In remembrance: Ravalli obituaries published Dec. 25-31
HAMILTON - Sonja Sipes Skinner passed Dec. 1, 2017 surrounded by her family. She was a loved mother, sister, daughter, aunt, grandma and great-grandma. Sonja was born in Missoula to Burton and Vere “Honey” Sipes Jan. 19, 1938. Sonja attended Paxson Elementary, Washington Middle School, graduating in 1956 from Missoula County High School. On June 2, 1956, she married Robert Skinner, her high school sweetheart. Together they raised three children; Steve, Sandi and Stacey. During their marriage they enjoyed playing bridge with friends, boating, ski weekends and family and they were partners in business, jointly running the Hol ‘n One restaurant in Southgate Mall.
Sonja was active in Phi Beta Kappa for many years, a member of Five Valley Accordion Association and Hamilton Eagles Lodge. She loved music, dancing, playing piano, accordion and the banjo.
After she and Robert divorced, she found another love in Bob Murchison. They enjoyed camping, being snowbirds in Arizona, dancing and accordion jams. They made their home in Hamilton and were together 25 years.
Sonja is survived by her partner Bob Murchison and her three children; Steve (Andrea) Skinner, Sandi (Dale) Davey and Stacey Skinner. She had nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Burton Sipes, Vere Sipes and her brother Doug Sipes.
She loved and was loved.
Services will be at Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton, Jan. 5, 2018, at 2 p.m. Reception to follow at the Hamilton Eagles Lodge. Burial services will be at Plains Cemetery in Plains, Montana, Jan. 6, 2018, at 1 p.m. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
VICTOR – Darlene A. Gramza, 69, of Victor, passed away Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, at her home with her husband, Raymond Gramza and her two sons, Jared and Clint by her side. She was born on May 3, 1948, in Hollywood, California, the daughter of the late Garland Harding Harris and Laura Lee Harris.
Darlene was raised in Encino, California, and began her working career in a call center. Darlene’s work ethic allowed her to advance quickly and eventually landed herself a job as an office manager and bookkeeper of the thermal lance manufacturer, Burning Bar in Reseda, California.
In 1971, Darlene then met her future husband Ray, who rescued her from a serious waterskiing accident, where she broke her knee. Darlene eventually healed and they didn’t see each other for another year until they met again by chance, in the same location they had met a year prior.
Darlene and Ray fell in love and were married February 15, 1973, in Encino, California. In 1976, they moved to Agoura, California, where Ray became a licensed plumbing contractor for the State of California and started his own business. Darlene quit her job and became partner in this new adventure.
In 1979, Darlene gave birth to her first son, Jared Allen Gramza. In 1980, Darlene and her family moved to Victor, Montana, where they purchased 40 acres and have lived ever since. In 1983, her second son was born, Clinton Ray Gramza and at that time, Ray obtained his Montana State Master Plumber’s license. Darlene continued to be a full-time mother of two and managed the new business which became a well established and successful part of the Bitterroot Valley community.
Darlene was an exceptional athlete her entire life. Her hobbies included hiking, camping, fishing, waterskiing, snow skiing, hunting, bowling, golfing and spending time with her family. Darlene was extremely proud of her two sons. In addition, she was a member of the Hamilton Ladies Golf Association where a hole-in-one is a goal among all members, regardless of gender. Darlene was skilled enough to get 3 hole-in-ones in her golfing career and was often first place in many of the tournaments she entered. Many people envied her swing, including her husband. Darlene was humble, too. She was the kindest, most generous person you would have ever met and was loved by many. She always put everyone else first including her family and would have gladly given you the shirt off her back. She will be missed.
Darlene is survived by her husband, Ray Gramza of Victor; two sons, Jared Gramza of Denver, Colorado and Clint and his wife Anna Gramza of Billings, Montana; her three nephews, Paul Harris of San Diego, California, Mark Harris of Winnetka, California, and Brian Gramza of Casselberry, Florida; her best friends, Phil and Karen Gangwish of Wellington, Nevada; and countless loved and cherished friends.
Per Darlene’s request, no funeral services were held. The family suggests that memorials or any honor donations be made in her name to the American Cancer Society. www.cancer.org/involved/donate/memorial-giving.html
Condolences and E-cards may be sent to: Ray Gramza, 1187 Creek View Lane. Victor, MT 59875 or DarleneG.memorial@gmail.com
STEVENSVILLE – Bernice died peacefully on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 23, at The Living Center in Stevensville, Montana, at the age of 96.
Bernice was born Feb. 24, 1921, in Nounan, Idaho, to Joseph Heber and Martha Catherine Crossley. She was the third of nine children and the oldest girl. Her father worked for the railroad, and was sometimes transferred. But they eventually settled down in Lava Hot Springs, Idaho.
Bernice graduated from high school there in 1940. In October of that year she married Belden Alexander.
Because of her husband’s health, Bernice worked hard to support her four girls, and in the summers she also took in her youngest sister’s three children. In 1961 Bernice entered into LPN training through Saint Anthony Hospital in Pocatello, Idaho, graduating in 1962. After that she work as an LPN for most of the rest of her life. Bernice was witty, funny, and a pleasure to be around. Outdoor activities she enjoyed were fishing, picking wild berries and hunting mushrooms. She loved crocheting and knitting, and even did some tatting. Everyone in her family has something she made for them.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, all of her siblings, her ex-husband and one daughter, Frances Alexander. She is survived by three daughters, Joy Herrera (Ruben) of West Jordan, Utah; Catherine Campbell (William) of Stevensville; and Ruth Forberg (David) of Glendive. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and their spouses, ten great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren. Bernice was greatly loved and will be missed.
Cremation has taken place, and a service will be held when the weather is warmer, and the roads are dryer. The service will take place at the Stevensville Seventh-Day Adventist Church at Stevensville, where she was a member. Interment will take place at the Crossley family cemetery at Nounan, Idaho. Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville is in charge of taking care of the body.
We want to sincerely thank The Living Center for the loving care they gave to her. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.
HAMILTON – Richard “Dick” Krasovich, 74, passed away Dec. 26, 2017, at The Living Centre in Stevensville. He was born in Denver, Colorado, on Jan. 14, 1943, to Ed and Rita Krasovich, the third of seven children.
Dick attended parochial schools in Denver and Canon City, Colorado, graduating from Holy Family High School. He later attended Assumption College in Richardton, North Dakota, and entered into monastic life taking the name Gerard, after the noviate.
Dick graduated from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota. He was always proud of the education provided to him by the Benedictines. When he realized ora et labora was not for him he returned to Denver where he married Ruth Keiter in 1968. Dick was soon called to military service and was stationed in Germany during which time son Tim was born. After the military the family returned to Denver and later divorced. Dick moved to Wyoming, and then to Hamilton, Montana, taking a job with the Ravalli County road department, from which he retired.
In Hamilton Dick met Iris McComesky and they were married in 1985 they later divorced. While Dick had troubles with marriages he found it easy to make friends and was active in many charities and fraternities. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, and remained active in the Catholic Church and would argue the finer points of faith with any and all. He enjoyed painting, woodworking, old cars, music, his chickens, old dogs and old friends. He was always willing to lend a helping hand where and when he could. Dick was grateful for the help and friendship of many, as his health began to fail, especially that of Elaine Bethmann and niece, Angie Whitlow.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Jerome and Gerard. Dick is survived by his brothers, Ed and Jim; sisters, Lillian and Mary Ward; and son, Timothy.
Vigil services and visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, at 7 p.m., at the Daly-Leach Chapel. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018, at 11 a.m., at St. Francis Catholic Parish in Hamilton, with a reception following in the Parish Life Center. Graveside services with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018, at 11 a.m., at the Western Montana Veterans Cemetery in Missoula. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
STEVENSVILLE – Duane Richard Rasmussen, 78, passed away at his home Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017. He was born Jan. 24, 1939, at Marcus Daly Hospital, the fourth of five siblings, to David and Hazel Rasmussen. Duane grew up in the Bitterroot Valley, attending school in Corvallis. He married Rita Mae Hafer in 1959 and had one son, Duane “Rick” Rasmussen, Jr. Rita and Duane would enjoy 54 wonderful years together before her passing in 2014.
Duane owned and operated several businesses in his lifetime. These included a meat packing plant in Missoula, and after moving to Stevensville in 1981, Rasmussen Fencing and Country Marble.
Faith played a large role in Duane’s life, being an active member of Faith Baptist Church in Missoula, and later a deacon at Community Baptist Church in Stevensville. Duane also enjoyed being a part of Gideons International and distributing bibles throughout the community. Duane and Rita considered their church family a part of their extended family, which created many lifelong friendships.
Duane loved horses, tractors (John Deere of course), and a good buffet (especially if he could squeeze in right before they switched from lunch to dinner prices). He enjoyed horse pack trips into Idaho with many friends and family members over the years. Something no one will forget was the way he told a story, or shall we say tried to tell a story. He would laugh so hard throughout his retelling that it made you laugh, long before he ever got to the end.
Duane and Rita opened their hearts and home to all they knew. There was always room for one more around their dinner table - be it a neighbor, a family member, or one of their grandkids’ many friends. Their love, generosity and sincerity will never be forgotten.
Duane is survived by his special aunt, Wilma Whitesitt Rasmussen; two sisters, Beverly (Jim) Springer of Groveland, California, Shirley (Bob) Downing of Hamilton; son Rick (Cordellia) Rasmussen of Peoria, Arizona; five grandchildren, Jeremiah (Jamera) Rasmussen, Pamela Rasmussen, Bobby (Amber) Rasmussen, Jessica (Jason) Meyer and Richelle Rasmussen; nine great-grandchildren, Torvald, Trey, Sylvia, Gavin, Alex, Sawyer, Noah, Riley, and Fletcher; and a number of special nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, 2017at the Whitesitt Funeral Home, 314 Church St., Stevensville. Reception immediately following at Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck St., Stevensville. Internment will take place at 3:15 p.m. at Riverside Cemetery in Hamilton. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.
