1923
Seraphine
2014
Seraphine Bufton
October 9, 1923 — November 26, 2014
Obituary for Seraphine Bufton
Seraphine "Sarah" Lefthand Bufton, 91, of Big Arm, passed away peacefully of natural causes at her home on November 26, 2014. Sarah was born on October 9, 1923 at the family home in the Niarada/Lone Pine area. She was the third child born to Basil and Suzette Coomsah ( Morigeau) Lefthand.
During WWII, Sarah was taught to weld and, as many women did to aid in the war effort, she moved to Texas to work in the shipyards. A short time after the end of the war, she returned to Montana and was a lifelong resident in the Elmo/Big Arm area.
Sarah met Peter W. Bufton in 1951. They married in March of 1952. Together they operated a successful hide tanning business until Pete's death in 1978. Sarah was widely known for her beautiful Quillwork and Beadwork.
Sarah was a highly fluent speaker of her native Kootenai language. She was employed by the Kootenai Culture Committee as a language specialist from 1975 until she retired in 2002, and was an invaluable language resource for the program.
Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, Basil and Coomsah Lefthand, husband Peter Bufton, daughter Rachel, son Lawrence, grandsons Kenneth and Christian Mahler, sisters Theresa, Harriett, and Amelia Lefthand, brothers Samuel and Victor Lefthand.
Sarah is survived by her daughters Gloria Mahler, of Arlee, Roberta Bufton of Big Arm, daughter-in-law, Dianne Bufton of Kalispell, and Dorothy Berney whom she considered a daughter. She is also survived by her four sisters, Anastasia "Ruby" Finley of Welpinet, Washington; Susan Lefthand Dowdall and Mary K. Lefthand of Polson and Dianna Andrews of St.Ignatius; her three brothers, Adrian Nick Lefthand and Basil Lefthand Jr., both of Niarada; and Narcisse "August" Lefthand of Polson; additionally, five grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Services began Friday, November 28. A Rosary will be prayed beginning at 8 pm on Friday. The Funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, November 29 at 10 am. Burial will follow at the Elmo Cemetery. Pall bearers are Dustin Gatch, Randon Lefthand, Basil Kenmille, Wes Lefthand, Elijah Lefthand and Wain Lefthand.
Read Seraphine Bufton's Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.
During WWII, Sarah was taught to weld and, as many women did to aid in the war effort, she moved to Texas to work in the shipyards. A short time after the end of the war, she returned to Montana and was a lifelong resident in the Elmo/Big Arm area.
Sarah met Peter W. Bufton in 1951. They married in March of 1952. Together they operated a successful hide tanning business until Pete's death in 1978. Sarah was widely known for her beautiful Quillwork and Beadwork.
Sarah was a highly fluent speaker of her native Kootenai language. She was employed by the Kootenai Culture Committee as a language specialist from 1975 until she retired in 2002, and was an invaluable language resource for the program.
Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, Basil and Coomsah Lefthand, husband Peter Bufton, daughter Rachel, son Lawrence, grandsons Kenneth and Christian Mahler, sisters Theresa, Harriett, and Amelia Lefthand, brothers Samuel and Victor Lefthand.
Sarah is survived by her daughters Gloria Mahler, of Arlee, Roberta Bufton of Big Arm, daughter-in-law, Dianne Bufton of Kalispell, and Dorothy Berney whom she considered a daughter. She is also survived by her four sisters, Anastasia "Ruby" Finley of Welpinet, Washington; Susan Lefthand Dowdall and Mary K. Lefthand of Polson and Dianna Andrews of St.Ignatius; her three brothers, Adrian Nick Lefthand and Basil Lefthand Jr., both of Niarada; and Narcisse "August" Lefthand of Polson; additionally, five grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Services began Friday, November 28. A Rosary will be prayed beginning at 8 pm on Friday. The Funeral service will be conducted on Saturday, November 29 at 10 am. Burial will follow at the Elmo Cemetery. Pall bearers are Dustin Gatch, Randon Lefthand, Basil Kenmille, Wes Lefthand, Elijah Lefthand and Wain Lefthand.
Read Seraphine Bufton's Obituary and Guestbook on www.groganfuneralhome.com.
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