Albert Courtney Walkup - July 22, 1936 - July 14, 2024Albert Courtney Walkup passed away after an extended illness on July 14, 2024, in Los Angeles, California, just shy of his 88th birthday. Born on July 22, 1936, in Philipsburg, Montana, Al always considered it his true home. He was the son of Ben and Ellen (Courtney) Walkup and brother to Loretta Mazza. After graduating from Granite High School and the Montana School of Mines/Montana Tech in Butte, Al pursued a career in Mining Engineering. He dedicated many years to opening and running mines across the country. Al met his wife, Lois Webber, a nursing student from Plains, Montana, while attending school in Butte. They married on June 12, 1959, in Plains. Al and Lois had two sons, Daniel Todd and Douglas Alan. Al’s work took the family from Philipsburg to Jeffrey City, Wyoming, to Kellogg, Idaho, and finally to Scottsdale, Arizona, where he retired. Later, he returned to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where he enjoyed being closer to family and friends in the Northwest and playing golf as much as possible until he moved to Los Angeles to be near his sons. Al is remembered fondly for his kindness and energy by all who knew him. He is survived by his two sons and his cherished nieces Debbie Miller, Brenda Glines, and Karla McCale (all of Montana), whom he had the pleasure of watching grow up. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to the American Lung Association (lung.org). Albert Courtney Walkup’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace. Emmett Darrell “Sam” Weaver - December 13, 1931 - June 8, 2024Emmett Darrell “Sam” Weaver, 92, of Drummond passed away of natural causes in the early morning hours of June 8 at the Granite County Long Term Care in Philipsburg. Sam was born on Dec. 13, 1931, to Maurice and Rose (Edgar) Weaver in Philipsburg. He was raised on the family ranch at Bearmouth with his six brothers and one sister. He graduated from Drummond High School in 1949. He joined the Army and served from 1955 to 1957 where he was stationed in California. After returning home from the military he married Lois Kathryn “Kay” Mitton on Sept. 2, 1961, at the Mormon Church in New Chicago, Mont. In 1962, they welcomed their son, Emmett Lynn, and that completed their family. During Sam’s lifetime he had many jobs. He worked on the family ranch, served in the Army, worked construction, owned and operated a local grocery store and scaled logs at the sawmill. He owned his own business as a general contractor where he did lots of work locally. He held many positions serving the community. He spent over 50 years as a volunteer fireman in Drummond. Many of those years he held the treasurer position for the fire department. He was the chairman of the school board, a member of Kiwanis and city council. Sam was even Mayor of Drummond for a short period of time. Along with his dad and brothers, he worked the Drummond rodeo for too many years to count. Sam loved the outdoors. Especially hunting elk and fishing. He lived for his yearly antelope/turkey hunting trips to Eastern Montana. He enjoyed all the hunting trips that he took with his brothers, Bud, Bob and Dutch, and his son, Lynn. Fishing Harvey Creek from the old ranger station meadow to the upper campground was a summer pastime. In his younger days, you could find him snowmobiling with his friends and family every chance he had. Sam is preceeded in death by both his parents. His wife of nearly 60 years, Kay. His brothers, Bud, George and Johnny Weaver; sister, Elizabeth Clute. Sisters-in-law, Betty, Audrey, Jackie, Barbara and Joan Weaver. Brother-in-law, Howard Clute. Sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sharon and Lonnie Palin. Nephews, H.J. and Tommy Clute. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Emmett Lynn and Stephanie of Drummond; grandson, Sam McGowan (Savannah) of Hall; brothers, Fred of Bearmouth, Bob of Drummond, and Dutch of Helmville. Sister-in-law Irene Weaver of Ovando. Many nieces, nephews and their families. And we can’t forget his beloved Australian Shepherd, Maverick. Graveside services will be 11 a.m., July 27, at Valley Cemetery, New Chicago. A lunch reception will follow at the Valley Fire Hall in Drummond. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lower Valley Historical Society, P.O. Box 364, Drummond, MT 59832. Madison “Madi” Ann King - November 17, 1994 - May 21, 2024Madison Ann King, lovingly known as Madi, was born on Nov. 17, 1994, in Deer Lodge. She passed away on May 21, 2024, in Havre, Mont. Her sudden departure has left a void that cannot be filled, and has deeply impacted her family and friends. Madi was a radiant soul who brought joy to everyone she encountered. Her captivating beauty was only surpassed by the warmth of her heart. With her gorgeous long red hair cascading down her back and hazel eyes that sparkled with kindness, she had an enchanting presence wherever she went. Her beautiful smile and infectious laughter could brighten any room. She loved people, and she touched so many more than she could ever know. From early childhood into adulthood, Madi’s endearing nature shone brightly through various stages of life. As a child, playing dress-up alongside big sister Alex, or, later, cheering passionately for Powell County Cheerleaders during high school years – every memory reflects the vivacious spirit that defined Madi. She was the best big sister to her four younger siblings, always being there for them. Madi attended grade school in Helena and Deer Lodge, graduating from Powell County High School in 2013. Madi was pursuing nursing studies at MSU/MT Tech before becoming a devoted stay-at-home mom after welcoming Blakely, Knox and Zephyr into this world – Madi exemplified resilience amidst unexpected turns in life’s journey. Her love for being a mother was her greatest joy; she loved her three babies more than anything in the whole world. This was evident in every smile she shared with her children while taking them to the park or creating art together at home. She loved building with Knox, and her way of fixing Blakely’s hair was so beautiful. Madi found immense fulfillment in nurturing their young hearts and minds. With the time she had with Zephyr she was so in love, his time on earth was short, but this precious baby boy touched all of us. She lived life to its fullest through simple pleasures like spending time with loved ones or embarking on adventures – camping under starlit skies, and playing games with family and friends were some of her favorite pastimes. Madi’s spirit exuded vitality as she embraced each day with enthusiasm and always looking beautiful – encouraging others to “Stay Wild” and savor life’s precious moments. The bond between siblings held special significance for Madi as evidenced by cherished memories created alongside sisters and brothers during festive seasons spent making Christmas cookies together or simply reveling in each other’s company throughout their lives. Madi’s legacy is carried forward by her two beautiful children: Blakely Antila (daughter), Knox Antila (son). She leaves behind her grieving parents, Marcie and Jeff Rahm and Shannon and Daylen King; sisters, Alex King, Olyvia King and Molly Rahm; brothers, Ozzie King and Will Rahm – all of whom cherished her dearly. The loss of our precious Madi girl reverberates deeply within our hearts as we grapple with the reality that we will never again witness her radiant smile nor hear the melody of her laughter filling our lives once more. May you rest peacefully now dear Madi – cradling your beloved baby boy close while looking down upon us from above as the angel you are. Your gentle spirit will forever remain etched within our souls. We love you endlessly. Love, Your Family. A Celebration of Madi’s and her son, Zephyr’s, lives will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, at the Elks Lodge #1737, 230 Main St., in Deer Lodge, MT 59722. A graveside service will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge. A reception will take place after the graveside service back at the Elks Lodge. Memorials in honor of Madi are suggested to the “Blakely and Knox Antila Memorial Fund” at Valley Bank, 321 Fuller Ave., Helena, MT 59601, or any branch of Valley Bank by referencing the name of the fund, or by Venmo to @Marcie-Rahm (Madi’s mom, whom the memorial fund is set up through). The proceeds will be used for Madi’s children to assist in supporting them through their lives. Please visit Axelsonfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of Madi. Cecil William Neckels - December 29, 1933 - June 20, 2024Cecil William Neckels, 90, rancher, farmer, pilot, veteran, was born on Dec. 29, 1933, in Kildeer, N.D., to Carl and Verna Neckels (Thorson-Manley). Cecil passed on June 20. His young life was spent in Grassy Butte, N.D., and Sidney, Mont. He had an affinity for horses, which started in childhood. He and his sister, Cleo, rode to grade school on horseback where they had a stable to keep the horses during the day. He was a renowned horseman and trained many excellent working horses throughout his life. There was one he failed to break, and it had a career as a professional bucking horse. Cecil loved the Lord, his family and his country. He served in the United States Air Force for four years. It was there he converted to Christianity, and he served the Lord the rest of his days. After leaving the military, he received a degree from St. Paul Bible College and then went to school to become a Radiology Technologist, which helped pay for the babies that followed. He married Eva Ramer and they had four children, who they raised on ranches in Montana, Texas, California and Oregon. He was a wonderful Dad and the hardest working man we See Neckels page 8 Neckels from page 3 have ever known. While ranch life wasn’t easy, the days were fun when working with Dad. He retired from ranching and moved to Idaho where he worked on seasonal fires and local ranches. He and Eva then moved to Deer Lodge where he was very active in his community. He was a member of the Honor Guard, worked at Jewell Funeral Home, was active in the Tractor Club with his restored Farmall H, and was always willing to lend a helping hand to friends and family. He attended the Lutheran Church, the Mennonite Church in Gold Creek and First Baptist in Deer Lodge. He had a love for learning, a quick wit, a great sense of humor, and an enduring interest in his children and grandchildren’s lives. We will miss his daily phone calls and texts. We rejoice in his love for the Lord, and we are thankful he has been released from his earthly body, which he wore out with a life well lived. He is survived by brothers, Howard (Jarita) and John Neckels; his wife, Eva Neckels; sons, Bill (Sheila) Neckels and David (Carina) Neckels; daughter, Brenda (Kevin) Myers; grandchildren, Amanda (Mike Tyree) Neckels, Rachael (Matt Edens) Neckels, Tasha (Torey) Owen, Tyrel Azbill and Teagan Azbill; great grandchildren, Wyatt Neckels, Kailey Neckels, Tilly Jo Neckels, Addison Jayne Neckels, Reilly Owen and Maverick Azbill; his many beloved nieces and nephews; and his adopted family, Craig and Nicole Blubaugh. Cecil was preceded in death by his sister, Cleo Strickland; daughter, Rosalie Neckels; and grandson, Benjamin Neckels. Cecil’s services were held June 28. He was laid to rest with Military Honors at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge. Memorials in honor of Cecil are suggested to the Powell County Veterans Honor Guard, 409 Missouri Ave., Deer Lodge, MT 59722, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Please visit axelsonfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of Cecil. Arnold “Arny” Leo Cordova March 8, 1962 - June 21, 2024Arny Cordova, 62, passed away at home in Deer Lodge on the afternoon of June 21 after a 10-year battle with kidney failure. He was born in Embudo, N.M., to Leo Cordova and Carolina Cudney, and was raised in Rock Springs, Wyo. He was the first born child of five siblings, Joseph, Dorothy, Rick and Michael. He held various careers throughout his life, but he found his niche underground at multiple gold mines in Nevada, including Midas Mine for Dynatec, Echo Bay, Getchell Gold and Newmont. Arny loved motorcycles, car shows, shooting, camping, hunting, fishing, shopping, pets, cruising, bonsai trees, NFL Football and authentic Mexican food. He was a purple belt in AKKI Kenpo Karate, trained by Pete Archuleta. His connections to the people he loved was the most important thing to him. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends. He especially enjoyed a spirited wrestling match with any of them. Many of you will recall the line up of pristine cars and motorcycles driven by him as they full-throttled past you on the street. Arny was preceded in death by his grandparents, father Leo, his sister-in-law Denice, his Uncle Elmer and dialysis life partner Dave Morley. He is survived by his soulmate of 25 years Jill Paull, daughter Jessica Cordova of Deer Lodge; daughter Melissa Cordova (Brandon) of West Point, Utah; Justin “Tugi” Cordova (Meah) of Missoula; mother Carolina Cudney of Clearfield, Utah; brothers Joseph Cordova, Ricki Cordova, Michael Trompke; and sister Dorothy; grandchildren Kayliana and Ryker Lysne, Treyson Clark, Hayley Allred and Emma Becker; nephews Max (Chelsea) and Freddy (Mistea) Cordova; great nieces and nephews Julian and Anaya Cordova; Leo and Wade Cordova. A Celebration of Life for Arny will be 6 p.m., Wednesday, July 3, at the Powell County Community Center in Deer Lodge. Betty Lou Firestone - May 17, 1931 - June 28, 2024On the afternoon of June 28, our beloved aunt, Betty Lou Firestone, 93, passed away in Philipsburg. Betty was born at Jens, Mont., on May 17, 1931. She was the fifth child and third daughter of Frances Rose Weaver and T.L. Lorensen. Betty grew up on the ranch known as the Waldbillig Place, west of Drummond. She loved all the animals on the ranch, especially the horses, and enjoyed riding from a young age. Betty loved her horse and before riding up a hill, would dismount, leading her horse up the hill, thus sparing the horse more work! Betty attended Drummond schools, graduating in 1949. She then attended Western Montana College earning her Teachers’ Certificate. She then went on to enjoy teaching young primary students in Dixon, Philipsburg and Drummond. Betty married James Carl Firestone on Nov. 8, 1957. They worked hard at several area ranches before purchasing the Floyd Harris Ranch. Later, they bought the Bert Weaver Ranch. In the early 1970s, they became partners in the purchase of the TBar3 Ranch. In a few years, they established a ranch of their own and built a home near the Gary Cooper Cabin located on their property. Upon retiring in the early 1990s, they built a home near Maxville. Betty and Carl enjoyed many happy years in their Maxville home! Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Carl, and siblings, Leroy, Ray, Rosemary and Phyllis. She is survived by nephews and nieces, Jay Krieg, Susan Beckstrom, Ted Lorensen, Julie Lorensen, Rae Ann Vasquez, Kevin Lorensen, Colette Fadness, Gene Fadness, Walter Fairfax, Daniel Fairfax, Caroline Fairfax, Charles Fairfax, and Cynthia Fairfax. Our family would like to express our gratitude for the kindness and care given to Betty during her time at the Granite County Medical Center. We appreciate the thoughtfulness that everyone extended to her. At Betty’s request, no funeral or memorial service will be held. Jack Ray “Bum” Byam - January 29, 1947 - June 3, 2024Jack Ray “Bum” Byam, 77, passed away June 3, as the result of an accident. At the time of his death, he was working on another of his multiple projects he so enjoyed. A memorial service and celebration of his life will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 20, at the GHS gymnasium in Philipsburg. Jack was the youngest child born to Jennie Marie (Ward) and Charles Bill Byam, on Jan. 29, 1947, in Elk City, Idaho. When Jack was a young boy, the family moved from Idaho to Montana where Jack would live the rest of his days. Jack attended school in Philipsburg through the tenth grade. At that time, Jack’s father suffered a work-related accident that left him temporarily unable to work. Jack quit school to help support the family. Jack married Colleen Marie Rose on Nov. 11, 1967. Colleen would often laugh and say her mother warned her about getting tangled up with “that Jack,” as he liked to drive his car on the sidewalk. Despite the warnings and Jack’s wild antics, Jack and Colleen were married for 39 years until Colleen’s passing on Nov. 23, 2006. Not a day went by that he did not miss her. Bum was a true “Jack of all trades.” He was a master welder and mechanic and was often found in his shop working on his latest project, many times for someone else. From working in a sawmill alongside his best “pard,” Leroy Jacobson, to operating his own logging truck, to placer mining in Idaho and Nevada, Jack could do just about anything. For many years, Jack was a millwright at Contact Mining in Philipsburg, working alongside two of his oldest friends, Bill Antonioli and Dave “Wildmeat” Harris. He worked at MT Resources in Butte and cut posts in the woods with his four-legged sidekick, Hijoma, by his side. In later years, Jack worked for Granite County as well as the state highway department. Always willing to give of himself, Jack served on the Philipsburg Volunteer Fire Department for many years, and even held the title of “Chief” for a time. Jack was many things, but most of all he was a friend and a helper. Jack would do anything for anyone, never expecting anything in return. A knock at his door with a need for help was energetically met with “let me get my boots on.” Quick with a joke, a funny story or invaluable life advice, Jack left everyone with a smile. He touched the lives of everyone who knew him. Bum will be remembered for his firm handshake, his wit, but more than anything, he will be remembered for his heart, and his profound dedication to raising his girls. How lucky are we that are left behind to have had the privilege of his friendship and joy? Jack is survived by his three daughters Amy Byam (Tony Lotton), Missoula; Mary Jo Carstensen (Chuck Adam), Stevensville; and Carrie Gillen (Jerad), Lewistown. He is also survived by his grandson, Kyle Jacobson (Mackenzie) of Colville, Wash., with whom he shared a very close and special bond, even serving as Kyle’s best man at his wedding. Other survivors include great-grandchildren Bradlee, Dean, and Everlee Jacobson; former son-in-law, Mike Carstensen, and grandson, Zane Carstensen; grandchildren, Emma and Jack Gillen; granddaughter, Erica Schwenk, and great-grandchildren Hazlee and Holden Schwenk and McKinley Gamet; and Angela Jacobson and Jim Pederson, who Bum loved like they were his own. He also leaves behind many dear, beloved friends too numerous to mention, including Chuck Houtz and Scott McDonald. Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Colleen, parents, Jennie and Charlie “Bill” Byam, brother, Norman “Pete” Byam, sister, Norma Key, and brother-in-law, Wayne Key, and dear friends, Leroy Jacobson, Curtis Smith, and Don Schroeder. In honor of Bum, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Philipsburg Senior Citizens Center or the Philipsburg Volunteer Fire Department. “The loss is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind.” Thomas (Tom) Eder - 1946 - May 24, 2024Tom Eder passed away on Friday, May 24, with his immediate family by his side. He had been ill for some time. Please don’t grieve, for the Lord has taken him to a better place where he can ride his horse through his beloved Montana mountains with his heeler dogs behind. A celebration of his life is set for 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, at 327 Trails End, Garrison, Mont. We would love to have his friends and family attend. Please bring a chair, your favorite beverage, a side dish and your best good stories about Tom. He loved a good party. Let’s make this the best ever! James Anthony “Tony” Gray - March 12, 1959 - May 16, 2024James Anthony “Tony” Gray passed away on Thursday, May 16, after a brief illness. Tony was born March 12, 1959, in Kellogg, Idaho, to Joseph and Judy Gray. Tony moved with his family from Idaho to Philipsburg in 1969 and then to Deer Lodge in 1975. In 1989 Tony moved to Spearfish, S.D., to work at Pope & Talbot where he met his future wife, Samantha Sheufelt. Tony and Samantha married in 1994, and settled in Spearfish where they had three children: Cory, Samuel and Sara. Tony later worked at Walmart and other locations in Spearfish before moving back to Deer Lodge in 2020. Tony enjoyed sports (LA Rams!), motorcycles and dragons. He also liked “rock hounding,” searching for interesting rocks and crystals. He was always willing to help a friend or neighbor in need. Survivors include his son Sam and daughter Sara, and their mother, Samantha. He is also survived by his siblings Tori Gray, Stephanie (Rob) Littleton and Joe (Penni) Gray as well as a large extended family. Tony was preceded in death by his parents and his son Cory. A memorial gathering was held on June 1. Cremation has taken place and burial plans will be determined at a later date. Ralph “Rem” Mannix - September 25, 1943 - May 15, 2024Ralph “Rem” Edward Mannix Jr. transitioned from this earthly life to Heaven on Wednesday, May 15. He was home in the loving arms of his wife, Diane, and wonderful son, Ryan. He was born Sept. 25, 1943, to Ralph Edward Mannix Sr. and Frances Clifford (Breeding) Mannix. He was his mother’s “Precious one and only” and the youngest of three children; Francine (affectionately known as Bickey) and Jojean (affectionately known as Dipper). Sometime later, a third sister, Earlene (affectionately known as Junior) would come along. Rem raised three children: Dawn, Ryan and Bret, and was a wonderful father to them. He taught them so many good values and was always there for them to help in any way he could. A loving, adoring grandfather to his grandchildren: Lane and Jace Mannix. He has been a wonderful friend to his extended family: Dan (Monie), Angel (Rob), April (Mike); a loving grandfather to his extended grandchildren: Joshua, Brandon, Benjamin (Susanne), Chelsea, Jax (Sabina), Isabella (Thomas), Amanda (Justin), Madalyn (Ryan), Rebecca (Jake), Emily, Aubrey Rose, Gavin; wonderful great grandfather to Noah, Eli, Thyme, Space, Mila, Soul, Alyah, Josiah, Shiloh, Justin Jr. He was a great uncle to his nephews, Evan, Scott (DR) and Scott’s sons. Our extended family: Nick, Cara Beck and their sweet children: Bristol, Serena, Norman (Poppy’s little buddy). He leaves a lasting legacy to all the people in his life. Rem was many things in life: fourth generation Montana cowboy, rancher, high school teacher, luthier and bronco buster, was even a doctor for three days with his sister Dr. Francine Mannix; served on many state and county boards, including President of Montana State Grange and was in his 22nd year as Powell County Commissioner, and he served Powell County well. Even though he held three degrees and graduated from Montana State, he was a man of few words, but when he spoke, his words were well thought out, and what he had to say was worth listening to. Rem was a man of integrity, honesty, and kindness, strength, character, who loved the Lord and his family, and it can be said of him: 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day...” He is now rejoicing in Heaven with his dad and mom; our beautiful granddaughter, Lane; and our fun-loving grandson, (Dr) Joshua; many friends and family who have gone before. Our family as well as many, many friends and people who knew him will miss him always. A celebration of his life, a life well lived, is set from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, in Garrison at the 45 Barn. Anyone wishing to contribute something about Rem, write it down and be willing to share. For directions go online and look up The 45 Barn. The venue is Western, and the lunch will be an old-fashioned Bar-B-Que until it’s gone. This will be a great time to wear your Western attire. Katherine Elaine Yockim Brown - April 21, 1950 - May 21, 2024Katherine Elaine Brown, 74, of Deer Lodge, passed away on May 21 at the Ivy Health Care Center in Deer Lodge after a very long and courageous battle with cancer. Kathie was born in Williston, N.D., to Floyd A. and Violet P. Yockim on April 21, 1950, her mother’s birthday. She was born the first of seven children, and spent her childhood years and attended grade school in Sidney, Mont. Kathie learned to play and became a proficient accordion player at a young age. She was also a member of the local 4-H group. At the age of 12, the family moved to Miles City, where she attended junior high and high school. Kathie married Ted Williams in 1966 in Miles City. Ted and Kathie moved to Livingston in 1967. Together they enjoyed many outdoor activities including camping and fishing. During their time in Livingston, they had two children, Anthony and Stephanie. In 1972, Kathie moved to Deer Lodge where she worked in a variety of business and accounting jobs including UBC, Cable TV, Fickler Oil, also Triple S Building Center in Butte and Montana Ace Hardware in Missoula. She also worked as a secretary to the Powell County extension agent, where she met the most wonderful ranchers and farmers and their families. Lastly, she was employed with the State Department of Justice, Title and Registration Bureau. While in Deer Lodge she married Dan Roberts, and their two children were born, Jamie and Matthew Roberts. Later she married Ron Brown, and they had two sons Steven and Taylor Brown. Over the years, Kathie was involved in her children’s activities. She served as a board member of the Babe Ruth Baseball, USAW Wrestling and AAU Wrestling Clubs, as well as being a member of the Warden Booster Club. Her children were also involved in 4-H clubs, exhibiting and showcasing their prize steers at the fair. Her retirement years were spent doing the things she enjoyed most: reading, cooking, cross stitch, crossword puzzles, her elephant collection, watching horse races, family visits and crocheting. She spent many hours crocheting baby blankets for the newborns in the family and made many hats for the residents of the Ivy. She taught her granddaughter, Sierra, how to crochet and oversaw Sierra’s creation of potholders earning Sierra a blue ribbon at the fair. Kathie enjoyed countless hours with her family and was loved by all for her conversation, quick wit, laughter and intelligence. Kathie will be missed by her loving family. Kathie is survived by her six children, Anthony Williams of Flagstaff, Ariz.; Stefanie Marjerison (Jason) of Belgrade; Jamie Roberts of Deer Lodge; Matthew Roberts, Bowman, N.D.; Steven Brown (Jessie), Drummond; and Taylor Brown, Deer Lodge. Her 10 grandchildren: Chase, Taylyn, Lance, Brannon, Bryce, Kaynean, Koya, Wyatt, Sierra and Maddison. Her six brothers and sisters: Steven (Gloria) Yockim of Greeley, Colo.; Theresa (Mark) Elletson, Billings; Pauline Shepherd and Pamela Yockim, Deer Lodge; Tom (Theresa) Yockim, Bowman, N.D.; and Patricia (Gary) Reynolds of Deer Lodge. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” A celebration of life will be held later during the summer. Memorials may be made to the local Cancer or MS Societies of your choice. Michael Anderson - Nov. 22, 1949 - May 20, 2024Michael Dee Anderson, known affectionately as Mike to his friends and family, left this earth to be with Jesus on May 20, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 74. Born on Nov. 22, 1949, in the scenic town of Mendocino, Calif., Mike’s journey through life was marked by a deep love for his family, a passion for country music and a commitment to service. Mike is survived by his devoted wife, Marianne Anderson, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and adventure. He was a proud father to his sons, Jeffrey and James Anderson, and a doting grandfather to Michael, Marisela and Tyler. Although his father, Eugene Anderson, and his mother, Beth Anderson (Welker), along with his brother Scott Anderson, preceded him in death, Mike’s legacy continues through his brothers, Sherman, Robert and David Anderson. After attending high school in Philipsburg, Mike honorably served his country as a Navy veteran aboard the USS America, a Kitty Hawk class supercarrier. Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit also led him to be involved in several family-owned businesses. His professional life was best characterized by his role as the Director of Plant Services at Clover Park Technical College. There, his leadership and generosity touched many lives within his community. Mike’s creative soul found its true expression in country music not only as a singer but also as a song writer. He and his bands were a staple in the Montana, Wyoming and Western Washington music scenes. When he wasn’t strumming his guitar and singing for his fans, early on, Mike could be found racing motocross, riding snowmobiles or out on the boat waterskiing with his wife and sons. Later in life he could usually be found on the golf course and then, most notably, cherishing moments with his grandchildren, his beloved wife and their pets. Those who knew Mike would describe him as loving, generous and creative - a man who lived his life with a warmth that drew people to him. As Helen Keller once said, “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” Mike’s memory and the melodies he created and shared will forever resonate in the hearts of those he loved. Mike’s passing, due to natural causes stemming from Alzheimer’s and Dementia, truly marks the end of an era. His spirit, however, will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. Mike Anderson’s life was a melody of love, service and joy—a song that will echo for generations to come. Norene Joy (Daley) Lynch |
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