Wednesday, February 15, 2012

2-15-12 Obituaries

Nettie “Irene” Morris
1928 - 2012

On Feb. 6, Nettie “Irene” Morris left this world to fly beyond with Jesus and her favorite pilot, Andy, and daughters, Beverly and Carol.
Irene was born on March 26, 1928, to Amos and Rosa (Roberts) Rucker, in Lynn, Ind.
When her older brother called and told the family about beautiful Montana, they moved up here to Livingston.
In 1946 she met and married James Andre “Andy” Morris. They settled in Twin Bridges, and spent the next 20 years working there and raising four children.
In 1968, Andy realized his dream of being a full time pilot, and he and Irene ran the Dillon Flying Service until his death in 1988.
Irene worked after that for the Big Sky Truck Stop and Beaverhead IGA, before retiring.
Mom loved her big yard and garden. She was an avid bowler with her hip hop approach, and was a lifetime member of the Church of Christ.
She will be missed by her son, Lyle (Janet) Morris, Idaho; daughter, Evelyn (Jon) Edmisten, Whitehall, a grandson, Ray Edmisten; Jacob and Nina Edmisten, Germany; Brian Morris, Michael Edmisten, Zane and Renae Morris; granddaughters, Amanda and Jolene Edmisten; great-grandchildren, Jon and Mia Edmisten, Gabrill, Alisa and Cameron Morris; sisters, Leaola Muir and Jane Naylor.
Irene requested that there be no services.
Any memorial contributions may be made to Barrett Home Health and Hospice.



John Edward Snyder
1934 - 2012

John Edward Snyder passed away of natural causes on Feb. 9, at Marcus Daly Hospice in Hamilton in his 78th year. He thought he was headed for that great steelhead river in the sky, to scout it out for his pals.
John never took life too seriously, although no one could have loved life or lived life any fuller or more appreciatively. He allowed that he considered himself one of the luckiest people who ever lived in every way, and had 77 years of near-perfect health, lived to the hilt.
John served as principal at Stevensville Public Schools, K through eight, and later K through six, for most of his 30 years at the school. He thought he had the best job in the world, and he loved his staff. They responded in kind, and kids benefited greatly.
To say that John loved hunting and fishing would be like saying birds like to fly. Between his younger years, his four military years, and the years of living in Alaska (University of Alaska) as a resident, John managed to hunt and / or fish New York State, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, Wisconsin and Canada, including Newfoundland, Labrador, and British Columbia.
He was a confirmed bachelor at the age of 24, with plans to continue as stated indefinitely. Then he met Alberta, and things changed quickly, for the better. He always thought he married up, and 52-plus years later he said it was the single best decision he ever made.
John and Alberta, a second grade teacher in Missoula and Stevensville, raised two delightful daughters, and had a good time doing it.
All in all, John said that he was so far ahead in the game of life that he has been playing with house money for many years, as Charlie Russell put it; and he is a winner in a big time way.
John is survived by his wife, Alberta; daughter, Shelly Unruh, Dillon, and Kecia Bruce, and her husband Doug Caley, North Bend, Wash.; granddaughter, Ellie Bruce; sister, Jean Blatchley, Pineland, Fla.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Beatrice Snyder, of Olean, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Marcus Daly Hospice of Hamilton, or the Bitterroot Humane Society.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date.
“If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I’d walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.”
Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.



Marquita Very
1924 - 2012

Mom's guardian angel decided to take Marquita Very home after 87 great years of living in Montana. She left us on Tuesday, Jan. 31, after a short battle with cancer.
Mom was born in Missoula on the Fourth of July, 1924, to Lutie Belle and Irving Roberts. She spent her early years at Bonita and Clinton.
Mom was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Kenneth and Nick Roberts.
She is survived by her younger brother, Glen Roberts, Missoula; sister, Daisy Kelly, Washington; along with her daughters, Diane, Sheree and Vivyan; son, Paul; and grandchildren, Brad, Valerie, Danielle, Jeremy, Chris and Alexandra.
A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 1 p.m., at Grace United Methodist.
Brundage Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.