These are the most recent obituaries appearing in The Miles City Star.

*If you are interested in a past obituary, the Star will attempt to locate it if you are able to provide an exact date of death, if you are certain it ran in our paper and if it is relatively recent. Otherwise, we do not archive our obituaries and have very little staff time to make frequently requested searches. We suggest you check with the local library for more intensive searches. To contact the Miles City Public Library, e-mail: mcpl@midrivers.com or see Web site at www.milescitypubliclibrary.org Thank you.

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Updated Aug. 31

 

Ryland Sean Dyba

Rylan Sean Dyba, 14 months, of Maple Grove Minn., died Saturday afternoon, Aug. 28, 2010, of an accidental drowning while visiting family in Miles City.
Rylan was born June 16, 2009, at Edina, Minn., to his parents, Joshua and Jaime Emmett Dyba.
Rylan is survived by his parents, Joshua and Jaime Dyba of Maple Grove, MN;  his brother, Cameron Robert, and his two sisters, Hailey Marie and Breyanna Nicole Alise Dyba, all of whom Rylan adored; his grandparents, Robert Emmett of Maple Grove, Minn., and Paul and Nancy Dyba of Miles City; and a host of cousins, uncles and aunts.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Darlene Emmett in 2009.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010, at 10 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Custer County Cemetery.
Should friends desire they may log on to www.stevensonandsons.com to write condolences to Rylan’s family.

 

Billy G. Redmond
Billy G. Redmond, 78, died on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2010, in Kalispell. A celebration of his life will be at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 6, 2010, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Kalispell. Bring your stories to be shared starting at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers or gifts, mail a donation in memory of Billy G. Redmond may be mailed to the Flathead Valley Junior Golf Association, c/o Alice Ritzman, 64 E Nicklaus, Kalispell, MT 59901.

 

Carrie A. Leitholt

Carrie A. Leitholt, 85, of Bozeman, formerly of Miles City, died Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010, in Bozeman.
She was born in Garland on March 12, 1925, the daughter of Joseph and Mildred Murphy Martelle. She grew up and attended schools in Miles City and graduated from Custer County High School in Miles City.
On Feb. 12, 1944, she and William C. “Bill” Leitholt were married in Miles City. In 1956, she helped Mr. Leitholt build a new house for the family.
They owned and operated the Flaming Arrow Motel in Miles City from 1968 to 1976. In 1977, Mrs. Leitholt took a saw sharpening school and helped Mr. Leitholt with their business. She worked as a bookkeeper at Woolworths and JC Penney and retired in 1985.
Mr. and Mrs. Leitholt took a train trip to California. After they sold the motel they went on a family trip to Canada in 1985 and they went to Alaska. They loved to travel.
Mrs. Leitholt loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much. Her love for babies was endless. She enjoyed square dancing and made all of Marilynn and Sherry’s square dance dresses. Mrs. Leitholt was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.
Her survivors include two daughters: Marilynn (Butch) Arnoldt of Miles City and Sherry (John) Shaw of Belgrade; a brother, Joseph “Bud” (Helen) Martelle of Sapulpa, Okla.; a sister, Betty Miller of Miles City; four grandchildren:  Chad (D.J.) and Bart (Patty) Arnoldt, Jenny (Tracy) Cameron and Jodi (Paul) Schuelke; eight great-grandchildren:  Orrin, Dal, Mariah, Cody and Dustin Arnoldt, Kian and Ewan Cameron and Payton Schuelke; four sisters-in-law:  Elsie Zawada, Jean Leitholt, Jean Martelle and Merna Martelle; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three brothers:  Jake, Robert and James Martelle; and three sisters:  Martha Tyler, Dorothy Jerrel and a sister at infancy.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, at 2 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Spring Meadows, 3175 Graff, Bozeman, MT 59715.

 

Lula Mae "Lou" Carter

Lula Mae “Lou” Carter, 81, of Miles City died Sunday, Aug. 22, 2010, at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility in Miles City.
She was born on Monday, Jan. 14, 1929, at 9 p.m., as Lula Mae Garrett, in Buffalo, Okla. She was the oldest of five children born to John E. and Annie Maple Garrett. The family moved from Oklahoma in the early 1940s to Oregon where her parents worked in the shipyards until after the war, when they then moved to Vale, Ore., and began farming and ranching. As a young girl in Vale she was the drum major of the local high school band and worked as a 10-line switchboard operator. She also played the French horn in the school band. She was also part of the mounted honor guard as a flag carrier at several rodeos. 
She worked hard all her life. While raising her young family, she packed fruit at the Harry & David fruit company in Medford, Ore. She was an accomplished seamstress, making wonderful things for clients, friends, herself and her children’s clothes.  Daughter Sharon was proud of the dresses her mother made for her to wear to the school functions and in local pageants.
Even with her busy schedule, for many years, in Medford, Mrs. Carter dedicated time to be the director of the March of Dimes fundraising projects. She liked to hunt and fish. At one time she had the record antelope for the state of Oregon. 
Mrs. Carter became a home jewelry party sales person and then became a leading sales manager for the Sarah Coventry Jewelry Co. expanding it and overseeing it in several states. She won many awards and trips for her work.  One of those trips was a sail fishing trip in the Florida Keys — she got her fish.
She then took her sales and management skills to work for Tri-Chem, a home artist paint firm. She was an accomplished artist and craft person. She was once hired by a wealthy Idaho rancher to paint a large picture of his ranch from a photo he provided her. She enjoyed painting florals, outdoor scenes and animals. One of her favorite paintings is of small raccoons in a tree. She got her mother to start painting when her mother was in her 80s.  Both were very good artists. Mrs. Carter’s children said the talent seemed to end there. None of them have the same talent. 
Mrs. Carter opened and operated for many years, her own craft store in Ontario, Ore., before moving to Miles City and opening Lou’s Craft Store. She always offered help and suggestions to her clients for their projects including weddings for many Miles City residents. Her customers came from many miles away — sometimes they would stop in just to visit.
Many fine people over the years became Mrs. Carter’s customers and friends.
Mrs. Carter was in fine hands and cared for by better hearts of the fine staff of the Holy Rosary Hospital and Extended Care Unit.
Her survivors include her husband, Allen Carter of Miles City; three children: Sharon Orona and her husband George of Albuquerque, N.M., Ed Hendrix and wife Lynn of Vancouver, Wash., and Annie Hendrix of Miles City, along with four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; her youngest brother, Bill Garrett; her only sister, Nellie Franklin; as well as two step-daughters, one step-son and 16 great-grandchildren on her husband’s side of the family.
Funeral Services will be Friday, Aug. 27, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.       Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

 

Frank R. Harmon

Frank R. Harmon, 90, of Tomah, Wis., formerly of Miles City, passed away quietly at Agape Acres Assisted Living Facility at Warrens, Wis. surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Harmon was born Nov. 9, 1919 to Frank and Edith (McGregor) Harmon at Shamrock, Wis. He grew up in the Shamrock and the Black River Falls areas. He was united in marriage to Carolyn “Caroline” Sophia Jones on Aug. 22, 1938 in Sparta by the Justice of the Peace. She preceded him in death on July 1, 1983. Together they lived in the surrounding area until 1954 when they moved to Newberg, Wis. where Mr. Harmon worked for a local manufacturing company. In 1960 they relocated their family back to Tomah, where he purchased a farm and farmed for many years. He also worked at Tomah Lumber, Gruman Construction and Volk Field until his retirement in 1976. In 1977 the couple relocated to Mile City, where they lived out their dream of hunting, fishing and traveling. They loved the great outdoors. He also enjoyed reading westerns novels. Mr. Harmon spent many hours looking for fossils and artifacts. He loved sharing the things he had found with his grandchildren. He also collected stamps and coins. His greatest treasures were his family photo albums. Mr. Harmon was on honest, hardworking man. He instilled these values in his children. He was very proud of his family. In 2009 he moved back to Tomah, where he resided until his death. Mr. Harmon enjoyed his spending time reminiscing precious memories with his children and grandchildren.
The Harmons were the proud parents of eight sons and five daughters: Dick (Barb), Ron (Andrea), Dennis (Marlene) and Jack (Nancy) all of Laurel, Mont., Tom (Barb) of Billings, Mont., Jerry (Allison) of Fremont, Calif., Lee (Jane) and Jim (Nancy) both of West Bend, Wis. Edie (Don) Treu and Nancy Tralmer both of Warrens, Wis. Judy (Howard) Hanson of Tomah, Wis. Mary (Mark) Hilyard of Great Falls, Mont. and Julie (Terry) Sgrignoli of Mile City. He is survived by 39 grandchildren, 56 great grandchildren, and five great great-grandchildren, a brother, Bob Wolfe of Sparta, two sisters, Donna (John) Muloney of Ripon, Wis. and Marie Whitener of San Bruno, Calif., nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife Carolyn, a son, Jack, 3 grandchildren, Kevin Reichert, Wendy Harmon and Corrigan Kearnes, a great grandson, Mitchel Rupoli, three brothers, Spencer, Wayne and Junior, four sisters, Alice, Margaret, Violet and Evelyn and a sister-in-law, Violet Wolfe.
A Memorial Service will be held on, Saturday, Oct. 16 at 1 p.m. at the Shamrock Union Church in Shamrock, Wis. Pastor Mark Harmon will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Saturday at the church from 12 noon until the time of the service.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, Tomah, is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent towww.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com

 

Nancy "Kay" Johnson

Nancy “Kay” Johnson, age 69, of Miles City passed away at the St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings, Mont. on Aug. 18, 2010.
Mrs. Johnson was born on June 26, 1941, in Miles City, the daughter of Billie C. and Irene (Scheid) Stewart. She attended grade school in Miles City and graduated from Custer County District High School. She met and married Melvin Dean Johnson on June 26, 1959. Following their marriage they made Miles City their home where she has forever lived.
Mrs. Johnson loved to cross-stitch, going to the horse races, playing cards and most of all loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a lifelong member of the Trinity Lutheran Church.
Mrs. Johnson is survived by her daughters; Delite (James) Brown of Douglas, Wyo., Amy (Jonathan) Stinson of Miles City, and Becky (Richard) Eddy of Tacoma, Wash., siblings; Gary (Connie) Stewart of Los Alamites, Bill (Rosemary) Stewart of Spokane, WA and sister-in-law Sandi Stewart of Miles City, 11 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her dearest special friends Elinor Vick and Al Olson. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2007, her parents, brother Donald Stewart and a grandson Drew Derrick Williamson.
Visitation will be held on Monday, Aug. 23, with the family to receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family at: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City has been entrusted with the arrangements.

 

Evelyn Parent
Evelyn Parent, age 83, of Miles City passed away on Aug. 17, 2010 in Miles City.
Mrs. Parent was born on April 5, 1927 in Natchitoches, LA the daughter of Oscar and Emee (Breda) Scott. She taught ceramics from 1958 to 1963 at Dave & Evelyn’s Ceramics. In 1965 she bought the Interstate Café and Camelot Lounge and operated them until 1982 when she retired. She loved crafts, quilting and soap making. She spent many happy years working with Carter on his ranch. The sheep were her favorite animals and they followed her everywhere. She could tell when a cow was due to deliver and Carter says she was never wrong.
Mrs. Parent was the hub of her family and friends. We swooped around her and she kept the network of family and friends connected. Always there with a helpful hand or sage advice, she touched everyone who knew her with her kindness and generosity.
She was never happier than when she was behind the wheel of a moving vehicle--whether that was a car or a cattle truck, a U-Haul or in her Cadillac pulling a horse trailer. After Ron became a licensed pilot, She did too (in her 40’s); she flew her Cessna 172 giving friends tours of the ice breaking on the Yellowstone. She was up and down the road to Billings so often she could tell you where the bumps in the road were.
She played Yahtzee and dice whenever she had someone to play with and from 5:30 to 7 p.m. daily she and Carter had their mighty competitions.
Mrs. Parent was always up for gathering friends together at her home. It was the central location for Caroline’s slumber parties and Canasta nights. She taught all of Caroline’s friends the Twist, and she readily loaded up the car to take the girls to Billings for a ball game or a movie. When Dave came along, she drove him and his friends to many events -- including a KISS concert in Bismarck, installed a punching bag in the basement, and took Dave’s dog Joe for runs up Airport Hill at night.
“Grandma Montana” took special delight in her grandkids. Each child was the brightest, most special child in the universe. She taught them to play dice and card games.
To say Mrs. Parent was a unique, adventurous, independent, loving woman would be an understatement; her spirit was like a cork in the ocean, moving with the tide, rising up after being drenched, ready for the next wave. Her life was well-lived and she was well loved. We will always miss her and be grateful for her presence in our lives. Her memory will be a precious treasure in our hearts.
She is survived by her longtime companion Carter Snell, her children David Mark (Meg) Parent, Ronald (Evelyn) Nuoffer, and Caroline Parent Ford, nine grandchildren: David James “DJ” Parent, Anna Marie Parent, Lori Collins, Jennifer Turner, Michael Nuoffer, Michele Nuoffer, Shavon Cape, Shawn Hooker, and Chad Hooker, 8 great-grandchildren, and her sister Dora of Natchitoches. She is also survived by her best friends, Sharon Clelland, her yard sale partner Edna Jensen, JoLynn Anderson, her Friday night dinner group, her bunko groups and her Washington dice buddy Linda Wynands.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her daughter Juanita Jean Nuoffer and siblings: Oscar, Myrie, Lilly, Thomas Emile, Gertrude and Theophile and her beloved pet, Tiger.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 21, at 10 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City has been entrusted with the arrangements.

 

William C. "Bill" Olson

Retired Chief Petty Officer (CPO) William C. “Bill” Olson, 51 of Chattanooga, died on Wednesday, August 17, 2010 at his home, after a valiant, year-long battle with cancer.
A native of Great Falls, Montana, Bill was a 1977 graduate of Great Falls High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as a Cryptologic Technician, later supervising the same. Bill helped operate the US Navy’s most sensitive, global communications networks. Bill assisted in implementing the US Department of Defenses’ IRIDIUM GATEWAY, a major Warfighting satellite based communications network. He took part in planning and preparation for Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom and other humanitarian and contingency operations. His awards and decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, and the Expert Rifleman Medal.
After retiring from the Navy in 2006, Bill supported the Department of Defense’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) program. Further post-Navy employment included assignments in Honolulu, Hawaii, Huntsville, Alabama, and support of space and missile programs at Redstone Arsenal and NASA. While he was in the Navy, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from the University of Alabama at Huntsville. In 2007, Bill moved to the Chattanooga area and became a DC power systems field service engineer with C&D Technologies, in Dunlap, Tennessee. An active and relentless athlete, Bill was an accomplished cyclist, runner, hiker, camper, whitewater paddler, and snowboarder.
Bill is survived by his Father, Mr. Alfred Olson of Miles City, MT; brother Steven A. Olson of Port Orchard, WA; sister, Ms. Teresa Beehler of USAF Academy, CO; Grandmother Ms. Edna Olson of Canton, SD; sister Ms. Melissa Olson of Kalispell, MT; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews; and his best friend, companion in adventure, and love of his life – Rebecca Encizo. He leaves a group of loved ones, friends, and colleagues that will all miss him dearly.
As always, Bill has taken the lead on the uphill climb, but he has promised to wait for us at the top.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to First Descents (firstdescents.org/donate).
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, August 23, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Dr. Edley J. Moodley, PhD officiating with military honors.
Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

 

Robert Marlin Heflin

Robert Marlin Heflin, age 73, of Marysville, Calif. passed away while visiting with his family in Billings, Mont. on Aug. 19, 2010.
Robert was born on in Fortuna, CA on Jan. 30, 1937, to Robert Wesley Heflin and Marion Francise Bullard Heflin. He was one of five children and lived his life in California, though he traveled with his sister Kathy to visit family wherever they were.
Robert worked for the California Division of Highway for almost half a century, retiring as a Senior Delineator, and helped write programs for the designing of highways in District 3. He loved to garden and was famous for his delicious oranges and tomatoes, which he would share with friends and relatives. He loved his home and doing things for others and was a faithful church member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He also loved to paint and carve wood and shared his talents with others. He will be greatly missed here on Earth, but warmly welcomed in Heaven.
Robert is survived by his two sisters, Juanita Flower (Judson Flower) of Billings and Katherine Horst of Yuba City, Calif., and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Francise and Barbara.
Funeral services will be held in Marysville, Calif. Condolences may be made to the family at: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City has been entrusted with the arrangements.

 

Wesley Jay Powell

Wesley Jay Powell, age 82, of Broadus passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010 at the Pioneer Manor in Gillette, Wyo.
Wesley Powell, the son of Lisle and Anna (Anderson) Powell, was born on Dec. 21, 1927, in Broadus. He grew up around the Broadus area, working on his father’s ranch, and attended school at the Bergeson Country School located near Ranch Creek. He graduated from Powder River High School in 1945. After high school, he went to Montana State College for a short time before moving back to the family ranch.
Shortly after moving back, Mr. Powell met Lois Bartholomew and after dating for about a year they got married on Sept. 16, 1949 in Miles City. To this union they had two children; Stanley and Terry. After they were married, he and Lois moved out to the ranch where they lived in a little trailer house for several months before they were able to build a new home. Mr. Powell enjoyed working on the ranch, but in the late 1960’s, when the opportunity came, he took a job with the oil field and was a contract pumper for one of the first oil wells in the area. He continued to work on the ranch and in the oil fields until he retired after 30 years in the oil field. After retiring he took on many odd jobs, one being a cattle hauling business that he would do for neighbors and others who needed him. He was active in many different community groups including being a member and president of the Powder River County Farm Bureau, and the Commercial Club. He was also very involved in the 4-H Council, Fair Board and Toastmasters. Wesley truly enjoyed being able to spend time with his friends and family.
Mr. Powell is survived by his wife, Lois; two sons, Stanley (Bonnie) Powell and Terry (Rose) Powell; one sister, Ruth Baxter; three grandchildren, Bradley Powell, Jillian Dahlgren, Ryan Powell, one step grandchild, Riley Veis and three great-grandchildren, Braelyn and Dalton Powell, and Adyson Dahlgren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Keith.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, Aug. 23, at 11 a.m. at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is in charge of the arrangements.

 

Henry "Bill" Hopkins
Henry “Bill” Hopkins, age 85, of Ismay, Montana peacefully went home to be with God on Thursday, August 12, 2010 at Holy Rosary Health Center in Miles City.
Bill was born on July 2, 1925 in Ismay, Montana to his proud parents Carl and Augusta (Zabel) Hopkins. Bill attended country grade school at Cottonwood and attended high at Custer County High School in Miles City. Bill served in the United States Army from 1944-1946 in the Philippians. Bill married Betty Kelm on July 29, 1946, upon which they moved to Ismay together and started a farm and ranch. They became the parents of Billy and Kathy.
Bill was involved in organizing various volunteer programs associated with the DAV. He was a lifetime member of the DAV, VFW, Eagles, American Legion, Elks and was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Bill loved to hunt, fish, play cards, take pictures and volunteer.
Bill is survived by is survived by his son, Billy Hopkins of Miles City, MT; his daughter, Kathy Cromartie of Rex, GA; sister Audrey Watts of Miles City, MT; granddaughters: Crystal Henry of McDonough, GA and Michelle Headman who is proudly serving in the Armed Forces; great granddaughter Kierra Cromartie and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his parents Carl and Augusta Hopkins and his sister, Mila Hopkins Morford.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City with full military honors provided by VFW Post #1579. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Miles City DAV.

Jesse Thomas Erickson
Jesse Thomas Erickson passed away peacefully at the Holy Rosary Extended Care August 17th, 2010 where he had been a resident for the last three years.
Jesse was born to Thomas & Jessie (Carpenter) Erickson July 25th, 1923 in Colstrip, MT. and at a very young age the family moved to Sarpy Creek. As a young man Jesse worked for the Dowlins K Ranch, then in 1942 he joined the Marine Corp serving in the Pacific Campaign. He served overseas for thirty months and was honorably discharged in 1945.
Jesse trailed steers, broke horses and ran wild horses. He worked for M.J. Murphy and Dean Strand at Geyser Rodeo. He would always say, "I was a better sagebrush hand then a rodeo rider."
Jesse hauled hay and livestock for thirty six years, twenty six years he owned and operated his own trucks in Belgrade MT. He went on to drive trucks for Idaho Asphalt, Belgrade Insulation, Round-Up Powder(Miles City) and many other trucking firms. He was a trucker and taught many to drive truck, including his two stepsons Ted & Mike Williams. He could tell many stories about his cowboy and truck driving days. Jesse' favorite song was "I've Been Everywhere Man."
He wore out many of eighteen wheels.
Jesse and Betty Williams were married on October 1st, 1979. Betty and Jess moved to Miles City in 1985 where he drove truck until he retired. Jesse was very active in many organizations in Miles City. He was very active in the VFW.
He served as Commander of VFW Post 6810 for three years in Belgrade Montana. He was Commander of VFW Post 1579, Miles City for five years. He was active in Crimestoppers (you would hear him on the radio) served on the Custer County Mosquito Board, Eastern Montana Veteran's Cemetery Board, and wore out many pairs of cowboy boots beating the streets in Miles City for donations for his favorite festivity the VFW 4th of July Fireworks.
Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, one step-son Rick Quick and one brother Elwood and one brother in-law Ed Riley.
Jesse is survived by his wife Betty, son Scott Erickson of Belgrade, daughters Judy Erickson of Helena, Mickey of Billings and Marty of Manhattan; stepchildren Ted (Julie) Williams, Deb (Randy) Bickel, Deanna Williams Coleman and Mike Williams all of Culbertson MT; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one sister Florence Riley of Ballantine MT and one brother Forrest (Gertie) Erickson of Thornton CO.
Visitation will be Thursday August 19th, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 P.M at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday August 20th at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post #1579.
The family would like to thank everyone at Holy Rosary Extended Care for all their kindness to Jesse and to all who shared in the fun he had with the bell ringing and fishing. Special thanks to Greg and Rhea Anderson & Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home.

 

Betty Lou Stabio

Betty Lou Stabio, 86, loving grandmother, mother, wife, sister and friend, died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010, of natural causes at the Rosebud Healthcare Center in Forsyth.
She was born on Dec. 8, 1923, in Ashland to Lucille (Anderson, Trusler) Eiken and Ray Trusler. She was raised in that area and graduated from Broadus High School in 1941. It was there that she met her sweetheart, Archie Stabio, whom she wed in 1943.
They raised their family in the Ashland and Broadus areas, later moving to Missoula, Belgrade, Billings, Miles City and Forsyth where she held various jobs. One of her favorites was working in the cafeteria at the University of Montana at Missoula where she wore many different broaches and received many compliments.
Mrs. Stabio enjoyed gardening, feeding and watching birds, her cat, solving crossword puzzles, reading, exercising in the pool, attending church and spending time with family and friends.
Her survivors include daughters, Myrna (Ken) Quale of Glendive, Gloria (Bud) Butts of Miles City and Beverly (Dub) Garst of Gillette, Wyo.; sister, Evelyn Ball; brother, Harvey Trusler; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Stabio was preceded in death by her sweetheart, Archie; son, Bruce Stabio; brother-in-law, John Ball; and brother, Maurice Trusler.
Many family members, friends and neighbors loved Mrs. Stabio and cared for her at her last home, Rosebud County Rest Home.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. 
A funeral service will be Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Interment will be next to her husband, Archie, at a later date in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Miles City.
Memorials are suggested to The Rosebud Foundation or to the Concordia Lutheran Church in Forsyth.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.

Sam Mehrer
Sam Mehrer, 95, of Miles City died Friday, Aug. 13, 2010, at the Holy Rosary Hospice Care in Miles City.
When Mr. Mehrer was 10 years of age, his family moved to a farm in Mott, N.D.
This is where he met and later married his wife, Sarah. In 1936 they moved to San Diego, Calif., and worked for Powers. In 1939, Mr. Mehrer worked for Rohr Aircraft until 1943 when they moved to Miles City.
Mr. Mehrer worked at the Carter Tires Store until 1947 when he joined the Carpenter Local and stayed in the building trade until 1979 when he retired.
He enjoyed gardening and fishing outings with the Miles Milers Chapter of the Good Sam Club.
Mr. Mehrer is survived by his son, James (Mary) Mehrer of Lewistown;  his sister, Esther Junes of Ocean Side, Calif.; three granddaughters, Lora Mehrer of Germany, Lisa Roseland of Thorne Bay, Alaska and Jaimi Robinson of Destin, Fla.; one grandson, Brett Mehrer of North Pole, Alaska; a great-granddaughter, Anna Robinson; and a great-grandson, Mickenzie Mehrer.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah; two brothers; and six more sisters.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.  Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
To sign condolences the family please log on to www.stevensonandsons.com.

 

Christina Fay Baird

Christina Fay Baird, 47, of Hardin, formerly of Miles City, died Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010.
She was born Dec. 7, 1962, in Miles City, a daughter of Colletta Armstrong and Charles Baird. She grew up and received her education in Miles City, graduating from Custer County District High School in 1981.
She loved family and her animals.
Her survivors include her daughters, Clara and Nakisha Baird; her mother, Colletta Armstrong of Kansas; her father, Charles Baird; her sisters, Sandy (Tim) Hatcher, Marji (Wes) Hardy and Anna Baird, and her brother, Billy Baird, all of Miles City.
Family and friends will gather at 9:45 a.m. Monday, Aug. 16, 2010, at the Bullis Mortuary in Hardin and proceed to the Hardin Fairview Cemetery for 10 a.m. graveside services.

 

Sue Rose Earley Aalerud
Sue Rose Earley Aalerud, 80, of Wilmington, Mass., died Friday, Oct. 2, 2009, at the Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading, Mass., after a courageous four-year battle with breast cancer.
She was born in Terry to Stanley Vernon and Helen Myrtle Yarger Earley in February of 1929. She has one brother, Robert L., and his wife, Helen, of Columbus, Ga.
Mrs. Aalerud lost both of her parents by the time she was six years of age and subsequently left Montana. She was raised in Wakefield and Woburn, Mass. After high school she moved to Malden, Mass., where she met her husband, Robert. She attended Salem State College.
Of her many passions, some of her favorites included gardening and quilting, kayaking (which she remarkably learned at the young age of 78 and taught the same to her friends and family), being actively involved with the Wilmington Garden Club, the Wilmington Women’s Club, and volunteering for 19 years at Winchester Hospital. Her most favorite pastime was spending time with her grandchildren in all aspects of their lives including soccer games, piano recitals, birthdays, graduations, board games, gardening, kayaking and just chatting.
Mrs. Aalerud cherished her many years as a homemaker and working as a kindergarten teacher at Brookside Kindergarten in Wilmington and later in life working at Atlantic Gelatin/General Foods in Woburn until her retirement.
She will always be remembered for her unwavering positive attitude, boundless reserves of energy, her incredibly warm and infectious smile, gracious appreciation and support of family and close friends throughout her life.
Her survivors include her husband Bob, with whom she shared 58 years of marriage; and her three children, Bill of Reading, Mass., Ken and his wife, Janet, of Tewksbury, Mass., Elaine and her husband, Mark Wonson, of Gloucester, Mass.; and her daughter-in-law, Karen of Winchester, Mass.; as well as her loving grandchildren, Claire, Alison, Charlene and her husband Brian King, Kenny, Eric, Tim, Emily and Lauren; and her very special and dear lifelong friend, Neska Berthel.
    A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, Aug. 16, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Terry.  Interment will follow in the Prairie County Cemetery in Terry.
Donations in Mrs. Aalerud’s memory can be made to the Winchester Hospital Foundation, 41 Highland Ave., Winchester, MA 01890; Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation; or Sawtelle Hospice House in Reading, MA.

 

Larry Alan Dickman
Larry Alan Dickman, 63, of Miles City died Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010, at the Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City.
Mr. Dickman was born in Scobey on Jan. 10, 1947, the son of Walter J. and Marion T. Knudson Dickman. He attended grade school at Whitetail Elementary and graduated from Flaxville High School.
In 1966, he and Linda Dillabough were married.  He then enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Georgia and Germany. Following his honorable discharge from the military he returned to Whitetail and then moved to Miles City shortly thereafter. There he began his work as a pipefitter, which took him all over the United States. In addition to his residence in Miles City, he also built a home in Zion, Ill., where he resided for many years.
Mr. Dickman loved his life and lived it on his own terms. His passions included working on and rebuilding cars in addition to listening to talk radio and watching his favorite, MSNBC. He enjoyed his work and retired when he was diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer, a very rare form of cancer. He had a joking sense of humor and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his mother, Marion Dickman of Columbia Falls; a son, Dustin (Sarita) Dickman of Miles City; three daughters,  Lonni (Dan) Fougner and Rhea (Daniel Richardson) Dickman, all of Fargo, N.D., and Shay Dickman of Loveland, Colo.; a brother, Ronald Dickman of Kalispell; a sister, Linda Pilot of Whitefish; seven grandchildren, Calan, Kirby, Camden, and Carson Fougner and Chance, Caid and Chloe Dickman; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Dickman was preceded in death by his father; grandparents; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Funeral services will be Monday, August 16, 2010, at 1 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow at the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1579.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made in Mr. Dickman’s memory to the family of Larry Dickman c/o Dustin Dickman, 1104 Roberts St., Miles City, MT 59301.\

 

Debra Smokov "Smokie"

Debra Smokov “Smokie,” 95, of Miles City, died at Holy Rosary Healthcare on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010. 
She was born to Russian parents Dimitri James Smokoff and Anna Petroe. They just moved from Russia to North Dakota to start a new life. She was born in North Dakota and her family moved to a farm in Broadus where she grew up with seven other siblings.  
Her father Americanized the last name by taking off the“V” and adding ”off.” She kept her spelling the same as “the old country.”
The family all helped on the farm, and went to school in Broadus. She graduated from Custer County High School in Miles City. 
She worked for Dr. Snodgrass in Miles City and also at the Miles City Star for a short time. She then went to Seattle, Wash., to work at a hotel. In 1942 she moved back to Miles City and had lived here since.      
Her survivors include one brother; Robert Smokoff of Kenmore, Wash.; and a nephew, Dean Smokoff of Seattle.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, George, Pete and Tommy; and three sisters, Dorothy, Vera and Irene. 
Graveside service will be Friday, Aug. 13, 2010, at 10 a.m. in the Custer County Cemetery. 
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.

 

Charlee Frances Pitchford Morris

GLENDIVE, MONTANA: Charlee Frances Pitchford Morris, age 78, passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive. As she had always wished, she simply went to sleep and went to be with the Lord. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, August 13th, 2010 at West Side Baptist Church in Glendive with Pastor Dan Pust officiating. Interment will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Friday, August 13, 2010 in the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City, Montana. Friends are requested to wear the bright colors she always loved as a celebration of her life. Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Charlee was born in Steamboat Springs, Colorado on March 10, 1932 to Creighton Francis Pitchford and Elsie Elender Mead Pitchford. Her father worked for Texaco and they relocated many times during her childhood. Charlee had a younger brother, William Lee (Bill).
Charlee attended Moffat Texaco Camp School during the first and second grade and the third through seventh grade at Hamilton School, also a country school in a large stone building where her parents had attended school. The first half of the eighth grade, she went to Irving Junior High School in Pocatello, Idaho. The family moved to Oregon Basin Oil field near Cody, Wyoming and she finished the eighth grade in another country school. During the ninth and tenth grades, Charlee attended Cody High School. In the 11th grade, she was in Newcastle, Wyoming. Because of the oil boom, classes doubled and tripled and more. Newcastle was where she met her future husband of 57 years, Bus Morris. His sister, Helen, was her best friend. Bus and Charlee went to the prom together. In the twelfth grade, she attended Roundup High School. As Charlee wrote in her biography for her 50th class reunion, “At the last reunion luncheon, the conversation started about some of you being in the first grade together and I thought, ‘How wonderful!’ I went to so many schools and there were always new students. It has plus marks - always life comes with its plusses as well as minuses. I have made a lot of good friends. I would not have met many of them if we hadn’t moved and moved.” Throughout her life, Charlee made friends wherever she went.
Charlee worked for Johnson Coal and Al Stoner while she was still in high school in Roundup. Following that, she did income tax typing for W.S. Mather and then worked for Liggett Agency, also in Roundup. Charlee and Bus were married in Roundup on November 15, 1952. When Bus came back from the Army in 1954, they moved to Billings where Bus worked for Eaton Metal and she was a rate clerk for General of America Insurance Company. Their two daughters, Sue and Karen, were both born in Billings. The family relocated to Miles City, Montana when Bus went to work for L.P. Anderson in January of 1959 (for Great Northern Drilling and L.P. Anderson Contractor). They lived there until the company moved them to Glendive in 1982.
Over the years, Charlee volunteered at many organizations: church, 14 years of Girl Scouts, hospitals and many others. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary. Charlee worked very hard to get the Eastern Montana Veterans Home (EMVH) in Glendive. She volunteered there arranging escorts for residents to go to doctor appointments, go shopping, etc., baked angel food cakes and lots of other things that needed to be taken care of. Charlee’s health deteriorated following a stroke four years ago and she resided at EMVH for the last 2 1⁄2 years.
Charlee enjoyed people and was very talented in many areas. She liked flowers and enjoyed gardening. She did crafts, fancy work, quilts, arranged flowers, and made corsages. Much of her time was occupied with volunteering for various organizations and doing for people. If someone needed something done, Charlee always tried to help out.
Charlee was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her husband and beloved Ernie (Cocker Spaniel) of the family home, daughters Sue (Ron) Cercone of Lemon Cove, California and Karen of Miles City, her brother Bill (Katy) Pitchford of Mesa, Arizona, numerous nieces and nephews, and numerous friends she considered to be a part of her family.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Eastern Montana Veterans Home or to the charity of one’s choice.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com

 

Mollie Lentz

Mollie Lentz, 88, of Miles City died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010, at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility in Miles City.
Mrs. Lentz was born in Selesia on April 3, 1922, to David and Katherine Reichert. She moved with her family to Forsyth in March of 1927. Farming beets, hay, corn and beans became her life, working the land with her brothers and sisters. She always said she loved working in the fields with the horses. She told the story of clearing land of sagebrush, trying to load it onto a wagon, not being tall enough to reach the top, she fell and all the sagebrush ended up on top of her. And she never gave up, finally loading it by herself. Schooling was at the Hammond Valley School under the teaching of Mrs. Ceile McGraw for eight years. She loved the track meets and Christmas programs. Mrs. Lentz always talked of visiting neighbors in a bobsleigh with hot bricks to keep her feet warm and quilts to snuggle under.
On Feb. 22, 1942, she and Willis Lentz were married. Together they farmed first in Orinoco and later on their own farm in Cartersville, where they raised four children, Leona, William, Kenneth and Mary. When Mr. Lentz went to work for the Milwaukee Railroad, Mrs. Lentz did all of the farm work, including raising turkeys for the local grocery store. She also sold chicken eggs and cream. At one time, the milk cows numbered 17. She raised or grew most of the food used by her family. Mrs. Lentz loved her bum lambs, even designing a trough to feed 10 or more at a time.
After leaving the farm they moved several times, including Ingomar, Sumatra and Vananda before finally settling in Miles City. Mrs. Lentz became an avid quilter with many awards. She always was there to teach the newcomers how to quilt and was always available to judge quilt shows.
Mrs. Lentz was very creative and took a course by mail on how to decorate cakes and was well known for her wedding and anniversary cakes. She loved every minute of it. Along with all this, she discovered a new way to make rag rugs and didn’t rest until all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren had a quilt and a rug. She enjoyed gardening, but sewing was her passion along with crocheting and knitting.
Mrs. Lentz sadly lost her eyesight in 1998, but that didn’t stop her from trying to continue crocheting baby caps for the newborns at Holy Rosary Healthcare. She was a member of Retired and Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) and proudly wore her pins.
She will be remembered for her quilts, cakes, rugs and most of all being there to help others when they needed her. The Lord called upon Mollie to join His quilting group. She is now with the great quilters who have gone before.
Her survivors include two sons: Kenny (Leona) Lentz of Miles City and William (Maxine) Lentz of Florida; two daughters:  Mary Vetch and Lee (Mark) Bauch, all of Miles City; two brothers:  George Reichert of Colorado and John Reichert of Billings; a sister, Emma Dern of Kalispell; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Willis; her brothers, Pete and Dave; her sisters, Claire, Betty, Cottie, Lydia, Elizabeth and the twins.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Interment will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

 

James "Jim" Robert Hunter Sr.

James “Jim” Robert Hunter Sr., 63, of Miles City died at the Holy Rosary Heathcare in Miles City on Friday, Aug. 6, 2010.
Mr. Hunter was born on July 20, 1947, in Whittier, Calif., the son of Lyle and Jean Traynor Hunter. He grew up and attended schools in Bakersfield, Calif., where he graduated from high school. He attended college at Bakersfield Junior College where he received an Associate Correctional Administration Degree.
He then attended Cal State in Bakersfield where he received a bachelor of science degree in sociology. Mr. Hunter enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1967 where he was an aircraft control and warning officer. He was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1970.
Mr. Huner and Glinda South were married on Sept. 5, 1969, in Miles City. He worked at a variety of jobs including Kern County Juvenile Hall, as a probation officer in Kern County, and he had a 31-year career with the Pine Hills Correction Facility.  In October of 1991, Mr. Hunter was the director of Care and Custody at Pine Hills and in September of 2001 became superintendent.
His survivors include his wife, Glinda Hunter of Miles City; his children:  Terri E. (Randy) Anderson and James R. (Denise) Hunter Jr., all of Miles City; two brothers, Glenn Hunter of Bakersfield, Calif., and Eileen Sheets of Parachute, Colo.; and six grandchildren: Jessica, Heather, Jared and Alise Anderson and Cody and Carson Hunter.
He was preceded in death by his parents. 
Military graveside services will be Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010, at 10 a.m. at the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Miles City with full military honors provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1579. A celebration of Life gathering will be from 3 to 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City have been entrusted with the arrangements.

Roland Robert "Rollie" Swick
Roland Robert “Rollie” Swick, 92, of Miles City died Friday, Aug. 6, 2010, at the Friendship Villa Care Center in Miles City.
Mr. Swick was born in Bismarck, N.D., on May 11, 1918, the son of George and Katherine Rupp Swick. He attended schools in Bismarck and graduated from Bismarck High School in 1937. Following graduation, he began working for Benson Optical.
He and Ethel Huson were married on Aug. 1, 1942, in Dilworth, Minn. They resided in Bismarck until Nov. 18, 1942, when Mr. Swick entered the Armed Services at Fort Snelling, Minn.  He was with the 182nd Station Hospital and served in the European, African and Middle Eastern Theaters.  He received the Good Conduct medal, the Distinguished Unit badge, and the World War II Victory medal.  He was honorably discharged on Nov. 8, 1945. 
Following his discharge, he returned to Bismarck and to Benson Optical until being transferred to Miles City in July of 1947.
Mr. Swick was active in the Boy Scout Program, Little League and was an avid hockey player into his late 70s. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling and playing pool. Mr. Swick was an active member of the First Lutheran Church and worked with the Food Bank Program, the Hockey Program and the American Legion for 25 years.
He is survived by his wife, Ethel Swick of Miles City; two sons:  Robert G. (Jeanne) Swick of Moorhead, Minn., and Bruce C. (Carol) Swick of Helena; a daughter, Barbara A. (Dan) Hastings of Stevensville; six grandchildren:  Maret Kashmark, Adrianne Flom, Scott Swick, Mike Hastings, David Hastings, and Danny Hastings; and six great-grandchildren: Ryan and Nathaniel Kashmark, Alyssa and Madison Kate Flom and Casandra and Draven Swick. 
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Clark D. Swick.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010, at 2 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Miles City.  Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1579.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Miles City Food Bank, 210 S. Winchester Ave., Miles City, MT  59301; Holy Rosary Hospice, 2600 Wilson St., Miles City, MT 59301; First Lutheran Church, 512 S. Cale Ave., Miles City, MT  59301; or the Range Riders Museum, 435 L.P. Anderson Rd., Miles City, MT  59301.

 

Lyle James Peters

Lyle James Peters, 84, of Miles City died Monday, Aug. 2, 2010, at the VA Nursing Home in Miles City after a long illness.
Mr. Peters was born in Great Falls on Dec. 14, 1926, the son of Bertha Kessler Peters and John James Peters. He attended schools in Great Falls and graduated from Great Falls High School.
Following his schooling, he entered the United States Army, serving during World War II and also the South Pacific Campaign.
Mr. Peters spent the majority of his adult life in Butte.
His survivors include his son, John Peters of Denver, Colo.; his daughters, Billie Stock of Hemet, Calif., Kathie Gahr of Kenai, Alaska, and Laura Peters of Missoula; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010, at 10 a.m. at the VA Chapel in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1579.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

 

George Morella

George Morella, 78, died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010, at Valley Health Care Center in Billings. 
George Morella was born on May 28, 1932 on the family homestead north of Boyes to Batista and Apollonia (Pistono) Morella shortly after Batista had returned from Italy where he married Apollonia in Fiorano, Italy. He grew up on the family ranch speaking only Italian and then attended grade school at Hay Creek. He graduated from Broadus high school in 1950.
In addition to working on the family ranch, Mr. Morella began working for neighbors at the young age of 12. He started working for Carl Schaffer as a teenager for several years, doing such things as building the theatres in Ashland and Broadus and farming. During this time he developed his love for good horses. He loved being able to ride and rope on Schaffer’s horses, especially a famous cutting horse named Double Cinch. He also night lambed for Chester Bruce, range lambed for others and stacked thousands of bales for many people.
He was a charter member of the East Fork Roping Club. In 1956 he won the calf roping at the East Fork Rodeo with a fast time of 13.5 seconds. He wore the winning belt buckle throughout his life. His love of calf roping led his family to take him to numerous rodeos including Calgary, Cheyenne and the National Finals in Las Vegas. He thoroughly enjoyed roping calves at brandings into his 70s.
In 1962 Mr. Morella and Linda Roberts were married in Broadus and they made their home on the Little Powder where he lived until his death. In 1966 Mike was born and Lauri followed in 1974. They began leasing the Sampson Ranch in 1984 where George made numerous improvements including one of the first solar-generated water pipeline systems.
Mr. and Mrs. Morella worked side by side for 47 years raising cattle and sheep with their family. Mr. Morella loved riding and working cattle and moving the cows to greener pastures.
Even though his family liked sheep, Mr. Morella was never fond of them and one of the happiest days of his life was when they sold the sheep in 2002. Mr. Morella was very particular and proud of his work. His family often joked that he liked working along the highway so he could wave to all his friends and display his hard work.
After being diagnosed with cancer four years ago, he continued to work on the ranch including all the baling for the next three summers while undergoing chemo treatments. 
In addition to ranching, from 1970 until 1989, he sprayed noxious weeds throughout Powder River County during the summers. He also found the time to haul coal, corn, cows and anything else in his 1977 brown truck, which he drove more than 375,000 miles. For many years he was also a committee member for the ASCS and SCS and served on the fair board.
After working hard every day, he rested on Saturday nights by going to country dances where he danced every dance. Mr. and Mrs. Morella are well known for their jitterbugging. No song was ever too fast for Mr. Morella. He also enjoyed bowling, playing pool and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, but he truly enjoyed spending time, sharing stories and laughing with family and friends. 
His survivors include his wife, Linda; his son, Mike (Joni Ann) Morella of Denver, Colo.; his daughter, Lauri (Mike) Feralio of Billings; and his four grandsons, Michael
Feralio and Jon, Austin and Anthony Morella.
He also is survived by numerous relatives including three first cousins in Ivrea, Italy. 
Mr. Morella was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Silvano Morella.  
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Broadus. Interment will follow in the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com .
Should friends and family desire, memorials may be made to the Powder River County Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 421, Broadus, MT 59317 or to the Cancer Fund in care of Pat Gardner, Box 629, Broadus, MT 59317. 
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Broadus has been entrusted with the arrangements.

 

Stella Repp Almli
Stella Repp Almli, 83, of Miles City died Thursday, August 5, 2010, at the Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City.
Mrs. Almli was born on June 19, 1927, in Marsh, the daughter of George and Pauline Mittelstaedt Repp. She was baptized in the Lutheran Church in Marsh as an infant. The family moved to Gascoyne, N.D., for Mr. Repp’s job. In 1940, Mrs. Almli was confirmed in the Peace Lutheran Church in Scranton, N.D. She attended school for four years in Gascoyne and then attended schools in Scranton when the family moved to the country.  She grew up and graduated from Scranton High School in 1945.
She then joined the Cadet Nurse Corp in Miles City. Their volunteers came to the school and asked for volunteers in the Corp.  She joined the Corp in 1945 and graduated in 1948 from the Presentation School of Holy Rosary Hospital.
She met Norman Almli in Miles City and they were married in her home church in Scranton on Oct. 24, 1948. They made Miles City their home. To this union, three children were born: Curt, Susan and Marty.
Mrs. Almli worked for Holy Rosary Hospital, Garberson Clinic and the Custer County Rest Home. She was a member of the First Lutheran Church, World Mission Circle and Ash Creek Homemakers Club. She loved to play rumacube with friends.
Her survivors include her children: Curt (Judy) Almli of Issaquah, Wash., Susan (Tom) Zagorda and Marty (Jennifer) Almli, all of Miles City; five granddaughters:  Erin, Angela, Jennifer, Shelby and Jessica; a great-granddaughter, Jordan; two grandsons:  Jason and Peter; and a step-great-grandson, Evan.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Almli, in 1998; her parents; a baby brother; and also she had a still born baby boy.
Funeral services will be Monday, Aug. 9, 2010, at 10 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City has been entrusted with the arrangements.

 

Judith Estelle "Judy" Beehler

Judith Estelle “Judy” Beehler, 65, of Miles City died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010, at her home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mrs. Beehler was born in Bakersfield, Calif., on April 16, 1945, the daughter of Elmo and Estelle Dobson James. As a young child, she moved to Miles City with her family. She attended schools in Miles City and graduated from Custer County High School in 1963.
She worked at Coast to Coast for seven years and later worked as a supervisor at the J.C. Penney store in Miles City for 17 years.
On Jan. 6, 1966, she and Richard Lee Beehler were married in Miles City.
She loved camping with her children and most of all being a grandma.
Her survivors include her husband, Richard Beehler of Miles City; a daughter, Kate Kronen of Missoula; two sons,  Joe (Michele) Fredrickson of Miles City and Tony (Bobbie) Beehler of Hardin; a son-in-law, Robert “Bob” Goodson of Miles City; a brother, Lee James of Texas; a sister, Betty DesRoche of Forsyth; nine grandchildren,  Erin and Robby Goodson, Emily, Mahria and Colton Fredrickson, Kristen Furnall, Tad and Austen Beehler, and Ashley Hajek; and three great-grandchildren, Shawdon Wright, Brooklyn Fredrickson and Zaley Hajek.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her daughter, Katherine “Kat” Goodson.
The family will receive friends on Friday, Aug. 6, 2010, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010, at 11 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the family of Judy Beehler c/o Richard Beehler, 1111 Ivy Street, Miles City, MT  59301.

 

Anthony "Tony" Schwindt

Anthony “Tony” Schwindt, 40, of Billings, former Miles City resident, died Monday, Aug. 2, 2010, after a four-month long battle with cancer.
He was born on Dec. 16, 1969, to Sue Muri and Sam Schwindt. He and his big sister, Val, grew up in Miles City and spent a great deal of time on their family ranch near Jordan. While growing up, Mr. Schwindt enjoyed Little Guy Football, baseball, soccer and hockey, playing the drums, drawing and racing motocross. His current hobbies were hunting, four-wheeling and motorcycle riding with his buddies.
Mr. Schwindt graduated from Custer County High School in 1989. He then went on to work for Western Industries, Evergreen and A & H Turf. He worked hard to obtain his commercial driver’s license and eventually became an awesome pick up and delivery driver. He was currently employed at MTS Freight in Billings. 
In 1991, Mr. Schwindt met his wife, Dawn. They were married in 1994 and went on to have four beautiful children. Mr. Schwindt loved his family and friends very much. He did not know a stranger and he loved visiting with people wherever he went. He will be most remembered having the most beautiful smile in the world and the greatest sense of humor. No matter what was going on in life at that moment, Mr. Schwindt could make you laugh.
His survivors include his wife, Dawn; their children, Amber, Macy, Anthony and Kamielyn; his mother, Sue Muri; his father, Sam Schwindt; his sister, Val Schwindt; his niece, Catelyn Wilson; his Grandma Schwindt; uncles Monte and Bob Fitch; aunts, Sally Ness, Twila Swenson and Marlys Burkett; cousins, Jaimie and Casper Fitch, Kyle Fitch, Lyle Posey, Stacey Galla, Shawna Posey Amerman, Tony and Evan Hafla, Rodney, Gary and Duane Bollinger; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roy and Nancy Oliver; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Mike and Colleen Oliver.
Survivors also include his step-brothers, Brad Muri and Craig Muri; a step-sister, Stacey Muri Hill; and his honorary brothers, Tony Ulrich, Rick Dittus, Brad Kings, Reay Palmer, and sisters, Shelly Besel and Cindy Hafla (Conley). 
Mr. Schwindt was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred and Pat Fitch; grandfather, Sam Schwindt; his uncles, John and Pete Fitch; aunts, Carla Fitch and Evon Schwindt; mother-in-law, Jacque Oliver; and cousins, Ashlee and Justin Fitch.
Funeral Services will be Friday, Aug. 6, 2010, at 2 p.m. at Smith’s West End Chapel in Billings. Refreshments will follow the memorial service. On Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010, there will be a gathering at the Fitch Ranch near Jordan where he will be laid to rest. Anyone who wishes may attend. 
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
A college fund has been established for Mr. Schwindt’s children.  Memorials may be sent to Roy Oliver, 865 Garnet Ave., Billings, MT 59105.

 

Lola D. Parks

Lola D. Parks, 83, of Miles City died Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010.
Mrs. Parks was born Sept. 18, 1926, to Clarence and Cleo Kee. She was the eldest of seven children. Her parents homesteaded on the Big Dry until Fort Peck was built. The family then moved to Miles City where Mrs. Parks lived the rest of her life.
She and Duane J. Parks were married for 21 years. They had three children, Linda, Gary and Lee, all of Miles City. Mrs. Parks also has nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Parks worked in the kitchen at Holy Rosary Hospital for approximately 30 years.
She was a foundation breeder for the Appaloosa Horse Club and raised leopard appaloosas into her 70s on her place in the Sundial.
In addition to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, her survivors include five siblings, Gloria Lewis of Columbia Falls, Dan Kee of Roundup, Dave Robertson of Lewistown, Nancy Mitzcus of East Helena and Jerome.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Jeannie; and her grandson, Doug O’Connor.
Bullis-Graves Eastern Montana Crematory was in charge of cremation. No services are planned per Mrs. Parks’ request.

Herbert "Herb" Oster
Burial for Herbert “Herb” Oster of Woodburn, Ore., former Ismay resident, was held Sunday afternoon, July 11, 2010, in the Cottonwood Cemetery in Ismay. Cremation had taken place.
Mr. Oster died peacefully on Nov. 7, 2009, at his home in Woodburn.
He served in the Air Force from 1941 to 1945 during World War II, working with the 414th Night Fighter Squadron in airplane maintenance. While serving overseas, he married Fay Topfer by proxy, followed by a church wedding when he returned home. They resided in Miles City, moved to Plevna and finally settled in Melstone.
Mr. Oster worked as a mechanic for Chevy and as a field manager for the John Deere Co. He returned to school, learned Morse code and went to work for the Milwaukee Railroad, working in various small Montana communities from 1953 to 1963. When the railroad began closing small depots, he studied and passed the United States Postal exam and became Postmaster in Melstone, working there for 18 years before retiring in 1981. Mr. and Mrs. Oster raised three children, Marguerite, Luryce and Craig.
Mr. Oster was very active in the Free Masons, spending most of his years with the Victory Lodge 117 in Musselshell, holding nearly every position within the lodge. He also enjoyed motorcycling, visiting garage sales and swap meets. He and his wife loved to travel in their RV as part of the Good Sam Club. Mr. Oster continued to travel after his wife’s death in 1984, visiting his brother, sister and friends, new and old. No one was ever a stranger to him.
During his travels, he met Bessie Roberts of Indiana, whom he married in 1986. They lived a short time in Florida, but returned to Indiana where he stayed until after her death in 2000. Mr. Oster then hit the road in his RV again, traveling about during the spring and summer months and wintering in Yuma, Ariz. It was there he met Eileen Bagwell from Woodburn, Ore. They became good friends and traveling companions, which brought them back north to Woodburn where Mr. Oster eventually settled. Ms. Bagwell remains a dear friend and part of the family.
Mr. Oster chose to be baptized and renew his faith, which brought him much peace and comfort in his last years of failing health, feeling ready to go home to meet his maker and see family and friends who were waiting for him.
His survivors include his children, Marguerite Oster of Melstone, Luryce (Jim) Summers of Helena and Craig (Karen) Oster of Kent, Wash.; his grandchildren, Jason Stensvad of Melstone, Aaron Stensvad of Portland, Ore., Shane Laughery of Bozeman, Dustin Laughery of Whitehall, Kevin Oster of Snoqualmie Pass, Wash., and Adam Oster of Sherwood, Ore.; four great-grandsons; two great-granddaughters; and one great-great-grandson.
Mr. Oster was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Ida Oster; siblings Eugene, Bill, Henry Jr. and Clara; and his wives, Fay and Bessie.

Edgar Wayne Bloxom
Edgar Wayne Bloxom, 59, of Miles City died August 2, 2010.
He was born May 24, 1951, in Miles City, a son of Leslie and Josephine Bonogosky Bloxom. He grew up in Miles City, attended and graduated from Sacred Heart High School. He was a United States Postal Service Highway contractor for many years, most recently providing the Miles City to Wibaux contract route.
Ed served in the National Guard for four years. He enjoyed collecting hats, hunting, was an excellent pool play and an avid Jacksonville football fan. He loved to care for lawns often utilizing his landscaping skills.
His parents and two sisters, Debbie Thibault and Mary Jo Bonogosky, preceded Ed in death.
Survivors include his children, Lee Bloxom of Wyoming and Tracy Riola of Arizona; his sisters, Donna Gaug and Tanna Martin; his grandchildren, Mark, Paige, Dylan and Chance; as well as his special friend, Julie Kaufman and her children, Kirsten, Sarah and Gus.
A message from Debbie, “Happy Trails, Durwood.”
Cremation has taken place. A service of Remembrance will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday Aug. 6, 2010, in the Bullis-Graves Memorial Chapel. Private disposition will be held at a later date.
Bullis-Graves Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.

 

Margaret "Shorty" Howard

Margaret “Shorty” Howard, 86, of Red Lodge, formerly of Ashland and Miles City, died July 29, 2010, in Billings from injuries sustained from an automobile accident.
She was born on Oct. 17, 1923, in Miles City, the daughter of William Dudley and Mae Rose Moore Shy. She grew up on the Shy family ranch on Otter Creek near Ashland. She graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Miles City and had a very active life.
She married W. B. “Dub” Howard on Nov. 25, 1949. They started their family together on 15 Mile, later moving to a ranch on the Powder River and raising their three children: Miles, Billie and Becky.
Mrs. Howard’s passion for cooking followed her throughout her life beginning on the Powder River where she cooked for hunters. Mr. and Mrs. Howard purchased the Cow Country Café and moved to Ashland in 1963. During that time she also operated the Ashland Movie Theater, ran various concession stands and worked at the sawmill. 
She moved to Big Timber in 1975. From 1985 to 2004 she was the personal cook for the Haas family at the Beaver Meadows Ranch up the Boulder River. During her time with the Haas family she enjoyed meeting and cooking for dignitaries, including Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter and Tony La Russa.
Mrs. Howard moved to the 400 Ranch outside of Red Lodge in 1993 and enjoyed an active retirement.
Her survivors include her two sisters, Mickey Howard of Broadus and Jimmie Kimp of Stevensville; her brother, George Shy of Belle Fourche, S.D.; her two daughters, Billie Kaye Wheaton and her husband John of Fromberg and Becky Jo Childers and her husband Todd of Casper, Wyo.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her son, Miles Ellis Howard; and her husband, Dub.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010, at 11 a.m. in the St. Labre Mission in Ashland. Interment will be at the Willow Crossing Cemetery.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Red Lodge EMS Volunteers of Red Lodge or the Horizon Hospice Home in Billings.

 

Judy Colleen Boughton Gianino

 A Memorial Service for Judy Colleen Boughton Gianino was Monday, Aug. 2, 2010 at 3 p.m. at the Powder River Manor in Broadus. Interment will be at a later date in the Boyes Cemetery. 
Mrs. Gianino died Wednesday, July 28, 2010, in the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility in Miles City.
She was born Oct. 10, 1944, in Sturgis, Mich., to her parents, Charles E. and Violet A. Robbins Boughton. She graduated from high school in Sturgis, Mich., and worked five years at the Sturgis Memorial Hospital.
 In May of 1969 she moved to Ekalaka. This is a move that she never regretted in all her life. She called Ekalaka her “true hometown.” She worked at the Dahl Memorial Hospital for several years and also local cafés.
On June 21, 1977, she moved to Boyes. Along the way she had a near month of range lambing just outside Alzada. This included lots of long hours and was a real change in her life, yet she really enjoyed it.
On Dec. 11, 1985, she and Battista A. Gianino were married. To this union one daughter, Wende Lynn, was born.
As a child, Mrs. Gianino’s dream had always been to move west and become a rancher, a dream that seemed very unlikely, but fortunately for her dreams do come true. She was also a 4-H leader for 10 years. The club was the smallest, but Mrs. Gianino always mentioned “We had the greatest bunch!”
She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, several horses and cattle clubs, as well as a life member of the American Morgan Horse Association and American Rabbit Breeders Association. She was a true lover of all critters with horses and dogs at the top of the list.
Her survivors include her husband, Battista Gianino of Boyes; a daughter, Wende Gianino from Boyes; an older brother, John from Roy, Wash.; and a twin brother, Jack, who lives in Sturgis Mich.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
 For those who wish, memorials may be made to the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church of Ekalaka or the charity of one’s choice.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is entrusted with the arrangements.

 

Irvin "Spike" Barrere

Irvin “Spike” Barrere, 89, of Miles City died Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility in Miles City.
Mr. Barrere was born in Ekalaka on Oct. 14, 1920, the son of William Earl and Ollie Gladys Schults Barrere. He grew up in Ekalaka and attended country schools there.
Following his schooling, he went to work breaking horses.
Mr. Barrere entered the United States Air Force during World War II and the Korean Conflict. While in the service, he married Violet Joles on Sept. 14, 1943, at Savannah, Ga.
Following his honorable discharge, they moved to the family ranch at Ekalaka. They later moved to Baker and finally to Miles City where he worked for the Veterans Affairs Hospital for more than 25 years before retiring.
Mr. Barrere loved to work with horses. He loved being outdoors and always enjoyed camping and most of all spending time with his family.
His survivors include two daughters:  Gladys (Bob) Branson of Billings and Charlotte Lynn Mason of Ohio; a brother, Brice (Sharon) Barrere of Ekalaka; 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Violet; a son, Ronald Earl Barrere; and a daughter, Violet Elaine Anderson.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010, at 10 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. at the Beaver Lodge Cemetery in Ekalaka.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

 

Shirley Mae Fischer

Shirley Mae Fischer, 74, of Forsyth died Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at the Fountain View Care Center in Forsyth.
Mrs. Fischer was born Feb. 17, 1936, in Denver, Colo., the daughter of Adam and Amelia Sedar. She grew up and attended schools in Forsyth.
She and Edward R. Fischer were married in Forsyth on Nov. 14, 1954, and they made their home there from that time on. Mr. and Mrs. Fischer were blessed with five boys.
Mrs. Fischer may have never attended a sporting event before, but once the boys started playing she became an avid fan of all sports and never missed a game.
In addition to raising her boys she worked as a nurse’s aid and taught vacation bible school at Concordia Lutheran Church where she was a member.
In her spare time she enjoyed all types of crafts, knitting, crochet work, needlework, ceramics, sewing and bowling.
In addition to her husband, Edward, she is survived by her sons, John of Albuquerque, N.M., Mark of Forsyth, David of Billings, Randy of Forsyth and Brian of Loveland, Colo.; brothers Robert Seader, John Seader and Ollie Morton, all of Billings; sisters, Norma Stienbach of Billings and Sharon Williams of Hysham; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Funeral Services will be Monday, Aug. 2, 2010, at 10 a.m. at the Concordia Lutheran Church in Forsyth. Burial will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth has been entrusted with these arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.

 

Nick Peters

Word has been received of the death of Nick Peters, 99, of Billings, father of Bonnie Smith of Miles City. Mr. Peters died at Monday, July 26, 2010, at Aspen Meadows in Billings. Graveside services for Mr. Peters were held in Wolf Point.

Betty Lou Hinton
Betty Lou Hinton, 76, of Victor died at Marcus Daly Hospital in Hamilton on Tuesday, July 27, 2010.
She was the second oldest child of 5 born to Ed and Maxine (Keller) Cornelius on January 2, 1934, in O’Neill, Nebraska. When she was a young girl the family moved to Miles City, where she met and married Vernon  Frederick, on August 31, 1952. There were 5 children born to this marriage.
In 1968 the couple moved to Deer Lodge and later divorced. Betty met and married David Hinton in 1970 and  they continued to live in Deer Lodge until 1996 when they moved to the Stevensville area and then to Victor.
Throughout Betty’s 30-year career  in nursing, she acquired a LPN license while working at Galen State Hospital and while living  in Lovell, she worked at the Lovell Hospital as a CNA.
In Miles City Betty was active in the Foursquare Church as a Sunday school teacher and a solo singer in the choir. She had a beautiful voice and she could also yodel. After moving to Lovell she continued teaching Sunday school and was active in the Assembly of God Church. She was also active in the Light of the Valley Assembly of God Church in Stevensville. She really did love the Lord.
Mon was a very avid reader. She also sewed, crocheted and knitted and had a knack for drawing. She always had a garden; whether it was vegetables or flowers.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Wayne, Kenneth and Eddie Cornelius; and her only sister, Barbara Steinback; and her oldest son, John Frederick.
Surviving family are her husband, David of Victor; daughters, Deannie (Don) Goforth of Lolo, Peggy (Jerry) White of Lovell, WY, and Verna Ward of Cody, WY; and sons, Daniel (Ronda) Frederick of Worland, WY and Blen (Charlotte) Hinton of Columbia, Tennessee;  step-children, Edith Bouvette of Auburn, WA, Danny Hinton of Stevensville, George (Beth) Hinton of Nickerson, KA, and Della (Larry) Alley of Coulee City, WA; 21 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, July 31, 2010, at 4:30 pm at the Light of the Valley Assembly of God Church in Stevensville, with her son, Pastor Blen Hinton, officiating. A luncheon will follow services. Burial of Betty’s ashes will be at a later date at the Western Montana Veterans Cemetery in Missoula.
Memorials are suggested to a charity of choice.
The Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville is in charge of arrangements.

 

Adele Hertha Falkenstern Jens

ThursdayLongtime Prairie County resident, Dele Jens died peacefully on Sunday, July 25, 2010, at the Prairie County Nursing Home in Terry.
Adele Hertha Falkenstern was born on Dec. 7, 1911, in Gackle, N.D., to Emanuel Sr. and Mary Brosz  Falkenstern. Her father was the village blacksmith in Gackle. At the age of three, Mrs. Jens moved to the Watkins area of McCone County with her family to homestead. When a younger brother couldn’t say Adele, she became “Dele” to all. She began school in the Watkins School and was in the third grade when the family moved into Terry. She continued her education in the Terry schools, graduating in 1931. While in high school, she fell in love with classmate Lester Jens.
Since the country was suffering the Great Depression, the couple delayed marrying until times were better. Mr. Jens worked various jobs, and she clerked at the Wright-Nelson-Stith Mercantile.
They married on Jan. 14, 1939. Their only son, Larry, was born in 1941. They worked on the Roddie McAulay-Chris McRae ranch north of Terry, and then the Allie Bradshaw Ranch near Locate.
In 1943, they bought the Preller place on Conn’s Coulee, adding adjoining property in later years. They ranched there for 45 years, retiring and moving into Terry in 1988.
Mrs. Jens was currently the longest enrolled member of the Terry Community Presbyterian Church, belonging for 84 years. Her belief in God, and her church were always integral parts of her life. She seldom missed Sunday services, taught in the Sunday School, was active in the Ladies Aid Circles, and served in various other capacities of the church. She was an active member of the Order of Eastern Star for many years, filling all of the local offices. Mrs. Jens belonged to the Zero Homemaker’s Club.
She was the quintessential ranch wife, regularly serving 5 a.m. breakfasts to Mr. Jens’ haying, branding and shipping crews as well as huge dinners and suppers. Mrs. Jens drove the pickup while Mr. Jens fed “cake” during many winters’ feedings. Her freezer always contained at least two gallon-sized containers of homemade cookies and a “from scratch” Angel food cake, “in case of drop-in company.” Her canned beef and chokecherry and buffaloberry jellies were welcome gifts. She regularly raised a garden, but specialized in growing flowers. Friends and family treasure the knitted or crocheted afghans and sets of embroidered pillowcases they received from Mrs. Jens. 
Her survivors include her son, Larry and his wife, Judy of Terry; grandchildren, Dale Jens and wife, Kristi, of Shalimar, Fla., and Laurie Frohlich of Dickinson, N.D.; and great-grandchildren, Dalton and Dharbi Jens, and Carlie and Casey Frohlich. She was proud of her family, and loved the times when her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were around.
Mrs. Jens is also survived by nephews, Don, Lee, Lance and Ryen Falkenstern, Jerry Glantz and Bill Leach; and nieces, Diane MacLiver and Kathy Falkenstern.
Preceding her in death were her husband of 65 years, Lester; her brothers, Emanuel, Oswald, Arnold, Aldo and Edwin; sisters, Edna Leach and Clara Glantz; brothers-in-law, Don Leach and Jim Glantz; and sisters-in-law, Florence Falkenstern, Maxine Falkenstern, and Madge Falkenstern.
Funeral services will be Monday, Aug. 2, 2010, at 2 p.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church in Terry. Interment will follow in the Prairie County Cemetery in Terry.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Terry is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com. 
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Prairie County Nursing Home Foundation.

 

William Douglas Wallin

William Douglas Wallin, 87, of Seattle, Wash., formerly of Billings and Rosebud, died Sunday, July 25, 2010, in Seattle. A memorial service and burial in the Lee Cemetery south of Colstrip will take place in late September.

Martha A. Anderson
Martha A. Anderson, 89, of Forsyth, formerly of the Fargo/Moorhead area, died Thursday, July 22, 2010, at the Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth.
Martha Whitcomb was born May 13, 1921 in Moorhead, Minn., to Weston and Mary Whitcomb. She grew up and attended schools in that area where she graduated in 1939.
She worked for the telephone company for a short period of time before joining the Army in 1942.
After being honorably discharged from the Army she returned to working for the phone company.
She and Alfred M. Anderson were united in marriage in 1949. They made their home in the Fargo/Moorhead area where they were blessed with three children, William, David and Beverly.
She moved to Forsyth to be near her son and daughter-in-law.
Mrs. Anderson enjoyed crafts and spending time with friends and family. She was also involved with the Ladies of the Catholic Church.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Weston; brothers, Harold and Robert; and sisters, Harriet, Mary and Margaret.
She is survived by her children, Dr. William (Margo) Anderson of Forsyth, Dr. David (Rebecca) Anderson of Pennsylvania and Beverly Schultz of Eugene, Ore.; a sister, Marcella; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service will be Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at 2 p.m. at the Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth. Burial will be at a later date at the North Dakota State Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, N.D.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth has been entrusted with the arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.

 

Roberta M. Gietzen
GLENDIVE, MONTANA: Roberta M. Gietzen, age 75, passed away on Tuesday, July 20, 2010, at the Glendive Medical Center Extended Care. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, at Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive with Pastor Avis Anderson officiating. Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Roberta was born on March 22, 1935, in Harlowton, Montana, the daughter of Robert and Mary (Stevenson) Beauchot. She was educated in Harlowton, until moving to Miles City, Montana, and graduated from Custer County High School with the class of 1954.
Roberta married Jim Gietzen in Miles City on September 20, 1955. Shortly after their marriage the couple moved to Glendive where she had resided until the time of her death. As a young couple, Roberta and Jim loved to travel. Jim preceded her in death in 1991.
Roberta worked as a secretary for Cenex Transportation and Pipeline until her retirement in 1990.
Roberta enjoyed doing yard work, gardening and making rock gardens. She loved animals, especially dogs and Roberta lived for her crossword puzzles. Her favorite channel to watch on TV was the game show channel. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and the VFW Auxiliary.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband and a special niece, Kathy (Beauchot) Casillas..
Survivors include her two daughters, Sharon Doll and her husband Jeff, and Karen Schneider and her husband Jim all of Glendive; one brother, Charlie Beauchot and his wife Kathy of Miles City, Montana; six grandchildren, Sara and Ashley Miner and Amanda Doll all of Casper, Wyoming and Joshua, Shelby and Whitney Schneider all of Glendive; numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials are suggested to the Dawson County Veterinary Clinic, 2210 West Towne Street, Glendive, MT 59330.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com