Wednesday, March 23, 2011

3/23/11 Obituaries

Hadleigh William Stoltz

1928 - 2011

Hadleigh (Had) William Stoltz, 82, a long time resident of Sheridan (Laurin), passed away Thursday, March 17, at Big Sky Care Center in Helena due to a long-term battle with congestive heart failure.
Hadleigh was born April 30, 1928, at the Silver Spring Ranch in Sheridan to William J. Stoltz and Anne K. Simonsen.
The family moved to West Yellowstone when he was a baby, and all his life memories were based on this very happy time in his life.
From Yellowstone the Stoltz’s moved to California in 1942 where he met his life time friend, Robert Rockwell.
Hadleigh served in the United States Army from 1950 to 1952, and served honorably in the Korean War.
He was married to Darlene Stoltz of Missoula from 1958 until 1981.
He worked at Hughes Aircraft as an engineer for 17 years. While at Hughes, he was a supervisor of the support and services section in his engineering department.
In 1971 he relocated his family to West Yellowstone to start his own contracting business, and in 1974 continued his skill in woodworking in Sheridan.
He spent his retirement years learning how to program computers, and tending to his beautiful flower beds.
He is survived by his daughter, Brenda Stoltz; grandsons, Jeffrey and Andrew Stoltz; and granddaughter, MacKenzie Potter, who all reside in Helena.
Hadleigh loved and lived life to the fullest. He dedicated many hours to learning electronics, drafting and math, and making his home his paradise. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Viewing was at Retz Funeral Home Chapel, Helena, from 1 p.m. tol 6 p.m. Sunday, March 20. Family shared their life memories at the viewing.
Military graveside honors were held at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Fort Harrison, Tuesday, March 22, at 10 a.m. Church Services were also held the same day at the Bethel Methodist Church, Sheridan, at 2:30 p.m.
Burial followed at the Laurin Cemetery. A reception was held at the St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Laurin following graveside services.
To offer a condolence to the family, or to share a memory of Hadleigh, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.



John Maurice Burwell

1925 - 2011

John Maurice Burwell passed away Monday, March 14.
John was born on Feb. 11, 1925, in Montpelier, Idaho, to his parents Maurice and Harriett Burwell. He was the third child of six born to this union.
John moved to the Big Hole area of Montana in the 1930s. While attending school at Beaverhead County High School he was drafted into the U.S. Army in March 1943. He served until February 1946 including three months in Japan.
He married Phyllis Davis in August 1946 in Dillon. To this union were born three children, Connie, Pete and Jeanne.
John worked for The Dilmart from 1946 to 1973, and then 14 years for The Homestead House. He retired in 1987. After retirement, he ran the ski shop at Maverick Mountain for 13 years.
He was a long-time member of the Dillon Elks Lodge, a lifetime member of the Jackson V.F.W., served on the school board for Beaverhead County High School, was a Dillon city councilman, and spent 22 years volunteering for the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department. He also helped organize and volunteered for the Grasshopper Valley Volunteer Fire Department.
He was an avid golfer, skier and hiker, organizing and leading many family hikes. He enjoyed the family cabin at Elkhorn.
John was preceded in death by his parents and his stepmother; his brothers, Orville, Stewart, Dean, Frank and Joe; sisters, Rose Pierce and Norma Miller; and a granddaughter, Julie Bennetts.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Phyllis; sister, Jean Harrison; daughter, Connie Delaney (Jerry), Dillon; son, Pete (Cathy), Helena; daughter, Jeanne Bennetts, Monroe, Wash.; grandchildren, Jackie Delaney, Jamie Ferris (Bob), Brian Bennetts (Janae), John Bennetts (Sara), Lacey Burwell and Jessica Burwell; eight great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services were held Saturday, March 19, at 11 a.m., at the Brundage Funeral Home, Dillon. A reception followed at St. James Episcopal Guild Hall.
Memorials are suggested to the Dillon Food Pantry, or to the donors choice.



Carol French

1948 - 2011

Carol was born in Hall on Sept. 20, 1948, to Jack and Fern (Susie) Richmond. She was the third eldest of six children, and looked up to by them all.
Carol married Thomas Clifford French in 1966. Tom was 72 and Carol was 18. Four years later they had a daughter. Tom passed away in 1981 and Carol was a widow at 33. She never remarried as she said there would never be another man like the one she had lost. Though she remained happily single, she carried a torch for Elvis Presley and John Wayne. If they had only known.
What can really be said that would do justice to this kind and loving woman. She lived a difficult life, and persevered over unbelievable adversity.
She loved her friends and family fiercely, and had an insurmountable pride in them. She saw the greatness in people that they did not see themselves. Because of this, Carol made you want to be the person she saw in you.
Carol is survived by her daughter, Carol Fay Porter (Ron Porter); granddaughters, Theresa Hope Hawkins and Ronnie Renae Porter; siblings, Dennis Johnson, Larry Johnson, John Lee Richmond, Glory Gene Richmond and Zella Richmond Mason (Tom Mason); nieces and nephews, Myles Thomas Mason (Kathryn Mason), Jessie Lee Richmond, Jackie Dale Richmond and Jennifer Marie Richmond. She is also survived by many wonderful friends and care givers who richly blessed her life.
A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at the First Baptist Church across from the post office on Friday, March 18, at 3:30 p.m.