Obituaries

John P. Thornton, 52,of Libby

John P. Thornton, 52, husband of Sheila Zurcher-Thornton and father of Hannah and Rachel, was born in Kansas City, Mo. on Aug. 13, 1966. Sadly, his beautiful countenance and rock solid presence among us came to an end Friday, Oct. 5, 2018 at 10:30 p.m.  He went to his rest surrounded by his wife, daughters, and family gently caressing his head and saying their goodbyes.

It cannot be said that John had an easy life.  However, the challenges he faced produced a very capable servant of humanity.  From a humble beginning, he worked his way to RN, MSN at Loma Linda University. More recently, he was Emergency Services Manager at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby, Mont.

Many are those who will miss John’s gentle attention to the wellbeing and welfare of anyone within his reach. His dear mom Carolyn Jensen, his sister Veronica, his brother Raymond and countless family members will grieve his loss.

John’s beautiful life will remain for many a testament of the transformation that is made possible by the action of God’s Spirit in a man’s heart. Not only was John an active healthcare professional but he served as a Representative on the Lincoln County Board of Health as well as a deacon for the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Libby.

A memorial service was held on Oct. 13, 2018 at the Libby Seventh Day Adventist Church on Airfield Road. Flowers may be sent to the church. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.

Ellis D. Stewart, 81, of Troy

Ellis D. Stewart, 81, passed away Monday, Oct. 8, 2018 at his home in Troy, Mont. He was born Oct. 6, 1937 in Butte, Mont. to Edgar and Martha (Williams) Stewart, the youngest of five children. He was raised in Ennis, Mont. and worked on his Grandfather’s farm.  From there, he moved to Virginia City, where he helped rebuild and restore the buildings. Ellis moved to Troy in 1968 where he met and married Ida Montgomery.  They made their home on Bull Lake Road. For fun, Ellis liked to hunt and fish, play cribbage and pinochle, do puzzles, get wood, and grow a garden. His greatest love was the Lord. He helped build Three Lakes Community Bible Church, where he was an elder. He and Ida donated the land to the Rocky Mountain Mission in 1978 where they built Camp Elohim. Over the years, thousands of children have come to know the Lord.

Ellis was preceded in death by one sister, Barbara; two brothers, Gaither and Gorden; his parents, Edgar and Martha, and his wife, Ida.

He is survived by his sister, Jean; his children Rose Carvey of Eureka; Rick Montgomery of Kamiah, Idaho; Jim and Judy Montgomery of Troy; Mike and Yolanda Montgomery of Kettle Falls, Wash.; Chuck and Donna Montgomery of Rexford; Jeff and Vivian Drake of Troy; Vernon Montgomery and Tina of Eureka; Lela Stewart of Great Falls; and over 114 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

He will be remembered for his sense of humor and quick wit, as he always had a saying, poem, song or whistling through his tongue. but above all, Ellis loved his family and would go or do anything for them. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A public committal service will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018 at Milnor Lake Cemetery and a Celebration of Life for Ellis will follow at approximately 2:30 p.m. at Three Lakes Community Bible Church. Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.