Obituaries

SAINT IGNATIUS — Donna Lynn Rawhouser, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Heavenly Father at the age of 69, on Friday, June 28, 2024, at her home in Saint Ignatius. She continues to be loved and remembered by her mother, husband of 35 years, two daughters, grandson and all who knew what a bright light she was. A “little old lady from Pasadena,” she enjoyed being an avid community member in Saint Ignatius who loved working at the senior center. She will be remembered for her bravery, strength, humor, and grace.  

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA — Merle was an amazing and kind woman who loved her family above all. Merle Elaine Walling passed on June 23, 2024. Born on Oct.12, 1937, in Pasadena, California, to parents, Gwindon and Anna Elizabeth Spindt, she was the oldest of three children with brother David and sister So...

POLSON — Ayden Willie Luper peacefully entered his eternal home on June 15, 2024, after a courageous four-year battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma. He passed as he lived surrounded by family and friends while loving and praising Jesus. Ayden was born on Feb. 2, 2007. Ayden had just finished his junior...

POLSON — Mary Janet Swanson Vail, on Sunday, June 16, 2024, slipped peacefully into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father, at the age of 91. She was born on Dec. 15, 1932, on a snowy day, to Frank and Rachel Swanson at Mason County General Hospital in Shelton, Washington.  Janet graduated from...

TUCSON, ARIZONA — Richard “Dick” Flagg Ayres, Jr. passed away peacefully on June 19, 2024, surrounded by his family in Tucson, Arizona. He is predeceased by his father, Richard Flagg Ayres, Sr.; mother, Sarah Ayres; stepmother, Jane Ayres; sister, Susanne Graves; brother, Robert Ayres; and ...

KALISPELL — Tait William Humble passed away June 11, 2024, at his home in Kalispell. Tait was thriving and healthy, which makes his death of natural cause a complete shock. He was born on Oct. 27, 1977, in Missoula, one minute after his twin sister, Cassie Ann Cooper. Her beating him in the race to sta...

RONAN — Sally Deane Bailey Cook, born July 18, 1938, passed away May 19, 2024, at the age of 85, in Missoula, of natural causes. Sally was the daughter of Art and Blanche (Noble) Bailey. She grew up in Valley View. She shared her home with three older sisters and one younger brother. JoAnne Bailey Finc...

AMARILLO, TEXAS — Joseph Elden Cullen peacefully passed away on February 12, 2024, in Amarillo, Texas. He was born on Feb. 24, 1940, to Laurence ‘Tut’ and Edna Cullen in Ronan. He graduated from high school in 1958 and married Linda Heppner in Polson on Aug. 26, 1961. After high school, Joe...

POLSON — Elsie Mae (Funk) Brown, age 95, passed away at her home in Polson on Feb. 6, 2024. She was born on Aug. 14, 1928, in Joplin, Montana, to Waldo and Verna (Sauer) Funk. She attended schools in Joplin. Elsie met Deane Brown in Whitefish while he was serving in the U.S. Navy. Deane and Elsie we...

VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON — Marnee Kieckbush passed away in Vancouver, Washington on June 10, 2024. She was born on Oct. 19, 1932, in Helena. She lived in Ronan from 1982-1999 and co-owned the K-Klub in Pablo with her father and sister from 1982-1986. She was a huge Montana Griz fan. She then moved to Vanc...