May 25th, 2016

Frances E. Kerttula
Frances E. Kerttula entered heaven to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for eternity on May 12, 2016 at the age of 87. Fran was born in Sunnyside, Wash. August 12, 1928 to Luther and Esther Meyer. She along with her five siblings attended grade school in Outlook and later high school in Sunnyside. After high school she attended Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland, Ore.
Fran came to Avon with village missions in 1955 to help conduct Bible studies, youth groups and children’s Bible clubs in both Avon and Elliston.  In July 1960 Fran married Toivo Kerttula and became a ranch wife raising two sons Walt and Hank. Fran continued to be involved in Avon Community Church and the Avon Get Together Club. On August 1, 1975 Toi suffered a fatal heart attack leaving Fran with the care of two young sons and a ranch. Fran leased out the ranch and moved into Avon with her sons.
She attended Carroll College in Helena, receiving her degree in social work in May 1984.  She then spent several years as a live-in caregiver. She began work with Montana Independent Living in 1989, retiring in 1999. In retirement she enjoyed quilting, her flower gardens, her many friends and spending time with her grandchildren. Fran loved the Lord Jesus Christ and was active in her local church in Helena, Community Bible Fellowship. She spent much time studying and memorizing the Bible and loved singing hymns. When asked what her favorite hymn was she replied “all of them.”
She is survived by her sons Walt (Marilyn)Kerttula of Helena, Hank Kerttula of Avon, grandchildren TJ, Shana, Marissa, Emma, Andrew and Seth of Helena, her sisters Mary Ellen Juhola and Anna Loucks, her brothers Bill Meyer and Bob (Sherry) Meyer, sister-in-law Helen and numerous  nieces and nephews. 
Memorial services will be May 27, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Avon Club House with internment following at the Avon Cemetery. Cremation has taken place. Donations may be sent to the Gideons International or a charity of your choice.

---

George “Blondy” Rainville
The funeral Mass for longtime Deer Lodge resident, George “Blondy” Rainville will be celebrated at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Deer Lodge, on Friday, May 27, 2016, at 11 a.m. The family will greet guests after the Mass; burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge. A gathering for family members and friends at the home of Blondy’s sister, Cleo Seaman, will take place later that day in Missoula.