George Elletson

George A. Elletson, 82, of Libby, died Jan. 18, 2006, at his home.

He was born May 6, 1923, in Coram, to Adney and Gladys Elletson. He was raised and educated in Fairview. He graduated from high school in 1941.

He enlisted in the Navy on April 14, 1943, and was honorably discharged in February 1946. While in the Navy he served on the USS San Francisco.

He married Gloria Palmer on April 14, 1948, in Kalispell, where they lived until moving to Libby in 1951. In 1955 they purchased a small farm along the Kootenai River where they lived together for the past 51 years. He was employed by J. Neils Lumber Co., subsequently St. Regis Paper Co. and Champion International. He retired in 1985.

He was an active member of the Libby Christian Church. His family was his life and he was blessed to have five children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His son Adney Elletson as well as his parents, two sisters and three brothers preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife Gloria of Libby; a son Rodney Elletson and wife Arlene of Billings; three daughters, Arlowayne Reilly and husband Mike of Troy, Georgia Bothman and husband Rocky of Libby, Tena Manion and husband Patrick of Three Forks; three brothers, Lon Elletson and Allyn Elletson, both of Williston, N.D., and Richard Elletson of Fairview; three sisters, Lucille of Oregon, Charlene of Minnesota and Twyilla of Minnesota; grandchildren Patricia, Niki, Amy, Rezina, Rodney Jr., Stacey, Kelley, Tyler, Erin, Amanda, Alyssa, Jenelle, and Arlona; seven great-grandchildren; and daughter-in-law Jo and her husband Bob Keller.

Services were Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Libby Christian Church. Memorials may be made to the Igniters Car Club or the Libby Christian Church. Local arrangements are by the Nelson & Vial Funeral Home in Libby.