Posts from the ‘Obituary’ Category
Jan 16
Jan 16
Harold Mace Sanders
Harold Mace Sanders, 87, entered heaven’s gates Jan. 10, 2013.
Harold was born to Mace and Wilma Sanders in Tonkawa, Okla., on May 19, 1925. He and his younger brother, Donald, grew up together in Douglas, Wyo. He graduated from Converse County High School, Douglas.
Enlisting in the Army in November 1943 at age 18, he served as a radio operator on several ships for two years. During his service he received a Medal of Honor for good conduct. He was honorably discharged in December 1945.
The next few years he worked as a ranch hand in the Douglas area. During that time he, his brother and Dick Hornbuckle traveled and played music with great aspirations of making it big in music. Harold played the harmonica, concertina, banjo and piano.
He then attended two years of college at the University of Wyoming in Laramie. Harold also enjoyed training horses and racing in the wild horse races during these years.
In 1948, he met and fell in love with Patricia Blackburn. They were married Aug. 29, 1948. They began their life together living out of a sheep wagon in the Medicine Bow Mountains. Moving to and working on Harold’s family homestead near Douglas, he became the proud father of Arthur and Judy Sanders.
In 1957, Harold purchased the Silver Spruce Dude Ranch west of Douglas. For 11 years he and Pat worked the dude ranch and created innumerable fond memories; many involved initiating unsuspecting city folks to country living.
Horseback riding, practical jokes, water fights, story telling and dancing were some of their favorite past times.
In 1970, Harold purchased the Wagner Ranch near Fortine and moved his family from Wyoming to raise cattle there. The next 28 years were lived ranching and enjoying their children and grandchildren. He loved working hard on the ranch and teaching his grandchildren life lessons.
He retired to Eureka in 1998. There he enjoyed playing his instruments, listening to music, reading, spending time with family, playing pinochle and doing honey dos for the wife he adored. Harold and Pat were married for 64 years.
Harold will be remembered as a man who faithfully and wholly loved his Lord, his wife and his family. He was a kind, gentle, soft-spoken man whom many knew as friend and will be dearly missed.
He is survived by wife Patricia Sanders; brother Don Sanders; children Art Sanders and Judy Smith; grandchildren Melissa Vandeberg, Nathan Steele, Travis, Luke and Justin Sanders; great-grandchildren Mikayla and Zach Vandeberg, Darya and Dylan Moyan.
Memorials can be sent to High Road Ministries, PO Box 347, Eureka, MT 59917. Services were Monday, Jan. 14, at the Eureka Church of God.
Local arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Eureka.
Jan 9
Barry Lee Batten
Barry Lee Batten (Papa), passed away Sunday, Dec. 23, surrounded by his loving family at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, Wis., after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born Dec. 18, 1952, in Whitefish, to the late Keith and Gwendolyn (Wied) Batten.
As a child he grew up hunting, fishing and exploring in his beloved Rocky Mountains. He graduated from Lincoln County High School in Eureka in 1971. He served his country as a military policeman in the Army stationed in Germany from 1972 to 1975.
He married Geraldine Breseman on April 29, 1978, in Blaine, Wis., where they lived and raised three children. He was a safe and dedicated driver for H.O. Wolding for 27 years.
He always had a deep passion for the outdoors and he loved camping, deer hunting, fishing, gardening and bird watching. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family, especially his dear grandson Aiden, who brought him endless laughs and joys.
He will be remembered for his kind, gentle nature, zany sense of humor and his passion for life.
He is survived by his loving wife Geraldine and children: Jasmine Batten and Chad Courtney of Blaine; Dustin Batten and Suzy Bickler of Madison; and Brittany Batten of Sun Prairie; his pride and joy grandson Aiden Moe; brothers: Dan and Sandra Batten of El Paso, Texas; and Doug and Carol Batten of Enterprise, Ore.; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and other loving family members and friends and special pets Maisy and Pretty Kitty.
A memorial service was held at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca, Wis.. Sunday Dec. 30, with the Rev. Eugene Gauerke officiating. Military honors were observed following the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in memory of Barry L. Batten.
Barry’s family would like to thank the many friends and family who supported them throughout this journey and the outstanding health care provided by his many doctors and special nurses, in addition to the Palliative Care staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Jan 9
Jan 8
Robert McClure
Robert McClure passed away Dec. 24, 2012, of a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease at Home Sweet Home. He was 83.
Bob was born Feb. 24, 1928, to John A. McClure and Myrtle Lovinia Frost in Eureka. He was the middle of three siblings, Frank John, Robert J. and William S.
He spent his childhood raised at the homestead “cabin” on Sinclair Creek and went to school in Eureka, where he graduated from high school in 1947.
After high school he worked for J. Neil Lumber Co. as a heavy tractor operator before enlisting in the Army in 1952. He served in Germany during the Korean War.
In 1956 he married Dona Rae Woodbury, who would be his love and “rock” until her death in 1984. With Dona Rae he inherited two stepsons, Marvin and Dudley, and in 1958 Robin Rae was born.
Bob worked many heavy equipment jobs in Washington state around areas like Moses Lake, Curlew and wherever jobs could be found, before moving back to Eureka and the Sinclair Creek homestead that he loved so much. He worked many jobs before finally hiring on with the Lincoln County Road Department, which he eventually retired from.
Bob was a man of many talents. If it could be welded and designed, he could do it; if it was woodwork, regardless of the difficulties, he could do it. He had a shop that would be the envy of most professionals and his retirement years were spent in there producing furniture of practical and functional design and various art work of your design.
He loved the great outdoors, the wildlife, the seasons, a good thunder-and-light show, the mountains. He loved fishing and camping and his favorite spot was the Ten Lakes area, especially “The Lakes,” and who around here doesn’t know where that’s at?
These expeditions generally turned into a contest as to who could catch the most fish – and most of the time it was Dona Rae. It wasn’t unusual to find Bob out there in the dark trying to catch one more fish just to beat her — never happened.
He liked doing things around the house: mowing the lawn, trimming trees, building picnic areas down by the creek, cutting firewood; he was always busy, always inventive, never stopping. This part of Montana was his playground; his life, family and friends were here and no other part of the world was sufficient for living in — his point was well made.
Bob was a very active member of VFW Post 6786 and a member of the Tobacco Valley Cemetery Board.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents John and Myrtle; his wife Dona Rae; brothers Frank and Bill; stepson Marvin and foster son Gary Jackman.
He is survived by stepson Dudley and daughter Robin Rae.
The family wishes to thank those wonderful girls at Home Sweet Home for their love and care in his final days, the VFW for its behind-the-scenes help in transportation and equipment and support, especially Tom Price, Sr., whose help and support were invaluable; and, of course, “That Gal,” Marilou Payton and Mountain View Manor.
Bob will be missed and the world a bit emptier — our loss, Heaven’s gain.
Jan 2
Patrick Clint Mills
Patrick Clint Mills, 82, of Eureka, died Dec. 11 at St. Mary’s Assisted Living with loving caregivers by his side.
Cremation has taken place with ashes to be spread on Bugle Mountain. A celebration of his life will be in the spring in Choteau, Mont.
Clint was the son of Patrick and Opal Mills. He graduated from Conrad High School. He played football, ran track, and his greatest passion being baseball.
Clint was married to Gloria Reardon Mills for 58 years.
He was raised on a wheat and cattle ranch in the Pendroy/Dupuyer area, which was the beginning of a lifetime on the back of a horse. Clint’s employment included operating/managing wheat and cattle, a dude ranch, a private ranch resort, working all phases of the oil fields, logging, and operating heavy equipment on dirt construction.
He spent several years as a licensed hunting and fishing outfitter and guide. He was an awesome saxophone player and was in a traveling band. He was so proud of his 24-year career with the U.S. Army with several years in the Airborne and Green Berets. He was always grateful for his military family.
Clint traveled to many places with his “beautiful Indian princess,” Gloria. He left this ole world to join his princess.
He was preceded in death by wife, Gloria; daughter Billie; sister Berniece Hager and niece JoAnn McFarland.
He is survived by sister, Dorothy Boucher; grandson Gregory; sister-in-law Colleen and husband Cal Sorby; nieces Terry and husband Mike Mills, Gail Hager, Carmen Erickson, Patty Busby, Colleen and husband Jim Russo, Dawn and husband Bob Woods; nephews Craig Sorby, Randy and wife Lisa Reardon, Stephen and wife Lia Reardon; great niece and nephew Staci and husband Luke Snellman and Brett and wife Sonya Mills, and many life-long friends.
Memorials are suggested to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (Clint was the first life-time member), VFW, or the charity of your choice.
An informal tribute to celebrate and honor Gloria and Clint will be Jan. 19, 2013, at 4 p.m. at RiverStone Family Lodge, Eureka.
Jan 2
Gloria Reardon Mills
Gloria Reardon Mills, 80, of Eureka, died Oct. 29 at St. Mary’s Assisted Living with husband, Clint, and loving caregivers by her side.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be in the spring in Choteau, Mont.
Gloria was the daughter of James and Myrtle Reardon of Choteau. She graduated from Choteau High School and was married to Patrick Clint Mills for 58 years. She was Clint’s “beautiful Indian princess.”
Gloria lived in many places during Clint’s military career and their other adventures. She graduated as a beauty operator from Dodd’s Beauty College in Great Falls and also attended ACC College in Anchorage, Alaska. She worked for the Alaskan Exchange System, as well as a beauty operator/manager, and also alongside Clint at the Yaak River Ranch, and a private ranch resort.
In 1992, Gloria and Clint settled in Eureka.
Gloria loved her daughter, Billie, and was deeply saddened by her death. Also preceding her in death was her brother, Alton Reardon.
Gloria was survived by her husband, Clint, grandson, Gregory, sister, Colleen and husband Cal Sorby; nephews Craig Sorby, Randy and wife Lisa Reardon, Stephen and wife Lia Reardon; nieces Colleen and husband Jim Russo, Dawn and husband Bob Woods, Terry and husband Mike Mills, and Gail Hager. She leaves behind many life-long friends spread across the country.
Memorials are suggested to your local breast cancer association, Hospice or the charity of your choice.
Jan 2
Dec 19
Wayne Butts
We were extremely saddened to learn that Wayne William Butts passed away in St. George, Utah, on Nov. 19, 2012. His wife Shirley was at his side.
Wayne was born Oct. 20, 1938, to Harold and Ena (Ingram) Butts in Eureka.
He was raised on his grandparents’ homestead on the West Kootenai near the Canadian border. He attended the one room school house of Tooley Lake and then his high school years were at Lincoln County High School. He graduated with the class of 1956. During his school years he enjoyed fishing, hunting and trapping various animals for their pelts.
Upon graduation he joined the U.S. Army. His military career held many special adventures, memories and friends. Upon his discharge he met Trudy Rae Peck, and they were married in 1962. From that union two daughters were born that he was very proud of and loved more than life itself. He always was quick to tell of their accomplishments and adventures.
He was divorced from Trudy in 1983. He went on to marry Helen Watson in 1985, and they later divorced in 2002. He married Shirley Roberts in November 2010.
Wayne worked at various jobs, such as the Eureka Creamery, Gwynn Lumber, Pacific Standard Insurance, and ended his working career with a 31 year retirement from the Lincoln County Road Department. He took great pride in his work and only had his plow truck on its side once!
He always enjoyed visiting with people, keeping a meticulous yard and was very involved with the VFW. Very notably, Wayne was a lifetime member of the VFW in Eureka, Post 6786. He served as the veterans service officer and the post chaplain for many years. Wayne was found serving holiday meals for the veterans for many years, wearing his big smile. We’re sure he is still serving now. He was also instrumental in making sure the white crosses indicating road deaths were marked for the American Legion.
Wayne was passionate about bird watching, traveling, Montana history and family get-togethers. He was always the first person to a family gathering and the very last to leave! He cherished his family and his heritage of growing up on the West Kootenai. His daughters would state that their dad never knew a stranger and that everyone was a friend. Countless times they would be sitting in the car, waiting to go, and their dad would still be in a restaurant talking to the chef, waitress or hostess.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Ena Butts. He is survived by his wife Shirley; his two daughters; Lori and husband Jim Sherwood, and grandson Andrew of Mulino, Ore.; Lisa and husband Ken Marek of Eureka; grandson Patrick and wife Anna Marek of Milliken, Colo.; granddaughter Jessica and husband Josh Hunt, and great-grandson Jonathan of Kalispell; brother Sherman and wife Faye of Eureka; sisters Judy and husband Stu Cannon, and Lois and husband Charlie Croucher, both of Libby; and many nieces and nephews who will miss the stories he told. All will miss his ready smile and infectious laugh.
No services will be held at this time per Wayne’s request. There will be a private family burial to be determined at a later date. Anyone wanting to make a donation in Wayne’s name may do so to the VFW of Eureka.
Dec 19
Dec 19
Jeannie Lalum
Jeannie Lalum went home to the Father, the creator of all, on Nov. 9, 2012, after an extended illness.
She is survived by her husband, Clint, her two sons, Randy and Darin Newton, her two step-sons, Jason and Jon Lalum, her mother, Gertie Heibien, her two sisters, Gloria Jones and Carol Cogar, six grand children, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jeannie was born Oct. 12, 1944, in Cranbrook, Alberta. She was raised in Eureka, where she loved ice skating, fishing, and enjoying pets as a young girl and lady. Later, in Renton, Wash., she enjoyed time with her sons and grandchildren, as well as enjoying some of her artistic talents with crafts, particularly sketching.
There will be a memorial service in Eureka next summer.
Dec 19
Dec 5
Paul Davis
Long Creek, Ore., passed away Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, in John Day, Ore. He was born Nov. 10, 1918, to Perry and Ruth (Bancroft) Davis in Conrad, Mont. Read more
Nov 14
Oct 31
Oct 24
Oct 24
