Obituaries

ST. IGNATIUS — Ilene Ann Smith passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2020, at her home in Polson, following a long battle with chronic lung disease. She was born on Jan.20, 1933. in Polson. She was the third child, with two older brothers.   Ilene graduated from high school in St. Ignatius. She married the love of her life, Wesley William Leishman, on Nov. 3, 1951. They had five children: Mike, Philip (Mary), Janet (Will), Joyce (Jim), and JoLynn. Her husband passed too soon in September of 1989.   In addition to the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren; Ilene is survived by her sister-in-law Donna and her husband, nieces and nephew...

YAKIMA, WASHINGTON — Kenneth Wayne Mikkelsen was born on Jan. 19, 1930, in Shelley, Idaho, to Ole Sophus and Eva Holm Mikkelsen. At the age of four the family moved to a farm in St. Ignatius. He attended St. Ignatius schools, graduating in 1948. Later he went to work at a sawmill in Lincoln. He passed ...

RONAN — John Welker, 59, passed away on April 20 at his residence in Ronan.     He was born in Polson to Jerry Welker and Ella Hintz. John met the love of his life, Julie Clover, in Lakeside, Montana. John and Julie got married Aug. 8, 1980. They were blessed with three wonderful chil...

RONAN — Raquel Rae Hunt passed away on Feb. 11, 2020, surrounded by her family, after a courageous fight with cancer, at the age of 64. She is a remarkable woman who will be missed dearly. Rae’s story began on June 17, 1955, when Nancy and Bill Grisamer welcomed their fourth child. Rae cherish...

MISSOULA — Betty was born on Feb. 6, 1936, in St. Ignatius, to Agnes and Fon Dixon. Mom attended elementary school in Arlee and St. Ignatius then attended high school at Hot Springs High School as Grandpa moved from one job location to another. Mom graduated from Hot Springs in 1954 then moved to Spoka...