Women of Disctinction

2 THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2011

About Women of Distinction

The Montana Standard hassolicited nominations for itsannyal Women of Distinctionawards for several years. Theawards honor women who,through business, volunteerwork, community contributionsor other acts, have had a positive effect on their community.

A panel of staff members atthe Standard selected 10 women this year from nominations to be featured inthis publication.

The women will be honoredat a special event beginning at6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2,at the Maroon Activity Center.The event is free and open tothe public, sponsored by TheStandard.

During the ceremony, onewoman will be honored as the2011 Woman of Distinction.

SHARLET BESTA volunteer extraordinaire

BY EMILY POSTfor The Montana Standard

More than 200 Butte kids create lasting memories each summer, thanks to Sharlet Best.As secretary-treasurer of Big Butte Kiwanis and

treasurer of the Kiwanis Sunshine Camp board, Best doeseverything from hiring summer camp staff to arranging campmeals, writing grant proposals and organizing an annualfundraiser to keep Sunshine Camp funded.

Best has volunteered in the position since around 2001.Jack Hanley, a longtime Kiwanis member, asked her to getinvolved. “Jack was a mentor; he always looked on the brightside of things,” Best said.

Beckie Hoffmann, president of the Big Butte Kiwanis Club,nominated Best as a 2011 Woman of Distinction.

“She has a really bubbly personality, she’s not judgmentaland takes everything in stride,” Hoffmann said.

The camp is a free, week-long summer experience — theonly vacation some kids have, she said.

“Sharlet really makes a difference volunteering,” Hoffmannsaid. “The kids go swimming at the YMCA, go to the firedepartment, and last summer we took them up to Our Lady

for a barbecue.”Best said giving back to the community is what motivates

her. “I hadn’t ever heard of other communities doing some-thing like this,” she said. “I went to camp and then was acounselor and want to give back what I learned.”

Best is committed to Kiwanis. She is an adviser to theAktion Club, a chapter of Kiwanis dedicated to adults withdisabilities, and recently agreed to be an adviser for the KeyClub, a high-school-based service club sponsored by KiwanisInternational.

She works for the Transportation Safety Administration atthe Bert Mooney Airport.

“Every day is different and you never know what’s going tohappen. I like protecting the public and making people feelsafe,” Best said. “When they see a person from their community that they know, they seem more at ease. My goal isto put a smile on everyone’s face.”

Her advice to young women and men is to be a mentor tokids. “A lot of kids don’t have anyone to look up to or to getgood advice from,” Best said.

She also emphasizes the importance of a positive outlookon life and encourages everyone to volunteer.

“It’s worth it,” Best said. “It’s a lot of work, but seeing thesmile on the kids’ faces is all I need. I see kids in the paper andtell my son, ‘that was a Sunshine camper!’ ”

CARMEN WINSLOW / THE MONTANA STANDARD

THE MONTANA STANDARD, BUTTE, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2011 3

BU-20282479

3901 Harrison Ave. • 406-494-1420 • Open 24 Hours

Walmart

Honors All Women&

Especially Nominees for

2011 Womenof Distinction

Your Friends from Walmart


‘Just an outstanding person’BY EMILY POST

for The Montana Standard

Ellen Donohue hasn’t ever run into a burning building. “There’s always room forimprovement,” she joked. Donohue has worked as a social worker for 20 yearsfor organizations such as Hospice and Safe Space, a shelter for abused women,

and serves on the Community Health Center and Urban Revitalization Agencyboards. She earned her law degree four years ago and is a deputy county attorney inAnaconda.

“If you met her you’d see why she deserves to be recognized. So few people are asselfless. She helps people who have had the hardest time, trying to make their livesbetter,” said Cindy Stergar, executive director of Butte Community Health Center.

Raised back East, Donohue, 44, has lived in Montana since 1994. She said shelearned at the feet of two amazing people. “My parents always emphasized how for-tunate we were. I remember as a teen going to soup kitchens.”

Now, to give back, she volunteers at the Folk Festival, and washes dishes at the rescue mission on Thanksgiving, joking that she can’t cook.

“Volunteering is so fulfilling. I get more in return than I give; it feels selfish,”Donohue said.

Donohue’s parents, Pat and Ilene Donohue, continue to be her inspiration.“My mom had eight kids, has written a children’s book, was an RN for years, went

back for a bachelor’s and graduated with a law degree when she was 58,” she said. “Mydad coached many teams. They were always giving back to the community.”

When asked what she looks forward to in her daily life, Donohue replied, “wakingup.” She said she likes who she works with and loves her job.

“I like looking at the whole situation, victims and offenders. I try to remember tobe kind and try to find a sympathetic resolution because everyone is fighting a difficult battle and the majority do the best they can,” she said.

Among many accolades, Stergar underscored Ellen’s sense of humor.

ELLEN DONOHUE

GAIL FISH

STORY AND PHOTO BY PAULA J. MCGARVEYfor The Montana Standard

Gail Fish developed a keen appre-ciation for the sacrifices made bythose who serve their country

and their families first hand.Her first husband, Eugene Oullette,

had served in the U.S. Marine Corps, andtogether they raised seven children. Atthe time of Oullette’s death in 1990, oneof her sons was serving in Kuwait inOperation Desert Storm. Fish said she’drequested an honor guard from a localveterans organization at the funeral andwas disappointed when only one personwas available to pay tribute to Oullette’smilitary service. That event promptedher to get involved in supporting localveterans and their families.

Now in her 70s, Fish’s commitmenthas only grown over the past twodecades. Today, she volunteers between40 and 50 hours a week, keeping herfocus on the welfare of veterans andtheir families.

“It’s like having a full-time job, butthe only compensation is that it makesme feel good,” she said.

In 1992, Fish was working as a

Tupperware distributor and ended upfalling in love with her freight deliveryman, John Fish, a veteran Marine whowas also widowed. The courtship resulted in marriage and the uniongained her a stepson and refueled herdesire to serve those who had served.

The couple were already each strongsupporters of the local Veterans ofForeign War and its Auxiliary, and with-in a year of her marriage, Fish had alsojoined the United Veterans Council ofButte Silver Bow Honor Guard. Shebegan serving at military ceremoniesand funerals and, when the need arosewithin the Council for a chaplain, Fishanswered the call. “I’ve been chaplain,now, for 12 years,” she said.

Fish’s list of contributions to localveterans and their families is lengthy.She has served as VFW Ladies’ AuxiliaryPost 1448 president for the past 24 years, as well as two terms as districtpresident and one term as state presi-dent. She is a past Montana State CancerChairperson for the VFW Ladies’Auxiliary, an organization that directs aportion of the organization’s annual

Honoring those who served

See FISH, Page 6

GEORGE PLAVEN / THE MONTANA STANDARD

See DONOHUE, Page 7

ANNGEIGER

Advocating for survivors of brain injury


It was during her internship at the state hospital atWarm Springs in the early 1980s that Ann Geigerfirst encountered a brain injured person — an

experience that changed her life. Geiger was pursuing abachelor’s degree in music therapy from EasternMontana College in Billings and during her internshipshe found herself being mentored by a variety of professionals working with the mentally ill and peoplewith brain injuries. After graduation in 1984, Geigercontinued working at Warm Springs where she assisteda neuropsychologist in finding activities to stimulatepatient’s brains in areas that weren’t affected by injuryor mental illness.

“It was there that I saw that people with braininjuries had a different potential,” she said.

In 1990, she accepted a position as the director ofthe brain injury program at the former Bozeman CareCenter. While at the facility, she worked with braininjury survivors to develop an in-house extended rehabilitation unit, which grew from six to 20 patientsduring her first three years at the facility.

While working in Bozeman, Geiger extended herinvolvement with the needs of the brain-injured toboth the state and national level. It was during thistime that Geiger met Dorothy Solyst, Gail Gundersonand Sharon Armold — all employees at the facility.

When the Care Center shifted its focus of care, thefour women’s expertise and friendship proved to be the

impetus for the creation of Liberty Place Inc. a nonprofit organization they created to help meet theneeds of survivors of brain injuries.

“We call ourselves the ‘founding mothers,’” Geigersaid.

The four envisioned Liberty Place as an assited living facility where brain injury survivors could expe-rience “the freedom to try” in an environment wherethey could learn to thrive, despite their limitations.

Based in Whitehall, in the past 15 years, the organi-zation has continued to grow and currently employees30 people, working in two, separate assisted livingfacilities and an office. Liberty Place provides around-the-clock care along with in-house activities to stimu-late clients’ cognitive and physical aspects, as well ashelping to manage therapies for those able to live moreindependently. “You have to look at the person as a

whole,” Geiger, Liberty Place’s current executive director, said.

With a goal of helping brain injury survivors reachtheir potential, Liberty Place tries to help brain injurysurvivors see beyond their disability.

“You have to help them see their potential … theymay have limitations in an area, but it doesn’t meantheir whole life has been taken,” Geiger said.

Though Armold has since moved on to otherendeavors, Geiger said Solyst and Gunderson stillmaintain their involvement with Liberty Place. Solyst,a retired occupational therapist, and Gunderson, aretired nurse, both serve on the organization’s board ofdirectors and assist in staff training. The three remainpassionate about their commitment to help the braininjured. “Helping them is our challenge and our rewardat the same time,” Geiger said.


BU-20282468

Congratulationsto all the Women who were nominated for

BU-UUU 202202202UUU 202UUU 202U 202U-U 202U-U 202UUU-202UUUU 202U 202882444464686824688246882468824688246882468824688246882468468688B Delivering Business to Butte.

2011 Women of Distinction

Proudly Honoring

Butte’s Women of

Distinction!

Congratulations on all of your

accomplishments!

Proudly Honoring

Butte’s Women of

Distinction!

Congratulations on all of your

accomplishments!

BUTTE SUBARU3801 Harrison Ave., Butte, MT 59701

406.494.7076 • 1-866-665-9338 www.ButteSubaru.net

dues to support veteran’s facing a cancerdiagnosis. She also served as state chairperson for the Stamp Out Cancerprogram, which earns money by collecting cancelled postage stamps forthe benefit of cancer research.

Whether it’s helping with the annualMarine Corps Toys for Tots holiday toydrive or helping the DAV raise money fornew vans to transport veterans to medical appointments, Fish finds timeto give of her time. Over the past 30 years she’s made an ongoing commitment to bake cookies for veterans, donating a total of more than10,000 dozen cookies to the MarineCorp League, Fort Harrison Hospital andAnaconda Veteran’s Clinic. Fish has

continuously helped organize the packing and shipping of countless carepackages to local service men andwomen overseas. She currently serveson the board of directors at the FortHarrison Liberty House in Helena.

“That’s a place where veterans’families can stay overnight when theveterans are hospitalized,” she said.

When asked what motivates her tokeep on giving to Montana veterans, Fishreplied: “The veterans gave a whole lotfor us. It makes me feel good to be ableto do for them.”

�� !�� "

To all the nominees and especiallySt. James’ own, IDA REIGHARD, for the

2011 Women of Distinction Award!

We are proud of you!


BU-20282460

533.3634533.3634On Harrison Ave. Next to Wal-Mart in Butte

www.MileHighCJD.com

Congratulations to Southwest Montana’s Women of Distinction!

We are proud to have you as part of our community!

Fish ...Continued from Page 4

KATHY GRIFFITHFilling big shoes at the Food Bank


Kathy Griffith hit the ground running in her new job, which is especially busythis time of year.“We’re picking up stuffing and sweet potatoes,” Griffithyelled into the phone while working one recent afternoon.

Griffith has been the Butte Emergency Food Bank director for more than a year,taking over for Jim and Joanne Cortese.

“Kathy had really big shoes to fill, and she rose to the occasion,” PattyHiginbotham said. “Her organizational skills, grant writing and fundraising arekeeping the food bank healthy and vital to our community, and she’s great with volunteers.”

Griffith manages over 100 volunteers at the food bank. “I couldn’t do it withoutthe wonderful volunteers who back me every day,” she said.

Joanne Cortese continues to inspire Griffith on the job.“She is an amazing lady, so in tune with what people need,” Griffith said. “The

Corteses did a marvelous job for eight years and left a good foundation which makesme better able to do the job.”

The main factor that motivates Griffith is to give back.“It is my time to give back for all the blessings I’ve received,” she said. “My family

is very blessed.”When not working at the food bank, Griffith enjoys spending time with her

granddaughters in Belgrade and Salt Lake.“They brighten my day. They’re the reason we’re here, right?” Griffith said.

“Grandparent is the best role in life — you have the time to enjoy them.”

• Local News • Local News • Local News • Local News • Local News





What's going on in town?

Local NewsEvery day in The Montana Standard

See GRIFFITH, Page 7



BU-20282462

CONGRATULATIONS to Butte’s Women of Distinction!

Here’s to Brooks Hanna Ford’sWomen of Distinction

Laurie White

KelseyShaw

KandaceKonola

AmySerich

BarbHershberger

Heather White

JenRichards

We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication

50 FORD LANE, BUTTE • 406-494-6333 HOURS: M,TH,FRI: 8-7• T,W: 8-6• Sat: 9-6

We are proud of your accomplishments!

HOLLYMCCAMANT

Positive attitude, willingness to helpBY EMILY POST


Making a difference in people’s lives and in the community is HollyMcCamant’s daily goal. Her reward is positive feedback from the people shehelps stay healthy.

“It is so good to hear so many people say because I keep them motivated to workout, they’re not at risk for anything,” McCamant said.

McCamant, an exercise instructor, spent the last seven months as interim director of the Butte Y, and has worked in other capacities for the Y over the years.She is also active in civic and other nonprofit organizations and events.

“What I love most is interacting with other people,” she said.Among her many duties, she leads a diabetes prevention program at the Y, which

educates people about exercise, stress and nutrition.She said lifestyle change is the one thing that studies say prevent the onset of

diabetes and manage the disease.

Born in Butte, Griffith left at age 12,and returned for college. She met her husband, Rick, at Montana Tech andwent on to raise two children in Butte,Angie and Brian.

Griffith served on the United Wayboard for several years and has alsohelped with Butte’s Special Olympics.

One thing Griffith would stress toyoung women on how to be successful isto follow their hearts. “Women possessso many skills. If they use their naturalinstincts and follow their hearts, they’llbe successful,” Griffith said.

Griffith ...Continued from Page 6

Donohue ...Continued from Page 4

See McCAMANT, Page 8


“She is very funny in positions thatare often quite bleak. Ellen is totally committed to our fellow human beings,just an outstanding person,” Stergar said.

Donohue’s advice for women is to bekinder to each other and lift each otherup, give themselves more credit, andembrace education.

She said she wasn’t the best studentas a youngster in school, but now thinkseducation is empowering.

“Grad school was one of the best decisions I ever made.” she said.


401 S. Alabama Street, Suite 9,

Butte, MT 406.723.8051

2011Women

of Distinction

Dr. Glenn McLaughlin proudly salutes all of the

2011Women

ofDistinction

Weddings • Mother’s Day • Father’s Day • Baby • Get Well Congratulations • Funerals • Just to Say You Care

Holiday Flowers • CenterpiecesWilhelm’s Flower Shoppe135 W. Broadway 782-3695

Honoring All The Events Of Our Lives

For All Your Floral Needs

OLIVE PEARCEMusic, people, cooking add up to fulfilling life


Alove for music and people. That’s what Olive Pearce says is the source of herpassion. Pearce volunteers playing the organ at Butte nursing homes and frequently cooks dinner for friends.

“Olive is a gifted organist-pianist who voluntarily plays several times a month atall nursing and assisted living facilities in Butte,” said Dorothy Duddy, second cousinand friend.

Duddy highlighted a long list of Pearce’s inspirational pursuits.“She routinely works out at the YMCA, makes dinner at her home several times

per week for up to eight people, provides rides for seniors who don’t drive, and buystickets to community concerts for those who wouldn’t otherwise go.”

“My God, if I ever tried to keep up with her it would be something else,” Duddysaid.

Pearce began piano lessons with Jan Estlick when she was 40.“When my husband would leave for work, I would practice for one hour,” Pearce

said. “You can know music, but you can’t play if you don’t practice.”Now she plays every Monday at a different nursing home, and has played at Unity

Church since 1980.“After my husband died, music was my salvation,” said Pearce.She also plays at weddings and funerals by request.At 82, Pearce doesn’t think twice about jumping on a plane twice a year headed

for Houston to visit her daughter.“I love southern food,” she said. “Gave up the crown of best cook in the family

when my daughter moved down there.”Pearce loves to cook, and it sounds like the crown for best cook is debatable. The

day of this interview, she made Jack Daniels brisket for four friends, but said pastiesare another specialty.

See PEARCE, Page 12



Congratulations to all of the Women of Distinction

Denise Horne Home Mortgage Consultant

Georgia WarnerSales Associate

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2010 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. AS426288 10/10-1/11

Office: 406-494-1834

BU-20282471

“Those taking only meds to treat the problem go down a bad track, like dialysis,”she said.

Ida Reighard, a nurse and diabetes coordinator at St. James Healthcare, laudedMcCamant for her drive.

“Holly is always, always positive, sees where work can be done, is not afraid todive in and improve things, Reighard said.

“We can get really rundown, especially in health care, we need those rock peoplelike Holly to rejuvenate us,” Reighard said.

“I try to surround myself with them.”Sally Bardsley, an associate professor in Montana Tech’s Safety, Health and

Industrial Hygiene Department, and Gina Terry of Butte, both worked at the Y withMcCamant.

They encouraged her to return to college at age 49. She agreed, and said the decision has helped her on a new career path.

“I’m in a different spot than I otherwise would be,” McCamant said. “That iswhat I am most proud of — I had three kids at home and was a single mom at thetime.”

Her four kids also constantly inspire McCamant.“They teach me so much and have become above and beyond what I could have

expected,” she said.Her advice to young women is to find a career they love.“You want a job where you feel that you’re doing what you enjoy, not just a

paycheck,” McCamant said.“Sometimes you have to search hard, but find what makes you tick.”

McCamant ...Continued from Page 7

SARAH RAYMONDCareer path guide matches people, professions


As director of the Career Services at Montana Tech of the University ofMontana, Sarah Raymond, 38, has a passion for matching people and professions.

“We have a simple mission…to help students and alumni with their career exploration, preparation, implementation and management,” she said.

A native of Fargo, N.D., Raymond graduated with a bachelor’s degree in historyfrom the University of Saint Catherine in St. Paul, Minn., in 1995. Her first job waswith Minnesota Public Radio, where she gained experience as an event planner — aserendipitous twist of fate providing her with the right skills and resume to apply fora 1999 job opening for a career fair coordinator at the University of Montana inMissoula. Raymond’s parents had previously relocated to Missoula, and Raymondwas thrilled to get the job and be closer to her family.

In 2006 Montana Tech was looking for a career services director and Raymonddecided to apply for the job. Lured by the opportunity, as well as the history of thecity of Butte and Montana Tech, she was offered and accepted the position. In theprocess of moving and working with students at Tech, Raymond said she realizedthat she had found her “niche.”

“I love what I do and I love what I do because of where I am,” she said.In her day-to-day duties, Raymond is dedicated to inspiring people to realize

their potential and find rewarding career opportunities. She does this, along withher staff, by providing the necessary resources, informative workshops, access tocutting-edge technology and one-on-one career counseling.

See RAYMOND, Page 12


Proudly Supporting The Distinguished Women In Butte

and Southwest Montana

DUGGAN DOLANM O R T U A R Y

1805 Meadowlark • 723-3239

“We Care”

BU-20282473

IDA REIGHARDFighting diabetes through

education and supportSTORY AND PHOTO BY PAULA J. MCGARVEY


For Ida Reighard, a career in nursing opened her eyes to the devastating effectsof uncontrolled diabetes and inspired her to make fighting and preventing the disease the focus of her work.

Reighard already knew that she wanted to become a nurse when she left her hometown of Hot Springs to enroll in the nursing program at Montana State University inBozeman. Graduating in 1996 with her bachelor’s degree in nursing, she went on tobecome a registered nurse, all the while, simultaneously meeting, yet, another goal—to marry and raise a family.

From the start of her nursing career, Reighard began to encounter patients dealingwith diabetes — some suffering with long term complications associated with thedisease, such as kidney disease, blindness, heart disease, stroke and poor circulationresulting in amputation.

After moving to Butte in 1997, began working at the Rocky Mountain Clinic,providing diabetes education to patients with or at risk for the disease.

Reighard went on to take a position as diabetes educator at the Butte CommunityHealth Center, where she served for nearly nine years. In 2009, she became theDiabetes Educator for St. James Healthcare. “The single most important thing people can do (about diabetes) is to learn about it. We can prevent problems if people are aware of how to manage their disease and people are educated andempowered,” she said.

Reighard said that she believed diabetics need support, empathy and education tosucceed in controlling their disease. She provides these elements daily in her work ina variety of ways.

Reighard helps implement grant money for use in local programs, such as coordinating diabetes education classes for diabetics and those at risk for developing the disease.

She also manages the local Diabetes Support Group for adults and a FamilySupport Group for children with diabetes and their families, both of which meet on amonthly basis at the hospital.

Reighard also works with the Butte Community YMCA in implementing aDiabetes Prevention Program, where people at risk for the disease can combine exercise and education in their battle to prevent diabetes.

Through all these aspects of her job, Reighard achieves her goal to help peoplestop the progression of the disease before any damage is done.

“It’s such a sneaky disease. People don’t see the urgency,” she said.The rewards come in improving the quality of people’s lives and the knowledge

that she has helped save them from potentially debilitating complications and/or an early death.

Reighard considers her work a success when, “…people have those awakeningsand ‘aha’ moments where they realize they can do it and we’ve identified the barriersto keeping them from being able to manage their disease.”

Reighard lives in Butte with her husband, Ron, and their four children.In addition to her work, she supports her children’s involvement in the

4H program, local sports and Scouting. Her children can regularly be seen alongside their mom, helping her in her crusade against diabetes at local health fairs and diabetes education events throughout the community.


Proud to SupportSouthwest Montana’s

Women ofDistinction

130 S. MainUptown Butte

Jenny Peterson490-0348

BU-20282469

Shelly Fischer Childcare Facilities

406-723-6289

Honoring OurDistinguished

Women9

University of Princeton

Kally’s Korner Korner102 N. MAIN, 102 N. MAIN,

UPTOWN BUTTEUPTOWN BUTTEMon. - Fri. 9:30–5:30 • Sat. 10:00–4:00 • 782-7157

Proudly Proudly Honoring Honoring

Butte'sButte'sWomen of Distiction

1800 Florence Ave. • Butte • 723-3221

to the women who were voted for

2011 Womenof Distinction

CongratulationsCongratulations

BU-20282603

GLADYSSANDBORGH

Providing a lifetime of service


For Gladys Sandborgh, 88, serving others has trulybeen a way of life. “There’s so much to do…thereare so many things happening. I just have to get

up and go,” she said.A woman of faith, who regularly attends Mass at

St. John’s Catholic Church, she shared a “jingle” thatcontinues to inspire her:

“You must keep giving and giving, it’s true, but just‘til the Maker stops giving to you.”

Sandborgh’s call to service came in 1944, whenAmerica was in the midst of World War II. Merely 20,

See SANDBORGH, Page 12

“People love pasties,” Pearce said.Pearce said she’s a morning person

and that’s how she gets everything done.“I like to get any appointments done

early so I can have the afternoons to do

what I want,” she said.Similarly noted of other 2011 Women

of Distinction nominees, Olive is alwayspositive.

“No matter how good she feels ordoesn’t, Olive always has a positive atti-tude,” Duddy said. “She’s independent,generous, and an all-around good person, just a tough act to follow.’’

Raymond shared her favorite quote,borrowed from Ben Stein, an Americanlawyer, economist and author, which sheregularly uses when presenting to students: “The indispensible first step togetting the things you want out of life isthis: Decide what you want.”

And Raymond is committed to helpingstudents and graduates do just that.

Raymond said that one of her biggestcareer challenges has been helping students and graduates prepare for andnavigate the job market in a down

economy. Through coordinating intern-ship experience and career coaching, sheworks to help students acquire the neces-sary skills, as well as helping them to learnto present and market themselves. “It’scompetitive out there, but there are stillopportunities,” she said.

Constantly inspired by a new crop ofstudents each year, Raymond’s enthusiasm is fueled by the reward sheexperiences from helping people find theirown career “niche.” She follows-up thedecision making process with continuedsupport as she helps students completetheir education and find jobs in their fieldafter graduation.

“When you are passionate about

Sandborgh left her job at a grocery storein her home town of Simms, Mont. andenlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. Shewas stationed at an air station outside ofSan Diego, Calif.

“They assigned me to deliver mail tovarious offices on a scooter,” she said.

Sandborgh served in the military for26 months, and went on to pursue aneducation in yet, another service field—teaching. She married her husbandWilliam in 1950 and together they raisedthree sons. William’s job in the airlineindustry initially took the couple toCalifornia, but he, too, went on to pursuedegree in education and the two returned“home” to Montana in 1972. They bothwere hired as teachers, working forSchool District No. 1 in Butte—Gladys inelementary education, and William inspecial education.

Married for 37 years, Gladys contin-ued working for five years after William’sdeath in 1987. Though she retired fromteaching in 1992, her dedication to serv-ing others was only beginning.

“I’ve always felt that I’ve been so for-tunate to be so healthy and I wanted touse it for someone besides myself,” shesaid.

She maintained her connection toeducation through the Montana RetiredTeacher Association, and also holds alifetime membership in the WomenMarines Association. Sandborgh joinedthe local Marine Corps League in 1989and maintained a presence in the 4th ofJuly Parade for more than a decade. Shecontinues to assist at military cere-monies and funerals, serving in the localhonor guard through the United VeteransCouncil.

A former Red Cross volunteer,Sandborgh served from 1998 through2006. In addition to serving in severaldifferent states providing post-hurricanesupport, in 2001, at the age of 78, sheflew to New York City in the wake of 9-11. There, she rode with emergency sup-port drivers, delivering meals to rescueworkers. “I just try to help people whenthey need help,” she said.

When not volunteering, Sandborghcontinues to remain active. She has apassion for painting, using acrylics tocapture some of her favorite outdoorscenes. She maintains her home, yardand gardens; swims regularly at FairmontHot Springs, and enjoys hiking with hergood friend, John Gabelman, 90. A testa-ment to the benefits of remaining active,the two recently climbed the Maude SCanyon trail on the East Ridge from bottom to top.


Raymond ...Continued from Page 9

Pearce ...Continued from Page 8

Sandborgh ...Continued from Page 11

BUTTE: 800 S. WYOMING • 782-4231DEER LODGE: 417 MAIN • 846-3311

OR CALL TOLL-FREE 1-800-281-9829 WWW.STEELESFURNITURE.COM

For Always Going Above The Call Of Duty For Your Community, Family And Friends.

We Honor Our ManyWOMEN OF

DISTINCTION!

Date post:	21-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	montana-standard
View:	225 times
Download:	0 times

Women of Disctinction

Documents