Obituaries, March 26
Brown, MIller Milne, Mann, Tiffany, Spinney, Wolf, Olson, Novak, Sanders, Jeppesen, Chaussee
Mary Kay Brown
PLAINS — Mary Kay Brown, 62, passed away on Saturday, March 14 at Clark Fork Valley Hospital.
A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe, she was born on June 23, 1946, in St. Ignatius to Geraldine (Fleming) and Jacob Brown. Mary’s parents died when she was a young girl and she eventually moved to Plains where she worked with the Little Bitterroot Services until a few years ago when she moved to Hot Springs.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her brother in Helena; an aunt and uncle, Tom and Fritz Dillon of Missoula and several nieces and nephews.
Services are planned for later in the year when she will be laid to rest by her mother in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.
Kenneth L. Miller
KALISPELL — Kenneth L. “Ken-Dog” Miller, 55, passed on Friday, March 13 at Kalispell Regional Hospital.
Born to Clifford and Leah (Foss) Miller on Nov. 21, 1953, in Lewistown he was raised in Lewistown and graduated from high school there. Following his graduation he worked on the oil rigs and hauled oil waste. He was also a UPS driver based out of Missoula and at the mill in Missoula and eventually put his master carpentry skills to use in his contracting business, Grizzly Construction.
Kenny was a wonderful man and will be deeply missed by his family and his true friends. Ken-Dog enjoyed the outdoors. If he wasn’t fishing, he was hunting or hiking. He enjoyed camping and was an avid river rafter living on the North and South Fork of the Flathead. It was his favorite thing to do.
He was also proud to be a member of the Dream Team on Big Mountain, which taught the handicapped to ski. He also had the chance to star in a commercial and enjoyed being called the new nickname of “Hollywood Miller.”
He is survived by his wife Michelle of the family home; a daughter Makenzie Miller; step-children Angela Phillips, Aria Haliday and her children Nora and Adam, Jamie Haliday, Jeffery Hughes and Cole Milne-Jones; his parents Clifford and Leah Miller of Lolo; sisters Janet Granthum and her children Lea and Roxanne of Maui, Hawaii, Cathy Miller of Lolo and Debbie West of Leavenworth, Wash. and a brother James Miller of Missoula, as well as many close friends and extended family members.
You are invited to come celebrate a life full of love and fun the way he wanted. As per his request a Celebration of His Life was held at the family home located at 28321 Cougar Trail in Bigfork. A potluck reception at the residence followed the service.
Carla Keith Milne
Carla Keith Milne, 79, of Polson, passed away on Monday, March 16 at St. Joseph Hospital from natural causes. She was born on November 27, 1929, in Philadelphia, Penn. to Francis and Leta Russell Keith. She attended school in Missoula, graduating from Missoula County High School in 1947 and went on to attend Montana State College. On June of 1949, she married James L. Milne of East Helena. She was a member of the Episcopal Church, serving in the ECW and other groups for 54 years.
She is survived by her husband James; three children, Keith Milne of Burlington, Wash., Mark A (Jill) Milne of Pendleton, Oregon and Devon Milne of Nampa, Idaho; along with two granddaughters, Rachael Barrington and Katherine Barrington of Mount Vernon, Wash.; four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held on Thursday, March 19 in the St. Andrew Episcopal Church with Rev. George A. Walter officiating. Arrangments and cremation under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory. Condolences to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com
Josy Raye Mann
Josy Raye Mann, 53, of Arlee, passed away on Tuesday, March 17 as a result of an automobile accident. She was born Dec. 27, 1955, in Tracy, Calif., the daughter of Hazel and Charles Mann. Josy was involved in many community organizations in her home town of Arlee.
She is preceded in death by her parents. Her family includes her children, Jason (wife Jane), Rainy and Angela; grandchildren Tasia and Diego; siblings MaryAnne and James.
Memorial Services were held on Tuesday, March 24 at the Open Door Baptist Church, followed by a reception. Memorials are suggested to the Valley Bank in Arlee, on behalf of Rainy, Josy’s minor child.
Lena “Leona” Tiffany
“Leona” Tiffany, 95, of Polson, passed peacefully with dignity under the care of Five Star Alternative Nursing in Woodbury, Minn. Leona was born to Nancy C. Grantier and Herman E. Lippel on Feb. 4, 1914, in Stockett and attended schools in Great Falls. When she was a teenager, the family moved to Rollins where Leona worked in the orchard, raspberry patch and their ice cream stand helping support the family. She said no matter how hard they worked, they knew there would be time for a swim at the end of the day. In order to attend high school in Polson, her mother found her work as a serving girl for the McIntyre family and later, the Madson family. She worked for her room and board and was able to attend high school and graduate Salutatorian in 1932.
Edward Tiffany said he first “set eyes on her” as she walked to the mailbox in Rollins. When her family moved to Great Falls after her graduation, Edward regularly made the commute to court Leona. They were married in 1934 and boarded a train to Chicago so Edward could attend The Coyne Electrical and Radio School. Upon completion of his training in 1935 they moved back to the Flathead and lived in Rollins.
The couple had five children: Hal E. (Beverly) of Woodbury, Minn., Stanley W. (Janet) of Great Falls, Thomas E. of Auburn, Calif., and Polson, Nellie T. Heckman and Nancy L. Olson both of Polson.
Leona was the primary caregiver for the children as Edward traveled wherever he could fin work. She spoke of carrying water from the lake for cooking, cleaning, bathing the babies, washing and watering the garden. Before their twin daughters were born Edward found work as an electrician at The Anaconda Copper Mining County in Great Falls where he worked until retirement. Leona was the consummate homemaker while her children were young. Edward credited “his little honey” with making the money go around.
When her boys were grown, she worked as a pastry cook for the Great Falls School District. Later on, she attended Great Falls Business College. Upon graduation, she was hired as a Business Machines teacher, and taught until her retirement when they moved back to their beloved Flathead Valley. They worked in their small orchard and raspberry patch near Woods Bay until moving to Polson.
Leona has 11 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild living in Montana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Washington, Nebraska, Texas, California and Germany. Leona was a quietly spiritual woman who loved her family, home and church. Leona was active in church and school activities, a den leader for Cub Scouts, a leader for Camp Fire Girls and 4H Club. She was active in the Lutheran Women’s Groups, Home Demonstration Club and a neighborhood sewing circle. She and Edward enjoyed square dancing, camping, card games and visits to friends and relatives. After retirement they continued to travel with trips to Arizona, Hawaii, Alaska and a cruise for the family to the Caribbean in celebration of their 60th wedding anniversary.
Leona was an avid gardener and always kept beautiful gardens. She loved to read. In addition to reading from the Bible daily, she liked to randomly open the dictionary and learn a new word every day. She loved to play the piano and sing. She was a gifted seamstress; she crocheted, knitted and quilted, and made each grandchild an afghan as a wedding gift.
Her mother and father, two brothers and her beloved husband Edward preceded Leona in death in 1999. Leona was a kind, caring, involved mother, a loving wife and a good friend. In her late eighties she reflected on her life and said how fortunate she had been to have such a wonderful husband and family, and as she looked back on her life, she had no regrets.
Funeral services will be held in Woodbury, MN. Friday March 27th, with inurnment to be held in Lakeview Cemetery in Polson later this summer. Memorials may be made in her name to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson. Local arrangements under the care of Grogan Funeral Home. Condolences to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Virginia Spinney
Virginia Marie Bolander Spinney, 84, of Pablo, passed away on Thursday, March 19 at her home from natural causes. She was born on May 8, 1924, in Denver, Colo. to Harley A. and Bessie Marie Hoerrman Bolander. She attended school in Burlington, Colo., and graduated with a bachelors degree in business from the University of Denver. Virginia married Robert Spinney on Dec. 26, 1942, in Denver. They were co-owners of Bolander Realty in Denver until moving to Montana in 1980. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Polson.
She was preceded her in death by her husband Robert and a son, Lauren in 1997. She is surivived by her daughter Lynn (Joel) Gleason of Pablo; cousins Ed and Carolyn Bolander of Cheyenne, Wyo., Gerry and Bill Anderson of St. Louis, Mo., and Shirley Hicks of Denver, Colo.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 26 in the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Calhoun officiating. A light reception will follow services in the Gessaman Hall of the church. Memorial may be made in Virginia’s name to the First United Methodist Church. Arrangements under the care of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory. at 3 p.m. on Thursday. Condolences to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Chi Dawn LeBeau Wolf
ST. IGNATIUS — Chi Dawn LeBeau Wolf, 34, passed away at her home from cancer on Friday morning. Services are pending with Foster Funeral Home in St. Ignatius.
Gail Ann Olson
Gail Ann Olson, 55, of Polson, passed away at her home on Monday, March 23 from natural causes. A full obituary and services times will be announced by Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory in Polson. Condolences may be sent to the family or the obituary viewed at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Frances “Jean” Vose Wolf Novak, 82
On March 22, Jean passed away of natural causes.
Jean was born to Quintin and Orva( McQueen) Vose on April 25, 1926, in Vona, Colo. She grew up in Milburn, Neb., and went through the twelth grade there. She married her high school sweetheart Robert S. Wolf in 1947. To this union eight children were born, one in Loup City, Neb. and seven in Sargent, Neb. She and Robert farmed in the Sargent area until 1972 when they and six of their children moved to Montana. Here they owned and operated the Wolf Trailer Park near Pablo for a number of years and then later moved to their beautiful home site on North Crow Creek east of Ronan. Jean loved her creek and all the wonders nature had to offer her here. In 1991 her husband Robert, of nearly 44 years, passed away.
In 1995, Jean married George Novak and they lived awhile in Omaha, Neb. where George was from, and then moved back to the North Crow home. After a couple of years they purchased a home and lived at the Eagles Nest Resort in Polson.
Jean is survived by her devoted husband George Novak, of Ronan, and by her siblings Eileen Christen, Broken Bow, Neb.: Owen Vose (Lucille), Glasgow, Mo.; Irma Hickman, Bassett, Neb. Also surviving are her eight children; Ron Wolf, North Loup, Neb.; Cheryl Frescoln (Scott) Eminence, Mo.; Dan Wolf(Sherry) Ronan; Judy Slagle (Bruce) Valparaiso, Neb.; Neil Wolf (Sheila) Ronan,; Pam Lensman, Frenchtown, ; Tom Wolf, Pablo and Camille Delaurenti(David), Ronan. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Jean exemplified the term “matriarch” as family was everything to her, and she is greatly respected for her devotion to her loved ones. She was a model mother for her daughters as well as daughters-in law. She loved to camp, play games and never tired of her grand children. She always had an open heart, open arms and a lap to share. Her kindness, humor and her unwavering willingness to forgive will be remembered and missed by all.
Graveside services will be held at Ronan’s Calvary Cemetery at 10 a.m. on Friday morning, March 27.
Billy Jack Sanders
Billy Jack Sanders, 81, of Polson, passed away at his home on Sunday, March 22 of natural causes. Arragnements will be announced at a later date and a full obituary will follow. Arrangments are being handled by Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory.
Harris Christian Jeppesen
CHARLO — Harris Christian Jeppesen, 83, passed away on Wednesday, March 18 in Ronan of natural causes. He was born on Dec. 7, 1935 in Chester to Ingolf and Magnhild Jeppesen. He grew up in the Sweetgrass Hills and was the second of four boys. He graduated from Chester High School and served in the Army, returning to the family homestead to continue the family farm.
He moved to Charlo in 1969 with his wife Cecilia and children. THey operated a dairy until they retired in 1989.
The highlights of his life were his brothers, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was prececded in death by his parents and wife.
He is survived by his brotheres, Arnold and Marvin of Shelby and Randolph of Missoula; children, Sandy Groves of Seattle, Murray Taylor of Olimont, Allan Mangold of Charlo, Kathy Woodruff of Charlo, Sharleen King of Seattle, Wash. Debbie Skurlock of Reno, Nev., Mike Jeppesen of Ronan, Tammy Dumont of Charlo, Rick Jeppesen of Charlo, Gene Jeppesen of Seattle, Wash., Jay Jeppesen of Ronan, Jay Allen of Fort Worth, Texas and Tom Laud of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, as well as 40 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.
Friends paid their respects on Sunday, March 22 at the Shrider-Thompson Funeral Chapel in Ronan. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 23 at the Faith Lutheran Church with Rev. Sarah Meckler officiatin. Military graveside honors will follow in the Ronan Cemetery. Pallbearers were Murray Taylor, Allan Mangold, Mike Jeppesen, Rick Jeppesen, Gene Jeppesen and Jay Jeppesen. Honorary pallbearers are Rick Woodruff, Paul King, Shawn Dumont, Joel Allen and Tom Laud.
Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services of Ronan is assisting with arrangements.
Dean Chaussee
Dean Chaussee was born in Missoula, Montana in 1932 and passed away on Friday, March 20.
He was married to his childhood sweetheart, Carol Lee Billington, in 1951. They began dating in high school in Montana. They shared love and much joy in their marriage.
Dean and Carol were blessed with two children — a daughter Denise and a son Jon — both of whom were great joys in Dean’s life.
Denise and Jon gave Dean seven wonderful grandchildren: Julie, Chris, J.B., Jamie, Jacquie, Mike and Nick.
Dean doted on his children and grandchildren and they shared many happy times and experiences. These happy memories will live on through the grandchildren.
Dean would often say that his grandchildren kept him young and interested in life as they were so much a part of his daily life.
He was a decorated veteran of the Korean War and was stationed in Korea, Japan and Texas. After active duty service, he served in the Air Force Active Reserve as an executive officer in a parachute troop/cargo squadron. He was honored to have his picture on the marble portion of the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Dean’s major work career began in the Underground Electric Engineering Division at Seattle City Light, and that was followed by a career shift into the residential construction field. During the 40-plus years in that endeavor, he worked in the development or construction of some 10,000 residential units as well as office and health-related buildings.
He was a past president of the Seattle Master Builders Association and in 1984 was honored with their Builder of the Year Award.
Of the many life experiences that Dean enjoyed, his family was always his main interest and came first in his thoughts and love. Any successes in his life were never taken seriously, and those who knew him enjoyed his self-deprecatory humor as well as his quick and often biting wit.
Dean was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother Leroy. He is survived by his loving wife Carol; daughter Denise (Steve) Wilhelm; son Jon (Wendy) Chaussee;, grandchildren Julie Franz, Chris Franz, J.B. Chaussee, Jamie Chaussee, Jacquie Chaussee, Mike Chaussee and Nick Chaussee, and a brother, Tom Chaussee.
A funeral service will be at Holy Family Church, 7355 120th Ave. NE, Kirkland, Wash., at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28.
A memorial service will be at the Arlee Historical Society, 655 S. Valley Creek Rd., in Arlee at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 2. Please call Jon Chaussee at 406-549-8224 for details.
Remembrances may be made to Union Gospel Mission or Seattle Children’s hospital in Seattle.