LAVERNE HARSHMAN, Obituary

CHINOOK LaVerne Arndt Harshman, 77, retired hardware and liquor store clerk died of natural causes on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2002, at a Great Falls hospice.

At her request, cremation has taken place. Memorial graveside services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at the Alice Nash Memorial Cemetery at the Lone Tree Bench.

LaVerne was born on Dec. 18, 1924, in Great Falls to Michael and Anna (Gilles) Mikeson. She attended Great Falls High School and spent summers working on her aunt's ranch at Lone Tree.

At Lone Tree she met Frederick Arndt. They were married on Aug. 20, 1941. They spent their early married years on the Arndt homestead. They later moved to Chinook where LaVerne worked many years for Paulson's Hardware.

Shortly after Frederick Arndt's death in 1963, she moved to Great Falls. She worked at Weissman's Hardware and the Montana Liquor Store until her retirement. LaVerne married Clark Harshman in 1965 and they divorced in 1971.

An avid outdoorswoman, LaVerne loved hunting, fishing, and camping with family, friends and her faithful dog. She especially enjoyed her retreats to Lone Tree Bench. Her later years were devoted to her family, gardening and working in her yard. LaVerne was a private, independent person who cared for her family, friends and those less fortunate than she.

LaVerne is survived by her son, Robert (Karla) Arndt of Choteau; daughter, Carol Malatare of Columbia Falls; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be sent to the Cascade County Humane Society.

Arrangements are by Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook.