Ronald Mohn

Ron Mohn, 62, has gone fishing. He left this world on March 10, 2009, to go to that secret fishing hole where the fishing is always great and the stories are tall. He was an author, an avid fisherman, entrepreneur, a consummate storyteller, and best friend to all who knew him.

Ron was born in Tucson, Ariz., to Pearl and Emery Mohn. He then moved to the Flathead Valley where he attended schools and graduated from Flathead High School. His fondest memory growing up in the Flathead Valley was of the two "Huck Finn" summers he spent as a caretaker on Shelter Island on Flathead Lake.

After joining the Navy, Ron served as a decorated corpsman in Vietnam. Later he graduated from Duke University in the second class of Physician's Assistants in 1973. Ron worked as a orthopedic physician's assistant in Panama City, Fla., Corvallis, Ore., and on the Alaskan pipeline. He was instrumental in developing licensure for physician's assistants to practice in the state of Montana.

Upon coming back to Montana he met and reeled in the best catch of his life, his wife of 29 years, Louann. Meanwhile he attended Flathead Valley Community College in business and subsequently opened up Consignment Corral. For the last 17 years he developed and operated the second love of his life, Mountain Lake Fisheries. His company harvested Lake Superior Whitefish fillets and produced award-winning Montana Golden Whitefish Caviar.

Ron is survived by his wife Louann; longtime friends, Gale and Rob Noteboom, Chuck and Jeanie Hissong, Charlie and Ruth Davis, and Carol Senner; his Mountain Lakes Fisheries family; his TOPS family; constant companion, Mike the cat; and numerous colleagues, friends and family members.

A memorial service was held at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls on Saturday, March 14. He has been cremated and his ashes will be scattered at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that food donations be made to the Veteran's Food Bank at 1527 Highway 35 East, Kalispell, MT 59901.

Berna Crowe

Berna J. "Bernie" Crowe, lost her battle to cancer on March 11, 2009. She was born in Kalispell on Dec. 18, 1939 to Bernie and Margaret Benson. She moved to Columbia Falls in 1946 and was raised by her mother and stepfather, Tom Smith. Bernie attended schools in Columbia Falls.

On June 16, 1972, she married David Crowe. After working at Plum Creek Evergreen for 34 years as a Hyster driver she retired and enjoyed camping, picking berries and mushrooms and trips to Laughlin, Nev.

She was preceded in death by her mother Margaret and father Bernie; stepfather Tom and stepsister Elma.

Bernie is survived by her husband of 36 years, David; son Tim Knopfle and daughter Terri Frey, both of Kalispell; sister Elaine Countryman of Columbia Falls; stepsister Sandra Suson on Kingman, Ariz., one grandson; four granddaughters; one great grandson; Aunt Bee Barry; and numerous cousins.

Cremation has been held and there will be no services.

Nancy Watson

Nancy Ann Watson, 58, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at her home in Columbia Falls surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born to John Floyd and Audrey Jones in Mankato, Minn., on Jan. 22, 1951.

Nancy was raised in Mankato, Minn., where she attended elementary and high school. She graduated from Mankato High School in 1969 and went on to Mankato Beauty School, graduating in 1971.

She worked as a cosmetologist/hairdresser for 30 years in Mankato and Whitefish. She was involved in numerous community activities, including the Red Hat Society, Flathead Valley Dance and Jazz, Democratic Party of Montana, American Diabetes Association and the AARP. She was very supportive of community concerts and plays. She was an avid advocate for health care for all.

Nancy participated in a number of hobbies and interests. She enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, potluck social events and sewing. She had a great love of animals, especially her Imee and Heidi. She had a love for the great Montana outdoors. She participated in various Native American activities, including sweats and powwows. Nancy was an avid reader. Some of her favorite authors were Thich Nhat Hanh and Bill Wilson.

Nancy loved talking to and spending time with her family and friends. She loved her Thursday movie date nights and being married to her beloved husband, Paul.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Paul of Columbia Falls; daughter, Samantha Devens and granddaughters, Destinee Martin and Hannah Blank of Mankato; mother-in-law, Ella Mae Watson of Syringa, Idaho; sisters, Gail Jones (Jan Carney), Cari White of Mankato; and brothers, Dan (Mary) Jones of Brooklyn Park, Minn. and Chuck (Michelle) Jones of Brownton, Minn.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Audrey Jones; sisters, Patty and Margaret Mary Jones; and brother-in-law, Robert Watson.

Nancy's memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 19, at 11 a.m. at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. A potluck will be held at Paul and Nancy's home at 1132 Fourth Ave. W., following the memorial service. Please help us to continue to celebrate Nancy's life.

Memorials are requested to be sent to the Home Options Hospice at 175 Common Loop #100, Kalispell, MT 59901.