Miyoko (matsumato)Molyneaux

Miyoko (Matsumato) Molyneaux was born November 16, 1928 in Saseba, Japan. She passed away on February 20, 2024 of natural causes with her two children by her side.

Miyoko lost her mother when she was 3 years old. She lived with her father and stepmother, two brothers, a sister and a step-sister. Her father was a tailor and Miyoko picked up his skills quickly. She loved sewing, especially, making clothes for her grandchildren and great grand-children. No patterns were needed. She would take a tape measure and check their size and the pajama's, shirts and dresses would fit perfectly.

While going to school in Japan you learn lots of skills and Miyoko learned many. She was a business woman. At the age of 18 she owned a bar and restaurant, which she left behind when she met Larry Guertzgen. Larry was in the Navy and he borrowed some money from Miyoko. She had to find Larry to get her money back. In 1956 she married Larry. After the arrival of Janet, their first child, Miyoko requested that the US Navy let her go to Montana with Larry. She actually went to the Admiral of the ship and because of her tenacity she traveled to the United States on the ship. Eventually they made their way to Chinook where Larry settled on the Guertzgen farm.

In 1958 the couple were blessed with another child Rick. Miyoko learned to speak English with a dictionary that translated Japanese to English. Miyoko was very proud of herself for this accomplishment.

Everyone in Chinook embraced her and she never forgot that. Miyoko learned how to drive although not confident with it she only drove in town. Miyoko started work as a waitress at the Tastee-bite cafe.

Miyoko saved her money and eventually she purchased the business and later the Tastee Freeze.

Larry and Miyoko divorced and Miyoko discovered bingo, card games and bowling. She was very competitive and loved playing for money. Bowling led her to find the love of her life Francis Molyneaux.

They married September 1, 1978. Miyoko loved to be with Francis and his family. She was known for baking cookies and you could always catch her watching wrestling or football on TV. Miyoko was thrifty, turning scraps into beautiful dresses. She loved working in the garden and there was always a running score on the calendar of who was ahead in crib between her and Francis. She loved the visits from her children, grand-children and great-grandchildren, her door was always open. She never turned down an offer for anyone to take her fishing or go golfing. She would travel out to Seattle on the train to visit her son Rick, always bringing back stories of bingo and her cash winnings. She looked forward to her daughter Janet's visits from Florida, and always loved receiving the packages that Janet sent. She sold her house and moved to Florida with her daughter Janet in 2017.

Miyoko Molyneaux leaves behind a plethora of people who love her and are thankful for the role she played in their lives. She taught us to laugh, to not take ourselves too seriously, work hard, be loyal and she loved us.

Miyoko was preceded in death by her loving husband Francis Molyneaux in 2005.

Miyoko is survived by daughter Janet (partner Darrel Scott, North Port, Florida, children Brittni and Chastain, son Rick Guertzgen Chinook MT, step-children Mike Molyneaux, Great Falls MT children Michelle, Heather, Andrea, and Jacqueline, Carla Molyneaux Rask (Dan), Fairmount MT, children Jake and Tanner, Candace Molyneaux Huyser (Mark), Bozeman MT, children Tory, Gabe and Samantha, Chuck (Gail) Molyneaux, Great Falls MT, children Jenni and Justin, Pat (Kathi) Molyneaux, Chinook MT, children Ashley and Nathan, Vanessa Molyneaux McMurray (Kyle) Manhattan, MT, children Branden, Kyle and Tyson, Maree Molyneaux Becker (Tom) Livingston MT, children Chad and Phillip, Fran Molyneaux Woolman (Rich) Belgrade MT, children Taylor and Jamie, Matt Molyneaux (Paula) Chinook, MT, children Tyler, Zach and Meagan and 40 great grandchildren.

Miyoko, beloved mom, stepmom, grandmother rest in peace we have you in our hearts.

Please join us on July 5th 2024 at 11:00 am at the Chinook Eagles in Chinook to celebrate Miyoko's life.