, Polson. Memorials can be sent to First Baptist Church.

John William Tantlinger

John William Tantlinger, 59, of Hungry Horse died on August 24, 2008 of cancer. John is survived by daughters, Tonja King and Lena Paul; sons, Todd King and Kai Tantilinger and five grandchildren. Cremation has taken place at Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls and no services are planned.

Wanda Weber

Wanda Weber, 63, of St. Ignatius passed away Monday, Sept. 1, 2008 at Community Medical Center of cancer.

Wanda was born April 24, 1945 in Polson to Thomas and Inez Oie. Wanda was married to Gordon Clark who preceded her in death and later was married to Knight Weber.

Wanda enjoyed drawing, horseback riding, camping and loved her dogs.

Wanda is on her last great horse ride to the lord and to be with her family and friends and all of her animals she had throughout her life that have gone before her, wearing her goofy hat the whole way! She will be missed greatly and loved by all the people and her animals. She loved to tease and torment her grandkids and then give them back to their parents. She was a very gifted lady, which is hard to put into words. She loved her auctions, yard sales and thrift shops. She fought a long hard battle with cancer but always had a smile on her face no matter how sick she felt. She could tell the best stories, whether it was to make you happy of scare the heck out of you.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, her parents and her brother, Richard Oie.

Survivors include her husband, Knight Weber, her sister, Sharon Harris, her kids, Fawn Clark, Kim Clark Stormy Clark, Jennifer Weber and Robin Weber. Also surviving are her grandkids, Cody, Dawn, Drew, Andi, Aaron, Zack, Breeze and Gus, her great- grandson, Dalton Lyle Clark.

A potluck memorial service will be held Saturday at Noon 56381 Hillside Road, St. Ignatius. For details, please call 880-4393.

Beverly Lewis White

Beverly Carrington Lewis White died at home Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008. Born December 20, 1934, in Tucson, Ariz., Beverly was the second daughter of three girls born to James Admiral and Isabella Caldwell Lewis.

Beverly was a descendant of John Caldwell Calhoun, US Vice President 1825-1832. Her grandparents, A.H. Caldwell and Mary Grace Caldwell were early Arizona homesteaders.

Beverly graduated from Tucson High School and attended E. Arizona and Northland Pioneer colleges.

Beverly and Robert W. White were married January 26, 1965 in Gallup, N.M. The wedding bands they wore for 43 years were handcrafted by a Navajo artisan and were made from the same piece of silver.

Bev and Bob owned and operated Broken Arrow Lodge, Lakeside, Ariz. and Mulberry Bush Antiques, Pinetop, Ariz. In 1977 Bob retired from the Arizona Game and Fish. Bev and Bob ranched in Wyoming and Moiese, until their retirement in 2007. During the years in Moiese, Beverly worked as a bookkeeper for local businesses and gave piano lessons.

Beverly was predeceased by her grandparents, parents and a nephew. She is survived by her beloved husband, Bob at the family home in Frenchtown, Mont. She is survived by her three children George W. Rider (Cindy), Laura Rider Callaway (Ray), Jack Lewis White (Raina), six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Beverly is also survived by her sisters, Ann Lewis O'Meara (Chuck) and Isabella Lewis Hindman (John).

Beverly was a life long Christian and a member of the Valley of Christ Lutheran church in Frenchtown where memorial services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 11:00 a.m. Sunset Memorial Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements

DEATH NOTICES

Ernest Hunt

Ernie Hunt, 85, passed away at his home on Thursday, Sept. 5.

A visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the Foster Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at the Hunt's Timbers Sawmill at Post Creek.

Interment will follow at Pleasant View Cemetery where military honors will be presented. A Celebration of Life will follow the burial at Leon Hall. The family requests memorials be made to Pine Haven Christian Ranch in St. Ignatius. A complete obituary will appear in next week's paper.