Evelyn Jane Wright

Evelyn Jane Wright, 84, a longtime native of Great Falls, died Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008, at the Montana Veterans" Home in Columbia Falls with her family at her side.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m. at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.

Evelyn Jane is survived by her husband of 64 years, Clarence H. Wright; sons, Jim Wright and wife Margaret of Everett, Wash.; Bob Wright and wife Lisa of Savage, Minn.; Steve Wright and wife, Kathy of Columbia Falls; daughter, Margaret Winters and husband John of Richland, Wash.; and 10 grandchildren.

She was born and raised in Great Falls and moved to Columbia Falls in January 2008. Her parents homesteaded a wheat ranch located on the Bootlegger Trail north of Great Falls and she spent her childhood years living on the ranch. During her childhood, she enjoyed riding her horse, Monkey, and training her fox terrier, Penny. After completing elementary school in a one-room school house, she moved to Great Falls and graduated from Great Falls High School. She attended the University of Montana and after college returned to Great Falls and worked for General Mills.

Evelyn Jane met Clarence Wright at a Gore Hill USO function and they were married in March 1944. She was a "stay at home mom," caring for her family. She enjoyed working in her garden and sewing. She became an expert seamstress and made many clothes for her family, and was well known for raising many unusual varieties of day lilies. Her day lilies won many awards at the Montana State Fair and she provided advice to people interested in gardening and raising day lilies.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Sunrise Presbyterian Church, 3809 6th Ave. S., Great Falls, MT 59405-3601, or the Montana Veterans" Home, 400 Veteran Drive, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.

Kenneth Packwood

Kenneth L. Packwood, 75, passed away Thursday, Oct. 29, 2008, at his home near Columbia Falls.

He was born July 7, 1933, in Lewiston, Idaho, to Basil T. and Grace M. Packwood. He was raised and educated in Idaho.

Kenny made his living playing country and western music. He was an accomplished lead guitar player. He also worked in landscaping, mechanics and logging. He was a good handy man. He built house signs and chimes to give to family and friends.

For two years, Kenny helped care for his step mother until she entered a nursing home.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a step-brother, Richard Marshall.

Kenny is survived by his son, James Beale, and daughter, Susan Lougee; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Carl "Buster" Packwood, Laurel Lynch, Edna Ragsdale, Robert Packwood and Lewis Packwood; step-mom, Norma Choate; step-sisters, Madeline Umphenour and Penny Coon; and a step-brother, Floyd Marshall.

A memorial service will be held Friday, Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall in Coram on Coram School Lane. A pot luck reception will follow the service.

Arrangement are with the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls.

Joanne Gesek

Joanne Roberta Gesek, 52, passed away peacefully Oct. 12, 2008, in Pocatello, Idaho, after receiving the sacrament of Last Rights, surrounded by family.

She was born May 14, 1956, to Bob and Pat Gesek of Columbia Falls. She was raised in Columbia Falls and moved to Helena where she lived close to her little brother, Bobby. Several years ago Joanne moved to Pocatello, Idaho, with her partner Don Barton. Joanne was full of love and always had room for anyone in her home and a nice cooked meal. She loved animals and always took in strays. Joanne and Don supported St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for many years.

Joanne is survived by her partner, Don Barton; father Bob Gesek; Margaret Gesek; sisters Diane, Patty and brother Bobby; sister-in-law Dana Gesek; nieces Tracy, Shelly, Trisha and Teresa; nephews Ryan, Steve, Mike Jr. and Jake; and great-nieces, Odessa, McKenzie, Delaney, Layla and McKenna.

A memorial was held in Joanne's honor in Pocatello on Oct. 15. A private graveside services will be held at St. Richard's Cemetery. Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children's Fund.