Thomas J. Furnandiz
1927-2012
Tom Furnandiz was born in Rigby, ID on April 23, 1927, to Thomas and Susan Furnandiz. His early years were spent in eastern Idaho, attending various schools and working on farms and ranches scattered around Palasades, Erwin, Ririe, Rigby, Grays Lake, Idaho, as well as northern Wyoming. He served in World War II, enlisting in the Navy on April 10, 1945, and receiving his Honorable Discharge on August 10, 1946.
He later met Darlene Cromwell and they married April 25, 1949. They then began to work on various ranches and the next year briefly moved to Kansas City, MO, where he attended and graduated from Automotive Service Training, returning to Butte to work in the mines. In 1952, they moved to the Jackson, Montana area, working on several different ranches and working for a grazing association as a rider and cattle herder during the summers up Big Swamp Creek and the Twin Lakes areas of the Big Hole Valley.
Tom and his family moved to the old Carrol/Burton ranch up Warm Springs Creek (just east of Jackson) in 1963, leasing the ranch until 1972, when they purchased the operation, where they lived and worked until 2004, when they sold the ranch and “retired” to Dillon.
Tom was preceded in death by his father, mother and a younger brother, Max. He is survived by his wife, Darlene, and son, Marvin, of Dillon, and a sister, Marion Cook, who lives in Idaho, a sister-in-law and brother-in-Law, Eileen and Ron Hall of Roberts, ID, sisters-in-law Kaye Schultz of Thayne, WY, and Myra Bare of Bound Brook, NJ, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.
No funeral services are planned. A Celebration of Life is planned for spring or early summer of 2013.
In place of flowers, anyone who so wishes may make donations in Tom’s name to Barrett Hospital Home Health & Hospice, or any other charity of choice.
Joan Marie (Harper) Griffith
1952-2012
Our Mother, Joan Marie (Harper) Griffith passed away at home October 24, 2012. Her feisty red-headed spirit will be greatly missed.
Joan was born February 11, 1952 to Ernestine and James Harper, and grew up as the youngest of six siblings on a farm in Lima, MT. Having an independent spirit from the beginning, she told stories of helping her father feed the sheep by driving the truck in the field, and also of riding her horse to her friends’ house alone – all before she was old enough to be in school. Joan’s mother was her first grade school teacher, and our Mom said she was bored in class because Grandma had already taught her everything. Growing up she enjoyed her dance performances, and she enjoyed spending summers with her older sister Doreen while taking care of her adored nieces.
In 1969 Joan married Paul Griffith, who preceded her in death in 1986. Joan and Paul built a log home in Florence and raised their children, Gregg, Paula and Jody there. Through her skills of gardening, sewing and cooking she created a nice home and held many family gatherings.
Mom was very active in our lives, volunteering to go on school field trips, attending our sporting or school events, and was a leader for Boy Scouts, Campfire Girls, and Girl Scouts – whatever group we were involved in. Our cherished family activities included camping, playing card games, and dancing while Mom sang and played the guitar.
In the early 80’s Joan began her career as a tax preparer working for H&R Block, and eventually owned her own tax preparation business with many loyal clients.
In 1987, Joan met Ken Grenfell and for many years they were very close.
After moving to Missoula in 1991, she owned Mr. C’s Lounge for a time, developing many relationships with people throughout Missoula.
Finally in 2007 she was blessed with her first grandchild Hannah, followed by her second grandchild Emma in 2010. Both Hannah and Emma were the apple of her eye, and brought her much joy and happiness.
Mom was good at keeping in touch and was a lively conversationalist. It was fun to talk to her and find out how everyone in the family was doing. A rebel at heart, she did things her way, and fought to the end. We bless you and will always miss and remember you. Thank you for being our Mom. We love you.
Visitation will be held on Monday from 12-2 p.m., and funeral services will be held 2 p.m. at the Garden City Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Missoula Cemetery.
Charles Feldhaus
1962-2012
Charles was born in Mobile, Alabama, the eighth child of Patricia & Paul Feldhaus, a loving son, brother, brother-in-law and uncle.
Charles was most passionate about artistic endeavors, colorful gardens, cooking and his constant companion, Flip. He was a graduate of CSU Chico and had careers in banking and landscaping.
A Celebration of life for Charles was held on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at the home of his sister, Paula Hulen, 192 Estates Drive, Chico.
Charles is survived by his mother, Patricia Feldhaus; his siblings--Mark Feldhaus, Kathy Kirkley, Paula Hulen, David (Tracey) Feldhaus, Linda Feldhaus Holmes, Bill (Yvonne) Feldhaus, Stephen Feldhaus and Fred Feldhaus; 15 nieces and nephews, his good friend, Ray Russ, and many friends who will miss him deeply.
His father, Paul, preceded him in 2005.
A special thank you to Dr. Prather for adopting Flip.
Wells H. Gage, Jr.
1921-2012
Wells H. Gage, Jr. 90, died Aug. 27, 2012. He was born on Oct. 1, 1921 in Page, N.D. He has joined his wife Yvonne “Ann” Gage who passed on June 12, 2012. Wells was a retired Assembly of God Pastor. Together he and Yvonne ministered with pastorates in North Dakota, Montana, Oregon and Alaska.
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