Kenneth Lytle

Kenneth Arthur Lytle, 86, passed away April 17, 2009, at The Springs at Whitefish from heart failure. He was born July 28, 1922, to Melvin and Ruth (Fry) Lytle in Somers.

Raised and educated in Kalispell and the oldest child in the family, Ken went to work full time at age 14 to help support his mother and siblings. He was later a member of the CCCs, and in 1943 was inducted into the U.S. Army and served as a surgical technician in New Guinea and the southern Philippines. He was a decorated soldier and was honorably discharged in December of 1945.

On April 27, 1946, Kenny married his sweetheart, Laura Thompson, in Whitefish where they built their home and raised their daughters. Ken worked in the timber industry and also helped in the building of Hungry Horse Dam. After 20-plus years with Superior Lumber Company in Columbia Falls, Ken retired to do what he loved most — fishing, camping, reading and gardening. A devoted husband, he cared for his ailing wife in her final years.

Ken loved telling stories about the lean times of his youth, his hunting trips, and the many fishing adventures and, later in life, the tales of war. Most of his adult life Ken had a dog to spoil, and now leaves Dusty behind.

He always tried to make time for VFW, American Legion and the Moose Lodge.

Preceding him in death were Laura, his wife of 62 and a half years; his parents; his sister, Ruby Shupert; and a son-in-law, Philip Rygg.

Survivors include his daughters, Charlene Rygg, and Judy and her husband, Larry Campbell; his grandchildren whom he was so proud of, Kevin Duff, Amanda and husband Mike Caldwell, Becky and husband Dennis Moulton, and Jeff Weyh and wife Leslie, as well as Becky Rygg and John Rygg; stepgrandsons, Jason and Brett Campbell, and Adam Noble. Surviving great-granddaughters are Azlyn Caldwell, and Jessica and Alyse Sena. Ken's three brothers, Melvin and wife, Charlene Lytle, Robert Lytle and Terry Rich also survive him, along with many nieces and nephews.

Services are scheduled for 3 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish, with military graveside rites following at the Whitefish Cemetery. A reception at the Whitefish Moose Lodge will follow at 4:30 p.m. Cremation has taken place and the family suggests donations to the Veterans Food Bank or other area food banks.

Elizabeth Ramey

Elizabeth Montana Ramey, 78, "entered into rest" April 16, 2009, at her home in Columbia Falls. She was born in Columbia Falls on Feb. 4, 1931, to Harry and Mae Higson. Liz attended school in Columbia Falls and graduated in 1950.

After graduation, Liz married William "Bill" Ramey on June 29, 1950. They set up home in Columbia Falls and welcomed the arrival of their only son, Rocky, in November 1951.

In 1955, Liz and Bill embarked on a career of construction that took them overseas, living many years in Africa and Spain. In the span of the next 18 years of homemaking and family raising, throughout 15 states and 18 countries on four continents, Liz found time to study for and receive her degree in cosmetology in Tucson, Ariz., in 1961.

They returned home to the Flathead Valley in 1973 and established the Pines and River Trailer Park in Columbia Falls. After Bill's death in 1978, Liz continued the operation of the business for 10 years. She lived out her retirement in Columbia Falls.

Liz was preceded in death by her parents, Harry H. and Mae F. Higson; her brother, John Higson; and her husband, William W. Ramey.

Liz is survived by her brothers, Robert "Bob" Higson of Columbia Falls, and Charles "Chuck" Higson of Tucson; her son, Rocky, and wife, Connie; grandson, Josh Ramey; granddaughters, Mandy Einarson and husband, Jesse, and Jessica Rice and husband, Brandon; along with two great-grandchildren, Mandy's daughter Cassandra, and Jessica's son, Trey. Added to these are all those friends sprinkled around the world, whose love and fellowship she cherished.

Liz was a strong individual and, right up to the untimely end, fought a hard "good-health" battle for many years. As always, to all the family and friends, and towards the end to the entire health-care community, for the support and thoughtfulness and for the love you showed, she thanked you and she loved you very much — one and all.

Arrangements were provided by Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls, with graveside services held Tuesday, April 21, at Glacier Memorial Gardens.