Arlo Ervin Jones
1916-2012
Arlo Ervin Jones passed away in Helena on October 5, 2012. Arlo was born December 14, 1916 in Stanrod, Utah, the 2nd of 7 children to Ervin and Melinda Jones. He attended grade school in a small one room school house on the Utah/Idaho border. After graduating from 8th grade, Arlo left home and went to work because as he said, “his folks had too many other kids to feed”. He first worked for this uncle, Val Jones, at Stanrod, and then at age16 worked in the Utah desert northwest of the Great Salt Lake as a “Camp Jack”, moving sheep camp and cooking for the sheep herders. By age 17, he went to work for Wesly Ward at Almo, ID. He worked on the main ranch from autumn to spring, and during the summer he would trail pack- horses up Independence Mountain in the Albion Range to resupply the sheep camps that ranged in the high alpine meadows. Three years later, it was at the Ward ranch that Arlo first met Atha, the love of his life. They were married 5 years later on November 6, 1941 in Burley, ID. It was a love affair and marriage that would last 67 years.
Arlo and Atha started their life together working first for Arlo’s parents, and then managing and leasing ranches in Bridge and Ellis, Idaho, and finally, Dell, Montana. In April 1958, Atha and Arlo bought their own cattle ranch south of Dell where they worked and lived for the next 30 years raising registered Hereford and Angus-Hereford cross cattle. Arlo worked tirelessly, along side of Atha, to build a ranching life together while raising 5 children.
Arlo was one of the original five organizers of the Snowline Grazing Association along with Jim and Lloyd Munday, Willis Jones, and Tom Nolan. In 1965, these five men secured a loan through FHA and bought the Montgomery Ranch near the Montana/Idaho border. The ranch included 52,000 acres of deeded land and leased forest, state, and BLM property and provided summer grazing for 4000 head of cattle. The Association was comprised of 40 members with some members living as far away as Ennis and Sheridan, MT. For most of the 23 years that Arlo owned rights in the Association, he served either as President or on the Board of Directors.
It was through frugal management and hard labor that Arlo built a respectable cattle ranch. Few could claim to have worked harder or longer than Arlo. In 1988, Arlo and Atha sold the ranch and moved to their “retirement ranch” on the Beaverhead river north of Dillon where Arlo continued to ranch and run cattle on a small- er scale well into his 80”s. They lived in Dillon until November 2008, when due to Atha’s health, they moved to Aspen Gardens, an assisted living center in Helena. After Atha’s death in January 2009, life simply wasn’t the same, for there was a huge void that couldn’t be filled.
A self-made man of humble beginnings, Arlo was an authentic cowboy, a respected cattleman, and an accomplished horseman riding well into his 80’s. Above all, Arlo was a man who believed in an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay. Though work and responsibilities only allowed him to complete the 8th grade, he understood and valued the importance of an education and made sure that his daughters completed their college degrees.
Arlo will be remembered as a devoted husband, wonderful father and grandfather, responsible steward of the land, good neighbor, frugal manager, a gentleman, and a tough, resilient man of his word. He was forthright, honorable, and humble with a pragmatic view of the world. Arlo had an endearing sense of humor, a twinkle in the eye, and was a tender, sensitive individual. Although failed cataract surgery blinded him in one eye leaving him with limited sight, he had 20/20 vision for what was most important in his life-his family. Arlo lived his life to a higher standard, and as a result, he leaves behind a family that is better for his love and guidance. We shall remember him as a great man who lived a life of dignity and honor. He will always be a champion in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. And though he may no longer live among us, he lives on in our hearts and our memories.
Arlo is survived by his four daughters, Cathy Ferguson of Helena, MT, Ilene Scott (Duane) of Whitehall, MT, Sherry Jones (Jim Rogers) of Polson, MT, and Kaye Haller (Bruce) of Whitefish, MT; 7 grandchildren, Shawn Jones (Heidi) of Comanche, TX, Shannon Davis (Scott) of Bozeman, MT, Geof Ferguson (Tiffany) of Hel- ena, MT, Greg Ferguson (Krystal) of Lewistown, MT, Makkie Haller of Whitefish, MT, Will Scott (Chaun) of Forysth, MT, Carlee Hanson (Luke) of Kenniwick, WA; and 15 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Atha Jones; his son, Arlo Paul Jones; his parents; and all six siblings, Theron, Cliff, Harold, Merle, and LeOra Jones, and Nelda Montgomery.
A service was scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 1 p.m. at the Brundage Funeral Home in Dillon, MT. Burial was be held at the Mountain View Cemetery in Dillon.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Aspen Gardens and Dr. Diane Nowak at St. Peter’s Medical Group in Helena, and Dr. Ronald Loge and the staff at Barrett Memorial Hospital in Dillon for their compassionate care of Arlo over the previous years. Memorials in Arlo’s name are suggested to the Beaverhead County Museum or the donor’s choice.
A guest and video tribute is available at www.brundagefuneralhome.com
DR. Lester M. Jennings
1921-2012
DR. Lester M. Jennings, 91, passed away on Oct 7, 2012 at Renaissance Southside Senior care after a short illness.
He was born June 8, 1921 on the family’s homestead near Baylor MT, the third of five children born to N. L. (Bud) and Jennie (Redfield) Jennings. His early years were spent on the farm and school at the Baylor one room school house. During the depression the family moved to Glasgow seeking a stable income. Les as he was known attended Glasgow High School. He competed in football and basketball, graduating in 1940.
Upon graduation Les enrolled in Mechanical Engineering at Montana State College. With the advent of WWII he enlisted in the army in July of 1942. After completing advanced training as a topographic draftsman he entered OCS, receiving his commission in October 1944. He served with Co B, 643rd Engineer Combat Battalion in Italy during the final push to drive the Germans out of the Poe Valley. He was awarded the Meritorious Unit Service Medal, American Theater Service Medal, German Occupation Service Medal, Victory Medal and the European Theater Service Medal with two Battle Stars. He resigned his commission in May 1946.
Les returned to Montana to attend Montana State University with an emphasis on pre-med. It was during this time he met and married his life-long love and companion Elaine Kelson. Upon Graduation he entered the Illinois College of Chiropody and Foot Surgery, now Rosalind Franklin University. He graduated in 1952, Doctor of Surgical Chiropody Cum Laude.
Returning to Montana he set up his first practice in Butte also serving Dillon and surrounding areas. During the second strike the decision was made to relocate to Bozeman in 1954. He practiced there until his retirement in 1984. During this time he held all offices of the Montana Podiatry Association and was selected to serve a three year term on the Montana Podiatry Board of Examiners by Gov. Forrest Anderson in 1971.
Les was involved in community service with the Bozeman Optimist, past vice president of the Bozeman J C’s, and a life member of Elk’s Lodge #463. He was an early member of Riverside Country Club and found his calling as a devoted golfer. After moving to Dillon in 2001 he joined the Beaverhead Golf Club to play a round five days a week as long as the course was open.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years Elaine, his parents, Sisters Hazel Rhoades, Eleanor (Bill) McKee, Alta (Bob) Lehey, brother Ellis (Mary) Jennings and nephew Clay Baskin. He is survived by his daughter Leslie Womack of Billings, son Steve (Sandy) Jennings of Dillon, grandchildren Scott (Lauren) Womack, Jamie (Bret) Meidinger, Mike (Melissa) Jennings, Tammy Todd, Bob (Christie) Rhea, Dave Rhea, DR. Britani (Blake) Hill, and seven great grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place with family graveside services pending in Bozeman. Memorials may be made to the Kids Backpack Program, Dillon Hospice, The Pioneer Museum in Bozeman or the charity of the donors request. A guestbook is available at www.brundagefuneralhome.com.
William “Bus” Boyde Husted
1920-2012
William “Bus” Boyde Husted, 92, Jackson Montana, died October 6, 2012 at the Husted family home in the same room where he was born April 6, 1920. His parents were Oscar Truman “Jack” and Estella C. Hirschy Husted. He was the 7th of 10 children. He attended first through eighth grades at the East Fox School. He attended High School in California until 1937 when he returned to run the ranch with his mother and brother John. Through hard work and frugality he and John built a very successful cattle operation. Bus was very innovative and could fix everything-plumber, mechanic, welder, electrician and builder. This is evident in various structures, equipment and plumbing still being used in the house and on the ranch. He lived though the advent of three different haying systems; horses, followed by tractors and converted autos (which contributed to the land of the 10,000 haystacks), and finally the round bale system. He was one of the Big Hole residents who witnessed the arrival of electricity to the Valley. Bus was a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association and a life member of the BPOE Dillon Lodge #1554. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters & brother - in - laws Edith Martinell, Grace (Warren) Beason, Dorothy (Loring) Grimm, Betty (Benny) Johnson, and brothers John Husted and Charles Husted; brother- in -laws Bill Knudsen, Bud Knudsen, Fred Massara and sister-in-law Ann Husted; nephews Hewitt and Jim Martinell, and Bill Knudsen; great nephews & niece-Brian Husted Johnson, Charlie Knudsen & Diane Martinell. He is survived by sisters Idella Massara, (age 100) Virginia “Gin” Knudsen, Judy Knudsen, and sister-in-law Dolores Husted; twelve nieces and nephews and their families, also a fifth generation of nieces and nephews, many cousins and friends. Bus was a brother, friend, uncle, and an irreplaceable mentor who will be greatly missed. Services will be held Friday, October 12 at the Brundage Funeral Home in Dillon, Montana at 1:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Jackson Fire Department, Box 852 Jackson MT 59736, or the Wisdom Ambulance, Box 32 Wisdom MT 59761, or the Fox Hollow Animal Project, 155 Fox Hollow, Hamilton MT 59840. A guestbook is available on-line at www.brundagefuneralhome.com.
Eleanor Rose
1932-2012
Eleanor Rose of Lima passed away on October 4 in the care of Parkview Acres Care Center.
Rose was born April 25, 1932 in Rigby, Idaho to Alfred and LaVerne Vadnais. She grew up in Kilgore, Idaho. She met Stanford Rose and they were married in 1949 and settled in Lima where they raised two sons, Jack and Ed.
Eleanor leaves behind sons; Jack and his wife Nancy, Ed and his girlfriend Emily, six grandchildren, six great grandchildren, brothers; Ted, Charles and Ed as well as sisters; Eileen, Elma and Dorothy and also many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Tom and sisters, Barbara, Shirley, Maxine and Lou.
Graveside services were held, Monday, October 8 at 1:00 p.m. at the Humphrey, Idaho Cemetery. A guestbook is available on-line at www.brundagefuneralhome.com.
Benedict Longie
1948-2012Benedict Longie of Dillon, passed October 5 after a battle with cancer.
On July 3, 1948 Benny was born to Albert and Eva Longie in Poplar.
He served in the U.S. Army as a medic during the Vietnam War. He then went to work for Harvery Brothers Co. where he earned an apprenticeship as a mason.
November 29,1983 marked the beginning of sobriety for Benny, that he maintained the rest of his life. In 1986 he was diagnosed with Pseudoxanthoma and became legally blind.
He was preceded in death by his father Albert Longie, Mother Eva Longie, Brother Melvin Longie, Brother Red Cloud Gwinn, Sister Blanche Longie, and Great Neice Amy Lake.
He is survived by his wife Judy Longie, Children Amber, Taylor, Matthew, Francine, Eugene, Aspen and Joel Longie, Grandchildren Austin Schuett, Landon, Bretton, and Hunter Longie, Mae Moran (sister), Harvey and Boots Lake (sister), Eugene and Wanda Longie (brother), Terry Lowery (sister)and numerous cousins, neices and nephews.
Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, October 10 at 10 a.m. at the 1st Baptist Church in Dillon. There is a guestbook available on-line at www.brundagefuneralhome.com.
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