Blanche McGill

Former Libby resident Blanche Walker McGill, 92, died on June 26, 2005, at Lewistown.

One of a set of twin daughters, she was born to Sarah and William Walker on Aug. 15, 1912, at the family homestead on Sage Creek, north of Benchland.

Blanche and her twin sister Bonny graduated as valecictorian and salutatorian from Windham High School in 1930, and attended Northern Montana College at Havre.

Blanche taught for a year at the Smart School and a year at the Mason School near Denton before returning to Billings to earn a permanent teachiing certificate.

In 1940, Blanche moved to Libby and in 1947 she married Darrel McGill, who was later killed in a mine accident at the Zonolite Mine.

Blanche worked for Fennessy and Crocker and at The Western News.

She moved to Utica to care for her elderly mother at the family ranch in 1963 and worked at the U.S. Post Office at Hobson.

After the death of her mother she returned to Libby in 1966, working first as a dispatcher in the sheriff's office, then clerk, and on Feb. 3, 1969, Blanche became the first woman deputy sheriff in Lincoln County.

She remained in that position until retiring.

Blanche moved to Lewistown a year ago.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Private interment will take place at the City of Libby Cemetery.