Obituaries, June 25
Jensen, Therrien, Simmons, Couture, Hudson, Bottger, Corcoran, Thompson, Wall
Joyce Ann Jensen
Joyce Ann Jensen, 78, of Polson, passed away at her home on Monday, June 15 from natural causes.
Joyce is survived by her children: Gene Van Voast, Rick (Sheryl) Van Voast and David Van Voast, all of Polson. She is also survived by two grandchildren: Jason Van Voast and Kristi Jore, both of Polson, and two great grandchildren: Kanan and Darbee and several other relatives. A celebration of Joyce’s life was held on Saturday, June 20 at her garden. Arrangements and cremation are by Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory of Polson.
Mila Therrien
HAMILTON — Mila “Mickey” Therrien, 85, of Hamilton passed away on June 14 surrounded by family.
Mila was born on Feb. 28, 1924, in Moiese, to Earl and Nannie Harley. She was the sixth of eight children. Mila attended elementary and high school in Charlo. She also attended the University of Montana.
She married James Clifford Manley on Jan. 24, 1948, and they had four children.
They lived in Drummond and she taught school in the one room schoolhouse in Helmville and worked on the ranch until moving to Missoula in 1966.
She married George Therrien on June 29, 1979, and they lived in Polson.
Mila loved living in Montana and enjoyed time spent with her family and friends most. Mila dedicated her life to her family and will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her sister Eula Foust of Missoula; her four children: Cliff Manley of Hamilton, Scott (Jeanette) Manley of Missoula, Don Manley of Ronan and Marcia (Rick) Chapman of Florence; her grandchildren, Moe and Leia Chapman; nieces and nephews and their families.
Cremation has taken place and per Mila’s wishes there will be no formal memorial service. A family gathering will be held at a later date.
The family suggests that memorials be made to the donor’s favorite charity.
Arrangements are under the care of the Daly-Leach Chapel. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
J. Rodney Simmons
J. Rodney Simmons, 36, of Swan Lake, affectionately known as “Ribcage Rod” by friends and family, tragically passed away on June 14 in Swan Lake. He was born on Dec. 8, 1972, in Auburn, Calif., the son of Kenneth Simmons and the late Sondra Faye Peterson who passed away in 2007 in Lincoln, Calif. Rodney was also preceded in death by his grandparents.
Survivors include his father, Kenneth Simmons and wife Janet of Modesto, Calif; step-father, Rev. Bill Hawk and wife Jan of Billings; a brother, Ben Richardson and wife Geldie of Auburn, Calif and their three children: Benjamin, Jacob, and Noah; his sister, Rhonda Perry and husband John of Eagle, Idaho; nieces and nephews, Thom Giles and wife Nichole of Alaska, Teesha Northcott and son Thomas of Alaska, and Clark and Elizabeth Perry of Idaho. His loving wife, Sarah Aczar of Swan Lake, and their two beloved Jack Russell Terriers, Dutch and Lump, along with their many other beloved pets, as well as many cherished friends and acquaintances, also survive him.
Rod grew up as a boy with an insatiable appetite for life that never left as he grew into a man. Rod lived many lives: as a youth in California then later in his adolescent years learning to surf in Hawaii. In his teens, he moved with his family to New York where he was still chasing his passion for life. It was here that he met, and kept his closest friends. Soon, his passion for life lead him toward another passion: hunting. This brought him to Alaska where he lived, worked, and hunted for three years. Later, in Montana he became a licensed big game hunting guide. After moving his life to Montana, his path lead him to Sarah with whom he shared the last six years of his life.
In his passing, he will be missed in so many ways; by his family, friends, and the one he loved who loved him so much. Every early morning the wilderness will be quietly missing an avid, aware, intelligent, respectful, and passionate hunter; a man who loved the outdoors when there wasn’t a moment that passed that he didn’t have his mind on the next big hunt. Not a moment of Rod’s days were wasted. He was always moving, working, helping and spending time with the ones he so loved. He will be greatly missed by all. And every time we hear an elk bugle, see a flower grow into bloom, catch a fish, or even hike into the mountains, we will recall all these wonderful memories of a wonderful, loyal man who will always be cherished in many lives, in many ways, and will never be forgotten.
Rod’s funeral service was held on Friday, June 19 at the Flathead Valley United Church of Christ, 204 – 7th Ave. W. in Kalispell with Rev. Darryl Kistler officiating. A light reception followed the services at the church. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home of Polson is assisting the family.
Richard Dennis Couture
ELMO — Richard Dennis Couture, 76, passed away this past Saturday morning at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson.
Born in St. Ignatius on March 2, 1933, to Joseph and Susie (Andrews) Couture, he was raised locally before joining the U.S. Marine Corps, proudly serving from 1952-55.
He married Annette Reed in 1953 and they made their home in California before returning to the Crow Agency area where he worked for the BIA, St. Labre Indian School and at Pretty Eagle Catholic Church before retiring in 2002 and returning to his home in Elmo where he has enjoyed asking his councilman many things.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Regina Matt and Mary Lefthand; brothers Roy and Tommy Couture and grandson Darius Couture.
He leaves behind his wife Annette of Elmo; children Gary (Elsie) Couture and Richard (Ann) Couture both of Crow Agency, George (Annie) Couture of Pablo, Debbie (Martin) Passes of Garryowen, Susie Crooked Arm of Elmo, Coleen Couture of Ronan, Ramona (Dean) Bearclaw of Pryor, Rhoda Couture of Pablo, Kateri Couture of Ronan, Joshua Couture of Crow Agency; brother Albert (Barbara) Couture of Parshall, N.D.; sisters Rita Cannon of Big Arm, Judy Phillips of Pablo, Rhoda Whithorse of Pablo and Aggie Lefthand of Polson; aunt Helen Charlo of Elmo, as well as grandchildren Ashley Couture, Jaime Fredericks, Cindy White Clay, Garrell, Rochelle and Lloyd Passes, Sharmyne, Roni LaForge; great-grandchildren Robbie, Richard and Sharisa, who he helped raise and many other grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins who he also held dear to his heart.
A traditional wake began on Saturday at the Elmo Hall with the Rosary being held on Sunday in the Hall. A mass was held Monday in the hall with Fr. Charles Robinson, Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Dayton Cemetery where military honors will be presented.
Mary Elizabeth Hudson
Mary Elizabeth Flatow Savage Hudson passed away on June 19 in Missoula, while living at Hunters Glen Retirement Home. Betty, daughter of Henry and Marie Woare of Chester, was born in Great Falls on Feb. 22, 1921. While living in Chester, she enjoyed life with her brother Allan and sister Dolly. In 1934, the family moved to Helena. Betty graduated from Helena High School in 1938 after attending high school in railroad cars, because of an earthquake. After graduation, Betty worked for the telephone company for two years. In 1939, she married Marvin Flatow of East Helena. Two sons, Gary and Henry were born of this marriage. Marvin passed away in 1942.
Betty worked in Helena for many years, first with the State Liquor Control Board, then with Carson Construction, C. Howard Waldon, a CPA, 11 years for Cliff Stump Sporting Goods and for one year at the Clem Anderson Oldsmobile dealership.
Betty married Eugene Savage in 1960. They traveled for many years, leasing the Rocky Point Lodge in Polson for many summers. During the other part of the year, they resided in Laguna Beach Calif., where Betty attended art school and the Orange Coast College, expanding her art skills. In 1968, they purchased their home in Polson. Gene passed away in 1978. After his death, she returned to work for Hib Hanson, president of the First Security Bank.
Betty married Raymond Hudson in 1981. Betty and Ray enjoyed golfing, gardening and painting. Raymond Hudson passed away June 1998.
In Polson, Betty taught artwork for three years in Dixon and two years in St. Ignatius. She taught art education classes at the Polson High School and many adult art classes in her home. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Sandpiper Gallery in Polson. She brought the First Little Festival of the Montana Institute of Art to Polson and started the Little Festival, held each summer in Polson.
Betty’s artworks are known throughout Montana. Her works have been displayed in five different galleries in Montana. Many of her paintings have found homes throughout the continental United States, in Hawaii and abroad. She used to say that her fondest memories were of painting at Flathead Lake. She stated, “I have learned not to paint for others, but to satisfy the inner person in myself. If others like my work, I am pleased.”
Her home was always occupied by animals. For many years, she was accompanied by Siamese cats. Her love of animals was boundless. She enjoyed her home for the last few years, relying on Joan St. John to aid her in many tasks.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers and her husbands. She is survived by her sons: Gary of Missoula, Henry (Kim) of Helena; sister, Dolly Eschenberg of Helena; grandchildren: Keeley (Samir) Flatow-Fahoum of Arlington, Va. (US Air Force), Marnie (Stephen) Salt, London, United Kingdon, Brent, Glasgow, Heidi (Brien) Gault, Glasgow, Kevin and Henry, of Helena; and three great-grandchildren: Kyra and Autumn of Glasgow and Jonathon of London, United Kingdom. She also leaves her cat, Sonya and many friends.
Visitation was held on Wednesday June 24 in the Grogan Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. , on Thursday June 25, at the First Presbyterian Church 301 4th Ave E, Polson. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com
Memorials in Betty’s name may be made to the Mission Valley Animal Shelter, 36251 N. Reservoir Rd, Polson, or to the Sandpiper Gallery in Polson.
Violet Schultz Bottger
Violet J. Schultz Bottger, 85, passed away on June 19, surrounded by family at her home in Polson. She was born on March 24, 1924, to Joseph and Mary Ann Schultz in Johnstown, Penn.
Vi was a graduate of Johnstown High School Class of 1943. She worked at Martin’s Ready-to-Wear for many years, and at the City-County Health Clinic from 1981-85, when she retired. Violet belonged to Our Mother of Sorrows Church and was a member of the Mercy Guild and Caring Friends, until she moved to Montana in 2006. She loved to play bridge and have time with her family.
Violet was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Bill and Albert, Al’s wife, Agnes, and brother-in-law, Bernard Wass; and her ex-husband, James L. McMullen.
She is survived by her husband of 25 years, George Bottger; her daughters, Linda McMullen Suson and her husband Eduardo, and Karen McMullen and her husband Robert Marsenich; five grandchildren: Niesha Griffith, Kara Weimer, Jeremy Weimer, Shawn Marsenich and Eric Marsenich; and six great-grandchildren. Violet is also survived by her sister Ethel Wass, brothers Harry (Evelyn), Joseph (Phyllis) and sister-in-law, Dorothy Schultz; and her many nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by her sweet dog, Odessa.
A private memorial service will be held at Flathead Lake in Polson this July.
Memorials in her honor can be made to Lake County Hospice, 711 Main St., Ronan, MT 59864. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home, Polson is assisting the family.
Tom Corcoran
Thomas Herman Corcoran passed away unexpectedly on May 4 at his home in Westminster, Calif. Tom was born on Aug. 28, 1940, in Minneapolis, Minn. He grew up and graduated from high school in St. Ignatius. Following high school, Tom entered the Navy. He spent his service as a medical corpsman in Rhode Island. He later trained to be an X-Ray Technician and went to California with a job in that field.
Tom later went to work as a grounds keeper for the University of California at Long Beach. He spent the next 37 contented years in that position, still working full time at the time of his death and still loving it. In an interview for his 35 year recognition ceremony, he liked it all, he said, but particularly enjoyed the very early morning hours on campus when all was quiet and serene. “Long Beach is a great place to work. It certainly doesn’t feel like I’ve been here this long.”
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Jack (Doc) and Doris Corcoran of St. Ignatius. He is survived by his sister, Linda Elliot of Montrose, Colo.; Mike (Margaret) of Polson; sisters, Wini (Paul) Benvenuti of Sandy, Ore., and Margaret Corcoran (Jim Madden) of Helena; and10 nieces and nephews.
Tom always maintained his attachment to Montana, returning twice a year to spend time with family and friends. He was a quiet man, a collector of old clocks and deeply committed to family and friends. We will miss him.
A memorial service was held in Tom’s honor by the staff and co-workers at the ULB campous on May 19. Mike, Wini and Margaret were in attendance.
Graveside services will be held at the St. Ignatius Catholic cemetery at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 27. Following the graveside service, a get-together for friends and relatives will be held at the St. Ignatius Senior Center.
Terry Clyde Tompkins
Terry Clyde Tompkins, 55, passed away on Friday, June 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Terry was born in Big Arm on July 27, 1953, to Clyde and Arlene (Crest) Tompkins. Terry attended school in Polson, graduting 1971, and went on to attend Montana State University for a couple of quarters. In the early 1970s, Terry worked for the Chevrolet Garage until becomin self-employed in 1974. He helped to build the peat moss business from ground up. Terry enjoyed driving 18-wheelers and operating heavy equipment. He also enjoyed barbecues and smoking meats, hunting, camping, gardening, his fruit trees, horses and his hound dog. He like most things dealing with the outdoors. Terry was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Tompkins. He is survived by his sons: Tanner and Connor Tompkins, both of Big Arm; mother Arlene Tompkins of Big Arm; brother Ted and wife Penny Jo Tompkins of Big Arm. Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.
Mary E. Wall
Mary E. Wall, 63, of Charlo, passed away at her home on Wednesday, June 3, of natural causes.
Mary was born on May 12, 196, in Sacramento, Calif., to Harold and Pat (Lewellin)Stipe. Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jim Stipe and his son Ed Stipe. She is survived by he husband of 43 year, Ron Wall; sister Peg (Doug) Wagner of Hungry Horse; daughters Doreen (Jim) Seymour of Butte and Lori (Gari) Gaustad of Charlo; seven grandson; three granddaughters; eight great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
No services are planned and cremation has taken place. Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family.