GWEN SHERALL RAFTER obituary

Gwen Sherall Rafter, 72, passed away March 14, 2010, in Yuma, Ariz., after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Sherall was born Oct. 19, 1937, in Bozeman, Mont., to Victor and Helen Adams. She attended elementary school in Trident and graduated from Manhattan High School in 1955. Sherall earned her teaching credentials at Western Montana College and her bachelor's degree in art and library science from Montana State University. She taught and was involved in education for more than 35 years. One of her many accomplishments in education, and a point of pride, were the outstanding drill teams that she coached in Hobson. On June 8, 1955, Sherall married Garry Rafter. They divorced in 1994. Sherall was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Helen Adams. She is survived by her three children, Rick (Janis) Rafter of Ketchikan, Alaska, Kathy (Pat) Armstrong of Havre, Mont., and Nickie Rafter of Billings, Mont.; her sister, Marla (Harvey) Funk of Omaha, Neb.; her husband, Carl Franks of Billings, Mont.; seven grandchildren, Jeri Rafter of Missoula, Mont., Kiel Rafter and Lindsey Rafter, both of Butte Mont., and Megan (Robby) Jones and Christina, Mariah and Sarah Armstrong, all of Havre Mont.; one greatgrandchild, Faith Gwen Jones of Havre, Mont.; and numerous nephews and nieces. Sherall was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, and a Past Matron of the Eastern Star. She was an accomplished artist, loved to travel and cherished time with family and friends. She had a strong faith in the Lord, which she shared with her family in many ways. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2010, at the First Presbyterian Church in Lewistown, Mont. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Growth Thru Art, Human Resource Development Center, 3116 1st Ave. N., Billings, MT 59101. Thanks Mom, grandma, sister and aunt for the love, laughs and kindness. You were always there; we love you and miss you ... . All my love!