Elva "Bean" Detjens

Elva E. "Bean" Detjens, 87, longtime Libby resident, died Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the Libby Care Center.

She was born to George Corbett and Lottie Oakland Corbett at Fairview, on Feb. 28, 1918. She came to Libby at an early age with her family where she graduated from Libby High School in 1936.

She married Paul A. "Pete" Detjens on June 11, 1937.

They resided in San Francisco for a short period of time before returning to Libby to raise their family. They had owned and operated several local businesses including Detjens Grocery, now Empire Foods, and the Coast to Coast store. Through hard work and determination, they were able to retire early in life and travel. They spent winters in Arizona enjoying warm weather and golf and in the summer returned to their home near Libby on Lavonne Lake fishing and enjoying quality time with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Pete and daughter Linda Pival as well as sister Micky Hennessy and brothers Lloyd, Joe and John Corbett.

Survivors include a daughter Paulette Nosler and son-in-law Frank Pival, both of Libby; grandchildren Terri Comer and husband Charlie, Paula Pival, Barbara Anderson and husband David, Paul Resch and wife Susanne, all of Libby; Scott Resch of Spokane, Wash.; and Peggy Michels and husband Darrin of Henderson, Nev.; and ten great-grandchildren.

A family celebration of her life will be at a later date; memorials may be made to Kootenai Pets for Life, P.O. Box 1454, Libby, MT 59923. Arrangements are by Nelson and Vial Funeral Home.