Obituaries

Betty Lou (Gagner) Akana

Betty Lou (Gagner) Akana was born September 30, 1925 in Seattle, Wash. to Matthew and Alice (McClintock) Gagner. Her childhood was spent mostly in Montana with her mother and brothers Pat and Fred, and near aunts, uncles and many cousins. She graduated from Polson High School in 1945. In 1947 Betty moved with her mother to the Island of Hawai‘i and enrolled in Hilo Commercial College where she met Henry Ah Lei Akana. They married in 1950 and lived together for forty-nine years. After they graduated with associate degrees in business, they both worked in Hilo. They later moved to Menlo Park, Calif. where they raised their family. After Henry retired from the U.S. Postal Service in Palo Alto, Calif. they moved to Kapoho (HI) and for a short time lived in Las Vegas, NV. Betty was preceded in death by Henry and her brother Fred. She died of cancer at her home in Sunnyvale on May 21 at the age of eighty-eight, after a long and healthy life. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Allison and Juliana (Barr) Akana of Half Moon Bay, Calif. Patrick and Elizabeth (Holmes) Akana of Santa Clara, Calif. Alan Akana of Koloa, Hawaii, Michael Akana and Thanos Foufoulas of Half Moon Bay. She is also survived by her grandsons Kalani Orozco, Kai Orozco and Palani Akana of Palo Alto and granddaughter Anastasia Akana of Santa Clara, as well as her brother and sister-in-law Pat and Joanne Gagner of San Diego. An active member in her community, Betty is remembered for her dependability, generosity, wisdom, kindness and laughter. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, reading, researching genealogy, traveling to Hawaii, Alaska and throughout the western United States. In lieu of flowers, Betty had requested that contributions be made to the San Jose/Peninsula Chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), P.O. Box 2718, Sunnyvale, Calif. 94087 / www.pflagsanjose.org/gift_of_giving.php, or a charity of the giver's choice. A memorial service and burial of ashes will be scheduled in Hilo, Hawaii, at a later date.

 John Vernon Crues

 John Vernon Crues, Jr., age 88, passed away May 28, in San Antonio.  He was born October 24, 1925, in Plainview, Texas, to John and Cora Lee Crues. He proudly served his country in the USAF during WWII. John was a graduate of Texas Tech and worked for Schlumberger Well Services Co. He was a member of the A.I.M.E. and numerous other organizations. John was an avid golfer and in college he was a drummer for the swing band, Varsitonians. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Laura Katherine Crues.  John is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy Crues; daughter, Deborah Lowrey and husband Chuck of San Antonio; sons, John V. Crues, III and wife Maribeth of Los Angeles, Zack Crues and wife Eileen of Houston; brother, Bobby Jim Crues; sister, Leah Suzanne Damron; grandchildren, Andrew, Ryan, Melissa, Brodie, Brooke, Ashton and Audrey; and great-grandchildren, Davis, Nolan, Wilder and Logan. A memorial service was held on June 2 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church with Fr. David Read officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, San Antonio, Texas, or to a charity of your choice. You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Porter Loring Mortuary North.

 Brandon Lee Montgomery

Brandon Lee Montgomery, age 26, of Charlo, died Friday, May 30 from injuries sustained in car accident. Brandon was born February 2, 1988 to Lee and Denise Montgomery. He is survived by his parents and sisters, Shianne Montgomery and Sabrina Montgomery also his son Karson Brandon Montgomery. A memorial service will be held at the Faith Lutheran Church 406 5th Ave. SW Ronan 59864 at 2:00 on Thursday, June 5.

Dorette M. Martoglio passed away May 31. A graveside service will be held this Friday, 11 a.m. at the Ronan Cemetery.