Larry was born in Eau Claire, Wis., in 1941, and thanks to a trip Out West with his big brother Wimpy when he was 12, Larry moved to Montana at age 31 to fulfill a lifelong dream of living in the mountains and being a mountain man.
    He had an extensive background in Montana history and followed his passion by riding every one of the Big Sky state roads on his Harley Davidson. After leaving Butte, where he raised his two daughters, Larry moved to Deer Lodge and had a long career at Montana State Prison, when he met his wife, Lynn (who passed away in 2024), and gained four more kids and a very large extended family. Larry loved to camp, hunt, hike, visit museums and battlefields throughout the beautiful state.
    Prior to Montana life, Larry served in the US Army as an MP during Vietnam and continued that service with the Deer Lodge VFW honor guard for many years. In recent years, on any morning Larry could be found rolling dice for coffee at the local diner and telling stories to anyone who would listen.
Larry never missed a Lutefisk Dinner at Gold Hill Lutheran Church in Butte where he was a longtime member and delighted in telling everyone lutefisk was just a vehicle for butter.
    Larry will be greatly missed by his many family and friends. We know this is not a goodbye, but rather a see ya later. I’m sure he’s up there telling a Pintler Lake fishing story to Saint Peter right now. Until then, we love you and cherish the memories we made.
Uffda
    There will be a funeral service at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 20, at Elks Lodge, 230 Main St., Deer Lodge. A graveside service follows at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge. Following the graveside service, there will be a luncheon back at the Elks Lodge.
    Please visit www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com  to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Larry.

    Zane G. Murfitt was born in Terry, Mont., on Aug. 20, 1925, to Sam and Hester Murfitt. At the age of six, Zane moved with his family to Helena, where he attended school, graduating in 1943. Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in World War II.
    Following Zane’s military service, he pursued higher education at the University of Montana, earning a degree in Business Administration in 1950. He remained a devoted Grizzlies fan throughout his life, receiving the 2015 Community Service Award for his dedication & devotion to the Montana Grizzlies and University.
    Zane built a career in banking, working in Helena, Stanford, and Philipsburg. While working in Helena, he met the love of his life, Barbara Langlois. The two were married on April 28, 1951. They raised five children: Brad (Jennifer), Russ (Lori), Linda (Rick), Steve (Gigi), and Janice (Doug).
    In 1960, Zane and his family moved to Philipsburg, where he began working at the Flint Creek Valley Bank. He served as President of the bank He remained dedicated to his career, working there until November 2022. One of his career highlights was serving on the Federal Reserve Board of Directors 9th district out of Minneapolis from 1980-82.
    Beyond his professional achievements, Zane was deeply involved in his community. He served on the Philipsburg School Board, he held the position of Mayor of Philipsburg for 16 years, served on the Philipsburg City Council, the Granite County Hospital Board, as well as many other services.
Zane played a key role in transforming the Taylor Knapp property into what is now “Zane G. Murfitt Park,” a cherished community space in Philipsburg. In recognition of his efforts and dedication, the park was officially dedicated in his name in November 2018.
    Zane was inducted into the Montana Hall of Fame for his years of playing Fast Pitch Softball - winning the 1949 State Championship on the HO Bell team!
    Zane is survived by his children and his sister, Nina Krakenberg. He leaves behind a legacy through his grandchildren: Kendra (Justin) Routh, Heidi (Troy) Clemes, Allyson (Shawn) Helde, Christopher Murfitt, Zane (Kelsey) Murfitt, Gabe (Ryanne) Murfitt, Kate Bratz (Cody), Joe (Alana), and Laura (Sloan) Fix. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Hudson and Kenli Routh; Maycee and Cambree Jeanotte; Averi, Elleson, and Marlowe Murfitt; Henry, Ellie, and Finn Murfitt; and Olivia, Gavin, and Brielle Helde.
    Zane was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; grandson, Michael; brothers Zach (Beverly) Murfitt and Walter (Howdy) (Myrtle) Murfitt; sisters Zalia (George) Logan and Donalda (Jim) Maness; sister-in-law Joan Neal; and brother-in-law Mick Neal.

    It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and brother, James D Miller, 88.
    Jim was born in Butte to James and Sarah (Reno) Miller. He lived in Garrison with his parents and five siblings and graduated from Powell County High School.
    He married Mary Lou Rainville, and they had three children. He retired from the Cominco mine after 45 years of service.
    Jim’s passion for camping, hunting and fishing had his family going somewhere almost every weekend. He loved horses and cattle, and the work that entailed in raising them. The love he had of the outdoors he instilled in his children and grandchildren. His compassion led him to the role of caretaker as his parents aged. Due to his love of sports, you could find Jim at many basketball games, tournaments, and track meets long after his children and grandchildren were no longer playing.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Mary Lou, parents James and Sarah, brother Richard, sister Bonnie and granddaughter Carlie.
    He is survived by son Perry (Mindy) Miller, daughters Melanie (Kevin) Miller and Joyce (Bill) Schaff, seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and siblings Thomas, Barbara and Sallie.
    His love of life, family, friends and hard work will always be remembered by all who knew him.
Jim’s ashes will be spread in the upper Madison (Beaver Creek, Cabin Creek and Bear Creek), places he truly loved, and buried at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge, with family members who truly loved him.
    A memorial service will be held at Christ Fellowship Church, 600 4th St., Deer Lodge, at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 8, with a reception to follow.

    Ward James Estelle, Jr., 93, was born March 31, 1931, to Ward James Estelle and Maxine Brenneman Estelle in Henry Co., Ind. His parents moved Jim and his sister D’Anne to Whittier, Calif., in 1933. Twin brothers Walter and Wayne were born there. Ward Sr. transferred with CDC to San Quentin Prison where Jim attended a two-room school and graduated eighth grade in a class of three students. The next move was to Represa, Calif., for his father’s job at Folsom State Prison.
    Jim graduated from San Juan High School in 1949. He served as student body president and played varsity football, in addition to showing prizewinning Duroc pigs at the State Fair. In 1950, Jim began college at UC Davis and married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Jones. They celebrated their 74th anniversary in September 2024. He finished his degree in 1955 at Sacramento State College.
    His career in Corrections began in 1952 at Folsom State Prison.  He transferred to Paroles in 1955 for five years and then returned to uniform at CA Medical Facility, Vacaville. He quickly promoted to Associate Superintendent at Susanville CCC. An opportunity to be Warden at Montana State Prison came in 1970. In 1972, he was recruited to Texas and became Director of the Texas Department of Corrections for 12 years before retiring. For three years he was president of the First National Bank, South, in Huntsville, Texas, before returning to California. There he was manager of the Prison Industry Authority in Folsom until he retired in 1991. TDC named a new prison in Huntsville the W.J. Estelle Unit in 1995. He was honored with the ACA’s Cass Correctional Achievement Award and two fellowships to the Aspen Institute. The Texas Sheriffs Association named Jim an Honorary Sheriff and the Texas Rangers honored him with Ranger status and have him in their Hall of Fame.
    After retirement, Jim focused on volunteer work, including Friends Care, several years of service with the El Dorado County Grand Jury and decades of work with the General Service Office, serving them as Chairman in a four-year term. In addition to his successful career, Jim was an avid hunter and hiker. He hiked to the top of Mt. Lassen, Mt. Shasta and Mt. Whitney. He enjoyed fishing trips and traveling.
    He passed peacefully on Feb. 13, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn of El Dorado Hills; his son Ward James III and Ward’s partner Mary Scott who reside in Ashland, Ore.; his daughter Lorraine Susan who lives in Redlands, Calif.; his daughter Linda Diane of Sacramento, Calif.; as well as many nieces and nephews.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the W.J. Estelle, Jr. Scholarship Fund at the Northern California Peace Officers Association, PO Box 1267, Yuba City, CA 95992; or the Texas Prison Museum, 491 Hwy 75 N., Huntsville, TX 77320.

        It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and brother, Noel T. Davidson, 93, on Feb. 12, 2025. He was a man whose integrity, dedication and quiet wisdom touched the lives of all who knew him.
    Noel was born in Thief River Falls, Minn., during the Great Depression, to Nels and Pearl (Thompson) Davidson. At the age of 2, Noel and his mother relocated to Pearl’s family farm in Cando, N.D. He recounted cherished memories of his upbringing on the farm, surrounded by loving grandparents, aunts and uncles. Pearl married Philip Henry, and five more children were born: Clarence, Duane, Sharon, Terry and Larry. At 14, Noel assumed responsibility for his Uncle John and Aunt Bernice’s farm while his Uncle John recovered from a back injury, forming an indelible work ethic.
    As a young man, Noel and a friend ventured west to find work and settled in Deer Lodge. Here he married Edna Hurlbert, and they were blessed with four children. Following his divorce from Edna, Noel continued to raise his family with a legacy of love, care and dedication. Noel later married Linda Eastman, spending 49 years together with many adventures and so much love along the way.
Noel began a 35-year career in corrections at the old Montana State Prison in downtown Deer Lodge as a Correctional Officer. He moved up through the ranks and retired as a Security Manager at the new facility built west of Deer Lodge. Noel enjoyed his job, and he earned the respect of colleagues and inmates alike with his integrity and calm demeanor.
    Noel’s passion for golf, bowling, snowmobiling, four wheeling and the Saddle Club sparked his excitement for life, which he lived to the fullest. He cherished the lifelong friendships that he developed from these connections.
    Noel is survived by wife Linda of Deer Lodge; his children Gary (Ellen) Davidson of Alaska, Sherry (Stan) Glovan of Deer Lodge, John (Robin) Davidson of Wisconsin and Nancy Hall of Alaska; brothers Duane and Terry (Arliss) Henry and sister Sharon Laverdure of North Dakota; 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
    He is preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Philip Henry, brothers Larry and Clarence Henry and son-in-law Donald Hall.
    Our family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff of Renaissance Senior Care, Deer Lodge for the compassionate care and support they provided to our beloved father and husband during his time with you. The kindness, patience and dedication you showed in caring for him brought our family great comfort, especially in his final days. Special thanks and appreciation to     Honey Bee Hospice for their kindness, support and professionalism.
    Services for Noel were held on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.
    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to PAWHS, P.O. Box 283 Deer Lodge, MT 59722 or Honeybee Hospice of Butte, 3099 Grand Ave., Butte, MT 59701.
    His extraordinary legacy of love, hard work and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Rest in peace. You will forever be missed, but never forgotten.
    Please visit www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Noel.

    Mary Jane Collins, 80, passed away peacefully at her home Feb. 17, 2025. Elvis finally got to meet his “biggest fan!”
    Born Sept. 20, 1944, to Kenneth and Geraldine Knepple in Niles, Mich., Jane would spend the next 80 years writing her story. Growing up in San Diego with her cherished siblings, Suzanne, Ruth and Tom, they spent their days pulling taffy and enjoying the beach.
After graduating high-school in 1963, Jane crossed paths with a boy from Montana who was stationed with the Navy in San Diego. That boy, Ronald Collins, would take Jane as his beloved wife, June 8, 1963.
    After starting their family in San Diego, Ron and Jane moved back to Montana. They spent time in Philipsburg before permanently laying roots in Deer Lodge. Six children would complete their family.
Jane worked many years as a cook at 4B’s, as well as other restaurants before settling in at the hospital, where she would retire.
    She loved to sew, and many grandkids received the gifts of her quilts. Many a morning  you would find Jane downtown having coffee with her “coffee gals,” oh the gossip!
Her family was her smile, and with her six kids, rarely a year would pass starting in 1987 that a new limb wasn’t added to the family tree.
    Jane is survived by her husband of 61 years, Ronald Collins;  her six (6GR8) kids, Art (Audrey) Collins, Steve (Julie) Collins,  Guy Collins, Sheryl (Scott) Fitzpatrick, David (Jennifer) Collins and Diane (Mike) Williams. Those six kids would bless Jane with 31 (including spouses) grandchildren and 16 beautiful great-grandchildren.  With that, her story is far from over.
    She is also survived by her brother Tom, and special niece Robyn Baesler.
    She is preceded in death by her father  and her mother,  Kenneth and Geraldine Knepple; sisters, Suzanne and Ruth.
    A celebration of life was held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Deer Lodge Community Center. A luncheon immediately follows.  We welcome everyone in remembering our beautiful wife, mother  and grandma.
    Please visit www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Mary.

    RoseMary L. Brown, 75, passed away Feb. 9, 2025 in Butte with her family close by.
    RoseMary was born in Missoula on March 29, 1949, and raised on a ranch between Maxville and Hall. She attended school in Lolo, then a one-room school in Maxville, and Granite High School. RoseMary married her high school sweetheart, Samuel, on April 4, 1967, and they were together for close to 58 years. During those years, she lived in numerous states and once overseas in Australia.
    RoseMary worked at a few different jobs, but her most important job was raising her children. There were two children out of this marriage, Laura and Sam Jr.
    RoseMary was well known for her love of animals, ranging from horses to dogs, the current being her dog Ralphie.
    She was preceded in death by her father, Alan Boomer; mother, Laura Johnston; step-mother, Evelyn Boomer; and one sister, Bobbylee Farrier.
    She is survived by her husband, Samuel; daughter, Laura; granddaughter, Ashley; great-grandchildren, Chrissy and Austin; son, Sam Jr.; and grandchildren, Jamie, Steven and Jessica; brother, Allen Boomer; and sister, Jackie Lingle.
    A graveside service will be held in the spring or summer.

    On the evening of Jan. 25, 2025, Joe passed away of Frontal Temporal Dementia while being cared for by the wonderful staff at the Granite County Medical Center and surrounded by loved ones. Joe was 61 years old.
    Joe was born in the town of Sharon, Penn., to Charles J. Pence and Patricia (Leonard) Pence. Joe had many occupations in his life. He worked for the USPS, he was a gunsmith, farrier and worked for the IBEW as a groundsman. He had a love for football, horses, trapping, hunting, snowmobiling with friends and collecting guns. He liked to buy vehicles that he told his dad were “cherry.” Playing card games and dice games with friends made him happy. He always looked forward to relaxing and having a “dilly” (drink) with his close friends.
    Joe’s favorite activity was being an avid and vocal cheerleader at all of his daughter’s sports and writing articles for sports in the Philipsburg Mail.
    Joe is survived by his spouse, Teresa (McKinney) Pence; his daughters, Anna Pence, Heather Winsett (step-daughter); his parents, Ernest and Patricia Hemmerly; his siblings, Tim (Mary Beth) Pence, Adam (Caren) Pence, Dana (Tony) Nelson and Candi (Pence) Heckathorn, as well as several nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
    Joe is preceded in death by his biological father, Charles J. Pence; his brother, Christopher Pence; maternal grandparents, Lois and Anna Leonard, Claude and Lenora Pence, Martha Hemmerly.
    A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held in June. Joe will truly be missed by all.
We ask that any memorial donations be made to the Philipsburg Schools in support of the sports programs.

    Joshua Charles Brenton (Josh) was born in Deer Lodge on Sept. 14, 1979, to Sandy Brenton (Williamson) and Tommy Paull. He passed on too soon in his home on Jan. 9, 2025.
Josh was a loving, giving and caring father to his two children, Kemrai and Aiden Brenton, and granddaughter Delila Groves.
    He found great joy in his hobbies including motorcycling and jamming to his music, but his favorite past-time was teaching, mentoring, guiding, protecting and providing for his loved ones.
He will be rejoined with his father, Tommy; Special Aunt, Janie; Grandmas, Edie and Joanie; and his grandfathers, Donald and Charlie.
    He is survived by his children, Kemrai and Aiden; his mother, Sandy, and her husband; his ex-wife, Amber; and his special cousin, Meranda; and many more.
We would like to specially thank Uncle & Aunt Chuck and Jonna Brenton.
There will be a celebration of life and spreading of ashes to be determined at a later date.
    R.I.P - you will be missed more than you know.

    Eleanor M. Wallin, 96, of Deer Lodge, died on Jan. 25, 2025. She was born on Nov. 27, 1928, in Hoople, N.D., the daughter of Theodore H. Midboe and Agnes (Johnson) Midboe.
    She received her education in Hoople and a B.A. degree from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn. She was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church.
    Survivors are her sons Eric (Todd) (Terri McConnell) and Paul (Barb Bjornemo). She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Harlan, husband Lloyd and her sister Beverly Grubb.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Rialto Theatre, William K. Kohrs Public Library or the Renaissance Assisted Living Center.