Obituaries

Franklin C. ‘Butch’ Lund

Article Image Alt Text

Franklin C. “Butch” Lund was the only child of Frank C. and Inez Lund. He was born in Plentywood Montana and raised on the family farm located 4 miles southeast of Outlook. He attended the Outlook school through his sophomore year, then transferred to Plentywood High School. He was a standout student and basketball player and grew to love the game that he would later coach.

Daniel Scott Bair

Article Image Alt Text

My very loved and loving son who I will miss always. We love you Daniel, always.

34 years old Born Sept. 7th, 1984 Passed Away Thursday, 22nd of February, 2018 at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings, Mt. Survived by mother, Tamera Bair; sisters, Lola, Misty Mitchell; brother, Charles Williams; and a lot of extended family. There will be no services. A Family & Friends BBQ will be held mid-summer. Thank you for all your prayers, Tamera Bair

Harold Daniel Erlenbusch

Article Image Alt Text

Harold was born at the farm by Wason Flats, MT on July 21, 1935, to Daniel and Maggie Erlenbusch. He passed away in his sleep February 19, 2018 at the Veterans Hospice Care in Miles City, Montana.

He attended Pitzer School and graduated the eighth grade in 1950. He worked on the family farm until June 1958 when he was drafted into the army. He served many posts in the army; most notably as an Honor Guard, in Arlington, Virginia. He was honorably discharged as Specialist-4 (E-4) rank after serving two years, where he returned home to the farm.

Ruth Eleanor Carlson Benoit

Article Image Alt Text

Always quick to care for loved ones and strangers alike for all 94 of her years, Ruth Eleanor Carlson Benoit is now taking a well-earned rest after moving on peacefully in Miles City on Feb. 17.

With her trademark “uffda” always at the ready and a friendly laugh that always lightened the mood, Ruth was a born caregiver, spending most of her life nurse, a loving  wife and mother, a doting grandmother and a wonderful friend.

Anna R. Messmer

Article Image Alt Text

Anna R. Messmer, age 95 of Billings, Montana passed away on February 18, 2018.

Anna, formerly of Plevna and Miles City, was born on January 23, 1923 and was the daughter of Hugh and Agnes Clarke McFarland of Miles City. Anna grew up on the McFarland Ranch south of Miles City. She initially attended school in a one room schoolhouse south of Miles City. As she grew older, she attended Custer County High School, Miles City Business College, and the American Institute of Banking. She recognized the value of education and believed that you are never too old to challenge yourself.

Donald ‘Don’ James Russiff

Donald “Don” James Russiff, 55, died in his home in Harwood, North Dakota, on Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018, after a battle with brain cancer. He was surrounded by his wife, children, sister, and special friends.

He was born in Miles City on May 9, 1962, the son of Nicholas and Montana Neumann Russiff.

Henry ‘Hank’ Kuchynka

Article Image Alt Text

Henry “Hank” Kuchynka, 92, of Miles City, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at the Friendship Villa where he resided for four years.

Hank was born on March 16, 1925 in Waubun, MN to Joseph and Antonia Kuchynka. He was the 13th of 14 children. Hank attended school in Ebro, MN.

Hank married Shirley Naekel, the love of his life, in Valley City, ND on October 10, 1944. Shirley was 16 and the judge told her to go home and grow up. They are still together after 73 ½ years. To this union six children were born.

Ella F. Gran

Article Image Alt Text

Ella F. Gran, a long-time resident of the Seattle area and formerly of Billings and Miles City, Montana, passed away the fifth of February of natural causes at age

94.

Ella was the first-born child of Herbert and Blanche (Hewett) Neumann in Ismay, Montana, a farming community in Eastern Montana, on October 19, 1923.

Ella attended country schools until 1937 when her family moved to Miles City, Montana. She graduated with honors from Custer County High School, where she had been an accomplished business student, in 1942.

Chad Stewart Dunnam

Article Image Alt Text

Chad Stewart Dunnam was promoted to Glory of natural causes at his home on February 12, 2018. Chad was 67 years old.

Arthur Edwin Peaslee Sr.

Article Image Alt Text

Arthur Edwin Peaslee Sr., age 84, passed away at 1:00 PM on February 10, 2018 at the Prairie Community Hospital in Terry, Montana.

Arthur was born in Miles City, Montana on April 19, 1933. He was the first of three children and only son born to Mildred (Jahn) Peaslee and Arthur E. Peaslee Sr.

Arthur was raised on a small ranch south of Miles City, only coming into town to attend school. After completing school Arthur made Miles City his permanent residence.