Roberta Iris Brown Bakshas

Roberta Iris Brown Bakshas, 88, surrounded by family and friends, was taken into the arms of her Savior on Oct. 30, 2010, at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Wash. She was born on July 15, 1922, in Lewistown, to Harry and Cecilia Corrigan Brown. She grew up in Grass Range, and was deeply involved with family, church and music. While attending high school, she worked in her parent’s creamery. She also enjoyed being a part-time seamstress, hairdresser and musician for the local community.

On Nov. 10, 1940 the coldest recorded day in Montana history, she married Samuel E. Bakshas of Winifred, which began a lifelong relationship of 64 years. In 1942, they moved to Seattle, Wash., where Sam served at Todd Shipyard as a Merchant Marine.

While in Seattle, their oldest daughter, Marjorie, was born. After completion of service in 1946, they moved to Whitefish, where Helen, their second daughter, was born. The next year, they moved to Hungry Horse, to join in the construction of the Hungry Horse Dam, later moving to Columbia Falls in 1954. In 1962, they moved to Pasco, Wash., where she worked full-time at Woolworths. She then continued her career at Seattle First National Bank until 1984 when she joined Sam in retirement.

Roberta was active with family, church and community organizations. She was a lifetime member of Order of Eastern Star, Vista Chapter #44 in Whitefish. She served as Mother Advisor and on the advisory board for International Rainbow Girls #66, Columbia Falls, and received the Grand Cross of Colors. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary Order of Eagles, North Valley Aerie #4081, Columbia Falls. She was a member of the Homemaker’s Club of Columbia Falls and Women of the Moose, Chapter 1204 Kennewick, Washington. She participated in the FLASH group in the Tri-Cities. She was an active member in the Edsel Owners Club of the Tri-Cities and Oregon State. She sang in the choirs and held numerous positions in both Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of Columbia Falls and Lutheran Church of the Master of Pasco. Some of her favorite hobbies were sewing, writing poems, traveling and playing cards with family and friends.

Roberta is survived by her daughter, Marjorie C. Bakshas Gravelle of Columbia Falls; her daughter, Helen J. Bakshas of Pasco; grandson, Gregory and wife Shelly Gravelle; and great-grandchildren, Josiah, Samuel, Jonathan, Benjamin, Nathaniel and Peter of Grand Rapids, Mich.; grandson Anthony Gravelle of Springfield, S.D.; granddaughter, Tamara Gravelle McMeans and husband Shannon and great-grandchildren, Meaghan and Travis of Arlington, Texas. Also surviving are numerous relatives and friends.

Her parents, Harry and Cecilia Corrigan Brown; her husband, Samuel E. Bakshas; her brother, Chester A. Brown of Whitefish; and her sister, Elsie M. Pryce of Canby, Ore, preceded her in death.

Viewing will be held on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010 at Hillcrest Bruce Lee in Pasco, Wash. Funeral Service were held Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, at Lutheran Church of the Master, 4820 W. Court St. in Pasco. Burial was at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Richland, Wash.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shiners Hospital for Children, 911 W. 5th Ave. Spokane, Washington 99204 or to a charity of your choice.