Loretta D. Jones, 75, of Troy
Loretta D. Jones, 75, of Troy, Mont. passed away early Sunday morning, August 19, 2018 at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center, after battling decades of diabetes and a final fight with leukemia.
Words cannot express the admiration we had for Loretta’s refusal to let her illness control her life. In spite of extremely difficult times, she kept up her humor and glowed with pride in her love for her family and friends.
Loretta was born February 10, 1943 in Ky. during World War II, to Einar and Eunice (Baker) Johnson, where her father was stationed as a drill sergeant. After the war, the family settled on her mom’s property in Froid, Mont. In 1955, the family moved to Minn. Loretta had fallen in love with the mountains of Montana and moved back to her beloved state in 1968 where she raised her own family.
After several years of living in the Yaak, the family relocated to Troy. Loretta leased and managed the old Town Pump premises for several years. She was enthusiastic in serving her town as a member of the Beautification Committee, as well as a City Council person for 13 years. Loretta served as a member of the Troy Volunteer Dispatch for 10 years, and worked at Troy Juvenile Detention as an officer and eventually as a supervisor for 20 plus years.
Loretta and Gary Jones were married in May of 1988 and the match proved to be the love of each other’s life.
Survivors include her husband, Gary; daughters Lisa (Britt), Launa (Bob), Dana (Don); son, Richard; beloved grandchildren Brian, Mykah, and Britt; great-grandchildren Ryder and Hunter; siblings Tony, Mary and Rod; and so many special friends.
No services are planned according to Loretta’s final wishes. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wings. Local arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenberg fh.com.
Mildred Baeth Whitehouse 101, of Libby
Mildred Baeth Whitehouse, 101, slipped away peacefully surrounded by family on August 19, 2018 at her home in Libby. She was born January 5, 1917 at Malta, Mont. during a blizzard to George and Myrtle Baeth. She was the fifth of 13 children. In 1926, the family moved to Libby so Mildred’s oldest brother Bill could attend high school and her dad George began working in the boiler room at J. Neils Lumber Company.
Mildred married Duane Whitehouse on May 13, 1940 in Libby and they were married for 68 wonderful years. Their greatest joys were their children Roy, Kent and Sara, and their grandchildren Jacki, Heidi and Erik.
The Whitehouse’s favorite pastime was fishing at their cabin on Bitteroot Lake which was built in 1955. They celebrated many holidays and special occasions at Bitteroot and the family continues to enjoy the cabin.
Mildred worked at J. C. Penney’s for 29 years in Libby and she retired in 1980. She loved playing cards with whoever would play. She played cribbage up until a week before her death.
Mildred was preceded in death by her husband Duane, sons Roy and Kent, parents George and Myrtle Baeth, and ten siblings.
Survivors include her daughter Sara; grandson Erik; granddaughters Jacki and Heidi; two brothers Brad and Dick Baeth; her great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Services were held at 1 p.m., Saturday, August 25 at Christ Lutheran Church in Libby. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenberg fh.com.
Veronica Agen, 91, formerly of Libby
Veronica Agen
March 8, 1927 – August 17, 2018
John 11:25-26: Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”
Veronica “Babe” Josephine Scheller Agen passed away in her sleep with her family by her side on August 17, 2018. She was 91 years old. She married John Roderick “JR” Agen in May of 1956; they had two sons Jack (Kathi) and Mark (Carol) along with many grandchildren: Dustin, Audra, Wesley, Treavor and four great-grandchildren: Lane, Austin, Gracie and Azelea. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Jerry and nieces and nephews.
JR passed away in 1983. Veronica then married Ted Gardner in December of 2002. They resided in Libby until her illness forced her move to Helena to be closer to family. Veronica was delighted to have three generations so close to spend time with.
She was the youngest of six children. Being the youngest, it is not surprising she was nick named “Babe.” Veronica was born March 8, 1927. Her mother and father were naturalized citizens, as immigrants from Bruckenthal, Rawa Ruska, Galicia. Veronica’s parents both spoke fluent German. Veronica had four sisters Katherine Scheller 1912-1983, Anna Scheller 1914-1987, Mary Scheller 1919-2000, Dorothy Scheller 1923-1997, and one brother Peter Gregory Scheller 1917-1988.
Veronica lived in Brightwood, North Dakota when the United States declared war on Japan, just one day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The date was December 7, 1941. She was 14 years old. Living through the depression, and now another war at age 14, she left St. Francis Academy to go to work in a neighboring town to help her family. That is where her long history in retail and building businesses began. In her younger years, it was her mother and sisters that worked the farm. Her sisters were protective of Veronica, and would not let her help them in the fields. Her father, Leo Scheller, traveled as a professional poker player.
Veronica was very strong in her faith, witty, and enjoyed working in her clothing shop, doing crafts, and being with her family. Veronica and Ted enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting together. She especially enjoyed camping at the Blackwell Flats and Glacier National Park.
God bless you Veronica. You will truly be missed!