Russell Elmer Stroud, 85

Russell Elmer Stroud, 85, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish. He was born April 6, 1923, in Cottage Grove, Ore., the son of William and Gladys Stroud.

On Oct. 6, 1945, he married Lois Robbe of Eureka in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

He worked at Big Pasco in Pasco, Wash., for the government, running heavy equipment. He then worked for the Atomic Energy Commission in Richland, Wash. Russ then started his long career with Standard Oil in 1951 at Pasco. He worked as a mechanic and also drove gasoline tanker trucks. In 1963, he became a supervisor for Standard Oil Motor Transport Department in California, retiring in 1971 because of health problems.

Russ and Lois then moved to Eureka in the summer of 1971 where he worked various jobs before owning his own logging truck. After retiring once again, he then decided to open his own engine/tractor repair shop.

In 2004, Russ and Lois relocated to Columbia Falls to be closer to their family.

Through the years, he belonged to several gas-engine clubs, where he enjoyed working on his various antique tractors and engines. He took great pride in being a member of the Flathead Tractor and Engine Association in Flathead County. Russ also enjoyed all of his friends who would stop by to visit while he was in his shop.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Louella and Helen; and three brothers-in-law.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lois; his daughters, Charyle Boulton and husband, Bob, of Columbia Falls, and Rhonda Krieger and husband, Ed, of Whitefish; grandchildren, Kevin Boulton and wife, Carole, of Columbia Falls, Loni Krieger of Kalispell, and Kristie Holcomb and husband, Cian, of Kalispell; great-grandchildren, Jacob Holcomb and Chase Krieger; and siblings, Floyd Stroud and wife, Romane, Lucille Cloninger, Laura Krieg, May Darrow and husband, Ray, and Rhoda Snider.

Russell was a very loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Services for Russ will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the First Baptist Church in Eureka. Burial will be held at Tobacco Valley Cemetery. There will be a luncheon afterward at the First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.