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 July 3

Mildred Rosella Hess
Mildred Rosella Hess, 90, of CBR Glendive, died peacefully on Sunday, June 29, 2008, at the Prairie Community Health Care Facility in Terry.
Mrs. Hess was born Feb. 25, 1918, in Plentywood to Adolph and Minnie Heidemann Helmer. Her family settled in Sidney where she attended school, graduating from Sidney High School
She and Al Hess were married on June 8, 1935. They lived in Sidney until 1946 when they moved to Prairie County with their three children to farm and ranch. They were happily married for 57 years until Mr. Hess died in 1992.
Mr. and Mrs. Hess were avid sport fans following their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their many sporting events. They were known as Grandpa and Grandma Hess to many of their grandchildren’s friends. They also loved to have a vegetable garden.
Mrs. Hess enjoyed making quilts, crocheting afghans and embroidering dish towels and pillow cases. She especially loved getting in a tractor and doing summer fallow.
She served as Prairie County Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer and also worked in the Assessors office, Montana-Dakota Utilities, Prairie County Clinic and the Terry and Fallon elevators. She served as treasurer of the Fallon Sewer Board for more than 30 years. She was active in 4-H and was a leader of the Neat and Nifty 4-H Club.
Her survivors include her son, Dale (Marti) Hess of Burkburnett, Texas; her daughter, Dorcas (Don) Lee of Terry; brother-in-law, Joe (Fran) Monroe of San Jose, Calif.; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; four great-great-granddaughters; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Al; son, Dean; her parents; brother, Fred (Camilla) Helmer; sister, Norma Cox; grandson, Derrik Lee; sister-in-law, Ann (Sam) Rupp; and grandson-in-law, David Jones.
Private family interment will be held in the Prairie County Cemetery in Terry. A public memorial service will be held Thursday, July 24, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the Prairie County Cemetery.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Terry is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Prairie County Health Center in Terry or to the charity of one’s choice.

Norma Jean Combs Howard
Norma Jean Combs Howard, 81, of Miles City died Saturday, June 28, 2008, under hospice care at Shady Lane Assisted Living.
Mrs. Howard was born on Nov. 27, 1926, in Terry, the daughter of William A. and Edith Mann Combs. They lived at Whites Creek, north of the Yellowstone River and east of Crow Rock. The family moved to Little Pumpkin Creek in the Stacy area in 1930.
Mrs. Howard attended one year of school at North Stacy. After the death of her Father in 1933, the family moved to Miles City where she continued her education, graduating from Custer County High School in 1944.
After graduation, she worked for the county superintendent of schools. She accompanied her sister Marion to Austin, Texas, where she worked for the State Department. Mrs. Howard then worked for North West Airlines in St. Paul, Minn., before returning to Miles City. Upon her return, she worked for Miles and Ulmer and the Knutson Theaters.
She and Lester Howard were married on July 11, 1952. They lived on a dude ranch in New York, Billings, Shelby, Bell Fourche, S.D., and finally made a lasting home in Miles City.
Mrs. Howard worked for Holy Rosary Hospital from 1969 to 1983. She was a Brownie and Cub Scout leader, belonged to the Methodist Church, Naomi Circle and Homemakers Club. She also volunteered many hours with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program and at St. Vincent De Paul.
Family was very important to Mrs. Howard. She enjoyed reading, crocheting and working cross word puzzles.
Her survivors include her children, Wyatt and Denise Howard of Riverton, Wyo., Lynn Howard of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Mike and Lynell Denson of Broadus; six grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Howard was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Howard; her parents; three brothers, Bill, Bob and Earl Combs; and one sister, Marion Wilson.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. today at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be Wednesday, July 2, 2008, at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Holy Rosary Hospice, 2600 Wilson St., Miles City, MT 59301 or to the charity of one’s choice.

E. Gene Dolatta
E. Gene Dolatta, 79, of Terry died Saturday, June 28, 2008, at the Prairie Community Health Center in Terry.
Mrs. Dolatta was born in Newark, N.J., on Sept. 26, 1928, the daughter of William “Bob” and Lois Ann Marks Ross. She attended schools in Terry and graduated from Terry High School in 1947.
She married Clifford E. Dolatta in Miles City on Oct. 5, 1947. She worked for the State Bank of Terry and on the ranch.
A few of Mrs. Dolatta’s hobbies were knitting, crocheting, taking pictures and she loved animals.
Her survivors include her husband, Cliff Dolatta of Terry; daughter, Nancy (Butch) Howard of Glendive; son, Robert (Cathie) Dolatta of Terry; daughter, Paula (Dennis) Bedosky of Geyser; grandchildren: Wade (Bobbi) George of Glendive, Dean (Kim) Dolatta of Watford City, N.D., Cami (John) Graham of Rapid City, S.D., Tisha (Tyler) Larsen of Forsyth, Todd Bedosky of Geyser, and Becky Bedosky of Beach, N.D.; and five great-grandchildren: Jake and Garrett George of Glendive, Tyann and Trey Graham of Rapid City, SD; and Shellbie Larsen of Forsyth, MT; two sisters: Cara Sigman and Charlotte Moltzan both of Great Falls; and a brother, Charles Robert (Bobby) Ross of Chicago, IL.
She was preceded in death by three sisters: Betty Hess, Ila Liles, Faye Russiff; and a brother, William (Mickey) Ross.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 2, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the Community Presbyterian Church in Terry. Interment will follow in the Prairie County Cemetery at Terry.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Community Presbyterian Church in Terry or to the Terry Library.

Ronald L. Musgrave
Ronald L. Musgrave, 73, of Billings, former Miles City area resident, died Friday afternoon, June 27, 2008, at his home.
He worked in the Miles City area as a machine technician for the Burrough’s Corporation.
A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2008, at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Billings.
Smith Chapels are assisting with arrangements.

Nettie Mae Hillier
Nettie Mae Hillier, 92, of Miles City died Sunday, June 22, 2008, at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility in Miles City.
Born on June 24, 1915, in Hunker Hill, Ill., she was the daughter of David Edward and Jeanie Gray Newman Beasley. She moved to Indianapolis, Ind., and married William Moulton, a member of the Indianapolis police force, in 1937.
Their son, William, was born in 1938 and their daughter, Nettie, in 1947. They moved to California in 1951, where she began her 30-year career in the food industry.
Her husband died in 1982, and she moved to Montana to be with her daughter and family.
She and Earl Hillier were married in 1989. She was widowed again in 1997. She moved into Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility in 2003.
Mrs. Hillier loved the Lord and passed on that strong faith to her family. She had a fun-loving personality and was full of spunk. She loved to travel, play games and spend time with her family.
Her survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Nettie and Keith Wittenhagen of Miles City; her granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Natalie and Juan Pacheco of Rio Rancho, N.M., and their daughters: Katarina, Nicolette and Annalise Pacheco; her grandson, Brett Moulton; and her granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Megan and Adian Acosta of Roseville, Calif., and their children: Eric, Niomi and Anthony; and her faithful companion, her dog, Sassi.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, William Moulton and Earl Hillier; her son, William Moulton; and her grandson, Keith William Wittenhagen.
The family will receive friends Sunday, June 29, 2008, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be Monday, June 30, 2008 at 11 a.m. at Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Interment will be in California.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Biblical Ministries Worldwide for Gretchen and Houghton Richards’ and Laura Thulesen’s trip to Vanuatu.

Elaine M. Nelson
Elaine M. Nelson, 60, of Gillette, Wyo., formerly of Jordan, died Monday, June 23, 2008, in Gillette.
Mrs. Nelson was born in Jordan on Dec. 14, 1947, the daughter of Earnest A. and Almeada Johnson Fogle. She attended schools in Jordan and graduated from Garfield County High School. Following graduation, she attended Miles Community College.
She then worked for the Holy Rosary Hospital for a time before teaching country school at Cat Creek, Rock Creek and Kester Country School in northeast Montana. She then moved to Great Falls, Cut Bank and then to Gillette in 1973 where she had made her home since. She worked for Coast to Coast and Western States Energy for several years before returning to college.
Mrs. Nelson received her associate’s degree in business management and accounting, then went to work for Big Horn Tire, whom she considered not only her employer but her extended family.
Her survivors include her husband, Brian Nelson of Gillette; her mother, Almeada Fogle of Jordan; a step-son, Bryan Durocher of Austin, Texas; a step-daughter, Shannon Durocher of Spokane, Wash.; two step-sons: Joseph Durocher of Tuscan, Ariz., and Darryl (Sheila) Durocher of Georgia; two step-daughters: Michelle (David) Jerue of Springfield, Mo., and Roberta Stucki of Pocatello, Idaho; seven brothers: Ernie (Sandy) Fogle of Miles City, Lyle (Kathy) Fogle of Gillette, Robert Fogle of Glasgow, Thomas Fogle of Jordan, Steven (Laurie) Fogle of Corvallis, Ore., Keith (Patti) Fogle of Glasgow and David (Julie) Fogle of Lewistown,; a sister, Judy Amos of Post Falls, Idaho; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her father and a grandchild.
A Rosary will be Sunday, June 29, 2008, at 7 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, June 30, 2008, at 10 a.m. at St. John’s the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan. Rite of Committal will follow in the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Rene Marcel Ottoy
Rene Marcel Ottoy, 94, of Miles City died Sunday, June 22, 2008, at the Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City.
Mr. Ottoy was born on Feb. 24, 1914, in Bambrugge, Belgium, the son of Alfons and Irma Van Hemelryck Ottoy. As a small child, his mother brought him and his older sister out of Belgium during World War I and came to the United States by boat in 1916 where they met up with his father, Alfons, who had come over ahead of them. They settled near Howard where Mr. Ottoy attended four years of grade school.
In 1927 the family moved to Miles City where Mr. Ottoy finished his schooling, graduating from the eighth grade at Kircher School.
As he grew up, he always helped on the family farm and was chosen to stay on the farm and work while his two sisters and brother served in the military. He took great pride in his farming and won several top sugar beet grower awards including the Holly Sugar Trophy at the Beet Growers Banquet on Dec. 13, 1957. He was also proud of attending the 4-H Congress in Chicago in 1929.
On Nov. 31, 1940, he and Mary Lou Kagels were married and lived on Kircher Creek in the Yellowstone Valley in Miles City. Besides farming, Mr. Ottoy also worked for the county road department for many years, retiring at age 62. He sold the Kircher Farm in 1992 and moved to town.
Mr. Ottoy loved farm machinery and tinkering and fixing things. He also loved to go dancing and reminiscing about working and shoveling beets in his younger days. He also loved going for picnic drives and dancing with his special lady friend of 19 years, Effie Preston. He was a member of the Range Riders Museum, AMRPE and the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
His survivors include a son, Richard (René) Ottoy of Miles City; three daughters: Janet (Don) Wall of Bloomer, Wis., Linda Regan of Montrose, Calif., and Mary (Wiley) Snell of Miles City; ten grandchildren:  Mark Campeau, Chris Loegering, Sean Regan, Mike Regan, Deanna Gee, Jamie Irwin, Jay Irwin, Nick Ottoy, Joey Ottoy and Casey Ketchum; twelve great-grandchildren: Nicole, Courtney, Alexandra, Emily, Elissa, Caleb, Elijah, Amanda, Eddie, Rocco, Shellina and Aurora; one great-great-grandchild, Alyvia Mae; a brother, Albert (Shirley) Ottoy of Miles City; and a sister, Betty Feeley of San Diego, Calif.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Suzanne Messer; a sister, Suzanne Ottoy; and a very special friend and companion, Effie Preston.
Funeral services will be Friday, June 27, 2008, at 10 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will be held at a later date in the Calvary Cemetery.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Lawrence Gene "Sonny" Fisher
Lawrence Gene “Sonny” Fisher, 60, of Miles City, was born February 1, 1948 in Alexandria, Indiana to Darrell and Verna Mae (Studebaker) Fisher. To this union Lawrence was born. Being Verna’s oldest son, she nicknamed him “Sonny.” That became his name to all his family and friends. Verna and Darrell divorced and she married Mr. Bennett.
He served in the Navy during Vietnam, going into the service in 1965 and served six years including two in reserves. He was discharged with rank if E-3 in 1971.
Sonny met Arlene Crowfoot on October 7, 1995. On Arlene’s birthday, October 14, they had their first date. The two had a wonderful life together as parents to Sharlene (Whitcher) Wallace and Sheri (Whitcher) Cain. Sonny always said his life started the day he met Arlene and found out her family was to be his. They have five beautiful grandchildren, Steven, Laci, Sidney, Dylan and Paige. When the three oldest ones were first growing up, you could always count on Papa to spoil them rotten. Everything was bought in threes so they all could have the same thing. When the two youngest grandchildren were born, it was the same way.
In 2000, the whole family moved to Miles City from Arizona to help be closer to family and to help take care of Arlene’s father, Wesley Wells Sr. Arlene’s aunt and uncle, Steve and Sharon Wheeler, moved to Miles City to be closer to family and Sonny part of that family. Sonny could always be found over at Steve and Sharon’s house visiting and talking about drywall amongst other things.
Sonny gained two son-in-laws when Sheri married Ryan Cain in 2002, and Sharlene married Brian Wallace in 2004. To these unions, the second wave of grandchildren came along, Dylan and Paige.
Sonny worked for Jerke Livestock as a truck driver and it was always a festive occasion when grandpa came home from being on the road. The three oldest grandchildren were the light of Papa’s eyes. When the two youngest were born, they became the sparkle that always twinkled in Papa’s blue eyes.
Papa was special to his little Paige Rose and she always looked forward to his phone calls when he was home. Steven, Laci and Sidney could always be found at grandma and Papa’s house helping out with the yard or working on Papa’s truck.
You could always count on Sonny. He was a man of his word. He was forever dreaming up new adventures to make money.
In the last month of his short life, Brian and Steven could be found over at the house helping out with whatever Sonny needed help with. Somehow Sonny knew his time was drawing to an end and he wanted to make sure he had his affairs in order. His life was cut short at a very young age on June 14, 2008, Flag Day. It was a fitting day for a Veteran of the Vietnam War.
He leaves behind his soul mate, Arlene Crowfoot and his daughters, Sharlene (Brian) Wallace and Sheri (Ryan) Cain; two grandsons, Steven Kirkland and Dylan Cain; three granddaughters, Laci Kirkland, Sidney Baldonado and Paige Rose Wallace, all of Miles City; two step-sisters, Priscilla and Kim; three step-brothers, Donald, Gerald and Stevie.
He joins his mother Verna Mae, his step-brother Carl, Steve and Sharon Wheeler in heaven where he is enjoying watching his NASCAR races and talking drywall with Uncle.
Cremation has taken place and Cremation or Funeral Gallery of Billings has been entrusted with the cremation arrangements. Graveside service was Monday morning, June 23, 2008, in the Eastern Montana Veterans Cemetery in Miles City.

Gene Theade
Gene Theade died peacefully at his home after a surprisingly short journey with lung cancer.
Mr. Theade was born in Anaconda, Mont., to Ted and Irene (Hill) Theade. After losing his mother at a young age, he was raised by his uncle and aunt, Charlie and Zola Stone, in and near Miles City, Mont. He loved the cowboy life on the ranch near Hathaway, Mont.
He met Loma Ruth Branch in the seventh grade at Rosebud School. After graduation from Miles City high school, he married his childhood sweetheart in 1949. They lived in Miles City, Missoula, Mont., and then took over the family ranch at Hathaway.
They left the ranch in 1960 and moved to Billings. Mr. Theade joined the Billings Police Department in 1961 and eventually became a sergeant in the fingerprint division. He retired from the police department in 1983 and moved to Santa Fe, N.M., to work in the New Mexico State Crime Lab. He retired from the Crime Lab in 1993 and returned to Billings for retirement.
In 2005, Gene and Loma moved to Port Angeles.
Gene was a wonderful pianist and singer. He entertained many people over the years. he also grew to love gardening. He came to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior later in life and faithfully attended Independent Bible Church. He loved his children and grandchildren and never tired of hearing the latest stories of their lives.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Ted and Irene Theade, and his uncle and aunt, Charlie and Zola Stone.
Survivors include his wife, Loma Branch Theade; son and daughter-in-law, Mickey and Claudia Theade of San Francisco; daughter and son-in-law, Joe Dee and Doug Ahmann of Port Angeles; daughter and son-in-law, Loralee and Russ Newbury of Pasco; son and daughter-in-law, Cobey DeJon and Kathi Theade of Red Lodge, Mont.; and daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Randy Van Dyke of Manhattan, Mont.
Grandchildren are Jeremy Theade, Daniel Theade, Jesse Ahmann, Christina Ahmann, Christopher Newbury, Anna Newbury, Clancy Theade, Carter Theade, Jade Van Dyke, Gabriela Van Dyke, Chloe Van Dyke and Laila Van Dyke.
Linde Family Funeral Service, Sequim, Wash., 1-800-501-4506, is in charge of arrangements.

Richard "Dick" Doran Higgins
Funeral services for Richard “Dick” Doran Higgins, 39, of Olive were held Monday afternoon, June 23, 2008, in the Powder River County High School gymnasium in Broadus. Interment followed in the Valley View Cemetery in Broadus.
Mr. Higgins died Wednesday, June 18, 2008.
He was born on Jan. 6, 1969, in Spearfish, S.D., the son of Doran and Sharon Richards Higgins. He attended grade school at the Johnston School and graduated from Carter County High School, class of 1987. He attended college in Sheridan, Wyo., graduating with a police science degree.
He moved to Billings and worked for Frontier Fence, Rimrock Tire and Frontier Chevrolet.
He and Renee Archer were married on June 8, 1991, at the Archer Ranch in Olive. In 1994, the couple moved to Ekalaka and worked for Fruit Service and Repair.
In 1995, they moved to the Archer Ranch at Olive. Their first son, Mason, was born that same year.
Mr. Higgins’ talents were many. He started his own business doing carpentry, backhoe work, painting, tree trimming, sheep shearing and horse shoeing. He was always finding the best way to provide for his family.
In 1997, their son Morgan was born. In 1999, Makinna, their first daughter, was born and in 2001, their daughter, Mariah was born.
Mr. Higgins’ family was most important in his life. He loved his family dearly and always had time to play with the children or help his wife in whatever project. He loved teaching his children to fly kites, rodeo, build, work and have fun in life. He enjoyed helping his children learn about their 4-H projects and helped with many Junior Rodeos as well as other projects involving children.
Family vacations were always important to Mr. Higgins. He was able to take his family on several nice vacations. He showed them the way to live.
He always had time to stop and say “hi” to everyone he met and would always be there to lend a helping hand to any in need. He knew no strangers.
Mr. Higgins loved sheep and dreamed of having a sheep ranch one day. He had cattle and worked on the Archer Ranch doing whatever was needed. He loved teaching his children about the ranch and wanted them to have the same experiences he had growing up.
An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Mr. Higgins was presently serving on the High Council in the Glendive Montana Stake. He was a member of the Tri-State Wool Pool Board, a member of the Powder River 4-H Council and a 4-H leader.
His survivors include his wife, Renee; sons, Mason and Morgan; daughters, Makinna and Mariah; his parents, Doran and Sharon Higgins of Ekalaka; father-in-law, Walter (Arlynn) Archer of Broadus; and mother-in-law, Barbara Archer (Tom Tully) of Billings.
Survivors also include his sisters, Terri Raye (Tim) McInerney of Alzada, Mikel (Troy) Fruit of Ekalaka, Cam (Lee) LaBree of Ekalaka; his brother, Courtney (Crystal) Higgins of Ekalaka; his grandmother, Doris Scrutchfield of Sheridan, Wyo.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clarence and Gussie Richards and Bud Higgins; his sister, Pari Faye Higgins; and brother, Lancer Lane Higgins.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Broadus were entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the family for the children’s education fund, c/o Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home, 1717 Main Street, Miles City, MT 59301.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting: www.stevenandsons.com.

Ruth Taiko Kuwahara Gandara
Ruth passed away on June 12, 2008 following a short illness and hospitalization. She was born February 21, 1921, in Miles City, Montana of Japanese parents who had immigrated to the United States. After graduating from high school, she married Gonzalo Gandara in 1938. They lived in the Miles City area until 1958, then they moved to Baker, Montana where they ran the Southside Grocery store. They moved to Portland in 1967.
She worked for many years at the downtown Meier & Frank. She was the matriarch of the Gandara family, always generous with the products of her kitchen, especially her tacos; and passed on her love of music and her artistic talents to her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her brother, Bill and sister, Francis; her sons, Daniel, Charles, David and Rocque; seven grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Gonzalo who died in 2006. Also their daughter, Mary Ann and son, David, had both died in a fire that destroyed the family home in 1957.
Ruth’s services were held at Stehn Family Funeral Home on June 17, 2008. The family suggests remembrances for Ruth be sent to the Humane Society.

Sam Richard Fisher
Sam Richard Fisher, age 80 of Baker, Mont., died on Monday, June 16, 2008, at Fallon Medical Complex Nursing Home.
Mr. Fisher was born on July 7, 1927, the son of Dewey Allan and Josephine Theolina (Strand) Fisher, at the family farm south of Golva, ND. He grew up on the family farm, and attended the Bull Run country school south of Golva, and high school in Ollie, Mont.
After graduating, he went to Wash., where he worked as a logger in the forests. Eventually Mr. Fisher returned to the family farm, where he worked with his parents until he purchased his own farm north of Ollie, Mont.
While at Ollie, Mr. Fisher met Marguerite Jeannine Hudson. The two were married on May 27, 1948 at the Ollie Evangelical United Brethren Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Fisher made their home at Ollie until 1970, when they moved into Baker. He served on the Ollie School Board and was a member of the Ollie Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Mr. Fisher loved his family, the land and being a farmer.
He is survived by his wife, Marguerite, Baker, Mont.; his children: Sandra (Curt) Ehman, San Antonio, Texas, Judy (Greg) Gunderson, Baker, Mont., Beverly (Delane) Rath, Baker, Mont., Rosanne (Roy) Rieger, Miles City, Mont., and Rick (Rosella) Fisher, Glendive, Mont. He was “Papa” to 23 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Hanks, Wenatchee, Wash., and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Josephine, his brothers, John “Sonny” Fisher, Thomas Fisher, Fred Fisher, Robert “Butch” Fisher and two brothers-in-law, Chet Hanks and Vern “Bony” Veroye.
Funeral Services for Mr. Fisher will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2008 in the Chapel of Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker, Mont., with Pastor Bruce Inion officiating. Interment will follow in the family lot in Bonnievale Cemetery at Baker, Mont. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, June 20 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.stevensonfuneralhome.com

Laura Marie (Pierce) Webster
Laura Marie (Pierce) Webster, age 92, of Miles City died on Monday, June 16, 2008 at the Holy Rosary Extended Care in Miles City.
Mrs. Webster was born on June 18, 1915 in Ekalaka, Mont., the daughter of Calvin and Blanche (Newton) Pierce. She attended schools in Ekalaka. Mrs. Webster married Lawrence Webster on June 27, 1933 at Belle Fourche, SD. They lived in Ekalaka until 1949, when they moved to Miles City. Mrs. Webster worked at Ingam Hotel and at various grocery stores. They also fostered children for many years. Mrs. Webster worked at the Friendship Villa until she retired at age 72. 
Mrs. Webster loved spending time with her family, and in her spare time she loved to quilt.
Mrs. Webster is survived by a son, Larry C. Webster of Miles City, Mont.; three daughters: Rosella Marie Hale of Miles City, Mont.; Mary Eve Cridland of Miles City, Mont.; and Lola (Chic) Mae Reser of Warden, Mont.; thirteen grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence, in 2001, a daughter Lorena Ann Childers; a grandson Monte Tredway, a granddaughter Lana Smith, three brothers and five sisters.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 22, 2008 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 23, 2008 at 11 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church.

Jeffrey Millard Edgmond
Jeffrey Millard Edgmond was born in Helena, MT to Millard Monroe Edgmond Jr. and Betty (Filson) Edgmond on March 27, 1939.
His father was with the U.S. Soil Conservation Service and they lived in Roy, Roundup, and Miles City, MT where he graduated from high school in 1957.
Jeff went on to the University of Montana where he graduated with a B.A. in Education, Teaching Major in Mathematics, and a Minor in Library Services and started working at Parmly Billings Library in 1964. In 1981 he was with Computers Unlimited until 1983 when he went to the Eastern Montana Library, now MSU Billings.
He enjoyed his library work and his friends there, and was a constant source of information. For over 40 years he was the tympanist with the Billings Symphony Orchestra and wrote notes for the programs. He enjoyed most all types of music and had many records, tapes and CDs which he used to produce and host a weekly radio program of musical comedies for several years.
Preceding him in death were his father and brother Alan. Survivors include his mother, sister Patricia and brother-in-law Ted Kimoto, and many cousins in Helena and Townsend. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.
Jeff was at the MSU Billings Library until shortly before his death from pancreatic cancer, June 15, 2008.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at the Cremation & Funeral Gallery. Interment will be at Sunset Gardens in Helena, MT at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in his name to Billings Symphony Orchestra 2721 2nd Avenue North, Suite 350, Billings, MT 59101 or MSU Billings Library 1500 University Drive, Billings, MT 59101.
Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Gallery.

George Eben Badgett
George Eben Badgett, age 65, of Miles City died on Sunday, June 15, 2008 at the Holy Rosary Health Center of an apparent heart attack, after a great day of doing what he loved, attending a rodeo.
Mr. Badgett was born in Miles City, Mont., on May 20, 1943, the son of Kirk and Lora (Daily) Badgett. He attended country grade school at Willow Crossing Country School and attended high school in Miles City. He didn’t finish high school in order to pursue his life as a stockman, cowboy and horseman. Later in life, he proudly attained his GED and continued his education.
Mr. Badgett married Judy Gatlin in Broadus, Mont., on July 7, 1965. To this union, two children were born: George Jay and Wendy. They ranched on Otter Creek until 1997. During this time, he also worked 25 years with Peabody Coal at Colstrip.
Mr. Badgett had many passions which he pursued throughout his lifetime. Rodeo was his first love, as he competed for 35 years. At various stages in his career, he entered every event, but excelled in bareback riding and calf roping. He always had a life-long interest in airplanes, becoming a pilot as a young man. Later in life, this evolved into building and flying remote control airplanes. He loved fishing, and many people have fond memories of trips taken with him.
Mr. Badgett made his own saddles and tack, as well as being an excellent welder and a handy carpenter. Over the years, he owned four race horses and proudly displayed their win pictures. He loved studying race programs and making bets on his favorites. He attained a blue belt in Karate and spent enough time golfing to get frustrated.
It goes without saying that when George put his mind to something, it was going to be done thoroughly. There wasn’t a day that went by that he didn’t have planned to the max.
Mr. Badgett is survived by his son, George Jay (Misti) Badgett and daughter, Wendy (Ross) Bekkedahl, both of Billings, Mont. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Samantha, Elle and Jaymee; one brother, Wally (Pam) Badgett of Miles City, Mont.; one sister, Karen (Steve) Hamilton of Fallbrook, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son-in-law, Jim Clark.
A vigil service will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Range Riders Museum or the charity of one's choice.

Lee Anne Knobloch Elliot
A Celebration of Life Memorial for Lee Anne Knobloch Elliot, a former resident of Birney, will be held on June 28 at 11 a.m. at St. Labre Catholic Church in Ashland, Mont.
Elliot, 34, is the daughter of Jack and Marjorie Knobloch of Birney. She played basketball at Miles Community College for two years.
She is survived by her husband, John, and four children, who reside in Chinook, Mont.
Following the memorial is a reception at the church, during which people may share a meal and memories of Elliot.

Kristine "Krissy" Marie Walker-Todd
Kristine "Krissy" Marie Walker-Todd, age 42, of Red Lodge, formerly of Miles City, Mont., died on June 12, 2008.
Walker-Todd was born on June 28, 1965 in Bozeman, Mont., to Linda Ann (Van Horn) and George Edward Walker. She attended schools in Bozeman until the second grade before moving to Utah, and then onto Miles City in 1976, where she graduated from High School in 1983. She spent her adult life in Miles City, Billings and Red Lodge.
She worked at Knox Lumber and was a bartender at various bars, including Grandma’s in Billings until 1991. In Miles City she worked at the 600, Range Riders, Montana and Eagles. As a bartender, she made everyone feel welcome, and she never met a stranger.
She moved to Red Lodge in 2005, where she worked at various bars including the Bull N Bear and The Snag. On March 4, 2006 she and Rick Todd were married in Red Lodge. In 2007 she began working as a flagger, for Montana Civil Contractors, on road construction projects around Montana.
Walker-Todd enjoyed playing pool, loved “Harry”- her Harley Davidson, going to the cabin, and the occasional vodka squirt. She was a fan of the Oakland Raiders and of NASCAR. She enjoyed trips to Sturgis and Bear Runs.
She is survived by her husband, Rick Todd of Red Lodge, Mont.; her parents, Linda Walker of Miles City, George (Joyce) Walker of Helena, Mont.; her grandmother, Ernestine “Ernie” Mitchum of Missoula, Mont.; her brother, Jim Walker of Custer, Mont.; step-sister, Kate (Kelly) Stewart of Winchester, Calif.; step-sons, Colter Todd of Bozeman, Mont., Garrett of Powell, Wyo., and Seth Todd of Laurel, Mont. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and her huge extended family of friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, J.L. Van Horn, Maurine Van Horn and Ray Mitchum.
A Celebration of Walker-Todd's life will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 3 p.m. at the VFW in Miles City. Friends are asked to bring their favorite pictures and stories to share with the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com <http://www.stevensonandsons.com/>.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City has been entrusted with arrangements.

Anna Marie Huber
Funeral services for Anna Marie Huber, 90, of Fallon, were held Monday morning, June 16, 2008, at the Hope American Lutheran Church in Fallon. Interment followed in the Prairie County Cemetery in Terry.
Mrs. Huber died Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at the Prairie County Health Center in Terry.
She was born on Jan. 15, 1918, in Zap, N.D., the daughter of Michael and Christine Ale Netzer. She attended schools in Zap until at the age of nine, she moved with her family to the Fallon area.
Anna and Jacob Huber were united in marriage on May 22, 1943 in Glendive. They farmed in the Fallon area for several years before moving into town where Mrs. Huber began working at the Farmers Union. Mr. Huber died in 1985 and Mrs. Huber continued to live in Fallon until she moved into the Prairie County Health Center in 2006.
Her favorite pastime was working in her garden and taking care of the church grounds in Fallon for many years. She was very devoted to her church and taught Sunday school to the pre-school and kindergarteners for more than 40 years and made many quilts with the ladies of the church. Never having a driver’s license, Mrs. Huber walked everywhere she went. She loved being around children and especially her family and grandchildren.
Mrs. Huber’s survivors include three sons: Gary (Carolyn) Huber of Terry, Eddie (Beatrice) Huber of Livingston and Jackie (Robyn) Huber of Fallon; six grandchildren: Teresa Huber, Greg, Nolan, Brad, Nathan and Zackary Huber; a half-sister, Bertha Pisk of Fallon; a step-sister, Frieda of Lavina; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; a grandson, Jay Huber; three brothers: Ludwig, Martin, and Ernie; two step brothers: Irvin and Hubert; and two sisters: her twin, Hertha Weishaar, and Christine Weishaar.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friend desire, memorials may be made to the Hope American Lutheran Church in Fallon or to the charity of one’s choice.

Laverne (Vernie) Benner Johnson
Laverne (Vernie) Benner Johnson, age 80, of Miles City died on Friday, June 13, 2008 at the Holy Rosary Extended Care in Miles City.
Mrs. Johnson was born on October 30, 1927 to John and Katherine Fink Benner at Finch, Mont., the youngest of 11 children. She graduated from the Forsyth High School and worked for Everett Redeen until she met and married Owen Johnson. She spent her married life raising her children and helping with the everyday runnings of a ranch.
Mrs. Johnson loved gardening, her turkeys and baking. Her caramel rolls were legendary. The greatest joy in her life was her family – kids, grandkids and great grandkids.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Owen; her parents, John and Katherine Benner; her brothers: George, Roy, Adam and Henry; and her sisters: Katie (Peggy), Helen and Claire.
Mrs. Johnson is survived by her five daughters: Cherri (David) Potts of Forsyth, Mont.; Penni Berg (John Cook) of Gillette, Wyo.; Dianna (Pat) Nees of Colstrip, Mont.; Patricia (Bill) Rose of Hathaway, Mont.; and Susan (Harlan) Morgan of Miles City, Mont.; 17 grandkids; 32 great-grandkids; three brothers: Harry, Lester and Will; along with numerous friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 17, 2008 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City, with family receiving friends from 4 to 6 p.m.   
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 11 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will be held at a later date. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.
com <http://www.stevensonandsons.com/>.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Daryl Ray McCants
Daryl Ray McCants was born Aug. 24, 1964, in Miles City, MT to Albert James and Virginia Mae (Hirsch) McCants. He passed away March 15, 2008 at home in Wasilla, AK.
Daryl attended elementary schools in Miles City, MT and North Pole, AK; high school in Miles City, MT.
Daryl had a severe, near-fatal motorcycle accident in Miles City in late 1980. The family moved to Alaska, to stay, in Dec. 1980.
Some of Daryl’s jobs included cooking in the new China Buffet, Anchorage; new-car detailer at Nye Ford, Wasilla, AK (where he earned Employee of the Year and received a trip to South America); working in the retail and service departments of Performance Plus, a Polaris dealership in Wasilla.
Daryl loved the outdoors and his great-grandmother McCants. As Daryl got older, the damage from the accident returned to plague him and he became unable to work. After that, he enjoyed video games with his son James, and enjoyed watching NASCAR events on TV with him. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Daryl is survived by his son James, James’ half-sister Kimberly, half-brother Dustin and their mother Tara Gibbs, father Jim (Dee) McCants, brother Dwayne (Teresa) McCants all of Alaska; maternal grandmother Hertha Hirsch, Miles City, MT; 4 aunts: Thelma (Bill) Witt, Linda (Vern) McCants, Billings, MT, Loretta (Jim) Gaughan, Texas, Irene (Vern) Johnson, Belgrade, MT; 3 uncles: Vern (Linda) McCants, Billings, Allen (Jan) Rustad, Baker, MT, Alvin (Barb) Hirsch, Rock Springs, MT.; step-uncle Kenny (Sophia) Rustad, New Mexico; 2 nephews: Dakota and Jeremiah McCants, AK; two step-brothers: Norman (Carla) Lamb, Fred Lamb of Casper, WY.; step-sister: Lisa Wade, Kissimmee, FL; step-grandmother, Monte Willman and step-aunt: Roberta Willman of Plevna, MT.; step-niece: Trista Brown, Kissimmee, FL.; 3 step-nephews; Dean (Lexi) Lamb, Grand Junction, CO., Brandon (Stephanie) Lamb, Casper, WY., Donald Brown, Kissimmee, FL; step-grandniece: Kiersten Lamb, Casper, WY.; 14 cousins: David (Jennifer) McCants, Lana McCrorey with Alicia and Mark, Marjorie (Eric) Christiaansen, Jennifer (Tony) Lowry, Jason Witt, Erin (Henry) Griffith,Sarah Rustad Allison (Cain) Kolar, Georgia Rustad, Tara (Scott) Butler with Chance, Rick Webster, Renee (David) Mullett with David and Kelly, Carol Abbott, Stacey Hirsch; step-cousin, Rurik Rustad.
Daryl was preceded in death by his mother Virginia; maternal grandfather Carl Hirsch, paternal grandparents Albert Benjamin McCants and Irene Rustad, also paternal step-grandfather Kenneth Rustad, and great-grandmother McCants.
A memorial service was held at the Valley Funeral Home in Wasilla, AK on April 4, 2008.

Patricia Ellen Kuehn

Patricia Ellen Kuehn, beloved mother of Jerry, Tom, Lonna, Vera, and Yvonne, died peacefully on Saturday, June 7, 2008, in Billings after a short battle with cancer.
She was born Sept. 13, 1930, to Frank and Ellen Neumann of Ismay. She was raised in the Plevna area as a country girl, and remained a country girl throughout her 77 years.
An unforgettable woman, she took pride in everything she did. She was generous and loving to everyone she met. She loved her family with all of her heart and her greatest love was her family, both immediate and extended.
Living in the country was her second greatest joy in life. She spent most of her life tending to the sheep as a young girl and cows as an adult. Her kindness and gentleness were her greatest gifts that she shared with her family, friends and strangers.
Mrs. Kuehn was a true lady to the end. Never a complaint, never a bad word, and never a why me. She faced her battle with cancer with grace and courage and she was blessed with a peaceful and quiet passing.
Her survivors include her five children, Jerry (DeAnn) Ketchum of St. Marie, Tom (Robyn) Ketchum of Miles City, Lonna Ketchum of Helena, Vera (Don) Kuehn of Terry, and Yvonne (Mike) Niles of Billings; her grandchildren, Chris (Jenny) Ketchum, Tye Ketchum, Ryan Ketchum, Mitch Schwartz, Greg (Rachel) Schwartz, Trisha (Reece) Kalfell, Tawnya (Denim) Yarger, Teneil (Steve) Phipps, Megan (Gresham) Agnew, Hanna Niles, and Beth Niles; her great-grandchildren, Dylan and Diesel Yarger, Mayson Kuehn, Bridger Cantrell, Brianna and Ashtyn Ketchum; her extended family, Greg (Kim, Sam and Alison) Kuehn, Tim (Tracy and Adam) Kuehn, and Stacey (Aiden) Kuehn, Tim, Diane, Erin and Tracy Ehman, Calvin Randall, Nancy Wager, Becky Crippen, Craig Randall, Jackie Bird, Lori Randall.
Survivors also include her two brothers, Bob (Mikell) and Charlie (Betty) Neumann; two sisters, Jackie (John) Colbrese and Mary Ann Robinson; and two special in-laws, Joy Neumann and Hans Freestad; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and so many others who she touched during her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ellen Neumann; one brother, Harold Neumann; two sisters, Mabel Freestad and Monty Russiff; a step-daughter, Deb McCaffree; and three husbands, Morrell Ketchum, Orville (Bun) Tennant and Wayne Kuehn.
Funeral services will be Monday, June 16, 2008, at 1 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow at 4 p.m. at the Prairie County Cemetery in Terry.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Terry Ambulance, P.O. Box 156, Terry, MT 59349.

Marie J. Sullivan Ryan

Marie J. Sullivan Ryan, 100, of Miles City died Monday June 9, 2008, at the Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City.
She was born on Sept. 18, 1907, at Ramona, S.D., to James Andrew and Mary Barbara Casanova Sullivan. She attended school in Madison, S.D., graduating with a teaching degree from Dakota State. She later studied business at Minneapolis, Minn.
In Minneapolis, she worked for Federal Schools Inc. until her marriage to Robert Ryan in Minneapolis. They lived in Cooke City and Red Lodge and Sheridan, Wyo., moving to Miles City in October of 1979. They traveled extensively throughout the United States, the Holy Land and Europe.
Mrs. Ryan enjoyed reading, walking and handwork such as needlepoint, knitting and crocheting. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, St. Ann’s Circle (retired), the Range Riders Reps and Southeastern Montana Retired Teachers.
Her survivors include many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; her parents; one sister, Ursella Bickle; and three brothers, Monsignor Leonard J. Sullivan, Raymond J. Sullivan and Joseph D. Sullivan.
A vigil service will be held Friday, June 13, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. with the Rosary at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2008, at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church or to a charity of one’s choice.

Philip John Woitkielewicz
Philip John Woitkielewicz, 59, of Miles City died Thursday, June 5, 2008, at his home in Miles City after a long battle with cancer.
Mr. Woitkielewicz was born on Aug. 26, 1948, in Ironwood, Mich., the son of John Chester and Jean Catherine Valenti Woitkielewicz. He grew up in Big Bend, Wis., with three sisters and his parents.
He moved to Miles City in 1968 after graduating from high school to attend Miles Community College and work on a ranch. He joined the Army in 1969 where he met his wife of almost 39 years.
He was honorably discharged in 1971. Together they began their family in Miles City.
Mr. Woitkielewicz worked as an engineer at the Veterans Affairs hospital for 24 years. He spent his retirement with friends and family.
He was an active member of the Eagles Club. He enjoyed working with his wife and sons in his meat processing shop during hunting season when he wasn’t hunting with his buddies from Wisconsin.
Right up to the end he looked forward to Larry bringing him his list of drivers from NASCAR. Nobody got between Mr. Woitkielewicz and the TV during race time. He took pride in his tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers he grew every year but never ate. He looked forward to every October when his childhood buddy from Wisconsin came to go hunting. A recent visit from Skumper was one of the last things on his agenda. He always took charge and when he didn’t think you were doing it right he would let you know in his playful teasing way.
Mr. Woitkielewicz liked lemon meringue pie, mind tease games on the computer, sitting in his back yard and he always had a candle burning.
His survivors include his wife, Holly; three children, John (Shawna), Tammy (Eric) and Robert; five grandchildren, Chase, Shandon, Bryce Elton, Kaytlin and Megan; two sisters in Colorado; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Tony Hardey.
A vigil service will be Sunday, June 8, 2008, at 6 p.m. in Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be Monday, June 9, 2008, at 10 a.m. in Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1579.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Holy Rosary Hospice.

Helen M. Virag
Helen M. Virag, 98, of Brandon, Fla., former Miles City resident, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2008, in Brandon. Her last remaining sister, Theresa Stack, died on Oct. 25, 2007. They had both resided at Hawthorne Assisted Living Facility in Brandon.
Helen was also preceded in death by her father and mother, Casper and Theresa Virag of Miles City, and 10 other brothers and sisters.
She was born in Dickinson, N.D., and moved with her family to Miles City. She attended Custer County High School and later attended Business School. She worked as a secretary in Jordan and Bozeman and eventually took a job with the government in the Soil Conservation Service.
She lived in Wisconsin, Michigan and Oregon and retired in Portland, Ore., after 38 years of service.
Helen attended St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Portland. She was the quintessential career woman, but she was always ready to stop everything to help a mother, brother, sister or friend. She was an avid golfer and she was involved in philanthropic endeavors at work and at home.
She loved Portland and had many friends there, especially David and Steve. She moved to Florida in 2003 to be close to her sister, Theresa Stack, and her niece, Patsy. Helen was a kind and loving person and made many new friends in Brandon. She will be greatly missed, especially by her nieces, Marilyn Roth and Patsy Stack, who loved her dearly.
There will be a Funeral Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday, June 7, 2008, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery at noon.

John R. "Jack" Carr
John R. “Jack” Carr, 83, longtime resident of Miles City, died peacefully Monday, June 2, 2008, at the Billings Clinic in Billings, surrounded by his loving family.
Mr. Carr was born on July 21, 1924, in Minneapolis, Minn., the son of George A.J. and Gretchen Murphy Carr. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School and graduated from Custer County High School in 1942. He then attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash., to study law.
He later enlisted in the Army Air Corp as a B17 ball turret gunner with the distinguished 100th Bomb Group, where he attained the rank of Sergeant. Mr. Carr was stationed at Thorpe Abbotts, England, where he bravely completed 35 missions over Nazi occupied Europe including dropping provisions to the Polish Underground Resistance and the Warsaw Ghetto in Poland.
On Sept. 3, 1947, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret T. Leonard at Sacred Heart Church in Miles City. They made their home in Spokane, while Mr. Carr completed his law degree at Gonzaga University Law School. After his graduation in 1949, they moved to Butte and then Sidney before returning to Miles City where Mr. Carr practiced law with his wife’s father, P.F. Leonard, and brother-in-law, Dan Kelly. He was later joined by his nephew, Patrick Kelly, and later Kenneth Wilson, Dennis Corbin and Gary Bunke.
Mr. Carr was fortunate to practice law with his son, Jim, for the last 17 years. The best years of his life were spent enjoying time with his family. He was especially devoted to his wife, Margaret, as he cared for her during her extended illness. He remained active and young at heart through dancing with his beloved wife, socializing with his friends, playing golf and tennis with his children, and following the multitude of sporting and other events of his children and grandchildren.
Mr. Carr was known for countless random acts of kindness that he quietly and generously shared with numerous people throughout his life. He was known for his integrity, compassion, and his unending ability to forgive. This is the legacy Mr. Carr left to his children and grandchildren.
Mr. Carr was tremendously civic minded. He dutifully served the community with terms as County Attorney and City Attorney, and was appointed by President John F. Kennedy as a federal magistrate for Eastern Montana. He also served on the Sacred Heart School Board, Sacred Heart Parish Board, the Holy Rosary Hospital Board, the Eastern Montana Cancer Foundation Board, and was a fourth degree member in the Knights of Columbus. As he practiced law, he sought to resolve differences with a quiet voice and a boundless heart. He counseled many people with rare wisdom and civility.
His survivors include his five children: Mary Margaret (David) Friend, Cathy Tooke, Mike Carr and Jim Carr of Miles City, and Jackie Carr of Seattle, Wash.; as well his nine grandchildren: Michelle Friend, Dan (Nicole) Friend, Katie (Scott) Donnelly, and Jennifer (John) Goff, John Michael (Amy), Robert and Kevin Tooke, Lisa (Chris) Dantic and Ryan Minch; five great-grandchildren: Madison, McKenna, and McCormick Friend, Greta Tooke and Ellie Goff; a brother: Jim Carr of Miles City; a sister: Mary (Carr) Pusich of Douglas, Alaska; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Margaret; his daughter: Patty Jo (Jerry) Minch; his grandson: John David Friend; and his brother: George Carr.
The family will receive friends on Friday, June 6, 2008, at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City from 3 to 5 p.m. A Vigil Service will be Friday, June 6, 2008, at 6 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, June 7, 2008, at 1 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary Cemetery in Miles City with full military rites provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1579.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart School, the Holy Rosary Healthcare Foundation, or to a charity of one’s choice.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Shirley May Beck
Shirley May Beck, 86, of American Falls, ID. passed away quietly in her sleep at her son’s Pocatello residence on Monday, June 2, 2008, following a lengthy illness.
She was born May 18, 1922 to Herbert and Ruth Spencer in Bucyrus, ND. She grew up on the family farm with her two brothers and two sisters.
She was known as a “miracle baby” when a 1922 cyclone destroyed the family home and infant Shirley was blown from her crib and carried 1/2 mile away where she was later found by searchers still wrapped in her blanket, sleeping.
After graduating from Bucyrus High School, she graduated from the North Dakota State Teacher’s College in Cooperstown, ND and taught for several years in Grenora, MT where she met a young, handsome Army private. She married Sam Beck and began raising their three children in Miles City, MT where she was an active business partner with her entrepreneur husband in several businesses.
In 1966 her husband took a job with Peter Kiewit and Sons Construction Company and she moved from Miles City, MT to Gunnison, CO then to Libby, MT, finally settling in American Fall, ID. She retired from her position at the American Falls Library in 1987.
Throughout her life she was an active member of the Lutheran Church and served on numerous church and community committees at a time. She was an active member of Lutheran Church Choir and served as Treasure for the Power County Senior Citizens for several years.
Shirley loved being involved with her children and grandchildren and is famous for numerous treks across the country for ski races, dance recitals, baseball and football games, graduations, weddings, and anything else she was “required to go to.” She is a legion in her family for her Sweetish meatball and Christmas cookies and her incredible dedication to her family.
Shirley was a very talented softball and basketball player in her younger years. She enjoyed traveling to anywhere there was a family activity and in later years enjoyed picnics with her son in Yellowstone Park. “Shirls” or “Gramsey-Bamsey.” as her grandkids called her, loved going to senior citizens, playing bridge with her buddies, and the coffee social hour after church. She parted us being a die-hard Denver Bronco fan with a picture of John Elway by her side.
Shirley is preceded in death by her mother and father, husband Sam Beck, sister Lois Bovee and daughter Sydney Williams.
She is survived by a daughter, Sandra Kelley from Grand Junction, CO, a son Scott Beck from Pocatello, ID, three granddaughters Debbie McEntee, Sebrina Kelley and Danette Witzel, two grandsons Robbie Williams and Brad Williams all from CO. She is also survived by 7 rambunctious great-grandchildren, two brothers, Wallace Spencer and James Spencer, sister Jean Tollesfson, and her son-in-law, Bob Williams.
Visitation will be from 6-8:00 p.m. Friday June 6, 2008 at Davis-Rose Mortuary in American Falls. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday June 7, with a viewing one-hour prior to service at St. John’s Lutheran Church in American Falls. The Graveside service and interment will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday June 10, 2008 at the Gunnison County Cemetery under the direction of LeChot Funeral Home in Gunnison, Colorado.
The family would like to thank Creekside Home Health, specifically Magee Jeblonski, Tracy Merrill, and Rachel May for their wonderful and dedicated care of Shirley throughout the difficult several months. The family would also like to thank pastor Richard Sansgaard from St. John’s Lutheran Church for the comfort he provided Shirley with his weekly visits.