​Maynard (Bud) J. Bolin Jr., 81, passed away on March 4, 2023, in his home. He was a longtime resident of Deer Lodge.
Bud was an avid hunter, fisherman and archer. He cherished his conversations and fellowship with his longtime friend Suzette Pentland and many others. He instilled in his daughters to be independent, teaching them about cars, hunting and fishing.
Bud was born Sept. 20, 1941, to Maynard (Buss) J. Bolin Sr. and Florence I. (Wilson) Bolin, while raised in Great Falls, along with his sister, Bonnie Dahlen. After graduating from Central Catholic High School, he enlisted in the Navy. After the Navy he worked at the Smelter in Great Falls and married Sharon D. (O’Reilly) Collinsworth on Aug. 21, 1965. The family grew with welcoming twin daughters in 1968. In 1972, the family moved to Deer Lodge where Bud accepted a Corrections Officer position at the Old Montana State Prison, working in Tower 2 with his father.
In 1974, Bud and Sharon welcomed another baby girl and in 1975 an additional baby girl, rounding out the family of six. When the New Montana State Prison opened, Bud continued his career as a Correctional Officer and retired from service after 30 plus years.
Bud is preceded in death by his parents, sister and Sharon Collinsworth. He is survived by his daughters Debe Rito (Charles), Dena Barnes (Jim), D’ann Farr (Maher), Dawn Ohren (Brent); his brother-in-law Dick Dahlen; long time friend Suzette Pentland; distant Bolin family members; and several O’Reilly family members.
He had nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and another great-grandchild on the way.
A private graveside service was held at Hillcrest Cemetery on March 10. The family asks for privacy at this time.
Please visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Bud.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Bud and his family.

​Eugene Ronald Comes, 85, passed away on Thanksgiving, Nov. 24, 2022, in Billings. Gene was born in Lewistown, graduated from St. Leo’s Catholic High School in Lewistown and lived his entire life in Montana. He attended Carroll College where he was an active member of the Carroll College debate team. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Carroll College and a master’s degree from the University of Montana, Gene dedicated his career to education, first as a teacher and principal and then as Superintendent of Schools in Edgar, Brady, Deer Lodge and Belt.
One of his greatest accomplishments in education was overseeing the funding and construction of the Central Park Center, a new gymnasium and swimming pool benefitting both students and the community of Deer Lodge.
Gene kept his wife and four children busy with family activities including hunting with cousins, uncles, and Grandpa Comes and the International; camping seemingly every weekend in the summer; motorcycling on virtually every trail in the Little Belts, road biking with the Rainmakers; backpacking, including that epic trip in the Bob Marshall with rain and snow that we barely survived; running, cross-country and downhill skiing, and golf, all of which created many lasting memories for his children and family.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Sally Comes, and his sister, Janet Burnham. He is survived by his sister, Marilyn Barrick; his children, Patty Cahill (Howard Hold), Keith Comes (Deb), Sandy Burt (Howard), and Kathy Harris; his grandkids, Chad (Sheeana), Cole and Claire Cahill, Tanner and Ben Comes, Michael (Taylor) and Jordan Burt (fiancé Trent Pearson), and Zach and Libby Harris; great-grandchildren, Emmie Burt and Quinn and Avery Cahill; and former wife and life-long friend, Lorraine Dooner.
Gene’s family would like to thank the care providers at both Billings Clinic and the Advanced Care Hospital of Montana for the exceptional care Gene received throughout the past 20 years, and especially in his last days of life. Gene always said, “They are good people. They are taking really good care of me here.” The family would also like to thank Keri Henan, who provided in-home care for Gene, allowing him to achieve his goal of remaining independent for as long as he was physically able.
Services will be held at Saint Leo the Great Catholic Parish in Lewistown at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 28. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations in Gene’s name be sent to Carroll College in Helena, in honor of the deceased.
Arrangements are under the care of Creel Funeral Home. Gene’s family and friends can share memories and condolences at www.creelfuneralhome.com.

Joseph “Joe” Rainville, 75, of Deer Lodge, died March 7, 2023. Services will be held summer 2023 and will be announced when set. The obituary will be published next week. Please visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of Joe.

Merrie Gene Powell Young, 79, was born Aug. 16, 1943, in Caster Valley, Calif. She attended Caster Valley Public Schools and earned an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene. She married Robert Eugene Young in November 1963 until his passing in December 1994. She then married Jack Young in December 1996 until his passing in June 2015. She died a widowed woman. Merrie enjoyed growing flowers, baking bread and participating in activities with the Red Hat Ladies. She is survived by her two children with Bob: David and Heather (Marvin) Shepard; step children/nieces/nephews: Sandra (Butch) Jacke, Jeff Young, Conda (Tim) Poland, Melinda (Paul) Florchinger, Rachel (Randy) Martin. Granddaughters Devinne, Audrey and Ruth Shepard, Delacy and Desiree Landreth-Lloyd, Sage Tedds; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A get-together is being planned for this summer.

​Johnathan David Bennett died on Jan. 31, 2023, as a result of violent crime in Portland, Ore.
He is survived by his parents Dawn (Tim) Heiydt, Steve Morton and David (Conie) Bennett; his loving brother Jared (Bennett) Morton; and step siblings, TJ Heiydt, Alexa Heiydt and Angelica Bennett.
Jon was laid to rest in his hometown of Colfax, Wash., next to his sisters, Margaret Ann (Megann) Bennett and Michaela Dawn Bennett.
Jon was born on Mother’s Day, May 8, 1988. He is my favorite Mother’s Day Present! He was a huge baby – needy and loud from birth. He always gave me the biggest and best hugs.
Even at a young age, Jon had a tender and compassionate heart. He had a special bond with his sister, Megann, born with special needs. He played with her and comforted her always. He would pick her up by her chest, arms in the air, dragging her to me, saying, “Her crying.” I would tell him often, “Jon-Jon, don’t pick up the baby….” He was the Best Big Brother.
His sister, Michaela, and brother, Jared, were within four years of one another. Like all siblings, they loved each other and fought with each other. Jon and Jared, being only 12 months apart, were often mistaken as twins. They were known in Colfax as “The Bennett Boys.”
Between them, they had eight paper routes for several years. They were known to be good, hard workers, helping people with odd jobs. They were also naughty! Riding their bikes down the middle of Main Street; climbing onto the neighbors’ rooftops, trying to cut the power lines; taking turns burying each other in the garden and riding their motorcycles dangerously down the hill into the pea field! Many others, too many to list… and many more I’m sure I don’t know about.
Jon started wrestling at the age of 5 and wrestled Little Guys through grade school, then junior high and high school wrestling. Going to State three times but never placing was a disappointment to him, but he later realized that being on the mat at the Tacoma Dome was amazing. Wrestling was our family for many years. Our coaches and wrestling family were a significant part of Jon’s life and our family’s story. Thank you, Steve. The kid could bridge!
Jon struggled in school with a learning disability. Many nights, he and I sat at the kitchen table doing homework to keep him eligible for sports. Jon worked twice as hard and got half as far. But he never gave up. To quote him regarding his senior project, “I will exceed their expectations.” And he did!
Jon wanted to join the Army after graduation but struggled to pass the ASVAB test. He joined Job Corps instead and learned different trades. He did finally pass the ASVAB and chose to go to college. Jon is the first of our children to graduate from college. A huge victory to Jon’s credit and one I am so proud of.
Known as Bennett at this time, he met Lora. Together they moved to Portland. Bennett and Lora shared many beautiful adventures together and loved each other very much.
Jon was the BEST uncle to his nieces and nephews. Because he was fun and larger than life. Uncle Jon – above and beyond.
Jon loved Portland, the city of “Keep It Weird.” When we would visit, he enjoyed taking us around to his favorite breweries, pubs and clubs, antique stores and beautiful places that he loved. The stories we have are priceless.
About seven years ago, Jon was diagnosed with mental illness: Bipolar II with Schizophrenia and Psychosis. He was open about his diagnosis and therapy. He was able to manage it through ups and downs for a few years. He wanted to be a counselor and help others.
However, during COVID, mental health services shut down, causing a lack of support for Jon. He quit taking his meds and began a spiral of mental health crisis. As a family, we tried to help Jon with what we thought was best. We spent three years, thousands of dollars and lots of heartache trying to get our Jon back, losing him bit by bit.
The reality of this is that even though we felt we were losing Jon, he was happy living his life the way he wanted. To quote Jared, “Mom, Jon is fine. He is doing and being exactly what he wants. It’s us that are devastated and lost without him.”
I’m grateful that Jon has a supportive and loving community in Portland who will miss him as much as his family and friends.
Mental illness took the life of Jon in the streets of Portland.
This is the awareness. This is the compassion I think Jon would want… to help those who cannot help themselves. To be kind and to be loving.
I love you always, Jon.
xoMOMxo

David Martin, 90, of Helena, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023.
Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.
To view the obituary and share remembrances, visit www.SimpleCremationMT.com.

​Sandy Acord, 84, who had been residing in Deer Lodge, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, with loving family members at her side. Sandy was born in New York, N.Y., on June 21, 1938, and grew up in several places as a (in her words) “Navy Brat.” She spent many of her young adult years in Baltimore, Md., where she attended Sparrows Point High School and later married to start her family. She was the wife of Victor E. Acord and the proud mother of seven children.
Sandy was a loving wife, mother, sister and friend. She never said an unkind word about anyone. She was loved and respected by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband, Vic Acord, her seven children, Debbie, Terry, Karen, Kenny, Leah, Russell and Holly, 10 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and her brother, Wayne Martin. She will be sorely missed.
Sandy was strong in her faith as a Jehovah’s Witness and had many spiritual brothers and sisters who will also miss her dearly; she touched people’s hearts wherever she went.
Services will be determined at a later date for her family and friends.

“Edie” passed away at the age of 90 of natural causes on Feb. 6, 2023, surrounded by family in Walnut Creek, Calif. Edie was born on Sept. 7, 1932, in White Sulphur Springs, Mont., to Montie and Alma McAfee, and siblings Kenneth, Dale and Carol.
Spending many of her formative years in White Sulphur, she formed what would become lifelong friendships and family connections forever sealed with multi-annual trips to Meagher County. In 1943 the family moved for a short time to Bozeman and then finally settled in Deer Lodge where Edie graduated from Powell County High School in 1950.
Shortly after graduation, Edie began working at the Powell County Clerk and Recorder office, which is about the same time she would come to meet the love of her life, Arthur “Art” Joseph Thompson, from Gold Creek, Mont. The two were married in Deer Lodge on June 26, 1954, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. A lifetime of love, family and adventure ensued thereafter.
Early in the marriage, the family followed the job opportunities of the Milwaukee Railroad that found them in Mobridge, S.D., for a stint, where their first son Art (1955) was born. Soon after, the family moved back to Montana, settling in Three Forks where they welcomed another son Gary (1956) and a daughter Peggy (1958).
In 1963, Art left the railroad for the insurance business, and the family settled in Laurel, where they would welcome sons Larry (1964) and Jarrod (1975). Laurel would go on to become home for the next four decades, and Art and Edie would become fixtures in and of the community. Edie was a dedicated homemaker taking care of children with ages spanning 20 years. She had a long-held love of sports and would become a stalwart Laurel Locomotive fan, rarely missing a home football, basketball or wrestling meet in that 40-year span.
Edie was also deeply involved with her second family at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church where she routinely could be found at daily mass, serving as lector, sacristan or taking early morning calls on the prayer chain. Serving the church and those within it were a passion for her. Whether it was singing in the choir or selling kuchen at the Herbstfest, you would find Edie serving that community.
Art and Edie would go on to become founding members of the Laurel Golf Club, would travel the world and eventually welcome 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. While Art passed away in 2001, Edie would continue her adventures and could often be found on a Global Grannies trip somewhere in the world, all the while always finding the time to make every birthday, graduation and wedding, eventually leading to her grandchildren’s moniker of ‘Granny Goose.’ She always flew in for the festivities and a good game of Scrabble or cribbage.
Living a long and fruitful life, Edie was preceded in death by her parents, husband and siblings.
Edie is survived by her children Art, Gary, Peggy (Perry) Mullinix, Larry (Sheila) and Jarrod (Christen) Thompson; her grandchildren Travis, Lauren, Garrick (Emily), Dylan (Amanda), Aidan (Easton) Purchio, Connor Mullinix, Kelci, Meghan (Dimitry) Belenkov, Walker, Cole, Noah and Avery; and her great-grandchildren Beau and Cy Purchio, Kennedy, Elaine and Niko.
Edie spent the last few years of her life in Walnut Creek, under the care of her daughter Peggy and the extended California family that loved her. A celebration of life and a mass at St. Anthony’s will take place sometime this summer; at that time Art and Edie will be rejoined at the Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel. ​

​Elizabeth C. Needles of Ovando, 85, passed away suddenly and without permission Jan. 28, 2023. Elizabeth was born in Big Timber to William (Bill) and Isabel Dickinson, May 15, 1937. Elizabeth attended high school in Deer Lodge. Elizabeth grew up in the logging camps of Montana. Shortly after high school, she fell in love and married Woodrow (Woody) W. Needles Jr. at the young age of 18 in Missoula on June 3, 1955.
Of this marriage, four wild and crazy children were born: Arlene, Julie, and the twins, Teddy and Terry. In between the years of the late 50s and early 70s, Woody and Elizabeth moved back and forth several times between Montana and Grass Valley, Calif., eventually making their home in Ovando in the summer of 1976. Elizabeth was a homemaker and worked for Leo Bush at Trixi’s for a few years. Elizabeth, Woody and so many friends enjoyed pinochle and marble parties most every Friday and Saturday evening. She enjoyed motorcycles but had a love of 4-wheelers, trailing all over the Ovando area, especially up Ovando Mountain with Woody and several of their close friends.
Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Isabel; husband of 65 years, Woody; son, Terry; sister, Elsie Dickinson; brothers William (Billy) Dickinson, James (Jimmy) Dickinson; and son-in-law, Leo Bush.
Elizabeth is survived by her daughters; Arlene Bush of Missoula; Julie (Robert) Morgan of Sun River; son Teddy Needles of Ovando. Grandchildren: Kristie (Doug) Nelson, Barbara (Stacey) Forseth and Riki House. Great-grandchildren: Kyla and Garrett Nelson and Tanisha Albrecht and Tanin House. Siblings: John (Gin) Dickinson and Barbara Dickinson.
Memorial donations may be made to the Ovando Fire Department or to the Ovando Sew and So Club.
Arrangements are under the care of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory in Missoula.

Don Richardson, 95, passed away Friday morning, Jan. 27, 2023, at home.
Born in 1927 to Philip and Katherine (Gill) Richardson in Saint Maries, Idaho, Don was a veteran, serving in the Navy in WWII and the Marines in Korea. He worked in Law Enforcement most of his life, including the Deer Lodge Police and security officer for the Anaconda Company.
Don spent a lot of time on his uncle’s ranch in South Dakota and loved horses, riding many miles in the saddle and working cattle. He rode in the Pony Express 100th Anniversary from Deer Lodge to Gold Creek in 1966 and operated his own saddle shop, Richardson Saddlery, in Deer Lodge from 1966 to 1969. He also enjoyed shooting and flying his own aircraft.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Louise, Gene, Robert and Charles and his eldest son Michael Richardson. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Norita, daughters Dianne (Jim) Slater of Kingman, Kans., and Valerie (David) Williams of Deer Lodge, son Art Richardson of Havre, daughter-in-law Eileen (Mike) Richardson of Havre, and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank Powell EMS Ambulance, Deer Lodge Medical Center, Drs. Johnson and Colvin, nursing staff and hospice for their wonderful care and kindness.
Many thanks to our friends and neighbors Jean and Mike Steber, Judie Lucas and Pam Bromley for all the meals and comfort.
At Don’s request there was no funeral; a celebration of life will be held this summer.

​In the early morning of Feb. 5, Denise Carole Ray, 59, of Deer Lodge, passed away. She was born in Butte to Luke and Carole Ray on April 19, 1963, and was the oldest of their three children.
Denise had three children of her own, Tony, Jessi, and Teddi, who she raised in Deer Lodge. She worked hard to provide for her family throughout the years, working as a waitress and a few other professions. Denise loved being around her family, above all, her grandkids. They were the light of her life, as she was in theirs. She enjoyed spending time outdoors in the summer, especially if it meant she could go rock hounding.
Denise had a smile that could light up a room and the heart to match it. She is preceded in death by her parents, Luke and Carole Ray, and her daughter, Teddi Forsman.
She is survived by her son Tony (Shelby) Forsman, her daughter Jessi (Joe) Gwin, her two brothers Luke (Brenda) Ray and Dean Ray, her grandkids Holly, Cambrie, Brooklynn, Taitem, Brylee, McKenna, Parker, and Logan, her dog Izzy, and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. She touched the lives of many and will be greatly missed.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 17, at First Baptist Church, 127 Sam Beck Road in Deer Lodge. There will be a one-hour viewing and visitation for family only beginning at 9 a.m. A one-hour viewing and visitation for the public will take place beginning at 9:45 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. A graveside service will be held immediately following the funeral service at Hillcrest Cemetery, W. Milwaukee Ave., Deer Lodge. Following the graveside service, a potluck luncheon will be held at the Community Center of Powell County, 416 Cottonwood Ave, Deer Lodge.
Please visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Denise.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home has been privileged to care for Denise and her family.

Bonnie Rae (Cook) Berg, 90, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Jan. 25, 2023, in Deer Lodge, at the home she shared with her husband and where they raised their family. She spent her last days surrounded by her husband and children before being welcomed into the arms of her Savior.
Bonnie was born on Feb. 6, 1932, in Granger, Wash., to Charles and Ruth (Wickwire) Cook, and joined two brothers, Charles and Glenn. Bonnie’s family moved frequently during the Depression, living in Oregon, Idaho and then Garrison and Elliston.
In 1937, they moved to Deer Lodge where Bonnie attended school and graduated from Powell County High School. She was heartbroken over the death of her father in 1941. Her mother married again in 1944 to Art Hitz.
She met the love of her life, Philip Ole Berg, on a double date. They married on Aug. 10, 1951, and together built a marriage on a foundation of faith over 71 years. They were blessed with five children: Jim, Ole, Jon (JD), Paul and Lisa. She was a strong woman who found joy in raising four boys and was delighted when she and Phil welcomed a girl to the family. The family enjoyed spending time in the hills around Powell County and at Rock Creek Lake.
In addition to managing their household, Bonnie was the bookkeeper for Phil’s business, Berg Construction. Bonnie and Phil loved dogs, and for many years they bred and raised shelties. Their home was blessed over the years with many wonderful dogs who were always considered part of the family.
Bonnie was thrilled to be a grandmother to Rip, Katrina, Callie, Ty, Griff, Laine, Kaehl, Candra, Karlee, Tyrel and Georgiana, and 23 great-grandchildren.
Bonnie was an excellent cook, an exquisite seamstress and a wonderful hostess. Everyone who entered their home was greeted with a warm “hello” and hug. She was actively involved with the women’s groups at the First Christian Church and the Deer Lodge Assembly of God. She will be missed by her loved ones and friends.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her father, Charles; mother, Ruth and stepfather, Art Hitz; brother, Charles “Chuck” and wife, Joan Cook; brother, Glenn and wife, Dede Cook; and sister-in-law Andrea Lawrence and husband, Bob. She is survived by her husband, Phil, and five children: Jim and Charla (Vanisko) Berg of Deer Lodge; Ole and Elizabeth (McKee) Berg of Deer Lodge; Jon and Sandy (Kratzer) Berg of Marshall, Va.; Paul and Colleen (Gaub) Berg of Billings; and Sam and Lisa (Berg) Bignell of Helmville.
Her legacy continues through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
No services will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews or a charity of the donor’s choice. ​

Thomas “Tom” Lunceford, 96, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, uncle and brother left us to be with our Heavenly Father on Jan. 1, 2023. Thomas was born in Harlowton, Mont., on June 28, 1926, to Fredrick Lunceford and Christina (Ross) Lunceford; he was one of 12 children.
When Tom was 16 years old, he moved to Deer Lodge, where he worked on several local ranches. After serving in the Army for two years, Tom again returned to Deer Lodge after being in Japan. That is when Tom met the love of his life, Betty June Romine during the summer of 1947 while Betty was working at The Trolley Car. The pair married on Oct. 23, 1949. From this union they welcomed their two children: son, Steven Lunceford and daughter, Karleen Lunceford.
In 1958 Tom started working for the Montana Department of Transportation. Later, Tom was promoted to a Section Foreman for the MDT on MacDonald Pass. He retired as a Section Foreman in 1983.
In 1984, Tom and Betty, along with the help of family and friends, built a home at Swan Lake, Mont., where the two of them thoroughly enjoyed their retirement. They both loved to square dance and travel together. Their travels eventually led them to become snowbirds. They loved the warm winters in Arizona enough to sell their home at Swan Lake, and they moved to Lake Havasu City, Ariz., permanently. They spent the winters soaking up the Arizona sun and would come back home to Montana in the summers to be with family and friends. Eventually though, as the saying goes, all roads lead back home. The two relocated back to Deer Lodge six years ago to be closer to family and friends.
Tom was elegantly devoted to his wife Betty for 73 years. Tom’s family will always be grateful to him for the love, devotion, friendship and faith that he so easily and willingly shared with her and the rest of his family. No other man has set such an example for us to all live by than him.
Tom is survived by his wife Betty June Lunceford; his son, Steven (Sissy) Lunceford; his daughter, Karleen Lunceford; his brother, Charles Lunceford; brother-in-law, Robert (Donnell) Romine; grandchildren, Krisi (Melvin) Nahrgang, Desiree (Clint) Van Blaricom, Katie (Tom) Burden, and Steven Lunceford Jr.; great grandchildren, Taylor Stone, Mikayla Stone, Brayden Stone, Rachel Van Blaricom, Isaac Van Blaricom, Tyler Burden, Trent Burden, Lexi Lunceford, Jade Lunceford, Kaylee Lunceford, Sydney Reich, Moriah Reich and Ryelee Nahrgang; and great great-grandson Desmond Stone, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will have a private graveside service at a later date.
We can shed tears that he is gone, or we can smile because he lived. We can close our eyes and pray that he’ll come back, or open our eyes and see all he’s left. Our hearts can be empty because we can’t see him, or our hearts can be full of the love that we shared. We can remember him only that he is gone, or we can cherish his memory and let it live on.
To leave a condolence or share a memory of Tom, please visit axelsonfuneralhome.com.

Joyce O. (Kincannon) Sandquist, 95, died Dec. 24, 2022. She was born on Nov. 28, 1927, to Alma and Millard Kincannon in Kickapoo Township, a remote agricultural community in North Dakota. She was the widow of Philip Sandquist.
Joyce is survived by her sister, Jan Lewis (Ron); children, Kirk Sandquist (Cheryl), Ronda Sandquist (David Ladd), Kay Sandquist; grandchildren, Cec Johnson (Jennie), Tori Detrick (Kyle), Kaila Passey (Jacob), Amy Uribe, Heidi Richard (Ryan); great grandchildren, Damon Uribe, Gia & Gavin Johnson, Claire & Evelyn Detrick, Grace & Aubrey Richard and Julian Passey. She is also survived by sister-in-law Irene Kincannon, nieces, nephews and Norwegian Exchange Student, Frank Kalfoss (Mary).
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Phil; brothers Don Kincannon, Alan (Avis) Kincannon; parents Alma and Millard Kincannon; parents-in-law Myra and Arthur Sandquist; two nephews; and one niece.
She was a mentor and an enthusiast for women’s education. Her passion for others to be educated extended beyond her own family. Joyce’s education started in a one room schoolhouse on the prairie in North Dakota. Later she boarded a room in Stanley, N.D., where she attended high school.
After graduation, Joyce attended a six-month business program in Minneapolis. Adventurous Joyce then moved to Bozeman, Mont., to join her high school girlfriend where she started a job at First National Bank. Her duties included taking checks to First Security where she met Phil Sandquist. They married six months later and enjoyed 57 years of marriage.
Joyce was deeply involved in the Bozeman community and loved to give back through community service. She volunteered with the Red Cross blood draws, Hope Lutheran Church, Museum of the Rockies and served as a board member with the Bozeman Deaconess Hospital Foundation. She was a member of Chapter F PEO and feted as a 50 year member. Joyce and Phil were charter members of Riverside Country Club. Joyce made a run for the State Senate. She was a campaign fundraiser for Sen. Conrad Burns and was honored with “First Woman of the Year” for the Republican Party.
She loved spending quality time with her family and friends, and loved traveling. Joyce was welcoming, strong, positive, smart and a very classy lady with a fun sense of humor, who enjoyed playing pranks on dear friends and having a good laugh. She liked family ski outings to Bear Canyon and Bridger Bowl and later cross country skiing near Bozeman. She walked with a group frequently along Sourdough Creek and Pete’s Hill.
With Phil, she spent a lot of time at the family cabin on Canyon Ferry Lake and in their later years they wintered in Kauai. After Phil’s passing in 2006, Joyce spent her winters in Arizona. She was an incredible entertainer and cook.
Her passions were cooking, baking and entertaining. Joyce’s signature recipes were: orange rolls, Lefse and rullepulsa; and these recipes have been passed down to her kids and grandkids, whom made these treats for the holidays! She loved a party and celebrated her 95th birthday in November with family, friends and caregivers.
A celebration of Joyce’s full and impactful life will be at 5:30 p.m., Jan. 27, at Riverside Country Club. Donations can be made in recognition of Joyce Sandquist to: Gallatin Valley Land Trust Online @ GVLT.org or by check to P.O. Box 7021, Bozeman, MT 59771; to PEO Continuing Education or a charity of your choice.

​Willa Rose (Jackie) Wood, 99, of Deer Lodge, died peacefully in her sleep on Dec. 28, 2022.
Jackie was born on April 24, 1923 in Dupuyer, Mont., to John and Mary Salois. She was one of 14 children born to John and Mary, and was the last surviving at the time of her death.
She married Kenneth Wood on Sept. 23, 1940, in Valier, Mont., and they had three sons, Ken, Robert and Terry. They lived in Garrison, Mont., for most of their marriage and raised their boys.
Jackie loved to cook and host the holiday get-togethers for the whole family. Many happy memories were made at these gatherings. She enjoyed bowling in her younger years, and she served on the Powell County Election Board for almost four decades.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth; son, Terry; and grandson, Lance, as well as her parents and all of her siblings.
She is survived by her sons Ken (Linda) and Robert of Deer Lodge; granddaughters Paula, Dawn, Julie and Jackie; grandsons Randy, Wes and Curtis; and great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
A Graveside service will be held April 22, 2023 at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge to honor her 100th birthday. A celebration of life will follow at the Elks in Deer Lodge.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.
Please visit www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Willa.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home has been privileged to care for Willa and her family.