Read through helenair.com obituaries.
Paul H. Feldman passed away October, 8, 2019, at the Discovery Care Centre in Hamilton with his sisters by his side.
He was born July 24, 1934, in Helena, MT and his family shortly afterwards moved to Butte. He attended first grade at The Immaculate Conception School in Butte. His family then moved back to the Helena area, living at Seaver Park, west of East Helena. Paul attended grades two through eight at St. Ann's School in East Helena, and then Cathedral High School in Helena, where he graduated in 1952.
After graduation, Paul attended the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. for his freshman year in college and transferred to Carroll College in Helena for his sophomore through senior years, graduating in 1956.
That fall, he enrolled at St. Bernard's Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, and was there four years, being ordained a priest on May 30, 1960. He served in parishes in Butte, Anaconda, Helena, and Hamilton, and also taught at Butte Central High School and Helena Catholic Central High School.
In 1966, he founded the SEARCH program for high school and college students in the diocese of Helena, and later was named director of the Cursillo program for the diocese. In 1978, Paul took a leave of absence from the ministry, and settled on a one acre tract of land, where he built a log slab house and shop. Since then, he earned his livelihood doing woodworking for friends, designing and building cabinets for home owners in the Bitterroot Valley.
His lifelong interest in music continued until the moment of his death. Paul was a member of the St. Francis Singers for over 30 years, sang for ten years with the Symphony Chorale in Missoula, and for three years, was a member of the Montana Chorale, a Great Falls based choral group.
He frequently entertained with vocal numbers at Valley View Estates, Discovery Care Centre, and the Sapphire Lutheran Home. He sang at the Ravalli County Museum for the Sunday programs three full concerts in three different years, the first in 1992. He also was a vocal part of the annual Veteran's Day program at the Museum for many years.
In addition to singing at St. Francis Parish, his home parish, Paul also sang on occasion at the Faith Lutheran Church, the First Presbyterian Church, and St. Paul's' Episcopal Church, all in Hamilton. He sang with the Hamilton Chorus, in their annual production of Handel's Messiah, for about twenty years. Dozens of families each year requested him to sing at the funerals of their deceased.
Skiing was his biggest passion in the winter, with hiking and camping in the summer running a close second.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Alice Feldman; his sister, Mary Therese Feldman; and brothers, Ray, Steve, Frank and Joe. He is survived by two sisters, Mary Haniszewski and Margaret Mary (Muggins) Ringstad and her husband Paul all of Kent, WA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass was be celebrated on Saturday, October 19, 2019 at 11:00 at St. Francis Catholic Parish in Hamilton with a reception following in the Pastoral Life Center. Private interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery in Helena at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made in Paul’s name to St. Francis Catholic Parish. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
Fredrick (Fred) Earnest Scherrer, Jr., endeared and known to many as “Bruz” (his sister couldn’t pronounce brother), passed away September 23, 2019 peacefully in his sleep to be with his savior Jesus Christ, at home, as he wished, on the Cloverleaf Ranch in the same room his father had.
Fred’s life started in 1930, when he was born to Pearl and Fred Scherrer. He resided in Helena for six days prior to moving home to the family ranch just three miles east of Augusta and a stone’s throw from Gilman.
Growing up on a ranch during the great depression, severe drought, and World War II taught him how to work hard, save for a rainy day, and the importance of family and service. Fred attended school in Augusta and had to walk three miles “uphill both ways” as we were told. He competed in track, making it to the state track meet in Missoula all four of his high school years. He was a fast runner, but his broad jump ability was what took him to state.
Following high school, he enrolled in classes at Montana State University in Bozeman, then joined the Air Force. He was an Air Cadet, served at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas and in Malden, Missouri. He learned to fly an AT-6. Fred was one of 400 cadets representing the Air Force at General Vandenberg’s funeral, marching to Arlington National Cemetery. He passed up a commission, took a desk job, and worked for the Base Commander, Deputy Commander, and the Adjutant. Fred received the Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medals while in the service.
Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Montana, completed his college education, and graduated with a degree in agriculture in 1959.
Fred met his future bride at a dance at the Civic Hall, now the Augusta Museum, when Phyllis Swanson and her friend, Susan Schrader, came to play music for the golden wedding anniversary for Mr. & Mrs. Howard Bowman. Fred and Phyllis met and danced each other “off their feet”. They married July 15, 1961 in Glasgow, had their first boy, Fred III in 1962, and then said “enough” when the twins Robert and Richard came in 1966.
During Fred’s ranching career, he also found time to serve on the Wool & Livestock judging teams, the Fairfield Wool & Lamb Pool as a member and on the Board of Directors, the Nilan Water Users as a member and on the Board of Directors, as a supervisor for the Lewis & Clark County Soil Conservation District, and as a District Supervisor for the Lewis & Clark County ASCS. Fred was also a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, Augusta Community Church, a lifelong member of the American Legion, Republican National Committee, and others I’m sure.
Fred enjoyed visiting and sharing the area history with anyone that would listen. He loved family traditions, reunions, watching his bobcats win, and spending time with the squatters camping below at their “KOA” by the river. Fred was someone who’s word meant something, and you could count on him being there for you anytime of the day or night.
Dad helped many a neighbor but was generous to a fault as he lent out many things that ended up not coming back or would be “broke” when it did, yet he never wavered when he was asked to help again. He was very civic-minded and heavily involved with the Augusta Museum. Fred was a volunteer senior companion and encouraged others to do the same. He was a loyal and faithful Gideon for over 41 years. (Twenty Memorial Bibles have been donated in his name since his passing.) We can only hope to obtain half the good reputation as our Dad (Fred) had.
Fred was a cancer survivor and fought for many years. Later, other health issues took over and his body just couldn’t take anymore. Dad heard about the winter storm coming; he’d been through enough winters, so he decided to check out a little early and go to a perfect place.
Fred is survived by his wife, Phyllis of 58 years; sister Carol Scherrer (Gibbons); son Fred (Agnes) Scherrer III; son Robert (Debbie) Scherrer; son Richard (Rhonda) Scherrer; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents Pearl and Fred Scherrer, along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is remembered as a loving husband, caring father, instructing grandfather, uncle, generous neighbor, best friend, a true steward of God’s land and creatures, but most importantly, as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Fred was loved by many and I’ve heard it many times that he was a “Saint/Angel” put on earth as an example for the rest of us. Anyone who knew Fred, knew he was a compassionate man with a heart of gold. Dad will truly be missed by his family and friends. He leaves a large hole in our lives with some big shoes to fill. Rest easy, all is well, goodbye until we meet again! The family would like to thank everyone for their support and friendship over the years.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Gorder-Jensen Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held 11:00am Saturday, November 9th, 2019, “Veterans weekend” with military honors at the Augusta Community Church in Augusta. A reception will be held afterwards at the Augusta Youth Center. In lieu of flowers, please donate in honor of your friend to the “Fred Scherrer Memorial Fund” for Augusta High School Scholarships and other areas of need in the local community. Donations can be given to family members, mailed to PO Box 391, Augusta, MT 59410 or online at Gofundme.com (search: “Fred Scherrer”). Condolences and memories of Fred can be shared with the family at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com
Mary Nell Middlestead, 85, passed away Friday, October 11, 2019 surrounded by her family at her home in Melbourne, Florida. She was born in Amsterdam, Missouri on May 23, 1934 and was raised in Helena, Montana.
Mary and her late husband Robert Middlestead met in Helena, Montana and were married in 1953 in Anchorage, Alaska. Five years later, they relocated to North Miami, Florida where they raised their sons. She and her son Lloyd attended Miami Dade College at the same time where she earned her Associate in Arts degree. She and her husband relocated to Pembroke Pines, Florida and moved to their final home in Melbourne, Florida in 2010.
Mary was a homemaker and former Executive Secretary. She worked for the FAA at the Miami International Airport. Once retired, she was a volunteer at a local senior center. She was very active in her church which included weekly Bible Study. She loved to cook, bake, sew and read romance and mystery novels. She loved to play games especially Mexican Train, Dominos, and Mahjong.
A loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Preceded in death by her parents, Buck and Anna Finley, her husband Robert Middlestead, her two sisters, Carol Tuggle and Linda Henry.
She is survived by her son Robert Middlestead; son, Lloyd Middlestead and his wife Mia; Michael Middlestead and his wife, Dawn; grandchildren, Ethan and Nathan; brother, Robert Finley and his wife, Dorothy; sister-in-law Fern Holshue; brother-in-law Ray Middlestead and his wife Noma; brother-in-law Sonny Tuggle and his wife Jane.
Mary was a kind and loving soul who will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday, August 7, 2020,11 am, Saint Paul’s United Methodist Church, 512 Logans Street, Helena, Montana. A reception will follow at the church.
Burial will be Friday, August 7, 2020, 2 pm for both Mary and her late husband Robert Middlestead, Naval Fireman 1st Class, at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, 1900 Williams Street, Helena, Montana.
A Celebration of Life Service was held in Melbourne, Florida on October 16, 2019 at the Presbyterian Church of the Good Shepherd.
Condolences at https://afcfcare.com/obituaries/mary-n-middlestead/.
GALT, James E., age 88, of Great Falls, died Oct. 14, 2019. Services provided by Croxford Funeral Home.
“In Our Care”
PENDING
JACKSON, Gordon M., age 77 of Helena passed away Friday, October 18, 2019. Services are pending at this time and will be announced when they’re complete. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Gordon.
THURSDAY
LEU, Edward F. “Ed”, age 90 of Helena passed away Thursday, October 17, 2019. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 24th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Memorials in Ed’s name may be made to VFW Post 10010, P.O. Box 87 East Helena, MT 59635. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ed.
“You left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, although we cannot see you, you’re always at our side.” (author unknown)
Celeste Tegg Rogers passed away peacefully at the age of 71, in Helena, MT, October 10, 2019. The oldest of 4 siblings, she was born in Norfolk, VA, November 14, 1947 to Larry and Eunice Tegg.
Celeste graduated in 1966 from Miami Norland High School. She later attended school at the Helena College of Technology where she obtained her certificate in paralegal studies. Celeste was an artist and attended school for art instruction.
Celeste worked as a telephone operator at Mountain Bell for many years. She also worked as an office manager for the Montana Iron Workers Union, and as a manager and “entertainer “at the Real Food Market and Deli all in Helena. Celeste loved the young employees at RFM, working and playing hard with them all.
One of Celeste’s biggest passions was the Lewis & Clark Humane Society because of her fondness for animals. Celeste had a love for all her friends in Helena and would go out often to visit and eat with them. At a young age she took ballet lessons which gave her a passion for dancing which followed her through her entire life.
Celeste also liked to make jewelry, crochet, knit, play games on her Ipad, and draw pictures while watching her favorite shows on television. A lot of time was spent on her “petio” with her kitties, admiring them and telling them how much she loved them and how beautiful they were. Her personality was one of fun and shock. She liked nothing better than pulling pranks on all she knew. She loved to laugh and make others laugh with her. Her stories were fascinating to say the least. She was a beautiful, compassionate soul, a gift to all that knew her. Her smile will be missed by many.
Celeste is survived by her daughter Lisa Gaskell, son Damian, stepson Bryce Rogers, granddaughter Kayla Wright Holmes and her fur babies Sydney and Rudy. She is also survived by her sisters Elaine O’Fallon and Debbie Murray (Rick) and brother David Tegg. Also by numerous nieces and nephews: Christy Fitzgerald (Jarod), Shannon, Emmaleigh, Jacob, and Owen; Ryan O’Fallon (Kelly); Andy O’Fallon; Michael O’Fallon (Lisa), Mikaela, Samantha and Hannah; Mandy Tegg and Wes Tegg; Lori Murray, Kassy Elliott, Lia, Julia Elliott, Andrew Elliott and Jen Murray Simmons (Chad) and Celeste’s countless very special friends.
A celebration of Celeste’s fun and never a dull moment life will take place at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home at 1:00 pm on Saturday, November 2nd with a reception to follow in the social hall of the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Celeste.
MC CAMMON, George Eli, 92 of Missoula passed away on Wednesday, October 17, 2019. Services will be announced. Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home.
FRIDAY
POCHA, Donald J. Services will be held Friday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. at the Helmville Community Hall. A luncheon will follow.
“In Our Care”
THURSDAY
EVE, Terri, age 71, of Helena passed away Thursday, October 17, 2019. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 23rd from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Retz Funeral Home, 316 E. 6th Ave, and again from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Ave with a Vigil to begin at 5:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 24th at 12:10 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Community, a Reception will follow in the fellowship hall of the church. Rite of Committal will follow the reception at Resurrection Cemetery. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Terri.
Michael Wallace Danzer, age 72 passed away on October 5th 2019 at St. Peters Hospital in Helena Mt.
Mike was born on June 12, 1947, in Lewistown Mt. to Wallace (Bud) and Ardis Danzer. Mike was a graduate of Denton High School; he attended Montana State University graduating in 1970.
While at MSU Mike would meet Ida Bernice Hildreth and they were married on September 12, 1971. They lived in Butte for two years where Mike worked as an accountant for the Montana Power Company before moving to Helena to join the Internal Revenue Service in 1973.
Mike became a certified public accountant in 1976. He then joined the staff of Kindred Holland & Co., certified public accountants as a tax manager in January of 1983 and by 1986 became a partner forming a new firm called Kindred Booker & Co. Mike formally retired on Dec. 31st 2018 due to his health but continued doing tax returns for family and friends totaling 36 years at Kindred Booker & Co.
Mike and Bernice adopted their only child, Jonathan Dexter Danzer, as a baby, born Dec. 24th 1976.
Mike’s beloved wife Bernice passed away on Feb. 1st 1986. Mike never remarried and raised Jon by himself. Mike dearly loved his son, Jon and two grandchildren Lillian (15) and Jaysen (12). Jonathan passed unexpectedly on March 3rd 2019.
Mike was a good and kind person, never saying a bad word about anyone and always willing to help if he could. He spent his free time watching any sport he could, between Jon, Lilli, and Jaysen he had a full schedule!
Mike is survived by daughter-in-law Hannah Danzer, grandchildren Lillian and Jaysen Danzer; Brothers Dana (Cathi) Danzer, Rolf (Deb) Danzer, and Kelly (Kandi) Danzer. Sister-in-law Julie (Bill) Glauber, Brother-in-law Craig (Rhonda) Hildreth and several nephews and nieces.
A memorial service celebrating Mike’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 25th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service at Sleeping Giant Lanes, 3355 Tricia. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Mike.
Edward Leu passed away peacefully on October 17, 2019, a few days before his 91st birthday. Ed was a resident of Touchmark in Helena, Montana but spent most of his adult life in East Helena and Clancy.
Ed was born to Hilda and Herman Leu in Helena, Montana on October 20,1928. He was raised on the family ranch above the Travis Creek school and attended this school through the 8th grade. He was taught to work early in life, helping to make ends meet by cutting firewood, milking cows, and delivering these essentials to customers in his model A Ford truck. Ed was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt elk in the area. He was able to bag an elk every year he hunted and had his fair share of 8 pointers.
Ed joined the Army in 1951 and was immediately deployed to Korea to serve his country. Upon discharge, Ed came back home and married his love, Ruth DeBree, and started his family.
Ed began his trade of meat cutting at Bach and Calahans market in Helena, and became an excellent meat cutter who also had an entrepreneurial spirit. After working at Safeway, Ed purchased and operated Tower Meats, and Helena Avenue Meats. After selling these businesses, Ed ended his work career at the Federal Reserve Bank. Not content sitting idle, during retirement, he delivered post and poles around the state for Marks-Miller Post and Pole.
A longtime member of Clancy United Methodist Church he had great pride in mowing the lawn, preparing the Sunday morning coffee, and peeling potatoes for pasty days.
Ed had a love for Ford trucks, automobiles and a passion to buy them often and trade up to something different. He had good friends at the dealership!
He loved to travel with his Clancy friends, and had many wonderful trips pulling his camper to such places as Hungry Horse, Alaska, and Arizona. On a day to day basis, he loved to have coffee with friends, shoot the bull, and had a passion for playing card games of any kind. Ed and Ruth loved to host Sunday dinners with family and enjoyed many gatherings of family and friends at the schoolhouse in Travis Creek, and the family cabin.
Ed and Ruth's marriage of 66 years brought them many blessings. Born to them were daughters Valerie, (Chuck Lane), Debbie, (Gary Marks), Shelly, (Joe Anderson) and son, Mitchell, (Kitty Leu). Through these unions, are 11 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 24th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Memorials in Ed’s name may be made to VFW Post 10010, P.O. Box 87 East Helena, MT 59635. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ed.
“In Our Care”
TODAY
KNOTT, William “Bill,” age 90, of East Helena, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019. Viewing will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, Oct. 17, 2019, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral service will follow the viewing at 1 p.m. also at the funeral home. Coffee and cookies will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will take place after the coffee and cookies at St. Ann's Cemetery in East Helena. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bill.
BENNETT, Zachariah, age 34, of Helena, passed away on Friday, Sept. 28, 2019. A graveside service will take place at the Lewis and Clark County Cemetery at 9 a.m. today, Oct. 17, 2019.
FRIDAY
STRATTON, Twyla I., age 80, of Helena, passed away Monday, Oct. 7, 2019. A memorial service celebrating Twyla’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial will follow the reception at Forestvale cemetery. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Twyla.
April 30, 1945 – Oct. 12, 2019
Michael L. Eaton, M.D. died on October 12, 2019 from a massive brain bleed. He died peacefully surrounded by his family.
He was born in Coffeyville, Kansas on April 30, 1945 to Ruth and Zip Eaton and grew up in Helena, Montana from age 2.
He played guard for the Helena High School football team, liked to hunt with his friends, and trap shoot with his dad. In 1962 he was named to the All-American Junior Trapshooting team. That was the pinnacle of his many championships. He often broke 96/100 targets at competitions.
He studied pre-med at Montana State University (’67) and then attended medical school at the University of Kansas (’71). He married Kathy Chilton on August 3, 1968. After graduation the family moved to Spokane, WA.
Mike did his internship and radiology residency at Sacred Heart Hospital. In 1975 he reported to Fort Leavenworth Kansas for 2 years of military service.
In 1977 Mike began a 33-year career at the Rockwood Clinic as a radiologist. He enjoyed the challenge of his work and was lucky to have many great colleagues. He retired in 2008.
FAMILY activities, lots of GOLF, barbequing, YARD maintenance and travel brought him happiness and contentment in retirement. Whenever the weather allowed, he could be found “working” on one of the many local golf courses with his golfing buddies. Enjoying a cocktail on his patio with family and friends on a warm summer evening made him very happy. In recent years Mike had a deep appreciation for how fortunate he had been throughout his life and enjoyed the fullness of life with his family and friends. He died a very happy man.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathy; children: Lisa (Andrew Whitaker), Scott (Ann Marie), Jim (Susan) and Sarah (Thomas Berthoud); and 9 grandchildren: Samantha, Nicholas, Nolan, Michael, Daniel, Caroline, Micah, Ryan and Sarah; his sister, Shirley Purcell and his brother, Dave (Kathleen). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tom’s Turkey Drive or Toys for Tots. Holidays were special to Mike.
Vigil Rosary services will be Thursday, October 17 at 7pm at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 34th and Perry, Spokane. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 18 at 11am, also at Our Lady of Fatima. Inurnment will take place at Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road, Spokane at 2pm. Online tributes can be made at www.holycrossofspokane.org. Arrangements have been entrusted to Holy Cross Funeral and Cemetery Services of Spokane, WA.
“In Our Care”
THURSDAY
KNOTT, William “Bill,” age 90, of East Helena, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019. Viewing will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral service will follow the viewing at 1 p.m. also at the funeral home. Coffee and cookies will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will take place after the coffee and cookies at St. Ann's Cemetery in East Helena. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bill.
BENNETT, Zachariah, age 34, of Helena, passed away on Friday, Sept. 28, 2019. A graveside service will take place at the Lewis and Clark County Cemetery at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019.
FRIDAY
STRATTON, Twyla I., age 80, of Helena, passed away Monday, Oct. 7, 2019. A memorial service celebrating Twyla’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial will follow the reception at Forestvale cemetery. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Twyla.
June 15, 1965 – Sept. 27, 2019
Bradley Earl Doggett went home to be with the Lord on September 27, 2019, after fighting a long battle with health problems. Bradley was born on June 15, 1965 in Helena.
He is proceeded in death by Barbara J. Marion (mother), Benton Earl Doggett (father), Stacia Gaab (sister). Surviving relatives Diane Chapman (sister), Dale Merrill (brother), Maggie Luton (aunt). Amber Dayton (niece), Dawnielle Chapman (niece), Barbara Hernandez (niece), Steven Merrill (nephew), Robert Merrill (nephew).
Bradley will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
A special thank you to: Compassus Hospice care Services and all professionals involved in his care. Burial already took place 10/8/19 @ L&C Cemetery.
“In Our Care”
TODAY
COWAN, Robert J. “Bob,” age 72, of Helena, passed away Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019. A gathering for friends and family will take place at 1 p.m. today, Oct. 16, at Chili's, 2790 N. Washington. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bob.
July 30, 1932 – Oct. 9, 2019
Beverly May Clinch passed away on October 9, 2019 after a long decline and ten weeks in hospice care. She was 87 at the time of her death.
Bev was born on July 30, 1932 in Livingston, MT the third child of Dr. Richard and Patricia Brady.
She was a remarkable woman, from a remarkable family; her mother was a prodigiously talented violinist, who was deeply involved throughout her life in politics at the local and state level; her father was a gifted Army surgeon, who contributed significantly to developing the modern protocol for treatment of severe burns, at first through his posting as the resident surgeon at Yellowstone Park, and later through supervising treatment of servicemen burned during WWII.
Bev followed in the footsteps of both of her parents. She volunteered in her high school years as a Candy Striper, assisting at the local children’s hospital during a time of serious polio epidemics, and was one of the first women admitted as a pre-med major at Carroll College, where she and her future husband Vernon E. “Bud” Clinch met.
She left school before graduating, after marrying Bud, to join him in San Francisco, where he was stationed with the Navy during the Korean Conflict. (We’ve sometimes wondered if the time they spent with Bud’s Navy colleagues was where Bev honed her notable ability to tell, with a straight face, jokes that would make just about any man blush.)
They started their large family shortly afterwards – eleven live births in just over sixteen years, including twins born not long before Bev’s 38th birthday! – and Bev never returned to her medical studies. But, in addition to the many tasks of raising such a family, she also became active in community and political affairs, famously earning the nickname “Mme. Defarge” due to her practice of knitting sweaters for her kids while attending city council meetings. Bev went to work with the Bell System when her youngest started school, and quickly progressed to supervisory positions, ending her career with several years as part of a nationwide management/labor team working to develop a model of collaborative workplace practices in business offices.
Grandchildren and great-grandchildren (more than 40 at this point, and more to come) provided both pleasure in her retirement, and the opportunity to tell her kids that paybacks are tough. We would say “Rest in Peace”, except that I suspect that if it is possible for any two people to raise Hell while in Heaven, that’s just what Bev and Bud are doing now!
Bev was preceded in death by her father Richard, mother Patricia, sister Patricia, Brothers John and Charles, husband Bud and daughter-in-law Tammy. She is survived by sons Mike (Jane), Pat (Shelly), Tim, Terry (Tracy), Kevin and Kelly, daughters Catherine (Dan), Shannon (Joe), Maureen (Robert), Colleen and Sheilagh, thirty two grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren, with several more on the way.
Memorials in Bev’s name are suggested to Carroll College Athletics 1601 Benton Ave, Helena, MT 59625; or to Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots, P.O. Box 6896, Helena, MT 59604.
A private family service will be scheduled at a later date. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Bev.
May 2, 1955 – Oct. 10, 2019
Following heart failure, Deborah Dawn Comes, “Debbie”, passed away October 10, 2019 at her home in Missoula, MT. She was born May 2, 1955 in Lewistown, MT to Clarence and Josephine Comes. Debbie was the youngest of eleven children.
Life wasn’t easy for Debbie. She was diagnosed with Prader-Willi Syndrome at a very young age. She attended school in Lewistown and Saint Colette’s in Wisconsin as a child and despite many challenges, received her GED. Later in life she spent time in Helena, Lolo, Saint Ignatius, Boulder, and finally settled in a wonderful group home in Missoula where she received tremendous care and support. While in Missoula she worked at Opportunity Resources, sorting mail for outside businesses and government agencies. Her personal time was spent enjoying music, watching her coveted collection of movies and videos and assembling and framing complex puzzles.
Debbie was blessed with an incredible memory, continually reminiscing and enjoying time with her family. Debbie is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Roberta Martin; her brother, Thomas Comes; and her sister-in-law, Mary Lee Comes.
She is survived by: Clarence “Sonny” Comes of Lewistown, MT, Joan (Richard) Treipke of Placid Lake, MT, John (Mary Lynn) Comes of Helena, MT, Carla (Byron) Roberts of Helena, MT, Bonny (Spence) Hochstein of Anthem, AZ, Vicki (George) Birdwell of Ashton, ID, Christine (Bill) Schmidt of Morrill, NE, James (Sam) Comes of Helena, MT; and too many cousins, nieces and nephews to mention, all of whom were so important to Debbie.
A Memorial Service is planned later. Memorial gifts may be made to Opportunity Resources, 2821 S. Russell St., Missoula, MT 59801, or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. Debbie’s family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com
April 30, 1945 – Oct. 12, 2019
Michael L. Eaton, M.D. died on October 12, 2019 from a massive brain bleed. He died peacefully surrounded by his family.
He was born in Coffeyville, Kansas on April 30, 1945 to Ruth and Zip Eaton and grew up in Helena, Montana from age 2.
He played guard for the Helena High School football team, liked to hunt with his friends, and trap shoot with his dad. In 1962 he was named to the All-American Junior Trapshooting team. That was the pinnacle of his many championships. He often broke 96/100 targets at competitions.
He studied pre-med at Montana State University (’67) and then attended medical school at the University of Kansas (’71). He married Kathy Chilton on August 3, 1968. After graduation the family moved to Spokane, WA.
Mike did his internship and radiology residency at Sacred Heart Hospital. In 1975 he reported to Fort Leavenworth Kansas for 2 years of military service.
In 1977 Mike began a 33-year career at the Rockwood Clinic as a radiologist. He enjoyed the challenge of his work and was lucky to have many great colleagues. He retired in 2008.
FAMILY activities, lots of GOLF, barbequing, YARD maintenance and travel brought him happiness and contentment in retirement. Whenever the weather allowed, he could be found “working” on one of the many local golf courses with his golfing buddies. Enjoying a cocktail on his patio with family and friends on a warm summer evening made him very happy. In recent years Mike had a deep appreciation for how fortunate he had been throughout his life and enjoyed the fullness of life with his family and friends. He died a very happy man.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathy; children: Lisa (Andrew Whitaker), Scott (Ann Marie), Jim (Susan) and Sarah (Thomas Berthoud); and 9 grandchildren: Samantha, Nicholas, Nolan, Michael, Daniel, Caroline, Micah, Ryan and Sarah; his sister, Shirley Purcell and his brother, Dave (Kathleen). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tom’s Turkey Drive or Toys for Tots. Holidays were special to Mike.
Vigil Rosary services will be Thursday, October 17 at 7pm at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 34th and Perry, Spokane. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 18 at 11am, also at Our Lady of Fatima. Inurnment will take place at Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery, 6910 S. Ben Burr Road, Spokane at 2pm. Online tributes can be made at www.holycrossofspokane.org. Arrangements have been entrusted to Holy Cross Funeral and Cemetery Services of Spokane, WA.
“In Our Care”
WEDNESDAY
COWAN, Robert J. “Bob”, age 72, of Helena, passed away Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019. A gathering for friends and family will take place at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Chili's, 2790 N. Washington. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bob.
“In Our Care”
THURSDAY
KNOTT, William “Bill”, age 90, of East Helena, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019. Viewing will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral service will follow the viewing at 1 p.m. also at the funeral home. Coffee and cookies will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will take place after the coffee and cookies at St. Ann's Cemetery in East Helena. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bill.
FRIDAY
STRATTON, Twyla I., age 80, of Helena, passed away Monday, Oct. 7, 2019. A memorial service celebrating Twyla’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial will follow the reception at Forestvale cemetery. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Twyla.
April 26, 1939 – Oct. 7, 2019
On Monday, October 7th, Twyla Stratton died of Arterial Coronary Disease. She was 80 years old. Twyla was born on April 26, 1939 to William Valentine and Blanche Davis in Columbia Falls, Montana. She was the fourth of five children.
Twyla was always a very hard worker. In high school, she worked for the Ellen Theatre. She graduated from Gallatin County High School in 1957 and went to work for the telephone company in Gillette, Wyoming.
She married Lee Lewis in 1959 and spent several years as a homemaker, raising their three children, Michelle, Lita and Brian. Upon the dissolution of their marriage, she went to work for the city of Bozeman as a bookkeeper. She met and married Robert (Bob) Stratton in 1972, blending their two families and acquiring another son, Rob, and daughter Pam. Twyla and Bob shared a special bond and were happily married for 34 years.
They loved the outdoors. They enjoyed camping, fishing in the summer, and snowmobiling in the winter. They also loved to bowl and were members of multiple bowling leagues for many years. As a young woman, Twyla enjoyed playing softball.
In 1987 she was promoted to Personnel Director for the city of Bozeman, where she worked until her retirement at the end of 1993. Afterward, she and Bob moved to York just outside Helena. They lived very happily for many years on their little oasis on Trout creek, a center hub for many family reunions.
They were snowbirds as well. Every winter they would go south to Needles, California, where they had many friends and could enjoy the balmy weather.
In 2006, Bob passed away. Twyla continued to go south on her own for several years. She then decided to sell her home in York and move into Helena.
Twyla was devoted to her many crafts. If she wasn’t crocheting or knitting, she was doing needlepoint or painting ceramics. She even owned a ceramics factory for a few years in Bozeman.
In her later years, Twyla thoroughly enjoyed playing bingo. She moved to Las Vegas for a couple of years so she could be closer to her daughter Lita (and the bingo parlors). After that, she moved back to Helena where she remained until her death.
She is preceded in death by her husband Bob, her daughter Michelle, her sister Narcheta Gibson and her brothers Delmar Davis and Ken Davis. She is survived by her brother Loren and her children Lita (Ron) Mohr, Robert (Anne) Stratton Jr., Brian Lewis and Pam (Tim) Dolan. She loved her grandchildren; Joshua, Krimsen, Maxwell, Phoebe, Kristina, Jacob, Kendall, Micah, Megan and Heather. She had numerous great grandchildren as well.
A memorial service celebrating Twyla’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 18th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial will follow the reception at Forestvale cemetery. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Twyla.
“In Our Care”
WEDNESDAY
COWAN, Robert J. "Bob," age 72, of Helena, passed away Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019. A gathering for friends and family will take place at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at Chili's, 2790 N. Washington. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bob.
“In Our Care”
TODAY
MARTELLO, Frank, age 74, of Helena, passed away on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019. Viewing will begin at 9 a.m. with a funeral service to be held at 11 a.m. today, Oct. 14, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Burial will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at Jorgenson’s, 1714 11th Ave. in Helena. Memorials may be made to the Carroll College Athletic Department, 1601 N. Benton, Helena, MT 59625 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Frank.
THURSDAY
KNOTT, William “Bill," age 90, of East Helena, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019. Viewing will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A funeral service will follow the viewing at 1 p.m. also at the funeral home. Coffee and cookies will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will take place after the coffee and cookies at St. Ann's Cemetery in East Helena. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bill.
FRIDAY
STRATTON, Twyla I., age 80, of Helena, passed away Monday, Oct. 7, 2019. A memorial service celebrating Twyla’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 18, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Burial will follow the reception at Forestvale cemetery. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Twyla.
