Maj. Gen. John James Womack
1920 - 2011
That big booming voice that called out to so many on the streets of Dillon was silenced on 11-11-11. The General led his last command on Veterans Day after suffering a severe stroke on Nov. 6.
John “Jim” Womack was born in Ennis on Sept. 26, 1920, to Frances and Emmett Womack. He was a 1938 graduate of Ennis High School, and earned his degree from Montana State Normal College in 1947. He was awarded a masters degree in education in 1955.
Jim met Vivian Marie Love, and they were married in November 1942. There were four boys born to this union. Vivian and Jim lost their two middle sons. Jon D. passed away in 1970 with a brain tumor. Joe, founder of the Dillonite Daily, died in 2000 from complications of Type 1 diabetes.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army in April of 1942. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1945 at Fort Bennington, Ga. He joined the Montana National Guard in May of 1949. He served as a Company and Battalion Commander.
In 1969, Col. Womack was appointed to the office of the Adjutant General of the Montana National Guard. He was promoted to the rank of Major General, and held that office until his retirement in January of 1981.
Jim had a variety of business interests in the area including founding the Dillon Cable TV system, Carter Creek Mining Company, Pacific Mining, Minerals Engineering and many other enterprises with his long time partners and close friends, Carl Davis and John Erb. Many remember him as their teacher and many others remember him as Principal Womack.
His hobbies include going to garage and estate sales. He was an avid collector of books on Western history. He co-founded the Western Historical Library with Steve Hamilton in Three Forks with over 14,000 volumes at present time.
The general leaves behind his wife of 69 years he lovingly called Little Grammie; his sons, Jim and Jack (Kathy); daughter-in-law, Brenda Womack and adopted daughter Juanita Browne; grandchildren, Jon, Dillon, Jennifer, Jeff, Carson, Kylie, Alexa and Wyatt; two great-grandchildren; and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special family and friends.
At his request, cremation has taken place. A visitation was held Tuesday evening, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Brundage Funeral Chapel.
Services will be held today, at 1 p.m., at the Dillon National Guard Armory. Refreshments will follow. A private interment will take place at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10004, or www.jdrf.org; the Beaverhead Humane Society, Dillon Food Pantry, or a memorial of the donor’s choice.
A guest book is available on-line at www.brundagefuneralhome.com.
Ruth Elizabeth (Daly) Overby
1922 - 2011
Ruth Elizabeth (Daly) Overby, 89, of Seattle, Wash., passed away peacefully in her sleep Nov. 5.
Ruth (Bette) was born to Larry and Florence (Marchesseau) Daly on Aug. 18, 1922, in Missoula.
Her grandparents, Edmund and Elizabeth Ann Marchesseau, were Grasshopper Valley pioneers.
Bette received her under-graduate degree at the University of Montana, began her teaching career at Beaverhead High school in Dillon, and later attended the University of Washington for her post-graduate degree. She continued to root for the Montana Grizzlies and UW Huskies throughout her life.
Bette married Jay Sandberg in 1943, and they had four children. Upon Jay's death in 1966, Bette raised her children as a single mother while teaching full time.
Bette later became a counselor for the Seattle School District. She cared deeply for children, and worked tirelessly on their behalf.
In 1972, Bette married a fellow Montanan and vice principal for the Seattle School District, Per Overby. They both retired in 1979, and enjoyed many adventures traveling the world together.
Although she lived in Seattle, she was extremely proud of her Montana roots, and her relatives living in the Grasshopper Valley, Polaris, and the surrounding Dillon area.
Bette was known for her style and quick wit, and because she possessed the Irish gift of gab, she made friends wherever she went. Bette was passionate about education, the arts, reading, knitting, travel and women’s rights. She had great affection for animals, and loved musical cards and funny hats.
Bette is survived by her husband of 39 years, Per Overby; three children, Christina Hovind (Paul); Joy Barnett (Randy); and Kurt Sandberg; four grandchildren, Melissa, Jamie, Rachel and Randal Jay; seven great-grandchildren; and her brother, Paul Daly.
She was preceded in death by her son, Jonathan Sandberg.
Bette has left us with a great legacy that will live on through her family and friends.
Donations in Bette’s memory may be sent to The Woodland Park Zoo, 601 N. 59th St., Seattle, WA 98103. Or please donate to your local school district or animal shelter if you prefer.
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