​William Robert (Rob) Ayers
William Robert (Rob) Ayers passed away June 8, 2017. Born in Deer Lodge on August 21, 1964 to Margaret Hughley Ayers and Edward Ayers, Rob had a love of family and the outdoors, a heart of gold, and compassion and kindness above reproach. He was always there to lend a hand and helped people whenever asked. 
Rob’s intelligence was only matched by his endearing personality. Rob lived a life of emotional ups and downs. He was courageous in the face of adversity and sorrow. On June 8, 2017, Rob ended his pain. 
Many people commented on how he was at peace during his remaining days. For that we are grateful. 
Rob graduated from Powell County High School in 1982. Shortly after, he moved to Chicago, Ill. to live with Richard and Carol Hunt. He attended Chicago State University and worked multiple service industry jobs before moving back to Montana. Rob worked for A&K construction, Louisiana Pacific, Pete Thomas plumbing and Energy Erectors. His jobs were varied, but his work ethic was unwavering, leading to many friendships throughout the years. 
Rob is survived by his mother Margaret Tangen; sons Michael Delich and Ryan Ayers; brother Ed (Jackie) Ayers and sons Cody (Cortnie) and Brandon (Korri); sisters Peggy (Jim) Nesbitt and daughter Jessica (Clay) Carter; Kristin (Jason) Rohling and son Simon and daughter Nola. Rob was preceded in death by his wife Renee, father Donald Tangen, grandparents Gerald and Margaret Hughley and Eunice Connolly. 
There was a Celebration of Life, on Friday, June 16, 5 p.m. at Scotty’s Bar, 719 2nd St., Deer Lodge. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (http://tinyurl.com/ybz67984) or a charity of your choice.

Patty Jo Coughlin
Our beautiful mom, aunt, cousin, grandma and great-grandma, Patty Jo Coughlin, peacefully danced her way through into heaven’s gate on May 14, 2017 at the age of 84.  She was surrounded by her six children, grandchildren and family, as she would have wanted, always by her side while being attended to at the River Stone Hospice House, Billings,  shortly after suffering a major stroke. 
Mom was the second child, and only daughter, born to the union of Lionel and Thora Young on March 7, 1933, in Idaho Falls, Idaho.  She survived a sometimes difficult, yet colorful childhood, always by the side of her brothers Curtis, Jack and Bob Young.  Mom lived part of her young life at her grandparents’ home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and some orphanages between Idaho, Oregon and Montana.  She eventually was enrolled at the St. Mary’s Academy Boarding School in Deer Lodge. Her mom, Thora, met and married Harold Scott while mom was a pre-teen.  It was then that she finally felt like she truly had a dad that cared for her, Jack and Bob, where she enjoyed her teenage years, Powell County High School and where her lifelong friends remained throughout her life.  Patty Jo was a vivacious, beautiful person, with a joyous heart, who enjoyed being a member of the high school chorus, cheerleader, dancer extraordinaire, and later involved with the singing group called the Sweet Adelines.  She even had the extraordinary privilege and honor of performing at Carnegie Hall which was always a dream of hers.
In 1950, mom met and married William Gerald (Gerry) Coughlin beginning their family together and settling in Deer Lodge. There they raised six amazing children.  She was a member of the Womans Club Chorus, loved playing bridge with her friends, was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Parish, attended countless sporting events and school programs of all six kids.  After our dad (Gerry) passed away in 1975, mom took a part-time job working as a teacher’s aid in the Deer Lodge school system.  It was a job that fit her well.  She loved working with the children and teachers and had a true heart for kids who were less fortunate.    
To say that mom loved and adored her family was an understatement.  She enjoyed holiday dinners, barbeques and family events and spending time with each of her children, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She adored her brothers Curtis and Bob, but was especially fond of her brother Jack.  Mom had a very special relationship with her niece Sandy (Young) Jacke.  
Patty Jo was an avid reader and was known to read up to five different books at a time.  She frequented the Billings library so often she was even given her own parking place!  Mom was a very active person enjoying her volunteer time at the Billings Senior Center, pursuing her nephew, Jeff Young, to go dancing, working in her special “she shed”, shopping for her next “iron skillet dinner”, and dreaming of all the things she was going to do next.  
Patty Jo is survived by sons, Mike (Vickie) Coughlin of Anaconda, Eric Coughlin from Woodenville, Wash., and Conn Coughlin of Deer Lodge.  Daughters Marcy (Cora) Coughlin, Sherry Coughlin of Billings and Meg (Mike) Springer of Bozeman.  She had 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren with one on the way, many nieces & nephews,  a number of other relatives and close friends.
Rosary will be said on Friday, June 23 at 7 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Deer Lodge. A  Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday June 24 at 11 a.m. followed by a luncheon at the St. Mary’s Center with graveside services to follow at 2 p.m.  The family requests that memorial donations can be sent in Patty Jo’s name to River Stone Hospice House, 123 S 27th St, Billings, MT 59101.
Mom, it’s time for you to get ready and “boogie to town”!  We love you and will miss you!

Stephen Andrew Pearson
We mourn the loss of our brother, Stephen Andrew Pearson, who passed away May 24, 2017 in Billings. 
Steve was born November 12, 1971 in Helena, while his family lived in Townsend. When he was a toddler, his family moved to Deer Lodge, where he attended grade school and junior high. The family moved to Billings in 1986. Steve attended Will James Junior High and West High School in Billings. He played multiple sports at West High and was captain of several teams. Steve was also the voice of the Bears for a couple years at West High. Steve earned athletic scholarships to Rocky Mountain College where he majored in English and played both football and basketball, earning captain positions there as well. Steve then went on to attend the University of Arizona. He stayed on in Arizona for a number of years before returning to Montana a decade ago, living in Helena and Billings.  
Steve was an incredibly talented man; a gifted athlete, a wonderful writer, a beautiful singer, and an engaging actor. He loved playing, coaching, and watching sports; football in particular. He sang at many a wedding and was often asked to sing his spot-on imitations of Elvis. He wrote a play while attending Rocky that the theater department put on. In recent years, Steve shined as an actor and singer in several plays and musicals at the Grandstreet Theatre in Helena. If you feel led, please make donations in his honor to the Grandstreet Theatre.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Gary L. and Barbara J. (Lenington) Pearson, his brother, Ben Pearson, his brother-in-law, Jim Knudson, and his nephew, Trevor Brown. Steve is survived by his sisters, Jan Knudson of Billings and Laura Pearson of Helena, and his brothers, Gary and Elizabeth (Harmon) Pearson of Enid, Okla. and Tim and Susan (Sewell) Pearson of Maple Valley, Wash. Steve has many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews that he loved dearly.
A memorial service will be held August 26, 2017 in Billings.

David Alex Williamson
Montana State Prison inmate Williamson, David Alex died on June 6, 2017 at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. Mr. Williamson was 67 years old. 
Mr. Williamson was sentenced out of Yellowstone County in 2002 on two counts of Sexual Assault. Mr. Williamson was sentenced to 35 years, with a 20 year restriction on parole. The crime that Mr. Williamson was sentenced for occurred prior to 1997, therefore he was eligible for good time and would have had a prison release date of 1/13/2021. 

​Max Lee (Mick) McGuire
Max Lee (Mick) McGuire passed away this spring in Helena surrounded by his extended family. His mom and dad, Mary Francis and Hugh Gibson, welcomed Mick to the family on June 7, 1933. He was the seventh of eight children. The family would move to Chinook and then to Lincoln before settling in Drummond in 1949. During his years in Drummond, Mick worked on the Mac Enman Ranch and later at the Cominco American Phosphate Mine. Mick moved to Washington and while there joined the National Guard. His next move was to Helena where he was employed by Caird Iron Workers as a welder. He would later retire from Lewis and Clark County as a maintenance worker. Mick was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to target shoot, fish and hunt, and he also enjoyed playing the guitar with his brother, Stony. Mick had even taken guitar lessons from country great Charlie Pride. Mick was preceded in death by his brothers and sister-in-law Stonewall and Patricia Mae (Rosenbeck), Frederick Hays; Sterling; Gene Allen and Dorothy (Clawson); Gerald Edwin; Hugh Gibson, Jr. and Edith (Powell); Wilford Alexander. He is survived by his extended family Pauline Mininger, daughters Jeannie Davis and Chere (Greg) McCall; granddaughters Skye, Marika, Hailee, Mollee, Veronica Tenaya, Kendell. There was a graveside service with honor guard for family only on June 10 at 1 p.m. There was a reception following at the city park and the family invited friends to come and celebrate Mick’s life with them at that time.  

​Joan Barbara Gilman
Joan Barbara Gilman, 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 28, at Deer Lodge Care and Rehabilitation, surrounded by family and caregivers.
Joan Barbara Baustadt was born on June 26, 1930, in Clyde Park, to George E. Baustadt and Myrtle (Proffitt) Baustadt.  She attended schools in Clyde Park and Livingston.
She married Ronald Grant Gilman on December 27, 1948.  They started out their married life in Deer Lodge and soon moved to Garrison where they lived and worked for more than 60 years. Joan was a homemaker, raising three children.
Joan was a tiny, feisty 105 lb., eyes of blue, Energizer Bunny that could run circles around just about everyone she came into contact with.  Her family is quite sure that in her next life she might come back as a lawnmower.  Summertime, in the outdoors, defined her. Her great passion was her gardening and yard work.  Her petite body abounded in unexpected strength.
She was an excellent cook and both her and Ron were famous for their extraordinary Christmas  light displays.  People would flock to Garrison each holiday season to witness the magic.
Joan and Ron also worked as a team in the special carpentry and painting of wooden Yellow Ribbons for soldiers and their families during the Gulf War.  The Gilman lawn sat proudly with the Yellow Ribbons standing at attention.
Joan is survived by her three children, Sandi (Howard) Stevenson of Deer Lodge, Ronnie Kitzenberg of Deer Lodge, and Les Gilman of Elko, Nev.  
Grandchildren, Mark (Paula) Kitzenberg, of Billings, Josh Kitzenberg, of Billings, Samantha Kitzenberg, of Billings, and Jordan (Jake) Lowney of Draper, Utah, Howard (Sheryl) Stevenson of Deer lodge.
Great-grandchildren Sheyanne Stevenson, Deer Lodge, Katie Kitzenberg, New York, Cole Kitzenberg, Billings, and Jackson and Lily Grace Lowney of Utah.  Special nephew, Cody (Rachel) Frasier lives in Billings with children Taylor and Kane.  There are numerous nieces and nephews.
Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Ronald, her parents, George and Myrtle, her sisters, Annalee (Norman) Smith, Betty (Jack) Kanouse, infant Helen Baustadt, and brothers, Bobby and Tommy Adams, Jimmy and Pete Baustadt.
Cremation has taken place.  A special luncheon in her memory will be held on June 24 at noon at the Senior Citizen’s Center in Deer Lodge.
Donations can be sent to either the Garrison Fire Dept. or the Garrison School.

​Harley L. Pitman Jr.
Harley L. Pitman Jr. passed away on May 3, 2017. The son of Harley and Nora Pitman, he was born in Seattle, Wash. on November 6, 1938. He and his family moved to Deer Lodge in the early 1950s. They lived on Rock Creek and he worked with his dad in their mine. After finishing school he left for the Navy and was active duty for two years. He then served in the Naval Reserves for 20 years. He was an accomplished pilot and flew F15 during his time in the reserves.
Harley had various jobs during his life which included being a Greyhound bus driver, a long-haul truck driver, and a heavy equipment operator.
He and his wife Helen moved to Deer Lodge in July 1992. After retiring in April 2004 he started H&H Small Engine Repair. If it was broke, he could fix it. In his spare time he enjoyed flying, camping, fishing, family and friends.
He was preceeded in death by his parents, his brother Bert, his brother-in-law Bob Chaplin and his nephew Mike Richardson.
Harley is survived by his wife of 29 1/2 years, Helen, his daughter Jodi, his son Todd, and his bonus kids Neil (Dena), Laurel (Alan), Willie (Pam), and Diane (Steve); his sisters Lorraine and Norita (Don), numerous nieces and nephews, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Burial with graveside services will be at Hillcrest Cemetery on June 10, 2017 at 11 a.m. A celebration of Harley’s life will follow at noon at the Elks Lodge in Deer Lodge.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the Deer Lodge Elks B.P.O.E. Lodge #1737 or to a charity of your choice.

​Leonard J. Barnes
Leonard J. Barnes was born into the pioneer Barnes and Yuhas families of the Helena Valley. He was born on October 19, 1919 in Helena, the son of Bernard Huber and Helen Yuhas Barnes. He was raised in the Lyon’s Creek area of Wolf Creek Canyon where he attended the Wolf Creek School. In 1925, his father purchased a ranch on Silver Creek (now owned by the Wirth Family). He attended the Mitchell School near Silver Creek (now owned by Sieben Ranch Company). He attended two years of high school at Craig, then helped his father on the ranch. 
Leonard began a truck farm business, selling produce, eggs and chickens to Helena customers. He continued this until 1939 when he began working at Ft. Harrison. 
Enlisting in the Navy on October 1, 1940, he gained his nickname of “Barney,” by which he was known for the rest of his life. Barney attended Hospital Corps School in San Diego and Field Service School, 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force at Camp Elliott, Calif. He transferred to Mobile Hospital #2 at Pearl Harbor in the fall of 1941, where he became a Pearl Harbor survivor on December 7. After Pearl, he was sent to serve in New Zealand until he returned to the States to serve at Oak Knoll Hospital in Oakland, Calif. He was discharged on March 22, 1945. 
On a blind date, he met a pretty red-headed student nurse in January 1941, and on July 7, 1941 he was married to her, Catherine Ellen Stinebaugh. They were married for 59 years before her death in 2000. 
After the war, Barney made use of the new G.I. Bill and attended the University of Montana in Missoula, receiving his degree in Pharmacy. He did an internship in Miles City, then returned to MSU for his Master’s Degree, graduating in 1952. 
The following years found the family moving to Oregon for several years. Their greatest adventure was working for the Eli Lilly Company and moving to Anchorage, Alaska Territory in 1957. They were always proud to have been in Alaska when it became a State in 1959. 
in 1963, they left Alaska and moved to Washington State for a short time before retirement in 1964. They spent several years traveling as full-time RVrs. Finally, in 1974, they stopped traveling and settled down in Helena. But camping, fishing and hunting were still their most favorite activities. 
Barney passed away on May 19, 2017 at the Deer Lodge Medical Center. He was 97 years old and lived in Garrison during the summer and Mesa, Ariz. during the winter. 
Barney was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, a brother, Clifford and his sister, Clara Smith. He is survived by his son, Leonard J. (Jim) Barnes (JoAnne) of Garrison; his daughter, Karen (John) Hartling of Monument, Colo.; two grandsons, Sean (Pam) Hartling of Monument, Colo., and Patrick Hartling of Palmer Lake, Colo.; his brother-in-law, Otto Smith of Helena; his special companion and caregiver, Chris Read of Garrison and Mesa; six great-grandchildren and two nephews. 
Cremation has occurred and a memorial service will be held at a later date at the Veteran’s Cemetery at Ft. Harrison in Helena. 

​Evelyn Victoria Dodge
Evelyn Victoria Dodge was born 11-13-1920 to Henry and Mabel Hemingson at Crosby N.D. Evelyn married William Dodge in 1940 and they spent their early years ranching in Bainville and Arlee. They moved to Deer Lodge in the fifties where they raised their family and worked at the Montana State Prison until retirement. They were lifetime members of Elks Lodge 1737. Evelyn enjoyed camping, fishing and casinos. 
Evelyn passed away in Lake Havasu, Ariz. where she resided with her youngest son Ron on 5-18-2017.She was preceded in death by her husband Bill and daughter Margie Alexander. She is survived by her three sons Warren, Dale and Ron, seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
Evelyn was a strong feisty lady who cared deeply about her family.

Raymond George Jursnick
Oct. 24, 1930 — May 4, 2017.
Raymond George Jursnick, 86, died May 4, 2017 at The Springs of Butte after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Dementia.
Ray was born in Butte on Oct. 24, 1930, to George and Ann (Plute) Jursnick.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Edward Jursnick of Davis, Calif.; and his niece, Victoria Carhartt of San Diego, Calif. Ray is survived by his wife, Sue Starford-Jursnick of Deer Lodge and Anaconda and Tampa, Fla.; his sister-in-law, Janet Jursnick; niece, Ludi Zarick; and nephew, Ray (Shelley) Jursnick, all of Calif. He is also survived by his stepsons, Bruce Starford and Brian Starford, both of Florida, and several grandchildren.
Ray graduated from Butte High School and was a member of BPOE for 64 years and the Butte Sports Hall of Fame. He loved fishing, hunting, skiing, piloting his plane in Alaska, and anything Montana, especially Butte.
At Ray’s request there will be no burial nor memorial services. Cremation was handled by Axelson Alternative Cremation.

Anna May Micu Koudelka
Anna May Micu Koudelka left this world on May 16, 2017 to join her beloved Edward to dance together again, for eternity.  Ann was born on May, 26, 1932 in Deer Lodge to Laurinda and Jim Micu.  She graduated from Powell County High School in May, 1950.  She married Charles Skewes on October 20, 1951.  To this union were born four children, Charlene, Charles Jay (CJ), John and Lauri.  They later divorced.  She worked for the Milwaukee Railroad when she met the love of her life, Edward R. Koudelka.  They were married on Valentines Day, 1976 and were inseparable for 35 years when her love passed away on January 10, 2011.
Ann and Ed traveled the world starting their life together and marrying in Coeur d`Alene, Idaho and honeymooning in Palm Beach, Calif.  Their adventures took them to Jamaica, New Orleans, Washington D.C., Sarasota, San Francisco,, Europe, Iceland, Alaska, Hawaii, Boston, Cancun, a cruise on the Mexican Riviera, Cabo San Lucas, with many trips to Las Vegas and Jackpot.  
They made their home in Libertyville, Ill., then moved to Sun City, Ariz., Bozeman, Deer Lodge and then Butte.  After Ed’s passing, Ann moved back to her hometown of Deer Lodge,  where she resided until her death.  
Ann’s favorite past time was dancing with her husband every Saturday night at either Fairmont, Anaconda Elks, the Broken Arrow and the Arena.  She also enjoyed knitting and spending time with her family.  They were well known in the area for their dancing skills and often found themselves on a cleared dance floor with all eyes on them.
Ann was preceded in death by her brothers Jim Micu and John Micu.
Ann is survived by her children Charlene Anderson (Bill), Charles Jay Skewes (Carole), John Skewes, and Lauri Rowe (Ray).  Stepchildren Chris Robbins (Earl), Bob Koudelka (Linda).  Grandchildren Jason (Amanda), Gabe (Sara), Adam, Martin (KimJae),  Patti (Danny), Ashley and Kelsey, Ryan, Katie (Nacoma), Kristle (Matthew), Shane, and Andy. Great-grandchildren Megan & Kennedy, Jordan, Finn, Acen, Adara, Ryan Jr., Spencer, Chase, Remy, Kairi, Leahanna, Vera and Hope.
Private family services are planned.   There was a celebration of Ann’s life  at the Broken Arrow on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 2 p.m. In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Deer Lodge Food Pantry, a charity close to Ann’s heart.

Adelina C. Munoz Loomis
Oct. 13, 1934 — May 15, 2017.
On May 15, 2017, Adelina C. Munoz Loomis took her last breath surrounded by all four of her children, sending her off with love, song and gratitude.
Adelina Colette Munoz Loomis was born at home on Oct. 13, 1934, in Corvallis. Her parents were Paxedes “Peggy” and Joseph Manuel Munoz. She grew up in Stevensville surrounded by love and fun of a large extended family that meant the world to her. She had two brothers, Pepe and Carlos Munoz. 
Adelina graduated from Stevensville High School in 1952. She attended nursing school at St. Patrick’s in Missoula. She never completed school but opted to leave nursing to marry the love of her life, Harold Loomis on June 24, 1954. This was a decision she never regretted. 
Adelina and Harold have been married for over 62 years. Together they had five children. Their first son, Michael Dean was born in 1955. Michael passed away at the tender age of two. She and Harold had four more children, Lori Mashek of Portland, Ore.; Stephen Loomis and his wife Shelly of Butte; Teresa Peterson and Mick Kennedy of Billings; and Augusta Bennett and Bill Moodry of Billings. 
Lenie was an avid reader and loved to work in her flower gardens. Dad and mom did a great deal of traveling -- first by car and then later on in their motorhome. She loved her dogs, Angel, K-T, Noah, and Coco.
Our mother was never afraid to share her thoughts or opinions even if you did not ask! She was strong willed and fierce and we loved her.
Along with her husband and children, she is survived by seven grandchildren, Andi, Jacob, Alex, Josh, Becca, Nathaniel and Noah and five great-grandchildren, Reece, Chloe, Kelbey, Liam and Miles.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Peggy; son, Michael; and twin grandsons, Peter and Paul Loomis.
To quote our mother “I have had a long life and a lot of fun. I have had a good life and I have loved my family. I have read many good books.”
A Funeral Mass was held in Celebration of her life at the Immaculate Conception Church in Deer Lodge, on Saturday, May 20, at 11 a.m. Interment of ashes followed at Riverside Cemetery in Stevensville, at 4:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that you please donate to the Third World Children’s Fund.
“Vaya Con Dios” Mama.
Axelson Alternative Cremation is privileged to serve the Loomis family.

William Cameron Sr.
Montana State Prison inmate William Cameron Sr., age 66, died on Monday, May 15, 2017 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula following an extended illness. 
Mr. Cameron was sentenced out of Cascade County in 2003 for the crime of Sexual Assault. Mr. Cameron was sentenced to 40 years with 20 years suspended. Mr. Cameron was parole eligible since 2012. His prison discharge date was 3/01/2022. 

​Jennie Tidball Comer
​Jennie Tidball Comer’s life spanned a century; and, curious as she was about the world around her, she appreciated that she had witnessed astounding transformative events. Jennie was born October 26, 1915, in Faith, South Dakota. She was the fourth oldest of Denver and Jennie Tidball’s 10 children, raised on their sheep ranch in the northwest corner of the state. She came to Montana, first to Butte and then to Pony to help with her older sister’s young family. In Pony she met Sidney Comer, one of its native sons, whom she married on October 16, 1939.
Living first on the Revenue Flats near Norris, they spent the war years at a phosphate mine, the Luke, outside of Avon. Jennie wrangled three daughters in that remote setting, often the only woman at the “camp.”  When the war was over, the family moved to Deer Lodge where Jennie was a homemaker before taking a job at the telephone office.  She was on duty when the 1959 prison riot erupted, and she loved to tell the story of those events in vivid and dramatic detail. In 1966 Sid and Jennie moved to Billings and retired to Hamilton in 1972.
For the next 20 years, Sid and Jennie cultivated beautiful and productive vegetable and rose gardens as well as numerous friendships. They often hosted or were guests for dinners and card parties. Jennie helped tend the garden and enjoyed ‘putting up’ the produce each fall. She took pride in the tidy rows of canned fruits and vegetables that lined the walls of their root cellar. Jennie was active in the Golden Age Club, Good Sam, Eagles’ Drill Team, and Rebekahs. Dancing, camping, picnics, rides in the mountains, trips to Oregon, and time with family filled Jennie’s life, and she recorded it all with meticulous detail in albums, scrapbooks, and her daily diaries.
Jennie was the family historian and her legacy is several bound volumes with labeled photos, clippings, and announcements that chronicle generations. She read and kept up on current events until the last few months, using her magnifier and listening to talking books as her eyesight failed. She was the last surviving member of her high school graduating class in Isabel, South Dakota, and to the very end could recite poems she memorized during her school days.
The family is grateful for the care Jennie received at Bee Hive Homes when her health began to deteriorate and to all the caregivers at The Springs, Home Instead, and Partners’ Hospice for walking with her and us on the last leg of her journey. 
Jennie was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers, and four sisters. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in- law, Sylvia and Leaman Sullivan, Martha and Reinhart Kurtz, and Mae Hassman, sister Bess Franzen, brothers Bert and Doris Tidball and Bennett Tidball and Wanda French, seven grandchildren, eleven great- grandchildren, and four great-great grandsons.
Cremation has taken place. The family will host a reception celebrating Jennie’s life at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 19, at the Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula and a memorial service at Valley View Cemetery in Pony in September.

Death Notice: Ed Mathison
Ed Mathison, born May 26, 1935, died Saturday, May 13, 2017. No services as requested. Memorials can be made to the Powell County Senior Center.

Odyssey Ardene
Montana State Prison inmate Odyssey Ardene died on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at St. Patricks Hospital in Missoula. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. He was 28 years old. 
Mr. Ardene was sentenced out of Orange County, Florida on 11/03/2014 for the crimes of Manslaughter by Culpable Negligence, two counts of Drug Charges, and Possession of Firearm. Mr. Ardene was serving four concurrent 10 year sentences. 
Mr. Ardene was a Florida state inmate who was housed at Montana State Prison as an Interstate Compact Transfer. He was received at Montana State Prison on 7/21/2015. 

William Joseph “Punk” Ryan
William Joseph Ryan, Deer Lodge.
William Joseph “Punk” Ryan of Deer Lodge died Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at the age of 78.
Born Dec. 28, 1938, in Deer Lodge to Joe and Mary Ann Petersen Ryan, Bill married Annette Lescantz Ryan on May 7, 1960.
A Deer Lodge resident almost his entire life, Bill graduated from Powell County High School in 1956. He rodeoed, played football, and ran track for the Wardens. In 1960, he began his plumbing apprenticeship at the Galen State Hospital, riding bulls on the weekends. While at Galen, he met the love of his life, Annette. In 1975, he started Ryan Plumbing and Heating. For four decades, Bill worked tirelessly to keep the heat on and the water running, morning and night, weekends and holidays. He never told anyone “no.” At times he fixed furnaces mid-winter for local retirees for free. Bill loved his community and enjoyed a good conversation.
In addition to his kindness and generosity, Bill will be remembered as a world-class storyteller who especially loved to regale his grandchildren with stories of his many adventures. An avid outdoorsman, Bill enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and trapping, and passed on that appreciation to his sons and grandchildren. After retiring, Bill spent his free time visiting with family, working in his garden and greenhouse, watching westerns, and cheering on his beloved New York Yankees and Kansas City Chiefs. 
Bill is survived by his wife Annette and their two sons, Joe and his wife Lindi of Deer Lodge, and Mike and his wife Shelly of Billings; his brothers Jerry Ryan and his wife Kitty of Arizona City, Ariz., and Danny Ryan and his wife Connie of Manhattan; his five grandchildren, John Ryan and his wife Lori of Wheat Ridge, Colo., Anne Ryan and her fiancée Sam Honeyman of La Grange, Ga., Erin Ryan of Bozeman, Katherine Ryan of Billings, and Patrick Ryan and his wife Sarah of Billings; and his two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Logan Ryan of Wheat Ridge, Colo.
Bill’s memorial service was held this past Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Deer Lodge. It was officiated by Fr. Joe Fleming.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Deer Lodge Elks. B.P.O.E Lodge 1737.

​Gloria Baker
Gloria Baker, born December 22, 1927.
Gloria passed away peacefully on April 18, 2017 at the Deer Lodge Care Center.
Gloria was born to Bill and Ada Johns in Ames, Iowa. Later in life she and her family moved to Spirit Lake, Iowa, where she retired from Crystal Tips Mfg. and enjoyed gardening and life. She then relocated to Deer Lodge to be closer to her daughter Cathy.
She is preceeded in death by her parents Bill and Ada Johns, sister Mary, and husband of 63 years Dean Baker.
She is survived by her daughter Cathy Crouch (Mark), sons Allan Baker and George Baker.
Graveside services will be held April 28 at 2 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery.

​Ralph Arnold Hagemo
Ralph Arnold Hagemo, age 86, peacefully passed away at his home in Missoula, surrounded by his family on Monday, April 17, 2017. 
He was born on September 26, 1930 in Huron, S. D. to Arnold and Loretta (Cords) Hagemo. Ralph was attending school in Butte when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1946. In 1949, he went on to work for the Milwaukee Railroad where he worked in the mechanical department and retired as a Mechanical Foreman in 1983. 
On October 7, 1950, he married the love of his life, Alma “Mardell” Bear. Together they had five children. Ralph and Mardell enjoyed music, dancing, and spending time with their family. 
Ralph’s special interests included fixing up cars, playing cribbage, camping, fishing, and occasionally drinking whiskey. Although, nothing compared to the love he had for his family. 
He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Mardell; sisters, Darlene and Dorathy; brother-in-law Billy (Donna); children, Ted (Sherrie), Kathy (Dennie), Monte (Debbie), Sandy (Don), and Lori (Terry); 10 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A special thanks to all the wonderful nurses from Partners in Home Care Hospice. A graveside service will be held at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery on Friday, May 12, 2017 at 3 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Partners in Home Care - Hospice at www.partnersinhomecare.org/Donations. 

​Mary Tempel Gormley
Mary Tempel Gormley, 96, was born to Edward and Mary Tempel in Chester on September 17, 1920. She attended schools in Chester and Joplin and received her RN degree from the Deaconess School of Nursing in Great Falls in 1942. 
Mary entered the Army Nurse Corp in 1942 and was stationed in Los Angeles and then overseas in England for two years as a First Lieutenant during World War II. While there, Mary met her husband, Bob, who was also a U.S. Army officer.  When she returned from the war, Mary worked for a time at the Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. 
She returned to Great Falls where they were married in 1946.  Mary and Bob returned to LaCrosse, Wis. (Bob’s home state) where they resided for five years, while he finished college and later taught in Racine. 
Mary and Bob moved to Missoula and then to Choteau in 1951, where Bob was an Elementary Principal and School District Superintendent.  He died in December 2000.
Mary was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Choteau, where she taught Sunday School and served on other committees. Mary was a member of Faith Circle for many years. She also spent several years as a Cub Scout and Girl Scout Leader.
Her special interests included Rosemaling, in which she was quite skilled, as well as travel, exercise and golf. Her greatest joy was her family and the memories made together.
Mary was the Director of Nursing at the Teton Nursing Home in Choteau for 12 years. Mary and Bob spent winters in California and Arizona during their retirement. She later moved into the Skyline Lodge, spending seven years there with many friends. In 2015, Mary moved to Big Sky Senior Living in Butte to be near her daughter and son-in-law. She died on Good Friday, April 14, 2017 in Butte.
She is survived by two children and their spouses – Grant and Anne Gormley of Pierre, S. D. and Gwen and Joe Brott of Deer Lodge. Five grandchildren – Joseph Gormley, Ellen and Jesse Hopper, Lukas and Gina Brott, Isaak and Jenna Brott, and Katherine and Dino Musielewicz. Great-grandchildren include Evelyn Hopper, Georgiana Hopper, Johanna Brott, Weston Brott, Silas Brott, Ryleigh Brott, Ethan Brott and Beckett Musielewicz. She is also survived by her brother, Bill and Marcia Tempel, sisters-in-law Elvina Tempel, Lorraine Tempel and Ann Tempel as well as many nieces, nephews and especially her niece, Linda Moore who brought her great joy.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband, parents, her sister, Helen Hodges, and brothers Ed, John, Ted, Bert and Ben Tempel, brother-in-law Bill Hodges, sisters-in-law Joyce Tempel and Leone Tempel.
The funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Choteau. Burial took place at the Choteau Cemetery where Mary was placed next to Bob in the Veterans section. 
Memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or sent to Mary’s family at 110 Claggett St., Deer Lodge, MT 59722.

​Darleen Joy Combs
Darleen Joy Combs passed away April 18, 2017.  She was born on June 25, 1931 at home on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Roosevelt County.  She was the second child of Jay and Ethleen Combs.  The family eventually moved to Nashua, where she graduated from high school in 1949.
On February 24, 1951, Darleen married Louis D. Larson, also from Nashua.  They had three daughters, Coleen (born in Glasgow), Lindy (born in Pomona, Calif.), and Carlyn (born in San Diego, Calif.).  In 1966, while living in Walla Walla, Wash., they divorced.
Darleen moved to Helena.  After graduating from Helena Business College in 1967, she took employment with the State of Montana at the Department of Unemployment as a secretary and later at the Department of Institutions as a bookkeeper.
In 1973, Darleen moved to Ellensburg, Wash.  She took employment with the Ellensburg School District as a bookkeeper and was instrumental in computerizing their system.  She married Charles (Chuck) Gust in 1977.  They built a beautiful house in the country from a floor plan she designed.  She helped raise Chuck’s two children, Jeff and Julie.  They divorced in 1988.
That same year Darleen moved to Deer Lodge.  She took employment with the State of Montana at the Title and Registration Bureau until retiring in 1993.
Darleen loved make-up, jewelry, clothes, sewing and altering clothes, and shopping at thrift stores.  She enjoyed remodeling and decorating her homes with just the right piece in just the right color.  She was a very good cook and flower gardener. Darleen gave much to, and received much from her pets throughout her life.
After suffering a stroke in November of 2011, she moved to the Rocky Mountain Healthcare Community in Helena.  Darleen wanted to be in Helena, as it always seemed like home to her.
She was preceded in death by her parents Jay and Ethleen Combs, brothers Bill Combs and Dean Combs, and her sister Doris Cason.
Survivors include brother Marion (Butch) Combs (Mae) of Longview, Wash.; daughters Coleen Done (Jim) of Seeley Lake, Lindy Lease (Milton) of Deer Lodge, and Carlyn Larson of Great Falls; step-daughter Julie Gordon of Ellensburg, Wash., and stepson Jeff Gust (Korrine) of Lake Stevens, Wash.; grandchildren Sam Done, Beth LoConte (Justin), Paul Lease, Darla Dexter (John), and Wade Lease (Cindi); great-grandchildren Elizabeth Done, Dusty Dexter, Will Dexter, Damon LoConte and Dacia LoConte; and several nieces and nephews.
No services will be held.

Ellen “Pat” (Wall-Huner) LaTray
Mrs. Ellen “Pat” (Wall-Huner) LaTray of Deer Lodge, formerly of Quincy, Ill., passed away in her home, surrounded by her family on Good Friday, April 14, 2017 at the age of 80.
Ellen was born to Clarence Patrick and Kathleen Wall in 1936 in Deer Lodge. She grew up as the eldest of three and attended Powell County High School.
On June 23, 1956, she married Cleve Huner. They made their home in Quincy, Ill. and the couple had six children. Cleve passed away in 1997.
Ellen married her high school sweetheart, Harold LaTray, on March 15, 2013 and moved back to Deer Lodge.
Ellen is survived by her husband, Harold LaTray; her children (and spouses) Thomas Peterson (Carol), Carmella Bundy (Gael Baker), Ginger Mefford (Herbie), Brenda Trapini (Bill), Colene Porter (Jimmy); her stepchildren (and spouses) Sheila Zachary (Larry), Lila Roberts (Donald), Butch LaTray (Wanda), Dale LaTray (Deb), Jimmy LaTray, and Jennifer LaTray; her brother, Timothy Wall; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence Patrick and Kathleen Wall; her husband, Cleve Huner; her son, Jake Huner; her sister, Molly Bosch, and step-daughter, Sandy Huston.
Ellen was an amazing quilter her entire life and had a large following of clients.
A service is planned at Christ Fellowship in Deer Lodge on Thursday, April 20 at 1 p.m. Friends and family are invited to attend. There will be no service in Quincy, Ill. 
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on Ellen’s behalf to St. Jude’s Hospital.
A special thanks to Lila Roberts for providing loving care to Ellen.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Ellen’s funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.

Death Notice: Mary Tempel Gormley
Mary Tempel Gormley, 96, died on Good Friday, April 14, 2017 in Butte. She was born to Edward and Mary (Kreitmeir) Tempel in Chester on September 17, 1920. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Choteau.  Burial will take place at the Choteau Cemetery where Mary will be placed next to Bob in the Veterans section. A full obituary will run at a later date.

​Helen Baird Rogers
Helen Baird Rogers, 92, passed away on March 25. Born in The Dalles, Ore. to Gertrude (Kopplin) and John Baird, Helen graduated from Missoula County High School in 1942. During WWII she worked, among other jobs, as a welder on oil tankers in San Francisco, Calif. She later married George Rogers, whose work took the family to Spokane, Wash. 
In 1995 George and Helen moved to Deer Lodge. After George’s death Helen moved to Missoula and resided at the Clark Fork River Apartments. Besides George, Helen was preceded in death by her sisters Elnore Wohlers and Margaret Kolppa. She is survived by her sons, Pete Rogers (Kathy) in Trinity, Calif., and Steve Rogers (Cathy) in Deer Lodge, daughter Gail Rogers (John Scherlen) in N.C., two grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who have blessed her life. 
Helen was noted for her many stories, both spoken and written, and she will be sorely missed. Her wish was for her body to be donated for research, and therefore asked that there be no formal service or memorial. 

​Harold G. Hansen
Harold G. Hansen, 78, passed away Friday, March 24, 2017.  He was born in Butte on October 13, 1938 to Harold A. Hansen and Margret (Meisinger) Hansen.  
He is survived by his brother Russel Hansen, his four sons: Daniel Hansen, Brian Symes, Johnathon Symes, and Thomas Symes; his five daughters: Tammy Kostoff, Terri Hauff, Suzie LaRoche, Keri Garcia and Soledad Symes; a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.  
Harold was a devout Republican who loved his family, country, and football (Redskins). 
A graveside service is scheduled for April 7 at 2 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge. In lieu of flowers please make any donation to the Powll County Senior Citizen Center in Deer Lodge.