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.

    Heidie Gersitz, a  resident of Drummond, passed away tragically on Oct. 23, 2025, leaving a profound impact on her family and community. She was born on Aug. 8, 1970, in Deer Lodge to Bonnie and Jan Bunton.
    Growing up with her brother Andy in Deer Lodge, Heidie experienced family dynamics that shaped her nature. Her grandparents ranch was very special to her. Heidie’s parents divorced, but she ended up with an added bonus to her life: Her stepfather Jack Woods was the man who became a significant father figure that she deeply loved and respected. Their blended family of six with two step sisters created a tapestry of relationships that defined her early years. Though Jack and Bonnie divorced,  Heidie carried a lifelong relationship with her extended family.
    In 1990, Heidie married Karl at her family ranch, beginning an union that would span 35 years. Together they welcomed three children: Sammantha in 1996, Kodi in 2005, and Tommy in 2007, creating a family she deeply wanted with Karl. The delight of their life came in a grandson , Aleck born in 2016.
    A lifelong learner, Heidie pursued education through numerous college courses and served honorably in the Navy Reserve for three years. Her passions included camping, sewing, reading, hunting and enjoying long road trips with Karl.
    Surviving family members include her husband Karl, children Tommy, Sammy, Kodi;grandson Aleck, brother Andy (Margeret) Bunton, step sister Sherilee, in- laws Debi McClain, Suzi (Don) Marshall, Rex Tomsheck, stepdad Jack Woods, Uncle John Woods, cousin Steve (Kim) Singleton, stepfather Shane and numerous extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents Bonnie and Jan, grandparents Ada and Gaile Singleton, her step sister Shontal Woods, sister in law Khandi Tomsheck, brother in law Mark Moody, mother in law Maureen Walter and brother in law George W. McClain.
    Cremation has taken place and a gathering with ash spreading will be at a place special to Heidie has been planned for early summer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Veterans Pantry of Montana.

    It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our father, Ronald Edward Collins, born Aug. 10, 1944, to Arthur and Margaret June Collins in Glendale, Calif.
    Shortly after completing his high school education, Ron joined the United States Navy.  While stationed in San Diego, Ron would find his lifetime sweetheart, Mary Jane, and take her as his bride until their last breath. Ron and Jane would be blessed with six children, 31 grandchildren (including spouses) and 16 great-grandchildren. Ron was a very proud grandpa, and a lifetime of stories will keep his memories alive.
    Ron will be remembered for his passion for gun restoration and the many hunting and fishing stories, whether they be true or not.
    Ron is preceded in death by his wife, Jane. Parents, Arthur Collins and June (Collins) Saurer. His sister Caroline, brother Richard Collins, and stepfather Ted Saurer.
    He is survived by his six children, Art (Audrey) Collins, Steve (Julie) Collins, Guy Collins, Sheryl (Scott) Fitzpatrick, David (Jennifer) Collins, Diane (Mike) Williams, 31 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.

    With heavy hearts we announce the death of our beloved mother and sister, Denise Marie Jackson. She peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on December 18, 2025. Even though Denise was struggling with cancer, she still brought light and happiness to those around her with her kindness and great sense of humor.
    Daughter of Beatrice Marshall and Dale Jackson, Denise was born on December 15, 1954, in Deer Lodge, Montana, with her twin sister and best friend Debbie. Denise is predeceased by her parents, half-sister Jackie, and half-brother Steven. She is survived by her four children: Jacqueline (Bala), Jeremiah, Kevin, and Mariah (Sean); grandchildren: Tyler, Cody, Brayden, Fynn, Anjeli, and Rishna; great-grandchildren: Juniper and Jasper; twin sister Debbie, several half-brothers and half-sisters, and many nieces and nephews.
    While in high school Denise developed a passion for creating beauty in art, particularly portraits. She attended the University of Montana Western where she majored in Art Education. Life didn’t allow Denise to finish her degree, but she still taught art through adult education and after school programs, participated in art and craft shows, and was a photographer of old-time photos.
    Throughout Denise’s life she found stability, solace and peace in Jesus. She joyfully shared the message of Christ and found ways to serve as a church secretary, Sunday school teacher and choir member. With kindness, understanding and a heart of gold, Denise cared for people with special needs and the elderly. Later, she worked with a few members from her church to provide a Christian ministry to inmates at Montana State Prison.
    The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff at Anaconda Community Hospital, Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, Headwaters Hospice and Longfellow Funeral home for their care and support during this difficult time. Denise loved being at the lake, so a memorial service and celebration of Denise’s life will be held during the summer

    Edith (Ede) Marie Baker, 86, of Lincoln, passed away Dec. 23, 2025, in Deer Lodge. She was born in Forsyth to Raymond and Helen Clark.
    Edith married Stuart Baker on Dec. 5, 1955.
    She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a great-great-grandmother. 
Most of her life was spent raising her four children and ranching. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting and playing the poker machine. She put jigsaw puzzles together and once together, decided they looked better in a frame and hung them on a wall.
    She loved being part of the Blackfoot Babes.
    Edith was a great supporter of Helmville Labor Day Rodeo and loved selling the 50/50 tickets there.
    Edith is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Helen Clark; husband, Stuart Baker; brother, Forest Clark; and sisters, Roberta Pugliano and Linda Ford.
    She is survived by her sister, Madge Adams; three daughters and a son: Cheryl Brenton of Missoula, Tina (Todd) Hoover of Las Cruces, N.M., Carol Baker of Marceline, Mo., Bill (Kristi) Baker of Helmville and son-in-law Jim Brenton of Drummond. Great-grandchildren: Shaylynn Hammond, Jordan Webb, Mathew (Zelia) Guerra, Rebecca (Joe) Rodriguez, Abby Guerra, Adon (Dorthy) Palomo, Robbie Bowers, Cloe Hoover, Carnell Smith, Taylor Bennett (Shay), Heaven Bennett (Neil), Dylan Tucker and Madisyn Bennett. Bailey Bennett, Parker Bennett, Nolan Baker, Corrissa Baker, Marcus Baker and Kenzi Baker. Great-great-grandchildren: Amari Guerra, Joshua Rodriques, Melody Palomo, Oliver Palomo and Lainey Hammond.
    In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Helmville Rodeo Club, P.O. Box 67, Helmville, MT 59843.
A memorial will be held Jan. 25 at the Lincoln Community Hall at 12:30 p.m.

    Wallace (Wally) L. Patton, 89, of Elliston, passed away Dec. 7 at Cooney Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Helena. He was born May 30, 1936, in Townsend, a son of Ernest and Lillian Patton.
    Wallace served in the Air Force; however, he was released on an honorable discharge for a family emergency.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta (Bobbi Ann) or “Bertsie Anna,” as he lovingly called her; his granddaughter, Alyssa B. Kovach; and daughter-in-law, Jean Walston.
    Wally is survived by this four daughters, Gina (Paul) Albert of Waynesville, N.C.; Renee (Cal) Stucky of Avon; Kristi (Bill) Baker of Helmville; and Kathi Jo Patton of Cape Coral, Fla.; and his son, Bob (Jean) Walston of Mason City, Iowa; along with 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
    In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Elliston Fire Dept. or Elliston QRU. Graveside services will be at a later date in the spring.

    Our beloved mother and grandmother, Stella Jean Hansen, 100, passed away on Dec. 18, 2025 in Missoula. Stella was born on June 11, 1925 in Deer Lodge to Wilbur and Mabel Hoskyn.
    Stella graduated from Powell County High School and went on to study nursing in Helena as part of the Cadet Nursing Corp during WWII. Stella married Douglas Hansen in 1945. Doug and Stella operated the Hansen Dairy in Deer Lodge before moving to Missoula in 1953 where they raised their six children and operated Hansen’s Famous Ice Cream. They were married for 52 years.
    Stella was active in local issues and was elected as a Representative to the Montana Legislature for six terms from 1983-1995. Stella was a committed Democrat, passionate about issues related to public health, education and fairly meeting the needs of all Montanans. Stella was a member of the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints where she served as a pastor and later was a member of the University Congregational Church.
    Stella is survived by her children Jennifer (William) Cote, Michael (Pam) Hansen, daughter-in-law Maureen Hansen (Aaron), Rebecca Hansen, Sarah (Patrick) Newell, and Toby (Jovi) Hansen. Stella was preceded in death by her son, Aaron, and her husband, Douglas.  Stella is also remembered by her 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
    Stella was a loving mother, amazing grandmother, a trail blazer and a business icon.  She is now at rest and enjoying her reunion with Douglas and Aaron in Heaven.
    A memorial will be planned at a later time.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity in Stella’s memory.

    Katherine “Kathe” Mary Kane, 73, of Drummond, passed away peacefully on Dec. 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 10, 1952, in Missoula.
    Kathe met Kenny Kane in high school, and they were married for 52 years. Together they raised two amazing sons in Drummond. Kathe was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose greatest joy in life was being surrounded by her family. The light in Kathe’s eyes when her grandchildren and great-grandchild pulled into her driveway was pure bliss. Not only did she take care of her sons and grandchildren, but she also cared for all the friends they brought into the family as well. Kathe spent her working years running Swede’s Corner, volunteering for the Drummond ambulance, and spent 16 years as a dispatcher in Philipsburg.
    Kathe enjoyed giving back to her community, she took pride in volunteering for the ambulance and other various opportunities that came her way. As an outstanding member of the Drummond community, Kathe was also known for showing her love through cooking, often bringing people together around her table and making sure no one ever left hungry.
    Kathe is survived by her husband, Kenny Kane; her daughter-in-law Sarah Kane; her grandchildren, Tyler Kane and partner Lori Russell, Katelynn Kane, Chase Kane, and Carson Kane; her great-granddaughter, Zoe Kane; her siblings, Patty Hanson (daughter Kallie Harris and son-in-law Tel Harris; grandkids Nalina, Saharra, and Royce Harris), Sandy Evans (son Denny Jacobsen), Vicki Hanni (husband Russell Hanni), Tom Gress (wife Bonni Gress; children Brandon Gress and Stefanie Silvan), Brother-in-law Marty Kane (wife Diane Kane; sons Scott and Ben Kane); and many other extended family members and dear friends.
    She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Dolores Gress; her in-laws, Harry and Opal Kane; her sons, Michael Kane and Ryan “Cubby” Kane; her brother-in-law, Bill Hanson; and hers and Kenny’s beloved dog, Otis Kane.
    Kathe leaves behind a legacy of love and generosity that will live on through the many lives she has touched during her time here. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to family, friends, and community will never be forgotten. A celebration of Kathe’s life will be held sometime in the spring, with the date to be announced.

    Once again, the angels took another beautiful soul back to heaven to join our heavenly Father. In the early morning hours of Dec. 13, Bernice May (Kopp) Verlanic, 79, passed away with her daughter, Kamala Marie Verlanic Ball, by her side at St. Patrick Hospital, Missoula.
    Bernice was born to Nick and Katherine (Ehlis) Kopp in Anaconda on Sept. 27, 1946. She joined her older siblings, Nick and Marianne.
    Bernice attended catholic schools in Anaconda before transferring to Anaconda High School. She met the love of her life, Fred Verlanic, on a double date in 1961. They were married in Idaho Falls in 1963. Fred considered himself a pretty lucky guy! Fred joined the United States Air Force in 1963. During this time, Bernice remained in Anaconda with her family. Their daughter, Kamala, was born in 1965 while Fred was overseas. In 1967, Fred returned from active duty, with son, Bruce, arriving in 1968. After living in Anaconda for a short while, they moved to Missoula, where Fred attended the University of Montana. Upon graduation, the family moved to Deer Lodge, where Fred started his career at the Montana Department of Corrections, and Bernice worked at Young’s Market for Jack and Dorothy Young, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law. She later became a cook, followed by a kitchen manager, at the 4-B’s restaurant for many years. She also worked a few years at the I-90 Auto Plaza. Fred and Bernice relocated to the Swan Valley, where they both worked at the Swan River Youth Camp, later transitioning to the Swan River Boot Camp. This tiny woman with a beautiful smile completely changed career paths by becoming a drill instructor! When the boot camp relocated back to Deer Lodge, Fred and Bernice also relocated and continued working at the boot camp until her retirement.
    Bernice was well known to family and friends for her cooking and baking skills. In her later years, she loved nothing more than spending time with her great-granddaughter, Alaiya, in the kitchen baking special treats. She loved feeding everyone a good meal. Big family gatherings were one of her favorite things. She also loved gardening and camping, where she got to cook for everyone over an open fire.
    Bernice was preceded in death by her son, Bruce Charles Verlanic, and her grandson, Alec Mackenzie Tolon; her parents, Nick and Katie Kopp, and her sister Marianne (Kopp) Calnan. She joins sister-in-law and brother-in-law Dorothy and Jack Young, and sister-in-law Carol Kopp.
    She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Fred Verlanic, daughter Kamala Verlanic Ball and son-in-law Dave Ball, and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Shirley and Duane Colwell. Also surviving are grandchildren Trevor Denny, Rechelle (Verlanic) Anderson, Bridgette Verlanic, Alexandra Verlanic, Chris Ball and Marina Ball; five great-grandchildren, Alaiya, Jax, Addilyn, Braydon and Oaklynn.
    Services will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church in Deer Lodge at 11 a.m. on Jan. 3 with a luncheon to follow at St. Mary’s Hall. Donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice.
    Longfellow Finnegan Riddle has been privileged to care for Bernice and her family.

    Beverly Margaret Johnson Fjelstad, 75, passed peacefully at home on Dec. 5, 2025, with her husband, Curt, by her side. She was born March 6, 1950, in St. Paul, Minn. She joined big brother David to make up the happy family of Gordon and Lenore Johnson.
    Born into a family of educators, Bev grew up to be a passionate reader, a world traveler and an accomplished flute player. While attending college at Moorhead State, she met the love of her life, Curt Fjelstad, a farmer from Walcott, N.D. The big city girl happily transitioned to farm wife, as she and Curt started their family with daughter Sandra, followed two years later with son Curtis, Jr. They spent the first decade of their marriage exploring the perfect place to live until they settled in their forever home in Deer Lodge. Other than the 10 years she spent as part of the team at the Quality Inn/Super 8 hotel, Bev happily devoted her life to being the world’s best wife, mom, grandma and great grandma. After the kids were off to college, she spent the next 20 years traveling and helping Curt run their trucking business. Her diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis forced the couple to stay a little closer to home for the last 10 years, but that didn’t stop her from continuing to enjoy her home and family without measure. No couple has ever been more dedicated to each other than Curt and Bev.
    Bev was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather Merle Anderson, her father-in-law Clayton Fjelstad, mother-in-law Helen Hart, stepfather-in-law Duane Hart, stepsister Sharon Gortner, sisters-in-law Becky and Cecelia Fjelstad, stepbrother-in-law Bruce Hart, and granddaughter Laynie Bauman. She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Curt; her daughter and son-in-law Sandy and Darrell Bauman; son Curtis; granddaughters Regan and Olivia; great-granddaughter Camden; and great-grandson Owen; brother David Johnson (Geri); sisters-in-law Mari Christensen (Russ), Peggy Erracart (John), Patti Fjelstad, and Angie Lommen (Curt); as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and friends who loved her enough to call her mom.
    In addition, the family would like to express their love and gratitude for the amazing team at Trek Hospice, especially Robin, Wendy, Trish and Kelsey, whose care and love have made all the difference.
    At her request, no immediate service is planned but a celebration of life will be held next year.