Myrna Ash

Myrna Paulette Watterud Ash died Sept. 25, 2009, following a valiant fight with cancer in Salt Lake City, Utah.

She was born Nov. 4, 1950, in Glasgow to Rudy and Ruth Shirley Watterud. She graduated from Whitefish High School in 1968.

Myrna married Fredrick Ash on Sept. 3, 1976, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

She was a faithful member of the LDS Church, serving in many capacities, such as Relief Society President, teacher and primary pianist. Until unable to continue due to health issues, she served as a Temple Ordinance Worker in the Salt Lake Temple.

She also worked for more than three decades at Workman's Compensation Fund and will always be remembered for her dedication and strong work ethics. Myrna will always be known for her selfless service to others.

She was preceded in death by her father, Rudy Watterud.

She is survived by her husband, of Salt Lake City; her mother Ruth Watterud, of Whitefish; brothers and sisters Betty St. John, of Missoula, Bill Watterud and wife Fran, of Elk Hart, Ind., Bernie Garrett and husband Bobbie, of Plano, Calif., Deborah Morrill and husband Shirl, of Lehi, Utah, and Gary Watterud and wife Sandee, of Whitefish.

Funeral services were held Sept. 30, 2009, at the McKinley Ward Chapel, in Salt Lake City. Interment was held in the Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery.

Brenda Roy

Brenda Kay (Rhodes' Roy, 48, passed away Sept. 24, 2009, at her residence in Whitefish.

She was born in Kalispell on Aug. 17, 1961, and attended Whitefish High School.

After leaving high school, she moved to Calgary, Alberta, and married Robert Roy. In 1995, she moved back to care for her parents.

Brenda's employment included the Comfort Inn, Flathead County, and La Quinta, when she was diagnosed with cancer.

She was preceded in death by her father, Frank Rhodes; brothers Bernard and Edward Rhodes; daughter Debbie; and son John Henry.

Survivors include her mother, Laura Rhodes; brothers, Jake Rhodes and wife Julie, of Hungry Horse, Virgil Rhodes and wife Elma, of Columbia Falls, Wesley Rhodes and wife Debbie, of Coram, Donald Rhodes and wife Marie, of Kalispell, Albert Rhodes and wife Theresa, of Roosevelt, Utah, and Calvin Rhodes and wife Brenda, of Whitefish; sisters Anita Rhodes, of Whitefish, and Teresa Wassmer and husband Richard, of Whitefish; fiance Lewis Baumgardner, of Whitefish; daughters Marie Pacey, of Lethbridge, Alberta, Brenda Lee Roy, of Kalispell, and Amanda Roy, of Columbia Falls; grandsons Brandon, Toby and William; and granddaughter Jaqueline.

The Women Of The Moose will hold a reception for Brenda at the Whitefish Moose Lodge on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009 (today), at 6 p.m. The family will hold a celebration of life for Brenda at her mother's home near Whitefish on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, at 2 p.m. Family and friends are invited to join us in the celebration. For more information, call 890-0122.

David Kao

David Kao, 28, of Whitefish, passed away peacefully on Sept. 24, 2009, at Washington Medical Center as a result of injuries sustained in an Aug. 8, 2009, automobile accident.

David was born in Whitefish on Nov. 23, 1980, to Steph and Mike Kao. He attended Whitefish High School and happily remained in his hometown after school.

David was a true Montana guy who enjoyed all things outdoors. He spent his free time camping, fishing, hunting and riding ATVs. He was just as happy in his grandpa's shop and was always willing to help out a friend or family member with any project. The evidence of this could be seen in his grandfather's neatly groomed yard.

All those who had the pleasure of knowing David loved having him around, and his social nature provided many memorable experiences for those closest to him. David's wild spirit and strong determination to hold onto youth, fun and freedom leaves both humorous and heart-wrenching memories for those who knew him well.

David worked as a driver for Grizzly Security and seemed to connect well with all the customers he would visit on his route. The family is appreciative of all the cards and well wishes received from those people during his last days.

David is survived by his parents Mike and LaRee Kao, and Ed and Steph Boschee; grandparents Glen and Connie Kao, Gladys Jensen, and Larry and Marilyn Jensen; siblings Jennifer and Cody Watson, and LaChelle and Ken Freeland; nieces Victoria and Isabelle; best friend Jim Thompson; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends; and his infamous dog Rowdy.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, at 2 p.m. in his grandfather's shop at 1569 East Edgewood Drive. For more information, call Jennifer 261-6789.

Janet Johnson

Janet Angus Johnson, 68, of Whitefish, passed away Sept. 15, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a long battle with lung disease and auto-immune diseases.

She was born Jan. 1, 1941, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to William G. and Mary (Wheeler) Angus, of Corning, Iowa. The first baby of the year in Corning, she often complained that everybody had a hangover from celebrating New Year's Eve and watched football all day on her birthday.

In high school, Janet was recognized for her good looks and talent when she won the Southwest Iowa Beauty Queen competition.

She attended Colorado Women's College in Denver and graduated in 1961. She later received a bachelor's in anthropology and English as a second language from California State University. She worked for many years as a volunteer for adult literacy and was employed at Bakersfield College as a tutor for foreign students.

Janet always kept a wonderful home. She was an avid knitter and reader, a great cook and had a keen eye for decorating and design. She was a great animal lover and always had several cats and dogs. Many people would say that if they were reincarnated they wanted to come back as one of Janet's pets.

Janet was married to Cliff Graber, of California, Kendall Davis, of Santa Fe, N.M., and "I have it right this time" to Donald M. Johnson.

Janet lived a colorful and exciting life. She lived in the eastern U.S., Sweden, England, California and finally came to Montana in 1996 when Don retired. She loved the Big Sky's open spaces and natural beauty, its relatively few people, trees, animals and birds.

She is survived by her husband Don, in Whitefish, and two beloved Australian shepherds, Scarlett and Dugal Blue.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family suggests memorials be sent to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana, 3499 U.S. 93 North, Kalispell MT 59901 or the Kern Humane Society, Inc., 900 21st Street, Bakersfield CA 93301.

Anna Cook

Anna Mae Cook passed away in her sleep on Sept. 19, 2009, in Whitefish.

She was born on July 19, 1933, in Syracuse, N.Y., and graduated from Central High School in Syracuse.

She married Bruce F. Cook on June 24, 1952. She was a member of the Oran Community Church in Manlius, N.Y., for 57 years, where she was in the Church Workers Class. She was a member of the Pleasant Valley Club and the Pompey Historical Society.

She received the National Contractors Wife of the Year Award from the Land Improvement Contractors of America and the New York State Contractors Wife of the Year award from the state chapter of the Land Improvement Contractors of America.

A devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Anna will be dearly missed.

She was preceded in death by her sister Arlene Cloney.

She is survived by her husband Bruce Cook, of Whitefish; son David Cook and wife Deborah, of Davidsonville, Md.; daughter Deborah Slocum and husband Everette, of New Woodstock, N.Y.; daughter Brenda Guzman and husband Aaron, of Whitefish; sister Mabel McKinney, of Kalispell; sister Frances Arnold and husband Robert, of Syracuse, N.Y.; grandchildren Corinne Cook, Sarah Cook, Allison Cook, Jnelia Slocum, Patrick Grandinetti, and Anna Guzman; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Services took place at Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish on Sept. 26. A public memorial service will be held at the Oran Community Church on Oct. 11.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oran Community Church or the Manlius Fire Department.

Janet Sproul

Janet D. Sproul, 79, died peacefully at Heritage Place on Sept. 16, 2009.

She was born in New York, N.Y., on June 27, 1930, the daughter of Elmer and Madeline Fly. She married Lewis "Dill" Sproul on June 10, 1949.

She had been a longtime resident of the Flathead Valley, residing for an extended period of time at Star Meadows.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dill and her brother William Fly.

She is survived by her son Clyde Sproul and wife Gus, of Kalispell; sisters Florence, Leola and Ellen; brother Elmer; nieces and nephews Ruthie, Jenny, Jolene, Richard, Kenny, Nancy and Sandra; and many great nieces and great nephews.

Services took place Sept. 21, 2009, at the Austin Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Tim Bartholomew officiating.

Cordie Black

Cordie Black, 97, of Kalispell, passed away Sept. 11, 2009.

She was born in Gordo, Ala., on Sept. 18, 1911, to Sarah Estes and Thomas Dillard. Cordie moved to the Kalispell area in 2006 with her family.

Cordie was a loving mother, grandmother and faithful friend. She was an active member of South Highland Baptist Church of Bessemer, Ala., where she worked with the youths. An accomplished cook, she was known for her cakes, pastries and rolls, and often contributed recipes to the local newspapers. It was in this capacity that she was employed by The Bessemer Alabama Girls Club for 20 years.

Affectionately known as "Mama Black," she taught cooking but also mentored young girls in grooming, table manners and proper etiquette. In 1984, she was honored by the state of Alabama with a Leadership Award for Outstanding Contributions in Education Programs.

Cordie was an outstanding citizen and was honored as "Club Woman of the Year" in Bessemer. She served on the board of directors of the Bessemer Salvation Army and the Women's Club House, Bessemer. She was an active member of the Hueytown Alabama Hobby Club and the Alabama Federation of Womens Clubs.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Walter and son Tom.

Survivors include her daughter Sarah Glascock, grandson Drew Glascock and wife Diane, all of Whitefish; granddaughter Dawn Glascock, of Opelika, Ala.; grandsons Thomas Black Jr., and Michael Black, and granddaughters Sharon Dicken and Sara Arsola, all of Maryland; and several great grandchildren and beloved nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held Sept. 13, 2009, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home In Kalispell. Burial will be in Birmingham, Ala.