Frank Christian Thompson
1915 - 2011
Frank Christian Thompson, 96, a Wolf Creek area rancher, passed away Sept. 6 at the Masonic Home in Helena, of natural causes.
Frank was born april 7, 1915, at the family homestead on the Middle Fork of the Dearborn River known as Stearns. His parents were Frank Tobias and Lia Christine Steinbach Thompson.
He attended area country schools for several years. His mother passed away when he was eight years old.
Inheriting a sum of money from her, he purchased his uncle Theodore Thompson's homestead on the North Fork of the Dearborn. Thus began his land acquisition at the age of eight.
Because his father began spending winters in California, Frank was educated at Union Central School until he finished his junior year of high school. His father had him stay at the ranch the following year.
His sister, Frances, insisted that he finish high school. He stayed with her in Dillon, and graduated from Beaverhead County High School. In high school, he participated in football, and was a leader on the debate team.
When Frank was 20 years old, his father informed him he had to run this outfit because Frank, Sr., had to go to California, and care for his ailing brother, Theodore. They ran both sheep and cattle.
Frank has been ranching ever since, constantly increasing his land holdings, and improving his livestock.
Fay Elizabeth Brown became his bride on Sept. 3, 1939, and to this union four children were born, Tom, Nancy, Art and Ken.
His service to his community, county, state and country were vast.
Always an advocate for the 4-H program, he served as a leader for 24 years.
The Soil Conservation Service was another of his long term programs, both local, state and national, for over 50 years.
He was a member of the Eastern Star, Masonic Lodge, Shrine and Scottish Rite; school board member and airport board member.
Frank and Fay were designated goodwill ambassadors to Japan, Russia, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. They received the MSU Rancher of the Year award in 1996.
A sister, Frances Lia Sewell Wendell, and his wife of 68 years, Fay, preceded him in death.
Survivors include Tom R. (Lydia) Thompson, Helena; Nancy (Ron) Johnson, Dillon; Art (Margie) Thompson, Wolf Creek; Ken (Judy) Thompson, Helena; grandchildren, Dr. Christine (Kevin) Blake, Brush, Colo., Gregg (Melissa) Thompson, Helena, First Class Petty Officer Doug (Rose) Johnson, San Diego, Calif., Deanna (Larry) Steele, Sundance, Wyo., Don (Letha) Johnson, Dillon, Jeffrey Johnson, Dillon, Rebecca (EB) Richie, Boulder, Wyo., Dr. Beth (Augie) Bola, San Diego, Calif., Frank R. (Mindy) Thompson, Wolf Creek, and Ken (Nicole) Lewis, North Pole, Alaska; great-grandchildren, Bailey Kay, Kacey and Amy Blake, Cade Thompson, Remy Frank and Callie Elizabeth Johnson, Trace Steele, Katie Nell, Elias Christian and and Tessa Claire Johnson, Jep, Devon, Trista and Cinch Richie, Corbin Thompson, Tyler and Logan Lewis; one niece and one nephew.
Funeral services were held Monday morning at Anderson, Stephenson, Wilke Funeral Home in Helena.
A luncheon followed the service, and interment was in the Augusta Cemetery with Masonic rites.
Memorials can be sent to the Masonic Home, 2010 Masonic Home Road, Helena, MT 59601, to the Shrine Hospital for Crippled Children in Spokane, Wash., or to the charity of the donor's choice.
Anna Marie Andersen Tovey
1915 - 2011
Anna Marie Andersen Tovey passed away Sept. 8.
She was born Oct. 16, 1915, to Laura Hansen Andersen and Clarence Andersen.
She grew up on a sheep ranch along Grasshopper Creek with her sisters Laura LaBuff and Helen Koeneke.
She first learned English when she attended grade school in Dillon, as her family spoke Danish exclusively on the ranch. She graduated from Beaverhead County High School.
Shortly after she graduated, she became a medical receptionist where she met William D. Tovey. They were married in 1941, and she became a step-mother to 13-year-old Virginia Louise (Tovey) Patton, and 7-year-old Carol Ann (Tovey) South. The new family lived in Dillon, where William was a developer and insurance agent.
Anna loved picnicking, fishing, and traveling to see her many grandchildren. She was also active with the lady Elks.
After her husband, Bill, died in 1969, she became re-involved in the Danish Brotherhood, and developed a special friendship with Holger Carlson.
Anna is survived by her two sisters, Laura LaBuff and Helen Koeneke; her step-daughters, Virginia (John) Patton and Carol (Phil) South; her seven grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
A viewing was held Monday at Brundage Funeral Home with graveside services following at Mountain View Cemetery.
A guestbook is available on-line at www.brundagefuneralhome.com.
Posts
