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

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

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Updated May 17

 

May Elvina Darrah

May Elvina Darrah, 97, of Buffalo, Wyo., former Ashland area resident, died Wednesday morning, May 15, 2013, in the Amie Holt Care Center.
Mrs. Darrah was born Aug. 18, 1915, on the family homestead in Oka, north of Harlowton, to William and Rosella Birdsall. She spent her first nine years on the homestead with her parents and three brothers. In 1924 they moved to Billings where she continued her education, graduating from Billings Senior High School.
After high school she attended Eastern Montana Normal College in Billings where she received a teaching certification. She taught country schools in the area and met Clair Darrah when she was teaching at Buck Creek School between Absarokee and Columbus.
They were married on March 6, 1937, in Billings and followed construction and mining jobs mostly in Montana during the early years of their marriage. Mr. Darrah joined the Army during World War II and Mrs. Darrah continued to live in Billings. After the war they bought a sawmill in the Pryor Mountains, which they owned and operated until 1950.
They then purchased a ranch at Ryegate where Mrs. Darrah also taught schools in Franklin, Barber, Rothimay and Langston School near Harlowton.
In 1972 they sold that ranch and bought a ranch in Ashland where they lived until they retired in 1997 when they sold the ranch and moved to Buffalo. They also bought a home in Quartzsite, Ariz., where they spent 28 winters. Mr. Darrah died in January of 2009 and Mrs. Darrah continued living in Buffalo until the time of her death. She had been a resident of the Amie Holt Care Center for the past six months.
Mrs. Darrah loved painting, gardening, handwork, reading and being involved in her church. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Garden Club and along with her other activities she loved spending time with her family.
She is survived by two daughters, Donna Mortenson and her husband Gerald of Buffalo and Fern Schreder and her husband Larry of Pueblo, Colo.; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and three brothers.
Visitation will be in the Harness Funeral Home chapel on Sunday, May 19, 2013, from 1 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, May 20, 2013, at 10 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church in Buffalo. The Rev. KyungSu Jung will officiate. Interment will be in Willow Grove Cemetery in Buffalo with graveside services to follow the funeral. There will be a reception following in the Methodist Social Center.
Donations in Mrs. Darrah’s memory may be made to the Amie Holt Care Center or the American Cancer Society in care of the Harness Funeral Home at 351 N. Adams in Buffalo, WY 82834.

 

 

Kenneth C. Preston

Kenneth C. Preston, 92, of Miles City, died Sunday, May 12, 2013, in Miles City at Holy Rosary Healthcare.
Mr. Preston was born April 22, 1921, in Broadus to Ernest W. and Angelina Schumaker Preston. He attended grade school and high school in Broadus.
He entered the United States Navy and served from 1941 to 1946 in World War II.
Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Broadus and then to Miles City where he married Alvera L. Irion on Dec. 20, 1945. Mr. Preston worked for the Milwaukee Railroad for more than 30 years, retiring in Miles City where he and his wife made their home.
He loved to bowl, garden and can all their gardening goods. Mr. Preston enjoyed camping, fishing and was a member of the Eagles Lodge. He faithfully attended church at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Through the years Mr. Preston always walked for the Relay For Life and did so even when he required the use of a wheelchair.
His survivors include his son, Gary (Bev) Preston of Gillette, Wyo., and daughter, Gloria Patrick of Longmont, Colo.; his grandchildren, Brandon (Kari) Preston, Rachelle (Curtis) Hall, and Roxanne (Quentin) Wedan; great-grandchildren, Grant Wedan, Patrick Hall, Preston Hall, Braydon Preston, Kameron Preston; sister, Mary Schaffer of Broadus; sister-in-law, Mary Irion of Broadus; as well as special friend, Dorothy Murnin, and the entire Murnin family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alvera in 2001; sisters, Velma Mann, Ruby Engler, Esther Schaffer, Elsie Preston, Alma Preston and Hallie Preston; brothers, George, Ernest, Tom and Acie Preston; and one son-in-law.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 19, 2013, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be Monday, May 20, 2013, at 1 p.m. in Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City with military honors.
Condolences for the family may be left at www.stevensonandsons.com.

 

 

Marilyn Elaine Orcutt Fortune

Marilyn Elaine Orcutt Fortune, 83, of Miles City died Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at the Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City.
She was born Jan. 2, 1930, the daughter of Bruce and Dessie Orcutt in Sioux City, Iowa. Three years later Mr. Orcutt moved his family to the Beaverslide Ranch on the Broadus highway. Mrs. Fortune was homeschooled until the seventh grade and then graduated from Custer County High School. She then attended Colorado Women’s College for one year and then she transferred to Montana State University-Bozeman. While there she met and married Robert Cunningham. Following the end of this marriage, she moved with their four daughters to Miles City.
In 1972 she married Vern Fortune and she welcomed six step-daughters to the family. She and Mr. Fortune ranched on the Tongue River and also at Dillion.
Mrs. Fortune’s love of the ranch life started at an early age. She was the first woman to go to AI School, while carrying her fourth daughter, Alane. She was an avid horse woman and always said she raised cattle so she could ride good horses.
She took pride in the cattle and horses she raised and one of her greatest rewards was watching them win Grand or Reserve Champion in shows around the state. Until the last she kept up with cattle and horse markets. She loved to logon to Miles City Livestock Commission on sale day and hear Randy say “Hello Marilyn.” She taught herself to purchase bulls online this spring.
She is survived by her four daughters, Laura (Ray) Ravenscroft, Robyn (Tom) Ketchum, Noelle (Dick) Pinkerton and Alane (Kenny) Stabler; and grandchildren, Olin (Megan), Keara (Dave), Lex (Patrice), Ian, and Reid, Jana (Justen), Jenny (Josh), and Carly, Rian (Danae), Clark (Jen)and Julie, Alissa and Rachel; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Fortune also is survived by two siblings, Jon (Lorraine) Orcutt and Rebecca Leibinger; step-children, Susie (Ron) Wells, Janice Fortune, Kathy (Lee) Baugatz, Darcy (Lee) Boggs, Stacy (Stacy) Butts and their children; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Dessie; sister, Carol; and step-daughter, Shelly Longfox.
Visitation will begin on Sunday, May 12, 2013, at 1 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, May 13, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Grace Bible Church. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Grace Bible Church or to the charity of one’s choice.

 

 

George Edward Linnell
George Edward Linnell, 92, of Miles City died Thursday, May 9, 2013, at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility in Miles City.
Mr. Linnell was born in Black River Falls, Wis., on Sept. 29, 1920, the son of Lee and Roseman Kimball Linnell. At the age of eight years, in 1928, he moved out to Ismay with his family where he lived until entering the United States Army in 1942. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Miles City where he went to work for area ranchers.
He later went into construction, a career he worked for the majority of his life, retiring in 1985. Mr. Linnell continued to make Miles City his home until the time of his death.
He loved working in the garden, playing cards with his children and spending time with his grandchildren, and hunting.
His survivors include his wife: Darlene Linnell of Miles City; two sons:  David (Cynthia) Borne of Antioch, Calif., and Mark Linnell of Miles City; two daughters: Sharon Cline of Miles City and Wanda (Brent) Richlen of Peshtigo, Wis.; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, two sisters and a granddaughter.
Visitation will be Sunday, May 12, 2013, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be Monday, May 13, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1579.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of one’s choice.

 

 

Joseph "Barcode" Kellmer
Joseph “Barcode” Kellmer, 29, of Miles City, died on Tuesday, May 7, 2013.
He was one of two sons born to the late Wayne and Kathryn Kellmer on Sept. 28, 1983, in Missoula.
On May 5, 2010, he and Dawn Schrock were united in marriage in Missoula. They resided in Missoula until 2011 until they moved to Miles City.
Mr. Kellmer was employed at the Miles City Star as a mailroom technician at the time of his death.
His favorite pastimes were playing his PS3, watching the Oakland Raiders, fishing, camping, playing with his pets: Buddy Kitty, Jaxon Teller and Lily Bean, and spending time with his close family and friends, especially playing PS3 with his favorite great-nephews.
His survivors include his wife, Dawn of Miles City; his brother, Kenny (Amanda) Kellmer of Missoula; his sister-in-law, Linda Schrock of Miles City; two nephews, Thomas and Alex of Missoula; three nieces, Amber Kellmer of Missoula, JaDee Grenz and M’Kala Arnold of Miles City; three great-nephews, Casey, Mason and Jayden of Miles City; and his two best friends from work, Dusty White and Dan Sampson of Miles City.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents and grandparents.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 9, 2013, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Services will be Friday, May 10, 2013, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Interment will be at the Custer County Cemetery.
Following the interment, refreshments will be served at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. 
Memorials may be made to Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home to help defray funeral expenses.

 

 

Chris Arne Nielsen

Chris Arne Nielsen, 39, of Miles City died Sunday, May 5, 2013, in Miles City.
Mr. Nielsen was born on Jan. 22, 1974, the son of Ernie E. and Sandra L. Hirsch Nielsen. He attended grade school in Kinsey and Miles City and graduated from Custer County District High School in 1992. He worked at Trinity Rail in Miles City. He did many odd jobs for contractors and has been at the Pine Hills Youth Correctional Facility for 17 years where he served as a correctional officer at the time of his death.
Mr. Nielsen played pool and loved hunting elk, deer and birds. He trained his chocolate lab/boxer mix “Magnum” as a hunting dog.
He loved animals. Mr. Nielsen enjoyed 4-wheeling and “mudding” in his 4-wheel Nissan truck. He loved basketball, baseball and softball.
His survivors include his mother, Sandy Nielsen of Manhattan; a sister, Raechell Nielsen of Bozeman; and his special friend, Keri Dusatko of Miles City; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ernie E. Nielsen; and his grandparents.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 9, 2013, at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday, May 10, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.
Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.

 

 

Daniel "Dan" Emeline
Daniel “Dan” Emeline, 52, died in Broadus on Friday, May 3, 2013.
Mr. Emeline was born on Sept. 23, 1960, in Miles City to Lloyd “Butch” and Beth Fairbanks Butcher. In 1963, his mother married Levi Emeline who adopted him and his siblings.
In 1978 Mr. Emeline married Zonda Gunnels. They had two sons, Kenith Lee, born in 1978 and Shannon Ray, born in 1980.
Mr. Emeline met Tena Olson in 1994. Their daughter, Elizabeth Ruby, was born in 1996. Mr. Emeline proudly told people he’d roofed for “over 30 years.”
He was especially fond of sharing his “storm chasing” experiences. He worked hard and played hard. He loved hiking, fishing and camping — preferably in the Beartooths, hunting, dueling guitars with Bob, gold panning, and anything and everything related to Montana Moss Agates. He was amazingly talented and could build anything.
He is survived by his wife, Tena Olson of Broadus; son, Shannon and wife Kristyn of Glasgow; daughter, Elizabeth of Broadus; siblings, Linda Coppedge of Kent, Wash., David and Velma Bourn of Miles City, Lloyd and Colette Butcher of Miles City, Alice and Wayne Nile of Miles City, Judy and Ed Henderson of Billings, Doug Emeline of Miles City; grandchildren, Alexander, Natelie, Zanoblia, Georgia, Kenneth and Allenah; and numerous nieces and nephews.
His survivors also include his buddies, Bob, Lowell, Jeff, Norm, Mark and his other “kids,” Maggie, Jake, Mike, Mark, Misty, Sissy, and Gangster. Mr. Emeline was blessed to have such special people in his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd H. Butcher and Beth Emeline; a brother, Leon Emeline; son, Kenith Emeline; and ex-wife, Zonda.
Funeral services will be Saturday, May 11, 2013, at 1 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.
A potluck picnic will follow at the Pumping Plant Park in Miles City.

 

 

Thomas J. Robison
Thomas J. Robison died Sunday, May 5, 2013, at the Saint Vincent Health Care Center in Billings with his family at his side.
Mr. Robison was born on June 8, 1938, to Thomas and Myrtle McPhail Robison in Billings. He attended grade school in Hysham and then graduated from Hysham High School in 1956.
After school he married the love of his life, Marcene Helland, on May 29, 1960, in Hysham. He then worked for Zent Hardware until 1971 when he went to work for the Montana Highway Department until he started Agri-Drainage in 1977. He purchased it in 1979. In 1984 Mr. Robison went to work for Bill Cunningham at the Hysham Community Elevator until it sold to Farmers Union. In 1996 he purchased “The Station” and operated it until 2001 when he retired, making his home in Hysham until 2009 when he moved to Billings for health care reasons.
Mr. Robison loved to fish, spend time with his wife and children, and drinking coffee with his friends to catch up on the latest news.
He is survived by three sons, Greg (Susan) Robison of Pueblo, Colo., Wayne (Glenda) Robison of Hysham and Troy Robison of Miles City; two daughters, Gwen (Lawrence Boehm) Robison of Billings and Wanda (Bill) Martinson of Columbus; one sister, Sylvia Kimball; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marcene Helland; one sister; and two great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Thursday May 9, 2013, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth. Funeral Services will be Friday, May 10, 2013, at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth. Burial will be in the Hysham Memorial Vale Cemetery.

 

 

Jack Knobloch Sr.

Jack Knobloch Sr., 74, of Birney, died in Miles City on Sunday, May 5.
He was born in Sheridan, Wyo., on Aug. 17, 1938, to Albert and Madge Knobloch. He grew up and spent his entire life on the family ranch north of Birney. He attended Birney Grade School and graduated from St. Labre Catholic High School in 1956.
After graduation, he took over the family ranch operations. On April 3, 1966, he married Marjorie Fjell of Birney and they were blessed with five children whom they raised, grew up with, played with, worked with and loved.
In 1972, they expanded the ranching operation by purchasing the Wagner ranch 10 miles north of the home place where Mr. Knobloch spent his life continuously improving their land and cattle.
Mr. Knobloch achieved his dream of becoming a pilot in the mid-1970s and enjoyed flying, whether for work or fun. His favorite pastimes were spending time with family and ranching.
He was involved in his community by serving on various boards including Tongue River Water Users, Soil Conservation Service, Rosebud County Planning Board, Ashland Public School board and Tongue River Electric Co-Op board. He especially loved serving on the Parish Council at St. Labre.
Mr. Knobloch had a deep faith, instilled in him by his mother, brother and the Priests and Sisters of St. Labre ... a faith that grew and sustained him throughout all of his life. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word, treating everyone with respect, caring and understanding.
He was a great listener and loved to have people share their stories with him.
His loving survivors include his wife, Marjorie; daughter, Karen (Jay) Hodges; sons, Jack Jr. (Kim) Knobloch, Albert (Joan) Knobloch, Philip (Kathy) Knobloch; son-in-law, John Elliot; 14 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Elizabeth Linhart-Sumer; and numerous nephews, nieces and god-children.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Roy Knobloch; daughter, Lee Anne Elliot; and three nephews, Carl Linhart, Bobby Linhart and Elmer Fjell III.
A Vigil service will be Thursday, May 9, 2013, at 7 p.m. in the St. Labre Mission in Ashland. Funeral services will be Friday, May 10, 2013, at 2 p.m. in the St. Labre Mission. Private family interment will be in the Birney Cemetery.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family by  visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.

 

 

Lydia Waldow
Lydia Waldow, 96, of Miles City died Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at the Friendship Villa Care Center in Miles City.
Mrs. Waldow was born in Rock Springs on April 13, 1917, the daughter of Jacob and Christina Naasz Ohlhauser. She attended schools at Crow Rock, Sutherland and U-All Country Schools through the eighth grade.
Following her schooling, she helped out on the family farm, before moving into Miles City where she worked for Holy Rosary Hospital.  She worked at the hospital until she met Albert Waldow and they were united in marriage on June 15, 1941.  Mrs. Waldo then became a homemaker, staying home to raise her children.
She loved to garden, collect recipes and cook. In her 70s, she took up oil painting, which she enjoyed. Mrs. Waldow most of all loved spending time with her family. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
She is survived by her son: Stanley (Dee) Waldow of Longview, Texas; four daughters: Donna (Jake) Flanigan of Miles City, Sandra (Dennis) Danforth of Carson City, Nev., Linda (Dennis) Edwards of Reno, Nev., and Nancy (Sandy) Seright of Post Falls, Idaho; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Mrs. Waldow was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Albert; two brothers; and two grandchildren: Staci Waldow and a child at infancy.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4 to 6 p.m.  Funeral services will be Thursday, May 9, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran 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 the Trinity Lutheran Church or to the charity of one’s choice.

 

 

Harold Quigley
Harold Quigley, 86, of Miles City died Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at his daughter’s home in Miles City surrounded by his family.
Mr. Quigley was born on Oct. 30, 1926, in Hardin to Bertha Mae Kerr and Wilfred Ellis Quigley. The family moved to Carterville where he attended school in Rosebud.
He joined the Navy in 1944. After being discharged he moved back to the Rosebud/Forsyth area where he met Rose Marie Litschauer. They were married on Dec. 15, 1947, and lived on the family farm in Miles City.
After a short time, Mr. and Mrs. Quigley moved back to Forsyth where he became a brakeman on the railroad. The family then moved back to Miles City when he began working at the Veterans Affairs Hospital. Mr. Quigley retired from the VA after 30 years of service.
His survivors include his son, Ray Quigley of Great Falls; daughters, Gail Smith of Middleport, N.Y., and Candy Laney (John) of Miles City; grandchildren, Greg Smith (Chris), Denise Smoyer, James Smith, Mary Wagner, Jay Smith, Melissa Smith, Stephanie Laney and Brian Laney; 17 great-grandchildren; and his special friend, Virginia Brown.
He was preceded in death by his mother; father; brothers, Bernie and Robert; sister, Lillian Wallin; and his beloved wife Rose.
Visitation will be Monday, May 6, 2013, at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4 to 6 p.m.  Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at 1 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery with full military honors provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1579. 
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital or the charity of one’s choice.

 

 

Helen C. "Hinky" Bickle
Helen C. Bickle, or “Hinky” as she was known by her family, 87, of Broadus, died Monday, April 29, 2013, at her home in Broadus.
She was born on Dec. 11, 1925, in Miles City, the daughter of Hans and Elizabeth Carney Peterson. She went to grade school at the Mitchell School at Sonnette, attended high school in Broadus and graduated from Custer County High School in Miles City.
After high school she did clerical work for the State of Montana and was extremely proud of her skill as a typist.
She and Joe Bickle were married in Miles City on July 14, 1945, and they lived in Miles City for several years. Mr. Bickle worked construction and his job took them to Los Angeles, Calif., where they lived for 10 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Bickle managed the Cool Retreat Drive Inn during the 1960s and there is a generation of Powder River High School alumni from that era who received an education in discipline from Mrs. Bickle, either as employees or customers in that establishment.  Mrs. Bickle really enjoyed their time in the Cool Retreat and telling stories about events there remained a favorite pastime of hers throughout her life.
Their next move was to Laurel for several years and then on to Helena where Mrs. Bickle worked for the State of Montana. They owned a small motor boat and enjoyed boating and fishing in and around Canyon Ferry.
Following Mr. Bickle’s death and then her retirement in 1985 Mrs. Bickle moved to Broadus to share a home with her sister, Betty Gatlin. She and Mrs. Gatlin were mostly inseparable and you rarely saw one without the other. In Broadus, Mrs. Bickle worked as a waitress first for the Cashway Café and later at the Homestead Inn until 1998 when she retired for a second time. She enjoyed waitressing because of the people she got to meet and visit.
Mrs. Gatlin died in 2007 and Mrs. Bickle continued to live in the home they had shared. 
Mrs. Bickle never had any children, and always considered Mrs. Gatlin’s children her own. She could not have been more proud of all her nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Bickle is survived by three nephews, Gary Gatlin (wife Kathi) and Ward Gatlin (wife Ronda) of Broadus and Mike Bickle (wife Deeon) of Miles City; three nieces, Judy Badgett of Laurel, Linda Trimmer (husband Ed) of Sheridan, Wyo., and Jeanne Sparks (husband Richard) of Broadus; as well as numerous great-nephews and great-nieces; and several great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 39 years, Joe Bickle; her sister, Betty; and her infant brother, Harry; as well as both of her parents.
Visitation will be Sunday, May 5, 2013, from 1 to 6 p.m. at the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Broadus on Monday, May 6, 2013, at 11 a.m. Interment will be at a later date 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 the Powder River Manor or to the charity of one’s choice.

 

 

Ervin Schmidt
Ervin Schmidt, 94, of Miles City died Thursday, April 25, 2013, at Holy Rosary Extended Care in Miles City.
Mr. Schmidt, son of John and Rosina Hoffer Schmidt, was born Sept. 18, 1918, on the family homestead at Angela. The family moved to Regent, N.D., when Ervin was one year old. He attended various country schools as his father farmed rented land and the family moved frequently. His mother died when he was two years of age and shortly after his father remarried. He was blessed with a loving step-mother and eventually two half-sisters who joined a family of three brothers and two sisters.
When his father died in 1933, Mr. Schmidt moved with his oldest brother, Albert, to Montana. He worked for his brother and other farmers in the Miles City and Rosebud area. He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps program in 1936, working in western Montana and Idaho for one and one-half years.
In 1941, Mr. Schmidt married Alice Jane Flippin in Miles City. To this union two sons, Lloyd and Ronald, were born. Mr. Schmidt served in the United States Army in the Pacific during World War II. The family resided in Miles City until 1948 when they purchased an irrigated farm east of Miles City. Mr. Schmidt had a passion for farming and taking care of his land. Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt sold the farm in 1976 and moved back to Miles City.
Mr. Schmidt golfed in a league at the Town and Country Club and was an avid bowler for 50-plus years. In 1979 he was elected to the Miles City Bowling Hall of Fame. He was a life member in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Moose Lodge, Disabled American Veterans and Elks Lodge. He also enjoyed fishing and camping in his motor-home.
His survivors include his sons, Lloyd (Janeen) of Billings and Ronald (Janice) of Holly Hill, Fla.; grandchildren, Gregory (Anne) Schmidt of Wisconsin, Lori (Travis) Croy of New York and Tammy (George) Grindstaff, Ricky (Trish) Schmidt and Kyle Schmidt all of Florida; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Emily, Eden and Evan, all of Florida; plus a half-sister, Vi Ziepfel of Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews. 
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Alice in 2008; his brothers, Albert and Art; his sisters, Viola and Lentina; and his half-sister, Trudy.
Visitation will begin on Sunday, May 5, 2013, at 1 p.m. in Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, May 6, 2013, at 10 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post 1579.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

 

 

Phillip Malcolm Curtiss
Philip Malcolm Curtiss, 81-year-old, Master Sergeant retired United States Air Force, died Sunday, April 28, 2013, at his home in Miles City after a two-year battle with cancer.
He was born Aug. 24, 1931, in Circle. Mr. Curtiss was the fourth child of six born to Ellen and Malcolm Curtiss. As a boy he loved riding horses, haying for his uncle, roaming the hills, boxing with his brothers and sweeping up at the Chevy garage where his father worked. He graduated from Circle High in 1949. 
After he turned 18 he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for what would be a 20-year career during which he developed a love for the fighter interceptors on which he repaired and maintained the radar and electronic systems.
On May 13, 1954, he and Mary Anna Lockhart, who shared his military life and was the mother of their two children, Curt and Cindia, were married. Following his Air Force career the family moved to Circle where he and his wife and children built their home. Mr. Curtiss drew the floor plans, was the builder — carpenter, plumber, electrician and teacher/director of the family building crew.
Collecting garbage for the town of Circle was next, then on to working for Idland Construction driving the boom truck, various diggers and cement truck, hammer, saw whatever was needed he did it. After that business closed he went to work as a mechanic for Lund Implement, which provided him employment and also the enjoyment of making on farm stops to repair swathers, balers and tractors and visit with area families.
Retirement brought the opportunity to try the snowbird life. He and his wife spent many winters in the Brenda, Ariz., area making many friends, taking RV trips into the desert, digging his toes into the sand, being awed by the Chocolate Mountains and saguaro cactus and enjoying the companionship of the “guys” playing desert golf. When his illness prevented their trips south in the winter the highlights of his days were visits from friends and family.
Mr. Curtiss is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary; sister Bernice and Ford Welch; brother Russell and Maureen Curtiss; son, Curt and wife, Janna Curtiss and daughter, Cindia (Curtiss) Miller; grandchildren Owen Curtiss and Kirsten (Curtiss) Weise and husband Anthony and beloved great- grandchildren Zoei and Zander Weise.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Malcolm and Ellen Curtiss; sister Bendinie and husband Bert Lingle; brother Welcome and wife Ella Curtiss; brother Delmer Curtiss; and grandson Travis Curtiss.
Funeral services will be Thursday, May 2, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Circle. Placing of his remains will follow in the Veterans Circle of the Riverview Cemetery in Circle with full military honors.
Condolences and personal comments can be made on the Web site at www.stevensonandsons.com.  
In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations can be made to the Circle or Miles City fire departments or the charity of one’s choice.

 

 

Phyllis V. Glover

Phyllis V. Glover, 89, of Billings, formerly of Miles City, died Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at Aspen Meadows in Billings with her family by her side.
Mrs. Glover was born to Hillier B. Taylor and Pauline Bruce Taylor on Feb. 25, 1924, in Powder River County. She was delivered at home.
In June 1940 she was married to Hubert Hopkins and to this union two sons were born, Hillier Hopkins and Robert Hopkins. They divorced in 1946.
She married Vernon D. Cotton. They had a son, Ty R. Cotton, and a daughter, Jodie G. Cotton. After Mr. Cotton’s death, she and Harvey R. Glover were married in 1981. They had lived in Miles City most of their married life.
Mrs. Glover has numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A sister, Mildred Blankenship, still lives and resides in Eugene, Ore.
She was preceded in death by her mother, father and two sisters, Betty Mann and Vivian Mann.
At Mrs. Glover’s request there will be no services. Burial will be private, at a later date. Graveside services will be Saturday, May 4, 2013, at 1 p.m. at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City.
Arrangements are under the direction of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.
Condolences may be sent by visiting the Web site: www.stevensonandsons.com.

 

 

Robert "Bob" Taron

Robert “Bob” Taron, 70, formerly of Kinsey, died April 24, 2013, in Tooele, Utah.
Mr. Taron was born Dec. 26, 1942, in Kinsey to Arthur and Bertha Guab Taron.
He married Alice Marie McPhie, on Nov. 27, 1964. They were blessed with three children. He served in the Army during Vietnam. He was a Union Boilermaker (welder) and skilled fabricator and earned numerous certifications. He started welding at a young age, helping his dad with the family business, Art’s Welding. He worked at the Tooele Army Depot until he retired.
Viewing is Tuesday, April 30, 2013, from 6 to 8 p.m. in Tate’s Mortuary in Tooele, and services are at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, 2013, in Pine Canyon LDS Church with viewing one hour prior.
He is survived by his daughter, Holly Shields; his sons, Troy (Kim) Taron and Shaun (Lori) Taron; nine grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and two more on the way; and his sisters, Deloris, Millie, Violet, Ellen, Rosemary and Lorraine (Rani).
He was preceded in death by his wife; both parents; his in-laws, Grace and Dan McPhie; his brother, Gerald (Sonny) Taron; and his sister, Barbara Nevins.

 

 

Helen K. Peterson
Helen K. Peterson, 102, of Moline, Ill., died on Thursday, April 25, 2013. She was the daughter of Herman and Margaret Lange, orginal homesteaders near Angela. She attended school at the Angela School and Custer County High School in Miles City. Her survivors include two sons, William Peterson of Moline and Andrew J. Ondrof of Ft. Mill, S.C.; three grandsons; and five great-grandchildren.

 

 

Howard "Sonny" Linger

Howard “Sonny” Linger, 85, of Miles City, cowboy — family man — friend, died and went home to his Creator/Savior, Jesus, on Tuesday, April 23, 2013.
Mr. Linger was born on April 9, 1928, to Howard Key and Doris Hames Linger in Alamosa, Colo. He joined two sisters, Betty, (John Shawcroft) and Elinor (Bill Votaw). He grew up on the family ranch and graduated from Hooper High School.
Rodeo called Mr. Linger early and he was riding cows and bulls at the Monte Vista “Sky High Stampede” when he was 14 years old. After a stint serving his country in the Navy, during the occupation period of South Korea in the late 1940s and an honorable discharge, Mr. Linger continued to follow his rodeo dream. Competing in bareback, saddle bronc, steer wrestling and bull riding, Mr. Linger competed in the Rodeo Cowboys Association, which is today’s Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, from 1947 to 1961, primarily competing in saddle bronc and steer wrestling. He won many awards and buckles and had the highest marked ride (under the Rodeo Cowboys Assoc. old system of marking) of 194 points in the saddle bronc riding at the prestigious Denver Co’s National Western Stockshow and Rodeo on a horse named “Ten Below,” a mark that was never equaled nor beat.
Mr. Linger knew rodeo from both sides of the arena fence, also serving as stock foreman, chute boss and arena director for Beutler Brothers in Elk City, Okla., from 1949 to 1966. When the National Finals Rodeo was created in 1959 his natural talent for handling livestock got him hired as chute boss, a position he held through 1968, following the National Finals Rodeo from Dallas to Los Angeles to Oklahoma City. He was the Finals’ livestock superintendent from 1985 to 2003.
Mr. Linger began his own stock contracting firm in 1971, Linger Rodeo Co., a family-owned concern, producing rodeos in Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Texas and Kansas, as well as providing stock for the National Western Rodeo in Denver, Pendleton Round-Up, Rodeo Houston, San Antonio, and Ft Worth.  His experience as a contestant, livestock producer, chute boss and PRCA rodeo judge, gave him knowledge in every aspect of rodeo. But it was Mr. Linger’s great ability with animals that is his legacy. His peers credit him with knowing and handling rough stock better and easier than anyone in rodeo.
Highlights of Mr. Linger’s rodeo life were crowned with his induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colo., in 1998, and his induction into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City in 2011.
Mr. Linger resumed his ranch cowboy life after he and partner/son Pat Linger sold the rodeo company to Bruce Ford in 1984. Working for and with Fred Wacker’s +4 Ranches: calving, branding, chasing yearlings and enjoying what he called his “playground” consisting of some 200,000 acres of ‘freedom’.
A hard worker, he was a man of his word, but his family will remember him most, as just ‘dad,’ who took the time to shower his affection on the ladies in his life and to spend the quality time hunting, sports, and fishing with his sons.
Mr. Linger was married to Ramadine (Gott) in 1948 and to this union, a daughter, Vicki Rae Wheeler, was born. In 1952, Mr. Linger married Bess (Turner) and to this union were born two sons:  Larry (Ann) and Pat (Lori), and a daughter, Amber (Tom Hope). Bess Linger died and went home to be with her Savior Jesus in 1999. Mr. Linger married Betty Lancaster in Columbus, N.M., on Feb. 19, 2009.
Mr. Linger is survived by his wife: Betty; son: Larry Linger (Ann); grandson Matt Linger (wife Arlene and Mason, Bailey); grandson: Will Linger (wife Ivy and Bailey, Josslyn); grandson: Brad Linger (wife Emilee); son: Pat Linger (wife Lori); granddaughter: Teal Lind (husband Jon and Logan); grandson: Ty Linger (wife Rosalie and Dec and Uriah); daughter: Vicki Rae Wheeler; granddaughter: Toyah Rae Nastanovich  (husband Mike); granddaughter: Tinah Elizabeth Strausbaugh (husband Dan and Hayden); daughter: Amber Hope (husband Tom); grandson: JT Hope (wife Joani and Lynsie, Trystyn, Cecily); and granddaughter: Sonni Beth Hope, (friend, Stan Wells).
Visitation will be Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1579.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the VFW Hall or the charity of one’s choice.

 

 

Gene Thomas Buck

Gene Thomas Buck died at the age of 84, Friday, April 26, 2013, at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Unit Hospice in Miles City.
Mr. Buck was born on June 15, 1928, in Minot, N.D., the son of Harry Buck and Elizabeth Catherwood Buck. He was educated in Minot and Plaza, N.D. He entered the Army in 1947.
Upon being honorably discharged from the military he moved to Miles City to join his parents and sisters where he met Dorothy Ann Hardesty. They married in Miles City in 1950. His work and professional life was in the grocery and meat business, he retired from the Montana State Board of Livestock.
Mr. Buck touched everyone he met. The twinkle in his eye and his unique sense of humor will be missed by all of his family and friends.
His survivors include his daughters, Mary Jean (Kelley) Gaskill of Bozeman and Jo Ann (Greg) Kemmis of Portland, Ore.; his sister, Merle (Royce) Mathews of Bull Head, Ariz.; his grandchildren, David Gaskill of Bozeman and Charla (Tim Rice) Kempa of Helena; his sister-in-law, Mary Hardesty of Miles City; as well as his nieces and nephews
Mr. Buck was preceded in death by his beloved Dorothy who died in 2006; one grandson, Chris Gaskill; his parents; and two sisters, Harriet Fjetland and Caroline Johnstone.  
Mr. Buck’s life was filled with many adventures, hobbies and experiences. He enjoyed leatherwork, fishing, hunting, exploring, golf, travel, cross-country skiing, card playing, canoeing, horsemanship and visiting with anyone and everyone. His sense of humor, love of God and Country and of the Eastern Montana High Plains, all served him well.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 1, 2013, from 1 to 6 p.m. with family receiving friends from 4 to 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be Thursday, May 2, 2013, at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Interment will follow at the Calvary Cemetery.
Mr. Buck’s family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to all who loved and cared for him. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Holy Rosary Healthcare Hospice or to St. Vincent de Paul.
 

 

Milton E. "Milt" Benge

Milton E. “Milt” Benge, 86, of Miles City died at the Friendship Villa Care Center on Tuesday, April 23, 2013.
Mr. Benge was born July 25, 1926, at Coalwood, the son of David and Flossie Benge. He attended a rural school through the eighth grade and graduated from Custer County High School in 1943. He returned home after graduation and helped with the farming until he was drafted into the Army in February 1945.
While on furlough in December 1945, he and Hughette Daily were married and lived at Camp Crowder, Mo., and Ft. Monmouth, N.J. After his discharge they returned to the ranch where he formed a partnership with his brother, Dale, and farmed for 12 years.
They were blessed with a son, Douglas, and daughters, Kathryn and Marilyn. Because of an asthmatic condition, he was forced to sell his portion of the farming and move to Miles City in 1958.
In 1963 he became partners with Hal Ross in the Recreation Lanes and worked there until 1976. He then was named Assistant Administrator of the Custer County Rest Home and later served as the Administrator until his retirement in 1989.
Music was very important to him. He loved playing with family and friends at any opportunity. He joined the Eastern Montana Fiddlers Association and played his fiddle and bass guitar for many dances and helped play at nursing homes. He was also active in civic affairs and served as a Trustee at Miles Community College, a member of the Rotary Club, on the Board of Directors of the Montana Health Care Association, past president of the Montana State Bowling Association, a member of the Miles City Area Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors of the Eagles Manor and past president of the Range Riders Museum.
He was admitted to the Friendship Villa in February of 2008 due to a memory problem.
Mr. Benge is survived by his wife, Hughette, of 67 years; three children, Douglas (Lucy) Benge, Kathryn (Fred) Patten and Marilyn (Gary) Hendrix; seven grandchildren, Kevin (Nicole) Benge, Todd (Catrina) Benge, Brett Benge, Krista (Nate) Jorgenson, Chad Patten, Kimberly (Neil) Patterson and Gregory (Lindsay) Hendrix; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.
Visitation will begin on Sunday, April 28, 2013, at 1 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral services will be Monday, April 29, 2013, at 11 a.m. the Presbyterian Church in Miles City.  Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Miles City with full military honors.
Services are under the direction of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, the Range Riders Museum or to the charity of one’s choice.

 

 

Walter Jaeger Jr.
Walter Jaeger Jr., 77, died at his home on Thursday, April 11, 2013.  Mr. Jaeger was born in Sidney in 1935. He attended grade school in Billings and moved to Miles City in 1947 and finished his schooling at Sacred Heart. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School.
Mr. Jaeger worked for Hines Motor Supply. He then contracted and carried mail for the United States Postal Service from Miles City to Colstrip for more than 30 years.
He loved to bowl and even bowled a 300. Mr. Jaeger belonged to the Custer Rod and Gun Club and he loved to hunt and fish. He loved reading books and listening to western music. Mr. Jaeger loved to play cribbage with Reuben Gable and his neighbors.
His survivors include his sister, Jo Ann (Rueben) Gable; two nephews, Robert (Diana) Gable of Spencer Lake, Wash., and Douglas Gable of Bonnie Lake, Wash.; a niece, Karen (George) Aquino of Port Orchard, Wash.; three great-nieces; two great-nephews; and one great-great-niece.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2013, at 11 a.m. in the Calvary Cemetery in Miles City.
Arrangements are under the direction of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com

 

 

John G. Weaver

John G. Weaver, 53, of Terry, died unexpectedly on Thursday, April 18, 2013, in Sidney.
Mr. Weaver was born on July 16, 1959, the son of James William and Mary Ruth Allen Weaver. He grew up and attended high school in Newberry, Mich.
After his schooling, Mr. Weaver married Susan Adler and to this union three children were born, Amy and his twin daughters, Jackie and Janet. The family moved to Terry where they raised their three children. 
In the earlier years to support his family Mr. Weaver worked as a fur trapper and in the lumber mills. He was always very proud of his business (Weaver Tree Cutting), which he owned and operated by himself for many years. He worked as a ditch rider and equipment operator for 28 years with Buffalo Rapids.
On Aug. 7, 2004, Mr. Weaver married the love of his life, Sherry Rilley, in Glendive. They were truly blessed with the years they were able to spend together. Mr. Weaver began working in the oilfields two years ago where he was employed with Black Horse and most recently Concord Energy Holdings until the time of his death.
As a young man, Mr. Weaver enjoyed snowmobiling and bicycling. He always loved having a good time with his family and looked forward to his yearly trips to Deadwood, S.D. He loved playing darts, hunting and spending time with his friends. Mr. Weaver will always be remembered for his sense of humor, being a hard worker and giving a helping hand to anyone who needed it.
He is survived by his wife: Sherry Weaver of Terry; three daughters:  Amy Weaver (Fide) of Colorado and their child, Gina Weaver, Jackie (Kory) Wilkins of Michigan and their children, Shawna Weaver, Elizabeth Wilkins and Jacob Wilkins, and Janet (Doug) Curtis of South Dakota and their children, Derrik Luke, Kirstin Multz, Katera Curtis, Gavin Curtis, Daneye and Tristan Curtis; two step-daughters: Jessica Thomason and Misty Rilley of Billings; two step-sons: Cory (Rebel) Rilley of Conrad, and their children, Kohen and Kennedy Rilley, and Casey (Desi) Rilley of Glendive and their children, Emily and Jentry Rilley; a brother: Merle Weaver; nine sisters: Lily (Bryan) Brainerd, Ginger (Louis) Campbell, Lois (Tony) Jasienski, Kathleen (Mike) Zuraw, Pauline (Merle) Hunt, Linda (Terry) Dishaw, Robin (Dan) Ashmore, Sharon (Jim) Holderness and Mary Anne (Mike) Middleton; and numerous, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Lonnie Weaver and Jim Weaver; and father-in-law, Richard Kaul.
Visitation will be Friday, April 26, 2013, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 27, 2013, at 11 a.m. at the Wesleyan Church in Terry. Interment will follow in the Prairie County Cemetery.  Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Terry is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

 

 

Diane Christine Deutscher Ewell
A Celebration of Life for Diane Christine Deutscher Ewell of Billings, former Plevna resident, will be Saturday, April 27, 2013, at 11:30 a.m. in the Cremation and Funeral Gallery, 29 Eighth St. West in Billings. A luncheon will follow the services in the Union Hall, 108 11th St. West in Billings.

 

 

Jean Smith

Jean Smith, 81, former Terry resident, died Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at the home of her daughter, Tina Szczepanski in Yakima, Wash.
She was born in Tacoma, Wash., on June 27, 1931, but spent her early childhood years in Syracuse, Kan., and Durango, Colo. She later moved to Terry where she met Lysle Robert “Bob” Buckingham. They were married on Feb. 16, 1947, in Terry and raised five children there. They later divorced.
She and Joe “Jae” Leroy Smith were married on Nov. 20, 1971, in Sheridan, Wyo. They lived in Billings; Spokane, Wash.; Capistrano Beach, Calif.; and Eureka, Calif. When Mr. Smith died in 1998, Mrs. Smith moved to Yakima to be near her daughter.
She is survived by her five children: Larry and Linda Buckingham, Etta and Jim Burnham and Hal Buckingham, all of Billings; Tina and Dean Szczepanski of Yakima; and Julie Kaufman of Miles City. In addition, she is survived by 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Should friends desire, donations may be made to the hospice program of the donor’s choice, in Mrs. Smith’s name.
Rainier Memorial Center in Yakima is caring for her arrangements. No services planned at this time.

 

 

Linda Utterback
On April 18th,  Linda Rhea Utterback passed away at Peace Hospice in Great Falls, Montana. A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 26th at the Presbyterian Church in Conrad, Montana.
Linda was born to Frank “Bud” and Nadine Holter in Miles City, Montana on June 20, 1947. She attended Miles City Public Schools and graduated from Custer County High School in 1965. She began her college education at Miles Community College and graduated from Eastern Montana College in Billings, Montana with a B.S. In Education and an extended major in English.
Linda met Lynn Utterback at Eastern and they were married on May 3, 1969 in Miles City, Montana.
Linda taught full time and part time at several schools in Montana, including Terry, Sunburst, Fort Benton, Medicine Lake and Brady.  Linda’s first love and true vocation was her children and family.
Linda and Lynn had two children, a son Cory and a daughter Kelly. Linda loved nothing more than being with her children.
In later years, Christmas and other vacations were of such importance that every minute was scheduled and orchestrated for maximum joy and efficiency. Occasionally, those of the family less skilled in time management details would fail to live up to the predetermined agenda and were given additional coaching.
As her children and extended family grew, so did Linda’s love for them. Elaborate calendars, highlighting everyone’s accomplishments and their birthdays were developed, printed and delivered for Christmas. Daily communications with family, especially her beloved sisters, were always part of Linda’s schedule. She was an avid photographer and an electronic scrapbooker — not surprisingly, her favorite subject matter was her family. She will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her.
Linda is survived by Lynn Utterback, her husband of 43 years (Conrad, Montana), her son Cory and his wife Dorinda (Whitefish, MT), her daughter Kelly and husband Jeremy Fuhringer (Great Falls, MT), her parents Bud and Nadine Holter (Miles City, MT), her sister Jody and husband Les Mahon (Gillette, Wyoming), her sister Jeri Lester (Brady, MT), her sister Sandi and husband Jim Updyke (Miles City, MT) and many nephews and nieces who were loved so dearly.
The following are suggested memorials: Sletten Cancer Institute; Conrad Community Education Foundation.

 

 

Monte Harstad
Monte Harstad left his pain and suffering to be with the Lord on April 19, 2013.
Monte was born in Forsyth October 10, 1960 to John and Eleanor (Freier) Harstad. He was raised on the family ranch in Rosebud. Monte graduated Rosebud in 1979 and continued to work on the family ranch until health problems forced him to move to Billings.
While receiving dialysis treatments he met the love of his life, Robyn. Monte received a kidney and pancreas transplant in 1994 and in 1995 He and Robyn were married.
A cowboy at heart, Monte loved working with his cows, horses and dogs. Monte and Robyn made their home on a ranch near Pryor.
Monte is survived by his wife Robyn (Kramer) Harstad, mother Eleanor Harstad Neurohr and stepfather John Neurohr of Miles City, stepchildren Josh and Chanelle Quesenberry of Billings, brother-in-law John Ottun of Ballentine, father-in-law Larry Kramer of Billings, sisters-in-law Melanie (Todd) Jansma of Molt, Kathy (Warren) of Las Vegas, Lori (Kyle) of Billings, Crystal Harstad of California, and numerous cousin, nieces, aunts and uncles.
Preceded in death: father John Harstad, sisters Lynda Ottun and Peggy Harstad, brother Rowland Limberhand Harstad, mother-in-law Pat Kramer, and grandparents.
We will miss you, Monte, your wonderful smile, and your natural way of making people laugh. We love you!
Special thanks to all the doctors and nurses that cared for Monte and to all the people who donated to his transplant fund back in 1994.
Funeral services will be held 1p.m. Wednesday, April 24, at Faith Chapel, located at 517 Shiloh Road. Visitation begins at 5 p.m. Monday, April 22, at Smith West Chapel, located at 304 34 Street West. Cremation will follow the service.
Memorials can be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund, National Kidney Foundation, or charity of choice.

 

 

Marian Meland
Marian Meland, 86, of Terry, died peacefully at the Prairie Community Hospital in Terry of natural causes.
Marian Brown was born on March 30, 1927, the daughter of Ralph and Florence Brown at Eau Claire, Wis. She grew up and attended school in Oakland, Ore., where she graduated from high school.
On Nov. 24, 1979, she married the love of her life, Pete Meland, in Petersburg, Alaska. They made their home in Sitka, Alaska, for a short period of time until Mr. Meland’s retirement.
They moved to Monona, Iowa, where they lived for six years. In 1989 they moved to Myrtle Creek, Ore., to be closer with family and built a new home. They resided in the Myrtle Creek and Roseburg area there until the time of Mr. Meland’s death. In 2006 Mrs. Meland moved to Fallon where she remained until the time of her death.
Mrs. Meland loved fishing, hunting, cooking and truly loved doing crafts. She was an avid quilter and loved to sew and do oil paintings.
Dan and Dawnya Kirkpatrick took special care of Mrs. Meland for the last several years. She truly enjoyed her time with them and she grew especially fond of their children, Micah and Shawnee.
Mrs. Meland is survived by her children, Frank (Judy) Cramer of Fallon, Dave (Sue) Meland of Salem, Ore., Mike (Paula) Cramer of Myrtle Creek, Ore., and Carolyn Cramer of Sutherlin, Ore.; four grandchildren, Shasta Gish, Russell Cramer, Keith Cramer and Rebecca Cramer; and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete; and one brother, Delmar Brown.
A memorial service will be Monday, April 22, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Terry. 
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.

 

 

Joseph L. Dingfelder

Word has been received of the death of Joseph L. Dingfelder, 34, of Greeley, Colo., former Miles City resident. He died Sunday, April 7, 2013, near Greeley. He graduated from high school in Miles City and attended Miles Community College. Funeral Services for Mr. Dingfelder will be Saturday, April 20, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. in the Bowman Lutheran Church in Bowman, N.D. Pastor Charles Swanson and Pastor Galen Strand will officiate with burial to follow in the Bowman Cemetery. Family and Friends Services will be on Friday, April 19, 2013, at 7 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Rhame, N.D. Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Services of Bowman is in charge of the arrangements.

 

 

Edmond George Scanlan

Edmond George Scanlan, 89, of Gallatin Gateway, formerly of Miles City, also known as “Rocky” to some, and “MR. Wonderful” to others, died in his home on Friday, April 12, 2013. 
He was born Jan. 12, 1924, in Rockypoint, Wyo., to James and Ruth Martin Scanlan. He quickly joined the Navy in 1940 and served as a cook on the U.S.S. St. Louis, “The Lucky Lou.” He survived more than 16 major battles in World War II and Korea. Among those included the Bombing of Pearl Harbor and the Marianas Turkey Shoot. During his enlistment he was also King of the Pipe Champ, Pacific Fleet Heavyweight Boxing and Wrestling Champ.
On leave in 1944 he married his first wife, Ruth Hogan. Towards the end of his enlistment he served and lived in Yokosuka, Japan, setting up warehouses for the Korean War Effort. He hired local Japanese to help and was loved so much that they nick named him #1 Skivvy Boy. Mr. Scanlan loved Japan and would have stayed if the circumstances were right.
In 1953 he left the Navy and was honorably discharged. He would soon divorce his first wife, Ruth, and marry his second who was from Minnesota. He would then marry his third wife, Eva Dowdy, and have daughter, Terry Scanlan. After his third wife, Eva, in 1958 Mr. Scanlan would marry his fourth wife, Harriet Starr, while working as a bartender in Miles City at the Office Bar. While together they had five children, Chuck Scanlan, Noreen Joe Scanlan, John Starr, Dee Starr and Terry Scanlan.
Between 1958 and 1975 Mr. Scanlan moved from Miles City to Virginia City to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to Shawmut. There, in Shawmut, he began working for the Milwaukee Railroad again. Then in 1968 he moved the family to Two Dot.
In 1975, he and his fourth wife, Harriet, divorced. In 1978 Mr. Scanlan flew to the Philippines to pick up his fifth wife, Aurora Calma. While there he was presented a medal from the Philippine Government for his efforts during Pearl Harbor. The couple would have two children together, John and Charlene Scanlan. They would then move to Miles City in 1984 and eventually end up in Bozeman and Gallatin Gateway from 1985 to present.
Mr. Scanlan worked as a hard rock miner, and worked for the Milwaukee as a conductor and brakeman until his retirement.
He loved mining, fishing and his family and friends. There was no end to his love as a father, tough love or not, and he will be greatly missed.
His survivors include three daughters, Terry Hulford, Noreen (Joe) Popp and Dee Starnes; three sons, Charles Scanlan, John Starnes and John P. Scanlan; 26 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James F. and Ruth Scanlan; his sister, Rita May Scanlan; and his daughter, Charlene Ruth Scanlan.
Services will be at Dokken-Nelson Sunset Chapel on Friday, April 19, 2013, at 6 p.m. Interment with military honors will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2013, in Miles City at the Calvary Cemetery.
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service.  www.dokkennelson.com
Condolences may be sent by visiting the Web site at www.stevensonandsons.com

 

 

Juliana E. "Julia" Stoltz

Juliana E. “Julia” Stoltz, 83, died Saturday, April 13, 2013, at TLC Care Center in Miles City.
She was born on July 1, 1929, in Morristown, N.D., to Mike and Mary Rose Fleck Frieze. She grew up and attended schools in Morristown.
On Jan. 20, 1948, she and Matt Stoltz were married and, since that time, had made Moon Creek their home until 2005. They then moved to Miles City where they purchased their home on Woodbury. Mr. Stoltz died March 5, 2010.
Mrs. Stoltz is survived by her children, Dennis (Sheryl) Stoltz, Jim (Sandy) Stoltz and Maryann Stoltz; her grandchildren, Michelle Stoltz, Kareen Stoltz and J.J. Stoltz; and her siblings, Ceceila Kuntz, Joe Frieze, Dale Frieze, Al Frieze, Donna Jones and Elonore Stoltz.
In addition to her parents and husband, Matt, Mrs. Stoltz was preceded in death by her brother, Carl Frieze; and sisters, Maggie DiBendetto, Caroline Frieze, Delores Kuckznka and Loretta DeGlopper.
Visitation will be Thursday April 18, 2013, with family receiving friends from 4 to 6 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, April 19, 2013, at 1 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Rite of Committal to follow at CalvaryCemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.

 

 

James Ebert "J.E." Stanton

James Ebert “J.E.” Stanton, 87, died peacefully in his home on Sunday, April 14, 2013, surrounded by his family.
Mr. Stanton was born in Hazney on July 5, 1925, to Ebert and Grace Stanton. He and his family lived on the family farm until the 1930s when the family moved to Jordan where his dad had a mail route and a trucking business. Mr. Stanton attended elementary school at the Blackfoot School in Brusett.
After he graduated from Garfield County High School in 1943, he returned to the family farm.
On April 2, 1946, he and Eleen Hawkinson, his high school sweetheart who was the girl next door, were married. They made their home on the farm in Brusett where they lived until he retired and moved to Miles City. Mr. Stanton served on the Board of Directors of the Garfield County Bank for several years. He was active with the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service and he was a member of the Masonic Lodge.
This hard-working, gentle man will be remembered by his family and friends as a man of integrity. He loved his family without condition and never forgot his grandchildren at Christmas or birthdays. Everyone was anxious to receive.
Grandpa’s cards with checks enclosed. He made sure he always had ice cream and Oreo cookies for his great-grandchildren. He was a patient, kind, generous man who will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Mr. Stanton is survived by his son, Ron (Becky) Stanton; daughter, Sue Stanton; and grandchildren, Jennifer (Kanyon) Chamberlin of Miles City, Wendy (Ryan) Larson of Belle Fourche, S.D., Renee (Derek) Hepper of Rapid City, S.D., Joshua Stanton of St. Louis, Mo., and Rebecca (Kelly) Kortum of Bozeman, Wayne Berry of Billings; a brother, Bill Stanton of Billings; a sister, Clara (Jack) Patton of Amarillo, Texas; a brother-in-law, Elmer (Peggy) Hawkinson of
Laurel; a sister-in-law, Loita Hawkinson of Kirkland, Wash.; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The lights of his life were his great-grandchildren, Devin, Alecia and Dezirae Chamberlin, Tate, Reese and Denali Larson, and Brody Hepper.
Mr. Stanton was preceded in death by Eleen, his wife of 60 years; an infant son, Jimmy; his parents, Ebert Stanton and Grace Curry; his sister, Lee Hawkinson; his daughter-in-law, Peggy Stanton; and brothers-in-law, Harold and Dale Hawkinson.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Miles Community College Ag Advancement Center, or to the charity of their choice.

 

 

Mary M. Hudson
Mary M. Hudson, 85, died at her home of natural causes on Saturday morning, April 6, 2013.
She was born in Pendelton, Texas, on Oct. 29, 1927. She was the fourth child of Val and Grace Morgan. She married her sweetheart on Aug. 10, 1946. From this union three children were born, two sons and one daughter.
In 1957, Mrs. Hudson was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She enjoyed teaching people about the God she loved, Jehovah. She often used her good sense of humor to reason with ones.
She moved to Montana to join her daughter and son-in-law in 2005 after the death of her husband. She enjoyed playing the organ and singing songs with friends and family.
Her survivors include her sons, Roger of Woodburn, Ore., and David of Bend, Ore.; her daughter, Sharon of Miles City; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her father, Val; her mother, Grace; and brothers, Leon, Dorman, Jack and Larry.
A Memorial Service will be Saturday, April 20, 2013, at 2 p.m. in Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Cremation has taken place.

 

 

David Kuchynka
David Kuchynka Jr., 62, of Miles City died quietly at Holy Rosary Healthcare on Thursday, April 11, 2013, supported and surrounded by family.
He was born in Billings to David and Judy-Meyers Kuchynka. His family moved to Miles City early in his childhood, where he was raised and attended school. Mr. Kuchynka worked a wide variety of labor-intensive jobs around the community.
He was an avid card player who loved sharing in games of Uno with friends and family, occasionally capped off by a late-day coyote hunting expedition, or similar adventure. Mr. Kuchynka was very generous with his time and was always busy lending a hand to his friends who were so important to him. He had a great affection for animals, especially cats, and gave many a little stray a warm and loving home over the years. No matter his circumstance, he always shared his home with a furry friend.
He was last employed at Quality of Meats of Montana in Miles City. 
Mr. Kuchynka is survived by his siblings, Judy Pittman of Acworth, Ga., Vonnie (Bob) Goodson and Alan (Ruth) Kuchynka of Miles City, Katy (Alan Parr) Marshall of Sorrento, La., and Toni (Greg White) Kuchynka-Breeden of Canton, Ga.; his son, Shawn Kuchynka of Washington; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, David; his mother, Judy; and his brother-in-law, Jeff Pittman.
Visitation will begin Monday, April 15, 2013, at 11 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will follow on Monday, April 15, 2013, at 3 p.m. in 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.

 

 

Barbara Forcier
Funeral Mass for Barbara Forcier, 80, of Walla Walla, Wash., former Miles City and Cohagen resident, was Friday morning , April 5, 2013, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Walla Walla with Father Paul Cochran as celebrant.
Mrs. Forcier died Monday, April 1, 2013, two days after her milestone 80th birthday. She was at home in the arms of her daughter, Mona, when she died. Cancer did not win ... God just needed another angel in Heaven.
She was born March 30, 1933, in Miles City to Charles and Mary Pluhar Pestka. She was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School, Class of 1951, in Miles City. She worked at a bank while in school.
After her children were raised, she worked as a secretary for Roach & Monahan Law Office and later would fill in as a receptionist at Linscott, Wylie & Blize.
She enjoyed being a “people person” and meeting new people. She had an abundance of friends and family who meant the world to her.
On Aug. 1, 1953, she married Ben Forcier at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. He died on June 27, 1997.
Mrs. Forcier was raised on a sheep and cattle ranch in Cohagen. She had a soft heart and a love for the “bum” lambs. Later in life, she had sheep and all of them were named. She would bottle feed any lambs that were struggling and she managed to save most of them.
She had many passions in life. Mrs. Forcier loved playing bridge and belonged to several bridge clubs. She loved genealogy and was always thrilled to locate new family members. Mrs. Forcier was instrumental in assisting with a family reunion last summer to celebrate 101 years on the family homestead in Cohagen.
Although she lived in Walla Walla since 1959, she still thought of Cohagen as home. She loved Mac computers and her iPhone and would often be seen texting. She was proud to call herself the “High Tech Granny of Walla Walla.”
Mrs. Forcier was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, St. Anne’s Altar Society and Catholic Daughters of the America Court St. Cecelia No. 668. She had received her 50-year pin from Catholic Daughters and was very proud when her daughter, Mona, followed in her footsteps and became a member.
She is survived by her two daughters, Roxy Johnson of Portland, Ore., and Mona and her husband, James Purcell, of Walla Walla; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild, all in the Portland area.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Forcier; son, Craig Forcier; infant son, Mark Forcier; her parents, Charles and Mary Pluhar Pestka; and a sister, Ramona Skomski.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart School of Miles City or Walla Walla Community Hospice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla, Walla, WA 99362.
Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.

 

 

Darin Ray Brown

Darin Ray Brown, 38, of Acton, died Saturday, April 6, 2013, as he was flying home from the Wolf Point farm.
He was born on July 2, 1974, to Dennis and Evonne Brown in Wolf Point. Mr. Brown grew up on the family farm as the second of three boys and lived life with the motto of working hard and playing just as hard. He loved to build and create, which resulted in many learning experiences, many of which ended him up in the Emergency Room and on the prayer chain. Mr. Brown loved farm life, riding motorcycles, driving fast, basketball and especially the cattle and animals. He fell in love with flying and at age 16 years, earned his pilot’s license. In spite of his adventuresome spirit, he had a tender heart especially towards the Lord and asked Jesus to take away his sins at the age of four.
He graduated from Lustre Christian High School in 1992 as valedictorian and went on to Montana State University in Bozeman where he majored in Ag Tech and minored in computers.
At college, he fell in love with his future farm girl, Sarah Kelm, and they were married on Nov. 23, 1996. After graduation, he took her home to continue farming with his brothers and father, with his main area being cattle. There, he started the bull sales for Brown Angus Ranch.
Mr. Brown was especially skilled in mechanics, welding, building, family relations and jobs that were high and dangerous. In 2007, he left the cattle and made the transition to farming in Acton where he enjoyed more time working alongside his father. 
Mr. Brown was blessed with his five children and loved to include them in his everyday work, especially working with and training his boys in farm responsibilities and in being young men of Godly character. He was always ready for wrestling with his children, games, playing ball and snuggling with his girls.
He loved reading, days on the lake skiing, visiting with friends, skiing, a good debate and anything competitive. His wife and children were blessed first hand by his integrity, deep love for them and his joy in life.
Aside from farming, Mr. Brown loved the Lord deeply. which motivated him as he enjoyed many years of challenging children in his Lustre Sunday School class and entertaining them with many stories of his adventures, accidents and scars. From high school on, he spent many years teaching Awana kids, counseling at Beacon Bible Camp, leading a small group at church and was in his second term on the children’s school board in Broadview.
Mr. Brown left behind his wife, Sarah, and their five children, Michael, Zachary, Joshua, Grace and Hannah, as well as his parents, Dennis and Evonne; his brothers, Robert (Yvonne) Brown and Jason (Stephanie) Brown; 21 nieces and nephews including two he loved but hadn’t met yet from Haiti; his grandparents, Norbert and Alice Unger; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Mr. Brown’s passion for Heaven was made real and there he was reunited with his grandparents, Les and Helen Brown.
Celebrations of Mr. Brown’s life will be on Thursday, April 11, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Faith Evangelical Church in Billings. Visitation will be Friday, April 12, 2013, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. Funeral services will be in Lustre on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. in the Lustre Christian High School and his burial will be in the Mennonite Brethren Church Cemetery following the service.
Memorial gifts may be given to Lustre Christian High School (294 Lustre Rd., Lustre, MT 59225) and/or Mission Aviation Fellowship (P.O. Box 47, Nampa, ID 83653).  
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point and Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City are in charge of the arrangements. 
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.

 

 

Samuel "Sam" Selman

Samuel “Sam” Selman, 87, of Glendive died Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at the Glendive Medical Center in Glendive.
Mr. Selman was born on May 13, 1925, in Glendive, the son of Samuel B. and Stella B. Landsaw Selman. He was raised and educated in Glendive where he attended local schools graduating from Dawson County High School with the class of 1944.
Following high school, he and Delberta “Gay” Richey were married on June 13, 1944, in Culbertson. In 1944, Mr. Selman enlisted in the United States Army, where he was deployed to France and Germany. He received an honorable discharge in 1946. After military service he returned to Glendive where he worked on the family ranch on Belle Prairie and several different jobs to help support his family and the ranch.
He was a member of the Grand Masonic Lodge, the Moose Lodge #949, and the Elks Lodge #1324. Mr. Selman had a strong faith and was very active at the First Congregational United Church of Christ where he also sang in the choir for 50 years.
Mr. Selman thoroughly enjoyed the rodeo life in which he was a roper. His hobbies included playing basketball until he was 70 years of age, hunting and anything that involved horses. He loved his family and was very proud of them all. Spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was something he cherished.
His survivors include his children, Bob (Daisy) Selman of Miles City, Vicki Christophersen of Billings, James Selman of Billings and Jennell (Phil) Luman of Forsyth; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; a special friend, Mickey; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; three sisters; three brothers-in-law; and a nephew.
A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 5, 2013, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Glendive with Brother Guy Pontoriero officiating.
Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com.

 

 

Marica N. Storck

Marica N. Storck, 91, of Terry died peacefully on Friday, March 29, 2013, at the Prairie Community Hospital in Terry.
She was born in Acampo, Calif., (seven miles north of Lodi)  on April 20, 1921, to Peter and Nota (Karras) Anagnos. She attended grade school at Live Oak Elementary and attended Lodi High School where she graduated in 1939.
Soon thereafter, she married John Maragos at Lodi in 1939. The family farmed in the Lodi/Stockton, Calif., area for many years.
Mrs. Storck spent most of her life as a homemaker, but also enjoyed occasionally working at her favorite jewelry store as a clerk. In 1975, she moved to Los Angeles, Calif., to live with her daughter, where they both enjoyed the big city until 1994, when they both returned to Lodi to live on the family farm after her mother’s death. 
In 2003, she moved to Galt, Calif., and in 2007 to Terry with her daughter, where she made her home for the remainder of her life.
Mrs. Storck loved Terry and especially loved to have coffee with her Terry friends. She enjoyed playing Bingo and enjoyed going to the senior center. She spent many years having a great time square dancing (back in the day), and enjoying a good glass of wine (any day).
One of her loves was her special dog, “Shu Shu,” a companion with whom she spent 14 years cuddling. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Mrs. Storck and her daughter loved making the Greek pastry “baklava” and loved sharing it with everyone.
Mrs. Storck played the violin in her younger years. She was also a fine seamstress and really enjoyed taking classes to learn the new-fangled computerized sewing machine she obtained. She always liked jokes and had a great sense of humor.
Her survivors include her daughter, Diana Maragos of Terry; a brother, Spiro (Maridel) Anagnos of Acampo, Calif.; and a large extended Greek family in California.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Emmanuel J. Maragos in 1978; and a brother, Leo Anagnos in 2009.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 4, 2013, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Graveside services will follow at 1 p.m. at the Prairie County Cemetery in Terry.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Terry is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, donations may be made in her name to the Prairie Community Hospital Foundation.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.

 

 

Evelyn Louise "Evie" Ochsner
Evelyn Louise “Evie” Ochsner, 65, of St. Regis, former Miles City resident, died Thursday, March 28, 2013, at her home in St. Regis. She died peacefully in her sleep of a heart attack.
She was born July 6, 1947, in Miles City to Frank and Elsie Leitholt Zawada. She attended Missoula County High School and after graduation began working at Mountain Bell as a switchboard operator. She was an independent woman who believed in herself and pushed boundaries by becoming the first woman pole climber for Mountain Bell in the early 1970s. She retired in 1995.
She loved music and really knew how to cut a rug. She and her father spent many nights on the dance floor jitterbugging and she enjoyed teaching others to dance, especially her two sons. She also was an animal lover who doted toww her pets and was a dedicated Griz fan.
A very sensitive and caring person, she above all loved her family. She was a devoted daughter who adored her father and spent the last years of her life caring for her mother. Being a loving mother and grandmother was one of the most important aspects of her life and where she truly found joy and happiness.
She is survived by her mother, Elsie Zawada of Missoula; her brother, Leonard Zawada of Missoula; two sons, Scott Ochsner of Superior and Kory Ochsner of Seattle, Wash.; three grandchildren, Kacy, Kody and Fox; and many cousins in Miles City and an aunt.
Her wishes were to not have a funeral service, but instead for her family to scatter her ashes.

 

 

Ronald George Severson

Ronald George Severson, 72, of Miles City died on Friday, March 29, 2013, at Holy Rosary Extended Care in Miles City.
Ron was born on February 26, 1941, in Scobey, Mont., the fourth of five children born to George and Ruth Severson. He grew up on the family farm near Redstone, Mont. As a youth, Ron was active in Future Farmers of America and 4-H. He attended country schools and graduated from Plentywood High School in 1960. 
After high school, Ron attended Montana State University at Bozeman in agriculture. In 1960 he entered the U.S. Army Reserve, training at Fort Ord in California. His active duty was at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, and he devoted six years to the Reserve before being honorably discharged as a sergeant.
In 1965 Ron married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Anne Johnson, in Plentywood, Mont. They settled on the family farm, where Ron worked.
In 1967 their son, Allen, was born. In 1969 the couple moved to Great Falls, Mont., where Ron sold insurance and tires before discovering his lifelong career of selling manufactured homes.
In 1970 the couple had a daughter, Marla. In 1973 Ron was transferred to Bozeman to manage a manufactured home dealership. Cheryl stayed home with the children. They lived in the country and enjoyed having horses, goats and a few calves, more for pets than for profit. 
Around 1980 the family moved to nearby Belgrade, and Ron continued in sales. He was a truly gifted salesman, spending 30 years selling manufactured homes in the Gallatin Valley and beyond. Several times, he was top salesman in a multiple-state region and earned many awards over his career. He was known for being able to close a deal when no one else could, and truly enjoyed talking to and helping people.
Ron also helped to teach his son the trade. Eventually Allen became a partner in the dealership, and Ron worked for him.
Ron retired in 2009 and the couple moved to Miles City, where his daughter and son-in-law reside. After settling in Miles City, he became a member of First Lutheran Church.
In his heart, Ron was always a cowboy. His rural background showed in his values and his mindset. He enjoyed watching western movies and was a big fan of John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. He also had a talent for halter-breaking horses and was a pleasure to watch.
Wherever he went, Ron went out of his way to talk to people and especially enjoyed giving sales clerks a hard time, leaving them with a smile.
He was a very devoted father, attending his children's various activities and following his grandchildren as much as possible. 
Ron was very close to his three brothers and his sister, enjoying frequent phone calls and occasional visits with them. He will always be “Ronnie” to his family.
Over the years he enjoyed collecting western memorabilia, attending garage sales, playing cards, watching rodeo, traveling and visiting relatives.
He was a very upbeat person. When he lost his mobility and later learned that COPD would claim his life, he maintained a positive attitude and stayed active, never losing his zest for life. 
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ruth Severson.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Cheryl Severson of Miles City; his son, Allen (Missy) Severson of Bozeman, Mont.; his daughter, Marla (Casey) Prell of Miles City; seven grandchildren: Jared, Jamie, Tiffany and Jason Severson and Clay, Cole and Cord Prell; three brothers: Vernon (Lorraine) Severson of Great Falls, Mont.; Marvin (Linda) Severson of Redstone, Mont.; and Norman (Neoma) Severson of Williston, N.D.; one sister, Eileen (Raymond) Wittak of Flaxville, Mont.; numerous cousins; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Tuesday, April 2, 2013, with the family receiving friends from 4 to 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church of Miles City. The church will host a luncheon immediately following the service. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery, with full military honors.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Wake Up & Lace Up Foundation of Miles City, 107 Balsam Drive, Miles City, MT 59301.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.

 

 

 Darrell Dean Davis
Darrell Dean Davis of Miles City, 81, died Sunday, March 31, 2013, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center Nursing Home in Glendive of natural causes.
Mr. Davis was born in Burlington, Iowa, on Feb. 18, 1932. He attended grade school and graduated in Hastings, Neb. He went to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation until he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served in Germany. Upon his discharge he moved to Ogden, Utah, where he operated his own janitorial business.
Mr. Davis later moved to Arizona and graduated from Arizona State University with a master’s degree in education. He married his wife, Verniece Sheets, while going to school in Arizona.
Following his graduation he taught school in Arizona for nearly 20 years. Mr. and Mrs. Davis moved to Marysville, Kan., in 1984 where they lived until they moved to Miles City in November 1992. They made their home in Miles City since.
Mr. Davis loved to read, loved his cars, buying and trading them. You name it, he drove it.
His survivors include his wife, Verniece Davis of Miles City; his son, Darren A. Davis (Jamie) of Miles City; and grandson, Devin Dean Davis. 
He was preceded in death by two sisters.
Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3, 2013, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be Thursday, April 4, 2013, at 2 p.m. in Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. nterment and dedication of the grave will follow in the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery in Miles City with full military honors.
Condolences for the family may be left at: www.stevensonandsons.com

 

 

Julie Ann Etchemendy

Julie Ann Etchemendy, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, died on Monday, March 25, 2013, after a short illness.
She was born in Glendive on Dec. 17, 1932, to Joe and Edith Reinholz. She moved to Miles City to attend Sacred Heart High School and after graduation went to work at Deluxe Motors where she met John Etchemendy. They were married on Aug. 12, 1953.
Mrs. Etchemendy was a doting mother of their four children while she worked from home at the family business, Miles City Sanitation. She was an active bowler, golfer and bridge and bonco player, however following her children in their sports endeavors always took priority.
She had a sweet smile, kind demeanor, lots of patience and was easy going. Mrs. Etchemendy maintained lifelong friends, including many from high school and her neighborhoods.
Mr. and Mrs. Etchemendy bought into a cabin in Red Lodge with other Miles City families. Their family enjoyed many wonderful vacations there for almost 50 years. Mr. and Mrs. Etchemendy traveled many times to Knights of Columbus conventions and were able to see much of the United States. After retirement, Mrs. Etchemendy and her husband spent several winters in Yuma, Ariz., and they took driving trips with friends and family to Texas, Mexico, Alaska and Louisiana.
Mrs. Etchemendy was honored at the recent celebration of her life for her 80th birthday party. Many friends and family showed up to share their love, wish her well, and spend time with her. She said that was the happiest day of her life.
Her survivors include Jody Etchemendy (Miles City) and her children, Holly Mentikov and Kristine Mentikov, Michelle and Kyle Luckow (Swan Lake) and their daughters, Summerlee and Rachel, and Mike and Jamie Etchemendy (Miles City) and their children Marty, Megan, and Garrett, daughter-in-law Colleen Newton and her children Johnny Etchemendy and Jeffrey Newton and numerous nieces and nephews. All of her grandchildren were special to her. She always told them “I love you with all my heart.”
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; her son, Marty; her sister, Florence Gasparetti; and brothers, Fred, Joe and Jim.  
Visitation will be Monday, April 1, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City followed by a Rosary and Vigil service at 6 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at 10 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary Cemetery.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Wake Up and Lace Up, 107 Balsam, Miles City, MT 59301 or to Holy Rosary Hospice, 2600 Wilson St., Miles City, MT 59301.

 

 

Nancy C. Luther

Nancy C. Luther, 73, of Miles City died Monday, March 25, 2013, at the Holy Rosary Healthcare.
Mrs. Luther was born May 15, 1939, in Silesia to Henry Stoddard and Florence Sweeny Stoddard. She had two sisters (Patty and Sharon) and six brothers (Chuck, David, Teddy, Bill, Frank and Michael).
She and George Luther Sr. were married on Aug. 9, 1958, at Hardin. Together they ranched on Sarpy Creek in the Hardin area before moving to Sweeny Creek in the Rosebud area. They had four children: George Jr., Darell, Terese and Cory.
Mrs. Luther’s children have numerous happy memories growing up on the ranch with their parents. Mrs. Luther attended North Park School in Billings and became a lifelong avid reader and learner with a very broad knowledge base. Some of her favorite childhood memories were climbing the Rimrocks with her siblings in Billings and working at the soda fountain at Stockman Cafe and Ideal Bakery in Billings. She appreciated her Grandma Kiser for being there for her during her growing up years. She loved reading passionately and delighted in leaving bags of books with others or just on their doorsteps. She loved crocheting and genealogy (she knew every cemetery in Montana and beyond).
Mrs. Luther enjoyed anything or events that involved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild involved in plays, sports, paintball or just watching them play or visiting. She loved to mow hay with the Ford tractor until they bought a swather and then enjoyed it more. The family had a horse that would always buck the boys off, but she had a way of jumping right up on that same horse and riding off with no problems.
She loved flowers and gardening. Mrs. Luther cared about everyone more than herself and spent many hours writing letters and emailing family and friends. She enjoyed reconnecting with her siblings during her middle years, loved to work cattle and collected dolls and loved spending time with dear friends.
She is survived by her husband, George Sr. of Miles City; her children: George Jr. (Katrina) and their children Trevor (Kim) and Travis, all of Miles City, Darell (Tammy) and their children Teal and Callie of  Rosebud, Terese Luther and her children Charlie (Celeste) of Nebraska, Katie (Jess) of Rosebud and Emily Pitkin of Miles City, and Cory of Rosebud and her daughter Anna (Mark) of Miles City and great-grandson Kory; Jodee Kuden of Alaska; a sister: Sharon Larson of Louisiana; sister-in-law: Delores Luther of Hardin; special cousin: Jack Frantal of Great Falls; and many beloved nieces and nephews. 
Mrs. Luther was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Chuck, Teddie, David, Bill, Frank and Michael Stoddard; and sister: Patty Hayden.
Visitation will be Monday, April 1, 2013, at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home, followed by a Rosary and Vigil Service at 7 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at 2 p.m. in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.