Obituaries

Wayne E. Stephens

Wayne E. Stephens, 80, of Polson, passed away Saturday, Nov. 3, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s. He was born in Emmett, Idaho, on Oct. 18, 1932, to Bud and Bessie Stephens, and grew up in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Before graduating from high school he entered the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea for two years, where he received a Purple Heart. He was a graduate of the University of Idaho, graduating with honors, and earned a degree in finance and business administration. He had four children from a previous marriage. He was employed by the government as Superintendent of the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Fort Yates, N.D., and Billings. After taking early retirement he bought and sold real estate. He married Geraldine (Jeri) Olson on Sept. 24, 1983, in Missoula. They bought their dream home on Flathead Lake. Wayne continued to be very involved with the Manchu 9th Infantry. In 1996 he went back to Korea with fellow soldiers. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. He looked forward each summer boating with his grandchildren and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Jeri; children, Dianna Pinkerton (Robb), Mark Stephens (Debbie), Jeanne Jacobsen (Bob), Julia Stephens (Ron) and stepson Keith Welty; grandchildren, Jennifer Jacobsen, Tessa Morales, Alex Kottwitz, Christine Jacobsen, Tori Kottwitz, Katie Jacobsen, Austin Kottwitz, Ethan Pinkerton and Hannah Welty; a great-grandchild, Addison Stephens; sisters, Mardelle Shinn (Cliff) and Kathy Stephens and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held at Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, on Sat., Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. with Pastor Jean Larson officiating. A reception will follow at the VFW. Graveside services will follow at the Lake View Cemetery. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Carol Sue Cheff

2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Carol Sue Cheff, born Oct. 9, 1958 in Oakland City, Ind., finished her race well on the morning of Nov. 9.  She joins those who went before her; her father and mother Murrell Slinker and Dorothy Keil, and her first husband Richard Kraft.  Carol is survived by her husband, Kenneth Cheff Jr. of Polson, her children; Kari Kraft-Mirro of Ellensburg, Wash., Krystal Kraft-Zolman of St. Ignatius, Rhett Kraft of Townsend, Brice Cheff of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and their spouses, which became the children of her heart.  She is also survived by seven grandchildren, two sisters, eight brothers and many nieces, nephews and extended family. No one can speak of Carol without speaking of her tremendous faith.  Carol had a deep relationship with her Savior, Jesus Christ, which provided her with strength to face the many trials of life and her battle with cancer.  She was solely dependent on God when her next breath, next hour, next day seemed too much to bear.  HIS power was made perfect in her weakness.  2 Corinthians 12:9. A viewing was held at Grogan Funeral Home in Polson on Tuesday, Nov. 13. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Dec. 1 at Lighthouse Christian Fellowship, 207 Eisenhower St. SW, Ronan. In lieu of flowers, please make charitable donations to the causes closest to our hearts: Lake County Home Options (Hospice), 711 SW Main St., Ronan, MT  59864 or Cheerful Heart, PO Box 688, Polson, MT 59860. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Kenneth Roy Boyd

Kenneth passed away at the age of 90 on Nov. 9 after a courageous battle with cancer. Kenneth was born Aug. 9, 1922 in Harlowton, Mont. to Lester and Ferne Boyd. For the first seven years he lived northwest of Two Dot, Mont. The family then moved to Westfield, Iowa where his folks were raised. Kenneth graduated in 1940 from Westfield High school. He continued to live in the area until March of 1942 when his folks bought a place west of Ronan. Kenneth went into the Marine Corps in 1945. When out of the service he met a school teacher, Bernice Peterson, at Round Butte. They were married June 8, 1947. They lived on a ranch west of Ronan where they raised five sons and one daughter. Kenneth helped put in the Round Butte Water System. He belonged to the American Legion, and the Round Butte Grange for over 50 years. He also worked for the irrigation system for 20 years. Kenneth enjoyed doing carpentry and made many projects for the home. Kenneth was preceded in death by his beloved wife Bernice of 62 years, their eldest son Loren along with his mother and father Lester and Ferne Boyd, and brother Fay Boyd. He is survived by sons Neil of Glasgow, Robin (Debe) of Dillon, Lee of Ronan, Ivyl (Teresa) of Helena and daughter Janice (Steve) of Boise, Idaho. Two granddaughters Jolene (Ron) and Kendra (Charles), along with great grandchildren Taylor, Kyzer, Kaitlynn, and Briahnna all of Helena. The family would like to thank the Home Option, Hospice for the care of their dad during his illness.  Also, would like to thank the Council of Aging for their assistance. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 17 at the Ronan Cemetery, services by Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services.