Everett 'Rusty' Phelps

Everett Kelly "Rusty" Phelps, 83, of Troy died Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007, at his home on Lake Creek from natural causes.

He was born Dec. 1, 1923, on a ranch near Ekalaka to Edgar and Julia Ricketts Phelps.

He enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and served during World War II as a supply clerk in Australia. He was honorably discharged in February 1947.

He graduated from high school in Lead, S.D., in 1947.

He married the former Girelda "Toots" Cline on Oct. 30, 1947, in Ekalaka.

While in Ekalaka, he worked as a sheepherder on a number of ranches. He then worked at smelters in Helena and Anaconda.

He moved to northwest Montana, where he worked for Lincoln County in Warland. He moved with his family to Troy in 1952, where he worked for the U.S. Forest Service.

Finally, he worked for J. Neils Lumber Co., St. Regis Paper Co. and Champion International until his retirement.

He was an active member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 5514, where he was commander. He was a charter member of Troy American Legion.

He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, dancing and playing cards. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word and a great dancer. He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include son Michael Phelps; daughter Laurel "Laurie" Scott and her husband, Buddy; and grandchildren Spencer and Kevin Scott, all of Troy.

Services were held Monday at the Church of God in Troy.

Local arrangements were by Nelson & Vial Funeral Home.