Richard Rousselle

Richard (“Dick”) Rousselle, son of the late Norman and Virginia Rousselle, passed away peacefully at age 78 at his home in Ronan on May 14 in the loving presence of family members after a nearly five-year battle with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Born and raised in Kalispell, in his early teen years Dick worked various jobs in Polebridge, then, later worked as a short order cook in Evergreen and a food prep worker in Glacier Park. Dick married his high-school sweetheart, Maryalice Spindler, in June of 1959. Upon earning a two-year teaching certificate, Dick taught one year in Boulder, Montana, followed by one year each at Montford School (a one-room schoolhouse for grades 1-8) and Batavia School, both in Kalispell.

By taking summer classes, Dick was able to complete his bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Montana through Northern Montana College in 1964. After being hired over the telephone, Dick accepted a one-year teaching contract in Langlois, located on the southern Oregon coast. The following year, Dick embarked on a 29-year teaching career at an elementary school in Newberg, Oregon, earning his master's degree along the way in 1973. Four years after his 1994 retirement, he and Maryalice moved back to Montana, settling in Ronan.

Dick loved the great outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was known for his gentle spirit and playful sense of humor, and maintained a large network of friends extending across many western states. He liked to explore the world and was famous for his "shortcuts," which rarely cut down on travel time but always increased adventure. He enjoyed traveling with Maryalice, and was an active member of the Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, Jaycees, Elks, and Oregon Education Association.

Dick is survived by his loving wife, Maryalice Rousselle, of Ronan; his son Jim and his wife Judith of Darby; his son Jerry and his wife Lisia of Tualatin, Oregon; his grand-daughters Ashleigh and Hayley of Tualatin; his son John and his wife Isabelle of Missoula; his sister Norma Hawbaker and her husband, Jim of Yellow Bay; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A viewing for Dick will be held at Shrider-Thomspon Funeral Home in Ronan from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, Thursday, May 18. His rosary service will be at 9:00 am, Friday, May 19, at Sacred Heart Church in Ronan. His funeral mass will begin at 10:00 am, followed by a luncheon at the parish hall. The burial service will take place Saturday morning at 9:00 am at Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell.

Memorial cards and flowers may be sent to Maryalice Rousselle at 37983 Songer Road, Ronan, MT, 59864.