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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.

Updated May 9

Lidia Budkiewicz
Lidia Budkiewicz, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died peacefully on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, in Miles City at the age of 92.
She was born on July 16, 1915, in Wilno, Poland, to Albertina Sieczyokno. While she was growing up she attended ballet and acting school. She traveled as a stage actress with a group of performers throughout the country performing plays and musicals until the 1940s.
She married Victor Warzynski in Poland in 1938. Their daughter, Helena, was born in 1941. In 1943, Mr. Warzynski was called to serve in the armed forces so Lidia, Albertina, and baby Helena were forced to flee Poland during World War II. They traveled many miles and finally made it to safety at a displaced persons camp in Salzberg, Austria. They stayed there several years and while there Lidia met and married Staneslav Budkiewicz. From this union another daughter, Headdy, was born.
In 1949, Sister Fannihan from Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City, sponsored Mrs. Budkiewicz and her family to immigrate to the United States. The entire family lived and worked at Holy Rosary for two years until they could buy their own home.
Mrs. Budkiewicz enjoyed being a homemaker and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She had many friends whom she loved to visit with.
She spent the last five years at Shady Lane Assisted Living in Miles City where she was very well cared for and loved by all of the caretakers. She loved every single caretaker like family. Mrs. Budkiewicz’s kind heart, sense of humor, and loving touch will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Her survivors include her daughters, Helen Steele of Miles City and Headdy (Mike) Pendergast of Yakima, Wash.
She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kevin (Barbara) Steele, Salina (Andre) Torain, Yvette (Rocky) Swanson, and Brian (Sarah) Pendergast. Mrs. Budkiewicz also loved her special grandchildren: Stacy (Pat) Mackenzie, and Katie and Krisie Yother. She enjoyed her beautiful great-grandchildren: Megan (Jose) Ochoa, Samuel and Maxwell Steele, Ruby and Jesse Torain, Sage and Shawnee Swanson, Koen and Cora Pendergast, and Mandy and Sage Mackenzie.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Victor and Stan; her mother, Albertina; and her beloved son-in-law, Bill Steele.
Cremation has taken place and private family services will take place at a later date.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.

Valentine "Val" Jaeger
Longtime farmer and business man, Valentine “Val” Jaeger, 93, died Wednesday, May 7, 2008.
Mr. Jaeger was born to German immigrants at Hague, N.D., on Aug. 16, 1914. At the age of three, he moved to the family farm at Glencross, S.D. He attended elementary school in Glencross.
He and Mathel Springer were married at the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Timber Lake, S.D., on June 12, 1934. This loving relationship endured for nearly 74 years.
In 1947, Mr. Jaeger moved his family to Timber Lake and became a partner in the E & J dry goods and grocery store. The Orpheum Theater was purchased in 1948 by Mr. Jaeger and he operated this business until 1956.
Mr. Jaeger drove the Timber Lake School bus from 1950 to 1953 on the Trail City route and continued to farm during this period and also established a trucking business.
In 1956, he moved his family to Miles City and purchased and operated the Gingham Lady Motel. In 1965, he constructed the Star Motel and operated this business until 1980, when he retired. He was also employed by Pine Hills School as the farm boss for 10 years during this period.
He will be remembered as a great father and family man. Family get-togethers played a great part in his life. He was a second father to all his grandchildren and especially enjoyed watching them participate in all sport activities. He enjoyed playing the accordion for family holiday sing alongs.
In 2004 at the age of 90, he suffered a broken hip and after three major surgeries he was able to walk and dance again. However, his health was weakened and he fell victim to cancer, which ended his life.
His survivors include his wife of 73 years, Mathel of Miles City; one daughter, Connie (Joe) Goldade of Miles City; five sons: Dr. Jerry (Darlene) Big Stone City, S.D., Ron (Lee Ann) of Sacramento, Calif., Rich (Sandy) of Great Falls, Robin (Jean) Grand View, Wis., and Mike (Lori) of Bozeman; 17 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Tony and Father Maurice; four sisters: Barbara, Ida, Margret and Katherine; and one daughter, Lori Ann.
A prayer service will be Monday, May 12, 2008, at 7 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary Cemetery.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Holy Rosary Hospice.

Orval Seright
Orval Seright was born December 21, 1925 in Moore, Montana to Marion and Helen (Vickroy) Seright.
In 1928 the family moved to a farm/ranch near Montague, Montana where their five children attended Harwood Lake School.
After graduation from Fort Benton High School in 1944, Orval was inducted into the U.S. Army and sent to Fort Knox, Kentucky for basic training as a tank crewman. He was then assigned to the 757th Tank Battalion in Italy where he participated in two major battles for the Northern Apennines and the Po Valley.
He was discharged from the Army in 1946 and started farming in the Eagle Butte area but gave up the farm and started college on the G.I. Bill in 1947 at MSC Bozeman.
He married Rosalie Drew from Sheridan, Wyoming in 1949 and graduated from MSC in 1951 with a B.S. degree in Agricultural Education followed by an M.S. degree in 1960. Their first child, Sandy, was born in Bozeman August 2nd 1950.
He accepted a teaching position in the Vo-Ag department of Stanford High School in 1951 and remained there until 1968. Their second son, Randy, was born March 18th, 1953 in Lewistown. While in Stanford, he enjoyed membership in Trinity Lutheran Church, American Legion, Toastmasters, Volunteer Firemen, Square Dancers & Card Club. For many summers, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service. He also enjoyed camping with family and friends.
In 1968 he accepted employment with the USDA-ASCS and the family moved to Livingston for the training period and then to Miles City in 1970 as Office Manager of the local ASCS Office. He was appointed District Director as supervisor over the twelve ASCS county offices in Southeastern Montana in 1977 and served in that position until retirement in October of 1994.
Orval & Rosalie enjoyed their retirement years with Church work, camping, going for coffee, golf, guided bus tours (Heart of Europe, East Coast Fall Foliage, Pacific Coast, Branson, Alaska & Canada), attending army reunions of the 757 Tank Battalion Association and visiting relatives and friends all over the U.S.
In 2001 they recognized the need to be closer to airports and specialized medical facilities so they relocated to a patio home in Billings, MT. As long as health permitted, Orval remained active in Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, golfing, and chores around the house. Those that knew him will remember Orval as a very conservative person with an enormous amount of patience who never got very excited about anything.
Orval was preceded in death by his parents, and older brother, Edward, from Tucson AZ and is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Rosalie; two sons, Sandy (Nancy) of Post Falls, ID; Randy (Julie) of Socorro, NM; Granddaughter, Brooke Seright. of San Diego, CA; Grandson, Brett Seright (Annalee) of Post Falls, ID; Two brothers, Cecil (Mary) of Fort Benton, MT and Merle (Priscilla) of Salome, AZ; and one sister, Naomi Rucker of Tucson Az.
Orval was a wonderful husband and Dad and was well liked by everyone who knew him.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 13, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Billings.
Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary of Billings is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City or the hospice in Miles City.

Donald Henry "Don" Varner
Donald Henry “Don” Varner, 91, of Terry died Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at the Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City.
Mr. Varner was born on April 19, 1917, in Cartwright, N.D., the son of M.S.M. and Mary Magdelina Moos Varner.
In 1955, he moved to Terry where he owned the Standard Gas Station. In 1957, Marcella died and in 1958, he married Arlene. He later bought the Conoco Gas Station in Terry.
Mr. Varner also ran the Bulk Business in Terry until 1980 when he sold the gas station and bulk business and retired.
He was an active member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Fallon. Mr. Varner enjoyed fishing, camping, bowling and spending time with his grandchildren. He never met a stranger.
His survivors include his wife, Arlene of Terry; four daughters: Cheryl (Keith) Fuhrman of Miles City. Donna (Bill) Hoy of Yuma, Ariz., Sharon Thorman of Spearfish, S.D., and Vickie (Steve) Shapiro of Clancy; a son-in-law, Dick Johnson of Livingston; 13 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Marcella; an infant son, Charles; two daughters: Barbara Sanderson and Sandra Johnson; three sons-in-laws; four brothers; and five sisters.
A Memorial Graveside Service will be Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at 1 p.m. at the Prairie County Cemetery in Terry.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Prairie County Home Health or to the charity of one’s choice.

Richard Leslie "Dick" Potter
Richard Leslie “Dick” Potter, 74, a former Shelby businessman and Miles City resident, died Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at Marias Medical Center in Shelby due to natural causes.
He was born Jan. 8, 1934, at Cresbard, S.D., to Leslie Earl and Dorothy (Bent) Potter. He received his elementary education in Aberdeen, S.D., and San Jose, Calif. Mr. Potter graduated from Central High School in Aberdeen, S.D., and attended Aberdeen Northern State Teachers College in accounting and architectural engineering.
Mr. Potter came to Montana and worked for the Montana Forest Service and later was employed in the accounting department of International Harvester Company in Great Falls. Being interested in sales, he became a truck and equipment representative for IHC covering several districts in Montana.
He and Mary Ann Mital were married on Nov. 22, 1953, in Great Falls. Mr. Potter retired from the IHC and was an insurance agent before going on to manage the IHC Truck and Equipment in Miles City.
The family moved to Shelby in 1969 where they owned and operated the O’Haire Manor Motel and the Rainbow Hotel. He sold these interests and purchased the Shelby Rainbow Ford-Mercury car/truck dealership. He later sold the dealership due to health issues.
Mr. Potter was a baptized Methodist. He served in the U.S. Naval Reserves from 1951 and was honorably discharged in 1970. He was a member and served as president of the Shelby Chamber of Commerce, Shelby Merchants Committee and served as a Shelby City Councilman. He was also a member of the U.S. Highway 2 Association, Montana Innkeepers Association, National and Montana Auto Dealers Association and a life long member of the Elks Lodge.
He enjoyed hunting pheasant and wild turkey. He was also an avid collector of western bronzes and Jim Beam bottles. Mr. Potter loved automobiles and designing, renovating and building structures. He had a master mind in architectural design and mathematics. His greatest passion however, was the love of his family.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Mary Ann of Shelby; his four children, Peggy Lee (Daniel) Decker, Penny Rae (Kirby) Underdahl, John Leslie (Amy) Potter and Jana Jo Richards; 10 grandchildren, Andrew Don Decker, Darby LouAnn Decker, Joren (Nancy) Underdahl, Kirsten (Kyle) Kearns, Amy Ann Underdahl, Dominique Jo Underdahl, Courtney Ann Potter, Rose Naomi Potter, Jacob Leslie Richards and Jordan Elizabeth-Ann Richards; and five great-grandchildren, Hunter and Abbey Underdahl and Lauren, Layne and Kade Kearns.
His survivors also include a sister, Evelyn Dorothy Fagg; a brother, Melvin Wilbur Potter; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Delmar Earl and Donald LeRoy Potter; and an infant grandson, Brady Gerald Decker.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Monday, May 12, 2008, in the Whitted Funeral Chapel in Shelby with a reception to follow at the Shelby Elks Lodge. Entombment will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Mausoleum in Great Falls.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.whittedfuneralchapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Shelby Elks Lodge No. 1696.

Eleanor Harbaugh
Eleanor Harbaugh, 97, died Sunday, May 4, 2008.
She was born Aug. 1, 1910, in Miles City to Josephine Albertina Carlson and Elmer Eugene Drake. She lived on a ranch near Coalwood. She rode with her older brother, Lester, on horseback eight to 10 miles to attend a country school. They boarded with the teacher during the week. After a few years of school, the family moved to California for about one year and then moved to Minnesota. They returned to Miles City in her early teens where she graduated from Custer County High School in 1929.
She and Ralph Waldo Harbaugh were married March 16, 1941, in Miles City. They lived at 840 Truscott St. Mr. Harbaugh died Oct. 23, 1958.
Mrs. Harbaugh belonged to several community organizations, some of which were the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary, the Home Demonstration Club, the Army Mothers, the Sewing Club, the Garden Club, and the Birthday Club. She was a lifelong member of the First Lutheran Church.
She continued to live in Miles City until June 2003 when she went to live with her son, Leroy, and his wife, Myrna, in Orem, Utah.
Her survivors include her two sons, Loren Harbaugh (Bessie Roberts) of Kearns, Utah, and Leroy Harbaugh (Myrna Ernst) of Orem, Utah; 15 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Harbaugh was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; her half-brothers, Clifton Drake, Leon Drake, Stanley Rilley and Lester Rilley; her half-sister, Vivi; and her parents, Josephine Albertina Carlson and Elmer Eugene Drake.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home, 1717 Main St. in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to The First Lutheran Church, 512 Cale Ave., Miles City, MT 59301 or to the VFW Auxiliary, Box 395, Miles City, MT 59301.

Alicyn Marie Frieboes
Alicyn Marie Frieboes, infant daughter of Jamey and Brooke Currey Frieboes, was born still on Saturday, May 3, 2008, at the Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, Nev.
Alicyn is survived by her parents, Jamey Alan and Brooke Daneal Currey Frieboes of Gillette, Wyo.; maternal grandparents, Daniel and Phyllis Currey of Miles City; paternal grandparents, James and Terral Frieboes of Dickinson, N.D.; great-grandparents, Melba Currey of Jordan; Irene Frieboes of Bismarck, N.D., and Elvira Bratz of Bismarck, N.D.; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Family services will be Friday, May 9, 2008, at 1 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Jordan. Interment will follow in the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan.
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.

Casper Frank "The Big C" Schaefer
Casper Frank “The Big C” Schaefer, an original cowboy, died at the age of 65, in Miles City at the Holy Rosary Healthcare on Thursday, May 1, 2008.
He was born on March 2, 1943, in Rhame, N.D., to Edmund Henry and Irma Lucille Nichols Schaefer. The family moved to the Miles City area where he attended grade school in Kinsey and later graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1961.
Mr. Schaefer enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves where he was on active duty for two years on the USS Saint Paul. After his honorable discharge, he went to Northern Montana College at Havre for one year where he got hooked on rodeo.
He worked in the coal mines in Colstrip in the early 1970 s and in the oil fields in Plentywood in the late 1970 s and early 1980 s. Mr. Schaefer went to the National Finals Rodeo for steer wrestling in 1975 and was involved in wild horse racing for 25 years. He was a lifetime member of the PRCA. He retired from rodeo when he was 60 years old. He was inducted into the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame in Billings in 2007.
On March 1, 1980, he and Connie Lala married in Miles City and they had two children, Mary Elaine and Edmund Quinn. Mr. Schaefer was a devoted family man who adored his wife and loved his children. It became traditional for him to give kids silver dollars over the years. He was a people person who enjoyed visiting with whoever crossed his path, he never met a stranger.  
True to his nature, he dealt cards at the Bison for almost 17 years, which gave him the opportunity to meet many new friends along the way. He also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and having coffee at the 600 Café every morning with his friends. He liked to spend Thanksgiving with his older brother Keaton and enjoyed spending time with nieces and nephews.
His survivors include his wife, Connie, and two children: Edmund Quinn and Mary Elaine all of Miles City.
He is also survived by his brothers: Richard (Sharon) of Forsyth, Leonard (Sharon) of Vancouver, Wash., Lee (Rita) of Lichtfied Park, Ariz., Roy (Eleanor) Port Orchard, Wash., and Keaton (Arlene) of New England, N.D.; brother-in-law: Don Jacobson of Bonny Lake, Wash.; his mother-in-law, Loretta Lala of Miles City; along with many nieces and nephews and his faithful companion, Bo.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Elaine Jacobson; and brother, B.A. “Bruce” Schaefer.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery in Miles City with full military rites provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1579.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Montana Pro Rodeo Hall & Wall of Fame, P.O. Box 930, Billings, MT 59103 or to the charity of one’s choice.

Kassandra Nicole "Kassie" Thompson-Christopherson
Kassandra Nicole “Kassie” Thompson-Christopherson, 17, died Sunday, May 4, 2008, in Billings, but her spirit continues to live on in those lives she touched during her life, which was shortened by a tragic accident.
She was born Dec. 3, 1990, in Billings. During her early years she lived with her mother, Michelle Thompson. At age three, she moved to Miles City to enrich the lives of her father, Ray Christopherson and her newly extended family. Her new grandparents, Deb and Randy Rauh, were privileged to have Kassie live with them for a year in Miles City.
During her years in Miles City Kassie traveled extensively with her family and friends. Winters were for skiing at Big Sky Ski Resort.
Kassie attended Jefferson School, Lincoln School and Washington Middle School in Miles City. She was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church, was active in 4-H, was an honor roll student, played the clarinet and danced with the Caldonians.
Her independent spirit took Kassie back to Billings. She attended Billings Senior High, obtained her GED and was planning to start college at MSU. She was an assistant manager at Gymboree and loved her job there.
Her survivors include her parents, Michelle Wade (Chad Foos) of Billings and Ray (Jeena) Christopherson of Missoula; siblings, Mikaela, Michael, Kamyshia, Richard, Joel and Brenna; nephew, Justin Michael; grandparents, Charlene Christopherson of Miles City, Melina Hawkins of Broadview, James and Roxanne Thompson of Washington, Randy and Deb Rauh of Miles City and Dave and Patti Hanley of Elliston; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Her compassionate and caring nature will be remembered by all her Miles City and Billings close friends. Those characteristics so defined Kassie that the goodness just could not stop with her temporal death. Several of her organs are giving life to others and so her spirit continues to live.
A Memorial Service will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at First Lutheran Church in Miles City. Funeral Services are pending at Faith Chapel in Billings with interment in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com.

Julie Mae Leland Ellison
Julie Mae Leland Ellison, 45, died Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City.
Born in Miles City on May 10, 1962, she was the daughter of Leonard D. Leland and Joanne Jacobson Leland of Ismay. She attended Whitney Creek country school through eighth grade and then Custer County District High School. She also continued her education by attending Beauty College in South Dakota and Colorado as well as various courses at Miles Community College.
She discovered her true passion and talent was that of cooking, which she did in various locations throughout her adult life. She was an amazing cook whether cooking a simple meal for her children or a gourmet feast for dozens. She also had a love and rapport with the elderly and pursued this by working in several retirement homes up until her death.
Her life was filled with many pursuits of happiness. Her greatest joy in life was found in her four beautiful children. She was a loving and caring mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, granddaughter and friend. Her heart was always open, and her quick wit and sense of humor never absent even during the toughest of times.
Survivors include her four children: Wesley 17, Wendy 16, Whitney 15 and Winter 6; her parents, Leonard D. and Joanne Leland of Ismay; her brothers, Steven Leland and Tim Leland, both of Ismay; her sister, Tanya (Leland) Kellogg and her husband, Tim, of Gillette, Wyo.; her nephews and niece Jacob, Joel, and Tessa Kellogg of Gillette, Wyo.; her aunts and uncles, Jim and Marilyn May of Ismay, Sharon and Carroll Lorang of Great Falls, Mark and Jeannie Jacobson of St. Paul, Minn., Paul and Diane Jacobson of St. Paul, Minn.; her grandmother, Leone Leland of Ismay; and numerous cousins. She also is survived by many dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bret Ellison; her grandfather, Leonard A. Leland; and her grandparents, Clarence and DeFlorence Jacobson.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at 2 p.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 should be made to the charity of one’s choice.

James Bernard "Jim" Dunning
James Bernard “Jim” Dunning, 84, of Hathaway died at the family ranch on Friday May 2, 2008. Mr. Dunning was able to work up until the time of his death, going with his son, Grant, to check cattle on Thursday.
He was born on Nov. 9, at the Henry Bailey house on Rosebud Creek to Forest and Beatrice Tucker Dunning. While on the Dunning ranch the family was well known for raising and selling Cavalry Remount horses for the United States Army. He attended school at St. Labre and area country schools and graduated from Rosebud High School.
After graduation, he entered the United States Army and served in the European Theater where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. Upon his honorable discharge from the Army he returned home and began working for Standish Johnson, working with horses.
He then went to work on the Henry Mitzkus Ranch where he met and married the love of his life, Elsie Mitzkus. They were married Dec. 7, 1948, at Forsyth and, together, continued ranching on Rosebud Creek for more than 30 years.
In 1979 Mr. and Mrs. Dunning moved to Hathaway where they ranched until the time of his death.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elsie, of the family home; sons Grant (Laurie) Dunning of Hathaway and Dale Dunning of Great Falls; daughter Donna Lee Bends of Billings; brothers Charles (Shirley) Dunning of Cheyenne, Wyo., Frances Dunning of Billings, and Richard (Edna) Dunning of Ennis; sisters, Sister Marie Carmel Dunning of Leavenworth, Kan., Lena (Rollie) Harris of Canyon Ferry and Patricia Anderson of Miles City; sister-in-law, Joan Dunning of Miles City; nine grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Dunning was preceded in death by five brothers, George, Leslie, Leonard and two brothers in infancy; one sister, Mina; and grandson, Tucker Hoke Plympton.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2008, in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2008, at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery.

Joe B. Venn
Joe B. Venn was born in Buffalo, Oklahoma, on January 6, 1934.
He, along with high school sweetheart and wife Irene Eddleman of 57 years, raised four children, Rhonda, Rod, and twins Sherri and Kerri on their ranch in southeastern Montana. In addition, Joe and Irene are also blessed with 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his brother, Max Venn.
He was preceded in death by two infant sons and daughter, Sherri (Fraley).
Joe was the forerunner in developing underground water lines in eastern Montana and instrumental in the building and operation of the Belle of Newport. He was an accomplished horseman and had a wealth of knowledge of the entire cattle industry. Joe was a cowboy at heart and always rode tall in the saddle. His family continues to carry on this heritage.
On April 27, 2008, Joe died unexpectedly of a massive heart attack.
Cremation has taken place and memorial services were held at Bateman Funeral on Thursday, April 30th at 2 pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice and condolences may be sent to 360 SE 127th Dr., South Beach, OR 97366.

Catherine F. Nelson
Catherine F. Nelson, 94 of Greeley, CO and formerly of Peetz, CO passed away early Tuesday morning, April 29, 2008 at the Life Care Center of Greeley.
Rosary services will be held at 7:00 P.M., Friday evening May 2nd and Mass of Christian Burial services at 10:00 A.M., Saturday morning May 3rd, with Father Jerry Young and Deacon Ronald Michieli SFO officiating. Both services will be held in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Peetz.
Burial will follow in Sidney’s Greenwood Cemetery.
Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Friday from 1-5:00 P.M.
Memorial contributions may be made in Catherine’s name to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.
Catherine Frances Nelson was born on July 27, 1913 in Prescott, AR to Thomas and Theresa (Steyaert) Bowers. At the age of ten, she along with her family moved to Colorado by covered wagon. At the time they settled on a farm south of Peetz and attended the Highland country school. At the age of thirteen, Catherine helped in the homes around the community. She enjoyed taking care of the children and later in life talked about her experiences.
In 1936 Catherine married Nels Nelson at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Peetz. During the first years of their married life, Nels and Catherine spent time living in Owl Canyon, CO where Nels worked in the lumber camps and Catherine cooked for the lumberjacks. She reminisced about the experience and laughed about how they would go dancing on Saturday nights in a small farmhouse, which still stands today. They farmed west of Sidney until 1944 then moved to Peetz. While living in Peetz, she was a member of the Sacred Heart Parish and the Altar and Rosary Society. In 1991 Nels died and in 1997 Catherine decided to move to Greeley to be closer to family.
Catherine’s favorite pastime was sewing her own clothes. She also had a great sense of humor and enjoyed being around her grandchildren.
Survivors include: (1) daughter: Beth Nemechek of Greeley; (3) sons: Donavon and wife Helen of Arvada, CO, Allen and wife Bernice of Miles City, MT and Duane and wife Carol of Rapid City, SD; (11) grandchildren and (11) great-grandchildren.
Catherine was preceded in death by her husband Nels, her parents, (2) sisters: Theresa and Rosella and (4) brothers: Charles, Tom, John and Louis.

Mina Nolley
Mina Nolley, 92, of Anchorage, Alaska, formerly of Miles City, died Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at the Anchorage Pioneers’ Home in the arms of her oldest daughter and granddaughter.
The daughter of homesteaders, Mary L. Mina Parks was born Christmas Day 1915 on the family ranch in Ekalaka.
She married Edward Evians Nolley of Virginia on May 29, 1935, in Baker. She and her husband moved to Anchorage in 1948 from Vancouver, Wash. She worked for the Alaska Air Command on Elmendorf Air Force Base from 1956 until retiring in 1981. Mrs. Nolley was the accounting supervisor.
She witnessed Alaska statehood and the 1964 earthquake. In earlier years, she was an active member of First Baptist Church. She served on many committees as well as church treasurer. Her greatest joy was volunteering in the nursery. Many Sundays she could be found rocking the babies and little ones to sleep. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt.
Her survivors are her daughters, Loretta Peters of Renton, Wash., and Lorraine Nolley of Anchorage; grandchildren, Jeffery Peters, Lori Peters and Paul Taylor, all of Washington state, and Trevor Taylor and Tammy Buben, both of Anchorage; seven great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews including Kenneth Nolley of Salem, Ore., Charles Nolley of Chicago, Carolyn Newell, Rita Anderson and Wilma Leidholt of Montana and Don Nolley of Minnesota.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Hufford Parks and Charley Edgar Parks; brothers, Ray Dixon and Ralph Parks; sisters, Mae Dixon Cline and Beulah Parks Nolley; and daughters, Beulah Mae Nolley, Juanita Nolley and Donna Rae Nolley.
Funeral services will be Saturday, May 3, 2008, at 2 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A graveside service will follow at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City. She will rest beside her three daughters.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Donations may be made to Providence Hospice, 3435 E. Tudor Rd., Anchorage, Alaska 99507.

Rev. Father Thomas McTague
The Rev. Father Thomas McTague, 88, of Forsyth died Sunday, April 27, 2008.
He is the beloved uncle of: Maureen and Roseleen McTague, Frances McTague Roth (James), Marion Lipinski (Stan), Kathleen Murray (William), Thomas Nugent, and Marie Murray (Michael).
The Rev. Father Thomas McTague was born in Templeport, Ballyconnell, County Cavan, Ireland, on May 24, 1919, the son of Hugh and Bridget Prior McTague. He received his elementary education in Drumlohler and his secondary education in Aughiwillaugh schools. In 1937 he entered the novitiate of the Fathers of the Sacred Heart in Belgium as a lay brother.
He was forced by the Nazi invasion to flee from Belgium. He escaped to France and served in the French underground. His book “Father McTague: Memories of an Irish Priest” was published in 2007.
He made his perpetual vows on March 25, 1942.
In 1946 Brother Thomas obtained a dispensation from perpetual vows in order to study for the diocesan priesthood. He began training at St. Thomas College in St. Paul, Minn. After being adopted by the Diocese of Great Falls he did his theological studies at Regina Cleri Seminary Regina, Saskatchewan.
He was ordained for the Diocese of Great Fall by the Most Rev. Walter Foery, Bishop of Syracuse in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse, New York, on May 18, 1957. He was ordained in Syracuse so that his very proud brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews could attend the celebration.
Father McTague’s first assignment was to St. Patrick’s Church in Billings. He faithfully served at St. Mary’s Church in Livingston, Our Lady of Lourdes in Great Falls, Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in Stockett and St. Francis Xavier in Circle. Father McTague lovingly served as pastor of Immaculate Conception in Forsyth, St. Joseph in Hysham and St. Isadore in Sumatra for 12 years.
On July 22, 2007, Father McTague celebrated his 50th Jubilee in Billings. Family traveled from as far as Ireland to be with him. All his friends from all over Montana joined in the celebration.
Father McTague is lying in state Tuesday, April 29, 2008, from 1 to 8 p.m. in the Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home Forsyth and visitation will continue through Wednesday, April 30, 2008 until 3 p.m. in the Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home Forsyth.
On Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at St. Joseph Church in Hysham there will be viewing from 6 to 6:30 p.m. The Wake Service will be at 6:30 p.m. followed by refreshments provided by the PCCW of Hysham.
The Funeral Liturgy will be at Immaculate Conception Church in Forsyth at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2008. The PCCW of Forsyth will provide a funeral luncheon after the Mass. Rite of committal will be in Cleveland, Ohio, with family.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth has been entrusted with these arrangements.
Although his nieces wanted Father to move East to be near them, Father McTague steadfastly refused, wanting to live his life in “Beautiful Montana — God’s Country” with the kind and loving people of Montana who have been his “Angels on Earth.”

Glenn Robinette
Glenn Robinette, 60, died Sunday, April 27, 2008, at the Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth.
Mr. Robinette was born Jan. 10, 1948, in Wolf Point. He attended school in Wolf Point before joining the Army. After an honorable discharge from the Army he lived in Washington State before he moved to Livingston where he met his wife, Diana Potts.
The couple were married June 5, 1976 in Rosebud. They moved to Fort Peck in 1991. In 1997 he retired and moved to Forsyth. Mr. Robinette spent his working years as a professional driver.
He attended church in the Rosebud Chapel and was a member of the American Legion. Mr. Robinette enjoyed demolition derbies, tractor pulls, drinking coffee with the guys at Kent Auto Body, playing cards and fishing. His grandchildren were the highlight of his life.
His survivors include his wife, Diana Robinette; his children, Juanita Robinette and Glenn Robinette Jr., both of Washington state, Dana (David) Nixdorf and Larry Robinette, all of Glasgow; four grandchildren; and nine brothers and sisters.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Alma Robinette; his daughter, Glynnda Robinette; his brother, Jakey Fraley; his sister, Debbie Robinette; his mother in-law, Betty Potts; and brother in-law, Larry Potts.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 1, 2008, in the Chapel at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth.
Funeral services will be Friday, May 2, 2008, in the chapel at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth at 2 p.m. with burial to follow in the Forsyth Cemetery with full military rites.

Patricia Ann Laney
Patricia Ann Laney, 77, of Miles City, peacefully died and was reunited with her husband Dale on Friday, April 25, 2008. She died at her home, Parkview Caring, surrounded by her second family.
She was born March 1, 1931, in Merced, Calif., the daughter of Joe and Mary Enos. She spent her young life on the family ranch in central California graduating from Livingston High School in Livingston, Calif.
She attended college for some time, before taking a job as a dispatcher with the California Highway Patrol. It was there that she met and fell in love with Sergeant Dale Laney. The two were married on Sept. 10, 1953, and had two sons, Russ and John.
Following Mr. Laney’s retirement from the patrol, Mrs. Laney, always the loving wife, left her huge family and moved to Miles City. She had several jobs in retail, working at Della’s Dress Shop, McDonald’s Clothing, Goodyear Tires, and Anderson’s before settling into a career in accounting at Pine Hills School.
Her survivors include her brother, Bill (Patricia) Enos, her sister, Helen (Joe) Amarant, all of Merced, Calif.; her son, Russ (Mary) Laney of Colorado Springs, Colo., their four sons, Tom (Keri), Chris (Stacy), Rick (Jill) and Charles (Desarie), and one daughter, Jennifer (Curtis) Abraham;  and her other son, John (Candy) Laney of Miles City, their daughter, Stephanie (Danny Sampson) of Miles City and son, Brian of Billings.
Mrs. Laney also was the proud great-grandmother of 16 great-grandchildren, Jack, Kari, Shae, KC, Brandi, Riley, Chance, Shawn, Brianne, Andrew, Madelynn, Tyler, Cassie, Aubry, Keon and Sunny.
She was preceded in death by her youngest brother, Jody Enos; her parents, Joe and Mary Enos; and her husband, Dale Laney.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, April 28, 2008, at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.
A Funeral Mass will be Tuesday, April 29, 2008, at 10 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal 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 Relay for Life or to the charity of one’s choice.

Violet Sophia Cornwell Wolfe
Violet Sophia Cornwell Wolfe, 86, of Miles City died April 25, 2008, surrounded by the love of her family at the Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City.
Violet “Vi” Wolfe was born in Scobey on June 11, 1921, to LaVerne and Myrtle Cornwell. She was raised in southern Saskatchewan in and around Cornach. At one time she and the Cornwell family moved by team and wagon to Fort Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan. She was the eldest of four children. The other children are Gloria, Leroy “Bun” and Lorraine.
She met and married the love of her life, Cliff O. Wolfe from Scobey, on Sept. 27, 1940. They were blessed with children, Jerry (deceased); Evan (Susan) from Olathe, Kan., Judy (Scott) from Riverton, Wyo., Linda (Vern) from Billings, Shirley (Ron) from Irving, Texas, Jim (Linda) from Augusta, and LaDell (Donald) from Miles City. One other child died shortly after birth. Mrs. Wolfe always took great pride in the appearance of the children growing up and always made sure they were in freshly ironed clothes.
Mrs. Wolfe was a rancher wife, a ward clerk for the Miles City Holy Rosary Hospital and most of all a wonderful wife and loving mother. There was never a time when friends, neighbors or strangers were at Mr. and Mrs. Wolfe’s home around mealtime that they were not filled with a great meal and good conversation. She loved to cook and was accomplished at it. She could clean out the refrigerator and always come up with a great meal. Baked goods were also one of her great talents. She loved to make bread, cakes and cookies from “scratch” that were second to none.
She enjoyed canning fruits and vegetables that were enjoyed throughout the year. She continued to make bread up to the time she entered the hospital for the final time.
Mrs. Wolfe was a strong valiant woman, who throughout her life kept a positive outlook and never complained. No matter what life’s challenges were, she had a smile for everyone that lit up the room. She was meant to be a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, as she loved all of the kids and the time she was able to spend with them.
Her survivors include her husband, Cliff; six children; 19 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.  Vi was meant to be a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, as she loved all of the kids and the time she was able to spend with them. She will be missed by all who knew her and love her.
Funeral services will be Monday, April 28, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Grace Bible Church in Miles City.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame, 218 Third Avenue South, Suite C, Wolf Point, Montana 59201.

Robert Edmund Mueller
Robert Edmund Mueller, 61, of Miles City died Saturday afternoon, April 26, 2008, in the Holy Rosary Healthcare with his family at his side along with his good friends, Dusty and Teri White and with the loving and caring staff at Holy Rosary Healthcare after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Mr. Mueller was born April 9, 1946, in Los Angeles, Calif., the son of Wm and Loretta Gibson Mueller. He attended schools in South Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Following school, he worked roust about work in Alaska for several years until moving to Spearfish, S.D.
On Sept. 10, 1997, he and Marilyn Earley were married at Deadwood, S.D. They lived in Gillette, Wyo., Sheridan, Wyo., and moved to Miles City for the past eight years, working in Wal-Mart, known as Bob the Builder, and working for the Cattle-Ac Restaurant as a cook. He truly loved to cook.
Mr. Mueller loved his motor cycles and working on his 1959 Ford truck.
His survivors include his wife, Marilyn of Miles City; two sons, Eric Hill of Santa Rosa, Calif., and Tobias Mueller of Soldotna, Alaska; two daughters, Wendy Hudson of Tyler, Texas, and Misty Starr Demsey of Kenai, Alaska; one brother, Steven Mueller, and his wife, Kathy Walker of Lincoln City, Ore.; and six grandchildren.
    No services are planned. Friends are asked to sign the guestbook online at www.stevensonandsons.com
Funeral arrangements are by Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City.

Helen Katherine Pratt
Helen Katherine Pratt, age 92, of Miles City died Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility in Miles City.
Mrs. Pratt was born in Great Falls on June 12, 1915, the daughter of George and Elda May (Keller) Culp. She attended schools in Great Falls
She and Jesse C. Pratt were married on March 22, 1946, in Miles City. She worked at the 66 Club for 14 years, Miles City Veterans Hospital for seven years, and owned and operated H & P Ceramic Shop for four years.
Mrs. Pratt was a member of Rebecca, American Legion Auxiliary and volunteered with congregate meals and at Saint Vincent De Paul. She enjoyed running her ceramic shop and especially loved visits from her grandchildren and family. She enjoyed ceramics, gardening, quilting and crocheting.
Survivors include her son, Leo Schwichtenberg of Billings; three grandsons, Dave Schwichtenberg and John Schwichtenberg, both of Billings, and Jason Schwichtenberg of Ridgecrest, Calif.; a granddaughter, Barbara Mansanage of Omaha, Neb.; and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jesse Pratt; two brothers, David Culp and Carl Culp; two sisters, Elda Jamrock and Zelda Ward; and her daughter-in-law, Darline.
Graveside services will be in the Custer National Battlefield.
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.

James E. "Jim" DeLange
Funeral services and burial for James E. ‘Jim’ DeLange, former Miles City resident, were held recently in Sumner, Wash.
Mr. DeLange died Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at his home in Buckley, Wash., of an apparent stroke.
Born in Miles City, he and his brother, Robert, were raised at Fort Keogh in the officers quarters that now is located on the Range Riders Museum grounds.
Mr. DeLange graduated from Custer County High School with the class of 1957. After graduation, he joined the Air Force and was last assigned with the 13th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Glasgow.
He retired with 31 years of service with United Airlines of Seattle, Wash. At the time of his death, he and his wife, Korliss, were working in the Buckley area school system.
In addition to his wife, his survivors include his daughter, Ray Jean, and brother, Robert.
Mr. DeLange loved the Lord and was active serving Him at Lake Tapps Community Church in Sumner where he was a faithful member and usher.

Irene H. Dobson
Irene H. Dobson, 73, of Glendive, died peacefully on Monday, April 21, 2008, at her home surrounded by her family and friends.
Mrs. Dobson was born on March 7, 1935, the daughter of Fred and Charlotta Link Entzel in Hazen, N.D., the last of 13 children. In 1937, the family moved to Fairview and in 1941 they moved again, settling in Buffalo Rapids near Glendive. After the death of her father, they moved into Glendive where she was raised and educated, graduating from Dawson County High School in 1953.
She and Arley Dobson were married on Feb. 8, 1953, in Glendive. They made Glendive home and raised their family there. Mr. Dobson preceded her in death in 1991.
Mrs. Dobson worked various jobs in Glendive and sold Avon products for 32 years, stopping just four months ago due to ill health. She enjoyed many activities especially fishing, gardening, dancing and crocheting.
Her survivors include her daughter, Elizabeth Idland and David Ackley of Miles City; three sons, Michael E. (Daralyn) Dobson of Carson City, Nev., Thomas L. Dobson of Sparks, Nev., and Steven F. Dobson of South Lake Tahoe, Calif.; a brother, Rueben Entzel of Glendive; a sister Elda Glaser of Sidney; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Erick (Darby) Idland and their children Autumn and Arley, Sadie Idland and her daughter Rayne, Jake Idland, Darren (Lindsay) Dobson and his son Anthony, Cody (Tanya) Dobson and their son Seth, Jeramie Dobson, Melanie Dobson, Nicole Dobson and Christine Dobson; long time companion and friend, Ray Zimdars and his family, Dave (Mary) Volk and their children, Hannalee, Haylee, Abraham and Emmalee, Jeff (Jo) Bain and their children, Travis (Lynn) Bain and Trace, Taylon and Tyrel, Ty (Mary) Zimdars and their children Maria, Talia, Angelia and Wayne.
Mrs. Dobson was preceded in death by her parents; seven sisters, Caroline, Hilda, Hertha, Emma, Erma, Freida and Elsie; three brothers, Herbert, Norman and Eugene.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2008, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Glendive with Pastor James Hageman officiating. Interment will be in the Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive.
Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive is entrusted with arrangements.
Memorials are suggested to GMC Homecare/Hospice, 117 B Kendrick Ave., Glendive, MT 59330.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com.

Linda René Leigh
Linda René Leigh, 31, of Miles City died in Anaconda on Monday, April 21, 2008.
She was born on June 17, 1976, in Tucson, Ariz., along with her twin sister Carla René to Clayton Elmer and Carla René Matzen Huffman Jr. The family moved to Miles City where she attended grade school. She then moved to Billings, where she graduated from Billings West High School, then returned to Miles City. She lived in Billings and Bozeman while working in the customer service and food service industry.
In 2004, she moved back to Miles City where she had made her home since.
She treasured the time she spent with her daughter, Madison and her niece and nephews. She loved working on her computer, reading, watching movies, crocheting, and she loved animals. She had a contagious smile and a wonderful laugh.
Her survivors include her daughter, Madison Leigh of Peoria, Ill.; her parents, Clayton Huffman of Miles City and Carla (Dwight) Livengood, two sisters, René Decker and Sarena Vollmer, all of Miles City; a brother, Chris Huffman of Sidney; a special aunt and uncle, Arlen and Diane Matzen; a second mom, Marianne Leigh of Lake Charles, La.; and numerous aunts, uncles and step-siblings.
The family will receive friends Thursday, April 24, 2008, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be Friday, April 25, 2008, at 10 a.m. at the Wesleyan Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Linda Leigh’s family c/o René Decker, P.O. Box 112, Miles City, MT 59301.

Lyndsey Alexis Merchant

Lyndsey Alexis Merchant was born March 28, 1984.
Miss Merchant died April 18 2008, on her little brother, Jacob’s, 9th birthday, in a car accident. 
She grew up on her grandparents’ ranch near Volborg.
She was currently teaching at St. Labre Indian School in Ashland. She cared deeply about her students, and was eager to become a counselor in order to help the students even more.
Miss Merchant attended elementary school at the rural Horkan Creek School and Garfield Elementary in Miles City. She graduated from Powder River County District High School in 2002. She was very involved in school, participating in band, volleyball, basketball, track, cheerleading and FFA.
She was also involved in Bridging the Gap, a national community youth development program which increased youth development in urban and rural communities. As a sophomore she attended the Hugh O’Brien youth leadership conference in Missoula and the world leadership conference in Washington, D.C. During her junior year, she attended the national FFA convention in Louisville, Ky. She was also chosen to attend Girls State.
As a senior, she became involved with the AmeriCorps organization and, after graduation, she spent the summer in Flagstaff, Ariz., working as a youth development specialist. Her work included co-training more than 40 local and state participants in the Building Community Tool Kit and providing facilitation to a newly formed collaborative called “Grandparents as Parents.” Additionally, she helped develop language preservation programs for Hopi and Navajo reservations.
While in high school, she was employed at the bowling alley and the movie theatre.
Miss Merchant attended the University of Montana and Montana State University-Billings, from which she graduated in 2007 with a B.S. in English and a certificate of Secondary Education. During college, she did her student teaching at Huntley Project High School in Worden, Mont. She was also an assistant track coach and coached junior high volleyball at Huntley Project. She worked her way through college at Texas Roadhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Old Chicago. She was also a MOA volleyball referee, Special Olympics track coach, and a nationally certified English tutor.
Throughout high school and college, she traveled extensively throughout the United States, including several trips to Washington, D.C. She recalled standing on the Capitol lawn on the 4th of July listening to the National Anthem being played. She most recently traveled to Ireland, where she participated in a bicycle tour.
She taught English at St. Labre Indian School, where she was also an assistant basketball and track coach. She marveled at the complexities of her students’ personalities, and her hope was to be able to truly make a difference in their lives.
Miss Merchant is survived by her Mother, Linda Merchant, and Bill Cannon, and Grandparents Dallas and Betty Merchant, all of Volborg.
She also blessed the lives of her father, Jessie Adams, stepmother Dionne Adams, and little brother Jacob Adams, all of Billings.
She was preceded in death by: paternal great-grandparents Howard and Dora Merchant; maternal great-grandparents Anthony and Mary Janutis; her very special great-aunt Frankie Watts, and her stepsister, Kendra Rose Adams.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 from 1-6 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 2 p.m. at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus. Interment will follow at the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lyndsey’s name to the St. Labre Indian School; 1000 Tongue River Road, Ashland, MT 59003. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus has been entrusted with the arrangements.

William "Bill" Julian
William “Bill” Julian, was born in Cartersville, Mont., on July 13, 1921. He died in Spokane Valley, Wash., April 11, 2008, where he lived for the past 32 years with his wife, Karen. 
He met Karen Anne Behmerwohld in Miles City, Mont., and they were married on July 20, 1956. Mr. Julian was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He raised five children, four boys and one girl. 
He was preceded in death by his son, Walter William Julian (Nov. 20, 1977), and his wife of 50 years, Karen Ann Julian (July 3, 2007). He is survived by his son, Roger Julian, his son, Scott (Dawn) Julian, with grandchildren Tiffany (George) Badner, great-grandson Ashton Kidwell, and Melissa Julian, his son, Taylor (Johauna) Julian, with grandchildren Charles “Chuck” Julian and Jessica “Jessie” Julian, his daughter, Rebecca Saul, with grandchild Danielle Saul, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will begin on Friday at 9 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 1 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.

Yvonne Louise Aggers
Yvonne Louise Aggers, 81, of Sheridan, Wyo., and formerly of Miles City, died Friday, April 18, 2008 in Sheridan Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Aggers was born July 28, 1926 in Miles City, Mont., to Alphons and Gladys (Welch) Schaut. She grew up and attended schools in Miles City, graduating from Sacred Heart High School in 1994.
She married John Aggers May 18, 1946 in Miles City at the age of 19. The Aggers lived in Miles City, Anaconda and Billings before moving to Sheridan in 1956 to continue to raise their family.
Mrs. Aggers was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church. She was also a member of the Elks Auxiliary, a past member of Jaycees, and a former stockholder of the Golden Steer Restaurant. She enjoyed bowling, camping, spending time tending her flowers and working in her yard, but most of all enjoyed the company of her beloved dog, Abby. She treasured quality time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Aggers was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John, in 1993; three sisters; one brother; and one son-in-law.
She is survived by two sons, Allan Aggers of Bartlesville, Okla., and Gordan Aggers of Sheridan, Wyo.; three daughters, Annette Rockas of Sheridan, Wyo., Cindy Larson of Billings, Mont., and Julie Kennedy of Sheridan, Wyo.; two sisters, Dorothy Madson of Sheridan, Wyo., and Carol Schaut of Seattle, Wash.; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and also her faithful companion, Abby.
Visitation for Mrs. Aggers will be from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral Liturgy will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 24 at Holy Name Catholic Church, with Father Thomas Ogg as celebrant. Interment will be in the Elks section of Sheridan Municipal Cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Memorials in memory of Mrs. Aggers may be made to the Sheridan Animal Shelter, 84 E. Ridge Rd., or the Holy Name Church Building Fund, 260 E. Loucks St. Sheridan, WY 82801.

Marie Benge
Marie Benge, 92, of Miles City died Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility in Miles City.
Viola Marie Mann Benge was born Feb. 28, 1916, in Missouri. Robert and Susie (Robison) Mann had moved to Spring Creek (Powderville area) in eastern Montana. They thought it better if Mrs. Mann would return to family and a more settled area to give birth to her first baby.
Mrs. Benge liked to learn and enjoyed taking care of her siblings while her dad and mom worked the land and livestock. Grade school was a horseback ride away. In order to go to high school, she boarded and worked in homes in Miles City.
At the age of 14, Mrs. Benge went behind a grain bin and asked Jesus to be her personal Lord and Savior. From that point on she studied her Bible and made a deep study of what the Bible taught that a person who loves Jesus should do. Their Pastor rode horse back to the rural areas to teach God’s Word to the country people. That same Pastor taught in her future husband’s country church 50 miles away.
Mrs. Benge attended Normal School at Eastern Montana College in Billings, followed by seven years of formal teaching. She came with her friend Lucille Bird to the Coalwood community to teach school for two years and stayed with Fred and Lois Janssen. She then taught the Divide School, which was 1/2 mile from the Benge homestead, where she met Dale Benge. For three years she taught at the Washington School in Miles City before marrying him.
By June 10, 1942, she was in love with Dale Benge and committed to spend the rest of her life with him. Living, working, and loving on the farm that Mr. Benge’s mother homesteaded was Mrs. Benge’s life and a delight as she sought the Lord’s counsel and His joy to fill her days.
Her second year of marriage was spent teaching Spring Creek School because their first crop was hailed out and this was a way to supplement their income. There was nothing that Mrs. Benge enjoyed more than teaching children and she continued to do so as she substituted at the country school, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.
Mrs. Benge served as president of the Powder River Parish, which was formed to unite the county as a closer church unit. She received the “Unsung Hero” award from the state WIFE organization for work with the Agriculture in the Schools program. Supporting 4-H members, encouraging youth in music and helping a young person know their potential were delightful times in Mrs. Benge’s life. She also loved to dance and be a part of Mr. Benge’s music. They enjoyed the fairs in Broadus and Miles City.  They were honored in 1996 when the Powder River County Fair Book was dedicated to them. The Coalwood Ladies’ Aid and the Coalwood Community Church and their families filled the couple’s lives with love and purpose.
Mr. and Mrs. Benge loved their children and grandchildren dearly. Those families lived many miles away, so Mrs. Benge would write letters and make little booklets with family pictures and family stories and send decorated molasses and apple cookies.
The couple’s son, Dwayne Dale, was killed in a horse accident when he was eight years old; daughter Joyce lives with her husband, Jerry, on the home place at Volborg; son Bruce with his wife, Beverly, live in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and daughter Janet with husband, Randy Ek, live in the Phoenix, Ariz., area; her seven grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren are a delight to her heart.
Mrs. Benge also is survived by sister-in-law Ruby Mann, sister Ethel McSweyn, brother Russell (Arlene) Mann, brother Edward (Marcia) Mann, and brother Larry Mann and their families, Mr. Benge’s sister Vera Archer, and his brother Milton Benge (Hughette).
Mrs. Benge was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2003; her son; and her brother, Harold.
Family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2008, at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 19, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to: Your Network of Praise, 99.5 FM Miles City, PO Box 2426, Havre, MT 59501 or to Trail’s End Bible Camp, P.O. Box 460, Ekalaka, MT 59324-0460.

Kathleen Maria Frerich Neiman
Kathleen Maria Frerich Neiman, 59, of Billings, formerly of Broadus, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, died Monday, April 14, 2008, of cancer.
Born Aug. 22, 1948, in Whitefish, she was the daughter of Pat and Leona Frerich. She graduated from Whitefish High School in 1966 and attended college in Havre. This was where she met her husband, Charles Jay Neiman. They were married Oct. 24, 1968,at St. Charles Catholic Church in Whitefish.
They moved to Broadus and together owned and operated the Quarter Horse Hotel.
Mrs. Neiman was a homemaker who enjoyed sewing, crafts, quilling, playing bridge, puzzles and games. She had a passion for golfing and made the game more enjoyable for many. She had a special place in her heart for her four grandchildren, spending as much time with them as she could. The last five years she had become a snowbird, living six months in Broadus and six in Yuma, Ariz.
Her survivors include her husband, Jay Neiman of Yuma; her daughter, Lisa Marie (Neiman) Majors and husband Glen and their three sons, Matthew, Dalton and Joshua, all of Manhattan; her son, Patrick James “Pete” Neiman and his son Dillion of Phoenix, Ariz.; two sisters, Charlene (Jack) McCay of Anchorage, Alaska, and Michele (Jeff) Helfen of Federal Way, Wash.; two brothers: John (Nancy) Frerich of New Castle, WA and Dan (Vivian) Frerich of Eagle River, AK; mother-in-law, Iris Neiman of Broadus; as well as her husband’s sisters, Katie (Bruce) Owen of Billings and Suzie (Lyle) Stempke of Spokane, Wash; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Pat and Leona Frerich; and a brother, Patrick Frerich.
Funeral services will be Saturday, April 19, 2008, at 1 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Interment will follow in the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Mrs. Neiman desired that any donations be made to Rolling Hills Golf Course of Broadus.

Beryl Bennett (Bowman)
Memorial services for Beryl Bennett (Bowman), 71, of Castle Rock, Colo., former Miles City resident, were held Friday morning, April 4, 2008, in Washington Park Chapel, 1001 S. Pearl St., in Denver, Colo.
She died Thursday, March 27, 2008, in Castle Rock, Colo. She is a former resident of Miles City.
Her survivors include her children, Mike Bennett of Castle Rock and Shan (Max) Holloway of Edmond, Okla.; grandchildren, Trey, Bennett and Brene Holloway all of Edmond, Okla.; her siblings, DeeDee Revelette, Kay Johnson, Berky Bowman and Judy Epps.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert A. Bennett.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to M.D. Anderson Breast Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486.     DeWitt and Tabler Funeral Home, 1660 Gilpin St. in Denver was in charge of arrangements.

Bessie E. "Bess" Clark
Bessie E. “Bess” Clark, 94, died in Forsyth on Friday, April 11, 2008.
Mrs. Clark was born in Hedgesville on Sept. 8, 1913, to Agnes Adora Eaman Fisk and Charles Porter Fisk II. She had one brother, Charles, and two sisters, Mary and Jean.
Her family moved to Hysham in 1916 where they operated a bakery. Later they moved south of Marsh Springs, which is near the present-day Hysham rest stop, where they engaged in the sheep business with Jess Cunningham. Then they moved to a farm on the Yellowstone River near Sanders.
She started the first grade in Sanders in 1919, which she attended with her brother, Charles, through the eighth grade. The two then attended Hysham High School, graduating in 1931. Mrs. Clark was a good student in high school and active in extracurricular activities including girls’ basketball and drama.
In 1932 she and Ralph D. Clark, a widowed father of four children, 3 boys and 1 girl, were married. For the next 60 years she was a part of the Clark Hardware Company in Forsyth where she helped her husband operate and manage the store while at the same time mothering her four step-children, managing the home, cooking for family, relatives and friends, never knowing for sure how many people would be present at the dinner table.
She became well known and respected in the hardware business and well loved as a provider, caretaker, grandmother, great-grandmother and special friend.
Her survivors include her sons, Raymond (Betty), and Robert (Jeanne), and her daughter, Patricia Mysse, all of Forsyth; her sister, Jean Albright of San Diego, Calif.; her nine surviving grandchildren, Arne Mysse (Vikki) of Billings, B. J. Mysse (Maria) of Texas, Mike Clark of Clyde Park, Jana Clark-Snustad (David) of Clancy, Kay Roeslein (Rick), of Forsyth, Linda Fjelstad of Miles City, Dick Clark (Billie) of Eagle, Idaho, Tricia Cook (Kevin) of Bozeman, and Kathy Steckelberg (Allan) of Denver,Colo.; as well as numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; her nephews, Dick DeCock (Joan) and Charlie DeCock (Debbie); and her nieces, Diane Buell, Bend, Ore., and Nancy Buzard of Forsyth.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Ralph Clark; her parents; her brother, Charles, who went down with the Arizona at Pearl Harbor; her sister, Mary; her son, James D. Clark; granddaughter, Terry Ferguson; and her son-in-law, Arne Mysse Sr.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2008, in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth, A Funeral Service will be Friday, April 18, 2008, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Burial will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Raymond E. Austby
Raymond E. Austby, 86, died Friday, April 11, 2008, in the Billings Clinic in Billings.
Mr. Austby was born on June 10, 1921 in Glendive, the son of Ed and Esther Peterson Austby. He was raised and educated in Glendive, graduating from Dawson County High School with the class of 1939.
He and Fern Casey were married on Dec. 4, 1943, in Glendive. They ranched near Glendive on Belle Prairie and raised their family there. Later they moved south of Glendive and then they moved to the Powder River where they ranched for 17 years and then to Marmarth, N.D.
Mr. and Mrs. Austby then moved to Wibaux in 2001 and continued to stay active in ranching until the time of his death.
Mr. Austby was involved in the Makoshika Riders in his younger years and the Little Missouri Saddle Club in Marmarth. He enjoyed hunting, carpentry, cards and dancing. Mr. Austby particularly enjoyed spending time with his children and their families.
His survivors include his wife, Fern of Wibaux; daughter, Judy Howard and her husband Jess of Wibaux; sons, Darry and his wife Candy Austby of Glendive and Gene and his wife Madelon Austby of Rhame, N.D.; one brother, Donald Austby of Wibaux; 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert “Jake.”
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, April 15, 2008, in the Break Forth Bible Church in Glendive with Pastor Larry Phalen officiating. Interment will follow in the Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive.
Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive is entrusted with arrangements.
Remembrances and condolences my be shared with the family at: www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com

Theo Prouty
Long time Bismarck, N.D., resident and retired elementary teacher, Theo Prouty, 96, died Friday, April 4, 2008, at the Baptist Home in Bismarck of a stroke. A celebration of her life will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at First Lutheran Church, Bismarck with Rev. Allen Wagner officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck.
There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place.
Theo Mildred Anderson Prouty was born in Miles City, MT, on Valentine’s Day 1912 to third generation Norwegian American parents. Her father, Albert Anderson, worked as a conductor on the Northern Pacific Railroad until he purchased a grocery store in Miles City and settled there to raise his family. The NP Grocery became the center of Theo’s childhood and she often told stories about living “over the store” and the colorful Fourth of July celebrations in the waning days of America’s western frontier that was Miles City, MT. Theo’s mother, Clara Jorgenson Anderson was a homemaker and talented artist, whose oil painting can still be seen at the Public Library and First Lutheran Church in Miles City.
Theo was educated in Miles City, graduating from Custer County High School in 1930. She attended Eastern Montana Normal College in Billings where she earned a two-year degree and teaching certificate. She then taught country school for several years in Angela, MT and later Polson, MT.
On January 1, 1939, Theo married Paul Virgil Prouty in Miles City. In 1940, they left MT to manage Kuhlman’s Tourist Court on Main Street in Bismarck (now the site of Advantage Appliance and Kroll’s Kitchen), which they did for over ten years. During this time, they had two children:  JoAnn born in 1941 and Jerry in 1947.
In 1954, Theo was hired by the Bismarck Public School District as a 2nd grade teacher. She taught at Richolt Elementary School for several years and then moved to Pioneer Elementary School when it opened, in what was then considered to be the far north side of Bismarck. In 1965, Theo completed her education when she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Mary. She retired from teaching in 1977.  Her many students remember Mrs. Prouty and her kindness as a teacher and ability to make learning fun. Theo’s sense of fun is also remembered by some of her close teaching colleagues in a retirement group they called the “Dinga