Obituaries

Charles (Chuck) F. Woods Sr., 87, of Libby

Charles (Chuck) F. Woods Sr., 87 passed away on Jan. 24, 2019 at the Libby Care Center. He was born on July 11, 1931 in Cottonwood, SD to Lyle and Elva Woods. The family moved to Hamilton, Mont. in 1935. He had a great childhood, shooting gophers, fishing with his dog and living on the farm. In 1946, when Chuck was 15 years old his father was killed in an accident and he became the man of the house.

Chuck started college at MSU in 1949 then enlisted in the Air Force in 1951. He was stationed at the Eielson Air Force base in Fairbanks where he met his first true love, Mary Lou Boehmer at a USO dance. They married in 1954, transferred to Tyndal Air Force base in Panama City, Fla. where Charles Jr. was born in 1955. Chuck was honorably discharged in 1955 and returned to college life. Before Feb., they ran out of money and “Went for Broke” back to Alaska working in construction until fall when he returned to MSU graduating in 1960 with a teaching degree.  He taught in Livingston, Huntington Beach and Shelby, Mont., where sons Peter and Edward were born. In 1965, the family moved to Libby where Chuck taught Industrial Arts at the high school and was blessed with a beautiful baby girl, Charmaine.

Chuck was in the Pipefitters Union and worked as a pipefitter then a Mechanical Inspector at the Libby Dam. He opened CW Welding in west Libby and was known for being able to weld anything for anyone. He was involved in Boy Scouts, coached Little League and was on the School Board. He taught all of his children to weld, hunt, fish and be good citizens. He enjoyed camping up the Yaak and playing Pinochle.

Following Mary Lou’s passing in 1995, he attended a grief support group and met Charlotte Bluhm. Chuck often said “I have been twice blessed.” Referring to his sweet wife of 42 years, Mary Lou and then his “sweeters” Charlotte. He and Charlotte were married in 1997. They had 21 wonderful years of adventures to Alaska, California, Canada, Colorado, Indiana, Oregon, all over Montana and even to Minnesota where Charlotte met Mary Lou’s family. They were active in the Republican Club and the Odd Fellows. They enjoyed hosting summer and winter parties at their home on Snowy View Drive and could be found at trade shows around the northwest selling his Neet Kart and Neet Seet tools. In 2004, Chuck and Charlotte were crowned King and Queen of Nordic Fest. Over the last several years he looked forward to the annual Montana hunting trips with his children.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Mary Lou Woods, father Lyle Woods, mother Elva Biggs and step-father Frank Biggs.

He is survived by his loving wife Charlotte Woods, children; Charles Woods Jr. (Shirley)  Libby; Peter Woods (Paige) Rathdrum, Idaho; Edward Woods (Wendy) Denver, Colo.; Charmaine Styles (John) Regina, Sask.; stepchildren Alex Bluhm (Jodie) Las Vegas, Nev.; and Alan Bluhm (Liz) of Las Vegas, Nev.; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; sisters; Frances Carter (Gib) Bozeman; Helen Wylie of Missoula; and Orvi Overtuf (Tim) of Puyallup, Wash.

Services were held at the Libby Christian Church on Thursday, Jan. 31 at 11 a.m. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral home. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnacken bergfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Libby Volunteer Ambulance Service or the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Cabinet Lodge No. 68.

Our sincere thanks to the Libby Care Center.

Larry G. Newman, 77, of Libby

Larry G. Newman, 77, of Libby, Mont. crossed over to another plane of existence in the early morning hours of Jan. 26, 2019 surrounded by his wife and three sons. He was born Dec. 9, 1941 in Lakeview, Ore. to Sam and Jessie Newman.

As a boy, the family moved to Grants Pass, where he lived on an 80-acre farm, until moving to Seattle, Wash. for work, after graduating high school. During that time he met the love of his life, Carolyn Harper, with whom he would marry in Oct. 1961.

Larry joined the Local 242 Laborer’s Union shortly after moving to Seattle, and started working at McKinstry Co. until retiring in July of 2000. He liked to point out some of Seattle’s most recognized landmarks, in which he’d had a hand in building. In his 38-years of employment, you would find him taking time off only during hunting season, where he’d regularly bag himself a prized deer or elk, sometimes both. Larry was regarded as one of the hardest workers ever known, by his family, friends, and colleagues, alike.

After retiring, Larry and Carol moved to Libby, carving out their piece of happiness and building a log house along the Kootenai River. Larry’s days were spent hunting, fishing, gardening, and keeping up on constant projects, with no interest in ever slowing down.

Larry was  preceded in death by his parents and his five brothers and sisters.

Larry is survived by his loving wife Carol; sons Steve (Michell), Randy, and Robbie (Felishia); twelve grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and his beloved wiener dog, Osker.

Arrangements are being made by Schnackenberg Funeral Home. There are no services planned.  Online condolences and memories may be shared a www.schnackenbergfh.com.

Jeannine Lee Boyd, 88, of Libby

Jeannine Lee Boyd, 89, died on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019 at Libby Care Center. She was born on March 15, 1929 at Logan, Iowa to Louis and Ecil Gash. She attended schools in Logan, and graduated from Logan Magnolia High School in 1947.

Jeannine married Ted Mac Boyd on June 19, 1949 at Blair, Neb. She was a housewife and homemaker. She was a member of the Libby Christian Church since 1963 until her death. She was on the church Mission Team. She was a good and faithful servant of Jesus Christ.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ted, a brother Dwight L. Gash, nephew Jeff Gash and great granddaughter Breanna Boyd.

Survivors include her children Michael Boyd (Cyndi), Laurel, Mont.; Susan Boyd, Libby, Mont.; Janice Hull (Duane), Bothell, Wash.; grandchildren Stephanie Boyd, Dawn Hart (Richard), William Zunino III (Sylvia), Mark Zunino (Christian), Angela Zunino, Nathan Brant (Rosa), Richard Brant, Benjamin Brant, Krista Logue (Shadd), Corey Hull (Breanna), Trey Redd, Sylvia Gardner, Donald Gardner, Jr., Erika Hart; nephew Larry Gash; niece Joyce Rosengren; great grandchildren Nick Zunino, Samantha Rogers, Marco Zunino, Marissa Zunino, Vanessa Zunino, Bianca Zunino, Jason Brant, Kristine Brant, Justyce Brant, Jenavieve Brant, Kenadie Lee, Keaton Logue, Josiah Logue, Hannah Hull, Marshall Hull, Emersyn Hull, and great grandson Michael Brant.

Visitation will be from 1 until 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 1, 2019 at the Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Services were on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 at the Libby Christian Church. Memorials may be made to the Libby Christian Church. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

Danny Harold Ball, 63, of Libby

Danny Harold Ball Passed away surrounded by loved ones at the age of 63 in his home in Libby
Mont. on Sunday morning, the 27th of Jan. 2019. He was born to Geneva Ball and Francis Ball on Nov. 9, 1955. He was married to Rebecca Ball and the father of four boys.

Dan Ball and Rebecca Ball were lovingly married for 42 years. Dan Ball stood as a pillar of his family and was a true testament of commitment. Danny was a beacon for many people and had sacrificed to help others throughout his lifetime. There were people that referred to him as” honest man Dan.”

He was a loving and committed father of four sons, one of which passed away at birth. He taught his boys the meaning of hard work and commitment. He did this by example; taking care of his family was his number one priority in life.

He and his wife Becky operated a successful business for over 20 years, serving many of our community. Sometimes when people were in need they would extend credit or even work by donation. They were also known for donating entire jobs to charitable organizations to be auctioned off to support their community which was very important to them.

Dan Ball was a man that would stand up in the face of evil things. He would always be willing to fight for his friends and family. He loved deeply, was loved dearly and was a very committed man. Words on a page could never fully describe the level of love that his family has for him, he will truly be missed.

He is preceded in death by his momma Geneva Ball, dad Francis Ball, brother Albert “Lee” Ball, brother William “Bill” Stevens, sister Jacky Hodge and his son Leroy Ball.

He is survived by his wife Rebecca Ball, sons Luther Ball, Jimmy Ball, William “Willy” Ball, along with grandchildren, Leeroy Ball, Keigan Ball, Dawson Ball, Christopher Qualls, Connie Fleck, Christian Dewine, Nolan Dewine, Hallie Hendrickson and “little miss Haillle”; great grandchildren Corine Spain, Christopher Qualls, Mathew Qualls, Khloe Qualls and Kala Fleck; also By Debra Ball, Brenda Ball, Shannon Dewine and many other family and friends.

Visitation was from 1 until 5 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 at Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019 at the funeral home. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenberg fh.com.

We had a phrase that we would always say as a testament to our commitment to each other, one of us would say “To The River” And the other would follow with “To The End My Friend.”

“To the river” We love you dad.

Barry Wayne Adkins, 61, of Libby

Barry Wayne Adkins passed away Jan. 15, 2019 at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center surrounded by family and friends. Barry was born May 31, 1957 to Dean and Ellen Adkins in Libby. After graduating from Libby High School, he attended a vocational school at Billings, Mont. coming home to Libby after it closed due to fire.

He married Deborah Winchester in 1978. They had a beautiful daughter, August Dawn in 1980. They later divorced. Barry was preceded in death by his father Dean V. Adkins.

Barry is survived by his mother Ellen Adkins of Libby, his daughter August (husband Mark) and grandson Mason of Spokane. Sisters: Julie (Bob), Kendall and Janie (Jeff) Bache of Libby. Nieces: Samantha (Mark) Thom and Katie Lamkins of Libby. Nephews: Jerimiah Kendall and Nathan Bache of Libby. Great nieces and nephews: Taylor, Jadyn, Braydan, Landyn, and Ian. Also, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

After many years of working in the logging dept. of J. Neils and St. Regis, Barry worked for various ‘gypo’ loggers as a sawyer and machine operator. He later moved into construction work. Barry was an avid hunter and fisherman, thoroughly enjoying the great outdoors.

He could easily be found at the top of a mountain during hunting season or in the middle of a frozen lake, ice fishing in the winter months. Barry loved spending time at the family cabin at Bull Lake, playing cribbage or “slaying salmon” with friends and family.

Barry requested no funeral, but the family will have a celebration of his life at the family cabin on Bull Lake this summer.