9 minute read
Obituaries
from 11/17/21 issue
Cecile Rathbun
ST. GEORGE, UTAH — Cecile Marie Rathbun, 81, passed away peacefully on Oct. 27, 2021, from health issues at Dixie Hospital in St. George, Utah.
She was born to Ralph Dell Coulter and Ann Marie (Hood) Coulter in Missoula, on April 24, 1940.
As a small child, she had many adventures at the family’s home by McDonald Lake near St. Ignatius, where she attended the Ursuline Catholic School. The family later moved into Charlo where she would graduate from high school in May of 1958. In June of 1958 she married Danny Leroy Arends and out of that union had three children, Dennis Michael Arends (Jolene), William Troy Arends (Flora), and Shelley Arends Samsel (Steve). She later met and married Clark Lewis Choate and had two children, Fredrick Lewis Choate (Rayanne) and Shawna Rae Choate Rodriguez (Onix). On July 29, 1979, she went on to marry the love of her life, Denver Duane Rathbun, and she welcomed his four children, Dennis Rathbun (Kathy), Terry Rathbun (Meredith), Richard Rathbun and Jeff Rathbun (Marissa), into her family.
Although Cecile worked hard at many jobs throughout her life, her primary job was a homemaker. Some fond memories were of her baking bread in their small oven inside juice cans. She would make 27 loaves and rolls, which was quite a feat. Cecile enjoyed cooking holiday family dinners and would often have 20-25 guests.
By far her greatest accomplishment was starting her own business, DeZign by Ceil. She loved to showcase her art by painting the beautiful Montana wildflowers, which she displayed on cards, paintings, as well as women’s clothing. She had an artistic spirit from a young age; she loved to sew, crochet and embroider.
Denver and Cecile built and remodeled many houses in the Polson area, which led to the unmasking of her talent for interior design. There was not a painting technique she didn’t try, in one way or another.
She was very active in her community, where she enjoyed giving back by volunteering at her local church’s thrift store and was also an active member of the local Red Hat Society, where she met some wonderful lifelong friends. Anyone who knew Cecile, knew she was not
one to sit still; she needed to always be doing something. She defiantly did not let her age, or her illness slow her down one bit. She was a spitfire to the very end. Cecile is survived by her sister, Lamay Coulter Southam and her five children, Dennis, William Troy, Shelley, Fred, and Shawna; her four stepCecile children, Denny, Terry, Rathbun Richard, and Jeff; her 19 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Cecile was preceded in death by her husband, Denver Rathbun; her mother and father, Ralph and Ann Coulter; her two sisters, Mary Shilleen Coulter Southam and Virgina Ann Coulter Schoonmaker. Cecile’s wishes were to go home to Montana, where the family will have a celebration of her life in June of 2022, with the date to be determined.
George Garcia Sr.
RONAN — George Emmanuel Garcia Sr. was born in St. Ignatius on May 13, 1945, and went to be with his loving Savior on Nov. 11, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Trinidad and Annie (Courville) Garcia. He was the youngest of eight and a member of the Salish and Kootenai Tribe.
He was also a faithful member for 50 years of the First Baptist Church of Polson, doing many ministries.
He worked hard to provide for his family. Some of his jobs were carpentry, logging, welding, road construction and many other jobs.
He had a passion for hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family. His most important passion was talking to people about his Lord and serving Him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Trudie; and six children: Robin (Ron) Hardy, Gayle (Richard) Johnston, George, Jr. (Toni) Garcia, James (Karen) Garcia, Michael (Lorraine) Garcia, Carl (Mandee) Lozeau; many foster children; and two brothers, Lyle Garcia and Donald Garcia. He had many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death are his parents and five siblings. George will forever be missed by his family, church family and friends.
Services have been held.
Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation. com.
Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
George Garcia Sr.
Dusty Seegers
POLSON — Dusty Seegers, age 56, passed away on Nov. 12, 2021, at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
see page 23
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Riley Cathey
RONAN — Riley Mae Cathey was born on Oct. 22, 2021, at the St. Luke Community Healthcare New Beginnings Birth Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces. Parents are Wacey and Riley Cathey Brittany Cathey of Polson. Paternal grandparents are Joey Cathey and Laurie Gentry of Broadus, Montana and Gillette, Wyoming. Maternal grandparents are Greg and Lynn Gardner of Polson. Riley joins siblings Addison and Jameson.
Patricia Tryon
ST. IGNATIUS — Patricia Agnes Tryon was born on Oct. 27, 2021, at the St. Luke Community Healthcare New Beginnings Birth Center. She weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces. Parents are Doug and Luthea Tryon of St. Ignatius. Paternal grandparents are Duane and Patricia Tryon Marion Tryon of St. Ignatius. Maternal grandparents are Mark and Victoria Braaten of Great Falls. Patricia joins siblings Nicholas and Makylah.
News from the office of
Governor Gianforte
HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte recently launched the 2021 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation and seeks nominations for the award.
“Our veterans and their families have sacrificed so much in defense of our freedoms and our way of life. Even after their time in military service, many Montana veterans have kept the flame of service burning by helping others in their community,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I’m asking Montanans to help me identify and recognize these outstanding Montana veterans, and I look forward to honoring these heroes for their service to our nation and our communities.”
The Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation recognizes outstanding Montana veterans who have selflessly served our country in uniform and made a positive impact in their community.
More information about the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, including how to nominate a Montana veteran, may be found at recognizeveterans.mt.gov.
The deadline for nominating an outstanding Montana veteran is Dec. 31, 2021. Recipients of the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation will be announced and honored in the new year.
For more information regarding the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation, contact Jack O’Brien at 406-4443111 or Jack.OBrien@mt.gov.
from page 22
Regena Ely
PABLO — Regena Fay Ely passed away on Oct. 31, 2021. She was born to George Aldrich and Joan Hawkins, but raised by her dad, Charles Regena Hawkins. Ely She grew up all over the U.S. as an army brat and finally made her permanent home in Montana. Here she met and married Daniel Bisson and later married Steve Ely. She worked eight plus years for St. Luke as a CNA, taking pride in caring for others.
Regena is preceded in death by her parents, Joan and Chuck Hawkins; her brother, Kevin Aldrich; her mother-in-law, Audrey Ely, and her sisterin-law, Kathy Snyder.
She is survived by her children: Charity Bisson, Dani Bisson and Hope Long (Adrian). She has eight grandchildren: Donovan, Julian, Nathaniel, Nehemiah, Josiah, Sadie, Austin and Jazzy. She also has two very special “plus” grandchildren: Jeffrey Partida and Christa Ann Red Crow. Her surviving siblings are Lori Sebestin, Tammy Jo Guardipee, Cindi “Sam” McPherson, Dawne “Peaches” Scott, Keith Hawkins and Cory Hawkins, sister-in-law, Tammy Ely and brotherin-law, Bodie (Bobbie) Ely.
She loved the outdoors, friends and especially her family. She always had a giving hand and was willing to help anyone in need. She also was a funny woman and could take other people’s jokes or pranks, like running from grasshoppers or fake mice. One time someone put some blocks and strings together to make something that looked like a mouse and threw it in her room, while she was watching TV in the dark, and she ran out screaming. Once she saw what it was she was laughing as hard as everyone else. Another funny thing was when she would mishear or mess up words. Charity once asked her, “Would you like a hole dug?” as in hole in the ground dug and Regena replied, “Yea, I want one of them, what’s a holedug?”
She always tried to have a good time with anyone she was around and loved her family very much. The Elys welcomed her and her children into the family immediately and will forever be a part of it.
There was a special place in her heart for all of her nieces and nephews as well as many bonus kids.
Ronan Council Vacancy
The City of Ronan will be accepting applications to fill a term on the Ronan City Council. The term of appointment will commence on January 1, 2022 and expire December 31, 2025. In order to apply to fill the vacant City Council position a person must be a registered voter (U.S citizen age 18 or over). No Person is eligible for the office of council person unless he/she is a resident for at least sixty days. An applicant must reside in Ward 2. Ward 2 includes all that part of the City lying between Highway 93 and 5th Avenue SW. Application forms may be obtained at Ronan City Hall. We encourage eligible citizens to consider this opportunity to serve your community. City Council members are compensated $100.00 per month.
Ronan City Court Clerk Vacancy The City of Ronan is taking applications for the Ronan City Court Clerk position.
Hours are Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pay DOE. Closing Date: Until filled Applications are available at Ronan City Hall, 207 Main SW, Ronan
Property Assessment Visits
Property valuation staff may visit your property during the upcoming tax year to conduct an on-site review for property tax purposes. Please notify your local DOR field office in writing within 30 days of this publication if you wish to be present.
For an appointment or further information, contact your local DOR field office. For locations and contact information, visit MTRevenue.gov or call (406) 444-6900.
