CHS Inc. owners in Montana are sharing in an unprecedented up to $258 million disbursement as a result of the leading energy and grain-based foods company's record fiscal 2006 earnings. It marks the third consecutive record return to owners by CHS and is the largest ever made by a U.S. cooperative. The distribution was made to nearly 5,000 member cooperatives and individuals in Montana.

The distribution underway is part of a total $258 million being distributed in 48 states. It includes cash patronage, equity redemption and CHS preferred stock issued as equity redemption. Patronage refunds also include a record 14.8 cents-per-gallon paid to eligible customers who purchased gasoline, diesel and other refined fuels from CHS during its fiscal 2006, a total of $99 million in cash on refined fuels purchases. CHS is the nation's largest member-owned energy company.

"This record return represents one of the most important ways we can deliver on our CHS mission of adding value for all of our stakeholders," said Michael Toelle, CHS board chairman. "The strong performance the company achieved during fiscal 2006 has enabled CHS to continue to grow, to be financially sound and to provide a return on our owners‚ investment in diverse businesses ranging from energy to grain marketing to food processing."

CHS net income for its fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2006, was $490.3 million.

During 2007, distributions are being made to 1,325 member companies and more than 37,000 individuals. Patronage is based on business done with CHS during fiscal 2006, while equity redemptions and preferred stock distributions represent retirement of ownership in CHS earned in past years.

CHS Inc. (www.chsinc.com) is a diversified energy, grains and foods company committed to providing the essential resources that enrich lives. A Fortune 500 company, CHS is owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest and from the Canadian border to Texas, along with thousands of preferred stockholders. CHS provides products and services ranging from grain marketing to food processing to meet the needs of customers around the world. It also operates petroleum refineries/pipelines and, through a broad range of working partnerships, markets and distributes Cenex® brand energy products and renewable fuels, along with agronomic inputs and livestock feed to rural America. CHS is listed on the NASDAQ at CHSCP.

Veltkamp joins American Angus Association

Sterling Veltkamp, Stevensville, is a new junior member of the American Angus Association, reports John Crouch, executive vice president of the national organization with headquarters in Saint Joseph, Missouri.

Junior members of the Association are eligible to register cattle in the American Angus Association, participate in programs conducted by the National Junior Angus Association and take part in Association sponsored shows and other national and regional events.

The American Angus Association is the largest beef registry association in the world, with more than 34,000 active adult and junior members.

L B Farms joins American Angus Assn.

L B Farms, Stevensville, is a new member of the American Angus Association, reports John Crouch, executive vice president of the national breed registry organization in Saint Joseph, Missouri.

The American Angus Association, with more than 34,000 active adult and junior members, is the largest beef cattle registry Association in the world. Its computerized records include detailed information on more than 14 million registered Angus.

The Association records ancestral information and keeps production records on individual animals for its members. These permanent records help members select and mate the best animals in their herds to produce high quality, efficient breeding cattle which are then recorded with the American Angus Association. Most of these registered Angus are used by the U.S. farmers and ranchers who raise high quality beef for U.S. consumption.

National Forest campgrounds open

There are no better days, and nights, to enjoy your National Forests than the first warm weekends in the spring, and Bitterroot National Forest crews are out in full force readying Forest Service campgrounds and day use sites for the new season of use.

From north to south, here’s a run down of which primary areas are open for your use.

Located northwest of Stevensville, the Bass Creek Recreation Area, including Charles Waters Campground, is open with full services, as is the Blodgett Campground west of Hamilton.

The RV sites in the Lake Como Lower Campground are open with full services. The remainder of the Lake Como Recreation Area are also open. Day use fees and campground fees at the Rock Creek Horse Camp and Upper Como Campground will begin Friday, May 25.

“The Lake Como boat dock was set up on April 30th, the earliest we have had the high water and good weather to install the dock since 1997,” stated Mary Laws, Recreation Program Manager. “In most years, we set up the dock in mid to late May, with our first busy boating day on Father's Day. Last weekend, use was more like a June weekend than the last of April.”

Campgrounds in the south end of the valley including Spring Gulch, Warm Springs, and Indian Trees campground are now open. Other sites including Martin Creek Campground, Jennings Campground and Crazy Creek Campgrounds are open with no services.

Campgrounds and boating sites on the West Fork of the Bitterroot are open but many, including the Fales Flat, Sam Billings, Rombo and Alta campgrounds, are under construction. The campgrounds will remain open and Forest managers ask that recreationists use caution around equipment and work sites while FS crews make improvements to better serve the public.

Skalkaho Highway remains closed, with an anticipated open date of May 31. The road to Paradise is open.

Forest offices are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. throughout the week. Call any one of the District Offices or the Forest headquarters at 363-7100 for additional information about road, trails and recreation site conditions.

FWP Commission seeks public comment

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on tentative revisions to rules on the personal possession of exotic wildlife, including fees for permits. A public meeting will be held May 30 in Helena.

The FWP Commission is required by law to classify exotic species into controlled, non-controlled or prohibited categories and to manage any associated permitting.

"Two frog families and two scorpion species were tentatively approved as noncontrolled and the commission tentatively approved adding Old World monkeys, giant constrictor snakes, alligators and crocodiles, quagga mussels and three exotic fish species to the list of species prohibited from being brought into Montana," said Eileen Ryce, FWP's aquatic nuisance species coordinator.

Ryce said that a tentative fee of $25 was approved by the FWP Commission to obtain or renew a permit to possess a controlled species. A tentative fee of $100 was set to obtain or renew a permit to sell, breed, or exchange a controlled species. The permits must be renewed annually.

Ryce said that many exotic species remain to be classified. The import, possession and sale of exotic species is regulated in order to minimize the potential health and safety risks that these species may present to humans, wildlife, livestock and agriculture.

A full list of classified exotic species is available at FWP's web site at fwp.mt.gov/wildthings/exotics/. Public comment on the proposed rule changes may be made until June 7 by email to: fwpexotics@mt.gov or by mail to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Attn: Beth Giddings, P.O. Box 200701, Helena MT 59620. The May 30 public meeting will be at 7 p.m. at the FWP Headquarters Building, 1420 E. Sixth Ave., in Helena.

Ryce said that exotic species not yet classified cannot be imported into Montana. Forms to petition for classification of an exotic species are available by calling 406-444-2449.

All animals imported into the state also require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection from an accredited veterinarian and an import permit from the Montana Department of Livestock.

Gash Fire Salvage/Reforestation decision signed

Stevensville District Ranger Dan Ritter has signed the Gash Fire Salvage and Reforestation Project decision.

The Gash Fire Salvage and Reforestation Project is located approximately 4 miles west of Victor in the South Gash Creek and Smith Creek drainages. The need for this action resulted from the Gash Creek Fire which started west of Victor in July 2006. The wildfire burned approximately 8,500 acres with nearly a third of the fire, or about 2700 acres, burned at moderate to high severity levels.

The project authorizes salvage harvesting of dead and dying trees on 250 acres or less, the construction of approximately a half mile of temporary road, the construction of two one-acre helicopter landings, and tree planting on 462 acres. Eight units, ranging in size from 19 to 46 acres, will be logged using skyline cable, tractor and helicopter systems. Harvesting is scheduled to begin this fall with the planting to occur in two years after the seedlings can be grown.

For more information contact Dan Ritter at 777-5461, Sue Macmeeken, Interdisciplinary Team Leader, at 363-7151, or Nan Christianson, Forest Public Affairs Officer, at 363-7113.s

Montana's average annual wage growth largest since 1982

Montana's average annual wage per job grew 4.9% to a preliminary estimate of $30,596. This was the largest year-to-year increase since 1982. Growth was spread evenly across most industries, with only mining experiencing a double-digit increase. "Montana workers are reaping the rewards of a strong labor market," said Commissioner Keith Kelly. "Wages are still staying ahead of inflation in spite of rising food and energy prices."

The state's unemployment rate remained the lowest in the nation for the second consecutive month. Montana's unemployment rate increased slightly to 2.2%, though this did not represent a statistically significant shift in the series. Unemployment rates for other regional states showed North Dakota at 3.3%, South Dakota at 3.4%, Wyoming at 2.9%, and Idaho at 2.8%.

The consumer price index increased 0.4% between March and April, following a 0.6% increase the previous month. Montana employment grew by 2,900 jobs between March and April to 445,500. This represented a change of 0.66%. Job growth was strongest in the Leisure and Hospitality and Accommodation and Food Service Industries. Total U.S. non-farm employment grew by 88,000 over the month, which was equal to a change of 0.06%.

Stevi after-school program celebrates Space Day

The week of May 14, students at the Stevensville After School Program joined with more than 500 other schools around the world by signing Student Signatures in Space posters to celebrate Space Day 2007!

Student Signatures in Space provides elementary and middle school students the opportunity to send their digitized signatures into space and feel a personal involvement with the crew and the mission. Jointly sponsored by NASA and Lockheed Martin, this is one program of the award-winning Space Day educational initiative.

"Student Signatures in Space is a great way to interest kids in technical studies," said Barbara Reinike, Space Day program manager for Lockheed Martin. "The signatures project provides students a personal connection to the space program. Teachers can then capitalize on their students' interest and enthusiasm through follow-up space-related lesson plans that incorporate math and science activities." The students at the After School Program read books about space travel, learned about constellations, did outer space themed art projects and played games involving space, math and science.

The Space Shuttle mission to carry this year's signatures will be selected this summer. The mission carrying the signatures is usually one that occurs in the fall when school is back in session so that teachers can follow the mission together with their students in the classroom.

After the signatures return from space, the poster will be returned for permanent display to the Stevensville Elementary School along with a flight certificate and picture of the crew that carried the signatures into space.

Since the program began in 1997, more than 4 million students have participated in Student Signatures in Space. The mission of Space Day is to use space-related activities to inspire and prepare youth for careers in math, science, engineering, and technology. Throughout the year, millions of students, teachers, parents and space enthusiasts participate in Space Day educational programs and celebrations across North America.

More information about Space Day is available online at www.spaceday.org.

Sprouting a Seed Bank

Do you think a seed bank serving the Bitterroot (and beyond) would be worthwhile? If so, you are invited to join a discussion about one. The first step is to add your name and email address to a growing email list serve. Send a message to lcampbell@bitterroot.net to get on the list.

Seed saving is an essential part of a local food economy and future food security. Dependence on distant seed sources is becoming more of a gamble. Locally grown, locally proven varieties contribute to more dependable and productive crops.

A virtual seed bank, via the internet, where members offer seed for sale or exchange as well as share information about what does well here, how to cultivate and save seed, etc. will be posted on the website, www.sustainablelivingsystems.org .

If you are interested in helping to sprout a seed bank, send a message to get on the email discussion list serve as mentioned above. Your name and address will not appear on messages from the list serve.

Montana cows test positive for brucellosis

A cow shipped from Baker, Montana tested positive for brucellosis last week, according to Governor Schweitzer and the Montana Department of Livestock.

“We are concerned about our brucellosis-free status,” said Governor Schweitzer. “Federal and state agencies are investigating the test results now and we will continue to work toward solutions to keep Montana’s brucellosis free status.”

The state maintains its brucellosis-free status until two herds test positive under federal guidelines. If Montana loses status, all adult cattle going out-of-state will be brucellosis-tested at the owner’s expense. “If we lose our status we will be looking at ways to help ease the burden on private livestock owners,” said Governor Schweitzer.

Investigation Timeline

May 1, 2007 - 51 head of Angus cows were tested for brucellosis in Baker, MT for destination to Iowa.

May 4, 2007 - 1 cow tests positive

May 8, 2007 - Cow was euthanized at Iowa State University. Blood samples were positive for brucellosis

May 16, 2007 - Trace-back herd of 301 cows in Bridger, MT were tested at the Mt Department of Livestock Diagnostic Lab

May 18, 2007 - Blood tests from trace-back herd: 6 of 10 are positive for brucellosis

May 18, 2007 - Investigation continues.

The cattle originated from a ranch where Yellowstone bison had not commingled. The likelihood of the source being Yellowstone bison is remote. In recent years both Idaho and Wyoming have lost their brucellosis-free status.

“I will continue to work with the livestock industry, conservationists, and the federal agencies that bear responsibility for managing the Park – the last remaining reservoir of the brucellosis threat. We must provide real risk management for Montana’s cattle industry and manage bison and elk with the respect they deserve,” said Governor Schweitzer.

Over the past couple years Governor Schweitzer has offered his ideas for maintaining better separation between bison and the approximately 700 units of cattle near the Park in order to protect the status of the 2.5 million head of cattle throughout the rest of the state:

• Establishment of a small, specialized area near the Park where stricter management protocols for cattle would apply—100% test in, 100% test out. In exchange, USDA-APHIS would agree that Montana would not lose its brucellosis-free status should two herds become infected inside that designated area.

• Negotiation of grazing leases with private landowners near the Park that compensate them for grazing only non-ruminant animals until brucellosis is eradicated—or even permanent purchase of grazing rights or other management agreements that landowners find reasonable. Whatever the mechanism, agreements would be voluntary, and the federal government would need to provide fair-plus compensation.

• Funding of further research into a more effective brucellosis vaccine, and into more effective vaccine delivery methods.

Visit www.mt.gov/liv for more information on brucellosis.

Montanans may find more Montana-grown food in state facilities

The Food Court at the University of Montana was the perfect setting for Governor Brian Schweitzer to sign into law a bill making it easier for the state's colleges, public schools, hospitals and prisons to buy and serve food produced in Montana.

"Montana Food to Institutions" is a bill that won broad bi-partisan support, even in the contentious 2007 legislature. Spending nearly $33 million on food annually, Montana’s public institutions are a nearly untapped market for Montana’s farmers, ranchers, and food processors.

The bill was sponsored by Senator Don Steinbeisser (R-Sidney), and co-sponsored by Senator Carol Williams (D-Missoula). Williams was present at the signing on Friday May 18, and called this "a very big bill for Montana's farmers, ranchers, and communities."

"Better markets for local producers can alleviate Montana’s severe problem of losing our working lands," Williams explained.

The statewide Grow Montana coalition, led by the National Center for Appropriate Technology, initiated this and other legislation that makes Montana-grown and processed food available in Montana.

"In our state’s recent past, today’s event would not be news," said Nancy Matheson, Project Director of Grow Montana. "Through the 1940s, nearly 70 percent of the food Montanans ate was grown in Montana. Today, that number is around 10 percent."

The University of Montana showcased Montana foods during a reception after the signing. Featured were Montana burgers, huckleberry shakes, and sherbet--along with melons grown in Dixon, Montana. UM leads the state in purchasing food from Montanans for its cafeteria, food court, and catering.

Since 2003, UM has returned nearly $1.5 million to Montana farmers, ranchers and processors.

Pam Clevenger sells apples grown on her Stevensville area orchard to UM.

"Over the past 15 years," she said, "we’ve struggled to find markets for our apples.We were elated to find such a big market so close to home."

Missoula County Public Schools, Salish Kootenai College in Pablo, UM Western in Dillon, and Montana State University in Bozeman all have launched similar initiatives with the support of Grow Montana.

The new law provides an optional exemption for Montana-produced food from state procurement laws. This means that public institutional food services may choose Montana high quality food over food that may be cheaper, but also may be of lesser quality and originate from places unknown.

For more information about Grow Montana and finding access to local food, visit www.growmontana.ncat.org.

Back Country Horsemen

The Back Country Horsemen of Montana recently held their annual convention in Lewistown. Approximately 200 members, delegates, visitors, and speakers attended. The convention was a three-day affair with speakers, presentations, and vendors all relating to the use of saddle and pack stock in the wilderness and back country. Subjects such as Leave No Trace Ethics of Camping, Wolf Management and Protection of Livestock from Wolves, Forest Service issues, Wilderness Designation for the Rocky Mountain Front; Off Road Vehicle Reform, Forest Travel Plans, and the Northern Rocky Mountain Ecosystem for the Grizzly Bear Study were all presented. The Bitterroot Back Country Horsemen chapter from Hamilton was represented by the following delegates: Bill Black, Jack Emory, Brad and Nancy Pollman, Tom Frazier, Mike Jorgenson, Chuck Miller, and Lenny Standish. Also, from the Hamilton area, the Selway/Pintler BCH chapter was represented by the following delegates: Julie Schram, Larissa Truc, Helen Engle, and Joe and Kathy Hundley. Next year's convention will be held in Great Falls.

Big Creek Lakes Assn. by Louise Langton

The Big Creek Lakes Water Users Association had its annual meeting on Saturday, May 4 at the Victor Senior Center. There were 27 in attendance although there are over 80 shareholders that have shares in Big Creek Lakes water.

President Jack Buker, Jim Clark, Mark Wood, and Stan Kastens gave reports. Kay Buker Neal read the minutes of the 2006 meeting and the treasurer's report. Ed Hauser, water commissioner, gave a complete report of his work on ditches during the summer irrigation season.

All the present officers were reelected to their positions. Jack Buker will be president, Kay Buker Neal will be secretary-treasurer. Directors are Jack Buker, Kay Neal, Mark Wood, Stan Kastens and Jim Clark. Ed Hauser will be the water commissioner again.

Carroll College Dean’s List

Carroll College in Helena named 372 students to its 2007 spring semester dean’s list. To be included on the dean’s list, a student must receive a 3.5 grade point average or better for the semester and take at least 12 credits. The following local students were named to the 2007 spring semester dean’s list (if the student has earned a 4.0 g.p.a., it is noted after their name).

Corvallis: Jamie Raaum (4.0)

Florence: Catherine Redfern, Benjamin Noland (4.0).

Bitter Root Days spaces available

Bitter Root Days are fast approaching at the Ravalli County Museum in Hamilton. Have you reserved your space yet? Festivities begin Saturday, June 9 with an expanded Farmers and Art & Craft Market beginning at 9 a.m. and going until 3 p.m. This is one of two markets at the Museum in which commercial businesses may also participate, and an opportunity to market services and goods.

A 10' by 10' booth space is $50.00 for this one day show to vendors; non-profits may rent a space for $35.00, and regular Hamilton Farmers Market vendors also receive the reduced rate. There is a $5 additional charge for the limited electric outlets available.

Bitter Root Days is the only event in the state that celebrates our state flower, the bitterroot, Lewisia Rediviva. The Museum also recognizes the Bitter Root Valley, the river and the mountains. Hundreds of bitterroot blossoms will decorate the Museum, and the plants will be for sale.

For more information or to receive a registration form, contact the Museum at rcmuseum@cybernet1.com, or call 363-3338 Thursday through Monday.

Obituaries

Marlene Evonne Squires
1934-2007

Marlene Evonne Squires, 72, formerly of Stevensville, died on Sunday, May 6, 2007 at her home in Missoula, of congestive heart failure.

She was born on May 10, 1934 in New England, North Dakota, the daughter of Peter Staat, Jr. and Barbara (Zehne) Staat.

She graduated from Stevensville High School. Marlene married Gordon Squires of Stevensville in 1953. They had three daughters, Dianne, Joanne, and Marilyn. The couple later divorced after 17 years of marriage.

Marlene was employed at Marcus Daly Hospital in Hamilton for 14 years as a nurse's aide. After her working career she involved herself in volunteer work with Hospice and Bargain Corner. Marlene loved artwork. She enjoyed needlework and painting and belonged to an artwork guild for several years. She was hostess to painting sessions at her home as well as meeting at other members' homes and a local community center.

Marlene was involved in a seniors' Bible study and was an active member of Christian Life Center of Missoula. She was an avid bowler in her younger years, and belonged to a women's bowling league and proudly achieved a 600 series on more than one occasion.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her daughters: Dianne Edinger, Florence; Joanne Squires Shively, Missoula; Marilyn (Regis) McIntyre, Frenchtown.

Also surviving are brothers and sisters: Richard (Ethel) Staat, Missoula; Ed (Betty) Staat, LaPine, OR; Leo Staat, Stevensville; Lorraine (Don) Massey and Chuck Staat, Anaconda; Elaine (Raymond) Dove, Berkeley, CA; Fred (Rose) Staat, Hayward, CA; Ted (Dolores) Staat, Castro Valley, CA; Carol Cooper, Stevensville; Randy (Linda) Staat, Spokane, WA; four grandchildren: Rachelle (Mike) Thompson, Andrea (Curtis) Sivak, Shelby Shively, all of Missoula and Branden Shively, Burbank, CA, and two great grandchildren, Kiana and Kayden Sivak, and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, May 15 at the Whitesitt Funeral Home with Pastor Gregory Ammondson officiating. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery, Stevensville. A reception followed.

Michael R. O'Brien
1921-2007

Michael R. O'Brien, 85, of Stevensville, passed away Wednesday, May 2, at his home of natural causes.

Mike was born on August 28, 1921 in Bremerton, Washington to Dennis and Ruth O'Brien. His childhood was spent on the South Bay beaches of Southern California where he developed a lifelong love of the ocean. He graduated from Redondo Beach High School in 1938 and was a highly decorated high school swimmer.

The second in a three-generation legacy of Los Angeles County Beach Lifeguards, Mike followed in his father's footsteps and began his lifeguarding career in 1945. In 1978 he retired as Captain of the Baywatch Rescue Boat Division and is credited with the design of the original Baywatch rescue boat. His son Kerry continued the O'Brien legacy of lifeguard.

Mike served in WWII from 1942-1944 in the Army Air Force and flew missions in Africa and Europe where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart medal.

Mike loved animals, especially his little dog, Malcolm, and his horses Missy and Abbey. He could never turn away a stray animal in need of a home and was known to have quite a large menagerie at times. He loved watching the deer on his property and had names for the most frequent visitors. He also enjoyed watching Formula One and sprint car races, football, John Wayne and he could fix and build anything he set his mind to.

As a young man Mike was an original member of the Malaga Cove Surfing Club. His interests back then included scuba diving, airplanes, surfing, his Model A, dancing to the Big Bands of the 1940s and promoting new water rescue techniques. He will be dearly missed by his wife, children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Lorraine and Patricia and wife of 25 years, Mo.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Molly; daughter Michelle O'Brien Tanner of San Jose, CA, daughter Kim McNerney of Carbondale, CO, son Kerry (Rosanna) of Malibu, CA, son Ian Miwa of Portland, OR, daughter Emily Miwa-Vogan (Jerry Vogan) of Stevensville, and five grandchildren: Rani, Canyon, Keanu, Sophia, Grace and Wesley James.

Memorial services will be held in Southern California with an internment of ashes at sea off of Redondo Beach, from one of the Baywatch boats he designed.

Cremation has taken place by Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville.

Alvin B. & Lena M. Swigert

Alvin B. Swigert 83, and his wife Lena M. Swigert, 87, both passed away in the year 2006.

Memorial graveside services will be conducted at the Victor Cemetery on Saturday, May 26, at 12 noon with Pastor Greg Shank officiating. Military Honors by VFW Post #1507 will be presented.

A potluck reception will be held at the Victor Senior Citizens Center at 1 p.m. following graveside services.

The Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville is in charge of arrangements.

Joseph Thomas McCullough
1949-2007

Joseph Thomas McCullough, 58, of Florence, died on Friday, May 18, 2007 at Missoula Community Hospital of natural causes.

He was born on January 30, 1949 at Latrobe, Pennsylvania and was the son of Joseph Charles and Cathrine Louise (Bitner) McCullough.

Joe was a lifelong horseman and trainer, accomplished farrier and ranch manager, and was a non-commercial realtor. He was a member of the NRA and National Cutting Hose Association.

He and Cheryl recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in April, 2007. Joe was a loving husband and a great father. Life with him was always an adventure. He will be sorely missed.

His parents preceded him in death as well as his sister Jane Amunson. Also preceding him was his favorite horse, Bambi and his favorite dog, Daisy.

Joe is survived by his wife Cheryl and sons Mathew and Kyle McCullough, all of Florence; a niece Susan Pierce and nephew Dave Amunson, both of California.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Joe's name to the American Heart Association or to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

At this time there are no formal services scheduled. The Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville is in charge of arrangements.

Lorena H. Leavitt
1943-2007

Lorena H. Leavitt, 64, of Stevensville passed away at her home on Friday, May 11, 2007.

She was born in Los Angeles, California on January 27, 1943 and was the daughter of Loren B. and Alice Marie (Thompson) Wilmovsky.

She received an Associates of Arts Degree from Pasadena City College in 1963 and an LPN nursing degree from the University of Montana in 1990.

Lorena married David Leavitt in 1974 until 2003, they have remained good friends throughout her life. Lorena loved the Bitterroot Valley, all her cats and was a loving mother and grandmother.

Lorena's parents preceded her in death.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Karl and Trish Leavitt, and grandchildren Joshua and Jacob Leavitt. Also surviving are sisters Patricia Ramirez, Diana Frontino and Wanda Arrighi.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 19, at 2 p.m. at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness, in Florence.

The Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville is in charge of cremation arrangements.

Ethel Florence Stewart
1912-2007

Ethel Florence Stewart, 95, of Stevensville, died at her home on Thursday, May 17, 2007.

She was born on February 15, 1912 in Chicago, Illinois to Gustav and Margaret (Blank) Piper.

On June 11, 1938 she married Stewart G. Stewart, Sr.; they lived in Illinois before moving to Montana in May, 1966. They moved to Stevensville in 1974. Ethel belonged to the Missoula Rose Society, Good Sams Club, United Methodist Church, enjoyed gardening, painting and handcrafts. Throughout her life she was actively involved with 4-H clubs, her church teaching Sunday school and other volunteer work. She loved her family and enjoyed working with children.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband in 1988, and a sister.

Survivors include her sons, Stewart G. (Butch) and Kathy Stewart, Stevensville and Melvin and Ruby Stewart, Florence; a daughter Margaret and Gordon Blietz of Stevensville; and a sister Vilna Jaster of Chicago, Illinois. Also surviving are nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at the Stevensville United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 26, at 3 p.m. with Nancy Slabaugh-Hart officiating. A reception will follow at the church.

Should friends desire, memorials are asked to Aspen Hospice or the United Methodist Church, Stevensville.

The Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville is in charge of arrangements.

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