Arvah was born January 29, 1912 in St. Louis, Missouri and she passed into eternal life on June 23, 2014, in Helena. She was the eldest of 10 children born to Fred and Pearl Lamping. When she was 2 years old, her family moved from St Louis to a ranch in Roy, Montana. At eight years old she moved to a ranch near East Helena. Arvah lived in East Helena for the next 83 years. She was a member of St Cyril and Methodius Church in East Helena.
Arvah rode the trolley car to Helena High School and graduated in 1931. She married Andrew Chenkovich in 1933 and they raised three children, Verlee, Lynn and Gary. Andrew passed away in 1955.
As a young widow, Arvah went to work for Catholic Adoption Agency and later the Montana State Revenue department. Arvah married William Morton, Sr in 1962. They both retired from the State of Montana and spent many summers at their cabin at Canyon Ferry Lake. They traveled all around the US visiting relatives and friends and exploring the country. Bill and Arvah also enjoyed travel to Hawaii, Mexico, Canada and the Bahamas. They loved to show slides of their travels to family. Bill passed away in 1992.
Arvah lived a full and happy life surrounded by many friends and family who loved her dearly. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, reading, gardening and canning. She belonged to a women’s home extension club for many years and enjoyed hosting their luncheons. Arvah was always eager to try new things and remained relevant in an ever changing world. She loved to shop for clothes and wear the latest fashions. When she turned 100, she flew to Seattle by herself to attend a party with her family and friends. She was active in Daughters of the Pioneers and proud of her grandparents, Cyrus and Arvie Nelson, early Montana pioneers who settled the town of Nelson, Montana.
Arvah was a wonderful grandma to her grandchildren. She was always ready to take them snowmobiling, fishing or camping. She taught them to cook, sew and pick huckleberries. She and Bill traveled many miles to visit their grandchildren in Washington state.
Arvah is survived by her son Gary (Diana) Chenkovich of Seattle; daughter Verlee (Don) Campbell of Clarkston, WA. Grandchildren: Lorri (Mark) Huffman of Lewiston ID; Renee (Greg) Kammers of Clarkston WA; Mike (Debbie) Conn of Glenwood Springs, Colorado; Bruce Conn of Snohomish, WA; Gordon (Karey) Conn of Helena; Carl Conn of Seattle; Joseph Chenkovich of Seattle, Karen Chenkovich of Seattle; David Chenkovich of Darby. Great-Grandchildren: Amanda (Greg) Entel, Bryce Kammers, Katlin Kammers of Clarkston WA; Sarah (Jake) Sandau of Helena; Aaron Conn of Chicago; Teinna Chenkovich of Seattle. Great-great Granddaughters: Lillian and Reagan Entel of Clarkston WA. Stepdaughter: Mary Jo Olson of Helena; Stepson: William Morton, Jr of Helena; Stepgrandson: John (Margaret) Olson of Long Beach, CA. Step Great-Granddaughter Summer Olson of Long Beach, CA. She is also survived by five brothers in the Helena area: Kenneth, Larry, Ronald, Daniel and Richard Lamping.
She was preceded in death by husbands Andrew Chenkovich and William Morton; daughter Lynn and son-in-law Richard Conn; brothers Fred Jr, Len and Cliff Lamping; sister Wyona Spoonemore.
Arvah lived at Touchmark Retirement Center for the past ten years. The family is grateful for the care provided by the staff at Touchmark throughout those years and at Cooney’s Nursing Home in Arvah’s last days.
The Rosary will be prayed at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 28th at Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish, 120 W. Riggs in East Helena. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29th at Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish. A reception will follow the Mass at the church. Burial will take place at Resurrection cemetery following the reception. Memorials in Arvah’s name may be made to Ss. Cyril & Methodius Parish, 120 W. Riggs, East Helena, MT 59635, The Helena Food Share 1616 Lewis St. Helena, MT 59601, or a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Rosary
5:00 p.m.
Sunday June 28, 2015
Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish
120 Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Monday June 29, 2015
Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish
120 Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Mass
Monday June 29, 2015
Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish
120 Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following the Reception
Monday June 29, 2015
Resurrection Cemetery
1700 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Rosary
5:00 p.m.
Sunday June 28, 2015
Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish
120 Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Monday June 29, 2015
Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish
120 Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the Mass
Monday June 29, 2015
Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish
120 Riggs Street
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following the Reception
Monday June 29, 2015
Resurrection Cemetery
1700 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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Bernie Helfert says
I am so sorry that I will be in KS and will not be able to attend Arvah’s funeral.
Ron and Darlene Lamping says
Sympathy to all the family, She is strong lady for long way for her life turn 103 and good life. Amazing lady, We thinking of her and lots of memory. She is blessing and our prayer are with you…Will see you all monday…. From…Darlene and Ron
Connie and Cliff Beckman says
Dear Family,
My prayers and thoughts are with you in the passing of your mother, grandmother and sister.
Blessings,
Connie (Spoonemore) Beckman
Wyona’s daughter