Allan Greene
Allan O. "Al" Greene, 86, passed away Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, at his home in Columbia Falls with his son, Mike, at his side.
Al was born March 27, 1921 in Columbia Falls to Elizabeth (Gregory) and Ferdin C. Greene. He received his education in Columbia Falls, graduating from CFHS in 1938.
He married Viola M. (Vi) Warner on Nov. 20, 1941 in Columbia Falls.
Throughout his life, Al had a variety of vocations, including driving a tanker truck, working for the highway department, driving his logging truck, part-time police officer, volunteer fireman, volunteer ambulance driver and crewman. He owned and operated G and G Service for 26 years and at the time of his retirement, he worked for School District 6 as a mechanic and driver. He was a great husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, and great-great grandpa.
He and Vi had been members of the Rocky Mountain Riders Saddle Club for many years, where they enjoyed many long and lasting friendships. He was a member of the Columbia Falls Men's Bowling Association from 1955 to 2006 when his health no longer allowed him to bowl, but he was still a frequent visitor at the lanes to watch family and friends. He was the first man to bowl a 700 series at Glacier Lanes. He was Past Master, treasurer, and a 50-year member of the Columbia Falls Masonic Lodge 89 A.F. and A.M. Al and Vi enjoyed digging for sapphires, which he cut and polished himself until his eyesight started failing. He also enjoyed camping, fishing and spending time at the cabin on Ashley Lake.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 63 years, Vi, and his sister, Ruth Anne.
Al is survived by his daughter, Pat (Vic) Miles; son, Mike (Beth); grandchildren, Troy, Tiffany, Josh, C.J. and David Greene, Jody (Hallie) Arvidson, Scott (Courtney) Arvidson, Rhonda Arvidson, and Vic (Dawn) Miles; great grandchildren, Cassidy and Gunnar Greene, Mark, Lynda, Kylee and Kaitlyn Arvidson, Ryan Berkompas, Kristen, Kayla and Danny Dufresne, Andy Wilbur and Cassandra and Tyler Miles; great-great grandchildren, Kavena Kassner and Hailey Green; brothers, Howard and M.L. "Smoke" Greene; sister, Ruby Kvam; and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.
Visitation was Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.
A funeral was scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Columbia Mortuary with Rev. Ray Davis officiating. Burial was to follow in Woodlawn Cemetery with Masonic graveside rites.
Reese Audette
Reese Reynold Audette, 47, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007 of natural causes at his residence in Columbia Falls. He was born on June 22, 1960 in Newcastle, Wyo., the son of Reynold and Pat (Goetz) Audette.
He received his education in Kalispell and completed the 11th grade at Flathead High School.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1979 and was stationed at Fort Carson, Colo. While in the Army he received his high school diploma at St. Mary's High School in Colorado. He served in the Army until being honorably discharged in 1982. He was united in marriage to Kelly Albert on June 21, 1980 in Kalispell. He and Kelly welcomed one child, a son, Scott. They later divorced but remained friends until his death.
They returned to Kalispell in 1982 and then relocated briefly to Oklahoma where Reese worked in the oil fields. They returned to Kalispell in 1983 and he spent the remainder of his career working as a lumber grader at several lumber mills in the west and northwest and also worked in Alaska. He had most recently worked at Idaho Timber in Whitefish.
He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, football, baseball and basketball with his dad and passing that love on to his son, Scott.
Reese was preceded in death by his brother Scott Audette in 1977.
He is survived by his son, Scott Audette (who is currently serving in Iraq) and wife, Tiffany, and their son, Bradley, of Kalispell; his parents, Reynold and Pat Audette of Yuma, Ariz., and his former wife, Kelly Lee, of Kalispell.
At his request, there are no services planned at this time.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Reese's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Reese's guest book.
Elmer Benson, Jr.
Elmer C. Benson, Jr., 86, went to be with Jesus on Nov. 27, 2007. He was born on Dec. 9, 1920 in Wing, N.D. to Elmer C. and Emma (Zeigler) Benson, Sr. Elmer spent his childhood in North Dakota farming with his family. In 1934, he moved with his family from Carrington, N.D., to a farm near Creston.
On May 6, 1944 Elmer married Lulu May Jeffries in Kalispell. They raised crops and their children on a farm between Kalispell and Columbia Falls. In 1965 the family moved to Kettle Falls, Wash., and bought the Singers Motel, which they ran for 17 years. In 1982 Elmer and Lulu sold the motel and moved to nearby Colville. In 2006, Elmer moved back to the Flathead Valley to be near his family.
Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, his dear wife, Lulu, his daughter, Carol Ann, and his brother, Jack Benson.
He is survived by his children: sons Elmer Benson, III, Duane (Edith) Benson, Jerry (Catherine) Benson, and daughter Janet (Morgan) Pruett, all of the Flathead Valley; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; his sister, Emma Vestre; sister-in-law, Bonnie Benson; and several nieces and nephews.
Elmer enjoyed farming and working the land, spending time with "the boys" in the woods and his daughter and her family. Elmer had the gift of being a good conversationalist and was always ready with a good story or a funny joke. Elmer's favorite moments were spent with his family — going to auctioneer school, taking a cross-country trip, sitting down to a good bowl of soup, dancing and fishing. Elmer never parted with his family when he didn't say, "I love you." He will be missed by all.
The family would like to thank the kind and caring staff at North Valley Hospital and Colonial Manor of Whitefish.
Funeral services for Elmer were held Tuesday, Dec. 4 at Johnson Mortuary Chapel. Burial followed services at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Elmer's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Elmer's guest book.
John Nicholas
John Robert Nicholas, 86, of Hillsboro, Ore., died Thursday, Nov. 22, 2007 of heart failure.
He was born Feb. 9, 1921. John graduated from Grant High School in Oregon in 1939 and joined the Oregon National Guard in 1940. From 1940 to 1945, he served in the U.S. Army, going to North Africa and Italy. He attended Portland University from 1946-47 and in 1949 graduated from Oregon State College with a degree in civil engineering — majoring in structural and sanitary engineering.
John's roots were first established in Hungry Horse, where the family lived from 1968 to 1987. Portland, too, was a home base, and the family enjoyed life in Hillsboro from 1987 until his death.
John had a broad range of work experience in heavy construction all over the U.S., the Philippines and Ibadan, Nigeria. From 1970 to 1980, at Nicholas & Sons Construction Co., he was involved in various construction projects, including U.S. Forest Service work, commercial and residential construction in Montana, and managing and operating the Hungry Horse Water Co. During his semi-retirement years, John performed property management, general construction maintenance and repair. From 1999 to 2006 he was a field representative for the U.S. Bureau of Census.
Sports, particularly those of his children, were his main interest. He enjoyed coaching youth soccer, softball and especially baseball. His three youngest children kept him youthful, and he especially enjoyed following them as they pursued volleyball and football in college. He was a loyal Hilhi (Hillsboro) Spartan.
John was a lifelong member of Veterans of Foreign Wars. A military service will be conducted at Willamette Cemetery in the spring for family and close friends.
Never did a man enjoy living more than John. Friends and family alike admired him for his sense of humor, perseverance, zest for living, laid back nature and love of family and pets. Twice in his lifetime, he became the single parent of three children.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Robertson Nicholas and Ruth Daniger Nicholas Reeves; a sister, Frances Nicholas Croston; and a wife, Margery Tupling Nicholas.
He is survived at the family home in Hillsboro by his wife of 38 years, Janice Nelson Nicholas, and youngest daughter, Jennette Nicholas. Other survivors are: children, Robert Nicholas, Boise, Idaho; Sue Meyer, Vernonia, Ore.; John C. Nicholas and wife, Karen, Olympia, Wash.; Diana Nicholas, Eugene, Ore.; Dan Nicholas, Ketchum, Idaho; Melanie Nicholas White and husband, Val; Vern and Afra Nicholas, Portland, Ore.; Julie Nicholas Kleven and Wade Kleven, Anchorage, Alaska; grandchildren, David Meyer, Magnolia, Texas; Joel Nicholas, Hollywood, Calif.; Crystal White, Missoula; Brittney and Cortney White, Hungry Horse; Emma, Jack and Ellie Kleven, Anchorage, Alaska; great-grandchildren, Kaylynn and Kyle Meyer, Magnolia, Texas; and Fred Elsasser of Portland, a friend of 76 years.
The family would like to thank Hospice of Washington County for their care and support.
John requested that any donations go to the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Research Fund.
Lucille Foreman
Memorial services for Lucille C. Foreman, 76, will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 7, 2007 at the United Methodist Church in Torrington, Wyo., with Pastor Lonnie Crow officiating. Lucille died on Nov. 21 at the Torrington Community Hospital. Cremation has taken place and burial was held on Nov. 30 at Fort McPhearson Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebr. with Reverend Ora Dailey officiating.
Lucille was born on Dec. 10, 1930 in Torrington, the daughter of Alden and Esther (McCullough) Spencer. She grew up and attended school at Torrington, graduating from Torrington High School in 1948. She went on to graduate from the University of Wyoming at the Torrington Center in 1950 with an AA degree. In 1956 she graduated from Colorado State University at
Greeley with a BA degree. While getting her college education, Lucille taught school off and on both at Torrington and at a country school near Douglas, Wyo.
On June 14, 1958 she married LeLand Foreman at Torrington. The couple lived in various areas from Yellowstone Park in Wyoming to Fort Collins, Colo. They returned to the Yellowstone Park area before moving to Bremerton, Wash., for a few years. It was then that they moved to Nebraska for a very short time before going to Glacier National Park, where they lived from 1966 until her husband retired in 1987. The couple then settled in Columbia Falls until LeLand's death in 1994. Lucille moved to Torrington in 1999 to live with her sister, Helen.
Lucille was a member of the National America of Retired Federal Employees and of the Retired Teachers Association. She was also a member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union where she served as public relations director. Lucille attended the Methodist Church where she sang in the choir and in the Cantatas. She was a member of the Circle One of the United Methodist Women; the Jolly Juniors Extension Club; Friends of Music; and the Wyoming AARP. Lucille served on the board of directors at the Torrington Senior Friendship Center and also the Adult Day Care of Goshen County in Wyoming.
Lucille enjoyed reading and making quilts and other crafts. She loved helping out "Mother Nature" with recycling and gardening. She had a love of all animals and birds.
She is survived by her sister, Helen Laughlin of Torrington; a stepson, Gale "Corky" Foreman of Sacramento, Calif.; two nieces, Ruthie (Gary) Clothier of Ackins, S.C., and Sally Brunkow of Scottsbluff, Nebr.; two nephews, Harold (Terrie) Schwartzkopf of Kersey, Colo., and David (Polly) Helzer of Burns, Wyo.; and three sisters-in-law, Carma Weber of Scottsbluff, Nebr.,
Charlotte Foreman-Hammonds of California and Nellene Mailander of Bayard, Nebr.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Lucille was preceded in death by a stepson, Lonnie Foreman, a sister, Charlotte Helzer, and a brother, Robert Spencer.
Douglas Darsow
Douglas Dwain Darsow went to his Lord and Savior on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007 at the Montana Veterans' Home in Columbia Falls after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 73.
Doug was born in Columbia Falls to Fritz and Dorothy Darsow on April 25, 1934. He attended school Canyon View in Half Moon and Columbia Falls before going into the Air Force in 1951. He served until 1955. Doug worked for the railroad for a short time before being employed by Plum Creek. He remained a dedicated employee for 42 years until his early retirement in 1995 due to his disease. During his employment, he received many high-quality awards for his grading.
Doug married Cherie Barnhart on Nov. 5, 1960 and became the father of five children. He was a member of St. Richard's Catholic Church, active member of Knights of Columbus and did a lot of projects with them. He enjoyed the outdoors and spent a lot of time fishing, hunting and doing projects with his sons, family and friends. He looked forward to retirement so he could spend more time doing the things that he loved — fishing, hunting, camping and restoring his old cars, a 1930 Hudson and '57 Chevy. He enjoyed playing the guitar with the Jammers and singing with the Troubadours. They often played at the nursing homes and senior center.
He resided at the Veterans' Home for almost seven years. During that time, he learned to play cards and board games. He enjoyed playing pool and going for walks while he was able. He had many visitors while he was there and appreciated the company.
He was a faithful husband and loving father and grandfather. He will be missed by his family and friends.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Fritz and Dorothy Darsow, three grandsons, Brandon Burghduff, Zachary Darsow, and Wayne Lukenbill.
He is survived by his wife, Cherie; brother, Dale Darsow and family of Kalispell; sisters, Jeanette James of Kalispell, and Rose Schnaidt and family of South Dakota; sons, Tony (Lisa) Darsow and family; Tom Darsow and family; Terry (Babe) Darsow; daughters, Theresa (Pat) Downing and family; Tammy (Duane) Burghduff and family; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A viewing is held on Friday, Dec. 7 from 1 to 8 p.m. and rosary at 7 p.m. at Columbia Mortuary. Mass of resurrection is Saturday, Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. at St. Richard's Catholic Church in Columbia Falls.
photo with obit
Grace Fly Miles
Grace J. Fly Miles, 91, passed away Monday, Nov. 26, 2007 at her home in Columbia Falls.
She was born Sept. 24, 1916 to Elbert and Grace (Roberts) Fly in Riverton, Wyo.
Grace and her family came to Montana when she was 12. She and her brother rode horseback and drove a herd of horses from Wyoming to Montana. They were heading to Tally Lake, where her uncle Albert Fly lived, but settled in Tarkio instead.
Grace graduated from high school in Superior. She married Morris Miles about 1935. They owned a large ranch in Tarkio. After they sold the ranch, they settled in Roseburg, Ore. After Morris died in 1976, Grace moved to Columbia Falls. She worked at the Wallflower until she retired.
Grace loved flowers, gardening, NASCAR, stock car racing and the University of Montana Grizzlies. She always had time for any and all visitors. She especially enjoyed her great great-grandchildren, Joe and Luke Lamb, and Madysen Martin, all of Columbia Falls, Aiden Puckett of Colorado and Kawena Kassner of Kalispell.
Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Morris, son, Daniel, 2, and grandson Duke Holmes, 13.
She is survived by her daughter, Kay, and husband Richard Holmes of Marion, son Vic and wife, Pat Miles, of Columbia Falls; grandchildren, Kathy and husband, Tom Martin, of Columbia Falls; David and wife, Teresa Holmes, of Wyoming; Dan and wife, Dana Holmes, of Colorado; Victor and wife, Dawn Miles, of Arizona; Jody and wife, Hallie Arvidson, of Columbia Falls; Scott and wife, Courtney Arvidson, of Nevada; and Rhonda Arvidson of Arizona. She has 14 great-grandchildren, five great great-grandchildren and a large extended family.
A funeral service was held Friday, Nov. 30 at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. Burial followed in Woodlawn Cemetery.
William Crockford
William Crockford, 79, of Essex passed away on Nov. 27, 2007.
Bill was born on Oct. 5, 1928 in Great Falls to Merlin and Kathleen Crockford. He was raised in Sunburst and attended school there graduating in 1946. In August of 1946, he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve and was discharged in 1948. On Feb. 11, 1950, he married Doris Mary Ellen Driscoll in Los Angeles, Calif. In August of 1950, Bill was recalled into the Marine Corps and was sent to Korea, where he served until July of 1951 at which time Bill and Doris moved back home to Montana.
Bill was a mechanic most of his life. He was a scout master, Catholic Youth Organization leader, fire chief, civil defense director, past grand knight of the Knights of Columbus, a 55 Alive instructor and a support member of the Middle Fork Quick Response Unit. He enjoyed participating in community musicals in Fort Benton and the church choir at St. Richard's.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Merlin and Kathleen, and sisters Edith Crockford, Patricia Cunningham, Mary Lou Cross and Phyllis Maulorico.
Survivors include his wife Doris, at the family home in Essex; a brother, Frank Crockford of Suamico, Wisc.; eight children, Dick (Deborah) Crockford of Dillon; Theresa (Matthew) Norman of Great Falls; Mary Ellen & Becky of Baltimore, Md.; Thomas (Gina) Crockford of Boise, Idaho; Paul (Shirley) Crockford of Casper, Wyo.; Patrick (Veronica) Crockford of Everett, Wash.; Christopher Crockford of Billings; and Mary Pat Johnston of Commerce, Texas; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
A rosary was held on Friday, November 30 at St. Richard's Catholic Church in Columbia Falls and a mass was held on Saturday, Dec. 1 at the same location. Rev. John Miller officiated the service. Burial followed at St. Richard's Catholic Cemetery. Military graveside honors were provided by the United Veterans of the Flathead.
Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls was in charge of the arrangements.