ALTHEA BEAR obituary

ROCKY BOY

Althea “Thea” Fern Bear, 44, was found Saturday June 17, 2006, at her home in Arlee. Her cause of death has not yet been determined and is under investigation by the coroner's office. Her wake service will begin Thursday afternoon with a rosary service beginning at 7p. m. at the Rocky Boy Catholic Church. Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Rocky Boy Catholic Church with Father Pete Guthneck officiating. Burial will follow at the Rocky Boy Cemetery. Thea was born Jan. 19, 1962, in Great Falls. She grew up around Rocky Boy's Reservation and Great Falls. She moved to the Flathead Reservation in her mid-20s and lived the rest of her young life there. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. She spent the major part of her life with her dearly departed husband, Richard “Rick” Neil Bear. His loss was very hard on her, but she remained as strong as she was able after his passing in2001. Her present partner and love was Roger Dale Old Person of Arlee. They spent the last four years together and never wanted to be apart. Thea was an excellent mother and grandmother while she struggled with the depressing obstacles that somehow overwhelmed her in the last few years of her life. She was an artist and a perfect homemaker and provided all she could for her family. Thea was preceded in death by her mother, Viola LaMere; father, Matthew LaMere; husband, Rick Bear; and beloved nephew, Rory LaMere. Survivors include her son, Steven “Pedro” LaMere of Ronan; daughters, ReAnna Rae Bear (Sam Colman) of Evaro, Josie Lynn Bear of Ronan and Stormy Marie Bear of Dixon; sisters, Yvonne Rosette of Box Elder, Carmelita LaMere of Great Falls, Natalie Lamere of Pablo, Juanita LaMere and Tracy Lamere of Box Elder, and Shelly LaMere of St. Ignatius; and six grandchildren. Arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.