Ronan Hall of Fame honors teacher, businessmen

The Ronan Hall of Fame will honor retired music teacher Cathy Gillhouse and local businessmen Gary Granley and Luther Thingelstad during its induction ceremony Feb. 14 at the Boys & Girls Club in Ronan. 

Distinguished Community Members: Gary Granley & Lute Thingelstad

In 1955, Herman and Shirley Granley and Bud and Susie Hanson purchased Ronan’s Gambles hardware store on Main Street. Soon after, the name of the business was changed to Hanson and Granley. The store remained a staple in Ronan’s economy for decades.

Granley’s son, Gary, grew up sweeping floors and doing general "go-for" jobs at the store, later helping with deliveries when he had a driver's license. He graduated from Ronan High School in 1962. After serving in the military and completing a bachelor's degree in Industrial Arts, Gary, along with wife Norma, joined the business in 1972.

Luther (Lute) Thingelstad was born in North Dakota and moved to Ronan in 1969 and worked in construction before joining Hanson and Granley in 1981. Lute’s wife was the former Judy Granley.

Truly a “hometown” business, the store provided a wide range of hardware products along with knowledgeable and friendly service. The store was a strong supporter of community events and the owners were always willing to donate time and materials to Ronan projects. The high school’s industrial arts and athletic programs particularly benefited from Hanson and Granley’s generosity.

The Granleys retired and sold the store in 2015. They continue to live in the Ronan area. Luther is also retired and splits time between Ronan and Arizona.

Gary’s wife, Norma, shared the following insights regarding their experience serving Ronan and surrounding communities: “It was our pleasure to serve this wonderful community and we are grateful for the support through the years. We value the many friends that were part of our lives."

Distinguished Staff: Cathy Gillhouse

Cathy Gillhouse, School District 30 music teacher for 36 years, fulfills all of the criteria for selection to the Ronan Hall of Fame as a “Distinguished Staff” member.

A graduate of Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo., in 1970, she came to Montana to accept a music teaching position in Charlo. Four years later she was hired at Ronan along with husband Jim, where both worked until retirement.

During her time in Ronan, she led her high school students in presenting “Cabaret” performances for several years. The performances were a highlight of the school year and attended by hundreds of community members. Her “Cabaret” productions were selected to represent Montana in three national competitions.

Her post-retirement life has remained busy. She is the present director of the Mission Valley Choral Society and the Mission Valley Children’s Choir. She is also actively involved in Port Polson Players Theater productions as an actress and musician.

In 2012 she was inducted into Culver-Stockton’s Education Hall of Excellence in recognition of her outstanding career as an educator.

Gillhouse and her husband, former principal Jim Gillhouse, reside in Ronan.

The Ronan Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony begins at noon with a baked potato bar, with the presentation at 1 p.m. Other honorees are the 1929 Ronan Chiefs, the 2011 Robotics World Champions, and alumni Zachary Pitts and Anthony Patch. 

    Gary Granley and Luther Thingelstad are the Ronan Hall of Fame's Distinguished Community Members. (Courtesy photo)