John Lee Rasberry, 55, of Polson, passed away at his home on Tuesday Aug. 7, 2007, from natural causes. He was born on Jan. 11, 1952, to James and Dona Rasberry at Glenwood, Ark.

John graduated from Celina Senior High School in Celina, Ohio, and he attended the University of Montana School of Journalism and also the Salish Kootenai College in Pablo.

John married his high school sweetheart, Mary Piper, in 1970.

John's passion was writing. He started his career at The Daily Standard in Celina, as a photojournalist. He went on to own several printing and publishing companies, his last being the Mountain House Publishing in Polson.

John was also a licensed real estate sales associate at Tradewinds Realty.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1972 through 1974 as an information specialist. He was one of the last draftees in the Vietnam era.

His parents preceded him in death.

John is survived by his wife, Mary Rasberry; daughter, Erin Rasberry; sisters, Patricia and Dennis Pruitt of Columbia, S.C., "Skeets" and Keith Clayburg of Longview, Wash., and Phyllis and Tom Brinkman of Wilder, Idaho; brothers, Garry and Annette Moorman of Fenton, Mich., Mike and Janet Rasberry, and Richard Rasberry, all of Celina. Also surviving John are his grandsons, Bill and Ben Rasberry, of Henderson, Nev.; along with eight nieces and nephews.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family suggests memorials be made in John's name to an account set up at the Whitefish Credit Union in Polson. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.