Sheri Paasch, 74, and Larry Paasch, 75, of Troy
Sheri Paasch passed away Oct. 3 at her home in Troy, Mont. surrounded by loved ones. Just four days later, on Oct. 7, her husband Larry Paasch joined her, as they proved that after 45 years of marriage they had no interest in being apart.
Larry, son of Harry and Theresa (Greenwald) Paasch, was born Sept. 30, 1943 and grew up in a small town the size of Troy called Bristol, Wis. He graduated from Salem Central High School, and was working as a mechanic when a coworker told him about “The Yaak,” and they planned a hunting trip to Montana. Shortly after, he moved to Troy, immediately began working in the woods sawing logs, and never looked back.
Sheri, daughter of Richard “Dick” and Minnie (Daggett) Smith, was born July 16, 1944 and raised in Troy. She grew up in Troy, and after graduating from Troy High School, she moved into a house right across the street from her parents on “the hill,” as it is fondly known by family and friends. This is also why Larry would forever tease her for walking around with one leg shorter than the other.
Sheri worked as a bartender/cook over the years, and was working at the Silver Spur one day when Larry walked in and ordered a hot sandwich. Hot was the perfect way to describe it, considering she got it too hot and he ended up burning his lip when he bit into it. Feeling awful, Sheri acted fast and gave him a quick kiss on the burn to make up for it. The rest, as they say, is history.
Larry and Sheri were married on Aug. 31, 1973. They spent the rest of their years in their home on the hill where they raised their two sons. Their home became an open-door to all friends and loved ones over the years, and remained that way until the end.
Sheri did various jobs over the years, but what she really loved best was to keep an immaculate home and cook wonderful meals for her loved ones. What was she the absolute best at? Being a grandma. The house was always stocked with Schwan’s ice cream and various treats for the grandkids (and Larry).
Larry continued working in the woods until he later took a job at the Troy Mine, and eventually went into business for himself as a successful mechanic. He was also a member of the National Guard, and proudly served 40 years with the Troy Volunteer Fire Department. Being involved in the Fire Department was a big part of both of their lives. Larry would proudly take fire trucks through the parades, and help light off the fireworks for the town display, back when it meant lighting them off one by one out of old tires. Both of them spent plenty of time in the cook shack making the firemen burgers the town has grown to love. Fellow volunteer, Al Matsushita, quickly discovered he had better keep Larry away from the cooking process though, so his job was always dealing with the cash register. A safe bet considering the grilled onions made the burgers sell themselves.
The two loved their family and their community. The countless memories of days at the Rod and Gun Club playing horseshoes, camping, swimming, softball tournaments, dinners and countless nights at the round table in the house on the hill will be treasured by so many. Their giant hearts and welcoming presence will be missed dearly.
Services are to be held at 1 p.m. on Oct. 27, at the Troy Community Baptist Church. Immediately following, the burial will take place at Milnor Lake Cemetery. There will be a potluck back at the church afterwards for anyone who would like to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations in their honor may be sent to Troy Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 490 Troy, MT 59935. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.
Thomas J. Kersey, 77, of Libby
Thomas J. Kersey, 77, died on Friday, Oct. 12, 2018 at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby. He was born Nov. 30, 1940 at Laramie, Wyo. to Russell and Florence (Gorball) Kersey.
Tom served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 until 1963. He worked at Hill Air Force Base where he met his future wife, Marcia McGraw. They eloped to Las Vegas and were married on Nov. 22, 1967. Thomas was hired by the U.S. Forest Service in Libby in Sept. 1978. He was their maintenance person. He retired in Jan. 1995. Thomas worked with the Boy Scouts of America for several years and was an Eagle Scout. He drove school bus for Head Start, and also charter buses for Harlow’s.
Tom loved to hunt and fish, and enjoyed gardening. He also loved to spend time with his family.
Tom was an avid boater and belonged to the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for 36 years. He loved patrolling on weekends and holidays, and promoting boat safety. He retired from the Coast Guard Auxiliary in 2012.
Survivors include his wife Marcia Kersey; daughter Cherone Kersey Flak (Joseph); son Vernon T. Kersey (Donelle); grandchildren Trevor Kersey, Shelby Copeland, Jacob Coleman, Zach Coleman (Kashaila), and Hunter Coleman; and brothers Richard Kersey, and Jerry Kersey (Jan).
Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.sch nackenberg fh.com
Juanita Lyndeen Osborne, 74, of Troy
On Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, Juanita Lyndeen Osborne, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, daughter, and sister passed away at the age of 74 years at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. She was born March 28, 1944, in Troy, Mont. to Jim and Elizabeth Lyle. She married the love of her life, Ron, on Jan. 18, 1964.
Lyndeen was a member of the Church of God in Troy before moving to Otis Orchards, Wash. where she attended Otis Orchards Community Church. She was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and served in many roles. Before retiring, she loved her volunteer work at East Farms School working with special needs children. Her greatest love was her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her son, Ronny Osborne; mother and father, Elizabeth and Jim Lyle; mother in law, Beth Orr; brothers, Gene, John, Daryl Ray, and Jim Lyle; nieces, Becky Kelso, and Terry Johnson.
Lyndeen is survived by her husband Ron Osborne; her children, Rhonda (husband, Tim, and their children, Austin and Jake), Russ (wife, Amanda, and their children, Kyler [Lorrin], their child Tillie, Cody and Kaylee); siblings Mona (Terry) Jellesed, Lee (Sheila) Lyle, Debbie (Sammy) Randolph; and many nieces and nephews.
The memorial service was held Friday, Oct., 19 at the Church of God. The family asks that flowers be sent to Schnackenberg Funeral Home, 422 W. 2nd St. Libby, MT 59923. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please make a donation to the Ron Osborne Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Troy High school. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.