Henry Russell 'Rusty' Vandevanter, 88

Henry Russell "Rusty" Vandevanter, 88, died peacefully on Sunday, July 17, 2005, in Kalispell.

He was born November 1916, in Niarada, to Joseph and Myrtle (Hatfield) Vandevanter. He attended schools in Hot Springs and Kalispell. In 1932, his family moved to Columbia Falls.

Rusty was a veteran of Word War II in the Army Ground Forces. In 1945, he did his infantry replacement training at Camp Maxey, Texas. He was specially qualified for heavy weapons, and served a year in Hawaii. While in the service he took courses in crop management, animal husbandry, and agricultural economics.

From 1932 to 1953, Rusty and his brother Gene owned and operated the Vandevanter Fur Farm. With the price of fur going down, they turned to other interests. In 1945, they started Vandevanter Meats, which today is still a family-owned and operated business. In 1953, Rusty, his brother, Gene, and cousin, Harold Prouty, started the Trap Zoo. That business stayed in the family until it closed in 1982.

He married Alma Beeson on Aug. 30, 1956, in Missoula, and made their home in Columbia Falls.

Rusty's bowling struck an avid interest from his children down to his grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, bowling, carpentry, camping, traveling in their motorhome, farming, rodeos, western books and spending time at their Echo Lake cabin. He especially enjoyed spending time with his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rusty was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Gene Vandevanter.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 48 years, Alma Vandevanter; one son, Ron Vandevanter; one daughter, Cindy Hudson and husband, Steve, all of Columbia Falls; three grandchildren, Jeremy Hudson of Wichita, Kan., Jeni Smith and husband, Cruz, of Kalispell, and Ronda Vandevanter of Columbia Falls; and numerous relatives.

Cremation has taken place. At his request, there will be no formal services. An open house luncheon of family and friends will take place, Saturday, Aug. 13, at 1 p.m. at the family's Echo Lake cabin.

The family suggests donation be made in his name to Bad Rock Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 1428, Columbia Falls, MT 59912.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Rusty's family.