Amy V. Howell, 93

Amy V. Howell, 93, of Polson, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson.

Amy was born on April 15, 1913, near Glendive, to Louis and Leila Chrest. She grew up and graduated from high school in Glendive and attended business college in Miles City.

She started her career working for Attorney Desmond J. O'Neal in Glendive and in 1936 she moved to Washington, D.C., to work for Montana Senator Burton K. Wheeler and Congressman J.F. O'Connor. She was also very proud of the fact that she had lunch with Eleanor Roosevelt while she lived in D.C.

She returned to Montana and worked for the Internal Revenue Service in Helena until she joined the WAAC (U.S. Army Air Force), serving from 1942-1946. She was discharged from the military as a first lieutenant.

After her discharge from the military, Amy moved to be with her parents in Polson. She bookkeeping in the valley for several businesses including Helmer & Harris Chevrolet, Tower & Robinson, General Shay Morrison during the construction of Hungry Horse Dam, Hanson Motors in Ronan, Pioneer Chevrolet, Rolfson Lumber Company, and Polson Auto Parts, where she retired in 1978.

Amy married C.H. "Slim" Mavis in 1950 and they divorced a few years later.

She married Delbert Ross Howell on Feb. 5, 1955, in Polson.

Amy and Ross had a ranch in Irvine Flats where they raised Tennessee Walking horses and cattle.

Amy designed and owned the Bellevue Trailer Court in Polson, which she eventually sold.

Amy enjoyed raising and showing Tennessee Walkers throughout the Northwest.

She enjoyed camping, fishing, riding horses, traveling and spending time with her family.

She was a member of the American Legion, a past member of the Rebekahs, Polson Saddle Club and Tennessee Walking Horse Association.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ross; a brother, Russell Chrest; and a grandson, Casey Graham.

She is survived by her daughter, Una Rose Graham, and her husband, David, of Polson; three grandsons, Dever, Dillon and Derek, of Polson; two sisters, Emily Currie of Polson, and Arlene Tompkins of Big Arm; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Monday, Jan. 8, at Grogan Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at the Grogan Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, with Pastor John Payne officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at Lakeview Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Montana Association of the Blind, Dogs for the Deaf, or to the donor's choice.