Portland, Oregon – Nelle Magini Webster passed away April 8, 2015 at the Vibra Specialty Hospital of Portland, 10300 NE Hancock Street, Portland, Oregon 97220.
Nelle was born to parents Charles August Magini and Florence Robinson Magini in Missoula MT on July 13, 1942. She was raised and lived in the Sunset Bench area, in the town of Stevensville MT, and in the Burnt Fork Canyon area east of Stevensville. Nelle attended grade school and high school in Stevensville, graduating from Stevensville High School in 1960.
Nelle was married in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho on October 29, 1961, to William W. Webster of Spokane WA, eventually moving to Portland OR many years ago. She was employed in banks in Portland for several years.
Nelle is survived by her sister Elizabeth (Bette) Magini McKinney of Phoenix AZ; her husband William; four children, her sons Bill Webster and Charles Webster, and daughters Tracy and Christine, and grandchildren Adam, Amber, Faith, Brittany, and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents, Fred and Elizabeth Robinson of Stevensville; and grandparents August and Virginia Magini of Parma, Idaho.
Nelle has been cremated and private family services were conducted on Saturday, April, 18, 2015, where the urn was placed inside the Willamette National Mausoleum in Portland, Oregon.
Condolences can be sent by email to bettemckinney@msn.com, or by regular mail to Bette McKinney at 4010 E. Hazelwood Street, Phoenix AZ 85018-3745; and/or to Bill Webster by email to destiny4bw@gmail.com and/or by regular mail to 4016 NE 48th Street, Vancouver WA 98661.

James M. Grenfell, age 73, was called home to the Lord on March 17, 2015 at Seaside, Oregon.
Jim was born on March 8, 1942, a son to the late Frank and Dorothy (Donaldson) Grenfell. He attended Lone Rock School and later graduated from Stevensville High School in 1960. After high school he traveled abroad and later returned to Oregon, Utah where he met his wife, Joy Mitchell. In 1966, he and his wife moved to Seattle, Washington where Jim worked for Boeing for several years. Jim was a very intelligent and intellectual man, and in 1970 he began his own business named North Shore Arco. He sold that business and started Grenfell Distributing, which was very successful until he sold upon his retirement. Due to health issues, Jim took a proactive approach to a change in his lifestyle. In 2013 Jim and Joy took their RV on the road to discover the best fishing holes in the U.S. along with enjoying family and friends.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Dorothy Grenfell and his brother, Roger Grenfell. He is survived by his wife Joy of 53 years; his children Doug (Cathlyn) Grenfell of Edgewood, WA and Rhonda (Jeff) Story of Rathdrum, ID; grandchildren Jimmy Story of Indianapolis, IN and Sara Story of Post Falls, ID; his siblings Rose McNett of Federal Way, WA, Sylvia (Delos) Dickerson of Stevensville, MT, Gwen Grenfell of Missoula, MT, Ross (Paula) Grenfell of Missoula, MT; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, also two of his friends, Wally Poole and Doug Hagen.
Cremation and memorial has taken place. Later this summer they will bring Jim to rest in Stevensville.

Florence – Bryce J. Fitzgerald, beloved son, grandson, brother, cousin, and friend, was taken suddenly on April 16, 2015. He made us smile and laugh until he was taken for a new adventure.
Bryce was born on January 25, 2002, to the joy and delight of his parents, Catrina Simpson and Kenny Fitzgerald, Jr. From the beginning, Bryce brought love and a touch of mischief to everyone he knew. He loved exploring, hunting, being outside on his dirt bike and 4-wheeler and just hanging out with Grandpa Curt.
Bryce had many fun experiences with his sister Aaliyah. He was protective of her and as she put it, “He wouldn’t let anyone pick on her but him.”
Bryce is loved and missed by many surviving family members. Bryce is survived by his mom, Catrina Simpson; sister, Aaliyah Vetch; sister, Makayla Oliver and Uncle Bransyn Simpson; his dad, Kenneth Fitzgerald, Jr. and step-mom, Stephanie Rice, and step-brother, Tony Romas. He is also survived by his grandparents on both sides: Curt Simpson, Jane Simpson, Mike and Sue Travers, great-grandparents: Carlton and Deanna Quamme, Dan Saunders, Maria Martinez, Sharon Hannah; and great-great-grandmother Pauline Burns-Stockton. Other surviving family members include uncles, Kory Fitzgerald and Dallas Peres; aunts Kim Fitzgerald Peres and Karrie Fitzgerald; and many other cousins, great aunts, great uncles and friends.
Bryce was preceded in death by Great-Grandma Peggy Simpson.
Bryce will be forever in our hearts. Have fun on your new journey, Buddy.
Private services will be held. A gathering for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at the St. Mary’s Mission Family Center (333 Charlos Street in Stevensville) at 3:30 p.m. Condolences may be left for the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Raymond Kenneth Hanlan, “Ray,” of Missoula, passed away on April 24, 2015 at Village Health Care Center, of natural causes.
Ray was born in Moose Jaw, Canada on January 2, 1925 to Edward A. and Edith (Haldeman) Hanlan. At the age of 5, Ray moved with his family to Gillette, Wyoming. He attended a one-room school with his brothers and sister through the 7th grade.
The family, including a second daughter, moved to Weston, Wyoming to farm. There were no other kids in that district to hold school. Ray, his mother, and younger sister, went to Gillette, Wyoming where he completed the eighth grade.
Ray has worked very hard like a grown man since he was 14 years old. At the age of 17. Ray got his first job on a ranch, which was his first time away from home. He worked on two other ranches along with one sheep ranch before being drafted into the Army on September 22, 1950. He was stationed at Fort Collins, Colorado and Fairbanks, Alaska from 1950 to 1952 and Honorably Discharged.
Ray made money in Fairbanks by doing ironing for the other soldiers when they were out on the town. On Saturday nights he took tickets at the movie theatre and he got in free.
At the time of the Korean War, Ray and a group of fellow soldiers were waiting to board a plane headed to Korea. When it came his turn to get on the plane there wasn’t room for him. Ray said, “I was pretty lucky.”
By saving his money Ray was able to buy a farm in the Three Mile area next to his brother and parents. After his father’s crossing, Ray lived with his mom until her crossing in 1983. He then moved into his own place across the pasture in 1985.
Ray farmed and raised sheep from the early 1960’s. He loved gardening flowers, chickens, sheep and most of all his 45 kitties. Ray was one hell of a hard worker, sensitive and honest as the day is long. He also was generous to a fault. He never wanted to leave his farm. Ray donated lambs to 4H and was made an honorary 4H member.
Ray was preceded in death by his mother and father, brother Floyd E. Hanlan of Three Mile, sisters Viola Ballard of Sacramento, CA and Alberta “Bert” Hanlan of Missoula.
He is survived by his brother, Everett Hanlan of Broadus, MT, two nieces; Evelyn Kraft and husband Danny of Otter, MT, Pat E. Hanlan of Broadus, MT, as well as several cousins.
By Ray’s wishes cremation has taken place. There will be no services. His ashes will be spread at a place of Ray’s choice.
We would like to thank all the many Jacksons on Three Mile, the Wandlers and Leeses for watching out for Ray throughout the years, most recently these last two years.
The family suggests memorials to Fox Hollow, Animeals, and Humane Societies of your choice in Ray’s name.
The Cremation Society of the Rockies is assisting with arrangements and condolences for the family may be left at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.

Stevensville – Donna Dolores Titeca, 86 of Stevensville, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2015 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born March 4, 1929. Her parents were Charles and Fern Brown. She was raised in Salem, SD. and later the family moved to New Hartford, IA.
After graduating from high school and working for a short time, she married a Montana cowboy, Clarence Thomas Titeca, on September 24, 1948. They made their home in Big Timber, Montana where Clarence was a rancher, later moving to the Bitterroot Valley where they owned three different ranches. They had six children: Carren, Wayne (Debbie), Gary, Naomi, Alan and Wesley.
Besides being the most loving and wonderful mother and homemaker, she worked at various jobs: as a waitress, teacher at Head Start in Hamilton, for Westmont in Hamilton, The Discovery Care Centre in Hamilton and The Living Center in Stevensville.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and six siblings.
Survivors include her children; seven grandchildren, Misti and Christina Titeca, Melissa, Gabe and Zach Titeca, Leona and Ron Kistler; and six great grandchildren, Mason and Tovin, Christian and Marshall, Willie and Evelyn.
Donna loved music and played the organ, piano and accordion quite well by ear. She was an active member of the Hamilton Seventh Day Adventist Church until medical problems kept her from attending.
After Clarence’s death in 2005, she sold the ranch and moved to a smaller place outside of Stevensville, where she enjoyed working in her garden and beautiful flower beds.
Special thanks to Marcus Daly Home Health Services and Hospice for their kind and loving care.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 3rd at 11 a.m. at the Hamilton Seventh Day Adventist Church, 117 West Bridge Road with Pastor Bill Whitney officiating. A reception will follow at the church. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

Stevensville – Louise S. Cranston, 67, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2015 at home in Stevensville. She was born February 11, 1948 in Missoula, the daughter of Leon E. and Irene Sloan.
Louise was raised in Bonner and Missoula. She graduated from Hellgate High School in 1966. On September 31, 1967 she married Daniel C. Cranston in Missoula. In 1967 they started Cranston Plastics with Daniel’s parents which is still operating today.
She enjoyed the beautiful community of Stevensville, was very dedicated to her family and all here friends that she cherished dearly. Her interests were her home, flowers, yard and music. She was also well known for her copper and outstanding decorating abilities.
Louise is survived by her husband, Daniel of Stevensville, a son, Kevin Cranston of Coeur d’Alene, ID, a daughter, Melissa and husband Steve Timmer of Zimmerman, MN, her beloved granddaughter, Megan of Zimmerman, MN, sisters, JoEllen and husband Randy Diefel of Laurel, MT and Nancy Olmert of Missoula, brother, Leon Sloan, Jr. of Portland, OR, her mother, Irene Sloan of Bonner, MT, nieces, Bernie and husband Bruce MacLean of Colorado Springs, CO, Launi Moe of Missoula, Jennifer Salcido of Santa Barbara, CA and nephew, Issac Salcido of Great Falls, MT.
A celebration of Louise will be scheduled later this summer. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials may be made to the Stevensville Community Foundation, P.O. Box 413, Stevensville MT 59870. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Victor – Peter Edwin Mavity, 72, of Victor, passed away from an abdominal aortic aneurism on Friday, May 1 at Saint Patrick Hospital ICU under the extraordinary and heroic care of Drs. O’Brien, Surber and Propp. Also much thanks to the entire staff involved in Dad’s care at St. Patrick Hospital and ICU.
Pete was born on January 27, 1943 in Scobey, Montana to Max and Jane Mavity. He grew up and went to school in Ismay, and around much of eastern Montana, including Lambert and Sidney. He later moved west of the mountains and lived and went to school in Missoula and Florence, Montana.
Pete married Kathy Pearson on January 12, 1963. He had worked in mining in Idaho for a while, and settled into mill work for about 35 years where he retired from Stimson in Bonner, MT as a Dryer Tender in 2006.
Pete was an active member in his church, congregation, and community. He loved playing guitar, especially with his church band, however, his musical roots go much farther and deeper back as he had played in bands and bars around western Montana. He even played the hair off his teddy bear’s belly when he was a child. Pete also loved fishing, nature, and humor. He found beauty in the most unlikely places and things and is famous for his term, “It’s a different kind of purdy.”
We’ll miss him dearly. Pete was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen Joyce Mavity in February 2003, his father Max Mavity, and his mother Jane Mavity as well as his sister Marion McHatton.
Pete’s survivors include his brother J.D. (Doug) and wife Liz Mavity of Missoula; sisters Judy Corwin, Jane and husband Bob Dicken of Yuma, AZ; children: Kari and husband Jim McNinch of Corvallis, Brandon and wife Alma Mavity of Missoula, and Ray and wife Arlene Mavity of Hamilton. Pete was also very proud of all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Honorary Pallbearers are Lloyd Butch Braae, Jerry Trudeau, Scott Pearson, Dennis McVey and Brad Douglas.
Services were held on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the Whitesitt Funeral Home at 314 Church Street, Stevensville MT 59870. A potluck reception followed at the Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene, in Victor, MT.
The family suggests that memorials be made to Whitesitt Funeral Home, 314 Church Street, Stevensville MT 59870. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Stevensville – William “Bill” Charles Chiaverini was born March 27, 1980, in Libby, Montana and passed peacefully at his home in Stevensville, Montana on May 1, 2015.
He leaves behind his mother, Gracene Long, of Stevensville, Montana his father, Frank Chiaverini (Andrea) of Troy, Montana, his children Hannah Wolfe, Emily Grace and William Dean Chiaverini, his sister, Jolleen Oleson (Odie) and two brothers, Angelo and Dominic Chiaverini, the mother of his children, Alicia Milner and friends and family, who will miss him dearly. He was passionate, caring, and could always bring a smile to your face. Please join us to honor Bill by attending a Celebration of Life gathering on June 28 at the Larry Creek Group Campsite up Bass Creek, a few miles south of Florence, Montana beginning at 3 p.m.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Paul and Vivian Toepfer passed away within three days of each other in October 2013. Cremation took place at Yachats, Oregon where they had lived for about twenty years.
Paul was born in Butte, Montana on April 26, 1918. His parents of Stevensville and four brothers and a sister preceded him in death. One sister is still living in Bozeman, Montana.
Paul was the third of six children. While a very young child, the family moved from Butte to farming in Whitehall where they lived for about 20 years before moving to a small farm in the Bitterroot Valley near Stevensville in the Three Mile/Lone Rock area.
Paul graduated from Stevensville High School. A few years later he enlisted in the Air Force at which time he became a machinist instructor. After he was discharged from the Air Force he worked a couple of summers at Mammoth, Wyoming in Yellowstone Park where he met Vivian. They were married at Palm Springs, California.
They soon moved onto the family farm, where they lived for about 20 years. During that time Vivian finished her education and started teaching. She taught school for 20 years.
During that time, Paul became a Mason and Vivian an “Eastern Star.”
Paul and Vivian moved to Missoula where he became a real estate agent and Vivian retired from teaching for quite a number of years.
Paul and Vivian then moved to the Yachats area of Oregon where they lived out their retirement of about 20 years.
Graveside services will be conducted on Sunday, May 24 at 2 p.m. at Sunnyside Cemetery. Wayne Tack will officiate with others members of the families participating.
Paul and Vivian are missed as they made many friends wherever they went.

Hamilton – Kristine (Kris) Ann Dunn Wade passed away May 8, 2015. Kris was born on July 8, 1967 in Granger, Utah, now West Valley City, the daughter of Gerald John and Cecelia Ann (Hardy) Haslip.
Kris met Scott Wade in September of 2013. They soon became best friends. Their friendly personalities and senses of humor had a synergistic effect upon one another and they fell into love! They were married on August 16, 2014. This marriage was a great match for Kris, and family members firmly believe that Kris was never happier! While on their honeymoon camping trip to Glacier Park, Scott said that they fished and Kris caught the first, the biggest, and the most – as Kris put it! Further, during their honeymoon, a storm came along with rain, wind, and lightning. Lightning hit a tree. Six feet of that tree top landed on the road in front of them. They looked at one another and started laughing. They grabbed some beer and stayed in the car for about a half hour until it stopped raining.
Kris was raised mainly in Utah and graduated from Alta High School in Sandy, Utah. Kris was an intelligent girl and always performed well in school. Her parents wanted her to continue her education, but she said that the money would be wasted.
Kris was a competitor throughout her life. An example of that is when she played soccer in her early teens. Her girls team was playing a boys team. She was a fullback and knew her team would be scored upon if she didn’t stop the play. The boy had to be carried off on a stretcher.
After high school graduation, Kris was employed by a number of small businesses and married her first husband in 1986. He was an excellent salesman and won a trip for the two of them to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They divorced several years later.
Kris met her second husband while working at Lawn Life in Salt Lake. Before long Kris became ill and was diagnosed with lupus. They lost their first child – a boy named Brennan after a miscarriage, likely caused by lupus. Kris urged her husband to enter his dream profession as a policeman. He did, graduated police training, and eventually became a Utah State Trooper. Their daughter, Aspen Nicole Dunn, was born in 1996. Needless to say, Kris struggled with lupus for many years and received medical disability upon retiring from Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Kris’ lupus nearly cost her life when her heart “flat- lined” twice during an anti-phospho lipid syndrome encounter in 2001. After her divorce in 2007, Kris and Aspen moved to Montana. Kris fell in love with Montana while visiting parents years earlier.
Kris and Aspen were not just mother and daughter, but were very close best friends. They had a special relationship. Kris let Aspen know that she was a most important person in her life.
Throughout Kris’ life, she really enjoyed camping and fishing. She will be remembered by her quick wit, which provided great entertainment to friends and family. In fact, several people have said that you don’t talk with Kris, you listen to her – she was a great communicator! Kris never met a stranger – she quickly started a conversation with most everyone she met! She loved animals in general – but dogs in particular, and enjoyed watching/feeding birds. Kris loved flowers, shopping and, in particular going to thrift shops to find any item that would catch her fancy wherein she could use her imaginative, creative skills in crafting decorative items for her home and patio!
Kris is greatly missed by: her husband Scott Wade, daughter Aspen Dunn, father Jerry Haslip, brothers Craig and Gary, sisters-in-law Christa (Craig) and Rosa (Gary), as well as Scott’s mother Vonnelee Nieczyporowicz, brother Jeff, and sister Karen Stark. Kris’ mother, Cecelia (Cy) Haslip, preceded her in death.
As Kris wanted, a celebration of her life will be held at a private gathering at her parent’s property.
Cremation was Kris’ preference and has occurred.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com The family suggests that memorials be made to the Lupus Foundation of America.

Hamilton – On May 19, 2015, Jeanne Marie Arvish, 76, of Hamilton, Montana was raised up on eagle’s wings to join her parents, Joe and Blanche Troy, her younger sister, Mary Troy, and her son, Greg Arvish, in God’s heavenly kingdom. Heaven’s gain is our loss for Jeanne truly made a difference in this world–not in an epic way for all to see, but in the way she always did things: quietly and selflessly. Jeanne was a woman filled with love and compassion, one who knew not of anger, malice, greed, pride, or jealousy; she was a woman of undying faith, a faith that never wavered in the face of her nine-year battle against cancer.
Jeanne was born in Davenport, Iowa on May 27,1938 and raised in DeWitt, Iowa. Upon graduating from high school, she studied nursing at Davenport’s St. Ambrose College, from which she graduated in 1959. She practiced nursing first in Davenport and then at the VA hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she met her future husband, Ray. They married on June 10, 1961. They lived in Tacoma, Washington and Missoula, Montana, where Ray practiced dentistry and Jeanne nursing. They eventually settled in Hamilton, where Jeanne devoted herself full-time to raising their six children.
When her active brood was not keeping her busy, Jeanne served her church and community in numerous capacities. For years, she played the piano at St. Francis Parish, where her up-tempo style, even on such songs as “Amazing Grace,” endeared her to the congregation. With Jeanne at the keyboard, the service always ran a good 5-10 minutes shorter, which was especially appreciated on those mornings when Father’s sermon was particularly drawn-out. (She never revealed until years later that she played so fast only because she was so nervous.)
The community associations to which she devoted her time included Haven House, St. Francis Parish Women’s Group, the American Cancer Society, the local Right to Life chapter, and many others too numerous to list. Although the cancer slowed her down in recent years, she still helped out whenever possible. When a call went out over the holidays to provide plates of cookies for shut-ins, she immediately answered it. Imagine her surprise upon learning she herself was a recipient of a cookie plate. She apparently did not realize she was supposed to be housebound. She also baked her delectable pies for senior citizens whenever called upon (even though her husband thought he was the only one worthy of those pies).
In her free time, Jeanne loved to read, garden, practice piano, laugh at jokes (particularly the more “colorful” ones), and play games–and, boy, did she ever love to play games. She always seemed to have a Mancala board at the ready, and just the mention of a radio station sponsored scavenger hunt was enough to bring out a gleam in her eye. None of her children will ever forget her and her youngest son’s quest for “The Rock.”
Those left to celebrate, and try to emulate, her life include her husband of not quite 54 years, Ray; son, Joe Arvish; son, Tony Arvish, and wife, Heidi; daughter, Annie Gilbride, and husband, Jack; son, Bill Arvish, and partner, Melanie; and daughter, Trina Arvish. She also leaves behind a sister, Anne Troy Countryman, as well as her adored grandchildren (and favorite Bananagrams opponent), Andrew Reiling-Arvish, Addi Reiling-Arvish, Augie Gilbride, Rosie Gilbride, Ella Arvish, and Henry Arvish.
We would like to thank her oncologist, Dr. Michael Snyder of Providence St. Patrick Hospital, for his compassionate care and encouragement over the years. Jeanne often remarked how he “always made me feel so good.” We would also like to thank all of her dear neighbors and friends who provided so much support. The meals, notes, visits, flowers, and prayers were a gift for which Jeanne and her family were forever grateful. Finally, we would like to thank Sister Margaret Hogan for always being right where she is needed, as well as Chris-with-a-C and all the amazing staff at the Marcus Daly Hospice Center for their tender care of Jeanne in her final days.
A memorial service was held on May 25 at Daly-leach Chapel in Hamilton. The funeral service took place on May 26 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Hamilton; the service was followed by a luncheon, before burial at Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Jeanne’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105; Haven House, 316 N. 3rd St., Hamilton MT 59840; and the Marcus Daly Hospice Center, 1200 Westwood Dr., Hamilton MT 59840.

Louise Mittower Langton, 97, of Victor, crossed the Great Divide on Tuesday, May 12, 2015, at her home north of Victor of natural causes.
Louise was born April 19, 1918, at the Mittower Ranch north of Victor to Harry and Grace (Duffield) Mittower. The ranch was established by her grandparents Abe and Bertha (Williams) Mittower in the 1880s.
She graduated Victor High School in the Class of 1936 and graduated Northwestern Business College in Spokane in 1938. Louise worked at Caterpillar Tractor Company before moving to Sitka, Alaska, where she married her college sweetheart Richard L. Langton, on October 23, 1940. Together, they lived in Sitka for three years before moving back to the Bitter Root with their infant son Brian. In 1943 she and Dick purchased the Big Creek Ranch adjacent to the Harry Mittower Ranch. Their daughter Linda arrived in 1944 and son Jeffrey in 1953.
Raised as an only child living in the country, Louise was always close to her many pets and farm animals, local wildlife and the natural world in general. From a young age, she cultivated a large vegetable garden, fruit trees, and flower beds, and for many years canned produce for the family table. She always had a flock of chickens and enjoyed bird-watching.
Louise was a devoted wife and mother and greatly enjoyed her vast network of family and friends from all walks of life. She encouraged each of her children to read, attend college, have goals, face adversity head-on, carry through, and do so with a positive attitude.
She was active in civic life as a community leader and founding member of the Victor Garden Club, founding leader of the Big Creek
4-H Club, and was also active with Victor PTA, Victor Civic Club, Bitterroot Historical Society, and the Victor Heritage Museum.
Louise delighted in a lifelong love of music and dance, spanning several generations and styles of music dating to the 1920s. She especially enjoyed live music and helped many musicians to obtain work when possible. She organized the entertainment for Chief Victor Days for nearly two decades.
She was a reporter of local news and authored feature articles for the Ravalli Republic, the Missoulian, the Bitterroot Star, Montana Farmer Stockman, Western News and NorthWest Tribune. In 2010, she was interviewed about her life in the Bitterroot Valley by Montana Public Radio. Louise was a consummate people person and always regarded strangers as friends she hadn’t met yet.
Louise was preceded in death by her beloved husband, parents, and granddaughter Jill.
She is survived by her son Brian (Karen), daughter Linda (Dave), son Jeff, her grandchildren, Gretchen, Kristy, Sarah, Julie, Matthew, Melanie, Stephen and Thomas, as well as great-grandchildren, Drew, Luke, William and Lily.
Louise’s remains were interred next to her husband at a family service at Big Creek Ranch on Sunday, May 17, 2015. A community celebration of Louise’s life and legacy will be announced at a later date.
The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to the Bitterroot Humane Association, 262 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton MT 59840, or the Victor Heritage Museum, P.O. Box 610, Victor MT 59875.

Missoula – Berniece Yvonne Helm, 92, of Missoula, passed away November 14, 2014. Berniece was born August 15, 1922 in Pacific City, Washington to Harry and Rosie Good. In 1931, during the Great Depression, she moved with her family to the Bitterroot Valley where they owned and operated the local dance hall. She attended school in Stevensville and was involved in many clubs and community activities. She graduated from Stevensville High School in 1942.
On August 23, 1944, she married Edward William Helm from Victor. They operated a dairy farm until 1955 when they moved into Stevensville. Ed and Berniece had four children and enjoyed weekend camping and fishing trips at Seeley and Swan Lakes. The family moved to Missoula in 1961.
Berniece began work at the Missoula City Clerk and Recorders Office in 1959, and was appointed City Clerk in 1965 where she continued until her retirement in 1977. Soon after, Ed and Berniece sold their home in Missoula and purchased 25 acres in Frenchtown where they built their dream home. Ed owned a long-haul truck and delivered goods from coast to coast, so Berniece earned her Commercial Driver License so she could help drive and keep him company on the road until his retirement. She enjoyed canning and freezing and sharing the vegetables she raised in her big garden. Family was very important to Berniece, she enjoyed having many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren living close by and welcomed those who traveled to spend time with her. Berniece and Ed celebrated 65 years together before Ed passed away in 2009.
She is survived by daughters, Pam Mecham of Rochester, Illinois, and Maryalys Poulson of Salt Lake City; son, Edward (Shorty) Helm of Missoula; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband, Ed; infant daughter, Penny; brother, Benjamin; and sister, Betty Rose.
A memorial service will be held for Berniece at the First Baptist Church in Stevensville (402 Church Street) on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Her ashes have been buried at the Victor Cemetery with her infant daughter, Penny.

Burwell – Harold “Skeeter” Leroy Mayberry Jr., 72, of Burwell, Nebraska died from complications due to diabetes at Community Memorial Health Center on May 21, 2015.
He was born June 3, 1942 in Burwell to Harold (Hoss) and Clara (Lowery) Mayberry. After graduating from Burwell High School, he moved to Seattle, Washington where he worked for Boeing. In 1966 he joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed at Miramar Naval Base in San Diego, California. He served three tours on two different ships in the Philippines, the USS Bonhomme Richard and the USS Hancock. He was a mechanic for the F8 Crusader fighter jets on both ships. After he was honorably discharged in 1970, he moved to the Bitterroot Valley in Montana. Skeeter worked as a mechanic, carpenter and welder throughout his life. Skeeter enjoyed fishing, woodworking, quilting, family and friends. He never knew a stranger anywhere he ventured. He always had a twinkle in his eye, a great story to tell, or a made up song to sing.
On October 3, 1996 he married Margie Ann Svoboda and moved back to Burwell.
Survivors include wife Margie Ann (Svoboda) Mayberry of Burwell; daughter Tracy (David) Reiner and granddaughter Tressa Reiner of Burwell; sisters Marilyn (Jim) Svoboda and Mary Ann (Ken) Hirlinger, all of Ord, Nebraska; cousins Vern (Dorothy) Francis, Ron (Linda) Francis and Daryl (Jan) Francis, all of Washington; stepdaughter Kelly Scalf and step grandchildren Kristen Scalf, Kylie Nadeau and Zachary (Sally) Nadeau, all of Illinois; stepchildren Teresa (Parks) Mix and Tami (Parks) Berry and multiple step grandchildren and step great grandchildren, all of Montana.
Skeeter was preceded in death by his parents Hoss and Clara Mayberry, his first wife Kathy (Woolsey) Mayberry, his second wife Garnet Merlene (Parks) Mayberry, stepson Tony Parks, and lifelong friend and brother in arms David Isaac Terrell of Brook, Indiana.
A visitation for friends and family was held on Tuesday, May 26th, 2015 at the United Methodist Church in Burwell. Private memorial graveside services with military honors will be held at the Cottonwood Cemetery in Burwell. Memorials are suggested to the Community Memorial Health Center in Burwell.

Stevensville – On May 4, 2015 we shared tears and said goodbye to John Metully. The joy and laughter he brought to all of us will never be forgotten.
John was born in Butte, MT on March 24, 1956 to Frank and Marion Metully, the second son of what would be a family of nine. Growing up in a large family and with siblings, Frank, Jr., Sandra, Jerry, Diane, Dan and Colleen made for many interesting times and a lot of memories.
In the spring of 1991, John met his match and the love of his life, Carol. They would spend the next 25 years enjoying John’s now extended family, including Betty and Jake Wilkerson, granddaughters Cassey and Lilyana and Carol’s siblings. Together they laughed, cried and made the most of their lives.
John lived life to the fullest! We are celebrating that life on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post #94 in Stevensville. We all hope you can come and share the memories he gave us. It is a potluck and open mike for those who’d like to share their stories. Contact Whitesitt Funeral Home if you need more information.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Spokane – Tim (Josh) Jensen was born February 20, 1949 and passed away peacefully at his home in Spokane, WA on June 15, 2015. Tim was born to Audrey and Stan Jensen in Minneapolis, MN. He was the youngest of three boys. As the boys grew up they moved around to Seattle, WA and Elko, NV. Tim Attended Elko High School in the 60’s. In the 70’s Tim moved back to Seattle and in 1979 started his career with the United States Postal Service and worked there until 2003.
After leaving the Post Office, Tim moved to Spokane, Washington. While there he worked with the Catholic Church and the Masonic Temple. Tim was raised in the Catholic Church and took great pride in his faith. In 2011, Tim finally retired and spent the rest of his days attending classic car shows (a great of love of his), taking the bus to Seattle to see his best friend, Lisa, going to the lake with close friend Shelley and just hanging out with close friend Steve. Tim was especially happy to have reconnected with his older brother Stan in the recent years. All who met Tim became friends with him instantly. He was a kind, generous man who had so much to give. Tim was known to give those down on their luck a helping hand, asking for nothing in return.
His parents Audrey and Stan Jensen, his older brother Pat Tveraa and both grandparents precede Tim in death. Tim is survived by his older brother Stan (Becky) Jensen of Filer, ID, nephew Chad Jensen of Elko, NV, nephew Patrick Tveraa of Missoula, MT and niece Liz Cook (Will) of Stevensville, MT, along with many great nieces and nephews, and many cousins in Minnesota, along with his best friend Lisa Hageselle of Seattle and good friends Shelley and Steve of Spokane. He will be greatly missed by all.
Private services are being held later this summer in Montana.
a>

Hamilton – Bertha L. (Lunceford) Williamson, 83, of Hamilton passed away Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital’s Hospice and Palliative Center from complications of Alzheimers’/dementia.
She was born May 9, 1932, in Big Timber to Fred and Christina (Ross) Lunceford. She moved to the Bitter Root at 5 years old with her family. She lived and attended schools in Darby, Hamilton, Corvallis, finishing up at Victor High School.
She married Bill Williamson on April 7, 1950. Raising her three children as a stay-at-home mother, she was an excellent helpmate to dad as well as volunteering as a room mother at our schools. She was a wonderful hostess to friends and family as we enjoyed her outstanding cooking and baking skills. She was an accomplished seamstress making her daughters’ special dresses and prom formals through high school and their weddings. She enjoyed knitting heirloom afghans for all her grandchildren and almost all her great- grandchildren.
Bertha and Bill were partners in the busy Bitter Root Jaycees of the 1960s, spending many hours of work and fun at Memorial Day River Race Barbecues and the Fair Booth under the grandstand. They shared an interest in helping with the reincarnation of the Daly Mansion in the 1980s; they were Charter Trust Members and Bertha led the team of house cleaners making the Mansion presentable for tours as dad did needed maintenance work. Bertha served as Interim Director at the Mansion during a transitional period in August and September, 1989.
Bertha is preceded in death by her parents and her parents-in-law Loren and Dorothy Williamson, brothers John, Ernie, Edwin, Kelly and sisters Eva Lunceford, Isabel Dickinson, Hughena Sandsness, and Blanche Mielke .
Survivors include her brothers Tom (Bettie), Deer Lodge, and Charles, Blackfoot, ID; sisters-in-law Jessie of Stevensville, Willa in Smelterville, ID and Marge in Oakridge, OR and many nieces and nephews
Her direct survivors are her loving husband, Bill; son Randy (Claudia) of Hamilton, daughters Vikki (Ken) Bell and Valli (Rod) Meuchel, all of Hamilton. Bertha’s beloved grandchildren are Robbi (Kevin) Reed and sons Sam and Eli of Woodinville, WA, Eva (Brian) Reed, son Zylen and, daughters Alora and Aubrey of Sacramento, CA, Avril (Adam) Witucki, daughters Lauren and Dakota and son Dyllan of Weston, WI , Tory (Cade) Johnson, sons Jonas, Noah, Benjamin and daughter Annelaine of Hamilton, Natalie Meuchel (Ryan Hopkins) and son to be born in July of Vernon Hills, IL, Meredith (Heath) Smith and sons Flynn and Clay of Ranchester, WY, and Lucas (Lacey) Meuchel and son Connor of Portland, OR.
Also surviving are her special second family of Williamsons: Don (Joni), Omaha, NE; Helen(Jim) Koures of Missoula; Norma (Kermit) Lawver, Sheridan, MT; Dean of Sequim, WA; Dale Ann (Dick) Ward, Hamilton; Wayne (Beth Cromwell), Potomac; Terry (Peggy) of Victor; Mary K., Missoula and 15 nieces and nephews.
Visitation was Thursday evening, June 25, at the First Presbyterian Church, 1220 West Main Street in Hamilton. Funeral services were Friday, June 26, at the First Presbyterian Church in Hamilton with Rev. Janet Malone officiating. A private family interment service at the Riverview Cemetery followed after the funeral with a reception after the service in the church reception hall.
The Pallbearers are: Lucas Meuchel, Heath Smith, Adam Witucki, Cade Johnson, Kevin Reed, and Brian Reed. Honorary Pallbearers are: Sam and Eli Reed.
The family suggests that memorials be made to the American Alzheimers’ Association, Marcus Daly Memorial Hospice Center, the Daly Mansion Trust or a charity of your choice.

Bitterroot Valley – Dennis Leroy Falk, Loving Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, 63, passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2015 in his home, which he proudly kept serene, surrounded by trees and water. Dennis was born July 9, 1951 in Hamilton, Montana to Henry Carl Falk and Reba C. Reynolds Falk.
Dennis spent his younger days exploring every inch of the Bitterroot Valley, along the banks of our cherished river and on the trails to hidden mountain lakes. He knew every secret fishing hole and hidden asparagus patch; he knew the best hunting, huckleberry picking, and morel mushroom locations. Dennis left his footprint around nearly every corner in the Bitterroot and Missoula Valleys. Dennis could catch a fish out of any mud puddle. A legendary outdoorsman, he shared his love for Montana with his loved ones with family adventures, hunting or camping trips, and summertime evening “dunks” in the river.
Along with his passion for nature, he was a talented athlete. He played football, basketball, and track for the Hamilton Broncs where he received numerous awards and accolades for his abilities. Dennis went on to play Defensive End at University of Montana for the ’69 and 70’ football teams and was a member of the 1970 Grizzly Hall of Fame team.
Dennis led his life with great passion and was guided by his immense heart and love for family. He is loved and will be missed by everyone whose life he touched.
Dennis is survived by his wife Teren Falk, five loving children: Derick Falk, Dustin Falk, Alisha Falk, Lisa Falk, Nathan Chapman, 10 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, Dennis’s brother Jim Falk and wife Peggy, and sister Charlotte Kelleher and husband Pat. Dennis had a very large extended family that share his love for the Bitterroot.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, July 9 at 10 a.m. at Kiwanis/River Park in Hamilton, lower level, next to the river. Story sharing, food, and refreshments to follow at the Daly-Leach Chapel. In case of inclement weather, celebration will be moved to Daly-Leach Chapel. Condolences and memories may be shared the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Stevensville – Frank Meyers, 76, passed away at his son’s home in Missoula, Saturday, July 4, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. He lived most of his life in Detroit, Michigan. He served in the U.S. Air Force. He worked for Western Union. He later met and married Diane Gerrard. They moved to Wyoming when he found a career in computer repair. They transferred to Montana where he lived the remainder of his life. He loved sports, especially hockey and bowling, camping and fishing. Some of his most treasured memories were ice-fishing with his sons.
He is survived by his wife, five children, seventeen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Frank loved the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a devoted and caring person. Above all, he loved his family, he wanted to be with them even in his final hours. He left the arms of his loving family to be greeted by his family waiting on the other side.
Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2015 at the LDS Church in Stevensville located at 100 Middle Burnt Fork Road. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment with military honors will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula located at 1911 Tower Street. A reception will follow the interment back at the church. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Stevensville – On June 30, 2015, in the early evening hours, Linda Rae Seppel, 57, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed peacefully from this world
Linda was born Linda Rae Stith to her parents Raymond and Virginia Stith in Oregon City, Oregon on September 2, 1957. When she was 16 the family moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin. Here as a young woman of just 17, she met and married Guy P. Seppel, a marriage that would last until her death. She had two children before she was 20, son Keith and daughter Tonya. Linda was a mother as mothers were meant to be. She was fiercely protective of her children, always ready to do anything for them. Linda taught them the skills they would need to go out in the world, the greatest of these being love. Linda became a grandmother early, and loved every minute of it. She knew every detail of the lives of her six grandchildren.
Linda was an amazing wife and dedicated friend. She enjoyed golfing, knitting, playing cards and scrabble, and taking walks with her sweet dog Aggie. Linda gave all she had to all the people in her life. Even at the end, with her passing eminent, she was only concerned with how every visitor was, and if she could get them anything. Linda lived her life the way she wanted to, with quiet dignity and passed from this world the same way.
Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Virginia Stith, her inlaws Jerry and Catherine Seppel, her sister in law Jodie Baciak, her brother in law Jim Seppel, and her nephew Jason Stith.
Linda is survived by her husband of 40 years, Guy Seppel, her children Keith Seppel (Rachael) and his two children Taylor Seppel and Evelynn Seppel, her daughter Tonya Gehlen (Nick) and her children Wyatt, Cheyenne, Mikala, and Katlyn, her brothers Dennis and Bobby Stith and family, her brothers and sister in laws and many nieces and nephews.
Linda has requested that no service be held, but instead a celebration of life, which will be planned for August 9th, 2015, in Stevensville. The time and place will be announced later. There will also be a celebration of life in Wisconsin in September. Whitesitt Funeral Home will be handling the cremation, and Linda has requested that her ashes be spread in the same place that her husband Guy wants, so that she may “pester him” forever. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.