Montie E. Magera, 101, of Libby

Montie E. Magera, 101, longtime Libby resident passed away with her family at her side on June 17 at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell. 

Montie was born March 22, 1911, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to Edward and Nancy Smith. She was raised on the family ranch at Swamp Creek near Libby and worked at mining camps where her father hauled ore with a mule team.

She married Harvey J. Carroll on May 21, 1929. After Harvey’s death in 1942, she married Frank Magera on March 20, 1948. During the early years, she worked as a cook at the Snowshoe, Midas and Branigan mines. Through her work experience Montie developed extraordinary cooking skills, making everything from scratch for her family and friends. She once wrote “life experiences and the Depression years taught me to be physically and mentally strong, conservative and frugal. Always put something away for a rainy day.”

Montie was a strong, hardworking person who always had a positive attitude in life and towards others, putting them before herself. She was very thrifty, saving things, passing things on, and generously giving to others.

She was preceded in death by husbands Harvey J. Carroll and Frank Magera, brothers Herman, Samuel and Calton (Dick) Smith and sisters Daphne Delaney, Geraldine Nixon Hall, Lona McCallum, and Dorothy Jacobsen.

She is survived by sons Delvan and Harvey G. Carroll, daughters Glenda Peterson and Naine Van Helden, grandchildren Bob and Steve Peterson, Lisa and Pat Carroll, Stephanie Timlick, Lindsey Erickson, and Luke Van Helden, ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Palchak and the staff at the Bratsberg Wing for the wonderful care they have provided our mother.

Cremation has taken place. At Montie’s request, no service will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Communities. Arrangements are planned by BHFCC.