Janice Ebel, 75, died on Aug. 9, 2022, after a short illness at her residence in Deer Lodge with her daughter Stacey by her side.
Janice was born to Walter and Virginia Massey in 1946 in Anaconda, Mont., where she later graduated from ASHS in 1965. She worked at the Montana State Hospital for many years as well as being blessed with two children, Ray and Stacey.
Janice was an active Fraternal Order of Eagles member for many years and held the title of Past State President of that organization.
She later met and married her soul mate Morris Ebel.
Janice doted on her children and grandchildren but even more so on her great grandchildren.
Her survivors include children: Ray (Wendy) Matteson, Stacey Matteson, Joyce Ebel and Elaine Matteson; grandchildren: Joe, Chris, Sara, Jennifer and Charlotte; 10 great-grandchildren; her brothers Larry, Ron, Bill and Rick; sisters Linda and Patty; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her late husband Morris; parents Walt and Virginia Massey; sister Sharon; brother DeWayne; and grandson Timothy.
Janice will be missed by many.
Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21, at the Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 22, at the funeral home.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Janice’s funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com. ​

Barbara (Barb), 73, was born in Deer Lodge on Oct. 7, 1948, to Peter L. Beck and Frances N. Moran. She joined an impressive list of half-brothers and sisters on both sides.
On her father’s side, brother Charles Beck and sisters Margie (Shandy), Rita (Morgan) and Helen (Hallingstad) along with many cousins, nieces and nephews to follow.
On her mother’s side, she joined brothers Emmett, Edward, Bill, Pat, Dan and Don O’Keefe, along with sister Gloria (Corcoran).
After the passing of her parents, Barb came to live with Charles and Rhea Beck, and became part of the Beck family, joining sister Diana (Warner) and brothers Pete and Doug.
She graduated from Powell County High School in 1966 and went on to study at Western Montana College in Dillon. She majored in English and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education.
Another wonderful occurrence happened while Barb was in Dillon. She met the love of her life, Jim Weis. Barb and Jim were well known for their playful banter and sardonic wit. They loved nothing better than visiting with friends and relatives. It was a match made in heaven. They were married in Las Vegas in November 1973. They enjoyed 48 years as a married couple and stuck together from beginning to end.
Upon graduation, Barb began her illustrious teaching career at Helmville, Mont. She taught elementary school grades one through three for three school years, 1972-1974, and enjoyed every minute of it. Jim found work in Hysham, Mont., and worked on a farm for Verlin Barnes, while Barb worked at the local co-op.
They grew to become experts at growing and cooking sweet corn and provided many amazing feasts to prove it.
They later settled in Helena (1976) where they currently reside and have enjoyed a good life in their home on Sierra Road.
Barb had a successful career in bookkeeping for various Helena businesses, including Sheehan’s Distributing, Zeke’s Distributing, Blue Cross of Montana and Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co.
Throughout her years, Barb maintained a close relationship with family near and far. Another big plus for Barb was inheriting Jim’s family by previous marriage, and she was so proud of Lisa, Jim Jr., Larry and Dave. Larry was her hometown hero helping his father with chores around the shop and coming to the rescue many times when Barb had fallen.
Barbara is survived by her husband, Jim Weis, and his family; siblings, Diana, Pete and Doug; and many close friends and relatives.
There will be a memorial luncheon at the Elks Club in Deer Lodge at 12:30 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 21.
Friends and family are invited.

Donald Joseph Fraser, 84, left this world on June 30, 2022, after a battle with cancer. Don was born in Butte, Mont., on Aug. 1, 1937, to Butte natives Donald Fraser and Isabelle (Kujawa) Fraser. At age 4, his parents moved him and his sister, Denise, to Deer Lodge, where they welcomed Jack, Mary, Geradette and Eddie.
Don graduated from St. Mary’s Academy and later Powell County High School in 1955. After graduation, Don enlisted in the U.S. Army. He spent most of his tour in Germany, visiting 12 European countries. He earned the rank of Sergeant, enjoying his time in the Army and speaking of it affectionately.
When Don returned to civilian life, he ran into his PCHS classmate, Vicki Sierra (Vick); they soon began dating and were wed in 1959. They moved to Helena where Don worked for an insurance company and Vicki was a registered nurse. They welcomed their first child, Bret, in July of 1960. Soon after, the family moved to Bozeman, where Don enrolled at Montana State University and Vicki continued her work as a nurse while Don went to school. During that time, they welcomed two more children, Janine and Scott. After graduating in three years with honors, Don accepted a position with AT&T in Helena, where they welcomed their fourth child, April. In 1967, Don accepted a position with RCA in Sparta, Wis., where their fifth child, Darci was born.
In 1967, Don was offered a position as Senior Budget Analyst in Palo Alto, Calif., so the family made the move west to California. They enjoyed the sunshine and summer adventures in the family station wagon.
In 1969, Don accepted a transfer to work as a Budget Manager at RCA in Anchorage, Alaska. For the next six years, the family spent the summers swimming in the nearby lake, fishing and camping in the family VW van, and enjoying the long summer days. The family also kept busy with both boys playing baseball and hockey, and the girls in Girl Scouts, softball and ballet.
Don spent the winters growing his famous handlebar mustaches and beards, for which he won several awards at the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous. In 1976, Don and Vicki divorced. Don stayed in Anchorage; Vicki and the kids moved to Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, to be closer to family.
In 1984, Don married Priscilla Santistevan, and they continued living in Anchorage. In 1990, Don took an early retirement, and they moved to Trinidad, Colo. They divorced in 1998, and Don moved to Coeur D’Alene to be closer to his family. Don spent his time puttering in his garage, working on projects for his grandchildren, driving his Mustang, and driving to Montana and Nevada. He loved his siblings and enjoyed watching his nieces and nephews grow up. He also enjoyed a sip of “Clan Fraser” now and then.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Don and lsabelle, his sister Denise Gransbery and brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Andrea Fraser. He is survived by his children, Bret (Kristin), Janine (Greg), Scott (Cari), April (Patrick) and Darci (Kim). His surviving grandchildren are Alyssa, Torin, Sarah, Katie, Brady, Joey, Oliver, Andrew and Nolan. Surviving siblings include Mary (Pat) McMahon and Gerry Sullivan of Butte, and Eddie (Mary) Fraser of Whidbey Island, Wash. Other survivors include nephews, nieces and cousins in Montana, Nevada, Texas, California, ldaho and Kansas, Canada and Nova Scotia.
Don was fortunate to have many wonderful neighbors, including J.B. and Patty Romero, who were a blessing. In the final months of Don’s life, the cancer was a struggle, but Don was cheerful and thankful for the little things - the beauty of a fawn born in his back yard just days before his passing or the simple beauty of flowers. Our family is very thankful for this time with our father, nothing left unsaid and will miss him dearly.
Cremation services were provided under the care of Yates Funeral Home in Coeur D’Alene.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at Don’s home in Coeur D’Alene at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13; all are welcome to join in the celebration.
Memorials are requested to the Southwest Montana Veterans’ Home in Butte at 65 Veterans Circle, Butte, MT 59701 or a charity of the donor’s choice. ​

​Beverley Lorraine Hadley Thornton, 93, peacefully passed away on Feb. 23, 2022, at the certified family home of Kirsten and Julio Diaz in Athol, Idaho. At this time, the family would like to sincerely express their gratitude for the loving care given to her during her time with them.
Beverley was born on Nov. 7, 1928, in Winchendon, Mass., to Bessie and Ray Hadley. Beverley married James Thornton in 1945 who preceded her in death in 1995. They moved to Montana in 1956 to raise their family of eight children: James Thornton, Jr., Marjorie Thornton (deceased in infancy), Steven Thornton, Marjorie Anne (Thornton) Wahl, Carol (Thornton) Knight (deceased), Gary Thornton, Donna (Thornton) Kelleher, Randy Thornton (deceased), Lorraine (Thornton) Wood. Beverley and James also have 18 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren.
Beverley along with raising her family worked in many various occupations. She worked as a bus driver, cleaning lady, waitress, mail delivery, and her favorite, livestock care and general ranch hand.
Beverley was an avid reader and she enjoyed gardening, knitting, canning, bowling, cards and most of all, talking to and associating with people, even complete strangers. We will all miss her “brightness” very much.
There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. in Helmville, Mont. at the Saint Thomas Cemetery on Aug. 27, 2022. Following the memorial service will be a luncheon.

Jack Leroy Scharf, 84, of Helena, Mont., died on July 6, 2022 after a short battle with cancer. He is survived by his children, Sandy (George) Countryman, Bruce (Nina) Scharf, Eric (Dini) Scharf, all of Helena, and Laura (Chet) Periman of Deer Lodge; his brother, Ron (Joyce) Scharf; his sister, Goldie (Dave) Enger; along with 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara (Ed) Johnson.
Jack was born in Deer Lodge, on Sept. 2, 1937, to August Karl and Lorean Scharf. He lived in Pioneer (Gold Creek), where his love for gold-mining began. At the age of 5, his family then moved to Deer Lodge, where he met and later married Marjie White on Jan. 2, 1958. Growing up in Deer Lodge gave Jack the opportunity to make several life-long friends, whom he talked fondly of and spoke about all of their adventures up until his death.
Jack enlisted in the National Guard in 1960. He served 9 years while working for the Milwaukee Railroad for 23 years. Following this, he and Marjie began a new adventure in Nevada City, Mont., where they started the Alder Gulch River of Gold Mining Museum. This museum allowed Jack to share his knowledge and tell his many stories about finding gold.
Jack and Marjie spent many winters in Quartszite, Ariz., where they sold gold panning kits, jewelry derived from stones they had collected, and many other items they had constructed with their own hands.
After supporting Marjie in her faith for many years, Jack was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses as well.
Jack and Marjie were passionate about life and being on the go. They enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and scavenging for treasure with family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Helena at 2 p.m. on Aug. 6, 2022. A reception will be held immediately following the service at 715 Sewell Rd. Helena, MT 59601.

Norma Jean Witzel, 77, of Nevada, formerly of Deer Lodge, died on July 14, 2022. Norma was born in Townsend, Mont., on Aug. 28, 1944, to Carl Mienke and Hazel Vincent Weber.
Norma was raised in Deer Lodge, where she attended grade school as well as high school. She graduated in 1962 and briefly attended nursing school at MSU. As a teenager, she worked as a candy striper at the old hospital. Norma also worked at the Anaconda Lumber Company and later UBC as a secretary and bookkeeper.  She enjoyed traveling and was excited to have been able take a trip with her dad, Carl, and sisters, Dorothy and Shirley, to tour Europe.
She married Alfred Trask in 1965. They had one son, Jeffrey, in 1969. They later divorced and in 1976 she married her lifelong partner of 45 years, Dale Witzel. Norma and Dale worked alongside each other for years running Witzel’s Trailer Court and Home Rentals. She also worked at Colonial Manor in Deer Lodge as an Activities Director and loved being involved with and caring for the old folks.
In 1992, Norma and Dale moved to Jackpot, Nev., where they owned and operated Bluesky Properties and RV Park for 20 years. She loved assisting and visiting with all the travelers who stayed at their park and made many friends there. She and Dale retired to Las Vegas in 2010. In recent years, she lived in an assisted living facility, Legacy House, where she was chosen to be the Ambassador for the community, continuing her passion to help people.
Norma was crazy lucky at slot machines and always had a hunch for which ones were going to pay out. She enjoyed bingo, arts and crafts, seeing shows and live music. The list of people who Norma cared for and helped is too long to list as she had one of the biggest hearts a person could have.
Norma is survived by husband, Dale Witzel; sisters, Dorothy Kinsfater and Shirley McLaughlin; brother and spouse, Ed and Kathy Groves; son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Teri Lynn Trask; stepdaughters and spouses, Linda and Jimmy McMahon, and Rosie and Brad Grothwohl; stepsons and spouses, Ronnie and Michelle Witzel, and Randy and Sherri Witzel; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Norma is preceded in death by her father, Carl Mienke; mother and beloved stepfather, Joe and Hazel Weber; and younger brother, Bill Weber.
A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 11, at the First Baptist Church, 127 Sam Beck Road, Deer Lodge, MT 59722. Visitation with viewing will be held one hour prior to the funeral at the church. A graveside service will immediately follow the funeral at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge.
Memorials in honor of Norma are suggested to Diabetes Action Research and Education Foundation. Please visit www.axelsonfuneralhome.com to offer the family condolences or to share a memory. ​

Ramona Rose McQueary, 93, died Friday, July 22, 2022, and is now resting in peace with her Lord.
Ramona was born on Sept. 2, 1928, to Andrew and Mary Beck in Deer Lodge. She spent almost her entire life in Deer Lodge. She enjoyed the town life living in the white two-story house behind Safeway even though Andrew was a prominent rancher in the valley. Ramona graduated from Powell County High School in 1946. After graduation, she headed off to college in Missoula to study business but only lasted one year. She worked as a waitress for the Keystone Drug and 4B’s. She then engaged to be married to the love of her life and soul mate, Pete McQueary. They were married July 6, 1947. After their marriage, they left the Deer Lodge Valley and spent the fall and winter months in the Big Hole Valley living in a one-room cabin with no indoor plumbing. Luckily, that only lasted a short time, and they moved back to the Deer Lodge Valley. They spent a few years living in town as Pete worked for Beck Equipment, and Ramona stayed home raising their first two boys Dan and Carl. Later they moved to their permanent home just east of town and managed a ranch for her dad, Andrew.
Ramona spent most of her early years on the ranch cooking for the hired men, hay crews during the summer, and raising Dan and Carl as well as Dale who came a few years later. Ramona was also the bus driver, taking her kids and neighboring kids to and from school. After Pete passed away in 2005, Ramona moved in to town and spent the rest of her life on Saint Mary’s Avenue, except for the last year, which was at Big Sky Senior Living in Butte.
Ramona and sister Mabe left the Valley on occasion; once to the east coast to see her mother’s name on the wall at Ellis Island and another to Austria to meet and visit their relatives.
While cooking was not one of Ramona’s favorite jobs, she claimed she would eat a horse turd as long as someone else would cook it. What she did enjoy was watching her children and grandchildren at sporting events with football being her favorite. Ramona liked to purchase contestants in Calcutta’s competing in Deer Lodge at rodeos, horse races and chariot races. Ramona enjoyed watching westerns, dramas, comedies and sports on TV. Bubby Watson was her favorite golfer. Although Ramona enjoyed many aspects of her life, her favorites were dancing with Pete, playing Bridge with the women from town during the afternoons and evenings, and her involvements with her church at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
Ramona saw many changes in her 93 years, and her caring personality will be missed by her family and friends.
Ramona was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Mary, as well as her husband, Pete; brothers, Joe, Sam and Bud; sister, Mabel; and daughter in-law, Michelle.
Survivors include sons, Dan McQueary, Carl (Lynn) McQueary, Dale (Chris) McQueary; grandchildren, Troy (Rikki), Jeff (Rikki), Cim, Cam (Sarah), Crissie (Pete), Cal, Clay (Saidee), Quinn and Quade; great-granchildren, Olivia (Jordan), Dace, Kaylee, Jimmy (Cassidy), Tommy, Kelsey, Quade, Kenzie, Chase, Kayden, Quincy, Owen; great-great-grandchildren, Eastyn, Myla.
A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 1, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 410 Missouri Ave. in Deer Lodge. Visitation with viewing will begin at 1:30 p.m. before the funeral at the church. A graveside service will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Ramona are suggested to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 410 Missouri Ave, Deer Lodge, MT 59722. Please visit www.axelsonfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ramona.

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Gregory Scott “Scotty” Anderson unexpectedly passed away July 10 at the young age of 68 in Deer Lodge, Mont. Eugene and Beth Anderson brought Scott into this world Nov. 7, 1953, in the town of Ashton, Idaho. Scott shared his childhood with brothers Sherman, Robert, Michael and David. The family relocated to Philipsburg, Mont. where he graduated from Granite High in 1972. After high school, Scott purchased a logging truck from his father and began hauling logs. Not long after, he sold it to purchase the White Front Bar in Philipsburg. Scott married Linda, having daughter Shawna in 1977 then soon after divorcing.
Scott later married Margery “Puddin” Metesh. Together they introduced the joy of their lives, Coral, in 1989. Five years later, Puddin passed away, leaving Scott to raise Coral on his own. Scott and Coral shared a one-of-a-kind bond. You could say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Scott and Coral moved to Deer Lodge in 2000. Scott then purchased his second bar Scotty’s in 2007 and then sold it in 2019. One of Scotts proudest moments was becoming a grandpa to his three grandchildren, Kinlee (2011), Karbon (2015) and Klutch (2017).
Scott was a man of many skills. You could say he tried just about everything. From bullfighting, firefighting, carpentry and everything in between. His pride and joy, though, was owning his two bars. Scott loved to entertain and was known for throwing “over the top” parties. He was a friend to everyone and thrived on helping out the communities he lived in. Anyone who knew Scott has at least one wild story about or with him. He touched the lives of many people all around the world. From his trips to the pro bowl or tailgates at the Griz games. No matter where Scott went, he made friends. He will be deeply missed by so many.
Scott was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Beth Anderson.
Scott is survived by daughter Coral Miller, son-in-law Justin Miller, granddaughter Kinlee Miller and grandsons Karbon and Klutch Miller. Brothers and sisters-in-law Sherman and Bonnie Anderson, Robert and Kay Anderson, Michael and Mariann Anderson and David and Jean Anderson, along with daughter Shawna Kientz. He has many nieces and nephews and endless friends.
Please join us with one last toast to a legend who will never die but live on through his memories. The celebration of life will be held Sept. 3, 2022 at 12 p.m. at the Springs Brewery in Philipsburg, Mont. An after party will follow near 8 p.m. at the Whitefront Bar.
In lieu of flowers, please send a card to Coral and family at P.O. Box 828 Philipsburg, MT 59858 with your favorite memory of Scotty.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Scotty’s funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at longfellowfinneganriddle.com. ​

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gary Robert Young on December 19, 2021. Gary, 77, was born in Salinas, Kan., on July 30, 1943, to Hartzel (Doc) and Clara Young.
Gary was the oldest of seven children who grew up in Avon.
Preceding him in death were his wife, soulmate and best friend, Beverly Young and one son. He is survived by two sons, two daughters, 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Gary served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and continued to serve and protect his country for nearly 30 years as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent, retiring as the Assistant Patrol Agent in Charge of the Campo, Calif. Border Patrol Station in 1997.
He is remembered as a loving husband, dedicated father, loyal friend and doting grandfather who lived a full and bountiful life that will not soon be forgotten, but forever celebrated by those he left behind.
A service will be held at St. Theodore Church in Avon, Mont. at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 29, for family and close friends.
A celebration of life will be held for all friends and family at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, at 441 Old Corral Road in Elliston.

Jeanette Ingraham, 79, of Deer Lodge, MT and formerly of Anaconda, MT died on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at the Deer Lodge Medical Center in Deer Lodge. Services are pending.

Stephen Edward Denty, born August 1, 1981, in Ogden, Utah, died unexpectedly at the age of 40 in Deer Lodge, Mont., on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Deer Lodge at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 2. After mass, all are welcome to a brunch at the First Christian Church at 600 Fourth St.
Stephen is survived by his mother, Debbie Jackson; father, Tim Denty; three brothers, a sister, a daughter, and many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins.
In his youth, Steve loved complex puzzles and delighted in finding old machines that he could dismantle to figure out how they worked. He delivered papers and mowed lawns so he could build his own forge. He enjoyed camping, backpacking, snow skiing, scuba diving and rappelling.
In 4-H he earned purple ribbons for his demonstrations; in scouts he achieved Eagle.
At the age of 18, Steve was involved in a serious car accident which left him in a coma and fighting for his life. After his recovery, he served for five years as a volunteer with the Franciscan Friars in New York City.
The blue skies, fresh air and open space lured Steve back to Montana in 2006. The following year, while working construction, Steve fell 18 feet from a roof. He broke his back and shattered his heel. Prescription medications for the chronic pain offered some relief, but they often altered his easygoing demeanor.
Despite his chronic pain, Steve was still passionate about helping others. At the time of his death, he had plans to build shelters for homeless vets. Steve had a trusting, forgiving heart and was always willing to see the good in people, even those who took advantage of his generous nature. In his journey, Steve touched the lives and hearts of many people, and he is dearly missed.
A memorial fund has been opened at Pioneer Federal Savings and Loan, 401 Milwaukee, in Deer Lodge, to help his mom pay for funeral expenses.

Owen, 85, was born Walter Owen Girven on September 22, 1936, to Don and Mae Hallford Girven. He grew up in Bozeman where he attended school. When he was a junior in Bozeman Senior High School, he met his future wife, Laura Covey. They married on Sept. 18, 1954, and had four children - two boys, Alan, wife Sheri of Deer Lodge and Chris of Buckeye, Ariz.; and two girls, Anita, husband Brad Pederson of Spokane, Wash., and Cody Blaine of Oldtown, Idaho.
Owen served in the National Guard and the Army Reserves. He enjoyed life to the fullest. They ranched and then he worked construction for years. They moved to Spokane where he drove truck for many years when he came off the road. Owen and Laura started a construction company, mainly concrete.
They finally moved back to Montana at Condon for 30 years before selling out and moving to Deer Lodge. Both of them enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and traveling. Most of all, he loved digging for gold.
Owen died on June 4 at home with Laura and his kids by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, one grandchild and one great-grandchild.
He is survived by his wife, Laura, four children, eight grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place, and grave side service will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery at 1 p.m. on July 9, followed by a celebration of life at home, 57 Powell View Lane.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Owen’s funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.

Walter “Owen” Girven, 85 of Deer Lodge, Mont., died on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at his residence in Deer Lodge. Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Owen’s funeral arrangements.
You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.

​Mary Lou Walsh Newman, 86, peacefully left this world to be with her Lord on May 16. She died while at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula, Mont. Mary Lou was born Aug. 21, 1935, in Butte, Mont., to John S. and Lucille (Severtson) Walsh.
She was the youngest of three children, and she attended school in Butte and graduated from Girls Central High School in the class of ‘53.
Mary Lou married her first husband Richard Rowe in June 1953. From this marriage, five sons and one daughter were born. She was divorced from her first husband in 1971. In 1974, Mary Lou married Robert (Bob) Newman, and from that marriage, she gained three daughters. Mom would often say, “A smile isn’t a smile until you give it away.” Perhaps this was her version of the old saying, “Love isn’t love until you give it away.”
In Mark 12:30 we are told to “love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our soul, and with all our strength.” We learned by our Mother’s example that love is a commitment of our entire being without exception and that nothing will overpower our devotion, respect, loyalty or commitment that we have toward God, and to share this love is our purpose.
She waved with a smile and said hi to everyone who passed by. She was generous in every way, always ready with a hug and always had time to listen.
She enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, skiing, family picnics, yard work and gardening. She would often spend hours picking weeds by hand. She did many things with loyalty to all and yet maintained the balance needed to be a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Friend.
May she be eternally secure at the right hand of our Father, and may the seeds of love she planted in our hearts continue to grow and bloom.
Mary Lou is preceded in death by her husband Robert Newman, parents and brothers. Her survivors include children: Rick (Irene) Rowe, Brenda (Adrian) Keene, Ron (Suzanne) Rowe, Randy (Robin) Rowe, Ray (Laurie) Rowe, Roger Rowe and stepdaughters Margie (Gordon) Edsall, Gerri (Harvey) and Jean Thoma; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jo Etta Slayton (Jodi), 73, of Elliston, Mont., died in her home with her husband by her side on May 14, 2022.
Jodi was born June 24, 1948, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Donald and Virginia Joslyn. Jodi met the love of her life, her husband Jim, at age 16. Jodi and Jim had a love that everyone admired.
Jodi was an artist in Native American art. She loved riding her horses and playing with her dogs. Jodi was an avid hunter and loved shooting her guns. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do. Jodi was a loving wife, mother and friend. She was loved by everyone.
Jodi is survived by her husband Jim Slayton of Elliston, son JD Slayton (wife Tammy), daughter Kim Cornelius of Elliston, grandson Brandon Ramsey of Missoula, grandson Dannie Slayton (wife Taren), granddaughter Mandi Cornelius of Crosby, Texas, granddaughter Cede Stimmel of Great Falls, brother Steven, sister Rita, sister Patty, sister Judith and six great-grandchildren.
Jodi was preceded in death by her son Daniel Charles Slayton, father Donald Joslyn, mother Virginia Garcia and her brother Wayne.
No services are scheduled at this time. Shine on Shining Eagle
Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.

Lee William McElwain, 66, of Deer Lodge, Mont., died May 21, 2022. Private services are being held by the family. Visit axelsonsfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a story of Lee.