Charles Higginbotham (1840-1927) IL/MT
Montana Obituaries
The Anaconda Standard 11/06/1905
Ruth Higginbotham (1903-1905) MT
Ruth, the two year and six months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Higginbotham, died last evening at the family residence, No. 1505 North Main Street, Walkerville.
The Beloit Gazette (Beloit, Kansas) 11/27/1918
Clarence H. Higinbotham (1890-1918) KS/MT
Clarence Higginbotham died at Lewistown, Montana on November 19, 1918, from the effects of an attack of influenza. He was away from home when taken sick and had to drive fifty miles to get home. His wife and children were in Beloit at the time of his death. Mrs. Higginbotham left for Lewistown upon receipt of the news that her husband was dead. Mr. Higginbotham is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Higginbotham of Lewistown, two sisters, Mrs. Jim Rouen of Lewistown and Mrs. Blanche De Pew of Kansas City, Mo., and two brothers, Walter and John. He also left a wife and two children. The funeral services were held at Lewistown on the 22nd instant and interment was made at that place.
The Butte Miner 7/18/1920
Hazel E. Higinbotham (1903-1920) MT
Miss Hazel Higenbotham, 17, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Heginbotham of Harrison, died at a local hospital Saturday. The body is at the Cassidy & Bilboa undertaking rooms and will be forwarded to Harrison at a time to be announced later.
The Anaconda Standard11/17/1924
Sarah Ann Polkinghome Higginbotham (ca1860-1924) MT
Higginbotham - The funeral of the late Mrs. Sarah A. Higginbotham will take place tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family residence, 1505 North Main street, the Rev. Frederick T. Spencer officiating. Interment in Mount Moriah cemetery.
The Missoulian 3/13/1925
Charles Henry Hickenbottom (1869-1925) IL/MT
Funeral services in memory of Charles Hickenbottom, who died Wednesday, will be held at the Marsh chapel at 2 o'clock this afternoon, with Rev. James Lacklen in charge. Mr. Hickenbottom, who was 56 years of age, came to Montana 10 years ago and has resided in Missoula for two years. He is survived by his wife, three sons, Clarence, Loal and Russell, and two daughters, Irene and Mrs. Ellis Shepperd of Great Falls.
The Anaconda Standard 8/3/1926
George Henry Higginbotham (ca1860-1926) England/MT
Watchman Dies on Way to Work
George Higginbotham Suddenly Taken by Death. Old Timer of Butte.
George Higginbotham, a veteran miner of Butte, and of late a watchman at the Elm Orlu property, dropped dead last evening on Toboggan Avenue while on his way to his work. He fell to the ground when a short distance from his home at 1505 North Main Street.
Mr. Higginbotham was a native of the Isle of Man and had been in Butte for the last 35 years. He had been employed at the Elm Orlu for about 10 years.
Relatives are a stepson, William G. Rundle, of Walkerville; a brother-in-law, William Polkinghorne, of Butte, and a brother, Fred, in the Isle of Man.
Mr. Higginbotham was a member of Fidelity Lodge No. 8, I.O.O.F. The body is at Richards and funeral arrangements will be made later.
The Dillon Examiner Wednesday, February 23, 1927 Page 1 & 8
Charles Higginbotham (1840-1927) IL/MT
Pioneer of State Dies At Hospital
Charles Higgenbotham, early Montana pioneer and for many years a familiar
character in this section, died yesterday morning at the Barrett hospital. He
had been in failing health for several years and until recently had been a
patient at the county hospital.
Funeral arrangements have not been made, pending the result of efforts to locate
relatives.
Charley Higgenbotham was one of Montana's earliest pioneers, coming to the state
in 1864. He had been in close contact with many of the epoch-making events of
the early days of the West, and he had a wealth of stories of pioneer times at
his command, born of thrilling experiences during his career as a pony express
rider and stage driver.
He was born in Washington, Ill., and was 86 years of age at the time of his
death. He came west when a mere boy and for a short time was a pony express
rider out of Cheyenne, working with the famous Wells-Fargo company. Later he
became a stage coach driver in Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota and claimed to
have been one of the first men to drive a stage in Montana. He claimed to have
known personally Jim Bridger and other famous early day characters and a few
years ago when Bridger's reputation was involved in a suit filed by his
daughter, Mr. Mr. Higgenbotham offered to testify in defense of the pioneer's
character.
He was a resident of Butte in the early days of that mining camp, working as a
freighter. He came to this vicinity about thirty years ago and had resided here
most of the time since, being engaged as a teamster until failing health forced
him to become a county charge.
He never lost his dexterity and skill with the reins, even with advancing age,
and in recent years drove stage coaches in Butte and Dillon during patriotic
celebrations. At the time of his death he is said to have been engaged in
writing a book of reminiscences of early days in the West.
The Dillon Examiner Wednesday, June 1, 1938
Pony Express Rider Grave Is Decorated
Higgenbotham died in Dillon, Feb. 22, 1927, at the age of 86, after a colorful
career during which he acted as Indian scout, pony express rider, stage driver,
freighter and in numerous other capacities.
He knew many of the early pioneers of the West, claiming as personal friends
such well-known historical figures as Buffalo Bill Cody, Calamity Jane, Wild
Bill Hickok, General Custer, General Miles and many others. Only a short time
before his death, despite his advanced age, he was still able to handle the
reins of eight-horse teams hitched to a stage coach or wagon.
The Madisonian (Virginia City, MT) 5/29/1931
Frances Te Selle Higginbotham (1912-1931) MT
Word was received here Friday of the death of Mrs. William Higginbothan, which occurred at Big Timber Friday morning. Mrs. Higginbothan was formerly Miss Frances Te Selle of Willow Creek and was married to Mr. Higginbothan in January of this year. She had been a suffered from heart trouble for some months and death came suddenly while she was visiting relatives at Big Timber.
Funeral services were held at Willow Creek Sunday afternoon, with the Rev. Robert L. Meyer officiating. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved husband and other relatives.
The Missoulian 2/24/1942
Ethel May Thompson Hickenbottom (1875-1942) MT/WA
Mrs. Ethel M. Hickenbottom, mother of Russell Hickenbottom of Missoula, died Sunday in Seattle, where she had gone four months ago. She had formerly lived at 342 South Avenue East.
Mrs. Hickenbottom was born in 1875, and came to Montana in 1913 from the Midwest, settling first near Culbertson. In 1923 she moved to Missoula, and has resided here ever since until moving to Seattle.
Surviving are her five children, Russell of Missoula, Loal of Coquille, Ore., Clarence of Enumclaw, Wash., Mrs. M.W. Kohn of St. Paul, and Mrs. Roy F. Brown of Redding, Cal.
The body will be brought to Marsh & Powell funeral home, where arrangements for services will be made.
The Montana Standard (Butte, MT) 6/26/1947
William Edward Higinbotham (1906-1947) MT
Anna Marie Simonsen Higinbotham (1918-1947) MT
Higinbotham - The funeral for the late Mrs. Marie Higinbotham will take place Thursday morning at 11:30 from the Rose Room of Duggan's Merrill mortuary. The Rev. Dorence Jensen will conduct the services. Following the services, the funeral will proceed to Laurin, Mont., where interment will take place
After a three-day struggle for life, William E. Higinbotham, 41, of Nissler, died at 10 p.m. Wednesday in St. James hospital.
Higinbotham was fatally injured in the tragic Sunday night two-car collision that previously climed the lives of three others.
With the death of Mr. Higinbotham, all the occupants of one car invilved in the crash have died. They include Marie Higinbotham, his wife...
...Mrs. Higinbotham, who would have been 30 the next day, died approximately two hours later at a local hospital...
Funeral directors announced that the funeral of Mrs. Higinbotham, scheduled for Thursday morning would be postponed until Friday when double services will be held for the Higinbotham couple at an hour to be set later. Double burial will take place in the Laurin cemetery.
The death of Mr. and Mrs. Higinbotham orphans three children; Betty, age 11, Harlan, 9 and Donna, 8. Mr. Higinbotham is also survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Higinbotham of Harrison; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Higinbotham of Anaconda and Lester Higinbotham of Harrison; two brothers-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wallace of Harrison and Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Scanland of Corvallis, also several nieces and nephews.
The Billings Gazette 7/29/1949
James Floyd Higginbotham (1871-1949) MO/MT
Forsyth Resident Is Accorded Rites
Forsyth, July 28 - Services were conducted Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at Beals Chapel for James F. Higgenbotham, 77, who died at the Forsyth hospital Tuesday. He was born Dec. 30, 1871, in Joplin, Mo., and married Margaret Steele at La Duke, Canada, Sept. 19, 1900.
A railroad blacksmith by trade, Mr. Higgenbotham came to Montana in 1905, and to Forsyth in 1912, where he worked for the Northern Pacific railway until 1919.
Survivors are the widow; four sons, Charles and Tom of Forsyth, William of Laurel and Ed of Billings; three daughters, Mrs. Mary Wells of Forth Worth, Texas, Mrs. Ida Filley of Seattle and Mrs. Ellen Cartwright of Laurel; three grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. Ida Benson of Chicago.
The Rev Lester Meyers of the Wesleyan Methodist Church was in charge of the services, and Mrs. Jack Mees was soloist. Burial was in the Forsyth Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Clark Scoles, Gene Filley, Jack McHugh, Bob Jenrick, Frank Ertman and Frank Sorenson.
The Billings Gazette 12/12/1949
Edward Christopher Higginbotham (1915-1949) MT
Monoxide Gas Takes Life of Local Resident
Wife, Children are Reported in Serious Condition
Edward Christopher Higginbotham, 34, of
The tragedy was discovered at about 1:30 p.m. when Mr.
Higginbotham’s sister, Mrs. Ellen Cartwright of
Police and firemen were called and the resuscitator crew of
the fire department administered oxygen to the victims until the arrival of a
doctor who had the mother and children taken to a
Mrs. Higginbotham, 31, and the children, Jimmy, 6, and Rosalie, 4, were reported in serious condition Sunday night at the hospital.
Mrs. Cartwright said that Mr. Higginbotham called her at
her home in
Mel Boice,
Mr. Higginbotham was employed at the federal weather
station at the
He was born Oct. 12, 1915, in Forsyth, son of Mr. and Mrs.
James F. Higginbotham. He attended Forsyth school and attended Eastern Montana
Normal college and
After graduation he taught school at Baker and in rural
schools near Forsyth before entering the Army ion 1942. He served three years in
the European theater of war before being discharged in 1945. He was a member of
the
He married Miss Rosina Saur Sept. 13, 1941, in
The family moved to
Besides the widow and son and daughter, Mr. Higginbotham is survived by his mother, Mrs. Margaret Higginbotham of Forsyth; three brothers, William L. Higginbotham of Laurel and Charles L. Higginbotham and Thomas Higginbotham of Forsyth; three sisters, Mrs. Minor J. Wells of Fort Worth, Texas, Mrs. Clarence Filley of Seattle, Wash., and Mrs. Cartwright.
The body is at Smith’s funeral home.
Great Falls Tribune 2/14/1953
Larue Higginbotham Nierenberg (1916-1953) ID/MT
Funeral services for Mrs. LaRue Nierenberg, 36, will be held at the Methodist Church in Geraldine this (Tuesday) afternoon at 1 p.m. Elder Vivian Squires will officiate. Entombment will be in the Hillcrest Lawn Memorial.
The wife of Clarence Nierenbeg. Mrs. Nierenberg died Thursday night at a local hospital after undergoing major surgery three weeks ago.
Mrs. Nierenberg was born Dec. 20, 1916, at Rigby, Ida., and attended schools at St. Anthony, Ida. She was married in 1942 and came to Great Falls soon afterwards, she and her husband ranching east of here for about four years before moving to Geraldine. She was a member of the Latter Day Saints Church in Great Falls.
Survivors include her husband and two daughters, Marion Jean and Jerelyn; her father, O. Higginbotham, Idaho Falls; a brother, Kenneth H. Higginbotham, Bozeman; a sister, Mrs. Doris Pickering, Great Falls; a half-sister, Barbara Higginbotham, Idaho Falls, and several aunts, nieces and nephews.
The Montana Standard (Butte, MT) 6/13/1955
Edward A. Higinbotham (1867-1955) PA/MT
Mr. Higinbotham of Harrison Dies
Whitehall - Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon in the Harrison Church for Edward A. Higinbotham, 81, pioneer Harrison resident who died Saturday. Burial will be in the Harrison Cemetery.
Mr. Higinbotham was born in Merritsville, Pa., on Aug. 24, 1867. He and Eliza Harris were married at Meadow Creek, Feb. 25, 1902, after which they made their permanent home on a ranch in Harrison.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Higinbotham is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Sam Higinbotham of Anaconda, and Mr. and Mrs. Lester Higinbotham of Harrison; two sons-in-laws and daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Lisle Scanland of Corvallis, and Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wallace of Cardwell; eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Scott's Funeral Home of Whitehall is in charge of arrangements.
The Missoulian 4/21/1960
Ethyl Gladys Hart Hickenbottom (1899-1960) WI/MN/MT
Mrs. Ethel G. Hickenbotham, 61, of 515 E. Pine St., died Wednesday afternoon at her home.
Mrs. Hickenbottom was born March 4, 1899 in Madison, Wis. She came to Missoula in 1924 from Minnesota. She was in a wheelchair for many years and an active member of the Indoors Sports Club.
She is survived by three brothers, Charles W. Hart, Missoula; Spencer C. Hart, Santa Monica, Calif. and Hal M. Hart, Valparaiso, Ind., and two sisters, Mrs. Sam Gilluly, Helena, and Mrs. Kenneth Griep, Olympia, Wash.
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday at 3 p.m. in the Squire-Simmons-Carr Rose Chapel with the Rev. Hugh Herbert officiating. Burial will be in Missoula Cemetery.
The Montana Standard (Butte, MT) 4/16/1961
Samuel Harris Higinbotham (1909-1961) MT
Death Summons S. H. Higinbotham
Anaconda - Samuel H. Higinbotham, 51, well known Montana native and a resident of Ana conda and vicinity for the past 25 years, died Saturday in St. Ann Hospital where he had been a patient for the last three weeks. He resided at 607 Walnut.
Mr. Higinbotham was born at Norris in Madison County, Nov. 19, 1909. He attended schools in Harrison and graduated from high school there. He resided in Harrison until 1936 when he came to the Anaconda area.
He and Pearl Ward, Willow reek, were married in Butte in 1932.
Mr. Higinbotham was engaged in mining in Southern Cross near Georgetown Lake for four years before he went to work for the Anaconda Co. in 1940. He was a pump operator at Meyers and Heffner Dams in the West Valley. He moved to Anaconda from Southern Cross in 1944.
He was a member of the Methodist Church, Acacia Lodge No. 33, AF&AM, Eureka Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and Zabud Council of Butte.
Survivors include his wife; mother, Mrs. Eliza Higinbotham, Anaconda; mother-in-law, Mrs. Florrie Ward, Willow Creek; son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Higinbotham, Glasgow; son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. John Simon, Butte; brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Higinbotham, Harrison; brothers-in-law and sisters, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Wallace, Cardwell, and Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Scanland, Corvallis; three granddaughters and numerous nieces and nephews.
The body is in the Fischer Funeral Chapter. Officers and members of the Eureka Chapter, Order of the Easter Star, and hold ritualistic services Monday at 8 p.m. in the chapter. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Methodist Church by the Rev. Howard Duff, pastor. The body will be taken to the church at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Burial will be in the family plot in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Masonic services will be conducted at the graveside by officers and members of Acacia Lodge.
Great Falls Tribune 5/29/1962
Doris Higginbotham Pickering (1919-1962) ID/MT
Mrs. Doris H. Pickering, 43, wife of Ollie Pickering, 619 7th Ave. N., died Monday at the family home following two weeks illness.
Funeral services will be Thursday afternoon at 1:30 at Croxford's Mortuary, Bishop Thomas J. Williams officiating.
Mrs. Pickering was born April 26, 1919, at Rigby, Idaho. Besides her widower, survivors are a brother, Kenneth Orr Higginbotham of Twin Falls, Idaho, and her father, Orland Higginbotham of Idaho Falls, Idaho.
The Billings Gazette 11/28/1968
Margaret Bernice Hickenbottom Moore (1912-1968) NE/MT
Margaret Bernice Moore, 56, 318 Terry Ave., an accountant with business offices in her home, was found dead at her home Wednesday evening.
She had been dead of natural causes for about three days, according to the coroner.
She was born April 5, 1912 near Westerville, Neb., to Mr. and Mrs. Steve Hickenbottom. She married Gerald Moore at Moorcroft, Wyo., in 1935. He died in November, 1967.
In the early 30's she homesteaded with her parents in Moorcroft. After marrying, she lived at Pocatello for 12 years, coming to Billings in 1947.
She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge.
Survivors include a daughter, Jewell E. Moore, attending the University of Columbia, N.Y.; her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Hickenbottom, San Luis Obispo, Calif.; a sister, Mrs. James Shea, Albuquerque, N.M.; seven brothers, James, Escondido, Wayne, San Luis Obispo, Richard, San Jose, Maynard, Royal Grande, Steve, Los Angeles and William, Avis, Calif., and Philip, Jacksonville, Fla.
Dahl-Brown Funeral Chapel is in charge.
The Madisonian (Virginia City, MT) 11/28/1969
Virginia Higinbotham Wallace (1912-1969) MT
Pony - Funeral services for Virginia Wallace, a native of Pony who died Thursday at her home in Pleasant Valley, were Saturday at the Scott Funeral Home in Whitehall. Rev. Howard Hunter of the Methodist church officiated.
Mrs. Wallace was born Sept. 2, 1912, in Pony, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Higinbotham. She attended schools in Pony and Harrison. She married Jack Wallace in Big Timber Nov. 8, 1936. They ranched at Cardwell until 1968, when they retired and moved to Pleasant Valley.
Survivors besides her husband include a son, Jack, of Whitehall; a daughter, Judy, of Dillon; her mother, Mrs. Eliza Higinbotham of Harrison; a brother, Lester Higinbotham of Harrison, and a sister, Mrs. Lisle Scandland of Corvallis.
Burial was in the Harrison cemetery.
The Billings Gazette 07/27/1972
Margaret Steele Higginbotham (1881-1972) MN/MT
Forsyth-Mrs. Margaret Higginbotham, 91, died at
She was born June 18, 1881, in
She was married to James Higginbotham Sept. 19, 1899, in
They came to Forsyth in 1911 where he worked for the Northern Pacific railroad and later operated a dairy. He died in 1949.
Survivors include three sons, Charles and Thomas of Forsyth and William of
Laurel; three daughters, Mrs. Mary Wells of Port Orchard,
She was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Forsyth and the Rosebud County Pioneer’s Association.
Rosary will be recited 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Beal’s Mortuary. Mass will be at
10 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Conception Church with Father Thomas McThgue.
Burial will be in
The Missoulian 9/25/1973
Eliza M. Harris Higinbotham (1875-1973) IA/MT
Hamilton - Eliza M. Higginbotham, 98, died Sunday in a Hamilton nursing home.
She was born Aug. 29, 1875, in Salem, Iowa, and later moved with her family to Illinois. She moved to Montana near the turn of the century and taught school at MacAllister. She married Edward A. Higginbotham there Feb. 25, 1902. They ranched at Harrison until her husband died in 1955.
Mrs. Higginbotham lived with several of her children until moving to Hamilton in 1969.
Survivors include a son, Lester, in Harrison; a daughter, Mrs. L.W. Scanland of Corvallis; 18 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the K and L Mortuary in Harrison. Burial will be in the Harrison Cemetery.
The Billings Gazette 07/21/1975
William Lewis Higginbotham (1901-1975) Canada/MO/MT
Laurel-William Lewis Higginbotham, 74, died Saturday of a
heart attack at his home in
He was born June 22, 1901, in
On May 4, 1936, he married Virginia M. Denzer in Red Lodge.
They lived in Colstrip for six years, before moving to
Mr. Higginbotham was a member of
Survivors include the widow; two brothers, Charles F. and
Thomas J., both of Forsyth and three sisters, Mrs. Minor Wells of Port Orchard,
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in
The Missoulian 8/4/1976
Alice M. Higinbotham Scanland (1904-1976) MT
Corvallis - Alice M. Scanland, 71, died at her home near Corvallis Monday afternoon. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Dowling Chapel in Hamilton with Vernon Myers officiating. Burial will be in the Corvallis Cemetery.
Mrs. Scanland was born Dec. 22, 1904, near Norris. She married Lisle Scanland April 20, 1926, at Butte. The couple made their home northeast of Corvallis since 1935.
Survivors include her husband, Lisle, Corvallis; a son, Glen, Corvallis' a brother, Lester Higinbotham, Harrison, and three grandchildren.
The Billings Gazette, MT. 4/14/1981 Tuesday Page 6
Charles F. Higginbotham (1903-1981) MO/MT
FORSYTH, MT. ---- Charley F. Higginbotham, 77, who operated the
Charles Motel until retiring in 1968, died Saturday in Billings St. Vincent
Hospital.
A World War II Veteran.
He was a member of the American Legion.
He was born in Joplin, MO., a son of James and Margaret Higginbotham.
In 1942 he married Berniece Johnson of Bozeman, MT.
Survivors include his wife; a brother, Thomas of Forsyth, MT., three sisters,
Mrs. Mary Wells of Port Orchard, WA., Mrs. Ida Filley of Hamilton, MT., and Mrs.
Ellen Durr of Forsyth, MT., and an Aunt Mabel Geist of Billings, MT.
Services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday in Beals Mortuary Chapel.
Burial in Forsyth Cemetery, Forsyth, MT.
The Billings Gazette 3/4/1985
Thomas James Higginbotham (1913-1985) MT
Forsyth - Thomas J. Higginbotham Sr. returned to Forsyth fro Colstrip in 1943 and worked for the Forsyth Water Department, retiring as superintendent in 1977. He enjoyed raising cattle.
Mr. Higginbotham, 71, died Saturday morning in Rosebud Community Hospital.
He was born in Forsyth, a son of James Floyd and Margaret Steele Higginbotham, and attended Forsyth schools. On Feb. 23, 1935, he married Sirra Jenrich in Miles City. They recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Survivors include his wife; a son, Tommy L. of Forsyth; two sisters, Mrs. Ida Filley of Hamilton and Mrs. Ellen Durr of Forsyth; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Beals Mortuary with burial in Forsyth Cemetery.
The Billings Gazette, MT. 8/12/1986 Tuesday Page 20
Rosina Saur Higginbotham Martinek Schwartz
(1918-1986) MT
Rosina "Rose" Schwartz came to Billings in 1945 and worked for
10 years as assistant administrator in St. Jons's Lutheran Home retiring in
1974.
She became an Avon Representative in 1975 and was a member of the Avon
President's Club. and American Legion Auxiliary.
Mrs., Schwartz, 67, died Sunday in Billings Deaconess Medical Center of cancer.
She was born in Vanstel, MT., a daughter of Fred and Rosina Saur.
She grew up and attended school in the Vanstel area and graduating from Forsyth
High School.
On Sept. 13, 1941, she married Edward C. Higginbotham in Miles City.
He died in 1949.
On Oct. 13, 1945, she married Dale A. Martinek in Billings.
He died in 1961.
On March 18, 1967, she married Otto Schwartz in Billings.
Survivors include her husband, a son James Higginbotham, and a daughter, Mrs.
Kenneth (Rosalee) Kolstad both of Billings, MT., two sisters, Lydia Schlecht of
Billings, and Dollie Hill of Auburn, WA.; and five grandchildren.
Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the First English Lutheran Church and at
1 p.m. Thursday in the Forsyth Cemetery, Forsyth, MT.
Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary is in charge.
The Billings Gazette 9/30/1987
Sirra Jenrich Higginbotham (1916-1987) ND/MT
Forsyth - Sirra Higginbotham had worked in the NP Beanery, Elks Cafe and Joseph Cafe brfore retiring in 1977. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, Senior Citizens and centered her life around her family. She enjoyed gardening and bowling.
Mrs. Higginbotham, 71, died in her home Sunday night of natural causes.
She was born in Drake, N.D., a daughter or Robert and Cora Jones Jenrich, her family moved to Colstrip where she attended schools. On Feb. 23, 1935, she married Thomas J. Higginbotham in Billings. They lived in Colstrip before moving to Forsyth and 1945. Mr.. Higginbotham died in 1985.
Survivors include a son, Tommy of Forsyth; two sisters, Sarah Colgan of Colstrip and Ruth Shumaker of Forsyth; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Beals Mortuary Chapel with burial in Forsyth Cemetery.
The Billings Gazette 4/12/1989
Wanda Irene Higginbotham Young (1924-1989) CO/MT
Wanda Irene Young had worked as a volunteer in the emergency room at Deaconess Hospital, then served 19 years as a pink lady on the Deaconess shopping cart.
She was devoted to her husband, daughters and grandchildren and enjoyed her flowers and gardening. She was a good listener, was known for her warmth and understanding and especially enjoyed little children.
Mrs. Young, 65, of 1420 Cascade Ave. died Monday of heart failure in Deaconess Medical Center.
She was born in Fort Collins, Colo., a daughter of Claude and Delia Higginbotham. The family moved to Lawrence, Okla., in 1927, and she graduated from high school in Ada, Okla., in 1942. She attended Oklahoma City Business School, then worked for Jefferson Standard Insurance Co. until her marriage to Air Force Lt. William L. Young on March 1, 1944, in Ada. They settled in Billings after 20 years of military service.
Survivors include her husband; three daughters, Gail Carroll of Spokane, Wash., Janis Sullivan of Concord, Calif., and Carol Hardy of Billings; her mother, of Oaklnad, Okla.; a sister, Virginia Stafford of Wichita, Kan.; a brother, James Higginbotham of Ponca City, Okla.; and five grandchildren.
Cremation will take place. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in the First Presbyterian Church. Michelotti-Swayers Mortuary is in charge.
The Montana Standard (Butte, MT) 6/10/1991
Lester Lutz Higginbotham (1911-1991) MT
Harrison - Lester "Larry" Higinbotham, a lifetime Harrison resident, died Sunday at the Mountain View Care Center in Bozeman. He was 79.
Services will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the K&L Mortuary chapel in Harrison with the Virginia City Elks Lodge No. 390 conducting.
Mr. Higinbotham was born July 19, 1911, in Harrison to Edward and Eliza Harris Higinbotham.
In 1930 he graduated from Harrison High School and purchased his parent's ranch on Norwegian Creek, south of Harrison. In 1974 he sold the ranch, but continued to live in the house until he moved to Whitehall in 1989.
Mr. Higinbotham married Winnifred Hain May 28, 1935, in Butte.
He was a member of the Mt. Jefferson Masonic Lodge No. 57 of Pony, the Bagdad Temple Shrine of Butte, the Virginia City Elks Lodge No. 390 and the Senior Citizens of Pony.
He was preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers.
He is survived by his wife, Winnifred; two stepdaughters, Patty Strozzi of Whitehall and Janice Lee of Auburn, Wash.; two stepsons, Lee Hain of Bozeman and Ron Hain of Anaconda; 12 step-grandchildren and 19 great-step-grandchildren.
Memorials are preferred to the Senior Citizens of Pony, the Yellowstone Boy's Ranch or the charity of the donor's choice.
The Montana Standard (Butte, MT) 12/7/1991
Winnifred E. Webster Hain Higinbotham (1906-1991) ND?MT
Harrison - Services for Winnifred E. Higinbotham, 84, will be Monday at 11 in the K&L Mortuary Chapel in Harrison, with the Rev. Jim Richards officiating. Interment will follow at the Harrison Cemetery.
Mrs. Higinbotham died Thursday at the Madison County Nursing Home in Ennis.
She was born Dec. 29, 1906, in Lisbon, N.D., to George and Charlotte Elizabeth (Pfaff) Webster, and was the youngest of eight children. She was raised in Lisbon and attended school there.
She married Lawrence Hain in Whitehall in 1926. Mr. Hain died in 1940.
In 1955, she married Lester (Larry) Higinbotham. The couple lived in Harrison and ranched for 34 years before moving to Whitehall two years ago. Mr. Higinbotham died June 9, 1991.
Mrs. Higinbotham was a member of the Drove of Does Lodge and the Hollowtop Senior Citizens.
She is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Patty and Joe Strozzi of Whitehall and Janice and Robert Lee of Auburn, Wash.; sons and daughters-in-law Lee and Elaine Hain of Bozeman and Ronald and Alice Hain of Anaconda; 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Madison County Nursing Home in Ennis, the Hollowtop Senior Citizens of Pony or the Whitehall Ambulance Fund.
The Montana Standard (Butte, MT) 7/29/1992
Carole Diane Thurston Higinbotham (1943-1992) MT/CO
Butte native Carole E. Higinbotham, 48, died Tuesday in Lakewood, Colo.
Funeral arrangements are pending at Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home.
She was born Aug 25, 1943, in Butte to George and Eva Thurston and she attended local schools. She married Samuel Higinbotham in 1964 and they left the area the following year.
Mrs. Higinbotham had worked as a telephone operator.
Survivors include her husband of Lakewood; daughters and son-in-law, Suzanne and Lisa Ann, both of Lakewood, and Diane and Scott Burns of Austin, Texas; one grandchild; her parents of Butte; sister, Georgann Kugler of Walnut Creek, Calif.; and brother, William Thurston of Kansas City, Mo.
Memorials are directed to a charity of the donor's choice.
The Montana Standard (Butte, MT) 9/17/1992
Perle Ilene Ward Higinbotham Vincent (1913-1992) MT
Funeral services will be Friday at 2 at the First United Methodist Church of Anaconda for retired bookkeeper Pearl Vincent, 74, of Anaconda, who died Tuesday morning at Community Hospital of Anaconda.
The Rev. Joseph Lawson will officiate. Friends may call Thursday after 5 in the Anaconda chapel of KT Riddle Funeral Home. Eureka Chapter No. 16, Order of the Eastern Star, will conduct services Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
Private Graveside services will take place in the family plot at Sunset Memorial Park.
Mrs. Vincent was born July 21, 1913, in Sappington, Jefferson County to Joe and Florrie Ward. She grew up and attended schools in Willow Creek, graduating from Willow Creek High in 1931.
She married Samuel Harris Higinbotham, and they made their home on the family ranch in Willow Creek. In 1932 they moved to Southern Cross, where Sam worked in the gold mine.
In 1944 they made their home in Anaconda, where he worked for the Anaconda Water Department. Mr. Higinbotham died in April 1961 in Anaconda.
On Nov. 10, 1970, she married Charles Vincent in Anaconda at the United Methodist Church. Charles was a longtime pharmacist at Thrifty Drug. He died Feb. 12, 1986, in Anaconda.
Mrs. Vincent worked most of her life. She worked at J.C. Penny's Coast to Coast, and Marie's Dress Shop. Most people remember her working for along time as the bookkeeper at Rosenberg's Furniture Store in Anaconda. She retired when the store closed in 1981.
She was active in the United Methodist Church, serving as treasurer. She was past matron of Eureka Chapter No. 16, Order of the Eastern Star, and was a member of the White Shrine.
In her younger years, she went camping and fishing with the family and worked on knitting projects. She was an avid reader and loved doing crossword puzzles. She enjoyed traveling and took a trip to England, where her mother was born. She was family-oriented.
She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Fred and Leona Higinbotham and James and Leila, all of Anaconda, and David and Joan of Valdez, Alaska; daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and John Simon of Butte, Mary Alice Bice of Warm Springs, and Andrea and Jack Fraser of Missoula; 21 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Florence Radenmacher.
Memorial gifts are requested by the family to the United Methodist Church of Anaconda or the American Cancer Society.
Arrangements are by KT Riddle Funeral Home.
The Montana Standard (Butte, MT) 10/23/1993
Leona Margaret Leonard London Higinbotham (1920-1993) MT
Former Anaconda resident and retired beautician Leona Margaret Higinbotham, 73, died Friday morning at the COlonial Manor of Deer Lodge. At her request, no services are planned by the KT Riddle Funeral Home. Cremation will take place.
She was born Sept. 19, 1920, in Havre to railroad man Anthony and Jeanette (Hankins) Leonard. She grew up and attended schools in Havre, graduating from Havre High. She attended beauty college in Helena and began her career as a beautician. She worked several years at the Blue Bird Beauty Shop in Anaconda.
On Sept. 7, 1958, she married Fred Higinbotham at the United Methodist Church in Anaconda. In the early 1960s, they moved to Texas, where Fred worked for the civil service. They returned to Anaconda in 1989 after Fred retired. Leona moved into the Colonial Manor in 1990 because of failing health.
Leona loved receiving flowers, and she was a past member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 1876 of Anaconda.
Survivors include her husband of Anaconda; son and daughter-in-law, Mr. .and Mrs. Leonard London of San Diego, Calif.; daughters and sons-in-law, Linda Ann and David Harwell of Texas, Sandra and Ed Branscum of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Ellen and Jim Hensley of Burkburnett, Texas; sister, Betty of Seattle; brother, Charles of Havre; and numerous grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by an infant sister.
Memorials may be made to United Methodist Church, 3rd and Oak, Anaconda.
The Billings Gazette 11/5/1994
Edythe Calkins Higginbotham (1911-1994) NE/MT
Edythe C. "Edye" Higginbotham, 83, of Billings passed away at her home early Friday morning, Nov. 4, 1994.
She was born in Friend, Neb., on March 14, 1911, the daughter of James and Mary Hoschouer Calkins. Her family moved to western Nebraska an following World War I, returned to Friend, where Edye was raised and educated. Following her graduation from high school, she attended Stevens College in Columbia, Mo. After college, Edye returned to Friend, where she began her employment with the Lincoln Telephone and Telegraph Co. On Oct. 10, 1937, she married Burdette A. "Higgie" Higginbotham in Friend. Together they lived in Seward, Neb., until moving to Billings in 1939.
Higgie and Edye owned and operated Higginbotham Koppe Jewelry Co. for many years. Higgie preceded her in death on Dec. 14, 1979, in Billings. Edye continued operating the jewelry company until 1980 when she retired.
Edye loved socializing with her many friends and was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church and the Daughters of the Nile.
She is survived by her niece, Mrs. Roberta Neely of Billings; and two great-nieces. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Julian and Leslie, and one sister, Mildred.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church with interment in Mountview Cemetery. The casket will be closed at church. Memorials may be sent to the Shriner's Crippled Children's Hospital, 911 W. Fifth St., Spokane, Wash. 99204; St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 119 N. 33rd, Billings, Mont. 59101; or to the charity of one's choice. Michelotti, Sawyers and Nordquist is in charge of arrangements.
The Missoulian 12/28/1994
Virginia Johnson Higinbotham (1906-1994) TX/MT
Missoula - Virginia J. Higinbotham, 88, of Missoula died Sunday, Dec. 25, of natural couses after a short illness.
Born Aug. 10, 1906, in Mount Pleasant, Texas, to James M. and Lucy Burton Johnson. Virginia was the youngest of seven sisters. In 1907 the family moved to Lubbock, Texas, where she graduated from Lubbock High School and attended Texas Tech the year it started. She also studied voice at the Kansas City Conservatory of Music.
On Dec. 8, 1943, she married Robert L. Higinbotham in Amarillo, Texas. His career with Texaco moved them from Amarillo to Houston. After two years of retirement, they moved to Fort Benning, Ga., to live with their son. Upon her husband's death in 1976, Virginia lived with her son and family on Army assignments in Kansas and California, moving to Missoula in 1980.
Her loving, cheerful qualities made her choice of family and home as her primary interest a blessing to all of us for three generations.
Virginia never spoke an unkind or unpleasant word to or about anyone, and regardless of circumstances always found ways to express happiness for what was, rather than sadness for what was not or for what might have been. She always praised what was done right, rather than criticize what might be wrong.
That support for her family's activities in church and school was always enthusiastic, while she also found time for community Little Theater and Puppetry productions. She always extended her support and concern to children of relatives, friends and relatives.
Virginia was a secretary for 11 years and a reporter of Sunburst and north Toole County news for the Shelby Promoter and Great Falls Tribune. Her letters throughout all the years are a delightful collection of Family news and views.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband and six sisters.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Lynne and Don Wallace, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren of Smithville, Texas; her son and daughter-in-law, Lt. Col. Lewis and Frances Higinbotham and grandchildren, Kevin, Heather and Justin Higinbotham of Missoula; and 11 nieces and nephews and their families.
A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at the First Presbyterian Church led by the Rev. Jack Oates. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Lauren, Steve Bahls, Gary Garthwait, Stan Rasmussen, Carl Johnson and Mike Priddy.
A graveside service and burial will be held in Amarillo.
The Missoulian 1/19/1995
Ida Mabel Higginbotham Filley (1910-1995) MT
Hamilton - Ida Mabel Filley, 84, of Hamilton died Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Valley View Estates.
She was born Nov. 26, 1910, in Billings to James and Margaret Steele Higginbotham. She graduated from Forsyth High School in 1928, and later taught at a country school near Colstrip.
On Oct. 1, 1929, she married Clarence Filley in Forsyth. During World War II, Ida enhanced the war effort by working in the Todd Shipyards and Boeing Aircraft in Seattle. After the war, she accompanied Clarence to his Alaska military assignments, spending some 10 years in Anchorage, Juneau and Nome. Upon her husband's retirement in 1962, the couple returned to Montana and settled in Hamilton.
Ida was a longtime member of the Hamilton Unit of the American Legion Auxiliary. Her hobbies included playing the accordion and organ, stamp collecting, needle and bead work, and making dolls. She enjoyed outdoor life, especially trout fishing.
The couple celebrated their 65th anniversary last October.
Survivors include her husband, Clarence, Hamilton; a sister and brother-in-law, Ellen and Don Durr, Hamilton; three nephews; a niece; and several grand-nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Daly-Leach Chapel with the Rev. Roland R. Peterson officiating. A service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Beal Funeral Chapel in Forsyth with burial to follow at Forsyth Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials to a charity of the donor's choice.
The Billings Gazette 10/18/1995
William Eugene Hickinbotham (1931-1995) MT
Miles City - William Eugene "Bill" Hickenbotham, 64, died Sunday, Oct. 15, 1995, at the VA Medical Center in Miles City.
Memorials services will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, in the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Miles City, with burial at a later date in El Paso, Texas. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home is in charge.
The Billings Gazette 7/26/1996
Rosina Lee Higginbotham Kolstad (1945-1996) MT
Rosalee Kolstad, 51, of Billings, died Thursday, July 25, 1996, at St. Vincent Hospital.
The daughter of Ed and Rose Higginbotham, she was born Feb. 12, 1945, in Miles City. She was raised and educated in Billings. She graduated from West High School and attended cosmetology school.
Rosalee married Ken Kolstad in Billings on June 18, 1966.
Prior to he marriage to Ken she worked as a cosmetologist. She most recently worked in the nursery at the YWCA.
Dedicated to her family, she was a loving wife, parent and grandmother. She cared about and enjoyed her friendships. She enjoyed gardening and music. She loved to sing and make up songs. Rosalee had a wonderful sense of humor.
She was preceded in death by Ken in 1991; her parents; and two stepfathers, Dale Martinek and Otto Swartz.
Survivors include two daughters, Kimberly Kolstad of Billings and Kristin May and her husband, Doug, of Fort Campbell, Ky.; her grandson, Arik Kenneth May; her brother, Jim Higginbotham and his wife, Debe of Billings; mother-in-law, Em Kolstad and brother-in-law, Gene Kolstad and his wife, Dot, all of Billings.
Vigil services will be 7 p.m. Sunday in Michelotti, Sawyers & Nordquist Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Monday at St. Bernard's Parish with interment in Mountview Cemetery.
Memorial may be made to the University of Montana Foundation, Ken Kolstad Memorial Scholarship, School of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 7159, Missoula, Mont. 59807.
The Billings Gazette, MT. 11/26/1996 Tuesday Page 4
Paulette Anderson Higginbotham (1943-1996) MT
FORSYTH, MT. ---- Paulette Anderson Higginbotham, 53, of
Forsyth, died Saturday Nov. 23, 1996, at the Billings Deaconess Medical Center
after a long illness.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday Nov. 27, at the Forsyth federated
Church.
Interment will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery, Forsyth, MT.
Beals Mortuary of Forsyth is in charge of arrangements.
The Billings Gazette, (MT.) 4/1/1998 Wednesday Page 9
Tommy Leroy Higginbotham (1936-1998) MT
FORSYTH, (MT.) ----- Tommy L. Higginbotham, 61, died Sunday,
March 29, 1998, at his home in Forsyth of an apparent heart attack.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 2, at the Forsyth federate Church.
Interment in the Forsyth Cemetery, Forsyth, MT.
Beals Mortuary of Forsyth is in charge.
The Billings Gazette 2/24/1999
Ellen Grace Higginbotham Durr (1917-1999) MT
Ellen Grace Higginbotham Durr passed away Tuesday, Feb. 23, 1999, at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Ellen was born in Forsyth, the daughter of James and Margaret (Steele) Higginbotham. She spent her youth and attended schools in Forsyth, graduating from Forsyth High School.
On June 18, 1958, Ellen married Donald Durr in Red Lodge. For a time Ellen worked in Laurel, including service as city treasurer, before dedicating her life as a loving wife and mother. She enjoyed spending time with her family camping, fishing and playing the piano and accordion.
Survivors include her husband, Donald of Billings; one son, Randy and his wife, Carolyn, and two grandsons, Sheldon and Carson Durr, all of Roberts; brother-in-law, Clarence Filley of Hamilton; sister-in-law, Berniece Higginbotham of Forsyth; nephew, Jimmy Higginbotham and his wife, Debbie of Billings; and several nieces and nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Joe, William, Charles, Tom and Eddy Higginbotham; and two sisters, Mary Wells and Ida Filley.
Graveside services will be held Monday, March 1, at the Forsyth Cemetery at 1 p.m.. Pallbearers will be Bob Lee, Brent Herberle, Todd Heberle, Bill Roston, Carson Durr, Sheldon Durr, and Jimmy Higginbotham. Honorary pallbearers are all of Ellen's friends. Interment will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society of the charity of their choice.
The Billings Gazette 5/31/1999
Dennis Roy Higginbotham (1946-1999) IL/MT
Great Falls - Dennis Roy Higginbotham, 52, died Saturday, May 29, 1999, in a hospital in Great Falls.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 1, in the Rose Room at the Croxton Funeral Home, and from 9 a.m. to service time on Wednesday, June 2. Service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 2, in the Rose Room with interment following in the Highland Cemetery.
3/9/2008
Harlan Edward Higinbotham (1937-2008) MT
Harlan Edward Higinbotham died peacefully Saturday morning,
March 8, 2008, at St. James Healthcare surrounded by his family.
He was born Aug. 10, 1937, in Butte to William and Anne Marie Higinbotham. His
parents were killed in an auto accident when he was 8, so he was raised by his
grandparents, Chris and Kristine Simonsen, in the Ramsay area. He attended
Ramsay schools through eighth grade and then attended Butte High School.
He began playing basketball at school in Ramsay and this proved to be a sport he
loved. He played through high school, and then at Montana Tech. He also played
many years in the Butte city leagues where he fostered friendships which lasted
for the rest of his life. He also passed on his love for sports to his children,
which was always the center of the family activities.
Harlan began working at a young age as an apprentice electrician for the
Anaconda Co., and he used this trade later in life to help pay his tuition at
the University of Washington in Seattle. He later returned to Butte and worked
as a construction electrician for 35 years until his retirement. He was always
proud to point out to his children the buildings he helped construct in the
Butte area. He also taught the apprenticeship program for new electricians for
many years, which he enjoyed thoroughly. On many occasions friends would call
with electrical problems and Harlan was always quick to help.
In 1961 he married the love aims life, Patricia (Patty) Joy O'Leary, and they
enjoyed a full and happy marriage having just celebrated their 47 anniversary in
February. Harlan and Patty lived in both Butte and Seattle, where they made and
maintained many friendships. They raised four children in Butte, and Harlan was
tirelessly devoted to his family. He was the ultimate father and grandfather -
blessing his children and grandchildren with his time, humor, patience, and
wisdom. He was a great friend - always thinking of others before himself. He was
a loving husband - devoted to his wife's care and happiness. He enjoyed himself
and found humor in life's trials.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Anne Marie Higinbotham, and
his sister, Betty.
Survivors include his wife, Patty, his two daughters, Terrie and Kristen; two
sons and daughters-in-law, Tod and Donna Higinbotham of Phoenix, and Mark and
Pam Higinbotham of Poynette, Wis. He is also survived by his adored
grandchildren, Katy Deleganes of Butte; Sean, Sam, and Brinn Higinbotham of
Phoenix; and step-grandchildren, Cody and Mariah Rodgerson of Poynette, Wis.;
his sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Ron Kennedy of Salt Lake City;
sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Joe and Marijo Sullivan of Kennewick, Wash.,
and Steve and Rosalie McGee of Seattle; and nieces and nephews, Kim Lince and
Paul Boulter, both of Butte, Patrick, Joelle (Sumner), and Dawn Sullivan of
Kennewick and Connor and Mathew McGee, of Seattle.
A visitation for friends and family will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at Duggan
Dolan Mortuary. Funeral Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m.
Tuesday in St. Patrick's Church. Interment will follow in Holy Cross Catholic
Cemetery.
Memorials: Mariah's Challenge at EdTech Credit Union, Butte Emergency Food Bank
or Big Brothers and Sisters of Butte.
"He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it."
11/10/2010
William Wesley Gail Hickenbottom
(1933-2010) WY/MT
June 30, 1933 - November 9, 2010
William Hickenbottom, 77, of Polson, MT, passed away on Tuesday, November 09, 2010 at the VA Medical Center in Ft. Harrison, MT. William was born on June 30, 1933 in Moorcroft, WY, a son of the late Stephen and Mary Baker Hickenbottom. He attended high school in Moorcroft, WY and later went to college in Nebraska where he earned his civil engineering degree. After college, he was drafted into the US Army and then married Betty Schnelle in 1956 in Reno, NV. William and Betty lived in San Luis Obispo, CA where he worked as a Civil Engineer for the State of California. He designed freeways, highways, and bridges. He retired from the State of California and in 1982, they moved to Polson. Even after his retirement, he continued to work as a real estate broker in Polson and always kept his real estate license active. William studied the Bible and loved to take walks with his dog every day. Besides his parents, William is preceded in death by 12 siblings and a great granddaughter, Natashai. Survivors include his loving wife, Betty, of Polson: 2 daughters, Lova (Bill) Jacobs of Polson and Jennifer Hickenbottom of Whitefish: a sister, Mary Elizabeth Shea of Albuquerque, NM: 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 16, from 9AM until 8 PM at the Grogan Funeral Home, Polson. Funeral services will follow on Wednesday, November 17, at 2 PM at the Grogan Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will occur at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson and a reception will follow afterwards at the funeral home The staff of Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Hickenbottom's family.
Ravalli Republic (Hamilton, MT) 7/5/2011
William Larry Higginbotham (1938-2011) MT
Sula - Life is about quality-not quantity
On Wednesday, July 6, 2011, at the age of 72, Larry Higginbotham surrendered his battle with esophageal cancer and passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his wife and three children.
He was born William Larry Higginbotham on Sept. 26, 1938 to Pastor "Bud" and Agnes Higginbotham in Pasadena, Calif. He was the oldest of five children and spent his childhood years in different towns as his father built his ministry. Larry attended all four years, and graduated high school from Las Vegas High in Las Vegas, Nev. He went on to attend college at UNLV. He served in the Nevada National Guard for six years and received an honorable discharge. He was the Assistant City Engineer for the City of North Las Vegas when he met and fell in love with his secretary, Joyce Christopherson, a Darby native. They were married in 1963 and shared 47 years together.
Always preferring quality over quantity, Larry left his promising career in Las Vegas and moved his family back to the Bitterroot Valley in 1972. This decision was ultimately one of the greatest gifts he gave his children. He obtained his land surveyor's license with the State of Montana and opened his own successful business, WLH Surveying, which he operated for 17 years. His oldest daughter, Michelle, was his trusted "summer help" throughout high school and into her college years. Simultaneously, he was elected and served as the Ravalli County Surveyor for 11 years. In 1988, he became the Ravalli County Road Supervisor, retiring in 1998. After retirement, he kept busy performing corner searches for local realtors and property owners.
Throughout his years, and especially in retirement, Larry pursued those things that brought quality to his life. His passion for huting started in September of each year with bow season, and continued through rifle season in November. He especially looked forward to hunting camp with his good friends, a campfire and his guitar. After retirement, his huntinf adventures reached beyong Montana, into Alaska. Over the years, he enjoyed fishing in the Bitterroot River and in the many mountain lakes he hiked to with his family and friends. He experimented with gold mining and panning - even spending a summer up Hughes Creek chasing the "fever". A favorite and more lucrative pastime, was hunting morel mushrooms, which he dried and sold, or shared with friends. Larry could often be found up Ruby, Trail, or Placer Creek in his camp trailer, enjoying the outdoors, cutting firewood, singing around the campfire, and reading "The Cremation of Sam McGee" to his grandchildren. Two years ago, for his 70th birthday, he proudly completed a "3-generation" hike to the top of Trapper Peak - many could out run him, but nobody could out walk him (or out talk him)!
Larry's greatest legacy is his music. He played the guitar and sang throughout his life, raising his children and grandchildren with a appreciation for Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson. He self-recorded several CDs which will ensure that his music will remain alive for many generations to come. The last song he recorded he wrote in tribute to his wife, Joyce - "the girl who stole my heart and made my life so perfect". The song is simply titled "Jo".
Larry was preceded in death by his father, Pastor "Bud" Higginbotham. He is survived by his 93-year-old mother, Agnes Higginbotham of Las Vegas; his wife, Joyce of Sula; two daughters, Michele and husband, Warren Gillespie of Hamilton, and Debbie and husband Scott Reesman of Hamilton; son, Eric Higginbotham and wife, Monique of Helena; eight grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; three brothers, Dean, Greg and Gordon; a sister, Teresa "Sis"; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Larry's life will be held at the Darby Clubhouse on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at 3 p.m. Please bring a favorite memory of Larry to share in the spirit of friendship and healing. A reception will immediately follow the service.
The family suggests memorials be made to Marcus Daly Hospice, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, MT 59840. We would like to thank all the nurses, especially Audrey, for their compassion and support. They are truly angels.
Larry loved life. and while the "Quanity" of his life was shorter than we ever expected, he lived it with enviable "quality".
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home 11/21/2018
Cora Berniece Johnson Higginbotham (1919-2018) MT
Cora Berniece Higginbotham, age 99 of Forsyth passed away on November 20th, 2018
at Rosebud Health Care Center Nursing Home.
Berniece was born on July 4th, 1919, about two miles north of Vanada in a
farmhouse.
She was the youngest of eight children born to Amanuel and Martha (Ringheim)
Johnson.
Berniece attended eight years of country schools; Rimrock, Nelson, Davidelle,
and Big Porcupine Creek Country School. She then attended high school in
Forsyth.
During these high school years, she lived with her oldest sister Gurtrude and
her brother-in-law William Straw, helping with housework and cooking.
Senior year she moved in with her oldest brother Clarence and sister-in-law
Ruby, helping with household chores and babysitting her cousins.
After graduation in May of 1936, Berniece worked at Goodman's Café making .10
cents/hr. She worked there for 4 years.
In 1942, she moved to San Diego to work for Consolidated Aircrafts as a file
stock clerk.
In 1942, she married Charles Higginbotham.
Berniece and Charlie lived in Colstrip for 4 years, eventually moving back to
Forsyth and farming until selling out in 1949.
In 1950, together they built and operated The Charles Motel on front street in
Forsyth. They had four units ready for business by that fall. The room rate was
$4/night. They eventually added groceries, oil, and gas. The motel was an
amazing achievement.
Berniece put in many hours cleaning rooms and doing laundry by hand. She was a
hard worker, always doing things right and never cutting corners. While putting
in many hours at the motel she also worked for F.D. Lawrence preparing taxes and
insurance until 1952.
After 18 years in business, they sold the Motel to Loudens on June 1st 1968.
In later years, Berniece enjoyed selling and consulting for Shaklee, and working
at the Rosebud County Museum for 10 years.
Berniece was an active continuous member of the American Auxiliary Legion Post
39 since July 1954, the secretary of treasurer for the Rosebud County Pioneer
Association for 28 years, the treasurer for the Forsyth Women's Garden Club for
many years, 4-H home makers member, and faithful member of the Concordia
Lutheran Church of Forsyth.
Berniece had a "matter of fact" way about her.
She voiced the facts bluntly.
At the age of 95, she was determined to renew her drivers license, passing the
driving test in her 1977 blue Nova.
She was also extremely witty, laughing at her own one-liner jokes. She enjoyed
gardening and canning and dancing with Charlie on an occasional Friday night.
Never having children of her own, she was a mother to her many nieces and
nephews. She was a rock of stability to many throughout the years.
Berniece was preceded in death by her brothers N. Clarence Johnson, and Emanuel
O. Johnson; sisters Gurtrude M. Straw, Anna B. Mochon, Vernie G. Anderson,
Myrtle A. O'Brien, Olga L. Axberg; three nephews David G. Johnson, Robert C.
Johnson and William K. Straw; two nieces Martha C. Fourtner and Myrtle M. Bay.
She is survived by her many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews,
and great-great nieces and great-great nephews.
One of her favorite sayings, "Love you little, love you big. Love you like a
little pig." We will all miss you dearly.
Should friends desire memorials may be made to the Concordia Lutheran Church.
1/3/2020
Muriel Joyce Christopherson Higginbotham (1941-2020) MT
April 4,1941 – Dec 31, 2020
She came into this world as Muriel Joyce “Baby Jo” Christopherson on April 4,
1941. She left this world on Dec. 31, 2020, better known as Joyce, Jo, Mom,
Gram, Gramma Jo and Gramma Cookie.
Joyce was a native Bitterrooter. She was born in the original Marcus Daly
Hospital in Hamilton to Albert and Retta Christopherson, the youngest of nine
children. She was raised on the family ranch near Conner and grew up with the
love of a large family and the values of hard work. She graduated from Darby
High School in 1959—the same school her three children would eventually graduate
from.
After high school, Joyce worked as a secretary in Hamilton and then in Long
Beach, California. In 1962, she joined her sisters, June and LaRae, in Las
Vegas, Nevada and went to work for the City of North Las Vegas. It was there she
met and fell in love with the young assistant city engineer, Larry Higginbotham.
They were married in 1963 and shared 47 years together.
After nine years of vacationing in Montana, Larry and Joyce moved their three
children, one dog, one cat and one retired racehorse back to the Bitterroot
Valley in 1972. Together they turned an old sawmill shack with sawdust-filled
walls and no running water on the East Fork of the Bitterroot River, into a warm
and cozy home. Joyce remained Larry’s loyal secretary as they operated WLH
Surveying for 17 years. She later worked as a para-professional at the Darby
School for 11 years where she dearly loved the handicapped children she worked
with. To keep busy, she worked part time for The Shining Mountain Ranch in
housekeeping until Larry passed away in 2011.
But her work was not her life — her children and her home were. Michele, Debbie
and Eric grew up on 10 acres with at least one of everything. In addition to the
racehorse, there was a Shetland pony, two goats, multiplying chickens, bum lambs
and calves, a milk cow, a bunny, cats, dogs and even two pet skunks. It was no
coincidence that Joyce headed to the barn each morning in her pink housecoat and
black rubber boots carrying the milk pail just as the school bus arrived — much
to her children’s dismay! To make up for it, she always had homemade cookies
coming out of the oven when they got off the bus in the afternoon. When the kids
were young, she taught them how to ice skate and raise a garden. She pulled them
on sleds, took them to 4-H activities, on picnics, and swimming at Medicine Hot
Springs. As they grew, she was their number-one fan at sporting events and there
was never any doubt how proud she was of them. She was prouder yet of her
grandchildren, hosting many sleepovers and etching forever memories of morning
pancakes, chocolate chip cookies, sledding parties and evening bonfires in the
hearts of her biggest fans.
Joyce was a true believer in “you can sleep when you’re dead!” She was an early
riser and never took a nap. She was happy mowing her beautiful lawn, raking the
relentless pine needles, harvesting and canning fruit and vegetables from her
garden, and caring for her tidy and charming home. But…she was happiest when she
was entertaining! She loved a party! Her home was always bursting with family
and friends at holidays, and she especially loved the Fourth of July, where it
was not uncommon for the guest list to top 100! She created so many wonderful
memories and traditions for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren,
sisters, cousins, nephews, nieces and friends.
As strong, active, capable and alive as Joyce was, she could not outrun the
dementia that slowly invaded her mind and body. But even though she lost her
battle…she is the winner. Because her legacy will live on in the lives of her
family, and in every grateful heart she touched in her 79 years. That is the
“Joyce” that will be remembered.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Retta Christopherson; her
husband, Larry Higginbotham; sisters, Dorothy Armstrong, Ruby Bratton, June
Holt, and LaRae Schallenberger; and brothers, Lynn and Duane Christopherson. She
is survived by two daughters, Michele and husband Warren Gillespie of Hamilton,
and Debbie and husband Scott Reesman of Hamilton; son, Eric Higginbotham and
wife Monique of Clancy; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two
sisters, Cora House of Darby, and Janice Heiland of Hamilton; and numerous
cousins, nephews and nieces.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mindi Hogan and her
amazing staff at The Hamilton Assisted Living and Memory Care where mom resided
the last 2ƒ years. They have become like family — lovingly caring for Joyce,
while also gently guiding and comforting her family. It’s the next best place to
home. We would also like to recognize and thank Frontier Hospice for their
compassion and support during mom’s final weeks. We couldn’t have been in better
arms.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Hamilton Assisted
Living, PO Box 43 Hamilton, MT 59840, 406-363-5683; or Frontier Hospice 2419
Mullan Road, Ste D, Missoula, MT 59808, 406-540-1512.
For now, we ask that you celebrate Joyce in your hearts. A “party” in her honor
will be held in the Spring of 2021 near her 80th birthday…in true Joyce fashion!
The Montana Standard on Feb. 26, 2021
Sharon L. Higinbotham Simon
(1940-2021) MT
May 15, 1940 -February 13, 2021
Sharon L. Higinbotham Simon, born May 15, 1940, passed away quietly at home
February 13, 2021. She was the daughter of Samuel and Pearl Higinbotham of
Anaconda, Montana. It was there she and her brother Fred were raised. It was
during her high school years she met her husband to be, John E. Simon. After her
high school graduation, they married in July 1958 and later moved to Butte to
raise their children.
Sharon was the office manager of the family owned sign painting business,
Superior Signs. After her husband's retirement, she enjoyed working at
Baskin-Robbins and later at Wal-Mart where she explored the work processes of
many departments.
Sharon loved reading, playing card games, dancing, hiking, snow skiing, fishing,
boating, and camping with family and friends.
She is survived by: her husband John, her daughter Leslie D'Arezzo and
son-in-law Sam Marcus of Montana, her son Kevin Simon and daughter-in-law
Stephanie Simon, and grandchildren Kaitlyn and Alec Simon of Florida.
Cremation has taken place. No services are scheduled at this time.
7/10/2021
Beverly Crawl Higginbotham (1943-2021) OK/MT
June 23, 1943 - June 22, 2021
Beverly Ann Higginbotham was born on June 23, 1943 in
Weatherford, Oklahoma to Lloyd Crawl and Idal Duke Crawl. Beverly passed from
this life on June 22, 2021 in Billings, Montana – one day short of her 78th
birthday. Beverly was married to Orval Higginbotham. She worked as a bartender
in the restaurant business in Rawlings, Wyoming for many years. Beverly liked
playing a good game of cribbage. Beverly is preceded in death by her husband
Orval, daughter Nellie Moore, and sister Joan Webster. She is survived by her
four children, David Magarahan in Billings, Lloyd Magarahan in Helena, James
Magarahan in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Lisa (Jimmy) Warfel in Powell, Wyoming. She
is also survived by her five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren and her
sister, Mary Loghrry in Nebraska, and brothers, David Crawl in Kansas and Mike
Crawl in Texas. Beverly will be interred at Holy Cross cemetery in Billings, MT.
5/18/2022
Glenn Thomas Higginbotham
(1955-2022) MT
May 15, 1955 - May 17, 2022
Hamilton - Glenn Thomas Higginbotham, 67, passed away tragically in the morning,
Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at his home.