Ralph A. Ovitt
1931-2012
Surrounded by his family, Ralph A Ovitt of Joliet, Montana left our world peacefully on November 15, 2012 to be with our Heavenly Father. Ralph was born on January 7, 1931 in Miles City to Floyd and Mable Ovitt. He met the love of his life, Lois Larson and they were married on April 12, 1953 in Victor, Montana. Their loving marriage lasted for 49 years before Lois’ death in 2002.
Ralph leaves six children Cheryl (Doug) Morigeau of Dixon MT, Sandi (Wayne Vanderburg) Ovitt of Pablo MT, Laurel Ovitt of Whitehall MT, Kathie (Jackson) Riley of Park City MT, Mike (Julie) Ovitt of Fargo ND, Mark (Cindy) Ovitt of Joliet MT. He also leaves behind siblings Elizabeth Friesz of Alberton MT, Norman (Betty) Ovitt of Thompson Falls MT., and Joyce Zamelis of Alberton MT. Ralph has 17 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Lois, his mother, father, brother Neil Ovitt and sister Virginia Tredway.
Ralph attended college at the University of Montana in Missoula graduating with a degree in Business Administration. Ralph served in the Air Force as a 2nd lieutenant stationed in Tachikawa Japan, returning to Montana in 1959. Ralph owned and operated several businesses in Dillon. He then returned to college at Western Montana College, receiving his teaching certificate in the subject he loved most, shop/mechanics. Ralph taught in Dixon MT from 1970 – 1973 and then moved to Joliet. He taught at the Boys Ranch from 1973 – 1975 and then at the Billings Career Center where he continued to teach until he retired.
Ralph belonged to many community groups throughout his years. He was a member of the Dillon Jaycees, school bus owner and operator, Joliet Fire Chief, VICA Sponsor, Lions Club, VFW, Board Member of the Joliet Community Center, Senior Citizens, and was very active in the United Methodist Church.
Ralph was a dedicated family man who loved his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers. Ralph loved the outdoors and spending time with his family. He loved his morning visits with his coffee group and he enjoyed all the wonderful memories and stories. He never missed any family gatherings and loved to tell jokes; we will miss his stories of growing up on the eastern plains of Montana.
Family members would like to thank Beartooth Hospice, Home Health Care and the Billings Clinic cancer staff for their kindness and support of Ralph. Dad, now you’re at Peace and pain no longer holds you, and we will never forget the love and kindness you showed us all.
Services for Ralph were held at the Joliet Baptist Church on November 19. Memorials can be sent to Joliet Lions Club or the Fromberg Methodist Church. Smith Funeral Chapel-Laurel is in charge of local arrangements.
Christine Kolar
Christine Kolar was born on a St. Patrick’s Day In Seattle, WA to Sadie LeGate and Wilson Bond Hignight. She recently lost a long battle against breast cancer, but not without a courageous fight.
After high school graduation, she joined the US Army, where she proudly served for seven years. She took basic training at Ft. McClellan, AL. After basic, she served with the Transportation Training School at Ft. Eustis, VA; the Army Medical Command at Camp Zama, Japan; and Letterman General Hospital at the Presidio of San Francisco, CA. She was discharged with the rank of staff sergeant and was awarded the Good Conduct, National Defense Service, and Army Commendation Medals. After being dIscharged, she briefly lived in her hometown of Seattle, and then worked for Selective Service System in Sacramento, CA. She finished her government career with the US Department of Agriculture. Upon completion of her career, she decided to go to college and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Montana Western, wIth a degree in business.
Christine sometimes regretted not making the Army her career, until she met the love of her life, Bill Kolar. Had she re-enllsted again, they never would have crossed paths. They were married on July 23, 1976, and their marriage was later blessed by Fr. Ed Kohler at St. Rose Catholic Church, where they were both members.
Christine was an intensely private person who preferred being in her home with her husband and pets. She loved all animals and detested any form of neglect and abuse done to them. For the better part of their marriage, she and Bill had dogs and cats around, most of which were rescues. She volunteered at the local Humane Society and enjoyed taking pictures of the critters and putting them on the Internet. She was avid about physical fitness and did an intense workout every day. She enjoyed puttering with her computers and electronic gadgets. She was still in email contact with several of her Army friends, and they were a great support to her during her illness, as were her friends, Susie and Vicki, at the shelter.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sadie and Wilson, and parents-in-law, Lucille and Clarence Kolar. She is survived by her soul mate and best friend, Bill Kolar, brother Steve (Jane) Hignight, nephew Paul Hignight, uncles Bob (Irene) LeGate, Ken (Helen) LeGate, and Bill’s daughters, Carrie (Gerry) Goody and Paula (Russ) Fisk.
Donations in Christine’s name can be made to the Humane Society of Beaverhead Co., 80 Lagoon Ln. Dillon, MT 59725.
At Christine’s request, no services were held.
Kenneth Grayson
1928-2012
Funeral services for Kenneth Grayson, who died ???, were held Monday, Nov. 19, at Brundage Cahpel, Dillon.
He was born Oct. 16, 1928, to Richard and Emma Jane Wooldridge Grayson at Antelope. He is survived by his widow, Marjorie; sons William of Billings and Don of Dillon; daughters Nancy and Susan Frank of Dillon; two step-grandsons and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.
Steve Banks
1949-2012
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at the K&L Mortuary Chapel at Sheridan for Steve Banks, 63, of Twin Bridges, who died away at his home Nov. 12, 2012.
He was born Oct. 5, 1949 at Sheridan to William and Stella (Jensen) Banks. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother Blaine and three other brothers Darrell, Thomas, and Kevin.
Survivors include his two children, Jennifer Banks and Sherman Banks; brothers Paul, Melvin and David; sisters Sharon, Brenda and Linda, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Stanley H. Hatfield
1947-2012
Stanley H. Hatfield, 65, of Mansfield, Ohio passed away Nov. 15 at his home following a fight against cancer.
Funeral services were held Nov. 19 at Cornerstone Freeweill Baptist Church in Mansfield. Burial followed at Mansfield Memorial Park.
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