Jessie Carroll Loman
1936 - 2010
Jessie Carroll Whitford Loman left this earth to soar with eagles on Sept. 22. She was surrounded by family, friends and loved ones as she began her journey.
Jessie was born on Nov. 7, 1936, to Jess and Anna Whitford.
She led a full and often times hard life, helping her family at a young age, taking care of her younger siblings, their home, and guests that happened by.
Jessie married Thomas Loman on Aug. 25, 1953. She worked by his side in the mountains logging, and in the shop doing mechanic work as well as taking care of their home and eight children, whom they left with a great appreciation for nature and love of family.
She loved to hunt and fish, or just sit on a river bank, and watch the world as fish nibbled on her hook.
Jessie was proud to receive her G.E.D. in December 1986.
Jessie talked of roaming the mountains at a young age, armed with only a .22 rifle, and about trying to be the first one to jump into the Yellowstone River before all the ice was off.
She took great pride in her Native American heritage, and instilled that same pride in her children and grandchildren.
Jessie was preceded in death by her parents, Jess and Anna Whitford; brothers Charles “Chuck” and Hank Whitford; her beloved husband, Tom Loman, and their son Jesse Guy Loman.
She is survived by her brothers and sisters, Arbutus “Boots Goov; Vern Whitford, wife of Hank Whitford; Harold Whitford, husband of Betty; Gary Whitford; Edna Sund and husband Ray; Richard Whitford; Liela Beckhardt and husband alan; sister-in-law Doris Simpson and husband Ervin; brother-in-law Johnny Loman and wife Jackie; many well loved nieces and nephews; Jessie’s children, Gayle Loman, wife of Jessie Guy; Shelley Ann Stewart and husband Will; Thomas Jay “Logger” Loman and wife Mary; Roxanne Louise Loman Koukul; Cindy Marie Pearce and husband Rick; Deborah Lee McNabb and husband Bob; Ernest Todd Loman and Adam Cole Loman; grandchildren, Robert, Catrina, Michelle, William Joseph “B.J.”, Joan, Nicole, Megan, Tom, Tiana, Kailee, Genista, Peter, Willow, Jacob, Whisper, Richard, Jessica, Taelor, Peyton, Dakota, Karsyn and Tracker; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Jesse will be greatly missed by everyone who was fortunae enough to call her mom, sister, aunt, granma, great-granma, or friend.
She was and always be the wind beneath our wings.
Graveside services will be held at Reed Point Cemetery, Saturday, Oct. 2 at 1 p.m., in Reed Point, MT.
Theresa Kratofil Rebish
1918 - 2010
Theresa Kratofil Rebish passed away peacefully on Sept. 23, in Stevensville. She was 92 years old.
Theresa was born in Butte on Aug. 20, 1918, the daughter of Michael and Francis Kratofil. She attended Holy Savior School in the McQueen addition in Butte until the death of her mother. Theresa was seven years old.
The family relocated to a small farm in Hamilton, where she continued her schooling.
In 1936 she met John Rebish while visiting her brother, John Kratolfil “Biff”, in Dillon. They were married on June 27, 1937, and had four children, Marjorie June, Ronald Edward, Karen Joyce and Duane Douglas.
Theresa and John worked on John’s father's ranch in Dillon until 1942, when he enlisted in the Navy during WWII. They lived in San Francisco, Calif., returning in 1946 to continue ranching.
In later years, they moved into Dillon where Theresa devoted herself to raising her family until John’s retirement as the Dillon Chief of Police.
During the ensuing 20 years, they retired to Arizona in the winter and traveled in the summer to Tacoma, Wash., to be with their son, Ron, and family in addition to visiting family and friends in Montana.
John’s death brought Theresa back to Montana permanently to live with her daughter, Karen. Theresa resided in the Bitterroot Living Center for the past six years.
Theresa was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; daughter, Marjorie June; and her brother John “Biff” Kratofil.
Surviving family includes her son, Ronald and wife Barbara, Hailey, Idaho; daughter, Karen and husband Richard Powell, Lolo; and son, Duane, Missoula; cherished grandchildren include Craig Rebish, Gwendolyn (Dominic) Karaba, Christina (Brian) McCollom, Brandi (Eric) Winter, Brandon (Lindsay) Hartwell and Trevor (Ryan) Rebish; great-grandchildren, Cameron and Lauren Karaba, Gavin and Abby McCollom, Michelle and Roy Stevenson, and Hayden Hartwel; other beloved family members, brother, Edward and wife Stella Kratofil, Spokane, Wash.; brother, Joseph and wife Mary Lou Kratofil, Jackson, Mich.; brother, Rudy and wife Bernice Kratofil, Hamilton; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Theresa’s devotion to her family was extraordinary. The following is a quote from a letter to her family. “I’ll always be thinking of my family, as long as I live and after I’m gone. I hope and pray I will be their ‘Guardian Angel’. That way, I will be with all of you until we meet again in Heaven.”
Remembrances can be made on Theresa’s behalf to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, Oct. 2, at Brundage Funeral Home, at 10 a.m. A reception will follow the committal serve at the St. Rose Family Center.
A guest book is available at www.brundagefuneralhome.com.
Gerald “Lee” Johnson
1947 - 2010
Gerald ”Lee” Johnson has finally found peace after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis and Type I diabetes. Lee passed away Sept. 19, surrounded by his family and in the comfort of the home he loved and was raised in.
Lee was born Jan. 9, 1947, in Great Falls. He was the oldest son of Carl and Judy Johnson, both of Shields Valley, who adopted him in 1953, along with his younger brother Wes.
Lee was raised by Carl, Judy, and grandmother Myrtle, on the family ranch in the Shields Valley. Lee graduated from Park High in Livingston in 1965, where he was very active in sports, most notably baseball and basketball.
Lee went on to pursue a degree in management and graduated from the University of Montana in 1969. He went on to become a Certified Public Accountant.
A chance encounter with a cute redhead at a family dinner introduced Lee to Amelia. The two soon began dating. In December of 1973, Lee and Mimi became officially engaged, and the couple married in June of 1974.
Lee and Mimi went on to open a successful accounting firm Dillon, where they lived for the next 16 years.
In 1979, Lee became a proud father for the first time. In addition to looking like her dad, Anna Lee became his namesake. Four years later, Lee and Mimi welcomed spirited second daughter Laura Jane into their lives.
As his girls began growing up, Lee attempted to teach them the ins and outs of softball, but found that the allure of turning cart wheels in the grass was sometimes tough competition.
Following the sale of their accounting practice in 1992, Lee and Mimi moved their family to Butte. Shortly thereafter, Lee was diagnosed with MS.
While living in Butte, Lee worked as an auditor for the State of Montana. Although the job often had him on the road, he reveled in the beauty of our state.
On weekends, he would often take his family back to the places he had visited during the week. These trips were a special time for the family, and helped to foster an enthusiasm for Montana in his daughters.
In spring of 1997, the family was finally presented with the opportunity to return to the family ranch. Lee felt blessed to be able to come home to a beloved house filled with memories.
He officially retired in 1999 due to growing health problems, at which time Mimi became his care taker. Lee’s final years have been happy and active ones filled with animals, outings, visits with good friends, and the marriage of daughter Laura.
The introduction of grandchildren was especially joyous for Lee. Lee treasured his family, and the time he spent with them.
Lee will be remembered for his generosity and kindness, particularly towards those that were elderly or infirm.
Lee was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Amelia “Mimi” Warnick Johnson; daughters Anna Lee Johnson and Laura Johnson White; son-in-law Christopher White; grandchildren Ciella Dae and Alexander James White; brother Wes (Penne) Johnson and family; lifelong buddies Mike Easton, Betty Keyes (Ed) Handel ; dear friends Jim and Lexi Marsh, Peggy Anderson Riggs, Sharyl Cotant, Gary Cowan, Troy Troxel and many other close family friends.
The family wishes to grieve in private at this time, and no services are planned.
Memorials may be made in Lee’s name to the Stafford Animal Shelter, #3 Business Park Rd., Livingston, MT., 59047.
Barbara Jean Cottrell
1930 - 2010
Barbara Jean Cottrell, 79, passed away Sept. 19 at Bozeman Deaconus Hospital.
Born in Chicago, Ill., Nov. 24, 1930, she was the daughter of Vernon Eugene Smith and Ruth Ann Maurice.
Barbara was known to many of her friends in Dillon as Jean. Barbara moved to Dillon in the 1940s where she met and married William Swetish.
Together they had four children, the first of which died as an infant. Her other children are sons, William G. Swetish and Michael Lee Banning, and daughter, Barbie Ann Banning. They later divorced.
Barbara's journey continued when she met and married Ralph Banning. They spent nine wonderful years together before he passed.
Once again the journey went on, and she met and married Edwin Cottrell. Together they had 20 years until Ed passed away in 1995. They resided in Townsend.
In 1996 Barbara's daughter, Barbie, came to live with her, and together they spent 14 beautiful years together as mother and daughter and best friends. They did what they loved the most, camping, boating, fishing, gardening and traveling.
Barbara touched the lives of so many family and friends, and will be remembered for her love, respect, and caring for others.
Barbara lived a full life. Barbara gad several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by brother Robert L. Smith; husbands, William, Ralph and Edwin.
Barbara is survived by William Swetish's wife, Jean; Michael L. Banning's wife, Doris; and Barbie Ann Banning.
Barbara's memory will live on because of her generosity, determination and strength of character. Family and friends will forever hold her dear in their hearts.
Services will be held at The Betsy, Townsend, Oct. 9 at 2 p.m. Pastor Mike Dexter of Trailhead Church will be officiating. Cremation has taken place.
Cards and donations can be sent to her daughter, Barb Swetish, 19 Lakeview Manor, Townsend, MT., 59644.
Posts
