Obituaries

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 year at Mission Valley Christian Academy, where he loved playing soccer and basketball. He enjoyed playing on the lake and laughing with family and friends. He was very passionate about serving others in the name of Jesus, from third world countries to his own back yard. His prayer and deepest desire were for everyone to know and love Jesus.  Ayden is survived by his parents, Aa...

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...

RONAN — William C. Hocker passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on May 29, 2024, at 7:43 a.m. of natural causes at 100 years of age. He was born on March 23, 1924, in Helena. His parents were Almon Hocker and Mamie Marie Hocker of Ronan. William graduated from Ronan High School in 194...

LIBBY — After a two-year crusade against esophageal cancer, Bruce Timothy Moog was called to be with Christ on April 9, 2024, at home with daughter, Andrea D. Moog and wife, Sandra L. Moog by his side. Bruce joined his five siblings, Robert, Gary, Daren, Mick, and Shila to become the sixth blessing ...