Obituaries, June 4
Colvin, Reum, Brown, Joseph, Stewart, Reid, Crofoot, Fetch, Johnson, Farrell Cromer, Jacobson
William K. Colvin
William Kenneth “Bill” Colvin, 81, died on March 13 in Liberal, Kan.
He was the owner of High Plains Pizza. He opened the 18th Pizza Hut in the country in Liberal, Kan. The business continued to grow to its current status of 76 restaurants in five states.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia Colvin; four sons: Kent, Mike, Greg and Tracy Colvin; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and a sister, Ann Minnich.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 13 at the Rollins Community Building/Country Club in Rollins with fellowship with the family immediately following the service.
Roxanne Reum
Roxanne Reum, 56, passed away on Saturday, May 23, in Sandpoint, Idaho. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 20 at the New Life Christian Center, 1414 2nd St. in Polson.
Roxanne was born on June 3, 1952, to Michael and JoAn Ellenwood in Tacoma, Wash. The family moved to Polson in 1963. Roxanne married Vernon Reum on Sept. 27, 1969 in Polson. She worked for several years at Mission Mountain Natural Foods, then she and Vern built the tire recycling business, Tire Depot. Roxanne was the backbone of the daily operations at the business. When she put her mind to a task you knew it would be done to perfection.
All of us knew Roxanne as a vibrant, beautiful woman. She was a caring, giving human being, who was courageous and strong. She willingly gave of her gifts and talents to all who came into contact with her especially with regard to her knowledge in health issues. Roxanne was very creative and that was evidenced in everything she endeavored to do, from the way she dressed to the way she decorated her home, she was a class act, and she was beautiful to the end.
After her diagnosis of cancer, Roxanne was able to experience her lifelong dream of living on the ocean. They purchased a home in 2003 just outside of La Paz, Mexico on the Sea of Cortez. She enjoyed gardening, dancing, singing, whistling, bike riding along the ocean and spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Her greatest joy was being a mother and wife, daughter and grandmother.
She is survived by her loving husband of nearly 40 years Vern Reum of Polson; mother JoAn Ellenwood Lynn of Polson’ son Shane Reum of Polson; daughter Tammy (Bryce) Powell of Sandpoint, Idaho and two grandchildren Samuel and Brennan Powell.
She was preceded in death by her father Michael Ellenwood, step-father Robert Lynn and two brothers Mark Joseph and Robert Lee Ellenwood.
Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Roxanne’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign her guest book.
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 and the greater Ladderoute Family, 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.
Memorial services were held on Saturday, May 30 in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery.
Darren Xavier Joseph
DIXON — Darren Xavier Joseph, 39, of Dixon, passed away on Friday, May 22 in Seattle. Wake services began last week, on Thursday, at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius with the Rosary being held at 8 p.m. on Thursday in the Longhouse. Wake closing began on Friday in the Longhouse with Mass following at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church. Interment will be in Snyelmn Sntmtmne. Foster Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
James M. Stewart
Dr. James M. Stewart, 84, of Polson, and formerly of West Palm Beach, Fla., died on May 16 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula of a heart attack. He was born on Sept. 5, 1924, in West Palm Beach, Fla. the son of Jay Stewart, DDS and Ruth McGranahan Stewart, both deceased.
As a boy, he had an interest in music and developed a small orchestra. Living on the Florida coast, a lifelong interest in the sea and boats naturally occurred. At the age of 17, he secured from the Department of Commerce a commercial license to operate vessels for hire. He was the first recipient ever of this license.
Dr. Stewart received his BS from the State University of Iowa in 1945 and his DDS from the same university in 1947. As an undergraduate at Iowa, he was commander of the cadet corps in ROTC and employed in the hospital eye department where he developed a device for exchanging the fluid in the anterior chamber of the eye. Other collaborative activities in that capacity involved the development of plastic contact lenses, plastic artificial eyes and the forerunner of light transmission by fiber optics. Later, in a situation created for him by the dean of the college of dentistry, he developed a tissue laboratory and animal facility while being a full-time dental student. In this capacity he studied spontaneous occurrence of periodontal disease, discovered oral lesions as related to certain female hormones, perfected the silver halide staining technique, and through the Department of Pediatrics made important observations on the maturation of teeth.
Dr. Stewart enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in WWII. He was commissioned as a captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps during the Korean War from 1951-53 and was stationed at 97th General Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany.
In 1947, Dr. Stewart joined his father, Dr. Jay Stewart, in West Palm Beach, Fla. in private practice of general dentistry. After 1954 he limited his practice to maxillofacial and oral surgery. His primary hospital association was the Good Samaritan Hospital in Palm Beach where he served as Chief of the Department of Dentistry from 1967-72 when he resigned to devote more time to research.
Dr. Stewart’s driving ambition to do medical research, ignited at the University of Iowa, continued after his return to West Palm Beach. In 1958, the Ruth M. Stewart Memorial Research Laboratory, a non-profit corporation devoted to research in the basic sciences and dentistry was incorporated. Through his laboratory, Dr. Stewart discovered a new nerve cell, later named the Stewart Cell by the academic community, which is responsible for both pain and growth in teeth. This discovery led to marked changes in dental anesthetics and opened the door to practical tooth transplants. The Ruth M. Stewart Memorial Research Laboratory was supported by grants from the John A. Hartford Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
In 1968, Dr. Stewart, and wife, Nancy, co-founded Stewart Research Inc. with the aim of inventing instruments and devices primarily related to surgery and the health care field. Subsequent to the founding of Stewart Research, Dr. Stewart developed the ESSAR tourniquet for enhanced venipuncture and the ESSAR Suction – Irrigator. The latter is used throughout the United States and in 20 foreign countries. This product line was acquired by Bristol Myers Co. Ultimately, Dr. Stewart held 16 U.S. and foreign patents.
In 1982, Dr. Stewart became an associate professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Indiana University School of Medicine and headed the privately funded Residual Infection in Bone project designed to investigate the relationship between jaw infections and facial neuralgias. Dr. Stewart was a member of Phi Delta Theta undergraduate fraternity and Delta Sigma Delta Professional Fraternity. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of West Palm Beach and served both as Trustee and Elder. Professional honors included Omicron Kappa Upsilon, Sigma XI and he was a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Dr. Stewart was widely published worldwide in many prestigious medical journals including Odontologisk Tidskirft, Science, U.S. Armed Forces Medical Journal, Journal of the American Dental Association and many others.
Memberships included American Dental Association (special consultant), Florida Dental Association, International Association for Dental Research, American Academy of Oral Pathology and the New York Academy of Sciences.
In 1985, Dr. Stewart closed his West Palm Beach practice, located on North Flagler Dr., and moved to Polson. In Montana, he continued his research, but also turned his creative mind to artistic endeavors. Those skilled hands that had performed so many intricate surgical procedures and benefited the lives of countless, thankful patients now made beautiful silver fish sculptures and striking high fashion jewelry.
Dr. Stewart was an avid sportsman his entire life. He was an expert wing shot and fly caster. While living in Florida, he and wife Nancy regularly plied the blue waters of the gulf stream in “Nancy’s,”their sportfisherman. He designed and built his own flats boat and fished for tarpon and bonefish off Islamorada in the Florida Keys.
He was a member of the Sailfish Club of The Palm Beaches. Along with the late Charlie Campbell, Dr. Stewart was a participant in one of the most successful Billfish tournament teams ever. Fishing aboard “The Escape,” they won the famous Palm Beach Gold Cup Tournament in 1986, 1988, 1989 and 1990. Other prestigious wins included the ILTTA in Venezuela, the Stuart Light Tackle Tournament, the Green Turtle Billfish Tournament and Byras Creek International Tournament; the latter two both in the Bahamas. At Byras Creek a world record 19 blue marlin were caught and released.
Dr. Stewart was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Ann, and son, Jimmy Stewart. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Nancy Stewart, of Polson; brother, Dr. Jay Stewart of Maryland; son, John Stewart and his daughter Lexi of Florida; step-son, Jeffrey Bland and his wife, Jane of Florida; sister-in-law, Jane Irwin of Polson; brother-in-law, Dr. R. Stephen Irwin, M.D., and wife, Jan, of Polson; and nephews Tyler Irwin and Spencer Irwin, both of Polson.
A memorial service will be held at Grogan Funeral Home in Polson at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 13. Memorial contributions may be made to Polson Loaves and Fish Food Pantry.
Dr. Stewart’s ashes will be returned to the aquamarine waters of his beloved Florida Keys.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online by visiting www.groganfuneralhome.com. The Grogan Funeral Home of Polson is assisting the family.
Frances I. Reid
Frances I. Reid, 69, of Polson, passed away at her home on May 27.
Frances was born on Nov. 4, 1939, in Orange, Calif. to Albert and Claudia Reid.
Frances had traveled to all 50 states during her life. She had owned three convenience stores in three different states. She had developed and sold a farm in Oregon. She had made and sold wooden wall décor in California and many times Frances was doing more than job at a time.
She moved to Polson and never wanted to leave. She loved the people and the area in a way that was special to her which she quietly and deeply felt.
She worked at Big Sky Fabrication, Tamsco and Polson Bay Grocery.
Frances enjoyed bowling.
Her parents and a brother John Leon Reid preceded her in death. She is survived by lifelong friends: Pat Sands, Chris Sands and Marcus Sands and many other friends she made and cared for in Polson during the past 25 years.
She is also survived by her sisters: Tracy Reid of Florida, Carol (Bob) Hickson of New Mexico kand Judie Reid of Parker, Ariz. and several nieces.
No services are planned and cremation has taken place. Condolences to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com
Lorene P. Farrell
Long time Polson resident Lorene P. Farrell passed away on May 28 at her home in Polson, while surrounded by members of her loving family. Lorene was born on Feb. 9, 1915, in Minneapolis, Minn. to Fred William Steese Jr. and Ethel (Miller) Steese. When Lorene was 2 years old, her mother relocated the family to Polson following the accidental death of Lorene’s father.
Lorene attended grade and high school in Polson, graduating in 1933. Following high school she worked for Dr. P.C. Noble and during this period sang in many local choir groups. On Aug. 8, 1940, she married Thomas A. Farrell, a high school classmate, in Polson. The couple lived at Kerr Dam, where Tom was employed, until 1942 when Tom enlisted in the U.S. Army. During the time her husband was overseas in the Philippines, she lived with her uncle, Claude Miller in Los Angeles, Calif. where her first son was born.
At the conclusion of WWII, Lorene and Tom returned to Kerr Dam where Tom was once again employed. Lorene went to work for Dr. Tanglen in Polson. She continued singing in Polson city choirs and sang in the summer Show Boat productions.
In 1964, Lorene went to work for Sheneman’s Clothing Store (First Resort) on Main Street in Polson. She continued working there until the early 1980’s when she retired.
Lorene has been an active member of the Polson Christian Church since the 1920s, sang in the church choir and participated in numerous church activities. She also did volunteer work at the Polson Country Store. She loved working in her garden, cultivating beautiful roses and caring for all of her cats.
Husband Tom preceded Lorene in death in 1985. She is survived by brother Harold Steese of San Diego, Calif.; sister Winifred Scott of San Lorenzo, Calif.; sons Thomas J. Farrell (Dianne) of Polson; Richard L. Farrell (Sharon) of Boise, Idaho and daughter Carol Jo Farrell of Polson. Four grandsons and four great-grandchildren also survive her. She was a dedicated and nurturing mother, who was very proud of her family and received an abundance of blessings in return.
In lieu of flowers, memorials on behalf of Lorene may be made to the Heritage of Faith Christian Church (John Payne, pastor), the Polson Humane Society or the Polson Senior Citizens Center. A memorial service for Lorene will be held at the Heritage of Faith Christian Church at 11 a.m. on June 13. Condolences to the family www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Steve Crofoot
Steve Crofoot, 62, of Salmon, Idaho, passed away on May 16 at his home in Sandy Creek in Salmon. He was born on May 31, 1946, in Great Falls to Hope (Richard) and Gordyn Crofoot. He spent his early years helping his family on a dry wheat fram out of Big Sandy. When he was 13, they sold the farm and moved to town. They bought a cattle ranch near St. Ignatius in 1962, where he graduated from high school. He attended the University of Montana, graduating in 1970. He taught school for a year in St. Ignatius. In 1971, he bought a cattle ranch in Salmon, Idaho on Sandy Creek.
He married Dee Ann Crofoot on June 25, 1965. To this union, four children were born: Sheldon, Ronda, Bo and Bart. The past few yeras, he workd the season at the BLM in Salmon, Idaho. In 2007, he was asked to coach footbll and basketball teams at Leadore High School.
He loved his team and coached until his health no longer allowed him to. His love was his family and his ranch. Many great memories were built as they worked and laughed together. He also loved fall time and hunting with his sons and son-in-law. His grandchildren were the joy of his life.
He is survived by his wife, Dee Ann; his mother, Hope Crofoot; sister Sheila and Roy Vallejo of St. Ignatius; his children, Sheldon and Lori, Caden, Cody, Kyson and Jace of Ucon, Idaho; Ronda and Mike Peterson and Derik, Adrian and Stevie; and step-children: Todd and Brigett of Rigby, Idaho; Bo and Jodie Crofoot and Braeden and Brylyn of Rigby, Idaho; and Bart and Mendy Crofoot and Travis and Tanner of Ucon, Idaho.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Crofoot, and one sister, Wanda Crofoot.
Funeral services were held on May 20 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Burial was in Sandy Creek under the direction of Salmon River Funeral Chapel. In leiu of floers, the family suggests donations to Leadore High school sports programs, Leadore, ID, 83464.
Mildred Fetch
Born April 6, 193, delivered unto the lord Feb. 1.
Mildred (known to all her friends and family as Millie) was born in Miles City to Arthur Evjen and Loine Crist. The family soon moved to Missoula where Millie lived as a child. Millie was the eldest of six brothers and sisters of whom she loved dearly; Lyle who preceded her in death as an infant, her beloved brother R.D. Evjen who resides in Missoula with his wife Shiela; her Brother Wayne with whom she loved dearly who resides in Polson; her dear sister Myrna Tremblay who resides with her husband Chuck in Idaho; and her baby sister Sonja Widgren with whom she helped raise and loved who resides with her husband Bill in Idaho. She is survived by one aunt and one uncle and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Millie was a long time resident of the Polson area and has family and friends who still reside in the Polson area. After graduating from Polson High School, Millie became a nurse at St. Josephs Hospital for many years and later worked for Dr. Coriell until she opened her own clothing store on main street “Tot-n-Teen” fashions which she operated until her move to Arizona where she worked for several years for Hancock Fabrics, then worked part time with her daughter until her retirement.
Millie passed from this life on Feb. 1 and is survived by her loving husband of 60 years Thomas Fetch. Thomas and Mildred were married on Jan. 8, 1949; her daughter Sherry Fetch Campbell and her husband Glen; her only grandson Michael with whom she enjoyed every knew adventure with and loved who reside in Phoenix, Ariz. where Millie lived out the final years of her life. Millie was taken ill with kidney failure, the good lord finally calling her home.
Millie loved the lake and the Polson area, and was loved by those who met her. Services are being planned for Aug. 8, where she will finally be at peace.
Alice Marie Johnson
Alice Marie Johnson, 79, of Polson, passed away on Sunday, May 31 at St. Joseph Hospital from natural causes. She was born to Earl and Mary Moyzes Robinson on Sept. 25, 1929, in Bismarck, N.D. She grew up in the country Stady, N.D. Alice attended a county one-room school before attending high school in Grenora, N.D. She was the eldest of three children that include her sister Beverly Kem of Columbus, and a brother Art Robinson of Polson. Alice married Russell O. Johnson of Corinth, N.D., on Feb. 22, 1950, at her parent’s home in Stady. They had four children: Wayne of Libby, Robert of Tulsa, Okla., Rose of Polson and Richard of Missoula.
They lived in Williston, N.D., and then moved to Rapid City, S.D. in 1957, before settling in Polson in 1959. In addition to her sister, brother and four children, she is surivived by her children’s spouses, 13 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Her husband and sister-in-law Violet Robinson preceded her in death.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 5 in the Grogan Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Alice’s name to the Life for Nations Christian Fellowship Building Fund, Ronan, Montana. Condolences to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Bryan H. Comer
Bryan H. Comer, 84, of Pablo, passed away on Wednesday, May 27 at home. Born on Sept. 14, 1924, in Trout Dale, Va,, a son of the late Frank and Effie Sullins Comer. Mr. Comer was a U.S. Army Airforce veteran and worked as a farmhand and also in a brick factory. In 1947, Bryan married Rose Mary Lewis in Elkton, Md. Besides his loving wife, survivors include a son, Richard Larry Comer of Hopewell Court, Md. and a stepson, George Ambrose Jenkins Jr. of Rising Sun, Md.; four grandchildren; one great-grandson; one great-granddaughterl a sister, Hallie Brown of Media, Penn., and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be no services. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home, Polson is assisting the family.
Juanita Jacobson
RONAN – Juanita Jacobson, 68, passed away at her home on Monday. Arrangements are pending with Foster Funeral Home and Crematory of St. Ignatius.