![]() Obituary for Paul Peterson, Deer Lodge Valley, Montana, 1931-2020. With the help of his wife’s spirit, Paul Peterson passed from this earth on November 5, 2020. Most likely his first question asked of God was “How did You create the universe?” His next could be “Who won the Presidential election?” An avid Trump supporter, Paul disliked socialism because he felt it stifled peoples’ creativity and inventiveness, plus led to a society’s decline and deterioration. At an early age he sat on his dad’s lap in a rocking chair, eyeing the Montgomery Wards catalog. Especially purchasing honey bees and equipment. This fueled his desire to become an apiarist, fancy word for beekeeper. As an adult he did just this, changing from raising Hereford cattle and chickens to beekeeping for fifty years. He was innovative with this, using two queens in one hive, which requires diligence and time intensiveness. He lived his entire life in the Deer Lodge Valley. As a self-sustaining minister, he performed numerous weddings and funeral services for people of various Christian faiths. Rock hounding and mining was a favorite pastime of his and his wife, Bette. Explosives was especially fun for him. Paul was soft hearted and generous; also a tough Swede and Irishman. Growing up during the Depression, he would recount stories of the men around the dinner table who spoke many languages and worked for just room and board on the farm. He lived the last 5 ½ years at The Ivy at Deer Lodge. His daughter and her husband thank this staff who took care of Paul, loved him, listened to him, and put up with his idiosyncrasies. Anyone so inclined may make a memorial contribution in Paul’s name to The Ivy at Deer Lodge, 1100 Texas Avenue, Deer Lodge, MT 59722. Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of Paul. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Paul and his family. ![]() Leighton Arthur “Lee” Jewell Leighton Arthur “Lee” Jewell, 64, died Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at Deer Lodge Medical Center. He was born March 6, 1956, in Butte, to Clayton and Marguerite Jewell, a birthday present to his mother. The family moved to Deer Lodge in 1964. He was educated in Deer Lodge schools, graduating from PCHS in 1974. Lee attended Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon, graduating with a degree in Mortuary Science. He then joined the family business, Jewell Funeral Home, in Deer Lodge, with his father and brother-in-law. Lee and Joy Hamilton were married May 19, 1979, and later divorced. Together they had three children: Stephanie, Stuart, and John. Lee was very active in the Deer Lodge Community. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 1810 in Deer Lodge, serving as funeral secretary for many years, a 4th Degree member of Thomas Francis Meagher Council #585 in Anaconda. Other involvements included the Rialto Theatre, Powell County Progress, Trustee of School District #1, and presently Chair of Deer Loge Medical Center. Lee was elected Powell County Coroner in the 2014 general election after serving as Deputy Coroner for 26 years. Survivors include his daughter, Stephanie; grandsons, Oscar and Otto; son, Stuart (Erin); grandchildren, Tristan, Jerrika, Alex, Kaiden, and Emily; son, John; grandson, Jason; sister and brother-in-law, Cecilia “Cele” and John Pohle; nephew, Greg Pohle; and family in Billings. In honor of Lee Jewell, memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice. Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of Lee. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Lee and his family. ![]() Dorothy June Lyman Dorothy June Lyman, third daughter born to Howard and June E. Lyman, died Friday, October 3, 2020. Dorothy was born in Great Falls on October 24, 1944. The family moved to the Ideal Creamery in the Deer Lodge area when Dorothy was small. All of her schooling took place in Deer Lodge. Most of Dorothy’s adult life was spent in Portland, Ore. There, her longest job was as a secretary for an iron workers union. In September 2019, ill with Parkinson’s and dementia, Dorothy moved to Thompson Falls. There she lived in a small assisted living home, with excellent care and love a part of each day. This is where she died. Dorothy is survived by younger sister Ruth Lyman (Neil) Dana, one aunt and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A small family service has taken place at Hillcrest Cemetery. Dorothy’s ashes were buried in the family plot along with two sisters and one niece. ![]() Becky Munden Brown Becky passed away gracefully at home of natural causes with her soulmate Charlie by her side. She was a kind, talented, intelligent, beautiful person with an adventurous spirit. Born January 22, 1953 in Deer Lodge to Dale and Dolores Munden, she lived most of her life in the Deer Lodge valley but also lived in Alaska and Wisconsin. She graduated from Powell County High School in 1971. Later she earned a degree in accounting from Montana Tech. Becky loved the outdoors, whether it was riding her horses or taking a ride along the back roads with her dogs. She had a big heart and a soft spot for her four-footed friends. Her love of animals led to operating a cattle ranch doing everything from calving to cooking to managing the finances. She was creative and loved to work with her hands. Many family and friends are sure to have a piece of Becky’s knitting in their heirloom treasure chests. Becky was especially adept at knitting and felting: owning and managing a business (Montana Knit Wit) where she marketed and sold her creations world-wide and at bazaars and shows throughout western Montana. She also worked for nearly 20 years at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Clients were impressed with her caring nature and attention to detail in helping them with their event. Many a successful family reunion or business conference owed gratitude to Becky for her efforts. Her infectious giggle and joy in life was quick to draw you in. She enjoyed music and her boldness at belting out a song on karaoke night would astonish many considering her typically quiet nature! Becky is preceded in death by her parents Dale and Dolores Munden. Survivors include her husband Charles Brown, her son Darryl (Amy) Barton of Deer Lodge, Lee Barton of Paradise, Lana Brown and Leon Brown both of Butte, Lyell Brown of North Dakota, her granddaughters Daley (Michael) Beck of Helena, Elizabeth and Sophia Barton of Deer Lodge and her beloved great-granddaughter Kennedi. Becky is also survived by her siblings Randy (Meg) Munden of Helena, Valerie (Jack) Hardy of Deer Lodge, Kevin (Kathy) Munden of Hawaii, and Maureen (Tom) Lantz of California as well as her great uncle Jim (Janie) Blodgett from Polson. She was blessed with many nephews, nieces, cousins, and many loving friends. A family service will be held at a later time. Death Notice: Rebecca Brown
Rebecca Munden Brown, 67, of Deer Lodge, died on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in her home in Opportunity, of natural causes. Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Rebecca’s funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com. ![]() Gene R. Burt Gene R. Burt, lifelong Powell County resident and rancher, passed from this life September 14, 2020. Born May 20, 1926, Gene attended area schools before joining the Navy at age 17 to fight in WWII. After his discharge, Gene worked for the Forest Service leading a pack train to stock fish in high mountain lakes. He then worked as a ranch hand for an area rancher before building his own ranch from the ground up with nothing but spit and grit. He was married to Bette for 53 years before her death in 2011. The couple was the epitome of American hard work, determination and sacrifice, building ranches in the Avon and Deer Lodge valleys. Gene was the last of four brothers, Clayton, Everett and Russell Burt. His son, Tim Lacy, also preceded him in death. Gene is survived by daughters Mickie (Dan) McQueary and Marianne (Mike) Saylor, both of Deer Lodge, and daughter-in-law Laura Rodriquez (Bob) of Billings. Eight grandchildren include Troy and Jeff McQueary of Deer Lodge, and Megan Francisco of Butte, Aaron Lacey of Oklahoma, Jon and Brian Lacey and Marlena Lanini all of Billings, and Shanna Lewis of Livingston. He was also blessed with 15 great-grandchildren. As was Gene’s request, no services will be held. We will remember a useful and rewarding life; a cowboy’s dream come true. Donor’s choice. ![]() Betty Shirley Van Etten Lewis Monday, September 7 after a morning filled with blueberry pancakes and baseball, Betty Shirley Van Etten Lewis took her last earthly breath. Her warm, soft, silly, brave, song filled, and loving heart quieted and she made her journey to her heavenly home surrounded by her children and grandchildren. Betty was born November 16, 1925 in an upstate New York winter into a joyful large family of meager means. She graduated from Corning High right before WWII ended, married Ronald Lewis and braved a move far away from all she knew to the southern Arizona desert, and then again 20 years later to Western Montana. Her career of nearly 50 years in executive administration spanned corporations, public schools and government. She sang all the time, took piano lessons at 80, co-authored a book at 94, and not only survived, but thrived through several health challenges. Her best work beyond her vocation was raising four children and actively grandparenting her six grands and eight greats. She was taken from her Montana home three and a half years ago by a fluke accident which left her living in the care of her daughters Denise and Donna in their respective states. She came home to Montana in June. We know her heavenly welcome included those who journeyed before her: her parents Omar and Marguerite Van Etten, husband Ron, son John Joseph, sisters Wanda, and Pauline, brothers Bobby, Billy and Scoop, friends Gloria, Carol, Bill and Gail. She is survived by her children Denise and Carl Premschak, Daniel and Claire Lewis, David and Deborah Lewis, and Donna and Bill Jones; her grandchildren Hunter, Mylisa and Jesse, Evan and Bre, Lillie, Emily and Joe, and Dylan; and her great-grandchildren Charlotte, Erik, Lisette, CJ, Lyla, Kole, Skyler and Kadyn; her sisters Marguerite Hill, Norma Wilson, Helen (Vern) Madison, Alicia Lewis and numerous nieces and nephews. Betty was laid to rest at a family gathering at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge on September 12, 2020. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Anaconda Pintler Hospice or one close to your heart, and bowl a line, knit for someone, or sing your favorite song. All we ask of you, is forever to remember her as loving you. Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of Betty. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Betty and her family. ![]() Darlene Yvonne Mahagin Darlene Yvonne Mahagin, of Deer Lodge, has passed away. She is laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery—in the plot closest to the access road of the Masonic Hill there. Her gravestone is adjacent to those of her parents—Raymond Hale, and Emma Louise Hale—both longtime Deer Lodge residents. Darlene is survived by her brother, David Hale, and sister-in-law Pat, from Ennis, brother Larry Hale, and sister-in law Rosemary from Phoenix, Ariz., nephews Mike and John and nieces Susan and Julie, from the Larry Hale family, sister Margaret Hale from Portland, Ore., son Mark Mahagin from Kennewick, Wash., son Tim Mahagin of Vera Cruz Mexico, and son Dennis Mahagin, of Deer Lodge. She also leaves behind a brother-in-law, Mark Dahl, from Butte, nephews Matt Summerfield of Dallas, Tex., David Hukill from Manchester, N.H., and Lance Hukill, of Denver. Also left behind is a daughter-in-law, Sabrina, from Caracas, Venezuela, and two grandchildren, Samantha and Joseph, of Caracas. Darlene Mahagin was a graduate of Butte High School, where she was the head majorette in the marching band. She worked for a time at the FBI in Denver, before marrying Donald Mahagin, of Butte—who passed away in 1995. The couple raised three sons in Kennewick, Wash. Darlene then went back to college, and earned a Bachelors Degree from Eastern Washington University. Darlene was a gifted pianist, and sang in the renowned national group, Sweet Adelines. She also taught English as a Second Language to students at Eastern Washington University. A truly kind and caring human being, Darlene will be missed by those who were fortunate enough to know her, and to love her. ![]() Claire (Burgess, Forsman) Woodward Claire (Burgess, Forsman) Woodward, 83, passed away peacefully at her home on September 6, 2020 after a long battle with Alzheimers. Claire was born in Dillon, on February 19, 1937 to Clarence and Meryl Burgess. Oldest of four, the family moved to Anaconda when she was young, where she would graduate from Anaconda High School in 1955. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert Forsman, in June 1955. They settled in Anaconda and raised their five children in the same 3rd St. neighborhood. A stay at home mom until the youngest started school, she then joined her husband as a school bus driver. A job she enjoyed for nearly 20 years. Claire and Robert’s marriage ended and in 1979 she started a new chapter in her life when she met and married Alan Woodward. They would eventually settle in Seeley Lake and purchase a mechanic repair shop. In 2000 they would retire to Deer Lodge, spending winters in warmer climates and the summers camping. Claire was preceded in death by her parents, nephews Billy and Jason Pickett and granddaughter Teddi Forsman. She is survived by her husband, Alan Woodward, her siblings; brother Jack Burgess of Billings, sister Marilou (Wye) Bisch of Anaconda, sister Barb (Pat) Mulcahy of Butte. Her five children; Bill (Nancy) Forsman of Deer Lodge, Debbie (Gary) Grubaugh of Helena, Vicki (K.C.) Koss of Vancouver, Wash., Steve Forsman of Helena, and Richard (Angie) Forsman of Deer Lodge. She was also blessed to have many beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Due to covid-19 there won’t be any services at this time, we will notify if services are scheduled at a later date. ![]() Wilma Jean Greany (Coughlin) Wilma Jean Greany (Coughlin) passed away at the age of 91 on September 10th, 2020 in Bozeman, surrounded by her loving family. Billie, as she was called by family and friends, was born in Deer Lodge on August 29, 1929 to William and Hazel (Meade) Coughlin. She was raised in Deer Lodge and graduated from Powell County High School in 1947. Billie attended Western Montana College in Dillon earning a teaching certificate and upon graduation she taught first grade in Thompson Falls. On November 24, 1949 Billie married Paul Greany in a Thanksgiving morning ceremony in Helmville. In 1950, the couple moved to Deer Lodge where Paul was employed at the phosphate mine and Billie worked at the Registrar’s Office; in 1951 they moved to Drummond, where Paul became a jobber for the Continental Oil Company. Billie was a housewife and mother to four children when she and Paul purchased Miller’s Dry Goods in 1959. Initially located in the Drummond Hotel, they moved the business, Greany’s Dry Goods and Western Wear, west of town and it was coined, “The Biggest Little Store in Montana”. Billie sold everything from fabric and thread to shoes, boots, jeans and western hats. The store was opened six days a week from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. with Billie at the helm, always dressed to the nines! In 1981, when Billie was 52, she and Paul purchased the former Anthony’s building in Deer Lodge, opening a second store, which Billie operated until she retired in October 2013 at the age of 84. Billie and Paul raised their four children in Drummond, supporting the many activities of each including football, basketball, track, music lessons, and 4-H. Throughout her life, Billie epitomized the pioneer spirit of her family, who came to Montana by covered wagon in the 1850’s. She was an entrepreneur and accomplished business woman who ran a successful business for over 54 years, always greeting her customers with a smile and twinkling Irish eyes. She had wonderful business acumen and knowledge of her products; she could size up a customer and make recommendations in a flash. Billie was an avid and accomplished bowler and participated in league play for over 30 years; she enjoyed playing bridge, had a beautiful soprano voice, sang in the church choir and played the piano and organ. She did the daily crossword puzzle and rarely missed her favorite program, “Wheel of Fortune.” No matter the weather or the road conditions, she was Paul’s best friend and biggest fan, traveling with him as he pursued his winter sport of chariot racing in Idaho, Wyoming and Utah. “Paul ’n Billie” were said together as one name, reflecting their inseparability. She was always there to lend her support and encouragement and to enjoy the fun and friendship of their many supporters. Billie was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Paul, brother, Jim Coughlin and sister, Arlyne Paisley. She is survived by her children, Patrick (Kathy), Augusta; Dannette (Sameer) Merchant, Morristown, N.J.; JD (Deb), Bozeman; Paula (Grant) Savage, Farmington, N.M.; 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 19 at St. Thomas Parish in Helmville, MT. Interment will follow at the Helmville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the Helmville Cemetery, PO Box 90, Helmville, MT 59843 or the charity of your choice. ![]() Alec M. Tolon On September 3, 2020 the world lost a beautiful soul. Alec M. Tolon lost his life in a tragic automobile accident. Alec, born June 4, 1995, was the youngest of five siblings, Trever Denny (Sidney Hodgson), Brett Tolon (Marlena Tolon), Christopher Ball (Cecilia Spoon), and Marina Ball. He and his brothers and sister loved each other fiercely. Alec seemed to form a different special bond with each of them and with everyone whose lives he touched. Anyone who met Alec remembered him; he was just that kind of person. Alec was passionate about many things; he loved gaming and spent a lot of time on-line with his friends. Alec just finished building his own computer and was very proud of his work. Alec was working on getting an education in computer programming. Alec loved the outdoors and he enjoyed being in the mountains and shooting his guns. Alec was blessed to have a very large family; he is survived by his grandparents Lois Tolon, Fred and Bernice Verlanic, his parents Dan Tolon, Kam Verlanic and David Ball. His four remaining siblings and nieces and nephews whom he loved deeply, Alaiya, Bentley, Braydon and Addilyn, Jacob and Adam. They will miss his unconditional love and guidance as they grow. He will be deeply missed by his lifelong friend Tony Bosch and his very large extended family of aunts and uncles and cousins who will also think of him often and fondly. We are all so thankful to everyone who has reached out to us in this horrible tragic time. We are deeply saddened that we will never get to see what Alec could’ve done with his life and for this world. We will forever miss him. Services will be announced at a later date. The family will be hosting a get-together September 20 at 2 p.m. Death Notice: Margaret (Marge) Sowa
Funeral Services for Margaret (Marge) Sowa will be held Saturday, September 26, 2020 at St. Thomas Church in Helmville. Rosary at 10:40 a.m. with Mass at 11 a.m. Burial following the service at Helmville Cemetery. Lunch at Helmville Community Hall. ![]() Samuel Jennings Chappelow Samuel Jennings Chappelow, 88, passed away on August 3, 2020. Sam was born on June 4, 1932 in Independence, Mo., to Edwin and Eva Chappelow. He graduated from William Chrisman High School in 1951. In November of 1952, he was drafted by the Army and was stationed in Austria. He attended Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, graduating with an Associate degree in 1959. It was at Graceland where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Eliason. Sam married Marilyn on December 28, 1958, two children were born to this union: Keith and Joylyn. In 1954, he became an ordained Deacon, he later became a priest, then a pastor at Deer Lodge, and became an elder in the Community of Christ. Sam continued his education at the College of Eastern Montana from 1960-1962. He was a lumber grader for 12 years and then copper smelter for six years. In 1984, Sam, Marilyn and Joylyn moved to Independence, Mo., making it their final home. He had a passion for making ceramics, adult coloring and reading good books. Sam was known to everyone in the community as a very sweet, loving man who loved hugs and his dogs. He is survived by his two children Keith (Karen) and Joylyn Chappelow; four grandchildren, Michael (Aimee), Brent (Josh), Elizabeth (Cameron) Kulhanek and John; two great-grandchildren; adopted daughter Donna; and many loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Marilyn Chappelow; siblings Edwin Chappelow, Ester Friend, and Mary Dyer; and parents Edwin and Eva Chappelow. Due to Covid-19 limitations, a memorial service will be held at a later time. In his honor, contributions to the East Independence Community of Christ Church would be appreciated. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600) ![]() Laura Marie Shafford LAURA MARIE SHAFFORD, 87. Laura passed away in Deer Lodge on August 24, 2020. Laura was born in Anaconda on September 10, 1932 to Patsy D. Lorello and Gladys M. (Frazer) Lorello. The middle child and only girl of three children, Laura didn’t like school and dreamed of being a mommy. That was immediate on August 16, 1951 when she married Elwood Shafford who had two children. Over a 20 year period, Laura bore six boys. Whether it be kids, mechanics, or butchering, she loved being a part of the clean-up crew. Laura enjoyed the family camping/fishing trips to the mountain lakes west of Deer Lodge. All were invited to the Italian family dinner nights. She was an integral part in raising many grandchildren. Later, she cleaned houses for elderly friends and faithfully cared for her mother and husband during Alzheimer’s. She always woke up in a good mood and looked for the good in everyone. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Richie and Howie, husband Elwood, sons Jerry, Jack, and John, stepson Billy and granddaughter Jodi. She is survived by her sons Jim, Joe, and Jed (Karrie) stepdaughter Susie (Marty) Mavrinac, nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. At Laura’s request, no services will be held. Memorials are donor’s choice. ![]() Laura Marie Shafford Laura Marie Shafford, 87. This is written in the honor of my Mother, Laura Marie Shafford. She was born into this world September 10, 1932 and passed August 24, 2020 at the age of 87. She is the daughter of Pat and Gladys Lorello and the sister of Howard and Richard Lorello. Mom raised six boys. Mom was survived and preceded by many. She was one of the greatest ladies ever to walk the grounds of this Earth. And most importantly the greatest Mother anybody could ever have! A Mother that gave her undivided attention to every sibling. Every meal was a home cooked meal for the entire family and for any friend or neighbor who stopped by. She also chose the best and most honored man that most have ever known. Together they made the most out of life, in an era of time when most every innovative items were hitting the store shelves. Dad was a working man who worked for the Anaconda Company so most all of those items made it to our home. Making Mom’s life the most fulfilled and completed life a Mother could ever live. On my Dad’s days off we were definitely out camping somewhere in the mountains. On his working days Mom loaded the car with picnic baskets and off to the Columbia Gardens or Fairmont we went. When the Gardens closed I don’t think we missed a park or special event that the community had to offer. There was no rest for such a great Mother. She was for sure and most importantly our Mother, but she worked as well. She worked at the Galen hospital laundry for years, she worked house keeping at Fairmont Hot Springs. In her later years she cared for her Mother and then Dad who both suffered with Alzheimer’s disease. Mom in her latest years suffered from dementia. I cared for her and kept her in her home for as long as I possibly could. The most difficult decision I had ever made was to take her from her home and put her in a care facility. Just as hard was not to be able to honor her wish for her to die in her home in her own bed due to the fact I was not her power of attorney. But I know you are an understanding Mother and I hope the sun, the moon, and the stars take you to the best place ever! I LOVE YOU MOM AND I HOPE YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH THE INFINITE TAKES YOU TO A WONDERFUL PLACE!!! With love, your son Joe Gwendolyn Mary Cooper Allen Gwendolyn Mary Cooper Allen Was born to Walter and Audrey Cooper On July 10, 1938. She was nine of 15 children. Gwen joined her family in Heaven on August 17, 2020. She was a long time resident of Powell County, she spent her early years in Emery and attended school in Deer Lodge. She married George Allen in 1955 and they had five girls. Gwen had various jobs in Deer Lodge one of which was a cook at 4-B’s for 25 years. Her and George owned the local Army Navy store. She loved all babies and pets. She loved jokes, water fights and fire crackers were her favorite pranks. She will always be remembered for her kind heart and loving spirit. Gwen knew no strangers and if you met her more than once you were part of the family. She is survived by her four daughters: Sheila Fanning, Dixie (Rudy) Holmes, Dora (Terry) Vande Hoven and Donna (Jeff) Rucker. Her legacy includes nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband George Allen and her daughter Sharon, her mother and father, brothers and sisters, numerous nieces nephews and cousins. ![]() Bernard K. Barton Sr. Bernard K. Barton Sr. was born September 24, 1938 in the Old Murray Hospital in Butte to Lester and Alma (Raffath) Barton. Bart attended school in Butte, Warm Springs, Anaconda, and graduated from Powell County High School in 1956. He joined the USMC reserve in 1955 and upon graduation joined the active duty Marines and was honorably discharged in 1961. He married Mary K. Burton from Rennselaer, Ind. while in the service and from this union they had a daughter, Kim and sons Greg and Bernard K. Jr. Mary K. passed away in 1984. After being discharged from the Marine Corp., he became a policeman for the City of Polson and then joined the Montana Highway Patrol in 1964. He was stationed in Broadus, Libby, and retired from the MHP in 1985. After retiring, he became a Deputy Sheriff for Powell County from 1985 to 1991. He finally retired after being the coordinator of Disaster and Emergency Services in 2013. Bart was a certified EMT class coordinator, member of the Volunteer Ambulance, Webelo Scout leader, American Red Cross Disaster Instructor, 4-H leader and an alumni member of both 4-H & FFA. He put together the Powell County Search & Rescue and Junior 4 x 4. In April of 1987 he married Marion Yaskulski and they celebrated 33 years of marriage this year. They were members of the Civil Air Patrol, Search and Rescue, and also instigated the Big Sky Draft Horse Expo in 1995. Together they both enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, and visiting family. Bart was preceded in death by his parents, Les and Alma; wife Mary K., son Bernard K. Jr., and infant son, Greg. He is survived by his loving wife Marion; daughter Kim (Matt) Griffin of Prineville, Ore.; stepson, Jim (Alissa) Yaskulski of Great Falls; stepdaughter, Suzann (Chris) Smaldone of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; sister in law, Judie Burton of Merrimac, Wis.; nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and his faithful dog Brodie. Donations may be made to the Marine Corp. Toys for Tots, Rialto Theater, Big Sky Draft Horse Expo or the donor’s choice. A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 11 a.m. in the Rialto Theater. Please bring a mask and practice social distancing. ![]() Glen Donald Ellis At approximately 4:15 p.m. on Monday August 10, 2020 Glen passed away peacefully with his family by his side at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula as a result of a long heroic fight with cancer. Glen was 79 years old. Glen was born in Deer Lodge on March 27, 1941 to Orbrie Stratton and Frances Grace Ellis. Glen graduated Powell County High School in 1959 where he was involved in music, theatre and a class officer. He completed one year at Evangel College before transferring to Seattle Pacific College where he graduated in music education. He furthered his education at the University of Michigan and received a PhD in music. Any professional position he was in used his skills, abilities and love for education. His students loved and respected him tremendously because of his unwavering passion for music, teaching and encouraging his students to be the best they could be outside of the classroom as well as in the classroom. Later Glen went into real estate and used his gifts to help educate clients to lead them through the process of purchasing a house. Glen was an avid reader almost always reading multiple books at once. It was not unusual to have stacks of books in various locations of the house waiting to be read. The joy of entering a bookstore could not be matched but much except maybe his love for coffee, really good coffee. He sought connection with all whom he came into contact with whether at the grocery store, getting gas or people he worked with. He was good at making you feel important, heard and understood. He possessed a quiet strength that could calm anyone. These traits that were put to good use when he volunteered for hospice. He could put patient and family members at ease and comforted them well. He would spend hours talking, reading, singing or just sitting with patients. Leading the Deer Lodge Community Choir for the past several years, choral music was his favorite and he loved spending time searching for the perfect musical pieces for the choir to sing. This natural skill of gathering people together and teaching was a thread that ran through his entire life. Glen is survived by his wife Dorothy Baldwin Ellis, daughters, Sherrill (Norm) Kraakmo, Karen (Ryan) Potteiger, Jill (Troy) Russell, grandchildren, Jordan Kraakmo, Sara Kraakmo, Christian Vander Weide, Madison Russell, Emma Russell, Harper Russell, sister Gwen Ellis and brother Ray Ellis. Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of Glen. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Glen and his family. ![]() Laurence Thomas Hansen Laurence Thomas Hansen, 87, of Avon, died August 18, 2020 at home following a long illness. He was born January 25, 1933 at the family home near Gold Creek, the second son of Laurence H. and Marie Gertrude (Lingenfelter) Hansen. Larry grew up in the Gold Creek/Drummond area. He worked for various ranchers in the area until he was drafted in March 1953. Larry served with the Army’s 3rd Division in Korea Sept. 1953 – Jan. 1955 and was honorably discharged. Upon returning home, he worked for Vin Lowery and Albert Beck in the Deer Lodge Valley. He enjoyed riding bareback broncs and bowling. In the late 1950s Larry worked weekends for rodeo livestock contractor Oral Zumwalt and often told stories about his famous broncs. In May 1960, Larry became a wrangler at Mammoth in Yellowstone National Park. During the summer of 1964 he met Patrecia Thomae who worked in reservations at Mammoth. After a whirlwind courtship, they married September 19, 1964, and would have celebrated their 56th anniversary this year. They made their home in Deer Lodge and Larry worked at the Montana Phosphate/Cominco American mine near Garrison, but he continued to help ranchers on weekends. In April 1965, they moved to Avon to manage a ranch for Soren Beck. They were blessed with children Yvonne and John. September 1973, the family moved into Avon and Larry returned to the phosphate mine where he worked until it closed in Dec. 1993 and he retired. He loved working with horses and cattle and continued to help ranching friends until 2009 when health issues forced him to quit. Larry was a quiet, honest, hardworking man with a wonderful sense of humor who enjoyed people. He loved his wife and children and adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He encouraged them in work, 4-H, sports, and other activities. One of his favorite past-times was fishing with them. In 1958 he provided horses for and participated as a cavalry soldier in the Deer Lodge historic pageant “Gold is in the Grass.” During the late 1990s he drove a team of mules on several trips for the Overland Cruises wagon train, volunteered at Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS demonstrating haying with horses, and helped with the Big Sky Draft Horse Expo for 10 years. He served as vice president and president of the Avon Community Club, and helped with the Avon Flea Market and BBQ. Larry willingly helped anyone who asked. Larry is survived by his wife, Pat, daughter Yvonne Hanson (Duane), Deer Lodge; son John (Katy), Three Forks; grandchildren Crystal Gomez (Chris), Amanda Enger, Liz Enger, JT, Zane and Carey Hansen, six great-grandchildren; his brother, James Hansen of Gold Creek, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Nels and Chuck, and sister, Emma. Special thanks to Avon EMTs Jeff Janke and Heather Quigley, Compassus Hospice staff Whitney, Jayme, Sarah, Mikayla, Jessica, Karrie, Chaplain Steve, and members of the Avon community who have been a special blessing to us. At Larry’s request, there will be no funeral service. Visitation at Jewell Funeral Home in Deer Lodge will be 5-7 p.m. Friday, August 28. A graveside service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, August 29 at the Avon Cemetery. Pall Bearers are JT Hansen, Zane Hansen, Duane Hanson, Jeff Janke, Jim Bignell and John Bignell. A reception will follow at the Avon Community Hall. Memorials may be sent to the Avon Ambulance, Grant-Kohrs Ranch NHS Foundation or organization of your choice. Dorothy Elaine Scribner Wozny
Dorothy Elaine Scribner Wozny passed away Aug 18, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Fred and Mary Scribner on Aug 4, 1934 in Bashaw Township, Wis. After graduating from high school, she moved to Minneapolis to become a telephone operator but then met Airman Donald Wozny. They married and moved to Texas where Donald was stationed. After several moves the family settled in Deer Lodge. Dorothy loved to bowl and was an avid reader. She always had a garden and looked forward to the day she could pick out petunias. Later in life she picked up a paintbrush and discovered a love of painting with oils. Dorothy is survived by her sister Eleanor; daughters Monnie (Mike) Fay, Barbara Wozny, Sandra (Eddie) Hesson, Susan Becker and son Scott (Debbie) Wozny; she will be missed by 11 grandkids and numerous great-grandkids. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Vern, Cecil, and Fred Jr; sister Carol; husband Donald; grandson Joshua and an infant granddaughter. The family would like to thank Frontier Hospice for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Kohrs Library kohrslibrarymt.org. A memorial will be held at a later date. Death Notice for David Korang
David Korang, 70, of Anaconda, died Monday, August 3, 2020 at his residence. Services will be held at a later date. Please send memorial cards to 210 Howe St., Anaconda, MT 59711. Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Dave’s funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com. |
To submit an obituary, please email mgr@sspmt.com or call us at 406-846-2424.
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