Charles E. Fisher

Charles E. Fisher, 81, of Columbia Falls died Sunday, Sept. 9, 2007 at North Valley Hospital surrounded by all of his family.

Charles was born May 6, 1926 in Marshfield, Wis. His childhood was spent in Aubumdale, Wis. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. in 1944. He served in the army 1945-46 in WWII Pacific Theater. In 1949 he graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He and Marion Elaine Drewsen were married June 18, 1949.

Charles retired in March of 1983 as Production Manager from the Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant.

Charles is survived by his wife Marion; daughters Jean Ervin of Columbia Falls, Judy Shatter of Charlo, Janice Sellers of Missoula; and son Andrew Fisher of Arlee. There are eight grandchildren, Olaf Ervin, Inga Lake, Heather and Kelsey Blush, Steven, Theresa and Scott Fisher, and Spencer Shatter, and six great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Thursday, Sept. 19 at the United Methodist Church in Columbia Falls. Interment was at Woodlawn Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staffs of North Valley Hospital and Three Rivers EMS for their support and help with Charles during his final days.

Bonnie and George Bancroft

George Bancroft, 76, of Martin City passed away on Sept. 4 after a long battle with cancer. Bonnie, 66, his wife of 41 years, followed him 30 days later on Oct. 4, suffering from a broken heart. Family and friends held a celebration of their lives at their home on Oct. 7.

George was born in Hermiston, Ore., and spent his early years as a bee keeper in his family's business. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II and served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. After serving his country he spent 25 years as an iron worker. He married Bonnie Treat in 1966.

Bonnie was the daughter of early Martin City pioneers Don and Betty Treat. The Treats moved to Martin City in the 1940's. Bonnie was the oldest of seven children. She and George will be remembered for their open door hospitality and love of family and friends. Bonnie was prolific at crocheting afghans and enjoyed gifting them to friends and family.

George and Bonnie had a total of 11 children: Jamie Bancroft of Malta, Linda Bancroft (deceased), Sandy Moore of Scottsdale, Ariz., David Bancroft (deceased), Dave Backen of Libby, Charlotte Backen of Salem, Ore., Ray Backen of Omaha, Nebr., Duane Bancroft of Martin City, William Bancroft of Martin City, Andrew Bancroft of Martin City and Robert Bancroft of Martin City.

Together they have 24 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Granddaughters Andrea and Jessica Bancroft were fortunate enough to share their home.

Bonnie and George were inseparable in life and now are rejoined. May they be blessed.