March 26, 2008

William Lewis “Buddy” Byrd

William Lewis “Buddy” Byrd left his home here on earth to live again with Heavenly Father, and his beloved mother and father, Tressa and Jewel on March 26, 2008. He was born August 25, 1945 in Helena, to Tressa and Jewel Byrd. He was the first of five children in the family. Tressa gave him the nickname “Buddy”, since he was her “little buddy”, while Jewel was away in the army.
Buddy attended Butte public schools, obtained his GED, and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. Buddy would share fond memories of his tours, including a near engagement to a German gal, being chased down the streets of Georgia, and his memorable train trip home to Butte for Thanksgiving.
He was swept off his feet by a brown-eyed beauty named Mickey Harvey. The two were married, on April 27, 1966 in Butte. Forty years later, the couple’s relationship still was like their very first date. Two daughters were born from this loving marriage. Buddy was always proud of his girls. He spent many years working in the mines of Butte. After the closing of the Pit, the family moved to Townsend. Buddy worked for RY Timber until he was forced into retirement due to recent failing heath. One of Buddy’s proudest moments was when he was in the movie The Horse Whisperer. His mother always said he missed his calling to be in the movies. He will always be remembered for his humor, quick wits, love of family, and intelligence beyond his means. We are so grateful to have loved and to have been loved by this wonderful man. “Tap ‘Er Light.”
He was preceded in death by infant son, William James Byrd, parents, Jewel and Tressa Byrd, grandmother Opal Blank and Uncle Gilbert Thrasher.
He will be greatly missed by his wife Mickey, Townsend; daughters, Michelle (Mike) Landers of Butte, Jeri (Kim) Miller, Townsend; grandchildren Mikey, Kundra, Seth and Abby. He is also survived by his brothers Lyle and Barney Byrd both of Townsend, Lowell Byrd of Milton Free Water, Ore. and his sister Marcy Criss of Walla Walla, Wash.; cousins, numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Buddy’s life was held, Saturday, March 29, 2008 at Connors Funeral Home and the American Legion Club in Townsend.

March 27th, 2008

Rose Gross-Moe

Rose Gross-Moe passed away on March 27th at her home at the Waterford. Rose was born in Dillon on November 29th, 1917 to John and Alva Woods Sorensen.
When Rose was a teenager she moved with her family to Townsend where she resided for many years.
On August 13th, 1939 she married Charles Horne in the Methodist Church. They had two daughters, Carol and JoDee. Rose and Chuck managed several ranches in the Townsend, Dillon and Avon areas before moving to Helena in 1958.
In 1966 Rose began her career with Montana Physicians Service, now known as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana. She retired in 1983. Chuck passed away in 1984.
In 1986 she renewed acquaintance with an old friend, Peter Gross. They were married in 1987. Pete passed away in 1993. In 1995 Rose married Willard Moe, who survives her at their home at the Waterford.
Rose was predeceased by her parents, her brother Max Sorensen, her sister Vera Pusey Shearer and her husbands Chuck and Pete.
Besides her husband, she is survived by her daughters JoDee Martello (Grant Mitman) and Carol (Gary) Dees. Grandchildren Shanni and Stephen Martello, Rob (Eileen) Walker, Chris (Barney) Spurlock, Randy and Rich Walker, Colby (Dianna) Dees. Great grandchildren Chip, Griffin, Bryce and Henry Walker, Nichole (Nate) Brown, Lacey (Eric) Forrey, Emma Spurlock (Art Clark), Clancy Spurlock, Kayla, Garet and Peyton Walker, Zane, Saxton and Chase Dees.
Great-great grandchildren Riley Brakefield, Isabella Brown, Sydney Forrey, Walker Spurlock and soon to arrive Avery Clark. Niece Linda Koelzer and her children Brian(Sara) and LeeAnne. Nephew Gregg(Jeanne) Pusey and their children Alicia and Curtis.
A memorial service for Rose will be held at the Waterford at 3 p.m. on Saturday April 12th with Reverend George Harper officiating. Cremation has taken place. Interment will be at a later date.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Waterford for their compassionate care shown to Rose, Willard and the family. We are deeply grateful.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers that donations be made to Hospice of St. Peter’s 2475 Broadway, Helena 59601.