Veronica M. Gustin, 106

Veronica M. Gustin, a former longtime resident of Kalispell, died Feb.10, 2014, in Sublimity, Ore., at the age of 106.

Veronica was born Nov. 19, 1907, in Briggsville, Wis., to Thomas and Ilene (Maher) Joyce. As a young child her family moved to Geraldine, Mont. She attended school in Geraldine and the University of Montana. 

She married James E. Gustin in 1932 to which a son, Keith, was born in 1935. The family moved to Kalispell in the late ’40s to establish the Kalispell Feed and Grain, which they operated for many years. Upon their retirement they spent their winters in Mesa, Ariz.

Veronica was very dedicated to her family and was an avid golfer and bowler. Many golfers in the Kalispell area attributed their skills to her instructions. She was a self-taught golfer and always enjoyed helping others with their game. During her golfing days at the Buffalo Hill golf course she won nine club championships and one Labor Day tournament. She was a six-time Montana State Women’s Senior Champion and also won many tournaments of the surrounding golf courses. After an illustrious golfing career spanning 47 years, Veronica was inducted into the Montana State Hall of Fame. In Arizona she kept up her winning ways, and in 1991, at the age of 84, became the Super Senior Champion of the Arizona Women’s Golf Association.

Veronica was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, of 50 years; son, Keith; and brother, R.T. Joyce. 

She is survived by her grandson Jim, great-grandchildren Ella and Eric, and former daughter-in-law, Marie Griffith, all of Stayton, Ore.; Phyllis Ennis, sister-in-law, of Kalispell; and nephews, Jim and Margaret Joyce of Miles City, and Bob and Sherry Joyce of Kalispell.

A graveside service is pending in Kalispell.