Teacher and lifelong advocate for the autism community
    Many fondly remember Karlyn Ann Shepherd (Nourse) for her caring heart, fun-loving manner, intellectual curiosity and spiritual soul. But what stands out most is her lifelong devotion to those marginalized, underserved and even shunned by others. She accepted all people as they were—and as a compassionate and creative educator, championed the students with autism she taught, mentored, encouraged and loved.
    Karlyn left this world on March 6, just shy of her 82nd birthday, at a care home in Toledo, Ohio after a long decline from Alzheimer’s Disease. She will be missed as the vibrant woman she once was.
    “Karlie” lived her life on her own terms. She loved to listen to music loud, very loud. She was partial to classical music, especially Vivaldi, Beethoven and Bach. She sang along to Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Barbara Streisand, Carly Simon, Anne Murray, John Denver, Cat Stevens and Carol King.
    She loved to decorate—and redecorate, and redecorate—the house. She had a flair for design and collected Asian antiques, especially silk screens painted with mist-shrouded mountains and elegant cranes. If there was a giant puddle on the side of the road, she was veering to drive through it at high speed for a dramatic splash.
    Karlie wrote poetry and read philosophy. She believed in feminism, equality and women’s rights. She was a grower and lover of farm-fresh produce, but partial to McDonald’s apple pies and Taco Bell enchiladas. She loved Dachshunds and Dalmatians—all animals, really—the honesty of little kids and cuddling babies. She loved the museums and Japanese tea garden at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, and Monty Python skits. She liked nicknames, inventing words and unusual sayings: for example, “Whistling biscuits” (AKA going fast).
    Karlie was artistic and inventive. She liked to cook, experiment with recipes, and can fruit, especially brandied cherries from the back-yard tree. She was an accomplished seamstress who made daughter Amy’s wedding dress, fashioned down jackets and embroidered shirts. She painted Russian icons, mixing the paints herself from things like clay and gold leaf, and saying a prayer with each layer. She also practiced the Japanese art of Ikebana flower arranging.
    She was always ready to weigh in on relationships issues, applying her “Sally Freud” analysis, and listening with a sympathetic ear and warm hug. Karlie loved the beach, especially Capitola (California), where she always fondly recalled summers spent there with her grandparents. She preferred the foggy, moody shores of Half Moon Bay and the solitude of the redwoods.
    The daughter of Barbara and Hal Nourse, “Karlie” grew up mostly in Burlingame, Calif., with her sister Janet and brother Hank. She liked games, running, sports and playing outside, and preferred rough-‘n-tumble to frilly dresses and stuffy protocol. When confined to her room, she was the type to lower her bike quietly out the window and escape. When the high school counselor offered her three career choices (nurse, teacher or secretary), she chose teacher—which turned out to be fortuitous and an ideal match.
    Karlie earned her undergraduate degree and teacher’s certificate at San Jose State, where she met and married George Pentz at age 21. Their daughter Michelle was born in Washington, D.C. after George was drafted and served at the Pentagon during the Vietnam War. They soon returned to the San Francisco Bay Area, where Karlie taught preschool Head Start, helping immigrant children learn English and assimilate to life in the States. George and Karlie were mismatched, though, and the two soon parted ways.
    Sister Jan introduced Karlie to Gordon E. Shepherd, a smart, witty and kind software engineer and pilot from Philipsburg. Gordon was truly the love of her life. They married in 1974, settling in Sunnyvale, and daughter Amy arrived in 1976. Lisa, Gordon’s daughter from his first marriage, later joined the family to make it complete.
    While Amy was in elementary school, Karlie gave solace to families with loved ones in hospice care and volunteered at the Episcopal church, where she taught Sunday School. She would later attend seminary to become an ordained Deacon, an honor of which she was extremely proud.
    When the family moved to Philipsburg to care for Gordon’s mother, Nell Shepherd, Karlie earned a Master’s in Special Education at the University of Montana in Missoula and expanded her expertise to become an interpreter for a deaf student. After Gordon became ill, they relocated to Albuquerque. Karlie found serenity in the high desert of New Mexico.
    She took a job at an elementary school, dedicated to her students with autism. She talked about them often, and embraced them as her own in a world where most didn’t. She had a whole teacher-crafting set-up at home and would stay up late putting together personalized lesson materials she bought with her own money. A constant in her life, she championed those with learning disabilities and, during a stint working for the Episcopal diocese, pushed her church leadership to include gay ministers and women.
    Karlie and Gordon eventually returned to California for retirement near Jan and Hank, where Gordon passed away in 2017. The family moved her to Toledo near daughter Amy as her dementia progressed.
    After Karlie’s passing, when Lisa returned home to Texas, she noticed her flower shrub blooming at last: “You have to laugh, when after four years and three locations, your white camellia finally blooms…pink,” she said. That reminded us of Karlie: She really was a white camellia that bloomed pink. It seemed like a beautiful, unexpected, poignant metaphor—a message from the universe.
    Karlie will be missed by so many, especially her daughters—Lisa Shepherd, Michelle Pentz and Amy Kruse—and brother Hank Nourse, sister Jan and husband Robert Gorts.
    In place of flowers, the family requests donations in Karlie’s name to support the California Autism Foundation. Its aim is giving people with autism the best possible opportunities for lifetime support, training and assistance to help them reach their highest potential for independence, productivity and fulfillment. Info: https://www.calautism.org/

    On March 24, 2026, Wayne Lubbes passed away in the comfort of his home and in the company of family. Wayne had been fighting cancer for over 12 years and had undergone many surgeries, but the cancer finally got him at the age of 61.
    Wayne was born in Everett, Wash., on July 19, 1964, to Wayne O. Lubbes and Janet K. Lubbes. Wayne grew up in Snohomish, Wash., through the 8th grade when the family moved to Vernonia, Ore., where he graduated high school in 1982.
    Wayne met his best friend, Tracy Armstrong, there in Vernonia, where they learned exactly how much trouble they could cause before getting caught or into too much trouble. Vernonia is also where he bought his Toyota 4Runner and had it painted with the Ghostbuster symbols. It was quite famous, but because the door handles got in the way of the design, he had them removed, and while this made the 4Runner very cool, it also got him locked out of his vehicle on several occasions, because you had to have the FOB in your hand to open the doors. So, no getting out of the vehicle to lock in the hubs for the 4-wheel drive without the FOB, or you would be standing on the edge of the road with your vehicle running and no way to open the door.
    Vernonia is also where he met his wife of 32 years, Sherrie (Ibach) Lubbes, who he married on Oct. 31, 1994. You will never meet a better matched couple or find a stronger love than Wayne and Sherrie. They were so perfect for each other, and I think they were more in love when Wayne passed away than the day they got married. Wayne and Sherrie stayed in Vernonia for a few years until an opportunity came to buy the Paradise Bar that they couldn’t pass up, so they came to Anaconda, Mont., to start a new life as bar owners with their son Nathan Lubbes.
    As new business owners they struggled for a couple of years to keep the bar afloat, so Wayne got a second job. He started work at the Montana State Prison as a corrections officer where he met his best friend in Montana, Mike Strutzel. Wayne and Mike took those getting into trouble lines he learned with Tracy and perfected them.
    Wayne was also part of a group of people who restarted the annual fireworks show for Anaconda, and over the years, started the winter getaway dart tournament and the Adrian Blom Memorial Run. Wayne coached the little league baseball team for his son Nathan when he was little, and he participated in many charity events and even hosted quite a few at the Paradise Bar.
    Throughout his years in Anaconda, Wayne rebuilt a 1955 Ford Pickup that he painted bright green and is also quite famous. Wayne enjoyed decorating cakes for family and friends for birthdays, holidays and even some pretty fancy weddings. Wayne enjoyed camping with friends every opportunity he got, he liked to go 4-wheeling, played darts and horseshoes, and he loved telling stories. Wayne was a huge Seattle Seahawks fan, and you could always count on a football game at the Paradise Bar on every Sunday during football season along with football activities.
    Wayne Lubbes is survived by his wife, Sherrie Lubbes; son, Nathan Lubbes; daughter-in-law, Alicia Lubbes; brother, Wes Lubbes; sister, Leigh Phelps; brother, George Lubbes; along with six grandkids including Payton Bownes, better known as P. Lucifer who was the apple of Papa’s eye, P could do no wrong and Papa was very proud to call him grandson, and would tell anyone listening what a great man he was going to grow to be; and one great granddaughter.
    Wayne will be buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1420 W 5th St in Anaconda, Mont. There will be a potluck Celebration of Life held for him at the Paradise Bar starting at 3:30 PM April 2, 2026, on the corner of Birch and 4th in Anaconda, MT. Please show up in your favorite Hawaiian shirt in honor of Wayne and bring your favorite picture or story of Wayne.
    Please visit axelsonfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or a memory of Wayne.

    Jean Patten Waldbillig, 102, of Philipsburg, Montana passed away at St. James Hospital on March 12, 2026.
    Jean was born on March 20, 1923, in Tonopah, Nevada, to James Patten and Phyllis McLeod Patten. The family moved from Tonopah and lived for a while in Butte before returning home to Philipsburg.
    Jean graduated from Granite High School in 1941 and went on to enroll in St. James School of Nursing in Butte. She had many fond memories of her time there and made lifelong friends with her classmates. She graduated in 1944, worked for a time at Murray Hospital in Butte before joining the Navy in 1945. She was stationed at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital near San Francisco, California, where she worked with servicemen coming home from Japan – many of whom had been prisoners of war. She was very humbled by their service and felt, in contrast, that she had not contributed as much to the war effort.
    She was discharged in 1946 and took a job in Boise, Idaho, as a public health nurse. She loved to relate that she made her rounds on a Cushman scooter, as there were no cars that could be purchased after the war. She enjoyed the field of public health and went from Boise, Idaho, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, to pursue a degree in public health. On a trip home, she reconnected with a classmate, Frank Waldbillig, and she quit school to return to Philipsburg. She and Frank were married on Sept. 3, 1949, in Helena. Jean and Frank moved to the ranch where they raised three children, Raymond, Helen, and Jim. She said that she did not learn to cook until she moved to the ranch, but she became a good cook and provided three meals a day for her family, hired hands, and friends. She made sure no one went hungry!
    Jean continued her nursing career in the Flint Creek Valley, working in public health and at Granite County Hospital, finally letting her RN license expire in 1997. She spent many years conducting home health visits and “wild child” (well-child) clinics, much of the time with her colleague and great friend, Harriet Mentzer. Countless youth in Granite County had their childhood vaccines administered by Jean.
    Jean loved her time growing up in Philipsburg. She had fond memories of roller-skating, ice skating, playing cards, and walking to Fred Burr and Rumsey, where they would build a fire and spend a summer afternoon swimming. As an adult, Jean was very active in the Philipsburg community. She was an avid supporter of Prospector athletics and the Philipsburg Public Library, frequently played Bridge with friends, and was a faithful congregant of St. Andrew’s Episcopal church.
    Jean loved her life on the ranch. She and her horse Campie covered a lot of miles helping the neighbors chase cows and enjoying the beautiful Flint Creek Valley. She loved animals, especially her Shelties, Chelsea and Snooper. In fact, many of the pets on the ranch ended up being “hers,” and she would often need to admonish her grandkids to “pet their damn dog.”
    Jean often remarked that she had the best of it: a wonderful husband and a good family. She would not have traded her life on the ranch for anything. She loved her grandchildren and was blessed to have them close as they grew up. She asked about them every day and was always interested in their careers. She was also blessed at the end of her life to live at the Southwest Montana Veterans’ Home, where she created a new family group that took very good care of her.
    Jean was preceded in death by her parents, James and Phyllis, Brother Jim and sister-in-law Pat, husband Frank, and son Raymond. She is survived by her daughter, Helen (Bernie), son Jim (Jill), grandchildren Zachary (Marina), Austin (Darby), Marie, Sean (Sakoya), and Patrick (Bryanna), daughter-in-law Jan and her son Sean (Vickie) Graybeal. She is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren, Delilah, Waylon, Siobhan, Aiden, and Banx, as well as nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services will be held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Philipsburg at 11:00 AM on March 21, 2026. Internment will be at Philipsburg Cemetery, followed by a reception at Granite County Museum. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church or the Philipsburg Public Library.

    Anthony Glen “Tony” Heaton was born Oct. 20, 1940, at his family home in Erie, Colo. He passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 24, 2026, in Deer Lodge, surrounded by his loving family and his two beloved puppies.
    Tony grew up in Colorado, the son of a miner and dairy farmer. He faced profound loss at a young age when his mother passed away when he was just 10 years old. At 12, he made a decision that would shape the rest of his life - he would become a veterinarian. That dream became reality when he graduated from Mead High School in 1958 and was accepted into veterinary school at Colorado State University.
    During his sophomore year at CSU, Tony met the love of his life, Sandy. They were married on Dec. 19, 1964, in Pueblo, Colo. The summer of his junior year, Tony accepted an internship at Clark Fork Veterinary Clinic in Deer Lodge. He quickly fell in love with Montana - its people, its beauty and its way of life. Tony and Sandy both graduated from CSU in June of 1965, and that same year they made Deer Lodge their home. Tony began working part time at Clark Fork Veterinary Clinic and part time as a meat inspector at the slaughterhouse at Montana State Prison.
    In 1970, Tony became a partner at Clark Fork Veterinary Clinic. In 2005, he and his longtime partners, Paul Bissonette and Fred Metcalf, sold the clinic. Tony continued practicing part time until fully retiring in 2009. Being a veterinarian was not just a career - it was his lifelong passion. He cared deeply for both animals and the families who loved them.
    Tony was devoted to his community. He joined the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in 1966 and served as Exalted Ruler in 1970. He later became chaplain and president of the Past Exalted Ruler Club. He joined the Masons in 1968 and became a Shriner in May 1969, where he proudly played in the Oriental Band. He and Sandy were also members of Floral Chapter No. 46 Order of Eastern Star. Tony also served on the District 1 School Board from 1973 to 1977 and was a member of the Pioneer Federal Savings and Loan Board from 1994 until 2018. From 2011 to 2019, he volunteered at Deer Lodge Medical Center. One of his greatest honors was hosting the Montana Air National Guard 120th Medical Group’s annual summer family day for several years at his and Sandy’s property along the Missouri River in Cascade, Montana.
    Above all else, Tony was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and Sandy shared 61 wonderful years of marriage and raised three sons: Rodney Glen (Kim), Anthony Ray (Renee), and Christopher Brian (Cyndy). He was incredibly proud of his boys and treasured his grandchildren Austin, Kody, Bryan Lee, Josie, and Kylie.
    Tony is survived by his beloved wife, Sandy; his three sons and their spouses; and his five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Anthony Heaton Jr., and his mother, Lyna Price.
    A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, at the Elks Lodge in Deer Lodge. A reception luncheon will be held at the Elks Lodge, where family and friends are invited to gather and share their favorite memories of Tony. Burial will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery on Monday, March 16 at 10:00 a.m.
    Memorial donations may be made to Shriners (314 W. Park, Butte, MT), Deer Lodge Elks Lodge No. 1737 (230 Main Street, Deer Lodge, MT), or the Clark Fork Veterinary Care Program (3707 N Frontage Road, Deer Lodge, MT). Flowers for the service may be delivered directly to Sandy at 1015 Kohrs Street, Deer Lodge, MT, or to the Elks Lodge.
    Tony’s life was defined by service — to his family, his profession, and his community. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

    A Life of Dedication, Drive, and Unwavering Love
    Janet, a true native of the Anaconda area, was born to Alma Kenneth and Cora May Schofield. Her life was rooted firmly in Opportunity, Montana, where she resided for her entire life, a testament to her steadfast nature and deep connection to her community.
    She was a proud member of the Anaconda High School graduating class of 1970. That same year marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership, as she married the love of her life, Evan Bowen, on June 20th. Together, they built a family, welcoming two beloved daughters: Miranda in 1975 and Kymberleigh in 1977. Janet’s final journey led her back to her beloved Evan; she passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by the family she cherished.
    Janet’s work ethic was evident from a young age. During her high school years, she dedicated her time to serving as a Candy Striper at the local hospital and working at Lou’s Drive Inn. Following her marriage, she embarked on a career that would define her professional life, initially joining the Anaconda Post Office as a relief rural mail carrier. Her dedication and reliability soon earned her the permanent position of Rural Mail Carrier.
    Her route was extensive, demanding over 80 miles of driving each day across the winding back roads of Anaconda, Lost Creek, Galen, East Side Road, and Opportunity. She became a familiar sight, delivering everything from the occasional dreaded bill and long-awaited personal letters to crucial checks and, on rare occasions, even live animals.
    The early days of her career showcased her ingenuity. With no right-hand-drive vehicles available, she improvised, sitting in the middle of her distinctive red Subaru, affectionately nicknamed “Subby.” She navigated the vehicle, operating the gas and brake with her left foot and steering with her left hand, all while efficiently delivering mail out the passenger side. Her determination paid off when she finally managed to acquire a custom right-hand-drive car, ordered specially from as far away as New York, significantly streamlining her daily duties.
    Janet’s mail car was more than just a means of transport; it was a vessel for family and memories. Her family fondly remembers riding along, listening to the music of Kaytee Oslin cranked up as they traversed the countryside.
    The most cherished memories revolve around the annual Christmas Eve tradition. Knowing the importance of delivering the holiday cheer, Janet always worked on Christmas Eve. But she turned the grueling workday into a festive, highly-anticipated family event, allowing her children and grandchildren to “help” deliver the massive influx of mail and packages—” Haggland, package for Haggland!”
    This operation required military-like precision. Janet would map out a route for two separate carloads, often pitting two halves of the family against each other in a friendly race. Piling a family of ten into two cars was a challenge, but Janet, ensuring the young grandchildren had the prime spot, would take one car while the older children and Dad managed the other. This cooperative, bustling endeavor was considered the true start of the holiday season. Her generosity extended beyond her own family; one year, she personally ensured every single child on her route—whether a permanent resident or just visiting—received a hand-delivered candy cane.
    Janet was known for her fiercely determined and assertive personality. She was a woman who knew precisely what she wanted, meticulously planned how to achieve it, and enlisted the necessary help to see her goals realized. While this unwavering drive sometimes earned her a reputation for stubbornness, those who truly knew her understood the profound purpose behind her persistence. Once her goals were met, her generosity was quiet but impactful. She supported her community without seeking acknowledgment, prioritizing shopping local, and was steadfastly devoted to the needs of her family.
    When not working or coordinating family life, Janet embraced the rugged Montana outdoors. She had a passion for fishing and loved exploring on four-wheelers with her family, especially with close friends Tammy and Dan. She enjoyed the tranquility of walking with her friend Chris Field and the adventure of family camping trips. She and Evan shared the thrill of riding motorcycles, and she was always ready for a bit of excitement at the slot machines.
    In her later years, Janet and Evan discovered a shared, truly impressive talent: remodeling houses. This creative endeavor became a true passion, showcasing their cooperative spirit and skill.
    Janet leaves behind a powerful legacy of dedication, community spirit, and an enduring, fierce love for her family. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Miranda (Shawn),  and Kymberleigh, her cherished grandchildren, Cassie (Bryan “Mo”), Dex, Tyler (Bailey), and Randi. Great-Grandchildren: Melleah, Stetson, Ella, Evan, Levi, Kolt, and Sterling. She is preceded in death by her husband Evan, her parents, her sisters: Peggy and Jay, her brothers- in-law: Wally, Bud, Elmer, and Lewis, Nephew Ray, and her father-in-law William and Mother-in-Law: Pearl. Numerous friends and relatives whose lives she enriched. Her memory will be a lasting source of strength and inspiration.
    Celebration of Life for her and her beloved Mr. B will be announced at a later time; Per their wishes.
    XOXO, Momma.
    Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Crematory Services has been privileged to care for Janet and her family

    On Saturday Feb. 21, 2026, Myra Jane Pierson gained her wings to go be with her husband of 57 years, Gordon and her son Travis.
    Myra was born on Sept. 21, 1946, in Great Falls, Mont., to parents Elmer and Margaret Erickson. Myra had two brothers, James and Fred, and was the youngest of the Erickson children. She and her family moved around the state of Montana a few times but eventually landed roots in Deer Lodge when her father, Elmer, became the business manager at the old Montana State Prison. In her journeys as a child, she ice-skated, played the clarinet and became a very good piano player. Myra always had a great love for all music and made sure she fostered any love her family had for it too. She adored live music, especially Def Leopard, and took her children to many rock concerts in the 80s and 90s. In her teens she found a love for fast cars when she bought a 1969 Mustang Fastback.
    In Deer Lodge, she met her love, Gordon Pierson. Myra and Gordon got married in Missoula, Mont., on Jan. 4, 1969. Together they started a family in Racetrack, Mont., where she became mother and, more importantly, referee, to three boys: Gordon Jr., Travis and Brant. She was a constant stern voice when it came to breaking up their wrestling matches, continually trying to make sure her children weren’t breaking each other, her furniture or picking on her niece Nicole who was always in the mix of mischief.
    In 1988 Myra and Gordon gave up the country life and moved into Deer Lodge where she did odd jobs like stocking the Hallmark card sections at the local stores and helping with Cub Scouts. In January 1990, at the age of 43, Myra decided it was time to go back to school and become a nurse. She graduated the fall of 1991 from Montana Tech as a Licensed Practical Nurse and went to work at the Powell County Memorial Hospital on the night shift. She loved her craft of both patient care and ER nursing and met many friends of both coworkers and patients along the way. Her family still gets compliments on the street by people who thought she was an excellent and caring nurse. Her passion for nursing inspired her oldest son Gordy to also pursue a career in nursing.
    Through her life Myra enjoyed many things, but motherhood gave her the most joy. She loved to follow her sons in everything they did including choir concerts, football, wrestling, basketball and any other games or events she could attend. Later in life that transitioned into following her grandchildren at anything they were doing. Her heart was always full if she got to babysit her grandchildren for an “overnighter” or a game of monopoly. She was always bragging about her kids’ and grandkids’ accomplishments. Myra also enjoyed “Guard Parties” when her husband and his fellow National Guardsmen would get together and socialize with their families. She liked to get together with old friends during the yearly Tri-County Fair and demolition derby where she would make meals and snacks for everyone building cars at her house. She met many beloved friends through these events.
    Our mother was very witty yet serious. She was very stern yet soft. Myra had the patience of a saint yet demanded results when she needed to. Her attitude can be seen in everyone in her family and through that attitude, she will always carry on.
    Myra was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Margaret; brothers, Jim and Fred; her beloved husband, Gordon Sr; and her beloved middle son Travis.
    She is survived by her oldest son, Gordon Jr. (Sherrie); grandson, Andrew (Maddie); great grandson, Caizin; her youngest son, Brant (Heidi); two granddaughters, Skyla and Ilayna; her grandson, Branden (FaithAnn); her sister-in-law, Sena; her niece, Nicole (Taylor); great niece Juna; great nephew, Temple; nephew, Dennis (Courtney); and her two favorite cousins, Kay and Jim Walsh.
    Graveside services will be held at the Hillcrest Cemetery, 343 Conley Lake Rd, Deer Lodge, MT 59722 on, Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11 a.m. A luncheon will immediately follow at the Deer Lodge Elks, 230 Main St, Deer Lodge, MT 59722.
    In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Myra’s name to the Powell County Senior Center to help meals on wheels or Deer Lodge PAWHS to help with the local animal shelter.
    Please visit axelsonfuneralhome.com to share a condolence for Myra’s family.

    William (Bill) Harold Scott was born on Dec. 22, 1935. to Harold and Mary Scott in Deer Lodge, Mont. Bill passed away at his home on May 22, 2025.
    Jean Marlene (Verworn) Scott was born on Aug. 17, 1938, to Edward and Ida Verworn in Missoula Montana. Jean passed away at her home on Jan. 25, 2026.
    Bill and Jean were married on Oct. 22, 1955 and were happily devoted to each other for 69 years and seven months. They lived in Deer Lodge where they both worked and raised a family. They both eventually retired and enjoyed time split between Arizona and Montana for several years.
    Bill was a member of the Army National Guard Reserve Special Forces having received an honorable discharge on Jan. 24, 1967. He worked for the Milwaukee Railroad until the Railroad left Deer Lodge. Afterwards he became head of the water department for Deer Lodge and surrounding area.
    Jean began working at Powell County Hospital in the kitchen and ultimately became employed by the Montana State Registrar’s Bureau until she retired.
    Bill and Jean were preceded in death by their parents, Bill’s sisters Peggy, Marian, Pat and Judy and Jean’s, brother Cliff and sister Betty as well as their Son-in-law Monty Dobson.
    Bill and Jean are survived by their children, David Scott of Deer Lodge, Rodney (Tammy) Scott of Georgetown Lake, Sherity (Basil) Jones of Billings and Julie Dobson of Deer Lodge. Grandchildren Robyn, Ravyn, Gina, Tara, Jerod, Melanie, Chanon, Elisha, Krystine, Bo and Stephanie. 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Bill’s sisters Mary Lind, Susie Snider and Liz Henry. Jean’s sisters Shirley McFadden and Karen Scholler and brother Norman Verworn.
    Bill and Jean were cremated per their wishes. Internment and a Celebration of Life for both of them will take place in the summer of 2026.
    Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home has been privileged to care for the Scott family.

    Clifford Persons, 89, passed into the infinite deep powder side with comfort of a well-lived outdoor life and his faith in Jesus Christ. He was surrounded by family & compassionately cared for in his final days by the wonderful, loving, professional staff of Logan Health-Whitefish.
    He was the first of seven born to Katy (Timberman) Persons and Orville Persons, both raised in Musselshell country. Cliff was born in the  Kalispell General Hospital and transported in an old pickup through a March snowstorm to the Whitefish clinic where Katy and Clifford waited to make the newborn’s first winter outdoor journey to their rural home outside of Whitefish. Orville, a dairyman for the Hori Ranch, retrieved the most reliable rural winter transport - a team of horses hitched to a wagon. He set a bed of hay, surrounded by a few large “Silver Cup Dairy” cans filled with hot water and the warm love of  Clifford’s mother, Katy, snugged tight together under a tarp for the first snowy hour trip home.
    His formative years were spent on the Williams and Pauly (later the Williams and Tavenner) Ranch in  Deer Lodge where both Orville and Katy moved to in 1939 and began ranch work in 1940.
    Clifford was an avid mushroom and huckleberry picker and pie maker extraordinaire. He loved life with friends spanning a wide spectrum of ages. The outdoor life is a life lived well. Clifford lived life fully as a Korean War draftee, smoke jumper, ski patroller, ski instructor, wooden-ski telemarking tourer, backcountry hike-skier, Big Mtn. groomer, wilderness river kayaker, “Father of Kayaking in Flathead Valley,” happy hiker & trekker, avid fisher & hunter of wild meat, fine carpenter and cabinet-maker, founding partner of KR&P and Whitefish Builders, motocross and trials rider, and most importantly, a loving son, father and husband of Boneta [Bonnie Lovell, dec.] Persons and later Carol [JoAnn Olson-Moe, dec.] Persons, both who preceded Cliff into the everlasting love.
    He is survived by a grand range of friends and six siblings, Clyde (Pheobe, dec.), Keith (Kay, dec.), Nadine (Tim Nelson), Susan (Doc Sutton), Maxine (Miles Sheets), and Jerry (Debbie), three sons, Christian (Nancy), Neil (Jessica High), and Steve (Jen Grace and grandson, Roán). A ski merging marriage extended family to JoAnn’s three children, Tera (Joe Keister and grandchildren [Christine] Rose (Andrew Jiang and great-grandson, Desmond) and Evan Moe), Mike Moe, and Tommy Moe (Megan Gerety and grandchildren Taylor & Taryn).
    A celebration of Clifford’s well-lived outdoor life and pies made from Cliff’s last huckleberries will be shared at the Whitefish Lake Golf Club from 12-3pm, Saturday, the 7th of March: Clifford’s favorite ski month and the month of his first outdoor snow-storm journey home as a newborn.
Whitefish Lake Restaurant
1200 Highway 93 North
Whitefish, MT 59937.
Please consider legacy donations in Clifford’s honor to help preserve and tell the history & outdoor adventures of local skiers:
The Ski Heritage Center
705 Wisconsin Avenue
Whitefish, MT 59937
406-885-2730
[email protected]