Russell Stroud

Russell Elmer Stroud, 85, passed away Sept. 21, 2008, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.

He was born April 6, 1923, in Cottage Grove, Ore., the son of William and Gladys Stroud.

On Oct. 6, 1945, he married Lois Robbe, of Eureka, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Russell worked in Pasco, Wash., running heavy equipment. He then worked for the Atomic Energy Commission in Richland, Wash. Russ then started his long career with Standard Oil in 1951 at Pasco. He worked as a mechanic and also drove gasoline tanker trucks. In 1963, he became a supervisor for Standard Oil Motor Transport Department in California, retiring in 1971 because of health problems.

Russ and Lois then moved to Eureka in the summer of 1971, where he worked various jobs before owning his own logging truck. After retiring once again, he then decided to open his own engine/tractor repair shop. In 2004, Russ and Lois relocated to Columbia Falls to be closer to their family.

Through the years, he belonged to several gas-engine clubs, where he enjoyed working on his various antique tractors and engines. He took great pride in being a member of the Flathead Tractor and Engine Association in Flathead County. Russ also enjoyed all of his friends who would stop by to visit while he was in his shop.

Russell was a very loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Louella and Helen; and three brothers-in-law.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lois; daughters Charyle Boulton and husband Bob, of Columbia Falls, and Rhonda Krieger and husband Ed, of Whitefish; grandchildren Kevin Boulton and wife Carole, of Columbia Falls, Loni Krieger, of Kalispell, and Kristie Holcomb and husband Cian, of Kalispell; great grandchildren Jacob Holcomb and Chase Krieger; and siblings Floyd Stroud and wife Romane, Lucille Cloninger, Laura Krieg, May Darrow and husband Ray, and Rhoda Snider.

Services were held Sept. 27, 2008, at the First Baptist Church in Eureka. Burial followed at Tobacco Valley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.