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.