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Mildred Genevieve “Jennie” Matt-Eder
Jennie went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by her family and
the caring medical staff of St. Luke Hospital in the early morning
hours of April 18, 2007. She was born August 29, 1914 in Ronan, MT
to Jule Matt and Louise Poquette-Matt and was the 7th of 10
children. Jennie was a proud member of the Confederated Salish and
Kootenai Tribe and held her culture close to her heart, willingly
sharing her knowledge of her traditional lifeways with her family
and close friends.
At the age of 5 she and her older brother Woodrow (Woody), and
younger brother Wilfred were sent away to Flandereau Indian School,
where she received her education until she was 12 years of age.
Jennie returned to the Flathead Reservation living with her family
in the Jocko for many years. Eventually, in her true independence,
Jennie embarked on a life that was filled with hard work, but a life
she found to be extremely rewarding. She worked in the woods for
several years starting out as a tree skinner, later being promoted
to a sawyer where she worked side by side with her male
counterparts, much to their astonishment. Jennie went on to master
the operation of the skidstear and logging trucks for her employer,
taking on these positions with great pride for it was unheard of for
a woman to hold such jobs during that time.
Jennie’s love for the outdoors was very profound and it is because
of this love she was led to seek work as a ranch hand on a homestead
in Helmville, MT. Upon meeting the owner of this ranch, she had
informed him that she needed a job, and he needed her. After two
years of working along side this man, it became evident to them both
of them, they were well suited and had developed a bond that would
last a life time. On April 12, 1954, Jennie married Otto Eder. They
lived together on the 160 acre homestead that had been originally
settled by Otto’s parents. Together they built the homestead into a
thriving 1,400 acre ranch. When they had time between raising crops
and working their cattle, Jennie and Otto would take off into the
wilderness for weeks at a time, enjoying the wild life and picking
huckleberries. Both were avid hunters, but only hunted for the food
they needed as they were strong believers in being good stewards of
the blessings of nature. Jennie was known for her hunting abilities
and her great skill with a rifle. She was listed in Boone and
Crocket for taking one of the largest bull elk out of the Bob
Marshall Wilderness. Her love of nature and all it had to offer is a
legacy she has past on to many.
During the past 10 years, after the death of her husband, she became
increasingly close to her niece, Betty Margquart. Jennie thought of
Betty as more of a daughter than anything else. These two formidable
women shared a very strong and loving relationship. As Jennie’s
health needs became more prevalent, Betty brought her to her home to
care for her. This relationship spilled over to Betty’s children and
grandchildren, who also spent many years sharing in Jennie’s stories
and memories.
Anyone who knew Jennie could not help but be touched by her loving
nature and generosity which knew no bounds. She leaves behind many
special family members and close friends, who will miss her smiling
face and sweet spirit.
Jennie was preceded in death by both parents, the love of her life
and soul mate, Otto Eder, her brothers John, Tony, James, Eli,
Woodrow and Wilfred, and her sisters Mary Florence, Theresa and
Lillian, newphews Andrew Matt, Don Matt, Camille “Sonny” Matt, Duane
Delaware and her special friend Harmon of Phoenix, AZ.
Jennie is survived by her nieces Betty (Clark) Marquart (Charlo,
MT), Bernice Tallant and family(Seattle, WA.), and Sandra Stevens
and family (Monroe, WA), special nephew Leonard Delaware (Hot
Springs, MT), nephew Russell (Linda) Matt (Pablo, MT), niece Louise
(Tweetie) Matt (Pablo, MT), great nieces Stacey Kiehn and her family
(Ronan, MT), Cheryl Colacurcio and Denice (George) Goodale (St.
Ignatius, MT), and great nephews John “Duffy” (Cora) McQuade
(Federal Way, WA.), Curt (Patti) Matt (Auburn, WA), DuWayne (Denice)
Matt, (Federal Way, WA.) and Jeff Matt (Seattle, WA), her special
friends Don and Julie Potcha and family, Norma and Charlie Hughes,
Mike and Linda Willis all of Helmville, MT and special friend Kathy
of Phoenix, AZ, and numerous great-nieces and nephews and their
families living in and around the Seattle area and the Flathead
Reservation.
Viewing will be at Grogan Funeral Home in Polson, MT on Friday,
April 20, 2007 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Services are 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 21, 2007 at the Helmville Community Center.
Pallbearers are her great-great nephews Jordan Espinosa, Tylar
Espinosa and Westyn Kiehn, Rick Kiehn, George Goodale and Don Potcha.
Honorary Pallbearers are Clark Marquart, Leonard Delaware, Cheryl
Colacurcio and the Potcha boys. Officiating the services will be
Jennies pastor, Lockley Bremner. Interment shall take place after
the services at the Eder Ranch where Jennie will be laid to rest
next to her husband. Funeral services provided by Grogan Funeral
Home.
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