Rita Margaret Zanto Bourassa
1917–2013
Longtime Dillon resident Rita Margaret Zanto Bourassa passed away peacefully at her home on July 16, 2013.
Rita was born on a Highwood, Montana homestead on September 21, 1917. She was a twin, the fifth of five children born to Henry and Mary Ellen Zanto. Rita attended rural school and boarded for four years at the Ursuline Academy in Great Falls, where she earned her high school diploma. She moved to Dillon and graduated from Normal College (University of Montana Western) in 1936 with a teaching degree.
In 1936, Rita married the late Milton F. Bourassa and they made their home in Dillon. Her faith and family were central to her life. She was a longtime member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, where she served in the Ladies Altar Society. She volunteered in the Bargain Basement, providing low-cost clothing to community members. She was a dedicated member of the Franciscan Order, the Child Study Club and Home Maker’s Group. While she did a wide variety of volunteering, her positive attitude drew people to her. Rita was a gifted storyteller and entertained family with stories of growing up on the homestead with no electricity, hauling water in an old water wagon, and selling eggs and milk in the Great Depression to make ends meet.
Growing up on the prairie, she loved the song of the meadowlark and listened for it each spring. She loved music and would tap her toes any time a tune came around that she liked. She was a gifted seamstress and fashioned rag dolls and crocheted afghans for many family members. Many might recall her smiling face from the Parisian Cleaners, where she served as seamstress for many years. She loved the outdoors, fishing, gardening and bike riding, which she called “Her Wheels.” Although her talents were many, being a mother was in her soul and she practiced that until the end.
She is survived by her children—Loretta Tribble (Larry), Rita Eberline (Lee), Jane Anderson (Larry), Richard (Deb), Gary (Jeanet)—12 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
A prayer of the Rosary was scheduled on Monday, July 22, at 6 p.m. with a Scriptural Wake service followed at 7 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Funeral Mass was held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Dillon on Tuesday, July 23 at 12:10 p.m. followed by interment at Mountain View Cemetery. Following interment, a Celebration of Life was held at the St. Rose Family Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Barrett Hospital Home Health & Hospice programs or to a charity of your choice. Condolences can be expressed online at www.brundagefuneralhome.com or by mailing cards to 2145 MT Highway 91 S., Dillon, MT 59725.
Dr. John Charles Garry
1922–2013
John Charles Garry, a longtime Dillon resident, died at Barrett Hospital of natural causes on July 15, 2013.
He was born on the family farm in Lyon County, Minnesota, to Laura Mina Heilig (Garry) and John Thomas Garry on December 20, 1922.
John enlisted in the Marines in WWII, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
During the war he met Agnes Arlene Bovett in Washington D.C., and they were married in June 1946. He pursued his education at the University of Minnesota, where he earned his Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Business.
He was recalled to service during the Korean Conflict and promoted to the rank of Captain.
In September 1952, he joined the faculty at what is now the University of Montana Western, where he taught in the Business Department until his retirement in 1986. John continued his education to receive a Doctorate in Education from the University of North Dakota in 1967.
Dr. Garry was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and many service organizations, including the Dillon Masonic Lodge #16, Lions Clubs International, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Montana and National Educational Associations, and the Montana Retired Teachers. For many years he also served on the Dillon District 10 School Board.
Woodworking, reading, fishing and hunting were among his favorite hobbies. After retirement, he enjoyed regular visits with colleagues and friends for breakfast and afternoon coffee.
John was a kind and gentle man with a quick wit and dry sense of humor. Although a keen punster, he never had a bad word to say about anyone.
He is survived by his children: John A. Garry (Elizabeth) of Torrance, CA, Laurel A. Hagenbarth (Jim) of Dillon and David G. Garry (Nancy) of Aloha, OR. Grandchildren are Marc Hagenbarth, John Hagenbarth (Stephanie), Katherine (Neal) Layne, Phillip Garry and Matthew Garry (Raven). Great grandsons are Hank and Max Hagenbarth, and Carson Layne.
Visitation was at at the Brundage Funeral Home in Dillon from 6–8 p.m. on Sunday, July 21. Funeral services were held at the First Presbyterian Church in Dillon at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 22. Interment followed at Mountain View Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. There is a guestbook available online at www.brundagefuneralhome.com.
Irmgard Killen
1932–2013
Irmgard Anna Frieda Killen (known as “Mutti” to most), of Jackson, died peacefully at home with her family on July 3 after suffering a stroke. She was born on June 20, 1932, to Georg and Ida Engelhardt in Biedenkopf, Germany. Irmgard is survived by: daughters Karin Loewe (Andreas) and Ingeborg “Inge” Peterson (Monte); brother Karl Engelhardt (Sieglinde); grandchilderen Melanie Loewe, Claudia Loewe (Bojan) and Jason Goeltz (Melissa); and great-grandchildren Aspen and Ella Goeltz, and Minou Loewe.
Her life will be celebrated with an afternoon tea at her home in Jackson on Saturday, July 27 at 2 p.m. You can express condolences online at www.brundagefuneralhome.com.
Robert (Bob) Martin Barrett, II
Robert (Bob) Barrett II, 73, of Idaho, and formerly of Minneapolis and Olivia, MN, passed away June 17, 2013. He is survived by: daughters Gail Barrett, Nampa, ID, Kelly (Michael) Robinson, Lakeville, MN, and Robin (Jerad) Hoff, Chandler, AZ; grandchildren Vanessa, Sierra, Jessica and Katy Barrett and Colin and Alex Robinson; brothers Phil and Jim Kircher; and stepfather Wayne Kircher. He was predeceased by mother Phyllis Kircher and father David “Jack” Barrett. Private interment in Dillon, MT. For more information, go to brundagefuneralhome.com or call 406-683-2112.
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