Hamilton – Ann Stanford, 92, was born Anne Marie Roth on July 21, 1924 in Hamilton, to Joe and Margaret Roth. She attended school and graduated from Corvallis. Ann met Frank Stanford, and they were married on August 29, 1946.
After spending their first few months as newlyweds on a ranch just outside of Jackson, MT, Frank and Ann moved up the West Fork to Alta. They lived up Chicken Creek until they moved down to the old Alta Ranger Station. Frank and Ann were the last residents of the Ranger Station at Alta.
Ann was a member of Rebekah Lodge #11 in Hamilton. When Frank’s father, Joe Stanford, gave up the Star Route Stage from Darby to Alta, Ann took it over. She ran the route two days a week for about ten years until the route was extended to six days a week.
In 2010, she and Frank moved to the Bitterroot Living Center in Stevensville. She was cared for by the wonderful staff there right to the end.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Margaret Roth; husband, Frank; brothers, Gordon, Pete, and Joe; sister, Louise; a daughter-in-law and granddaughter. She is survived by son, Wayne (Karin) Stanford of Stevensville; grandson, Shawn (Mendy) Stanford and great-grandchildren, Courtney and Miles of Council, ID; grandson, Chad (Carrie) Stanford and great-grandchildren, Cami and Crue of Billings, MT; son, Dennis Stanford of Hamilton; grandson, James (Allyson) Becker and great-grandchildren, Gidian, Benjamin, Pete, Emily, Elaine of Fort Drum, NY; granddaughter, Melissa (Ricky) Blackmon of Gonzales, LA; grandson, Billie (Wendy) Stanford and great-grandchildren, Andrew, Misty, Austin of Hattiesburg, MS; grandson, Dwayne (Michelle) Stanford and great-granddaughter, Sarina of Rosebud, MT; granddaughter, Denise (Dusty) Brown and great-grandchildren, Byron and Nathan of Miles City, MT; grandson, Ray (Jade) Stanford and great-grandchild Sage of Ronan, MT; and granddaughter, Merrie Stanford of Miles City, MT. Surviving siblings are Jo Hellman of Havre, MT, Helen Logan of Hamilton, George Roth of Aberdeen, WA and Jim Roth, Hamilton; and many nieces and nephews.
The family wants to thank all of the wonderful employees and caregivers at the Living Centre. Your attention and caring for both Ann and Frank are greatly appreciated.
Interment will take place at the Corvallis Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.