Obituaries, April 8
Meadows, Kroshus, McClure, Redman, Collins, Keys, Krantz, Olsen, Clairmont
Rubert P. Meadows
On Sunday, March 28, 2010, Rubert P. Meadows, age 90, of Polson, stepped into his last and best garden.
Rubert was born on June 28, 1919 in Charlson, N.D. the second son of Joseph E. and Rosa P. Meadows. He spent his childhood in McKenzie County attending school and working on the family farm where he grew to appreciate what the earth had to offer when properly nurtured.
Rubert enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 where he trained as an aircraft instrument specialist and mechanic. He was a veteran of WWII and later served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War.
It was during that time that he met Hilda Eleanor Starkey Hall in Andalusia, Ala. and they were married in 1951.
The couple moved to Watford City, N.D. where Rubert farmed until he moved his family to Charlo in 1955. There he operated a small dairy farm and worked on several other farms in the area. He was also employed by Cenex for several years, running the small engine repair shop.
Following Hilda's death in 1988, Rubert moved to Polson to be closer to his daughter Shirley and her family. There he promptly put down roots, about an acre of them, as he happily gardened away at his home on Kerr Dam Road. In 1993 Rubert married Dorothy Spang. They later divorced.
Rubert greatly enjoyed watching baseball and football and, although he never set foot on the UM campus, he was an avid Grizzly fan. He was a league bowler for many years and a champion cribbage player. Along with his keen wit he possessed a natural writing and storytelling ability. Rubert also had an amazing facility with numbers and dates and could very likely tell you what the weather conditions were on any given date fifty years ago. But it was his gardening prowess that provided him with immeasurable contentment. He was determined to work the soil again and on March 17 he planted the seeds for his favorite variety of tomatoes. His family and friends will truly miss sharing his bounty. Rubert was also an Honorary Life Member of the American Legion.
Preceding Rubert in death were an infant daughter; his parents; his wife, Hilda; a sister Rose Boots and her husband Lawrence; sister-in-law, Ruth Meadows; stepson, Robert Peyton Hall; an infant grandson and infant great-grandson. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Mike Gunter, Kalispell; his son Jim Meadows, Denver; stepson William Hall, Corpus Christi, Texas; his grandchildren Lauri (Steve) Pulley, Jeff (Jen) Patterson, Lindsay (Greg) Minarik, Jordan and Justin Patterson; Joseph and Ellie Meadows; and Tavenner Hall (Thad) Starner and four great-grandchildren. Rubert is also survived by two brothers, Raymond, Stevensville; and Keith (Lenore) Edmonton; and sister Ruth (Bob) Sunderland of Edmonton; seven nieces and four nephews and wonderful, compassionate friends, Bruce and Jane Patterson.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to The Arbor Day Foundation or Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Meadow's family.
Dorothy Marie Kroshus
RONAN - Dorothy Marie Kroshus, 74, passed away March 31 at St. Luke Extended Care. A member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes, she was born in St. Ignatius on March 10, 1936 to Lillian Matt and Elmer Bisson.Raised and educated on the reservation she left as a young woman, moving to Oregon and later Missoula. In the late 80's she returned to the Ronan area where she has resided since. Dorothy loved her animals and looked after many a stray. She enjoyed crafts, sewing and going to yard sales. A widower, she was preceded in death by her husbands Dave Lutton and Ralph "Ole" Kroshus as well her son David Lutton, Jr; her parents, 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Survivors include her sister Vivian Cahoon of Pinehurst, Idaho and several nieces, nephews and extended family members. A graveside service was held Monday, April 5, 2010 at 11 a.m. in the Lakeview Cemetery in Polson, Montana.
Harold J. Sonny McClure
ARLEE - Harold J. Sonny "Mow Wow" McClure, 68, passed away Sunday at his home near Arlee with his faithful dog Heather by his side. A lifelong resident of Arlee, he was born in St. Ignatius on Dec. 18, 1941 to Margarauit Charlo and William Pinto McClure. Mow wow worked in the woods. A member of the Salish & Kootenai Tribes, he was the great-great-grandson of Chief Charlot. Mow wow was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Hazel McQueen and brothers LeRoy, Mackie, Victor "2-C" and Francis "Porky". Survivors include his son Kenny McDonald; grandchildren Shaylene and Donovan; stepson Jim Buccelli; step grandchildren Joslyn Buccelli, Chanel Roberts and Dominick Buccelli; great step grandchildren Aleah and Warrior; sisters Angelic "Dottie" Cates, Rosemary Thomas, Darlene McClure Lafley and Mary Lou (Rawhide) Sorrell; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. A traditional wake began Thursday in the Arlee Community Center with the Rosary being recited at 8:30 p.m. on Friday at the Center. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Arlee Community Center. Burial will follow in the Jocko Cemetery.
Lawrence James Redman
Lawrence James Redman, age 75 of Prosser, entered into rest on March 28, 2010 at Prosser Memorial Hospital.
He was born on Dec. 28, 1934 in Polson to Walter and Carnolia (Craft) Redman. He was raised in Boulder, Mont. and worked as a ranch hand where he farmed, raised and branded cattle, broke horses and later worked in logging. After serving in the Korean War with the U.S. Army, he returned to Montana and worked in the saw mills in Seeley and in the recycling business. In the late 1960's, Lawrence went to the Western College of Auctioneering in Billings. He worked as an auctioneer in Rathdrum, Idaho and also, after moving to Washington State in 1975, in Finley, Yakima and Prosser. He was awarded the 1980-1981 State Bid Calling Championship at the Washington State Auctioneering Association Convention.
Lawrence married Carole Hannah in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho on August 16, 1976. The couple lived in Yakima for a few years and raced thoroughbreds at Yakima Meadows and also worked there, horseshoing and ponying horses up to the gate. They moved to Prosser in 1998 and after illness forced Lawrence to retire from auctioneering, have owned and operated a second hand store for the last five years.
Lawrence loved talking to people and made many friends. He also had a great sense of humor and provided his wife and family with a life full of adventure. He is survived by his wife of thirty-three years, Carole, of Prosser; eight children, Larry Redman (Judy) of Polson, Pat Redman (Korene) of Kennewick, Mary (Dave) Bush of Pasco, Gary Redman (Marie) of St. Ignatius, Clyde Redman (Karen Walker) of Irrigon, Ore., Laura Redman of Sumner, Wash., Evelyn (Scott) Larimer of Detroit Lakes, Minn. and John Redman (Sherry) of Locust Grove, Ga.; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Lyle Redman (Clara); three sisters, Dot (Pete) Hathaway, Cletta (Terry) Pickens and Annie Watson; and brother-in-law, Carl Ask, all of Montana; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sons, Preston and Billy Redman; and three sisters, Evelyn Redman, Violet Ask and Margie Elinisky and her husband Dick. Life celebration services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation or American Cancer Society c/o Prosser Funeral Home & Crematory.
Sheila (Burton) Collins
Sheila (Burton) Collins, 70, longtime resident of Lake County, passed away of natural causes on April 1, 2010, with her family at her side.
Sheila was a single, divorced mother who devoted everything in raising her children and ensuring their happiness. With one child left to raise, she met and married her mountain man "Sandy" Collins. They spent much time in her beloved Mission mountains. Her family meant everything to her and she will be sorely missed.
Sheila is preceded in death by husband, Donald Collins; father, Roy Burton Sr.; sisters, Ida (Bill) Howell, Judy Burton and baby brother Ronald.
She is survived by her mother Viola Burton; children Terri (Francis) Davis Dollinger, Diana (Jerry) Reid, Dale (Nettie) Ott, James (Danica) Ott; sisters, Ferol Burton, Dianne (El Roy, dec.) Wolf, Bernice (Michael) Fugere; brother Roy Burton Jr., and David (Cynthia) Burton and 6 grandchildren, Christina, Nick, Lancelot, Tristan, Michael and Travis; and 4 great grandchildren, Rachel, Miranda, Jade and Tyler.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 9 am to 9 pm at the Foster Funeral Home in St. Ignatius with funeral services being held Wednesday at 1pm at the Longhouse in St Ignatius with Larry Jensen presiding. Internment will follow at the Ronan Cemetery.
Lillian Rose Keys
Memorial services for Lillian Rose Keys, who passed away on March 4, 2010, will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2010, 10:00 AM, at the First United Methodiest Church, Polson with Rev. Mark Calhoun officiating. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.
James Hugh Krantz
James Hugh Krantz was born to Lucky Laverne and Verna Susan (Freshour) Krantz in St. Ignatius, MT on March 10, 1931. He passed away at his home on Friday March 26, 2010. Hugh attended school in St. Ignatius and graduated in 1952. He was drafted into the Army and served 2 years in Germany as a tank mechanic.
After being discharged, he married Lila Faye Evans at Charlo Methodist Church November 7, 1954. They had 3 sons, including twins. Hugh retired after 30 years of working for the State of Montana Highway Department Maintenance Division.
His parents, 2 brothers and 4 sisters preceded him in death. Hugh is survived by his wife Lila Faye, 3 sons Jerry (Kate) Huson MT, Larry Evanston WY, Terry (Candee) Helena MT, 9 grandchildren, 1 great grandson, and 2 brother-in-laws Gene McBride and Carl Resner.
Funeral Services will be April 12, 2010 at 10 a.m. at the Mission Valley United Methodist Church 70715 Highway 93. Memorials suggested to Mission Valley United Methodist Church or the Krantz Memorial Cemetery.
Robert "Bob" Luther Olsen
Robert "Bob" Luther Olsen, born Sept. 4, 1934, passed away March 24. He was proceeded in death by his father William "Bert" and mother Leona Olsen. Also, his brothers, Alan and Kenny Olsen. He is survived by brothers Virgil, Verle "Pic", Donald, Clyde and Butch Olsen and sisters, Barbara Ness and Delma Jean Rosenbaum. He is also survived by his son Bob Klein and daughters Dicie, Teresa, Shawna and Stephanie. He has 16 grandchidren and three great-grandchildren. Bob was a great man who will be missed by everyone who knew him.
We will always remember his unconditional love, contagious smile and ability to have fun. Please join us for a pot luck party at Leon Community Center Club House at noon on April 11 to celebrate his life. Meat will be provided. Anyone who knew Bob or those of you who just want to support those of us that did are more than welcome to attend.
Alphonse Henry Clairmont
Alphonse Henry Clairmont, 86, of Ronan, passed away at his home on Friday, March 26, of natcual causes.
He was born in MIssoula on April 29, 1923, to Joseh Henry Clairmont and Elsie Butt Clairmont. He married Irma Lingner in Polson on March 29, 1947. They were married 49 years, until her passing in October of 1996.
Henry was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. He was a World War II Navy veteran and was a life long rancher in the North Crow, Pable Reservior and Buffalo Bridge areas of the Mission Valley.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, son Henry Eugene Clairmont and step grandson Shawn and brothers Bud, Dean and Virgil. He is sruvived by 11 children: Dennis Clairmont (Nadine), of Pablo; Sherry Clairmont (Roy Adams), of Ronan; Chris Jackson (Mark), of Ronan; Nadine Rice (Clint), of Endicott, WA; Joel Clairmont (Teri), of Polson; Kevin Clairmont (Sue), of Polson; Aileen Bailey (Russ), of Ennis; Geri Herreid (Tim), of Ronan; Chet Clairmont (Trish) of Casper, WY; Yvonne Funk (Ken), of Spokane; and Roger Clairmont (Carrie), of Ronan; 31 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and a large extended family.
A traditional wake was held at the family home on March 29. Mass of the Christian Burila was on March 30. Grave side services with miliatary honors were at the Roan Cemetary wtih a dinner that followed.
The family requests that memorials be made to the North Crow Creek Women's Club.
Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services of Ronan assisted the family with arrangements.