George Milford Ellis

The beloved George Milford Ellis passed away surrounded by his family at the Montana Veteran's Home in Columbia Falls on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at the age of 73.

George was born January 15, 1932 in the small town of Stanley, N.D. to George Henry and Gertrude Rose Ellis. He was raised in Stanley until 1951, when he ventured off to join the Air Force. He served at Ladd A.F.B. in Fairbanks, Alaska as an airplane mechanic for four years.

George met the love of his life, Doreen Ann Moran from White Earth, N.D. and were wed in 1955. While working as a union carpenter, he and Doreen settled in the Flathead Valley in 1967. He later retired in 1994.

He devoted his time to his family and serving his Lord as a long time member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Kalispell.

George is preceded in death by both his parents; his wife, Doreen; and his brother, Eugene.

He is survived by his three sons, Mark and wife, Vicki, of Idaho, Warren and his wife, Gail, of Montana, and Bruce and his wife, Sandra, of Utah; two daughters, Dawn and husband, Doug, of Colorado and Juli and husband, Chris, of Montana; his two brothers, John Ellis of North Dakota and Lyle Ellis of Montana; his three sisters, Delores Knutson of North Dakota, Joyce Aho of Arizona, and Shirley Egger of Montana.

We will remember his smile, wit, and love. He will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held, Sunday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Whitefish.

In Lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that memorials be made to the Montana Veteran's Home, P.O. Box 250, Columbia Falls, MT 59912 or to the Alzheimer's Association, Montana Chapter, 3010 11th Ave. North, Billings, MT 59101.

Ed J. Hula

Ed J. Hula, 83, passed away at his Columbia Falls home Oct. 27.

He was born Dec. 3, 1921, the son of Barbara and Joe Hula. His birthplace was near the present family home in Columbia Falls.

As a youth, Ed was a member of the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps.) It was designed to provide employment for men from throughout the United States. Ed worked in Glacier National Park and interest in the CCC continued throughout his life.

Ed joined the National Guard, F Co., No. 163, 41st division in 1940. The 163rd arrived in Sidney, Australia, April 6, 1941 and he served overseas until June, 1945, when he was discharged from Fort Douglas, Utah. He was instrumental in having the 163rd Regiment Infantry Heritage Highway designation. Ed also provided memorabilia for the 163rd room at the Montana Historical Society in Helena.

He was employed by the Forest Service at Libby after the war and worked later briefly for the railroad during bridge construction at East Glacier. Next Ed was employed by the City of Columbia Falls as street and water commissioner.

Ed worked as a surveyor when USBR houses were built and town site created for Hungry Horse Dam employees. About two years later he was employed on construction of the nuclear reactor at Hanford, Wash.

He returned to the Flathead and Ed was employed as a surveyor and inspector for Anaconda Aluminum Co. during construction of the aluminum plant. He went on production June 16, 1955 and retired April 1, 1977.

Ed was an effective volunteer and officer for the North Valley Senior Center. He was the local delegate to the State Senior Legacy, attending Legislature sessions in Helena, and also worked in Agency on Aging projects. He was a life member of William Murphy Post No. 5650, VFW.

He also was a member of the board of directors of AAC/ARCO Flathead Retirees Club.

Lula Ness and Ed Hula were married June 24, 1941, when he was home on furlough.

Ed and Lu enjoyed attending senior classes together at Flathead Valley Community College for several years.

He is survived by his wife, Lu; one son and wife, Ed, Jr. and Joan Hula; three daughters and husbands, Bonnie and Harvey Caroll, Barbara and Jim Wallace, Marna and Ron VanLoo. There are nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted by Pastor Peter Bergen at Columbia Mortuary, Tuesday, followed by military rites.

Memorials to the Veterans Stand Down have been suggested.