Joyce Allan
Joyce Bernice Allan, 79, of Rose Creek, Minn., lost her battle with cancer on Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at her home.
Joyce was born Sept. 2, 1928 in Miles City to Bernice (Brooks) Treat and Robert Treat. She married Thomas Jacobson on Aug. 17, 1947. They had two sons, Thomas Jacobson (wife, Mary; and son, Shawn; and daughter Nicole) of Austin, Minn., and Andrew Jacobson (son, Zachary from a previous marriage; wife, Penny; and daughter, Jennifer) of Great Falls. Zachary and his wife, Amiee, have two sons, Odin and Phoenix.
Joyce later married James Allan on June 25, 1962. They had two daughters, Julie Anderson (husband, Theron; daughter, Tessa) of Columbia Falls, and Judie Allan (fiancé, Donnie Negro) of Battle Mountain, Nev.
Joyce grew up in Miles City, where she lived with her first husband, Tom Jacobson. She attended McAllister College in Minnesota; she also attended Carroll College in Billings, receiving her teaching certificate in elementary education. In her early adult life, Joyce moved to the Flathead Valley to pursue teaching and raise her two sons. It was there that she met and married James Allan and raised her second family in Columbia Falls. After marrying Jim, she was employed at the Hungry Horse Dam, where she worked for approximately four years before becoming a full-time mother. Joyce relocated to Rose Creek, Minn., in 1999 to be near her eldest son and his family.
Joyce was a talented seamstress, making many beautiful things for her family to enjoy and wear. She was also a gifted artist in many different mediums. She was an avid reader, enjoyed writing children's stories, and loved many genres of music, but what was most important to her was her family.
Joyce is survived by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers and sister.
Sandra (Homan) Wilke
Sandra (Homan) Wilke, 59, passed from this earth in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 1, 2008. She will be greatly missed by her many friends and family.
Sandra was born Aug. 8, 1948 to Edith Chesley in Red Lodge. In 1954, Sandra was adopted by the only father she ever knew, John Homan.
On Dec. 2, 1967 Sandra married Robert Burch. They had three children: Wendy, John and Christina. They later divorced.
Sandra worked various jobs in several different places over the years but the one she enjoyed the most was being a CNA and helping others.
Sandra met Lenard Wilke in 1993. He was to be her companion for the next nine years while she lived in Columbia Falls.
In 2002 Sandra was given a new lease on life from a gentleman that died in an unfortunate accident. She was given a kidney transplant in Spokane and shortly after moved to Plains to be closer to her three children and all her grandchildren. It was in April 2007 that health issues forced her to move to Clark Fork Valley Hospital Nursing Home. Sandra greatly appreciated all who cared for her during her stay. She enjoyed her many visits with her family, friends and the other residents.
Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, John and Edith Homan. She is survived her daughter, Wendy Person; son, John (Kelly) Burch; daughter, Christina (Duane) Ovitt; grandchildren, Robert, Kyle, Duane Jr., Asa, Brandon, Colton and Lindsey, all of Plains; sisters, Bernice (Kim) Hindberg and Betty (Randy) Belston; brothers, Ken (Robin) Homan and Frank (Dalene) Homan; and several nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial services were held Wednesday, May 7 at Plains Alliance Church. A potluck followed in the church gym.
Gloria Arriaga
Gloria Dawn Arriaga, 75, entered God's Heavenly Garden on May 9, 2008 in Whitefish. She leaves her loving husband of 54 years, Rudy; children, Rudy and wife, Angela; Dan; Dennis and wife, Karen; and Trish and favorite son-in-law, Jarrod O'Dell; numerous grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Memorial services will be held at First Baptist Church in Whitefish on Thursday, May 15 at 4 p.m. Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish is in charge of arrangements.