Obituaries-Week of 7/17
Clarence Lewis Melton
Clarence was born May 29, 1935, and began his new life on June 30, 2014 in Winterhaven, Calif., at 79 years of age. He was born at Big Bend, Mont., Sanders County to “Ike” Bryan Melton and Villa White Melton, who preceded him in death. School days began in the one room schoolhouse at Big Bend and continued at Ronan where he attended high school and met the love of his life, Yvonne Wolf and were married in 1953. They started their married life on the homestead ranch in Big Bend and he went on to become logger, mechanic and auto body man, doing a top notch job at anything he put his hands to, including mentoring his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be missed by so many.
Clarence was not only preceded in death by his parents but his beloved, Yvonne, in 2004, and his daughter, Julie Ingraham, just 19 days before Clarence’s departure. He is survived by sons and a daughter, Gregory Melton in Texas, Joni (Dan) Fredericks of San Diego, David (Cheryl) Melton at Hayden Lake, Idaho, Wade (Tina) Melton, Pasco, Wash., Mike (Jenifer) Melton, Newman Lake, Wash.; Bernetta Melton, Spokane, Wash., Preston Melton at Spokane and Andria Melton at Winterhaven, Calif., and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and his sister, Nora Jean Malinak and brothers, La Rue and Terry Melton who live at Hot Springs, Camas Prairie and Plains, respectively.
The memorial was July 12 at the Kingdom Hall in Yuma, Ariz. May he rest in peace.
Gregory Ward Swinger
Gregory Ward Swinger, born May 25, 1957 passed to the next adventure this world has to offer May 5. Greg had a blanket of genuine love and friendship surrounding him from every corner of his world.
Greg is described by friends and family as a man who lived every moment as if it were his last, a fun loving man.
Always the reminder of “why” to live life for today. Kind, Clever, a “Rescue Ranger” of the group. Never without a full adventure. The imprint that Greg left behind will ripple throughout years to come.
Greg’s sister Mel said it the best when she said Greg was a religious man... Greg religiously kept a clean, very meticulous home. Greg religiously had his camera at his side.
Greg religiously had a helping hand extended to everyone without any judgment as he wouldn’t want to be judged himself.
Greg religiously had a “cold drink” to quench his thirst. Greg religiously was there with a sly smile that could be referred to by many as the “Swinger Charm”.
Greg enjoyed everything that Montana had to offer fishing, camping, boating, the outdoors, shooting, skiing and a good campfire.
Greg saw the world as no one else did and his passion for photography was able to show this through every captured moment he shot. Always could count on Greg to have a camera in hand to capture not only the world that surrounded himself but many, many memories from everyone around him. Greg was a devoted Eagles member and Chaplin. Headed numerous fundraising events for the VFW. Donated to 20+ different foundations. Support the Boy Scouts. Volunteered his time to anyone in need.
Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glint on snow, I am the sunlight on ripe grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you wake in the morning hush, I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starshine at night. Do not stand by my grave and cry. I am not there, I did not die.
Gordon Wilson
The Family of Gordon Wilson would like to thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and kind words at the time of his passing.
Please join us for a celebration of his life on Sat., July 19, at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 409 4th Ave. E., Polson.
A luncheon will follow in the upstairs hall of the V.F.W. Post 2986, 423 Main St., Polson. An elevator is available for your convenience.
Elva G. (Whitehorn) Gessaman
Elva G. (Whitehorn) Gessaman, 88, passed away Tuesday, July 8, at her home at Buffalo Hill Terrace in Kalispell.
She was born March 27, 1926 to Chester Arthur Whitehorn and Georgia Fern (Hathaway) Whitehorn, at the family farm north of Great Falls. She grew up on that farm, which her parents had homesteaded in 1916. After attending local rural schools Elva graduated from Fort Benton High School.
She then worked in Great Falls, primarily at the J.C. Penney’s store. Elva married Donald K. Gessaman on Feb. 3, 1951 at the Whitehorn family farm, after which they took up residence on the Gessaman farm north of Fort Benton. There they raised grain, cattle, and four children.
In 1980, they “retired” from the farm at Fort Benton, leaving it in the hands of the next generation. They moved to Polson, bought an apple and cherry orchard there, and worked harder than ever. Spraying, watering, pruning and marketing their fruit occupied their time. They also made some of the best fresh apple juice you’ve ever tasted.
During their years in Polson, Elva was very involved with the Polson United Methodist Church and the Polson Senior Center. She also volunteered at the Polson Country Store. Her home-baked whole wheat bread was legendary, and in great demand at the local bake sales.
All her life, Elva was a beautiful woman, both inside and out. She was a loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Her gentle spirit and happy smile will be missed by all who knew her.
Elva was preceded in death by her husband, Donald K. Gessaman; her brothers Chester Arthur Whitehorn, Jr., Wallace Whitehorn, and Stanley Whitehorn; and her sisters Bernice Skaw, Virginia Wiederhold and Clara Walker.
She is survived by her brother Wayne Whitehorn at the family farm; sister Iris Halvorson, Great Falls; sons Bill and wife Debbie Gessaman, Lake Stevens, Wash. and Mike and wife Deb Gessaman, Fort Benton; daughters Jeanne and husband Ted Turner, Kalispell, and Janet and husband Dave Haugen, Fort Benton; 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held on Monday, July 14th at 10:30 a.m. at the Polson United Methodist Church, Polson. Inurnment followed at the Lakeview Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the Polson United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.?