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 Jan. 30
LaVerne Spear
LaVerne Spear, 91, of Miles City died Wednesday, Jan.
25, 2012, at the Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City.
She was born in Helena on Dec. 15, 1920, the daughter
of Walter Warren and Margaret McElhaney.
She married Alfred Beck on Oct. 27, 1941. This marriage
was blessed with two daughters, Trudy and Julie. She later
married Grant Spear and two step-daughters, Sally and
Sue, joined the family.
Mrs. Spear was part of an early-day pioneer family in
the Helena Valley. The Pioneer Cabin in Last Chance Gulch
was her grandparents’ home and still remains as
a landmark in historic Helena. Mrs. Spear lost her mother
at an early age and spent many years with her sisters
in an orphanage. She began working at the young age of
12 as a housemaid in the home of Judge Stewart in Helena.
She was adventurous and some of her most memorable experiences
included travel throughout Mexico, Ireland and Alaska.
In her later years, she returned to her hometown of Helena
where she coordinated the Mended Hearts program at St.
Peter’s Hospital and renewed old friendships. In
2005, she moved to the Eagles Manor in Miles City where
she met many dear friends. She most recently lived at
the Extended Care Unit at Holy Rosary Healthcare and felt
tremendously blessed to have such excellent care and good
friendships.
Mrs. Spear had a love of learning her entire life. She
attended Montana State College in Bozeman and worked as
an accountant for Kaiser Permanente in Montana and Oakland,
Calif.; finishing her work career in Seattle coordinating
supplies for Alaska construction companies. She
was a handwriting analyst and a licensed Master Graphologist,
which was a logical extension of her love for mystery
stories.
She was a wonderful cook and seamstress. Mrs. Spear spent
20 years as a 4-H leader teaching her daughters and others
to appreciate life skills. Mrs. Spear made friends wherever
she went and always took notice of the needs of others.
She deeply loved her family and had a unique way of making
each one of them feel special in her life. She had an
exceptionally close bond with both of her daughters, Trudy
and Julie, and she will be greatly missed in their daily
lives. Her courage and determination were inspirations
to all who knew her. Mrs. Spear was loved by many and
was an incredibly classy lady.
Her survivors include her two daughters: Trudy (Harry)
Angel of Seattle, Wash., and Julie (Butch) Krutzfeldt
of Miles City; two step-daughters: Sally (Bill) Bauer
of Leavenworth, Wash., and Sue (Gary) Marchioro of Salem,
Ore.; a sister: Dorothy McEnaney of Boise, Idaho; grandchildren:
Janette (Corey) Jones, Steve (Julie) Krutzfeldt, Jeanie
(Andrew) Kalotay, Tyler (Pamela) Krutzfeldt, Carrie (Jon)
David, Jeff (Sandra) Marchioro and Cindy Marchioro; and
13 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, with the family
receiving friends from 4 to 6 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson
and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services
will be Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, at 1 p.m. in the chapel
of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Timothy McKinley Justice
Timothy McKinley “Tim” Justice, 48, died
unexpectedly on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, in the St. Alexius
Hospital in Bismarck. N.D., as a result of heart arrest
and related complications.
He was born in Benton, Ark., on Aug. 15, 1963, to William
F. Justice Sr. “Red” and Charlene N. Moore
Justice.
Mr. Justice lived in the Billings area for most of his
life and resided there at the time of his death. He spent
part of his childhood and teenage years in the Miles City
area where he graduated from Custer County District High
School.
He had the opportunity to learn two very different trades
in his lifetime. During his younger years, while living
on the Scott Ranch, just outside of Miles City, he learned
the trade of farming and ranching under the direction
of his step-father, Kenny Jones.
After graduation from high school, he got his start in
the carpentry trade by working with his father, Red Justice,
and his brothers, who are all in the construction business.
Mr. Justice was the best at whatever he put his hand to.
He loved people unconditionally, and was generous beyond
measure. His final act of kindness was to give the gift
of life through organ donation. He will be missed greatly
by friends and family.
His survivors include his father, Red Justice of Billings
and his step-mother, Josetta Justice, of Billings; his
brothers, Bill Justice and Patrick Justice, both of Billings,
David Justice of Bridgeport, Ala., Michael Justice of
Decatur, Texas, and Eddie Jones of Dayton, Wyo.; his sisters,
Charlene Justice DeWitt of Henryetta, Okla., Rachael Jones
Ridenour of West Yellowstone and Dawn Justice of Billings;
sisters-in-law, April Justice, Patricia Justice and Rose
Whitesell; brothers-in-law, Allen Ridenour and Michael
DeWitt; and many other family members and friends from
all around the country.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Charlene Neoma
Jones; and his step-father, Edgar Kenneth Jones.
Memorial services will be in Billings on Saturday, Jan.
28, 2012, at 2 p.m. in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, located at 1000 Wicks Lane, Billings, MT 59105.
Alphonse "AP" Prevel
Alphonse “AP” Prevel, died at home on Sunday,
Jan. 22, 2012, from a short battle with cancer.
Mr. Prevel was born in Paris, France, on May 16, 1933,
to Clemons and Marguerite Prevel. His parents died during
World War II and he went to the Basque country where he
later served two years in the French Army.
In October 1956, he came to the United States with the
help of a dear friend, Jean Galzagorry, which took him
to Townsend to work for Frank and Rose Flynn who held
a special place in his heart. He helped them on their
ranch and herded sheep.
He later came to Miles City and began working at the Log
Cabin Bar, which was the beginning of a long career in
bartending.
On Dec. 18, 1965, he married Karen Lindow. They were married
25 years until her death in 1990. Together they had one
daughter, Sherri.
In 1968 he went to work for the Eagles Club and for 44
years, became the friendly face behind the bar. Also in
1968 he went to work for Fort Keogh Experiment Station.
He retired from Fort Keogh in 1993 and from the Eagles
in December of 2011.
Mr. Prevel looked forward to his yearly elk hunting trips
back to Townsend with his brother, Andre, and good friend,
George. He could start up a conversation with just
about anyone and left a lasting impression, he loved people.
He liked his morning walk to the post office, banks and
chatting with everyone along the way.
He also treasured the time with his family, especially
his grandsons.
His survivors include his daughter, Sherri (Rob) Schneidt,
and two grandsons, Derek and Braden, whom he adored so
much; his sisters-in-law, Helen Prevel of Townsend and
Diane (Arlen) Matzen of Miles City; a nephew, Andre Jr.
(Lana) Prevel and nieces, Johanna Matzen of
Miles City, Jacqueline (Scott) Bodle, Jeanette Prevel
and Monique (Denis) Smirnov, all of the Townsend area,
and Genevieve (Steve Massey) Prevel of La Porte, Ind.;
and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
Mr. Prevel was preceded in death by his parents; two infant
brothers and brothers Andre Sr. and Marcel; and his wife,
Karen.
Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 27, 2012, at Stevenson
and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving
friends from 4 to 6 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be Saturday,
Jan. 28, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic
Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Calvary
Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:
www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Holy Rosary
Hospice, Wake Up and Lace Up or Sacred Heart Church.
John "Jack" Reynolds
GLENDIVE, MONTANA: John “Jack” Reynolds, age
82, died on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the Glendive
Medical Center in Glendive.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2012
from 9:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. and from 6:00 P.M. until
8:00 P.M. at the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive
with a Vigil Service at 7:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial
will be held on Friday, January 27, 2012 at 10:00 A.M.
in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Glendive with Father
Joseph Ponessa officiating. Rite of Committal will be
in the Dawson County Cemetery of Glendive. Silvernale-Silha
Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Jack was born on August 26, 1929 in Glendive the son of
Frank Thomas and Ottilia “Tillie” (Klarmann)
Reynolds. He received his early education in Glendive
schools and graduated from Dawson County High School with
the class of 1947. Jack attended Creighton University
in Omaha, Nebraska from 1950-1955 where he earned a Bachelor
of Science Degree in Business Administration.
Jack married Margaret Dufner on August 26, 1953 in Glendive.
While living in Omaha, Jack and Marge had their first
born child and upon Jack’s graduation from college
they returned to Glendive where he was employed by the
F.T. Reynolds Company. He worked for the F.T. Reynolds
Company his entire career. He served as president for
approximately ten years and at the time of his death was
the Chief Executive Officer. Jack served on the Board
of Directors of Associated Foods Stores, the primary supplier
to the Reynolds stores, from 1988 to 1996.
He and Marge traveled on many fun and exciting trips,
both in the United States and abroad. As an avid fisherman,
he enjoyed many fishing trips with family and friends
and enjoyed the distinction of having “outfished”
all of his children. Jack loved to visit, whether about
cuts of meat, the price of groceries, vehicles or politics.
One often didn’t have to add any words, but only
provide a listening ear and an occasional nod. He had
a sense of humor, a belly laugh and a kind heart. Generosity
was a character trait that ran deep. Above all, Jack loved
his family and was very proud of his boys, grandchildren
and great-grandchildren.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Robert
in 1980 and one brother, Paul Reynolds.
Survivors include his wife Marge of Glendive; four sons,
Thomas Reynolds and his wife Patty and William Reynolds
and his wife Jacki all of Glendive, Randall Reynolds and
his wife Lourdes of Miles City, Montana and John Reynolds
and his wife Elena of Sidney, Montana; sisters, Rita McGovern
and Marylin Hoffman both of Glendive; brothers, Richard
Reynolds and his wife Rita of Glendive and Robert Reynolds
and his wife Ann of Sacramento, California; grandchildren,
Joshua Reynolds, Jessica Huber and her husband Travis,
Jeffrey Reynolds and his wife Adrienne, Julie Peterson
and her husband Marty, Robert Reynolds, Maria Reynolds,
Antonia Reynolds, Nicholas Reynolds, Shayla Reynolds,
Angela Reynolds and Elizabeth Reynolds; and great- grandchildren,
Logan Peterson and Emersyn Huber and a host of extended
family.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family
at: www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com.
Barbara M. Jessen Gibson
Barbara M. “Barb” Jessen Gibson, 82, died
Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, at Holy Rosary Extended Care, ending
her battle with dementia and diabetes.
She was born on Dec. 7, 1929, in Minneapolis, Minn., to
William H. and Margaret Purcell Jessen. The family
lived south of Miles City for a time before moving to
Jordan where she was raised and received her education.
On May 10, 1947, she and Guy E. Gibson from Mosby were
married. He was employed by the Department of Transportation
from 1947 to 1981, transferring to Miles City where they
raised their three children, Donald, Wanda and William
“Bill.” Though employment outside the home
was limited, she was fortunate to be able to stay home
with her children and performed the ’50s/’60s
version of day care by babysitting for friends, then ultimately
her own grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Over the years the family enjoyed camping and fishing,
Hell Creek has been a favorite place always. She also
liked gardening, crocheting, raising chickens and ducks,
and spending time with family whenever possible. However,
she would forego all these activities for a Bingo game
and if she didn’t win, was sure the game was rigged.
For the last two and a half years, her health required
that she live at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility.
She would always tell us she didn’t always like
everyone that worked there, but she did love them. She
had many, many friends among the staff.
Her survivors include her son: Donald Gibson of Miles
City; her daughter: Wanda (Wayne) Holmlund of Miles City;
two grandchildren: Kurt (Darcie) Holmlund and Angie (Kris)
Lohrke. She is also survived by her six great-grandchildren:
Sydnee, Alyssa, Kole and Hannah Lohrke and Jaycee and
Dylan Holmlund.
Mrs. Gibson was preceded in death by her parents; her
husband; her son: Bill; and her brother: Charles.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, at
1:45 p.m. with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. at Stevenson
and Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Custer
County Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:
www.stevensonandsons.com.
Memorials may be made to Wanda Holmlund to be used to
purchase something in memory of Mrs. Gibson for Holy Rosary
Extended Care.
LeRoy Lindemann
LeRoy Lindemann, 65, of Miles City died Friday, Jan. 20,
2012, at the Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City.
LeRoy was born in Mott, N.D., on Aug. 15, 1946, the son
of Adam and Rose Matz Lindemann. He was raised on the
family farm south of Mott where he attended schools and
graduated from Mott High School.
Shortly thereafter, he joined the Navy and was honorably
discharged on Jan. 19, 1970. Following his discharge,
he returned to Mott for a short time before moving to
Hettinger, N.D., where he worked for Great Plains. That
is where he met his wife, Nita Zimmerman and they were
married on Feb. 6, 1971. Mr. Lindemann spent the
last six years working for B & C Oil in Miles City.
He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his children and grandchildren.
Mr. Lindemann also enjoyed his time working at B &
C Oil, delivering propane and visiting with the area farmers
and ranchers. He really enjoyed building and woodworking
projects. Recently he retired and was enjoying making
his daily route visiting B & C, Conoco Quick Stop
and Walmart. He really enjoyed having his grandchildren
around and spending time with them.
His survivors include his wife: Nita Lindemann of Miles
City; his children: Timothy (Jodi) Lindemann of Dickinson,
N.D., Michele (Mark) Domagala of Baker, and Mitchel (special
friend Karina Soucy) of Miles City; his grandchildren:
Alicia (special friend Wade Sharp), Alexander, Matthew,
Devin and Ashley; a brother, Richard (Linda) Lindemann;
a sister, Sharon (Allan) Norby; sisters-in-law: Berneice
(Keith) Scheibe, Carol (Virgil) Schlosser and Sharon (the
late Roland) Zimmerman; and brothers-in-law: Lester (Laura)
Zimmerman and Delvin (Joy) Zimmerman.
Mr. Lindemann was preceded in death by his parents: Adam
and Rose; two brothers: Adam and Stephen; mother and father-in-law:
Carl and Esther Zimmerman; brother-in-law: Roland Zimmerman;
niece: Carolyn Klubben; and nephew: Adam Lindemann.
Visitation will be Monday, Jan. 23, 2012, at Stevenson
and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with a Prayer Service
at 6 p.m. Military graveside services will be Tuesday,
Jan. 24, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the Eastern Montana State
Veterans Cemetery in Miles City with full military honors.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:
www.stevensonandsons.com.
Benjamin Joseph Schulze
Benjamin Joseph Schulze was buried at Boyd Cemetery north
of Newcastle, Wyo.
He died the morning of Sunday, Jan. 8, at approximately
7 a.m. Mr. Schulze suffered a coronary, and died shortly
after at Weston County Health Services. He was a registered
donor, and provided hope to countless others through his
generosity.
He was born to Carl and Esther Dohrman Schulze on May
11, 1940, in
Newcastle. He became a big brother on Aug. 6, 1945, with
the birth of his sister, Donna Mae.
Mr. Schulze attended both primary and high schools in
Newcastle, graduating valedictorian of his class in 1958.
He studied at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyo.,
and then returned to Newcastle to work, and in 1962 married
Clara Gilkison. In December of 1963 the couple had their
first child, daughter Laurel. In 1966, their first son
Benjamin Joseph was born, but died in infancy.
Mr. Schulze returned to his education and studied computer
programming and drafting/engineering at Parks College
in Denver, Colo., in 1967-1968. He then worked at various
oilfield jobs in Wyoming and Montana, and was a pumper
in Biddle during the Bell Creek oil boom, during which
time the couple’s second son Timothy John was born
back in Newcastle in 1969.
In 1972 Mr. Schulze was badly injured in an oilfield treater
fire in the Hilite Field south of Gillette, Wyo. He spent
two months in Casper recovering from his injuries.
Following his recovery he began developing a new career
as a draftsman, working for Plains Engineering in Newcastle
and Gillette. Eventually, Mr. Schulze partnered with Darrel
Schlup and purchased Plains Engineering in Newcastle,
renaming their company High Plains of Wyoming.
In 1993 Mr. Schulze met Sharon Unrue at the Old Mill Inn.
They were married in 2002, and his family grew with the
inclusion of her children Jason, Kristel, Keith and Trina.
Mr. Schulze retired in 2005, and he began to devote much
of his time to automotive restoration, purchasing an automotive
shop on West Main in Newcastle and filling it with his
beloved Mopars.
He remained healthy and active through his years of retirement,
traveling with wife Sharon to visit their children around
the country, and to celebrate holidays and spend time
with his sister Donna and her husband Ron Bunnell.
His survivors include his wife, Sharon; daughter, Laurel
Schulze (James) Burke; son, Tim Schulze; brother, Everett
Schulze; sister, Donna (Ron) Bunnell; grandchildren, Shawn,
Ryan, and Dane Burke; step-grandchildren, Reuben and Kaia
Harral and Caira and Maddyson Harral; and nephews, Joe
and Dale Bunnell.
He was preceded in death by his infant son, Benjamin;
and parents, Carl and Esther.
A memorial fund has been established for his grandchildren,
and donations may be made to First State Bank of Newcastle
(Ben Schulze Grandchildren’s College Fund).
Charlotte Jeanne Clay Allen
Charlotte Jeanne Clay Allen, 82, of Broadus, died Tuesday,
Jan. 17, 2012, at the Pioneer Manor in Gillette, Wyo.,
with her family by her side.
Mrs. Allen was born Aug. 12, 1929, in Broadus, the daughter
of Arthur and Jeannette Larsen Clay. She grew up and attended
grade school at several different places in Montana along
with five brothers and four sisters, before she returned
to Broadus where she graduated from Powder River High
School.
She remained in Broadus and shortly after she graduated,
she married Howard Allen on Aug. 12, 1947. After they
were married they moved to the ranch south of Biddle near
Bowers Creek, where they ranched together and raised their
family. To this union they raised three children, Clifford,
Dennis and Christa.
Mrs. Allen enjoyed keeping active in the 4-H leadership
and encouraged children to participate in 4-H. She was
active in many clubs including the Biddle Home Demo Club,
a 4-H leader, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary member,
Stitch and Chatter Quilt Club and bowling league. Mrs.
Allen truly enjoyed spending time with her family and
friends.
Her survivors include her sons, Cliff and Dennis Allen;
one daughter, Christa Culp; three brothers, Alvin, James
and John Clay; and one sister, Audrey Marquardt.
Her survivors also include 10 grandchildren: Chantel (Rick)
Russell, Sean (Brenda) Allen, Christy (Lorin) Sturtz,
Heather Allen, Art Allen, Jeff (Amy) Holkan, Amanda Holkan,
Dustin (Melissa) Holkan, Mechelle (Jimmie) Weston, Mike
(Nicole) Allen, Jayson (Monica) Rowan and Jeremy Rowan;
22 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Allen;
parents, Arthur and Jeannette Clay; two brothers, Nells
and Roger; and three sisters, Bonna, Juanita and Claris.
Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, from 1 to
6 p.m. at the Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
in Broadus. Funeral services will be Friday, Jan. 20,
2012, at 1 p.m. at the Faith Bible Church in Broadus.
Burial will follow in the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity
of one’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Ervin Sukut
Ervin Sukut, 85, of Bozeman, formerly of Circle, died
Sunday, Jan. 18, 2012, in Bozeman.
The son of John and Elizabeth Eslinger Sukut, he was born
in Watkins. Mr. Sukut attended Gackle Elementary School
and Brockway High School up until serving for the Army
during World War II as a TEC-4 Sergeant. During his service,
Mr. Sukut was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal,
Victory Medal and the Medal of Occupation for his participation
in the invasion and occupation of mainland Japan.
Shortly following his discharge at the end of the war,
he returned to the family homestead forming a ranch/farming
partnership with his twin brother, Harold.
After working several years on the ranch, he met Agnes
Kasten. They were married on Oct. 15, 1953, and traveled
the West Coast on their honeymoon. Mr. and Mrs. Sukut
retired from farming and ranching in 1974, moving into
a home they built in Circle.
Mr. Sukut was a tremendous sports enthusiast, supporting
all local teams and in particular the Green Bay Packers.
Another of his hobby pursuits and passions was rebuilding
and refurbishing his Studebaker Lark.
He loved teasing and playing with his grandchildren and
spending time with family and friends. He will be deeply
missed by all.
In 1990, Mr. and Mrs. Sukut moved to Bozeman, enjoying
the Gallatin Valley and their new surroundings. They raised
five children and celebrated 58 years of marriage this
last October.
His survivors include his loving wife, Agnes of Bozeman;
his brother, Harold (Esther) of Great Falls; three sons,
one daughter, and one daughter-in-law and their families,
Mike (Lessa) of Billings, Joe (Sheri) of Billings, Jeff
(Kim) of Greybull, Wyo., Julie (Gene) of Bozeman, and
Diane of Circle; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren;
and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Wade
Sukut; his great-granddaughter, Anna; twin great-grandsons;
his brothers, Albert, John, Monte, Bill and Herb; and
his sisters, Anna, Clara, Amelia and Mary.
Viewing will be at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in
Circle on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, at 11 a.m. Funeral
services will follow at 1 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral
Home in Circle. Burial, with complete military honors,
will follow the service at the Circle Cemetery. A reception
following the burial will be at Schmidt’s in Circle.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:
www.stevensonandsons.com.
Leona Hagman Davis
Leonamae Means Hagman Davis, age 78, of Arcadia, Utah,
passed away January 16, 2012, at her home.
She was born April 6, 1933, in Hot Springs, South Dakota,
to Charles LeRoy and Avis Marie Johnson Means. She graduated
with honors from high school at age 17. She married John
L. Hagman, Jr., on June 12, 1950, in Hot Springs, South
Dakota. He died December 5, 1966. She married Charles
Wendell Davis on July 25, 1980, in Arcadia, Utah. He died
January 18, 2001.
Leona was an incredible woman who lived a full life. She
farmed and ranched next to her husbands and children in
Alzada, Montana on a 14 section ranch and in Argyle Canyon,
Duchesne County, Utah, later in life.
After her first husband died, she raised the kids and
cared for the ranches without any help from anyone. Because
she often had to provide for her family with very little
means, she became an excellent marksman and was able to
shoot the heads off of wild turkeys and sage hens, thus
preserving the precious meat. She moved to the Uintah
Basin in Utah in 1970, settling in the Arcadia area.
Some of her many other endeavors included: getting a solo
pilot’s license, becoming an EMT, working for the
Forrest Service and as a legal secretary for many of the
local judges. She also was a long-haul truck driver, realtor,
and assistant Veterinarian.
She was an accomplished horse-woman, training for and
riding in many Western Reigning Championships. At one
point the group she rode with was rated top in the nation.
She was very community minded, serving on the School Board
in various areas, and was a member of the Lion’s
Club. She was very instrumental in starting Mosquito Abatement
in Duchesne County, Utah.
Leona’s hobbies were many. She was well read and
had a knack for music, being able to play the piano by
ear and learning to play the Hawaiian steel guitar. She
enjoyed and was very talented in cabinetry and woodcarving,
creating beautiful stocks for many guns, and using those
skills to remodel her home many times over. She also knitted
and gardened.
She will be remembered most for her great love of people.
She had a grand sense of humor and liked to visit with
everyone. She had “no back up” meaning when
she took a stand, she held it. She will be deeply missed.
Leona is survived by her children, Melanie Ann (Carl)
Samuelson, Volborg, MT; John Charles (Lynda) Hagman; Scott
(Vickie Mae) Hagman, both of Arcadia, Utah; Lisa Ruth
(Howard) Betts, Myton, Utah; Calla Jo (Larry) Freston,
Roosevelt, Utah; 24 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren
with three on the way, 1 great-great-grandchild; a sister,
Barbara (Gene) Gailes, Gillette, WY; two brothers, Edward
(Ursulla) Means, Levittown, PA; Douglas (Candace) Means,
Gillette, WY; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husbands; parents; a
daughter, Jacqueline Lee Hagman; sisters, Lois Irene Cuddie,
Pauline Belle Crawford, Shirley Marie Long; and a brother,
John Charles Means.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January
21, 2012, at the Myton LDS Chapel. There will be a viewing
from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the Hullinger Mortuary, 457 East
300 North, Roosevelt and from 10-10:45 a.m. Saturday at
the church.
Burial will be in the Oelrichs Hillside Cemetery in South
Dakota on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. Condolences
may be shared at www.hullingermortuary.com http://www.hullingermortuary.com
Mildred A. Misic
Mildred A. Misic died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, in Seattle,
Wash.
She was born on Nov. 4, 1916, in Dubuque, Iowa, to M.E.
“Buddy” and Alice Anderson. She grew up on
the ranch they homesteaded near Knowlton, which is still
owned and operated by the Anderson family.
She enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps in 1944 where
she served her county as a clerk-typist until being honorably
discharged after World War II ended. She traveled the
world, working and living in Germany for a time before
settling in California and enrolling in college.
On June 1, 1959, she and Mirko D. Misic were married in
Miles City. They moved to Seattle in 1962 where she worked
as a lab technician for Children’s Orthopedic Hospital.
She later opened and ran Old World Imports Shop in Lake
Forest Park.
Mrs. Misic was known for her quick wit, her love of classical
music and her deep faith.
Although she spent most of her life living away from Montana,
Montana remained in her heart. Over the years the couple
brought four of Mr. Misic’s nieces and nephews to
this country from the Bosnia area as teenagers. They provided
them with a home and family and put them through school.
These special family members are Branka, Zel, Maya and
Marijana.
Mrs. Misic made frequent trips back to Miles City to visit
her family, most of whom still live in the area.
Her survivors include her husband of 52 years, Mirko.
D. Misic; and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be
missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Buddy and Alice
Anderson; and her brothers, Harry, Robert, James and Kenneth.
A prayer service will be Friday, Jan. 20, 2012, at 6:30
p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012,
at 11 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles
City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Knowlton Cemetery.
Should friends desire, memorials may be sent to the family
by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
The family requests that memorial donations be made to
a charity of the donor’s choice in lieu of flowers.
Emily J. (Phillips) Ridgeway
Emily J. “Em” (Phillips) Ridgeway, 80, died
of respiratory arrest on Saturday, Jan. 14, at Holy Rosary
Healthcare in Miles City.
At her request, no services will be held. Cremation has
taken place under the direction of Stevenson and Sons
Funeral Home in Miles City.
Mrs. Ridgeway was born July 3, 1931, in Havre to Curt
and Mary Murphy Phillips. She attended Northern and Eastern
Montana colleges and worked at Buttreys in Havre and Powers
and Von Ragsdale in Lewistown.
On March 31, 1951, she married John Ridgeway in her hometown
of Rudyard. Mrs. Ridgeway enjoyed family gatherings, grandchildren,
school and sporting events, reading and card playing.
She was a long-time member of the Republican Party.
She and her husband farmed and ranched outside of Windham
for many years.
When her husband’s health failed, she moved to Miles
City to live with her daughter. At the time of her death,
she was living at TLC, an assisted living center in Miles
City.
Her survivors include her daughter, Mary Jo Ridgeway (Gary
Day) of Miles City; her two sons, Randal Ridgeway (Dawn)
and Michael Ridgeway, both of Stanford; seven grandchildren,
Robert Ridgeway of Austin, Texas, Blake Ridgeway of Chicago,
Ashley Ernst Maart (Joel) of Duluth, Minn., Brandon Ernst,
Cole Mickelson and Lucas Ridgeway, all of Missoula and
Lander Ridgeway of Stanford; two great-grandchildren,
Titus and Nicholas Maart of Duluth, Minn.; her sister,
Irene Potter of Carmichael, Calif.; and numerous nieces
and nephews.
Preceding Mrs. Ridgeway in death were her husband, John,
and her daughter, Susan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Judith
Basin County Library, 93 3rd Street North, Stanford, MT
59479.
Joseph Patrick Kiel III
Joseph Patrick Kiel III, infant son of Joseph and Kayla
Hoover Kiel of Ismay, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2012, at
the Holy Rosary Health Center in Miles City.
Joseph is survived by his parents: Joseph and Kayla Hoover
Kiel of Ismay; his grandparents: Joe and Ginger Kiel of
Miles City and Keith and Barb Hoover of Miles City; his
aunts and uncles: Jeremy and Brittany Hoover of Sheridan,
Wyo., and Justin and TJ Kiel of Miles City; his great-grandparents:
Pat and Jean Phalen of Ismay, Floyd and Bonnie Hoover
of Miles City and Pearl Kiel of Miles City; and numerous
family members and special friends.
Visitation will be Monday, Jan. 16, 2012, with the family
receiving friends from 4 to 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons
Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be Tuesday,
Jan. 17, 2012, at 10 a.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and
Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Burial 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 Joe and
Kayla Kiel to help with expenses.
Julia "Julie" Ann Meckle Coder
Julia Ann Meckle Coder, 60, died on Wednesday, Jan. 11,
2012, surrounded by her family after battling a courageous
fight against liver and kidney disease.
Julie, as people knew her, was born on June 5, 1951, in
Havre. She lived in Malta before moving to Minot, N.D.
She graduated from Minot High School in 1969 at Minot.
She met her true love and high school sweetheart, Larry
Coder, while going to school in Minot. They married on
March 15, 1969, in Minot.
After graduation, Mrs. Coder stayed with her parents while
Mr. Coder was out to sea with the United States Navy.
The Navy took them to San Diego, Calif., Washington, D.C.,
and Chicago, Ill. They lived in Minot after he was discharged
from the Navy and came to Miles City in 1978.
On Sept. 7, 1981, a daughter Nicole Ann Coder was born.
When Nicole was in grade school, Mrs. Coder was actively
involved with the Girl Scouts as a leader from Brownies
to Cadettes.
Mrs. Coder worked for a daycare, First Bank and First
Interstate Bank in the 1980s and served a term as the
Clerk and Recorder of Custer County. In 1994, she started
a new adventure and opened a novelty, gift and party store,
Nicole’s. In 1996 the store expanded and moved to
include t-shirts, weddings and a new name, Nicole’s
& Tea’s Tee’s. Mrs. Coder worked for Eastern
Montana Title Company for 15 years until July 2011 when
she became sick.
In December 1995, her niece Teauna came to live with her
and Mr. Coder after Teauna’s mother, Mrs. Coder’s
sister, Bonita Kinzer, died from cancer.
Mr. and Mrs. Coder traveled to Mexico several times. She
loved to work in her garden, watch birds, spend time with
her family, read mystery and suspense novels, travel,
go to concerts especially those given by John Jackson.
She loved to watch SciFi movies and have get-togethers
with her family and friends in her backyard.
She had a huge love of frogs which resulted in a large
collection over the years from family and friends which
include drawings by grandchildren (one resulted in a tattoo
she had done), pictures, statues, stuffed animals, flower
pots, outdoor decorations and even a spare tire cover
for their RV that states “Coder’s Pad”
and has two frogs sitting on a lily pad.
She was blessed with three grandsons, R.J., Damian and
Gavin, and one granddaughter, Georgia. Her life motto
was Live, Laugh and Love.
Her survivors include her husband of 42 years, Larry;
her daughters, Nicole (Josh) Seekins, and Teauna (Joe)
Swanson of Miles City; her brother, Russ (Tami) Meckle
of Tioga, N.D.; a nephew, Russell (Cody) Kinzer of Broadus;
a niece, Michelle Meckle of Helena; her grandsons, R.J.
Kinzer, Damian Cash and Gavin Seekins, and her granddaughter,
Georgia Swanson, all of Miles City; grandnephews, Tristan
and Reuban Kinzer and Aden and Blake Williamson; and grandnieces,
Bonita Jean Kinzer, Carlee Williamson, Rosalee Kinzer
and Melissa Clark.
Survivors also include a very special “family”
member, Betty Phelps; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins
and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Reuben “Slim”
Meckle and Loretta Stein Meckle; and sister, Bonita Kinzer.
Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012, at Stevenson
and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving
friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday,
Jan. 13, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church
in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana
State Veterans Cemetery in Miles City.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:
www.stevensonandsons.com.
Cy Bidwell
Cy Bidwell, 69, of Belle Fourche. N.D., died at his home
on Monday, Jan. 9, 2012, with his family at his side.
Frank Cyrus Bidwell was born Aug. 4, 1942, in Broadus
to Frank and Nanie Cain Bidwell. He graduated from Powder
River County High School in Broadus in 1960 and attended
Miles Community College in Miles City. While growing up
he worked with his father at the sawmill near Ashland.
Mr. Bidwell was owner/operator of many businesses in Broadus:
the Cashway grocery store, Park Mobil gas station, Powder
River Lanes, The Golden Mug, and Pastime Theatre. He also
was instrumental in getting the Broadus Golf Course started
and ran the Pro Shop at the Country Club.
For the past 25 years he has been President of Tru Catch
Traps in Belle Fourche.
Mr. Bidwell had been married to his loving wife, Dolly,
for 50 years and had been a devoted husband and father.
He played softball on the Broadus Sponsors Team and many
rounds of golf with his friends. He coached a lot of Little
League Baseball and football and enjoyed watching his
children in their sporting events.
He held the position of president of the Broadus Jaycees
as well as serving at the state level for the Montana
Jaycees. He was a member of the Belle Fourche Shriners,
Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Board and served
as president at the Belle Fourche Country Club.
Mr. Bidwell enjoyed bowling, golf and pool and always
was there to have fun and make sure that everyone else
did too. He never met a stranger he didn’t like.
His lucky day was the day he made a Hole in One at the
golf course and had 11 straight strikes at the bowling
alley on the same day.
He will be remembered for his enthusiasm and sincerity
in everything he did in life whether it was work or play.
He will be greatly missed by all his friends and family.
Grateful for sharing in his life are his wife, Dolly (Schneidt)
Bidwell of Belle Fourche; children, Vicky and (David)
Black of Keller, Texas, Karen and (David) Dinkel of Powers
Lake, N.D., Todd Bidwell and (Anna) of Belle Fourche,
Barry and (Erica) Bidwell of Forsyth and Doug Bidwell
of Belle Fourche; eight grandchildren; his brother, Ronald
Bidwell of Laurel; and his sisters, Mamie Denson of Douglas,
Wyo., and Myrtle Ridenour of Billings.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Nanie
Bidwell.
There will be no visitation as his body was cremated.
A Ceremonial Tribute will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan.
12, 2012, at Kline Funeral Chapel in Belle Fourche with
Pastor Andy Anderson officiating. A Service of Remembrance
will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at the Stevenson and
Son Funeral Home in Broadus with Pastor Don Bidwell officiating.
The family suggests memorials to the charity of the donor’s
choice.
An online guest book is available at www.klinefuneralchapel.com
and at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Marjorie M. Hawkins
Graveside services for Marjorie M. Hawkins, 94, of Enumclaw,
Wash., were at Washington Memorial Park Cemetery on Friday
afternoon, Nov. 25, 2011.
Mrs. Hawkins died peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011,
in her home in Enumclaw.
She was born in Crow Rock on Oct. 8, 1917, to Herman and
June Barthel. She attended the Crow Rock School.
She and Neil E. Hawkins were married in Forsyth on July
25, 1936.
She was blessed to have accomplished her two life goals
of driving big rig trucks with her husband, as well as
breeding and racing thoroughbred horses. An exceptionally
kind, hardworking, tough Montana ranch hand, she took
great pleasure in gardening, cooking, her children and
grandchildren.
Her survivors include her son, Leonard L. Hawkins; daughter,
Ruby R. Tiller; granddaughters, Stacy, Lori, Cari, Jackie,
Vicki and Charity; grandsons, Mike and Mark; 14 great-grandchildren;
five great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Irene Briglio;
her niece, Barbara Long and husband, Don, and their two
children, Michele and Jerome.
Anita Joyce Cullen
A Rosary/Vigil service for Anita Joyce Cullen, the second
child of John and Sara Cullen, was held at St. Augustine
Catholic Church in Kit Carson, Colo., on Thursday evening,
Dec. 29, 2011. A Funeral Mass of Resurrection was celebrated
Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, with Fr. Kirk Slattery as Celebrant.
Committal services were in the Kit Carson Cemetery.
Born in Burlington, Colo., on Nov. 13, 1932, she died
on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011.
She attended elementary and high school in Kit Carson,
Colo. She continued her education by attending Loretto
Heights College in Denver, Colo., and received her music
degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo.
She taught music at schools in Washington and Colorado,
concluding her teaching career in Miles City. This position
included teaching music at Garfield, Highland Park, Jefferson,
Lincoln and Roosevelt elementary schools and Washington
Middle School in the Miles City School District on a rotating
basis. Upon her retirement in 1987, she returned to Kit
Carson, continuing to give private vocal and piano lessons,
as she had done in her previous locations.
As her health deteriorated and she could no longer remain
at home, she moved into the Cheyenne Manor in Cheyenne
Wells, Colo. In May 2011, she moved to the Manor of the
Plains in Dodge City, Kan., where she remained until her
death.
One of her highlights was her month-long European trip
with a good friend, Helen Speelmon. Her most memorable
events included going to Our Lady of Lourdes, and taking
a train, by herself, to Rome to see the Vatican.
Her survivors include her two sisters, Norma Jean Polley
and Alice (Verlan) Hines; four nephews, Michael (Sandy)
Polley, Steven Polley, Alison Hines and Larry Hines; two
nieces, Lisa (Mike) Fox and Lori (Frank) Border.
She also is survived by 11 great-nephews and great-nieces;
10 great-great-nephews and great-great-nieces; and many
other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one infant niece,
Mary; and one infant great-nephew, Cory.
Funeral services were entrusted to the care of the Brown
Funeral Home in Kit Carson, Colo.
