Gene G.  Hughs, Jr.
Gene G.  Hughs, Jr. of Deer Lodge, passed on from living to legend on January 9, 2015. The beloved brother, husband, father, papa and uncle Gene will forever be remembered as the heart and soul of his proud family. 
Gene was born on August 20, 1941 in Anchorage, Territory of Alaska, to parents Gene G. Hughs, Sr. and Mary A. (Havens) Hughs. He brought joy and laughter to his parents’ lives in their tiny tarpaper shack in the remote mining community of Flat. 
The family followed opportunity. It brought them to exotic places overseas and gave young Gene a childhood full of adventure. The tow-headed American kid wandered alone in post-WWII Tokyo, seeing movies at the Ernie Pyle Theater, exploring the Imperial Gardens and the giant Buddha at Kamakura. As a Boy Scout in Manila, Philippines, he camped on Corregidor Island and discovered artifacts of the historic battle there. He would be joined in his adventures by younger brothers Larry and Lynn, and baby sister Stephanie.
The family’s Montana roots drew them back many times in his youth. They spent summers with grandparents Rial and Media Havens in Butte, Wylie Sr. and Grace Johnston in Billings and with their Croonquist cousins at the 7 Cross ranch outside of Deer Lodge. 
Gene attended Butte High School and later Peacock Military Academy in San Antonio, Tex. He was a remarkable athlete and marksman and earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. Friends he made there would be his friends for life, like his long-time buddy Charlie “Chris” Salerno.
After high school he lived in the Seattle area where he worked for a clothing retailer. He developed an expertise in fashion and a stylish wardrobe. He drove a ’58 Austin-Healy Sprite. And he was handsome. The cumulative effect of these qualities made a lasting impression on many young ladies in Montana when he’d visit. So he visited often.
He attended basic training at Ft. Lewis and was trained as a medic in the US Army Reserves. He was proud to serve but humble about his service, showing deference to his father and brothers, all of whom were veterans of foreign wars.
Eventually Montana brought Gene home for good and he settled in Deer Lodge. In 1964 he married Sue Coburn. In 1969 he became the proud father of their son, Tyler. The marriage would last eight years, and they would remain friends throughout his life.
In 1973 Gene married Elaine Lingel, of Great Falls, and became dad to her daughters Stacy and Denise (Yarrow). Among the highlights of his life was the day his daughters surprised him with the gift of legal adoption papers, formalizing the role that he’d played since the day they had become a family. Gene’s loving and paternal nature would move many young people to affectionately call him dad or uncle Gene. Family was a central theme of his life, and Gene would treat the families of close friends and their children as he would his own.
Gene owned and operated DL Auto Supply for 50 years, with locations in Deer Lodge and Anaconda. The business was a vital part of the local economy and its positive impact on the people and commerce of the community can’t be easily overstated. His kids remember few days off that Gene wasn’t called upon to help a friend or neighbor out of a parts-related predicament. He and wife Elaine enjoyed great success over the years, yet maintained the integrity of their small business through great adversity and tough economic times. He retired in late 2014.
A gifted artist, as a young man Gene considered making art his career. Though he ultimately decided on business, his art remained a lifelong interest. 
He loved history. He was a collector. He filled his home with books and relics and instilled in his kids an appreciation for days gone by and the people who came before us.
Gene was devoted to a number of fraternal and service organizations. He was an active Mason, Past Potentate (‘88) in the Bagdad Shrine, member of the Royal Order of Jesters, Jaycees and the B.P.O.E. He was also a Geezer in good standing, attending regular meetings of “Geezer Night” at Scotty’s Bar. Gene was an avid supporter of the Montana Grizzlies and had a great affection for Montana Tech, the alma mater of many of his favorite people.
His big heart and gentle soul held a lot of love for many special animals. Among them were dogs Sam, Punky, Homer, and Paddy and cats Kitty, Kitty II, Kitty III and Tigger.
Gene was preceded in death by father Gene Sr., mother Mary, and brother Lynn, all of whom he missed sorely each day since their passing. 
Gene is survived by his wife of 41 years Elaine Hughs of Deer Lodge, brother Larry Hughs and his wife Terry (Sorensen) of Virginia Beach, Va., sister Stephanie (Hughs) Tusch of Mount Vernon, Wash., sister-in-law Karren Pasco of Las Vegas, Nev., former wife Susan Hughs of Salem, Ore., daughter Stacy Aguirre and sweetheart Dennis Zander of Glendive, daughter Yarrow King of Tucson, Ariz., son Tyler Hughs and his wife Allison McGillivray of Portland, Ore., cherished grandchildren Shanda, Boon and Hero and great-granddaughter Brooklyn “Buttons,” as well as beloved cousins, nieces and nephews and their kids. 
According to his wishes, a family memorial will be held this summer at the Hughs Lodge at Mott Place, his favorite place on Earth. Friends of Gene are warmly invited to share drinks, laughs and stories at the Broken Arrow in Deer Lodge, time and date to be announced.
Those wishing to make a charitable donation in Gene’s name can send it to the Bagdad Shrine Transportation Fund at 314 W. Park Street, Butte, MT 59701.
Gene Hughs was a good citizen, a patriot and a fine western gentleman. Despite his quiet modesty, to many he seemed larger than life. Now, to those who love him, he is free from all bounds. He is a giant.

Alex Jackson
Alex passed away on Tuesday, Jan 20, at the age of 78.  Alex was born on Nov. 8 1936 in Helena to Clarence and Theresa Jackson. He grew up in Missoula and attended St. Anthony School. In 1953 Alex joined the army, spending three years in Japan and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1956.
Alex worked as a journeyman mechanic for many years then spent 23 years working as a timber faller. He retired in 1999 after working 13 years in the maintenance dept at Missoula Public Schools. 
Alex and Ardy (Backus) were married Sept. 21, 1962 and together raised four children: Lorinda (James) Hunter, Jody (Doug) Maurer, Chris (Cori) Jackson, and Cathy (Glen) Pomeroy. Alex is survived by his wife, Ardy, his four children, 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  Alex was preceded in death by his mother and father and his three sisters and two brothers. 
Alex’s family would like to thank the staff at Deer Lodge Medical Center and the staff at Genesis Health Care in Butte for their loving care.
 Funeral services were at the First Baptist Church in Deer Lodge Saturday, January 24 at 11 a.m. with luncheon following.

Carol Arnold
Carol Arnold, passed away quietly in her sleep at the age of 77 Monday, January 19, 2015, after a long battle with cancer.
Carol was born on October 27, 1937, in Deer Lodge to Clarence and Esther Arnold.   Carol attended Deer Lodge Public Schools, graduating from Powell County High School in 1955.     In 1964 she moved to Los Angeles where she joined the Los Angeles Police Department in the Fingerprint Division.  Carol enjoyed a very successful 34-year career as a fingerprint expert, earning many awards, letters of commendation and promotion to Department Supervisor.  Carol left many wonderful friends behind to retire to her childhood home in Deer Lodge, far from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.
Once Carol returned home to Deer Lodge, she became active in many community activities, Rialto Theatre Foundation, the Powell County Weed Board, Red Cross Blood Drive, Friends of the Library, Deer Lodge Medical Center Auxiliary, and The Book Club among others.  Carol was a member of the Unity Church which brought her great spiritual comfort and fellowship.  Carol was a member at the Sun-up Gym and loved exercising with the “Gym Crew”.  She loved gardening, reading, cooking for the family, identifying wildflowers, and camping trips and adventures in her Volkswagen van “Winnie,” and most of all Carol loved people, especially children.  She loved to work the room at social events and gatherings.
Survivors include (sister) Donna Brown and family of Deer Lodge, (sister) Edith Flores and family of Santa Fe, N.M. and (brother) Gary Larson and family of Deer Lodge.  Carol also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews and their families.  Carol will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Services were be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 23, at the Jewell Funeral Home followed by cake and coffee at the Senior Citizen Center.   There was no graveside services.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Rialto Theatre, The Deer Lodge Library, and The Literacy Program.

Duane Thomas Logan Sr.
Duane Thomas Logan Sr., 71
After an admirable and courageous battle with cancer, Duane Thomas Logan Sr. passed away peacefully in his home on the family ranch with his wife and family by his side. 
Born in Anaconda to Alvin Logan and Thelma Perkins on June 28, 1943, Duane spent his life in Anaconda. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1961 and immediately after graduating from Anaconda High School in 1962 left home and served onboard the USS Ranger. In 1964 he joined the Reserves and after returning to Anaconda he went to work at the Montana State Hospital. Within a year he met and married his soul mate of 49 years, Kathy Meehan. They were blessed with three children and have always been a very close family. Duane was honorably discharged from the military in 1967.
In the summer of 1966 he started with the Anaconda Copper Mining Company and was promoted to foreman within five years. After the company closed in 1980, he returned to the Montana State Hospital as a psych tech until he retired.
Known for his serious demeanor and extremely dry sense of humor, Duane was a resilient outdoorsman at heart. He was happiest fishing, regardless of the time of year, four-wheeling, gold panning, gardening, hunting, camping, hiking to as many mountain lakes as he could find, and spending time with his family either on the ranch or at the cabin. Not one for sitting still, Duane loved to walk everywhere and would often shed hunt. When he wasn’t walking, he was camped on the couch watching football. 
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert, his sister Barbara Archdale, and his grandson Nate Logan.
He is survived by his wife Kathy, his son Duane Jr. “Logie” (wife Connie, children Jason (wife Amanda, son Logan), Kristen, and Jake of Anaconda), his daughter Melissa Wolter (husband David, children Matthew and Nicholas of Missoula), and his youngest son Marty (wife Andrea, children Connor and Alivia of Helena), his sister Darlene Reichen (husband Norman, children Justin and Montana of Grand Junction, Colo.), nephew Robbie Moccasin of Great Falls, his brothers-in-law Pat Meehan (and family of Helena) and Tim Meehan (wife Mary and family of Lost Creek), sister-in-law Christina Post (husband John and family of Burley, Idaho), and his walking partners Winnie and Peaches.
Celebration of life will be Saturday January 31, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Racetrack Fire Hall at 6959 S. Frontage Road so please stop by and share a memory. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in his name to Camp Mak-A-Dream, the charity of your choice, or plant a tree in his honor.
Dad, at the Pearly Gates please make sure you put that finger down and knock before you go in. We love you to the moon and back, fish on.
Axelson Alternative Cremation is privileged to serve The Logan Family. 

Vincent John Rogers
Vincent John Rogers, 88, went to join his wife, Marian on his birthday, January 1, 2015. He was born January 1, 1927 at Gold Creek, to John and Marguerite Rogers. He was the fifth of eight children. 
He attended school in Gold Creek and graduated from Powell County High School in Deer Lodge. He married Marian Mills in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho  in 1960. Marian predeceased him in 2008 after celebrating 48 years of marriage. 
Vincent was a carpenter by trade. Vincent and Marian spent many years traveling in their motorhome. They loved going for a ride in the mountains and picking huckleberries. 
Vincent was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, sisters, Josephine Mehr and Frances Lange, brothers, Albert, George and Tony. Vincent is survived by sisters, Veronica Rabel and Teresa Smith and many, many nieces and nephews. A special thank you to Harbor Crest Assisted Living staff. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Hennessey Funeral Home and Crematory, 1315 N. Pines Road, Spokane Valley,  with inurnment to follow at  Holy Cross Cemetery. To view Vincent’s online memorial please visit www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com. Services entrusted to Hennessey Funeral Home, Spokane Valley, Wash.

Keith L. Colbo
Keith L. Colbo was born on Monday, February 10, 1941 in Deer Lodge to Ken and Mary Colbo.  He died in the early morning Monday, January 12, 2015 in Missoula.
He completed grade school and high school in Deer Lodge attending Saint Mary’s Academy and Powell County High School.  He spent his youth climbing the mountains and fishing the waters around Deer Lodge and working for his parents at the family bowling alley. He left for Bozeman to earn his degree in Business at Montana State University in 1963.
He began his career in Helena in the Montana State Budget Office when there were only two employees.  He worked up to Assistant Budget Director appointed by Governor Tim Babcock, and shortly thereafter was appointed to Budget Director for Montana by Governor Forrest Anderson.  Under the Executive Reorganization Act of 1971, a new Department of Revenue was organized and Keith was appointed as the first Director of the Department of Revenue.  In 1974 the budget function for Montana was transferred to the new Department of Budget and Program Planning at which time Keith was again appointed as the first Director of this Department by Governor Thomas Judge.  His next position was Chief of Staff to Governor Judge.  After many years in this position, he was appointed as Director of Social and Rehabilitation Services and Director of Fish, Wildlife and Parks simultaneously.  In 1980 when Ted Schwinden was elected Governor, Keith headed his transition team and then again was appointed as Chief of Staff to the Governor.  Keith was then appointed to the new Northwest Power Planning Council ending his time with the Council as the Chairman.  Keith ended his 26 years of service with Montana State government as Director of the Department of Commerce.
In 1989 he started his own consulting business where he worked on a variety of issues for numerous clients first with his daughter Leslie then his wife Carole.
Keith was preceded in death by his parents Ken and Mary Colbo.  He is survived by his wife Carole, children James R. Thomson, Leslie K. Thomson (Tim), Brooke Colbo, Kel Colbo (Suzie), brother Ken Colbo (Judy), numerous grandchildren including Jamie Smith, who will present him with his first great-granddaughter, and Abbey Keith his buddy and golf partner, numerous nieces and nephews, and his good friends and in-laws Vickie Hoyt and Patrick Noble.
Keith was a quiet, gentle man with a sure sense of himself.  He lived a dignified life, a life that mattered, and was a source of intelligent wit and uncommon wisdom.  He had an avid need to read, a love of possibilities and was driven to play the game of golf.
Keith wanted to leave in a quiet fashion and decided there should not be a memorial service.  Thank you to all who entered his life in the last few years and made it better than it would have been without you.  Keith loved animals found them eternally fascinating.  He would have been grateful to any donation to support the welfare of animals.
“You will begin to touch heaven in the moment you touch perfect speed, and that is not flying a thousand miles an hour or a million or flying the speed of light.  Because any number is a limit and perfection doesn’t have limits.  Perfect speed is being there.”   JLS

Connie Clawson
Connie Clawson, age 66, a lifetime resident of Anaconda passed from this life into the next on January 14, 2015.  Connie was born on March 1, 1948, to Perry and Emma (Martin) Clawson.  Her parents died tragically in an automobile accident when Connie was five and she and her brother Perry were raised by their maternal grandparents, Jim and Emma Martin.
Connie attended Daly and Washington Grade schools and graduated from Anaconda Senior High School in 1966.  She dreamed of becoming a florist after graduation, but had to give that dream up when she discovered she was allergic to most flowers.  Instead Connie went to work for Anaconda School District #10 as a special education aide in Nancy Keenan’s classroom; a job she loved.
After leaving the school district Connie opened a daycare with her friends Dee Dee and Donna O’Brien.  They provided care to literally hundreds of kids over the next 30 years and many of those kids and their families are numbered among Connie’s closest friends.  After closing the daycare Connie worked briefly for AWARE until an injury forced her into early retirement.
After her retirement Connie left the family home on West Fourth and moved into Hearthstone Apartments.  As always Connie found ways to serve others at Hearthstone as a member of the Board of Directors, as President of the Residents’ Council, and as a great friend to all of the residents and staff.
Connie was a long time member of the Anaconda Church of Christ.  She loved attending services, Bible studies, special events, and especially the annual Christmas “Lie, Cheat, and Steal” gift exchange.  She served as the volunteer secretary for the church and taught Sunday school classes and Vacation Bible School classes for years.  Connie also cooked for Junior High Camps at Yellowstone Bible Camp for several years and for several Libby Youth Events.  Families and children from across Montana and the Northwest remember Connie with a great deal of love and respect for the kind and compassionate friend and servant she always was.
Connie is preceded in death by her parents and her grandparents, by her brother Perry Jim Clawson, by her adopted brother Bob O’Brien, and by her co-worker, Donna O’Brien.  She is survived by her close friends Linda Smith, Mike and Gloria O’Rourke, Trena Vollmer, Dee Dee O’Brien Smith, her “little brother” Jason Rucker, her adopted sister Margie O’Brien, and her cohort at Hearthstone Mike Murphy, as well as by all her brothers and sisters at the church and by her dear friends at Hearthstone and all over the Northwest.  In her life she taught us about compassionate service and stalwart faith. In her death she is victorious. 
A memorial service for Connie was held at the Church of Christ on the corner of Washoe and Evergreen at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 17.  A celebration of life and memories followed.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Church of Christ in Anaconda. 
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home is entrusted with Connie’s funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.

Robert Milton Reno
Robert Milton Reno, 77, passed away in his Reno, Nev. home on January 5, 2015.  Bob was born in Virginia City, Nev. on December 29, 1937 to Harold C. Reno and Mabel Mae (Salmonsen) Reno.  
He was raised by his aunt and uncle, Anna and Frank Hunter, and known as Robert (Bob) Hunter in his childhood and youth.  Bob grew up in Montana and graduated from Powell County High School in 1956 along with his cousin, Thomas Miller, who now resides north of Deer Lodge.  In high school, Bob was an excellent swimmer and was well liked.
Bob attended the University of Nevada for several years studying engineering.  He worked as an electrician for the Southern Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads for 31 years.  In his early years he worked for Otis Elevators, was a tool maker for the Boeing Corporation, a navigator in the United States Air Force.  While serving in the Peace Corps, he established leather factories in Pakistan.  
He was a dedicated member of the Church of Latter-day Saints, serving a mission to the southern states.  He was known for his love of reading, teaching his family, enjoying nature, building and figuring out how things work.
Bob is survived by Carol, his loving wife of nearly 42 years, and 11 children:  John (Fatima), Hans (Marcy), Rebecca (Heath) Workman, Charles (Kristina), Martha (Richard) Turley, Joseph (Megan), Antone, Sarah (Cody) Lindstrom, Peter (Mandy), Catherine (Mario) DeBruyn, Francis (Rebecca), and 25 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at the LDS Chapel, 1095 Golconda Drive, in Reno on Friday, January 23 at 1 p.m.

Harb Anderson Whitwell
Montana State Prison inmate Harb Anderson Whitwell #3004141  died on Tuesday, January 13, 2014 from an extended illness.  
Inmate Whitwell was sentenced out of Sanders County for the crimes of Sexual Assault and Sexual Abuse of Children receiving a 40 year sentence. His parole eligibility date was 5-1-2026.   His discharge date was 4-25-2049.

Richard Frank “Dick” Labbe Sr.
Richard Frank “Dick” Labbe Sr. , 1928-2014.
Richard Frank “Dick” Labbe Sr. passed away December 23, 2014 after a long battle with congestive heart failure. Dick was brought in to this world on July 4, 1928, in Missoula, the son of Edmund and Regina Stoll Labbe. While still a young boy, he lived in Missoula, Bonner, and Anaconda before finally settling in Deer Lodge, a community he dearly loved and lived in for most of the rest of his life. A few years after graduating from Powell County High School, Dick married Ruth Lorraine Trask and together they raised their five children: Richard, Allan, Margaret, John, and Nancy.  They enjoyed 50 years together until Ruth’s untimely passing in 2001. 
While still in high school, Dick started working for the Milwaukee Railroad, a career that spanned nearly 40 years giving birth to countless tales of friends, adventures, and memories that still endure as part of his legacy. During his days on the Milwaukee, the family moved for short periods of time to Harlowton and later Miles City.  He greatly treasured the challenges of his days on the Milwaukee. Anyone who spent any time with him (sometimes only five minutes) would be regaled with tales of derailments, bad weather and worse food, and memorable co-workers that made an otherwise dangerous profession an absolute joy. 
From the earliest days, Dick had an undying devotion to his family and the community of Deer Lodge.  In the 1950s as President of the Jaycee’s he was instrumental in the development of the Jaycee Park in Deer Lodge, as well as countless other projects that were part of what made for a vibrant family oriented community. Dick also served as scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 33 for more years than can be counted, taking three generations of young men on countless camping, fishing, and backpacking excursions. 
Civic duty and leadership were important to Dick. He served on the Deer Lodge City Council in some capacity for over four decades. After retiring from the railroad in 1982, he served as the city judge for several years before becoming mayor, a position he occupied for 12 years. He served as chairman of the Red Cross Blood Drive for 20 years, was past president of the Deer Lodge Country Club and served as a member of several organizations including the Elks, Kiwanis, and Rotary Club. Dick was especially proud of his time working on the Upper Clark Fork Confluence Board helping restore the waters of the river and the watershed itself. It is also worth noting his participation and past presidency of the Rusty Zipper Coffee Club, a title one gets when one gets stuck for paying the tab more often than the rest! The friendships that Dick enjoyed over the years will endure in our hearts and memories forever. 
An avid outdoorsman, Dick enjoyed the hunting and fishing opportunities that abound in Montana. He especially enjoyed fishing the waters and tributaries of Rock Creek Lake where he spent as much time as possible at his beloved cabin. Dick’s hobbies included tying flies and building custom-made fly rods which he gave as gifts to friends, family, and especially grandchildren. He greatly loved fishing whether it be from the bank, the boat, or through the ice. Amazingly, most Labbe family vacations and outings had some type of fishing or hunting activity involved! Hunting as well was a passion for Dick and he hunted well into the twilight of his life. His family and friends fondly remember hunting trips up and down the mountains surrounding the Deer Lodge Valley. 
Dick is preceded in death by his wife Ruth, sister Genevieve Collings, brother Raymond Labbe, granddaughter Taylor Cearley, and numerous brothers and sisters-in law. He is survived by his brothers Don Labbe of California and Jim (Josephine) Labbe of Turah, son Richard Jr. of Helena, son Allan (Kari) of Superior, daughter Margaret (Tom) McGillvray of Billings, son John (Nancy) of Meridian, Idaho, and daughter Nancy (Jim) Cearley of Lolo. Additional survivors include 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren as well as countless nephews and nieces and other relatives scattered around the planet. 
A celebration of Dick’s life was held at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Deer Lodge at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2014. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Powell County Community Foundation, PO Box 834, Deer Lodge, Mt., 59722.

Death Notice: Gene G. Hughs Jr.
Gene G. Hughs Jr. passed away on January 9, 2015 at the age of 73.  Gene worked in the auto parts business for 50 years and retired as owner of DL Auto Supply in Deer Lodge.  A full remembrance of Gene will appear at a later date.

Aspyn Jayne Weston
Aspyn Jayne Weston was born still on October 3, 2014 at 4:36 p.m. She lived contently in her mother’s womb, kicking and posing for ultrasound pictures until she was called to live with Jesus at 20 weeks.  She was born to Malinda Jane Weston McKinnon at Community Hospital of Missoula. 
Aspyn is preceded in death by her grandfather Jerry Wayne Weston of Butte.  She joins her brothers/sisters baby Chris McKinnon (2000), and baby Sam Weston Toquero (2012) who are resting with Jesus and his angels. 
She is survived by her mother, Malinda Jane Weston McKinnon, her big sister Jordyn Raye McKinnon, her big brother Ashyr Wayne McKinnon, and half-brothers/sisters.  Also mourning Aspyn are her grandmother, Brenda Weston of Butte, aunts and uncles Amanda and Nelson Bohrer of Deer Lodge, Bonnie and Dennis O’Donnell of Butte, and Shelby Stroup of Butte, godparents Tami (Molendyke) Fowler and Jeremiah Fowler of Deer Lodge, and numerous cousins. 
Cremation has taken place. Funeral services will be held at the Depot Church in Deer Lodge on Saturday January 10, 2015 at 7 p.m. 

Freda Mae Dunsworth Indreland
Freda Mae Dunsworth Indreland, loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, was called home Sunday morning December 28, 2014, while in Butte, at the Mariposa Memory Care Unit of Big Sky Senior Living Center.  She had been residing there since February of 2014.
Freda Mae was born June 5, 1939, in Manter, Kans., in the back of a sheepherder’s wagon during a dust storm to loving and proud parents Ruby and Freddy Dunsworth.  That adventurous beginning predicted her life.
She attended school in La Junta, Colo., with the Class of 1957.  However, on July 17, 1955 she married Rasmus Indreland.  Raising four children she followed R.E. around the country during his service in the U. S. Air Force and afterwards working for government agencies.  She went back to school and finished in Moscow, Idaho in 1966.
Freda Mae and R.E. finally “took roots” in Deer Lodge in the early 1970s, at which time she informed R.E. that she was not moving anymore, “I’m done!”  Freda opened a store on Main Street in Deer Lodge named for herself, “Freda Mae’s.”  She sold clothes, and some hand crafting supplies.  She also did custom alterations, tailoring and sewing services.
Freda was an exceptional seamstress and excelled in many handcrafts, and willing to learn new ones.  She also taught numerous friends and family members how to do the different crafts that she could do.  Many friends and family have her creations.  She truly loved to sew and create.  She especially loved it on the only machine she would use, an antique Singer Treadle sewing machine.
Freda Mae went back to Colorado to live for a short time with brother Leroy and sister Thelma from January 2012 to December 2012.  In December she moved back to Montana to stay with her daughter and son-in-law, Lois and Jim Frazer.
She is preceded in death by the “Old Boy” (Rasmus Indreland) as well as daughters, Sarah Ann and Lori Louis.
She is survived by brother, Leroy Dunsworth, of Springfield, Colo., as well as sisters Thelma and Louise, both of Colo.; daughter, Lois Frazer (Jim) of Whitehall, and son, R.E. (Ella) Indreland of Butte; numerous nephews, nieces, 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Services were held January 2, 2015, at 11 a.m. at the Deer Lodge Assembly of God Church.  A reception followed.  Internment was in the Community Cemetery in Lennep, on Saturday, January 3, 2015.

Ralph Lee Allen
Ralph Lee Allen, 77, of Ovando, died on December 24, at his home in Missoula. He died at peace and in comfort, of complications due to pulmonary fibrosis. Ralph was born in Twin Falls, Idaho on May 11, 1937 to Clyde and Roma Allen.  He graduated from Filer High School in 1955 and then served four years in the U.S. Coast Guard. A good portion of those years was spent on the ice breaker, “The Northwind” clearing paths in the ice for the Navy from the Arctic to the Antarctic Oceans.  Ralph was very proud of his military service.  
In 1959 he went to Carroll College in Helena, graduating in 1961 with degrees in biology and chemistry.  He received his Master’s degree in biology in 1963 from Oregon State University. For the next four years Ralph taught high school science and was awarded the Distinguished Science Educator of Montana in 1966.  Ralph completed his Ph.D. in biology and science teaching in 1970 from The University of Oregon. 
Ralph served as a professor of biology and science education at the University of Montana from 1970-1979.  He took a break from the University to serve as Superintendent of Schools in Pelican, Alaska.  His years in Alaska were marked with adventure and learning.  These years renewed Ralph’s commitment to education in general and particularly environmental education and education for Native peoples.  In 1990, Ralph returned to The University of Montana and his science education teaching position, finishing out his career there in 1999.  For the last 15 years of his life, Ralph enjoyed his family and his grandchildren, a little bit of traveling, and horseback riding on his Ovando Ranch, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, and The Blackfoot Valley.  He loved having friends over for dinners, cross-country ski trips, and getting Christmas trees with the sled and team.  Friends were drawn to Ralph and the infectious joy of his spirit.  The mischievous and delightful twinkle in his eye was there to the very end.  He loved and was loved deeply. His commitment to education and environmental awareness never waned.  The Library at the Montana Natural History Center was named “The Ralph Lee Allen Library” in his honor.  
Ralph is survived by his wife Marian McKenna Allen, his three children, son Ben Allen, (Lisa Straight) of New York, and his daughters, Beth Mow, (Mark Mow) of Juneau, Alaska, and Laura Lee Hoffman, (Joel Hoffman) of Talkeetna, Alaska; three sisters, Rita Mae Donovan, (Walter Donovan) of Boise, Idaho, Margret Harris, (Ken Harris) of Portland, Ore., and Nadine Miller, (Tom Miller) of Spokane, Wash. and three grandchildren.  A fourth grandchild is expected in the spring. Ralph’s interests and support went to the Montana Environmental Information Center, The Montana Natural History Center, and The Natural Resources Defense Council.  
Memorial services and a life celebration are planned for the spring.