Ruby Alice McElmurry, 92, of Libby
Ruby Alice McElmurry, 92, of Libby, entered her Heavenly home on Sunday, April 23. She passed away peacefully at the Libby Care Center. Ruby was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin on April 26,1930, to George and Luella Stipek. She was married to Roy Allen McElmurry, and they had 5 sons: Duane, Ed, Rich, Walter and Kenneth. Roy, Ruby, and the boys built their house in Libby. Ruby loved her home and after retiring from the mill, enjoyed running ‘Mac’s Cheese,’ which was a well known small business in Libby. When her husband died unexpectedly in January 1999, Ruby combatted the loneliness by pouring into her gardening, crocheting, playing cards, and spending time with family. It was no secret she loved her family dearly and made sure they always knew it.
Ruby is preceded in death by her father George; mother Luella; siblings Ila Mae, Wilda, Betty and Robert; husband Roy; sons Duane, Walt, and Ken; and great-grandchildren Dawsyn and McKenzye.
Ruby is survived by her sons Ed and Rich; 5 daughters-in-law; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Ruby will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby, Montana.
Arrangements are under the care of the Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.
Gwen Lakay Mills “Grotjohn”, 59, Of Libby
Gwen Lakay Mills “Grotjohn” was born in Longview, Washington, and lived most of her life in Libby, Montana. Gwen passed away from complications due to a brain aneurysm on July 24, in Spokane, Washington, lovingly surrounded by her loved ones.
Gwen was born on April 5th, 1964, to Lawrence Mills and Kay Wright. She graduated from Libby High School, earning her diploma in 1982.
While living in Libby, Gwen worked at various restaurants including King’s Pizza, MK Steakhouse, and Adams & Company. After moving back to Longview, Washington, she then found her forever career working at WinCo Foods. She then transferred to Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho, WinCo Foods, getting a promotion to pricing. She had worked there for the last seven and a half years.
If you knew Gwen, she was the one who would always put a smile on your face. She had the biggest heart and would give you the shirt off her back. Gwen’s children meant everything to her. She embraced every challenge and financial adversity to give them everything she could. Her grandkids were the light of her life. She looked forward to spending every moment with them.
Gwen is preceded in death by her father Lawrence Mills; brother Jack Shannon Myers; grandparents Jessie T. Wright (Shorty), Munel Wright, Lawrence M. Mills, and Hettie Mills.
Gwen is survived by her husband Robert Eierdam; mother Kay Boultinghouse (Mel); step father Jack Myers (Betsy); sister Shawna Joslin (Kenny); her children Steven Hall, Alyssa Pluid, and McKenzi Grotjohn; grandchildren Jaiden Hall, Tatum Hall, Noah Scofield, and Gracie Scofield.
A memorial service will be held at the Fred Brown Pavilion on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 1:00, located at 334 City Service Road, in Libby. Arrangements are under the care of the Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Memorials and condolences may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com
“All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O Lord, when they hear the words of Your mouth. Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord. Though the Lord is on high, yet He regards the lowly, but the proud He knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me. You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me.” Psalm 138:4-7
– Submitted by Ruthanne Dolezal
Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo Seeking Entrees for Fair Competitions
Submitted by Jill Seigmund
The deadline to submit entries for 4-H/FFA and Open Class competitions at the 2023 Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo is quickly approaching. All entries are due by 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 1 unless indicated otherwise in the fair book. Late entries will not be accepted. Exhibitors can view a digital version of the fair book and enter competitions at nwmtfair.com/fairbook. The book contains information about rules, premiums and more. Paper copies of the book are available at the fair office, located at 265 N. Meridian in Kalispell. A self-service computer station is accessible in the fair office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday for exhibitors without computer access or those needing assistance with their entries. Fair staff will be available to help during office hours. This year’s Northwest Montana Fair & Rodeo is scheduled for Aug. 16 to 20 at