​William (Bill) D. Baker
William (Bill) D. Baker, also known as Papa Bill, passed away on July 5, 2019 at the age of 88. He made his journey home to the Lord surrounded by his family.
Bill was born in January of 1931 in Tacoma Wash. He was the son of Talbert and Maude Baker. They moved to Alberton where he attended high school before joining the army in November of 1950. During his three years in the army he was in Korea where he fought three major battles and attended culinary school. Following his time in the army he went to work for the Milwaukee Railroad. Over the course of 25 years with the Railroad Bill had many jobs. He worked as a fireman, brakeman, conductor, yard foreman and relief yard master. He absolutely loved riding the trains. When the railroad shut down Bill spent some time working for Grant-Kohrs Ranch as well as the local museums. He also did some post and pole work and ran a second hand store. 
In January of 1966 he married the love of his life, Sharon A. Malcom. They made a home in Deer Lodge where they had one daughter, Tawni. In 1980 Bill was devastated when his beloved wife lost her battle to Cancer. 
Bill was also a member of the Anaconda VFW for many years and at the age of 55 he received his high school diploma through the Anaconda Job Corps External Diploma Program. He had many hobbies some of which include hiking, camping, hunting and fishing. Bill loved eating and visiting friends at the Deer Lodge Senior Citizens Center. His family and his dogs were his whole world. 
Bill was preceded in death by his parents Talbert and Maude Baker, his sister and brother-in-law Mary and Gene Shows, twin sister Lois Baker and wife Sharon Baker. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Tawni and Pat Campbell. Granddaughter, Jackie Campbell, grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Brian and Jamilyn Campbell. Five great-grandchildren, Damian, Brayden, Izayah, Brody and Bailey. Bill is also survived by his nieces, nephews, and cousins. 
He was a very kind, loving and caring soul and he will be missed by many. His family celebrated his life with a private get together, there will be no community services. The family is asking for you to say a prayer in remembrance of Bill, recall a wonderful memory and pay forward one act of kindness to celebrate his wonderful life. 

​(Anna) Jean Ellsworth Williams
​(Anna) Jean Ellsworth Williams, May 16, 1924 - May 4, 2019. Resident of Palo Alto.
Jean Ellsworth Williams passed away in her home just 12 days shy of her 95th birthday.  She was preceded in death in 2015 by her loving husband of nearly 65 years, Philip.  
Jean was born in Deer Lodge and spent the early years of her life in the small town of Helmville.  She moved with her family to Deer Lodge when she was seven years old.   Jean attended Montana State Normal for college (now known as University of Montana Western) and taught for one year prior to meeting Phil when they were both working summer jobs at the Lake Lodge soda fountain in Yellowstone Park in 1950.  They were engaged to be married after knowing each other for only 10 days.  Following their wedding that September, they moved to the town of Menlo Park, Calif., and then purchased their first home in Palo Alto, Calif. in 1951.  With the arrival in early 1955 of their third child, that prompted the move a short distance away to a larger home in Palo Alto, where they lived for the rest of their lives.  As with so many women in Jean’s generation, she enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom.  At the same time, Jean was interested in continuing her education and enrolled at San Jose State in 1964, where she was invited to join the Beta Alpha Chapter of Kapp Delta Pi, a national education honor fraternity to which she was inducted in January of 1965.  
Jean loved to travel with Phil up to Yosemite and loved experiencing Disneyland with her grandchildren.  She also enjoyed weekends up at the family cabin in Felton, Calif., which was just an hour away and the site for many memorable weekends for the 50 years that it was owned by the family.  Jean also traveled back to Montana periodically to visit friends and relatives.  
Jean was always very interested in other people.  She enjoyed the company of many long-time women friends in the “Coffee Group” from Van Auken Circle for decades, as well as lady friends with whom she enjoyed playing bridge.  Jean was plagued by macular degeneration in later life, but always had a great attitude.   She was raised in the Catholic faith and, along with her husband, Phil, attended various Catholic churches in the Palo Alto area over the years, most notably Our Lady of the Rosary, St. Albert the Great and St. Ann’s.  Jean is survived by her three children, Don Williams (Suzanne) of Milpitas, Anne Santiago of Alameda and Gregg Williams (Barbara) of Sunnyvale, as well as her four grandchildren, Kristina Reynolds (Soren) of Alameda, Katherine Williams of San Jose, Danielle Williams Howard (Jeremy) of Santa Ana and Robert Kim (Melanie) of San Jose, and her great-grandchildren, Tyler Gonzales and Jackson Reynolds of Alameda.
Internment took place on June 12 at Alta Mesa Cemetery in Palo Alto.

Beverly A. Young
​Surrounded by her family, Beverly A. Young of Elliston passed peacefully into the hands of the Lord on December 17, 2018.  She was born Beverly Ellrott on December 25, 1941, in National City, Calif.  She is survived by her husband, Gary Young of Elliston; their children Tamara (Steve) Turza of Rifle, Colo.; Charles McGuffie of El Cajon, Calif.; Angela (James) Seidl of Cambridge, Wis.; and Christopher (Shuli) Young of Kalispell; 14 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Beryl Ellrott, and her son, Troy McGuffie.  
Services will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at the St. Theodore Catholic Church in Avon.  The mass will be followed by a graveside service at the Avon Cemetery.  A luncheon celebration of life will immediately follow at Gary and Bev Young’s home in Elliston.  Memorials may be made in Beverly’s name to the volunteer fire departments of Avon or Elliston.

Juda Ann (Allen) Kramer
It is with great sadness that the family of Juda Ann (Allen) Kramer, 82, announce the passing of their beautiful mother on Saturday, April 13, 2019, at BeeHive Homes in Butte. She was surrounded by her daughters, grandchildren, and friends as she peacefully slipped away, free from pain and suffering. 
A viewing and burial were held April 27, 2019. Knowing her love of picnics, the family decided in lieu of a funeral to hold a celebration of her life so that all her family and friends could attend. The celebration will begin at the Wisdom Cemetery with the placing of her stone and the singing of her favorite songs. The family will drive to Dewey, to the home of Joyce and Will Steyh (50 Cordwood Lane). A picnic will be served, and stories will be shared. Please join us for this celebration.

Lane Ryan Mannix
Lane Ryan Mannix, 18, of Missoula, was called to be with our Father in heaven on June 17, 2019 in a car accident.
Lane was born in Missoula on November 27, 2000 and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hellgate High School on June 8, 2019, shortly after receiving the Presidential Award for outstanding academic excellence. She was looking forward to attending U of M to become a radiology tech in the fall. Lane’s spirit was old beyond her years and she always put others first. To know Lane was to be loved by Lane. She poured her heart out for others and did not pass up an opportunity to be there for her friends and family. Lane carried many gifts — her inner strength was a rock to those around her, her generosity of spirit blessed her friends and family, her beautiful smile and bright eyes exuded the love of Jesus.
During Lane’s 18 years, she participated in a number of sports; including softball, soccer, flag football, basketball, swimming, track, golf, and skiing. Her hobbies included photography, art, dirt biking, shooting her grandfather’s guns, and she recently took a summer job as a barista. Lane loved animals, she loved her dog Frank, colt Sky, and yet to be named kitten. Lane was a beautiful, kind, caring, witty, stubborn, funny, responsible and loyal young woman. 
John 11:25-26, “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” Lane is in heaven now with her Father and she is experiencing a new freedom to be the most amazing guardian angel in heaven. She is smiling on us and if she could, she would tell you that it’s alright and she will see you again soon.
Lane is survived by her father Ryan E. Mannix, her mother Amy L. Mannix and her loyal and loving brother Jace E. Mannix. Grandparents; Jim and DeeDee Lane, Bob and Lois Barkell, Rem and Diane Mannix, uncles; Bret Mannix, Nick Peterson, Ronnie Peterson, Travis Denman, Corey Peterson, Corey Oliszcak. Aunts; Dawn Mannix, Pam Peterson, Molly Denman, Bobbie Peterson, Shonda Oliszcsak, Stefanie Peterson, Misty Sindt, Donna Peterson. Cousins; Ethan and Sydnie Peterson, Ella, Cal and Carter Denman, Teagan Oliszcak and many other loving cousins too numerous to mention.

Robert Bruce Scollard
Montana State Prison inmate Robert Bruce Scollard died on June 12, 2019 at Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, following an extended illness. An autopsy will be performed. Mr. Scollard was 48 years old. 
Mr. Scollard was sentenced out of Yellowstone County in 2014 for the crimes of Robbery and Attempted Robbery. Mr. Scollard was sentenced to 15 years with five years suspended. Mr. Scollard was granted Parole in March of 2017. In 2018, Mr. Scollard was sentenced out of Lewis and Clark County for the crime of Attempted Robbery and was sentenced to five years, with all time suspended. Mr. Scollard was currently parole eligible and had a prison discharge date in 2028. 

Gary Lawrence Beck
Gary Lawrence Beck was born on Valentine’s day 1939 in Anaconda  and passed away, surrounded by family, on Memorial Day, May 27, 2019, at age 80. He was raised near Warm Springs and graduated from Anaconda High School in 1957. Gary married the former Beverly Clemens in 1964 and the two would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary on June 17th. Gary was employed by the Montana Power Company as a patrolman and gas dispatcher for 32 years, before retiring in 1996. Gary entered the Marine Reserve in 1958, eventually retiring from the Montana Army National Guard after 21 years of military service. Gary was an avid reader and lifelong learner earning a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Montana. He proudly served as a board member for School District #1 in Deer Lodge, and volunteered as an AAU wrestling coach for several years.  Gary had an affinity for high performance cars and motorcycles, graduating from racing school and competing in the Sports Car Club of America. A dedicated Democrat passionate about labor, Gary served two terms as a State Representative for Deer Lodge and the surrounding area. Gary loved to talk, especially with someone who he had just met. He could make new friends on nothing more than a three-floor elevator ride.
Gary was proceeded in death by his parents, Larry and Violet as well as his brother Ken Beck. He is survived by his wife Beverly Beck of Missoula, sons Mike (Jeri) Beck of Great Falls, Andy (Erin) Beck of Missoula, daughter Jody Reistad of Deer Lodge, brother Chuck (Donna) Beck of Bozeman, sister in-law Lila Beck of Great Falls, and sister in-law Lynda Munch of Alberton. He is also survived by eight grandchildren; Dakotah, Colter, Whest, Drew, Camryn, Karsun, Adam, and Caleb, with a great-grandchild on the way.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula on June 7 at 11 a.m., with reception to follow at Garden City Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers Gary would request that donations be made to the Democratic party.

​Gayle ‘George’ Tomlinson
​Gayle ‘George’ Tomlinson, 48, Dec. 18, 1970-May 26, 2019.
Services were held Saturday June 1 at the First Baptist Church in Deer Lodge at 10 a.m. 
Gayle was born on December 18, 1970 and went to heaven on May 26, 2019. Gayle was born and raised in Deer Lodge, graduating from Powell County High School in 1989. From there she went to college in Bozeman, always a Bobcat fan. Then on to Powell, Wyo. finishing up at Western Montana College in Dillon completing her BA in Ag Science. One of her proudest accomplishments was completing the farrier school in Powell, Wyo. Thus, starting her long career as one of the best farriers in the region. She had a large and long client list, that all became her friends. No one was a stranger. Gayle just didn’t take care of her equine clients, but her huge heart took care of all of her friends. Opening her home, preparing meals, always there to help.
On any given day she and her dogs could be found working hard, which she enjoyed, on the ranch at Jake Creek or her favorite place in the world, the cabin up Gold Creek. Her passion was helping kids, always ready for any project. Her friends were always a priority.
She is survived by her parents, Carol and Jim Tomlinson; her partner, Shane Davis and his son Hunter “The Boy” Davis; Francis and Bob Bradley and family; Ray and Bonnie Soulsby and family; and her many special friends that were all “family.”
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Leslie and David Tomlinson; her favorite grandmother, Helen Tomlinson; grandfather, Harry Tomlinson; and grandmother, Alice Soulsby.
Following the service there was a celebration of Gayle’s life at the Broken Arrow. Memorials can be made to any 4-H organization or any charity of your choice.

Edward “Chub” Gill Sr.
Edward “Chub” Gill Sr., 1917-2019.
Edward “Chub” Gill Sr. passed away at the age of 101 on April 26, 2019. His loving son, Ed and his daughter-in-law Kathy were by his side.
Chub was born November 4, 1917 in Deer Lodge to Don Gill and Alice Byerly Gill.  He attended Deer Lodge public schools, graduating from Powell County High School in 1937.  After graduation, Chub was employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a principal forest guard. He supervised and communicated with isolated lookouts and enforced forest law violations. 
During WWII, Chub served as 1st Sergeant in the Army of Engineers. During his time in the service  he attended Catawba College in Salisbury, N.C. During active duty Chub was stationed in the South Pacific on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. He was qualified as an expert rifleman and decorations included a bronze service star and victory medal. After being honorably discharged from the army in 1946 he began working for the Registrar of Motor Vehicles in Deer Lodge, as deputy registrar. Chub’s next job was regional director for Region 4 of the American Association of Motor Vehicles where he worked until he retired at age 69, in 1986.
On August 28, 1948, Chub married Helen Elizabeth Greany at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Anaconda. Their only child, Edward Gill Jr. was born in 1958.
Chub was very active in his Deer Lodge community, serving on the school board and the museum board. During the winter months Chub enjoyed riding through town on his snowplow helping to clear off the sidewalks for many of the business owners.  He was an avid sports fan, especially football and he had season tickets to the Montana Grizzlies basketball and football games. Summer days were spent at his Hauser Lake home where he enjoyed water skiing, boating, working on the dock and entertaining family and friends.
Chub loved his family and his life in Montana. He was known for his politeness and was an impeccable dresser. He could be easily spotted wearing his signature red cardigan sweater as he roamed the halls at the Touchmark Senior Living Facility where he resided the last eight years. Chub will be greatly missed by many and be forever in our hearts.
Chub was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Helen; his sisters Dorothy (Bess) and Elizabeth, brothers Don, Ralph (Bud) Charles (Pete) and Richard.
Survivors are son, Edward Gill Jr. (Kathy) of Shoreline, Wash.; grandsons, Matthew (Keisha) of Washington D.C., and Marcus of Seattle.
A special thank you to the Touchmark staff, VA care team, St. Peter’s Hospice, Amanda Sather and Betty Dalin for the wonderful care given to Chub in his final days. Also an important thank you to his nephew Mark White for his continued love and support for both Helen and Chub over the years and his unending work on their Lake House.
A funeral mass with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 27 at Immaculate Conception Church in Deer Lodge.  A luncheon at St. Mary’s Center to follow services. Arrangements are by Jewel Funeral Home.
Memorials may be sent to Immaculate Conception Church, 605 Clark Street, Deer Lodge MT, 59722 or donor’s choice.

Lois Johanna (Eliason) Jones
Lois Johanna (Eliason) JonesLois Johanna (Eliason) Jones, 80, of Deer Lodge, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 14, 2019.
Lois was born on April 26, 1939, in Deer Lodge to Charles and Gladys Eliason. She was a caring sister, wonderful mother, and loving grandmother. Her deep faith, outgoing personality, competitive nature, and unmistakable laugh will be greatly missed. No game night will be the same without her.  
Lois was a graduate of Powell County High School and went on to serve in the Air Force before raising her family. Later in life she volunteered at the Woman’s Club and Senior Center. She had many friends in the community.
She is preceded in death by her father Charles Eliason and her mother Gladys Nielsen Eliason; her brother Richard Eliason and her sisters Alma Corrigan, Ruth Sutherland, and Dorothy Benson; and her daughter Billie Jones.  
She is survived by her sisters Helen Ring and Sharon Applegate; brothers-in-law Joe Applegate and Fred Benson; her children Cindra Jones, Steven Jones, Vickie Harvey and son-in-law Jerry Harvey; her five grandchildren, Jennifer, Alex, Amanda, Amber, and Jerry Jr.; her five great-grandchildren, Genie, Xzaviyor, Ocyrus, Alexis, and Kaitlyn.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on May 31, 2019, at the Community of Christ Church (Corner of 5th and California) in Deer Lodge. Memorial contributions may be made to the Powell County Senior Center or the Community of Christ Church.

Death Notice: ​Stanley M. Fadness
Stanley M. Fadness, Drummond, died on May 19 in Deer Lodge, 10 days before his 94th birthday. A funeral service is planned for Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church in Drummond with burial to follow.

Jerry Moore
Jerry Moore was born on December 1, 1942 in the Pioneer/Gold Creek area of Montana. Jerry sadly passed away from natural causes at the age of 76 years old on May 1, 2019 in Deer Lodge, surrounded by family and friends.  
As a young man Jerry moved to Deer Lodge and was employed as an underground phosphate miner and later as an employee at the Powell County Courthouse. Jerry was a true Montana man and loved the great outdoors.  Some of Jerry’s greatest joys were hunting and fly fishing.  He also enjoyed football and was an avid 49er’s fan. Jerry was known for his generosity, loved to tease people, and had a great laugh.  Jerry married Peggy Hodge and had three children: Tammy, Penny, and Jenny. The couple later divorced.
Jerry’s closest living relatives are his three daughters: Tammy, Penny, Jenny (Joe). Jerry has four grandchildren: Drake, Logan (Gabriela), Leah, and Landon; as well as two great-grandchildren: Gracee and Madison. Jerry is also survived by his brother Larry (Madonna) and close friends Joe and Shelly. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents: Andy and Jennie, his brothers: Ray and Lee, and his sisters: Bonnie, Winnie, and Bertie.  
Family and friends will be celebrating Jerry’s life and scattering his ashes at a later date. 
Jerry will be deeply missed and remembered always. 

​Robert J. (Bob) Newman
Robert J. (Bob) Newman, May 29, 1937 - May 8, 2019.
Robert J. Newman peacefully left this world   to be with his lord on May 8 at the Madison Valley Manor in Ennis. Bob was born May 29, 1937 in the Deer Lodge Valley to Dick and Rowena Newman. The oldest of five children, Bob spent his younger years romping the hills surrounding Emery Mine and along Cottonwood Cr. He attended schools in Deer Lodge, graduating from Powell County High School in 1957. Bob married his first wife Carla Salmonsen later that year and from that union, three daughters were born. They were later divorced. In 1974, Bob married Mary Lou Rowe who survives. From that marriage, Bob gained five boys and another daughter.
Throughout his life Bob worked hard to provide for his large family, working in the logging industry, at the Roundhouse for the Milwaukee Railroad and LP until his retirement. Bob spent his spare time snowmobiling, skiing and sailing with his large brode. He also spent a good amount of his time helping local ranchers with their farm equipment. This is where his love in restoring old tractors grew. Papa Bob could also be found tromping the hills of his childhood when the opportunity presented itself, which usually involved an overnight stay at the Emery cabin with a couple of grandkids in tow.
Bob was able to achieve two of his lifetime goals during his time on this earth. First was a pilgrimage to then Yugoslavia, where war broke out while there and later going through the locks in Panama.
Bob was a religious man who attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Deer Lodge and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ed and Dick Newman, sister Geraldine Newman, and most recently, his nephew Craig Newman.
Survivors include: sister Patty Walston, daughters Margie (Gordon) Edsall, Gerri (Harvey) Newman and Jean Thoma. He is also survived by stepchildren: Rick (Irene) Rowe, Brenda (Adrian) Keene, Ron (Susan) Rowe, Randy (Robin) Rowe, Ray (Laurie) Rowe and Roger Rowe. Numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Dad was a simple man and his wish was to leave this world in a simple manner. A memorial and luncheon to honor Bob   will take place May 16, 2019 at the Community of Christ Church Annex at 11 a.m. One of dads last wishes was for everyone to gather, share a story or two and eat lots of ham and potato salad.

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.