Claude F. “Skip” Ankeny
1932 – 2013
Claude F. “Skip” Ankeny, 80, passed into the light of Heaven while holding his daughters’ hands on Friday, July 5, 2013.
Skip was born to the late Harley and Viva Ankeny on October 17, 1932, in Mt. Harris, Colorado. As a child his family moved to Montana, first to Butte, and then settled in Victor. Skip graduated from Victor High School in 1950. He graduated from Western Montana College with a degree in Education in 1954.
After obtaining his degree, Skip joined the Army to serve the country he loved. As an Army Sergeant, Skip gained the discipline and drive that would serve him through his life. Following his discharge from active duty, Skip continued to serve as a member of the Montana National Guard for 10 years.
When his active duty in the Army was completed, Skip returned to Dillon and accepted a teaching position. In 1959, during his first year as a teacher, Skip met and married the love of his life, Zana Mular. Skip completed his Master’s degree at Western in 1962 and in 1964 he completed his administration degree at the University of Montana.
Education was more than a career for Skip. It was his passion. He was a teacher from 1957 through 1971 at the Bagley School, Parkview Jr. High and Beaverhead County High School. But, those of you who remember Skip will undoubtedly recall him as the Vice Principal of Beaverhead County High School, where he ran a tight ship, to the benefit of all his students. In his own words, “A good school is a disciplined school.” During his tenure at BCHS, Skip served as activities director for seven years, was active in the Montana High School Association, served on many MHSA committees and was an active member of the Montana Secondary School Principals Organization. He was a strong supporter of special education and activities for the handicapped and chaired the special education committee. He was the long time Director of the Southwestern Ed Coop. He retired in 1987. His memory will be forever present in the hallways of his beloved BCHS.
Skip’s biggest joy and greatest achievement in life was his family. He loved his girls and was a great husband, father and friend. He was the much loved Papa of his grandkids, Grayson and Greer. He was a man of integrity and honesty. You always knew where you stood with Skip. He was also a humorous man with a hearty laugh and quick smile. He had a heart as big as Montana and was quick to offer support for friends in need. He took great pride in his yard and flowers. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed escaping to the mountains in search of Brookies. He loved animals and could always be found enjoying the companionship of a four-legged friend. He always held a big place in his heart for his favorite chocolate lab, Sarge, who passed away many years ago.
He is survived by: his wife of 54 years, Zana Ankeny; daughters Sue Ankeny and Julie Morstein; son-in-law Todd Morstein; and grandkids Grayson and Greer Morstein. He is also survived by brother Mel Ankeny, sister Colleen Hinman, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Harley Ankeny.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in his memory to the Beaverhead County Humane Society or the Montana Food Bank.
A service will be held in memory of Skip on Thursday, July 11, 2013, at Brundage Funeral Home in Dillon, at 10 a.m.
Annie Patterson Cairney Lame
1939 – 2013
Annie Patterson Cairney Lame of Augusta, Mont., was born on May 27, 1939, in Glasgow, Scotland. She died on June 29, 2013, in a Great Falls hospital surrounded by family. She was 74 years old.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Walter Lame, and by her daughters Debbie (Bill) Sporich, Tammy (Frank) Dellwo, Cindy (Nick) Gonzalez and Lisa (Marty) Quinn.
She was very proud of her seven grandchildren: Beau, Shayna and Derek Dellwo; Nicole and Walter Gonzalez; and Kade and Kellan Quinn. She had one great grandson, Silas Fruge, who was the apple of her eye. Annie is also survived by family in Scotland, including Mary McCrone, Margaret Stewart, David Cairney, Bobby Cairney and Maggie Smith, as well as their respective families.
Annie was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland. She immigrated to Florida when she was just 17 and it was there that she met a sailor named Walter. After a brief courtship they eloped on July 19, 1958, to Thomasville, Georgia. They returned to his home in Augusta, Montana, where they raised their four girls on the family farm. Annie was proud to become an American citizen on July 24, 1962.
Annie leaves a legacy of hard work, love and laughter. Her first job was in a whiskey box factory in Glasgow when she was just 14 years old. She was the cook at Augusta schools for 30 years. She and Walter owned and operated Mel’s Diner in Augusta for many years. You could always expect Annie’s meals to be home-cooked and lively.
She loved traveling, especially to cities. She also loved working jigsaw puzzles, playing Scrabble, listening to music, reading and doing crossword puzzles. She will be remembered for her feisty, friendly spirit. Annie loved many and was loved by many.
In lieu of flowers, her family would like you to listen to some bagpipe music and have a wee drink. Additionally, donations can be made in Annie’s name to the American Cancer Society.
A memorial service was held Wednesday, July 3, 2013, at the Augusta School Gym. Burial of her cremated remains took place in the Augusta Cemetery following the service.
Online condolences may be left at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com
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