Lila Claire Finch Douglas
Lila Claire Finch Douglas went home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the early hours of Monday April 29, 2019. Lila was born August 13, 1930 to Ozroe D. Finch and Helen Beryl George Finch in Ismay, Montana. She grew up in a large, loving, and hardworking family on their ranch in the Pine Hills, east of Miles City. She attended the country school in Knowlton then finished grade school, junior high, and high school in Miles City. In high school she met Albert Douglas, a young cowboy from Ekalaka, Montana. They fell in love, got married in 1948, and stayed in love for almost 69 years, until Albert’s death in 2017. Albert and Lila worked on ranches in Carter, Powder River, Prairie, Teton, Granite, and Powell counties. During those years they raised five children; Larry and David born in Miles City, Reimer born in Spearfish, South Dakota, and Robert and Beverly born in Choteau, Montana.
In 1972 Albert and Lila moved to La Grande, Oregon and worked there in ranching and agriculture for 20 years. In 1992 they returned to their beloved Montana as caretakers on a beautiful ranch in the Bitterroot valley. Then, in 2013 when they were in their early 80s, they retired to their final earthly home in Churchill, Montana. Lila was a strong, wise, and very gentle wife and mother. She loved music and had a beautiful, harmonizing voice which she used often to praise her Lord. Mom loved her family and very many friends. She had a kind and encouraging influence on many more people than she realized. Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Olive Rogers; brothers, Dennis, Earl, Joe, and Lloyd Finch; and an infant great-grandson. Lila is survived by her sister, Bertie Clowers; brother Miles Finch; as well as her five children and their spouses; 16 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren with more on the way.
A special thank you to our friends at Compassus Hospice who so faithfully and lovingly cared for Mom in her last months of life. And to many others in our community who gave of themselves to love and bless Lila.
A memorial service was held at Manhattan Christian Reformed Church on Saturday May 4, 2019 at 11 with burial preceding at Meadowview Cemetery at 10.
“Many women have done excellently but you surpass them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service.   www.dokkennelson.com

​Thomas P. Enger
​Thomas P. Enger, 1938-2019. 
Thomas P. Enger passed away on April 16, 2019. He was born April 21, 1938, to Rose (Neilson) and Oscar Enger in Deer Lodge. Tom married his college sweetheart, Jacquelin, in 1960 and together they raised their son Colin.
Tom received his B.A. and M.A. from Montana State University and completed his post graduate work at Stanford.   In 1965 he joined the Economics Department at St. Olaf College. He was an engaged and beloved member of the St. Olaf community, instrumental in enhancing the Economics Program and renovating Holland Hall. Tom’s specialties were Money and Banking and International Trade. He was a popular teacher with a unique lecturing style which his colleagues often compared to a Southern Baptist Preacher with a wry sense of humor. Tom   and family enjoyed memorable sabbaticals in Switzerland and Norway.   
In 1982 he became an Advisor to the Central Bank in Saudi Arabia. Lasting until the early 1990s, the post proved to be challenging and at times even dangerous.   
Tom shared the last chapter in his life with his second wife, Susana. They settled in Carlsbad, Calif., where they enjoyed fine dining, friends and family and extensive travel. 
Tom is survived by his wife Susana, son Colin, nephews Tom and Gregg and niece Teri.  

Robert Staffanson
Three years ago, after Robert Staffanson penned his award-winning memoir at the ripe young age of 94, a veteran journalist reviewing the book asked, “Is Staffanson the most interesting man in Montana?”
Staffanson’s three-part tome, “Witness to Spirit: My Life With Cowboys, Mozart & Indians,” chronicled his life as a rancher’s son who underwent several different phases of reinvention.
Staffanson died Saturday, April 27, 2019 at age 97 in Bozeman. A memorial service is being planned for June 8, 2 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church in Bozeman.
Born in Sidney, Montana along the lower Yellowstone River on Nov. 11, 1921, Staffanson was the son of George and Julia Staffanson and the devoted brother of Gladys Staffanson Lutticken.
Raised on a cattle ranch near Deer Lodge, he trained in music at the University of Montana. In 1945, he wedded his hometown sweetheart from Deer Lodge, Frankie Ann Smith. They were married 71 years.
Upon college graduation, Staffanson founded The Billings Symphony, then was subsequently tapped to lead the Springfield Symphony in Massachusetts based on the recommendation of acclaimed violinist Eugene Ormandy, then conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
During Staffanson’s tenure in Springfield, he became friends with many classical music giants, including Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein and Arthur Fiedler.
In the prime of his career, however, Staffanson gave up conducting. Not long after moving back to their beloved Montana, Bob and Ann welcomed the arrival of their daughter, Kristin Staffanson Campbell, whom they considered “the brightest light in their lives.”
Appalled by the treatment of indigenous people, Staffanson worked closely with tribal elders to found the American Indian Institute.
Staffanson held a special place in his heart for the thousands of native people he met, not only from North America but around the globe.
He is survived by his daughter, Kristin, son-in-law Michael Campbell, and grandsons Bryan Robert Campbell and Cody Michael Campbell, all of Bozeman.
Staffanson greatly loved his nieces, nephews, and treasured friends (too many to list here).   To learn more about Staffanson, read his book. To support the ideals he championed, please consider making a contribution to the American Indian Institute.
For the full obituary, please visit www.dokkennelson.com.

John T. “Jack” Lingenfelter
John T. “Jack” Lingenfelter, October 15, 1958-April 19, 2019.
Jack was the youngest son of Margaret (Gallagher) Lingenfelter and Bill Lingenfelter of the LH Ranch at Gold Creek. Jack grew up running all around the ranch with his school friends and later exploring much of the surrounding mountain ranges with them.
Concluding school in Gold Creek, he attended PCHS in Deer Lodge where he excelled in all subjects, especially Vo-Ag and was in FFA all four years, and on the swim team. As an FFA officer, he travelled extensively and went to the National FFA Convention in Washington, D.C.
He attended MSU in Bozeman to be an Ag Teacher. While off for summer breaks he worked at Grant-Kohrs Ranch. He also worked for and travelled with Bruce Thomas of Thomas Herefords doing custom fitting of show cattle across several states. Later, he helped his brother-in-law, Jim Hansen, with logging projects on the LH Ranch and then took the real estate test to work in that field, keeping up on changing property laws.
He went on to work for several logging operations in Montana and eventually headed to Alaska where he spent several years logging on various islands before coming back to Montana and going to work at the mill in Deer Lodge, later driving log truck for them. After serious injury on the log truck he finished out his work experience with Bob Rabel of Rabel Excavating in construction.
Jack was  preceeded in death by his half sister, Patricia (Patti) Hansen, of the LH Ranch. Cremation has taken place and there will be a gathering at the LH Ranch later this year to distribute his ashes to the various up-land pastures he enjoyed hiking and hunting, with the rest on the home area. We will let everyone know to be able to attend.

​Mary Lou Miller
Mary Lou Miller, beloved wife, mother, friend, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on April 22, 2019 after a brief fight with cancer.  She was born August 3, 1941 in Ennis.  She spent her early years on a ranch between Virginia City and Ennis.  She later moved to Deer Lodge where she graduated from Powell County High School.  She married James D. Miller and together they raised their family and were active in the Deer Lodge community for over 60 years.
Mary Lou was known for her many talents.  She was a beautiful seamstress, creating many treasured items for family and friends.  She was also a wonderful baker.  Everyone who came to visit knew where the cookie can was and it was always full.  When her children were older she took her love of cooking to the Deer Lodge school district kitchen where for many years every child that went to school never missed her famous chili and cinnamon roll day.  She retired from the school district in 1999 and continued to volunteer for many years in the junior high school home economics department, helping many children learn life skills through sewing and cooking.
Mary Lou was very active in the Deer Lodge community.  She volunteered at the “New to You” thrift store and belonged to the Deer Lodge Woman’s Club.  She was a dual member of the Order of Eastern Star chapters Margaret Cumming #57 in Drummond and Floral Chapter #46 in Deer Lodge.   She was also active in Daughters of the Nile chapters Sapphira #79 in Helena and Tirizah #3 in Butte.  She treasured her many Star and Nile friends and family.  
She and Jim made a point to be a part of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildrens’ many adventures and activities.  Many Montana highway miles were logged attending school and club activities and any cheering sections always included Mary Lou showing her support.
Mary Lou was proceeded in death by her father, James Schubring, mother Virginia and step-father Paul Rainville and her great-granddaughter Carli McKenna Miller.  She is survived by her husband of 60 years Jim, son Perry (Mindy) Miller of Deer Lodge, daughter Melanie (Kevin) Lackey of Missoula and daughter Joyce (Bill) Schaff of Missoula.   Grandchildren, Cory (Jamie) Miller, Perry (Tara) Miller, Shawn Miller, Ryan Miller, Kyle (Elise) Schaff, Brent (Natalie) Schaff and Anna (David) Didier and 10 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by brothers Joe (Carol) Rainville, Dick Rainville and Todd Rainville and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday April 27 at 11 a.m. at the Christ Fellowship Church, 600 4th Street, Deer Lodge.  A reception followed services. The family requests memorials in Mary Lou’s name be made to the Shriners Hospital or a charity of their choice.

​Elaine Carlsen Fleck
​Elaine Carlsen Fleck, 1955-2019.
Elaine passed away Sunday, April 14, 2019 at the Deer Lodge Medical Center after a long struggle with cancer. She was born to Ralph and Sabra Carlsen on August 20, 1955. She graduated in 1974 from Powell County High School. Elaine was Recreational Director at SD#1 for 34 years and also substituted as an aide wherever they needed her. She was married and divorced from Ralph Fleck. She loved working in her yard planting flowers and also decorating her yard for the holidays. Elaine also enjoyed watching and going to the Grizzly football games. She really enjoyed the cruises she took with her mother to Alaska, South America and many trips to the Bahamas and also the trips to New York to see some plays. Elaine also loved her cat Goose. 
Elaine is survived by her significant other John Beard of 18 years, sister Dalice Campbell Rogers (Pat) of Deer Lodge; nephew Brian Cook (Michelle) of Las Vegas; Julian Johnson of Missoula, which Elaine was like a second mom to Julian; also grandnephews Jordan Cook and Noah Cook of Las Vegas, and grandnieces Violet and Faith Cook of Las Vegas and several cousins and many friends. Elaine was preceded in death by both her parents, sister Janice Carlsen, nephew Shawn Cook. 
We would like to thank the staff at Deer Lodge Medical Center and Powell County Ambulance and Compassus Hospice of Butte. Also a big thank you to Diane Evans and Diane Enger for all their help and support. 
Jewell Funeral Home is taking care of arrangements. Cremation has taken place. Elaine requested no services. Memorials, donations can be made by donor’s choice. 

​Robert Kenneth Burns
​Robert Kenneth Burns died at home April 14, 2019 with family by his side.  Bob was born September 5, 1937 in Helena to Kenneth R. and Dorothy (Gonser) Burns. He grew up in Wolf Creek working with his family running the Wolf Creek store and on their chicken farm supplying eggs and fryers to the Helena Valley.
When not helping his folks, he was exploring the Wolf Creek canyon with friends; camping, fishing, and even trying to swim a horse across the Missouri River. The horse survived, and Bob went on to graduate from Cascade High School. 
Life really began in January 1961 when he met Bobcat cheerleader and future bride Billie Jean Applegate while attending Montana State University. They were engaged April 12 and married September 16 the same year. Bob graduated with a degree in Industrial Arts in 1962.
The pair then moved to Helena and were blessed with three children as spirited as their dad.  Bob and BJ raised Rowdy, Brad, and Jodi on a place off Glass Drive. They kept dogs, horses, sheep, hogs, and cows and spent summers irrigating, haying, and sharing their home with family and friends.  Many good times were also had at Seeley Lake.
After working 17 years at Mountain Bell, Bob changed careers so he could take time off to watch his kids participate in various activities. Football, gymnastics, track, rodeo, it didn’t matter, he never missed an event. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren.
Bob worked at Farm Bureau Insurance and Insurance Inc. before starting his own agency, Bob Burns Insurance.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Muzzle Loading Club, noxious weed boards of Lewis and Clark and Powell counties, and Bobcat Athletic Advisory Board. He also served 40 years on the Livestock Fair Committee. 
Bob belonged to Masonic Lodge No. 3 in Helena and later joined Lincoln Lodge No. 157. He was a member of Algeria Shrine and rode his faithful sorrel horse, Spud Chip, in many parades with the mounted patrol.
Bob’s contributions to the community are enduring. He was instrumental in getting the all-weather track at Vigilante Stadium, establishing Agra Forum, and bringing the National High School Rodeo to Helena for the first time. He may be best known for working with kids as a Lewis & Clark County 4-H leader, including camping year-after-year onsite during fair week to be available to help the kids.  
Some of Bob’s favorite times were hunting, fishing, haying, and helping neighbors work cattle.  He also loved cooking at hunting camp, which meant serving up full meals cooked on an old wood stove. 
After 40 years on Glass Drive, Bob and BJ retired to the mountains near Elliston. In retirement he enjoyed wood working and time with family. Nearly weekly, he was treated to BJ’s apple pie.  He would wonder out loud how she could make such a delicious pie with so little practice and would tell everyone, “Apple pie without cheese is like a kiss without a squeeze.”
Bob was gradually lost to dementia, but even in his last days he knew the prettiest girl in the room and his children.
Bob leaves behind that prettiest girl, his wife of nearly 58 years, Billie Jean; son Rowdy (Tami) and grandsons Challis Nace and Dakota Singh; son Brad (Charity Watt) and granddaughters Misty (Casey Stevens) and Lindsay (Isaac Clark); daughter Jodi (Mike Roberts) and granddaughters Amanda (Jack Evans) and Allie; great-grandchildren Rhys and Ava Clark, Avery Jo Stevens, and Carson Evans; brother-in-law Joe Applegate (Sharon); and a close circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Bob is preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Georgia Lynn; and father- and mother-in-law William and May Applegate.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Lewis & Clark County 4-H, 100 W. Custer Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds Helena, MT 59602, Powell County 4-H, 409 Missouri Ave., Suite 102 Deer Lodge, MT 59722, or Shriner’s Hospital for Children, c/o Algeria Shrine Temple, PO Box 4879, Helena, MT 59604. They also suggest enjoying some apple pie with a slice of cheese. 
A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church, 535 N. Ewing Street, in Helena. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall of the church. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Bob.

Sandra Ina Hinsen
Sandra Ina Hinsen passed away April 12, 2019 at the age of 93.
She was born October 21, 1926 in Missoula to Robert Bruce Pritchard and Diane LaMorala Schwartz Pritchard. Sandra was one of 11 children. She spent her childhood in Missoula.
On Halloween of 1941, Sandra met the love of her life, Wilbur Hinsen at the roller rink in Missoula. Wilbur fell in love with her immediately and knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with that beautiful young lady. They were married shortly after. Wilbur swooped her off to start their life in Bozeman, but not before he bought her the first store bought dress she ever owned. Their life together was full of ups and downs, but they always stuck together. They built all the homes they lived in together, even the last home they shared in Deer Lodge. Sandra worked side by side with Wilbur as much as she could during all the construction. 
Sandra worked at F.W. Woolworths for over 20 years in Bozeman. She left Woolworths to start a business of her own with Wilbur. Sandra and Wilbur opened the Bozeman Coin Shop and worked together every day until they retired. Wilbur would leave early every morning to open the shop and Sandra would walk the six blocks to the shop later. During the time that they ran the coin business they traveled all around the United States. Sandra loved to travel.
Sandra and Wilbur had four children together, Leonard Bruce, Penelope Linda, Lonnie Paul and Sheila Marie. She raised her children in Opportunity and Bozeman. From her children she was blessed with eight grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren. 
As one of those grandkids, I remember spending time with Gramma. My favorite memory is roller skating with her and Grampa at the rink in Bozeman. Sandra and Wilbur would go to the rink every weekend and skate together. Reminiscing of the night they first met, Sandra and Wilbur would skate hand in hand around the rink in perfect rhythm together. I always believed I had the coolest grandparents ever. Gramma spent a lot of time teaching us kids how to skate backwards.
Sandra is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Diane Pritchard; husband, Wilbur Hinsen; brothers and sisters, Puss, Sherman, Bobby, Fritz, Jerry, Bylo, Dicky and Tommy and her two sons, Leonard and Lonnie.
She is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Penny and Clint Roy and Sheila and Dan Jones; her brothers Tootie and Bingo and many grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Sandra was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.
Graveside services will be held April 27 at 11 a.m. with reception immediately following at the Community Center.

Dennis Wayne Harris
It is with great sadness that the family of Dennis Wayne Harris announce his passing on April 10, 2019 at the age of 36 years old. Dennis was born in Longview, Wash. on January 23, 1983 to Keith and Linda Harris. 
Dennis was a native of Milton-Freewater, Ore. He attended Mac Hi and graduated in 2001. He joined the Navy March 27, 2002 as a Nuclear Machinist and was honorably discharged May 04, 2010. During his service he was stationed in Norfolk, Va. at the Newport News Naval Base and spent time on the USS Enterprise CVN65. Dennis attended Montana State from September 2010 through May 2013 and studied Mechanical Engineering and Wildlife Management. In the Summer of 2013 he began work at the Mount Powell Les Schwab and was there through November 2018 and was currently employed at the Montana State Penitentiary. He married Dana VonBergen on August 04, 2012, they were blessed with two sons, Gunnar Lee on July 17, 2014 and Botey Lane on December 19, 2015. Dana and Dennis later separated and divorced.  Dennis met Amanda “Mandie” Seitzinger and her three daughters; Natalie, Cecilia and Loralei,  they shared the birth of their daughter, Charlie May on January 29, 2018. 
Dennis will be forever remembered and is survived by his father and mother-in-law, Keith and Patti Harris, his three beautiful children; Gunnar, Botey and Charlie, his fiancé Mandie Seitzinger, his brother and sister-in-law, Jason and Kristin Harris, his sister Erin Harris, his paternal grandmother Deloris Harris, his maternal grandmother Sylvia Wood, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and countless friends. Dennis was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Harris, his sister, Jessie Thompson, his paternal grandfather, Gerald Harris, his maternal grandfather, Max Healy.
Dennis touched the lives of so many people in his 36 years of life. He had a smile that would light up an entire room and a personality that everyone was drawn to. Dennis was an amazing father to his children, a wonderful son, brother and friend. His memory will live on forever in the hearts of those who love him. 
There will be a graveside service at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge on April 18, 2019 at noon and a luncheon to follow at the Broken Arrow. The family has set up an education fund for his children at Peoples Bank under “The Dennis Harris Memorial Fund.” 

Larry Jim Strong
Larry was born to Edward and Otelia Strong on December 20, 1942 and entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 5, 2019.
Larry’s early years were spent growing up in western Montana with an older sister Doris, older brother Lee Roy (Esther), followed by sister Terri, brothers Elmer, Melvin, Dennis, Donnie, James, sisters Karen (Harold) and Linda.
He married Mary Corrigan of Deer Lodge and to this union two wonderful children were born, Larry Strong (Bonnie), children Erika Olletta and Zoey Frances and Michelle Strong and her daughter Chelsea.
Larry served in the Army for six years and was stationed in Brussels Belgium. His military duty was to drive a Full Bird Colonel to various duty stations in Europe.
He worked at the Berkeley Pit in Butte driving heavy duty trucks and for a time at the Peabody Open Pit Mines in Kentucky.
He loved camping and fishing in the mountains of Montana.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dennis, brother-in-laws Mike McGillis and Don Vincent, nephews George Vincent, David and Kevin Strong and great-nephews Bridger Strong and Brian Pankratz.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren, nine brothers and sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the Deer Lodge Care Center for the wonderful care and support Larry received for the past six years of his life.
Visitation will begin Thursday, April 11, at 10 a.m. at the Jewell Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with military honors to follow at the Hillcrest Cemetery.

Gloria Ann (Tillberg) Buck
Our “Sweet Little Ma” Gloria Ann (Tillberg) Buck stepped from time into eternity March 27, 2019. She was born January 11, 1927 to Paul and Sadie Tillberg in Haxtun, Colo. and was the oldest of eight children. Gloria spent her childhood in rural Colorado, surrounded by lots of families and especially her cousins. 
When she was in high school the family moved to Northern Idaho where she played the clarinet, piano and loved to ice skate. After graduation she married her forever love, Don Buck and became a war bride. When he was stationed in Martha’s Vineyard she was able to spend some time there but then came back to Sandpoint to work and wait until the war was over. She was a part of the great generation that lived simply and had great values. 
Their first son, Donald James died shortly after birth and they went on to have three more children: Ron (Mary) Buck of Helena, children Heather, Ronnie and Beth; Rick (Kim) Buck of Deer Lodge, children Rikki, Rhonda, Dawn and Sam; Jan (Dave) Bluford of Gold Creek, children Holly and Joleen, plus 30 great-grandchildren. Maybe it was losing their first child that mom spoiled us rotten. She used to say, “these kids are worth a million dollars.” Our dad would respond, “which one can we sell?” 
In 1966 the family moved to Minnesota and lived on a small farm. Mom worked very hard and had beautiful gardens. She did a lot of canning and was a very good cook and baker. In 1970 they moved to Deer Lodge where mom was employed at the Registrar’s Office. It was a good fit for her and she really liked her job and the people she worked with. 
After her husband’s death in 1982, mom stayed working and was blessed to have her children and grandchildren near. If she thought her kids were something, then her grandkids were something else. Grandma Buck’s was the place to go for lunch along with friends, and she never missed an activity that they were in. 
She took each of her grandchildren on trips - Heather to Vancouver, BC; Rikki and Rhonda to the Black Hills; Ronnie and Sam to Seattle Mariner’s game; Holly and Dawn to Seattle and Vancouver; Beth and Joleen to Seaside, Ore. Lots of good memories for them. 
After the grandkids all grew up mom stayed busy with her church, the Assembly of God, as a positive influence on Sunday school classes and nursery; she also volunteered at the grade school, library and manor. 
Mom started having health problems and stayed two years at Shelby’s House in East Helena, where Heather kept her busy with great-grandkids activities. 
Mom was able to move back to Deer Lodge last September to the Renaissance. She was very happy to be back home in Deer Lodge as she thought it was the best little town ever. 
The last two weeks mom has been in the Deer Lodge hospital where she passed away. Her family would like to thank Shelby’s House, Renaissance and Deer Lodge Medical Center for their love and care. 
Mom is preceeded in death by her parents Paul and Sadie Tillberg, sister Irma Ridley, brothers, Paul, John and Morris Tillberg, husband, Don Buck, son, Donald James and son-in-law, Joe Wohlers. She is survived by her three children, nine grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren, sister Mae (Walt) Burt of Sandpoint, brother Steve (Mauren) Tillberg of Sandpoint, brother Stan (Nancy) Tillberg of Spokane, along with numerous nieces and nephews. 
Mom’s faith and family were the most important things to her. She always had a beautiful smile and a special love for babies and children. 
She lived life well. 

​Katherine Louise Doney Daniels, 71, of Helmville passed away March 28, 2019. She was born to parents William James Doney and Geraldine Geary Doney, December 9, 1947, in Deer Lodge. Kathy graduated from Helmville Elementary School in 1962 and Powell County High School in 1966. She was married to Paul Daniels in 1972. Kathy is survived by her husband Paul “Buck” Daniels of Helmville, her two children and their spouses Jodi and Scott Barger of Cascade, and Ty and Alyssa Daniels of Helmville, and her brother Allen and wife Debbie Doney of Hall. She is also survived by four grandchildren Riley, Jessy, and Alaina Barger and Wyatt Daniels and many other relatives and friends.
Kathy enjoyed waking up early every day to visit with her friends on the phone. She worked hard from sun up to sun down taking care of every person and animal around her. She had a special connection with a herd of bison that she managed with “Buck” on the Heart Bar Heart Ranch in Ovando for 26 years. Kathy enjoyed quilting and baking in her spare time. She will be remembered for her special laugh and beautiful smile, her support of all events throughout the Blackfoot Valley, her dedication to the Helmville Labor Day Rodeo, pride in her care of the Helmville Cemetery, her involvement with the Nevada Creek 4-H Club, but most of all for being the best Nana any grandchild could have wanted. Kathy was a friend to everyone. We will miss her dearly.
A Memorial Service for Kathy will be held at the St. Thomas Church in Helmville, Friday, April 12, 2019, at 11 a.m. A luncheon will be served following the memorial service at the Helmville Community Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Helmville Rodeo Club.

Carol Kay Hanson
Carol Kay Hanson age 77, entered her heavenly home on March 24, 2019 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 15, 1942 in Kalispell, to George and Mildred Webster and was the second of three daughters. The family moved to Deer Lodge where she attended school and graduated from Powell County High in 1960.
On August 14, 1960, Carol married Duane Hanson and soon started their family. Carol enjoyed being a homemaker, raising their children Duane, Debbie, Dick and Rocky and then later helped raise her grandchildren as well as many Pomeranians. Mr Furb, Tia and Foxy were her favorites but also had lots of love for her grand-dogs that she would watch.
Carol enjoyed her time as a Girl Scout leader for many years, participated in bowling leagues, played bunco, pinochle, bingo, cards and mostly being involved in the DL First Presbyterian Church. She became a member on March 26, 1972, was ordained a Deacon in February 2001 and was also the treasurer for the Women’s Circle as well as being a member of Eastern Star. 
Carol will be missed and always remembered by her family and friends for her loving heart, infectious smile and for all the amazing wedding and birthday cakes that she created.
Carol is preceded in death by her parents George and Mildred Webster, husband Duane, sister Diane Gilman, and grandson Josh McOmber.
She is survived by her four children, Duane (Yvonne) of Deer Lodge; Debbie (Jim) McOmber of Wright, Wyo.; Richard of Helena; and Rocky (Kim) also of Deer Lodge; sister Georgia Spence of Missoula; grandchildren Christopher McOmber of Billings; and Chelsie (Nick) Hansen of Great Falls; Crystal (Chris) Gomez of Billings; Amanda Enger (Brandon Lemen) of Carson City, Nev.; and Liz Enger (Joe Shafer) of Deer Lodge. Her great-grandchildren Darren, Jazmin, Jaired, Brynn, Nora, Logan, Teegan, Luke, Kimber, Weslee, Grayson and Lynkon were the lights of her life. Carol will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews.
A viewing will take place on Wednesday March 27 between 4-7 p.m. at the Jewell Funeral Home and the celebration of life will be held at the Deer Lodge First Presbyterian Church on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 11 a.m. Interment will be held at the Hillcrest Cemetery with a reception to follow.
The family would like to thank the Deer Lodge Medical Center for their care and to the Genesis HealthCare in Deer Lodge, we so appreciate the amazing care, compassion and support that was given to our mom during her two week stay.
Memorial contributions can be made in Carol’s name to West Mont at 2708 Bozeman Avenue, Helena, MT 59601 or donor’s choice.

​Debbie K. Niederklein
​Debbie K. Niederklein passed away suddenly late Saturday night March 2, 2019, at her home in Deer Lodge.  She had been struggling with chronic asthma and allergies for the past six years.  She is now in her Savior’s hands and does not have to struggle with her breathing problems.
She was born in Philipsburg on March 28, 1957 to Walter and Patricia Brooks. She graduated from Philipsburg High School in 1975 and was a member of the 1974 State Class B Championship basketball team and the 1975 State Class C Championship Track team.  She was an athlete and awarded a basketball scholarship to attend Western Montana College, where she was a four-year starter on the basketball team and a member of the track team.  Debbie graduated with BS in Secondary Education from Western Montana in 1980.  After graduation from Western, she taught and coached girls’ basketball and track at Jefferson High School in Boulder for three years.
Debbie married the love of her life Lyle Niederklein, on July 9, 1983 at St. Timothy Chapel near Georgetown Lake.   They were blessed with two sons, Shane of Belgrade, and Blake of Colstrip.  Lyle’s career with the Federal Government took them to Colorado, Washington and back to Montana with seven moves over 11 years.   
She loved being a mother and doing anything for her family.  She also enjoyed helping her friends with babysitting for their children.  She was a substitute teacher and coached girls high school basketball while in Deer Lodge.  As an avid sports enthusiast, she cheered for her sons while playing baseball and basketball.  
Debbie was member of Hope Lutheran Church in Anaconda, and her passing will leave a large hole in her church family.  She was a light in everyone’s life who she touched. 
Debbie was a very thoughtful and loving wife, mother, sister and friend.  She was never a selfish person and always thought of her family and friends first.  Once she obtained an iPad, she always texted her sons “Good Night,” and took pictures whenever she was with them.  It was said by others that they never heard her say a bad thing about anybody.  She will be greatly missed by many.
Debbie is survived by her husband, Lyle, her son Shane, daughter-in-law Anna, granddaughter, Sage, her son Blake, daughter-in-law Kristen, sister Barbara Kain of Helena, sister Janice and brother-in-law Mike Cinko of Apple Valley, Calif.  She will be missed by her many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Pat and Walt Brooks.
A graveside memorial, with Pastor Ken DuVall officiating, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019, at the Philipsburg Cemetery.  Luncheon will be served following the graveside service in the conference center of the Granite County Museum in Philipsburg.
Memorials:  St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America or  a charity of donor’s choice.

William Stanley Tooke
William Stanley Tooke, February 6, 1954 - March 14, 2019.
William “Bill” Tooke of Plattsburgh passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 14, 2019. Bill was born in Hillsboro, Ore. to William A. Tooke and Charlotte (Winkleman) Tooke. He grew up in Deer Lodge  and always considered himself a “Montanian” at heart. 
After earning his Ph.D in Psychology at the University of Texas at Arlington, he began his career at SUNY Plattsburgh in 1987.  There, he was an inspiring professor and is fondly remembered by many of his students. He recently retired after 31 years of service to the University and its students.
He is survived by his daughter, Katharine his literal pride and joy- and her husband Bruno Beca, his father William A. Tooke and his wife Deanette, his sister Patricia and her husband Van Amundson, his nephew Brian Amundson, and his niece Amy and her husband Marty Walters. He was pre-deceased by his mother, Charlotte Tooke. 
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to be gifted to the Plattsburgh College Foundation William Tooke Award for Excellence in Psychology. Gifts may be mailed to the Plattsburgh College Foundation at 101 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901.

Gary Thaut
Montana State Prison inmate Gary Thaut died on March 23, 2019 at Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge  of an apparent suicide. Mr. Thaut was found unresponsive in his cell at Montana State Prison. An autopsy will be performed. Mr. Thaut was 66 years old. 
Mr. Thaut was sentenced out of Flathead County in 1998 for the crimes of Aggravated Felony Assault and Criminal Mischief. Mr. Thaut was sentenced to 30 years for the two crimes. In 2012, Mr. Thaut was sentenced in Powell County for Assault on a Peace Officer and received an additional five years to his sentence. Mr. Thaut has been parole eligible since 2013, his discharge date from prison was in 2033. 

Terrance James Smith
​Terry Smith died on March 7, 2019 at his beloved ranch doing one of his favorite chores, feeding the cattle.   His wife of nearly 58 years was with him as he took his last breath.
Terry was born on July 2, 1935 to Elmer Smith and Mabel (Stevenson) Smith in Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan. He was the last of their seven children: Murray (died at birth) Lois, Wilma, Robert, Keith, Doreen and Terry.
During his last year of high school, his parents decided to leave Canada   and find a new ranch property. It was near Ovando, where Elmer found the special place to settle.   Shortly after becoming U. S. citizens Terry was drafted and spent some time in the Army.
After going back to the ranch, he had the chance to buy his own ranch and it was through those days that he was introduced to Carolyn LePiane (there was a little matchmaking going on by Carolyn’s Aunt Louise Haynes). They were married and bought the old Praast place which is where they have resided off and on for their 58 years.   This is where his children ran wild and grew up.   Jeanne Dawn, Matthew James, Victoria Lynn, Tracy Ann and Marcy Elena loved Terry’s sense of humor, his firm hand when they were learning right and wrong, his work ethic, his fierce pride, his generosity;   but most importantly his love.   He would have done anything for his children as long as it was within his moral principles.
Terry worked with neighbors in   logging, haying   and fencing.   He raised and showed Appaloosa horses thanks to a great old cowboy named Lew Ferguson. It has been said many times about Terry, especially when he was on a horse, “He must be the last true cowboy !”
Terry worked for different Breeder’s Services for 40 years. He really enjoyed this.   It was during this time that he designed and built a mobile breeding barn that could be used to service two cows quickly.   He was pretty proud of that barn and many hundreds of cows went through it. He built his new home with the help of some very innovative neighbors and many other buildings; but mostly he raised his kids and he ranched.
He felt comfortable wherever he was: on a horse, on a tractor, in the city, on the ranch, in Canada, in an argument, sharing a joke, giving a hug, with strangers, with family. He knew himself.   This trait made everyone like him and the more you got to know him, the more you loved him.
When the children all were gone Terry and Carolyn enjoyed a lot of wonderful vacations: Germany, Italy, cruising on a great ship in the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans, across the eastern U. S. in a bus.  
Terry is survived by his adored wife Carolyn, his son and daughters Jeanne Dawn (Robert) Rowland, Matthew James (Lolita) Smith, Vicki Lynn Pocha, Tracy Ann (Walter) Schuele, Marcy Elena Inama, his grandchildren Lyle Andrew Pocha, Ty Daniel (Delaney) Pocha, Mia Montana Smith, Nathan Craig Schuele, Shawnae Rose Inama, Maggie Malena Smith, Paul Kyle Schuele, Matteo Milio Smith and Sandra Dawn Schuele, his great-grandson Kaine Jaxson Pocha, sister,   Doreen Thorpe, Bakersfield, Calif. and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Terry was a person who loved HIS GOD and Church and the people.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Helmville on Friday, March 29 at 11 a.m.   There will be a luncheon at the Helmville Community Center following.
Donations may be sent to   Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) at 1215 4th Ave Ste 1100 Seattle WA 98161. This is due to the fact that two daughters and one granddaughter are diabetic.

Ted Jacobson, 89
Theodore “Ted” Fredrick Jacobson passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, March 13, 2019 from pneumonia at the BeeHive Homes of Butte where he had resided for nearly two years.  For the past three weeks his son, Jim Jacobson, sat vigil by him offering him comfort, as well as his son, Tom, who was able to make it here for the last few days of his life.  Heidi and Chuck and Brett and Kris also made it home to visit Ted before his passing.  This meant the world to him to have the comfort of his children in his last days.
Ted was born to Fred and Della Jacobson on September 7, 1929 at the third generation family homestead in the Deer Lodge Valley where he joined two sisters, Virginia and Eva, and a brother Bud.  On Ted’s 7th birthday he received a special birthday present, his baby sister Joan.  Ted and Joan remained close throughout their lifetimes.    
Ted attended school at the Racetrack Schoolhouse, a mile from his home, and also the Deer Lodge schools.  
On March 16, 1952 Ted married Verna Bentley from Butte and two sons were born of that marriage, Jim and Tom.  They later divorced.  Growing up, Jim and Tom worked alongside their dad on the family ranch learning many life lessons.
Ted went into the ranching business with his dad and brother and in 1953 they formalized a partnership where they raised Hereford and Black Angus cattle and certified seed potatoes.  The brothers separated their business partnership in 1969 and each continued ranching separately on neighboring ranches. Ted continued ranching through 2004.  He was gifted with handling horses, catching and breaking wild horses.  His kind, gentle spirit calmed the wild animals.  He loved riding gaited Tennessee Walking horses.  Ted transitioned from a Black Angus herd of cattle to the Simmental breed which he helped introduce into Montana and the Deer Lodge Valley.  He also did artificial insemination.  He traveled showing cattle as well as advertising cattle at livestock shows throughout Montana, Colorado, and Canada.    (Ted enjoyed listening to the song “I was Country before Country was Cool” and his son Jim pointed out that he was “black cows” before “black cows” were cool.  Now that is pretty much all you see are black cows but that was not the case back when Ted, his dad, and brother first had them.)
Ted was Vice President of the Deer Lodge Bank & Trust from 1966-1968 where he assisted his brother Bud as President.
Ted met the love of his life Barb Nolte and they were married on March 17, 1986.  Barb was a bonus package to him because he gained three more children, Gavin, Brett, and Heidi, who he loved and adored. Ted encouraged Barb to pursue her dream of nursing, and she became one of the best RNs ever.  He was very proud of her.  Ted and Barb enjoyed traveling, and especially loved Hawaii.
Ted belonged to the Elks Lodge and the American Simmental Association.  He loved family get togethers which occurred often, not only holidays in the Jacobson family.  He was close to all of his family.  He would help anyone out.  He especially had a kind spot in his heart for children, and helped many with their needs and educations.  Ted was always a true gentleman, very kind and sweet, and had a heart of gold up to the moment he died. He loved music, and had a beautiful tenor voice that would give one goosebumps. Even with dementia setting in, he could remember every word to all of the old-time country songs as well as the Lord’s Prayer.  Ted loved God, his family, his friends, his Country, and Deer Lodge.
Thank you to the staff at BeeHive Homes for wonderful care and friendship, Frontier Hospice for your compassion and care, and Jim Gaskell for your companionship.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents, wife Barb, step-son Gavin, sister Virginia, sisters and brothers-in-law Eva (Leon) Carmen (Oliver Touchette); Joan (John) Mollenberg; brother and sister-in-law Bud (Edna) Jacobson; and a special cousin Robert Evans who was his best friend.
Survivors include his sons, Tom Jacobson (Anchorage), Jim (Kelly) Jacobson (Anchorage), step-daughter Heidi (Chuck) Silzly (Boise), step-son Brett (Kristine) Nolte (Kuna, ID), grandchildren T.J. Jacobson, Jennifer Jacobson, Hunter Nolte, Gavin Nolte, Alli Jo Silzly, Randall Silzly, daughter-in-law Jo Ellen Jacobson, numerous nieces and nephews, and two special Deer Lodge nieces Debbie (Jeff Tamcke) Ehret and Lori (Mike) Johns who were there to help him when his children moved out of state, as well as a long-time friend Joe Heisdorf.
Jewell Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.  Visitation was Monday, March 18, 2019 from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home, and a memorial service was held Tuesday, March 19, at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church, Deer Lodge, with internment at the Hillcrest Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the Broken Arrow.  Pallbearers were  Jim Jacobson, Tom Jacobson, Brett Nolte, Chuck Silzly, Hunter Nolte, Gavin Nolte, Randall Silzly, Mike Johns, Joe Heisdorf, Jim Gaskell and honorary pall bearer T.J. Jacobson.
Memorials:  Rialto Theatre, P.O. Box 874, Deer Lodge 59722 or donor’s choice.

​Bette Garnett Peterson
Bette Garnett Peterson, 1932-2019.
 Sweetgrass Woman her name came to be and later I will tell you why it is important to me. But for now let us celebrate her journey through life to the end of the trail.
She was born in the backseat of a car in 1932, at Woodside, in the Bitterroot north of Hamilton. Her Shoshone blood was given to her by Mary Garnett, and her dad, Oran, was not finished yet. Sweetgrass Woman had four brothers who filled her life, with none surviving her sacred life.
She grew up in the valley of the Bitterroot flower, but as a young girl moved to Anaconda for a job her dad did need. Later on she met her man, Paul, and her real journey began. Farming and ranching in the Deer Lodge Valley, driving the buckrake with her black hair waving in the wind.
Sweetgrass Woman mothered two children early on and gave them their freedom to grow up independent and strong; a boy and girl to be exact, and that is why I can write this story now.
I took her daughter’s hand in 1989, and proved myself in this promised land, sharing their journey with honey bees and lending a hand.
When Christmas or birthdays came around, we treasured the gift of sweetgrass all in a braid. It was to remind us of smudges and prayers and that the real gifts are free if you watch for them out there. She was the best of a cook and taught me how to fry sliced apples in butter and brown sugar, along with pork steak and a mix of wild rice and salad on the side.
In later years we lived close by to help them along with the aging of time. One afternoon, she visited our house and we offered bananas for their next meal. She said she could take two and placed them in her left coat pocket, commenting that she didn’t have room in the right pocket – her six gun was there.
With her hair silver and years passed by, on March 2, 2019, God needed her to share her wealth by smudging and sending prayers down on the earth.
She loved to ride through the Big Hole Valley, especially in June when the camas flowers are in full bloom. We will spread her ashes with love and upon the ground a sweetgrass braid we will leave there.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Deer Lodge Care, 1100 Texas Avenue, Deer Lodge, MT 59722.

​Frances “Frankie” Rose (Jacobs) Sauber
Frances “Frankie” Rose (Jacobs) Sauber of Bellevue, Wash.; born March 31, 1922 in Tracy, Minn. And died January 5, 2019 in Bellevue; preceded in death by her husband of 74 years Paul Thomas Sauber; daughter of the late Frank and Louise Jacobs; mother of Shirley Sauber; Thomas (Raquel); Bernard (Carroll); Kenneth (Lois); Phillip (Elaine); Charles (Nancy); sister-in-law of Madalen Sugrue; grandmother to 12; great-grandmother to 13. She was preceded in death by sisters Marie and Imelda and a brother, Rev. John Jacobs, Dominican Priest.
Upon graduating Tracy high school, Tracy, Minn., Frankie moved to Spokane, Wash. While there she met Paul Sauber, who attended Gonzaga University. On May 22, 1944 she and Paul married. They remained happily married for 74 years until Paul died in July 2018.
After marrying, Paul and Frances moved to Seattle, he to work for the Boeing Company, she to begin her work as a nurse at Providence Hospital in Seattle. She worked as a nurse until her first child was born in 1945. Her focus was on child rearing and loving her husband.
When Paul retired from Boeing in 1982, he and Frankie toured the country in their motorhome. They enjoyed visiting national parks, historic landmarks, and spending time with their children and grandchildren. The family frequently spent time in Gold Creek visiting Paul’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Sauber.
The Memorial Mass was celebrated at St. Louise Church in Bellevue, January 18, 2019. Burial was in Sunset Hills Cemetery in Bellevue.

Mr. Gary “Coach” Weber
Mr. Gary “Coach” Weber, born on January 10, 1950 in Hamilton, to the late Marcia Richards and the late Joseph Weber, passed away at age 69 on March 1, 2019 in Anchorage, Alaska, surrounded by his loved ones. 
He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and stepfather, John Richards.  Gary is survived by his partner Kristy Sauerbier; his son and daughter-in-law, Nicholas Weber, Sarah Weber, and grandchildren Holly, Isaac, Grant, and Faye; his daughter Samantha Weber and partner David Gonzalez; and his youngest son Joseph Weber, partner Kelsie Burgman, and grandson Lincoln.   He is also survived by his sisters, Barbara Weber and Karen Kallin.  
He graduated from Montana School of Technology and spent a lifetime in sales and in the service of others.  He was the beloved coach of the local high school basketball team, and enjoyed playing pranks and making others laugh with his booming voice and thunderous laugh. He will be missed as a towering presence in all the lives he touched. 
His family invites donations in Gary’s name to the Burgman / Boyle Memorial Scholarship Foundation (Mountain West FCU, 400 East Park St. Butte, MT 59701). 
Friends and family can pay their respects at the visitation, officiated by Cleveland Zackery, on Friday, March 8 from 12 to 1 p.m. at Angelus Memorial Park, 440 E. Klatt Rd., Anchorage, Alaska, 99515. Following that, there will be a funeral service, officiated by Cleveland Zackery, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Angelus Memorial Park.  

​Gary Tavenner
​Gary Tavenner, a true Montana native, passed away February 26, at his home in Missoula.   A proud descendant of the Williams, Tavenner, and Bielenberg families of Deer Lodge, Gary was born April 14, 1941 to Donald Williams Tavenner and Mary Ellen Bielenberg Tavenner, joining older brother Dean. Younger brother Lee completed the family. Don and Mary instilled a love of Montana history, photography and aviation in all three boys. Don led the clan on frequent family adventures to Mexico, Arizona, and his beloved Glacier Park.
Gary graduated from Powell County High School lettering in football, basketball, and track. Many of his Warden classmates remain lifelong friends. His college career was spent at Montana State in Bozeman where he was a Sigma Chi preparing for a career in ranching with majors in Accounting and Economics.  
In 1963, he married Lynn Ellinghouse of Sheridan, moving back to the Williams and Tavenner Ranch to join his father and Uncle Bob in the family business and Montana ranching tradition.   After the untimely death of his father and sale of the ranch, Gary built custom homes and owned and operated Pioneer Hardware in Deer Lodge.   A new career with ASCS/Farm Service Agency brought him to Missoula where he was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Missoula and attended Grace Methodist Church.
 He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Mary and brother Dean.   He is survived by his wife Lynn, daughters and sons-in-law; Gloria Tavenner Dow (Dean) of Reno, Nev., Tanya Lynn Hauenstein (Dennis) of Spokane, Wash., and Laura Louise Sokolowski (Ken) of Denver, Colo.; grandsons Cody Hauenstein (Amanda), Ryan Hauenstein, Zane Sokolowski, and Cy Sokolowski; great-granddaughters Hayden and Emersyn Hauenstein, brother Lee and Mary Hamilton, cousin Martha Klaumann (Stan), numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.
Gary’s family remembers and appreciates his quiet, care taking demeanor, his work ethic and his good humor in the face of adversity.   He was an encouraging swim, basketball, cheer and life coach to his daughters, a construction foreman for the entire family, and an avid Mullan Road historian throughout his entire life. Gary believed anything was possible, “If a guy had a few tools, and a little know how…”
Services will be Saturday, March 16, 2019, 11 a.m., at the Grace Methodist Church on the corner of 10th and Garfield, Pastor Todd Scranton officiating, with a luncheon reception to follow.   Memorials may be made to Grace Church, 1756 10th Street West, Missoula, 59801, or Powell County Museum and Arts Foundation, 1106 Main Street, Deer Lodge, Montana 59722, or one of the donor’s choice   If you are unable to join us   for the service, walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, sprinkle huckleberries on your ice cream, chuckle at a limerick,   join Stan at the sink to do the dishes or contemplate a historic, geologic or geographic roadside sign. Gary will be with you.   Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Death Notice: Ole M. Olson
Ole M. Olson, 76, passed away on February 5, 2019 at Deer Lodge Medical Center. Services pending.

Correction: Donald (Duck) Roberts
Services will be held on March 23 at the Baptist Church at 1 p.m. with the guard ceremony following outside the church. A luncheon will follow immediately afterwards at the church.

​Donald (Duck) Roberts
Donald (Duck) Roberts, 64, of Deer Lodge passed away Sunday, February 24 at home.
Donald was born in Devils Lake, N.D. To Elden ad Helen Roberts, the fifth of seven children. Donald attended school in Deer Lodge until he joined the Marine Corps in 1973. Donald married Lila LaTray on May 10, 1975. Their only son Brian was born September 7, 1976. Upon his honorable discharge he went to work for the city police department of Deer Lodge. He became head of the water department and in 2003 he went to work at MSP as supervisor for the road crew. Donald retired from MSP in 2016 due to a back injury.
Donald enjoyed fishing, camping, boating, working in his meat shop known as Duck’s Smokehouse, making sausage and cutting up meat for many people in the area until it was no longer possible for him. Donald loved family gatherings where he would make everyone laugh. Sunday breakfast at his home, his nephew Cody would always be the target of his jokes which would make Cody laugh.
The light of Donald’s life were his four grandchildren, Patrick, Daylelyn, Jesse, and Sarina. They loved their papa unconditionally. During his many doctor appointments to the VA in Helena, Brian was faithfully his driver when Donald was no longer able to drive. Thank you Brian.
Donald is survived by his wife Lila of 44 years; son Brian and daughter-in-law Nikki; his pride and joy Patrick, Daylelyn, Jesse and Sarina; brothers Dan, David, and Duane; sisters Kathy Mitchell and Debbie Persons; father-in-law Harold LaTray; several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. To brother-in-law Dale and his wife Debbie, thank you for being by Lila’s side when he was in Harbor View hospital and Billings in the hospital.
Cremation has taken place. RIP Donald, you are no longer in pain.
Services will be held on March 23, 2019 at 1 p.m. with Howard Neckels officiating.

​Cheryl Marie (Trimbo) Roesler
Cheryl Marie (Trimbo) Roesler died peacefully on Saturday, March 2, after a long struggle with chronic illness at the hospital in Deer Lodge. She was 56. 
Cheryl is survived by her husband, Mike Roesler of Deer Lodge; her daughter, Courtney Nelson, and granddaughters Paisley and Teagan of Vancouver, Wash.; her sisters, Barbara Anderson, Kathy Harwood (Tony), Mary Carlile (Bill) and Nancy Condon; her brothers, Jim Trimbo (Shirley), Jack Trimbo (Brenda), Tim Trimbo (Cheryl), Bill Trimbo (Juana) and Richard Trimbo (Rhonda); her stepsons, Tyson Roesler (Elyssa), and grandchildren Avary and Aria; Aaron Roesler (Holly), and grandchildren Kinsley and Grayson; and many, many more nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Inez Trimbo, her nephew Brandon, and her beloved big brother, Steve.
Cheryl was born in Vancouver, Wash., to Bob and Inez Trimbo, the youngest of their 11 children. She graduated from Prairie High School and attended Clark College. She worked retail for most of her career in Vancouver, Wash. and Portland, Ore.
Cheryl met and fell in love with Mike in 2008. They made their life together in Deer Lodge, where they enjoyed outdoor activities, horses, their dogs, and Blue Grass Festivals, including a Blue Grass Camp on the West Fork of the Bitteroot River, where they were married May 29, 2009.
We will remember Cheryl for her big heart, her easy smile, her generous spirit, her gift with horses, and her ability to teach everyone to ride. She will be greatly missed.

Death Notice: George (Gregg) Franks
George (Gregg) Franks passed away February 20, 2019. Services will be held March 9 at the LDS church in Deer Lodge at 1 p.m. Graveside services will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery, with a luncheon afterwards at the church.