Helen Elizabeth Greany Gill
Helen Gill, 1924-2015.
Helen Elizabeth Greany Gill died Feb.16, 2015 at the Touchmark Assisted Living Facility surrounded by her family.
Helen was born March 26, 1924 in Hudson, Iowa to William and Gertrude Greany. Her family moved to Montana in 1938. She graduated from Elliston High School in 1942 and then attended Missoula Business College. Her brother Byron assisted Helen in obtaining her first job in Fort Peck. After Fort Peck she moved to Utah and began government service at the Ogden Arsenal, Ogden, as a Clerk Stenographer. In 1944 she transferred to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada working in the personnel department for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Her job was to interview applicants seeking employment on the Alcan Highway. In 1945 the Alcan Highway was sold to the Canadian Government and Helen elected to return to Montana.
From 1945-1949 Helen worked as a Clerk Stenographer in the Registrar of Motor Vehicle Office, Deer Lodge, where she met her husband to be, Edward. From 1949-1983 she served as County Executive Director in the County ASCS office, Deer Lodge. The ASCS is a division of the Department of Agriculture.
On August 28,1948 she married Edward “Chub” Gill at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Anaconda, and they enjoyed 66 years together. In 1958, they were blessed with a son, Edward Gill Jr. 
Helen was active in her church, served as director of the Woman’s Club, managed  the “New To You” Thrift Store and was an active city council member. Her contributions to the Deer Lodge community were many. When not volunteering she enjoyed sewing, golfing, snow skiing, playing a good game of cards, spending time at their Hauser Lake property, baking lots of incredible chocolate chip cookies and spoiling her two grandsons. 
Helen was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Dan.
Survivors are Edward, her husband; a son, Edward Gill Jr. (Kathy) of Shoreline, Wash.; grandsons, Matthew of Washington DC and Marcus of Shoreline; Helen’s sister, Regina of Billings, and brothers Paul of Drummond, Byron of Spokane, Wash., and Dick of Rapid City, S.D.
Helen loved her family, particularly keeping track of everyone (including 23 nieces and nephews). She also loved the Deer Lodge community, which she was a vibrant part of for so many wonderful years. Helen will be forever in our hearts. A big thank you to the Touchmark staff for their kind and loving care and to Rocky Mountain Hospice for their care and compassion in Helen’s final days. A special thank you to Mark and Jim White for their ongoing help and kindnesses over the past few years.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Jewell Funeral Home. 
Memorials may be sent to Immaculate Conception Church, 605 Clark Street, Deer Lodge, MT, 59722 or donor’s choice.    

Death notice: Debra Nelson
Debra Nelson, 52 of Anaconda passed away on February 14 in the Anaconda Community Hospital. At her request cremation has taken place. A memorial service and obituary will be published at a later date.

Lois Oglesbee Aaby
Lois Oglesbee Aaby born September 5, 1934 to Ernest and Eva Oglesbee in Boyd. When Lois was 16 years old she married the love of her life Dale Aaby. Together they had an adventurous life living wherever Dale’s work took them until 1959 when they settled in the Helena area. In 1997 they moved to the Deer Lodge Valley to enjoy the retirement life spending most of their time camping and fishing. She lived in the Deer Lodge Valley until she passed away on February 9, 2015.
Lois was proceeded in death by both her parents, husband Dale, and six siblings. Lois is survived by two sisters Laura and Ruth, three children Donna Foley of Clancy, Larry (Daryl) Aaby of East Helena, and Glenna (Barney) Hedges of Deer Lodge,  nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, one great-grandchild on the way, two great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild on the way as well as many nieces and nephews.
Lois will be dearly missed by all her family and friends.
A memorial service for Lois will be held Saturday, February 21, 2015 at Jewell Funeral Home at 11 a.m. in Deer Lodge.

Joseph Patrick “Pat” McGillis
Joseph Patrick “Pat” McGillis (1944 – 2015) died Thursday, February 12, 2015, in Missoula of complications from a stroke suffered two weeks earlier.
Pat was born August 1, 1944, to George F. and Ethel J. McGillis in Deer Lodge, where he grew up and spent most of his life. He graduated from Powell County High School in 1962 and from the University of Montana in 1966.  He went on to attend graduate school at Stanford University, where he earned a degree in physical therapy in 1967.  Pat remained a loyal fan of the Grizzlies and the Cardinal sports programs, attending many cold and snowy football games at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
In 1966, Pat married his beloved, Carol Ann Donich. They had grown up together and were to stay together for 48 years until the day of his death. In 1970, they had their first child, Erin Kathleen (McGillis) Beck, and later in 1980, their son and Pat’s namesake, Joseph Patrick McGillis, II. Nothing meant more to Pat than his family.
Pat’s heart’s desire was to fly airplanes. Though his country was embroiled in the War in Vietnam, he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1967, and he and Carol spent a year in Texas where Pat attended flight school. He spent five years in the Air Force, which included a tour of duty in Vietnam from 1970-1971. For Pat, the horrors of war were compounded by being so far from Carol and their new baby daughter Erin, missing her first words, her first steps, a loss he felt the rest of his life.
After the Air Force, Pat returned to Deer Lodge and opened his practice, Powell County Physical Therapy, where he worked until his retirement in 2010. Two of Pat’s most notable traits – his innate kindness and his Irish stubbornness – served him well as a therapist and as a friend. Pat never said no to a friend who needed help, he never gave up on a patient.
Pat was preceded in death by his parents, George McGillis and Ethel McGillis, and his sister-in-law, Marikae Kinross-Wright (2012). He is survived by his wife Carol Ann, and their daughter and son-in-law, Erin and Andy Beck of Missoula, their son, Joe and daughter-in-law Jenny Wilz, also of Missoula; grandchildren Drew Beck, now attending MSU-Bozeman, and Adam Beck; Keaton Patrick McGillis; his brother-in-law, Fred Donich (wife, Kitty); sister-in-law, Kathy Lantz (husband, Jeff); nephews A.J. Donich (Portland), John Marshall Donich (Kansas City); nieces Albee Donich Willett (Bozeman), Hillary Lantz Monastra and Beth Lantz (Fredericksburg); his brother Michael and nieces Cindy and Eileen, great nieces and nephews, Story Donich (John), Brooke & Hudson Willett, and Caleb Mosastra. 
Memorial services were Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Deer Lodge. Memorials can be made to Powell County Medical Foundation or donor’s choice.

James Bronson Werner
James Bronson Werner, 51, passed away January 29, 2015 at Saint Patrick’s Hospital where he spent his time trying to recover from liver failure.  James was a man with many hobbies.  He enjoyed cooking, spending time with family, watching NASCAR and driving truck.
James was born in Mt. Saint Helens, Wash. on December 9, 1963 to Joy Bronson and Abe Werner.  James was the youngest of four children.  He is survived by his sister, Jackie, and brothers, John and Jerry.  Fourteen years after his birth his mother, Joy, passed, at that time Jan and Duane Sanford raised him as one of their own.
When James was 25 he married Laura Rochon and later had three children, Chris, Becky and Jamilyn.  In 1998, James moved his family to Montana where he continued to watch them grow.  At the young age of 51, James was blessed with six grandchildren.  Jazmin and Jaired from daughter Becky, of Wyoming.  Oscar and Otto from Chris and Brody, and Bailey from Jamilyn, both of Deer Lodge.
James will continue on with his late mother and father, Uncle Duane and cousin Jeff.  Come join our celebration of life luncheon on February 21, 2015, at 11 a.m. in the Pioneer Room at the Broken Arrow.

William Larry Weaver
Montana State Prison inmate William Larry Weaver #3005579 (DOB:  7-12-59) died on Wednesday, February 11, 2015.  
 Inmate Weaver was transported to the hospital by ambulance.  His death was unexpected and an autopsy will be performed by the state medical examiner.  No foul play was suspected.    
Inmate Weaver was serving a sentence of life for the crime of Deliberate Homicide, committed with a dangerous weapon.  He fell out of Missoula County.

Elmer E. Funk
Elmer E. Funk, a long-time resident of Deer Lodge, passed away in the comfort of his home on Tuesday, January 20.  A family memorial and interment will take place at a later date in the veterans section at Hillcrest Cemetery, Deer Lodge.  
Elmer was born in Montevallo, Miss. on October 4, 1923.  His family relocated to Wyoming where he completed eighth grade, before he had to drop out to help on the family farm. Elmer married his sweetheart, Gloria Chapman, in Billings, just five days before he left to serve with the Army during WWII from 1944-1946.  Elmer trained at Camp Callen, Calif., as an anti-aircraft gunner.  He was stationed in England and converted to an infantryman in the infantry division of “The Big Red One” in preparation for D Day.  Elmer landed in Normandy and walked through France and Belgium to Germany.  As a part of his service, Elmer was chosen as a member of the Honor Guard for General Patton’s funeral and served as a courier at the Nuremburg Trials until his return stateside and final discharge. Military honors included Combat Infantry Badge, European Theater Service, Meritorious Unit Citation, and the Cross of Lorraine.
Throughout his lifetime, Elmer was a hardworking family man.  The list of his employment included working on farms, in oil fields, truck driving, mining, and laboring at local phosphate plants.  An industrial accident in 1968 provided Elmer with the opportunity to fulfill his life-long dream of earning his High School Equivalency.  Always a firm believer in education, he continued studying during his recuperation, receiving a certification in drafting from MT Tech.  Upon his recovery, Elmer began a new career as a correctional officer at Montana State Prison.  He retired from his Sergeant’s position in 1988.
Elmer was an active and patriotic community member.  Among the many projects for which Elmer happily volunteered were the building of the Senior Citizen building, installing the Veterans’ Memorial at the Powell County Courthouse, attending every military funeral as a member of the Honor Guard, performing duties as a Commander of American Legion Post #10, speaking at area schools on flag etiquette, and grilling burgers for the Deer Lodge Wranglers Legion baseball games.
Dad liked to ice skate and roller skate.  In his later years, snowmobiling became a favorite pastime.  He loved to build, care for his yard, and play with his kids and grandkids.
Elmer is survived by his wife of 70 years, Gloria, son Terrance Funk and his wife Jean of Billings, daughter Gloria Jean Albers of Soda Springs, Idaho, sister-in-law Georgetta Flyr of Casper, Wyo., grandchildren Kristie, Jennifer, and Shannon, and six precious great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Esther Funk, brother Eugene, sisters Maxine Weiser and Lois Jennings.
In his youth, Elmer had dreamed of becoming a pilot. Dad, you finally have your wings.
The family wishes to thank the staffs at Frontier Home Health and Hospice, the Powell County Sheriff’s Department and Deer Lodge City Police, the Powell County Council on Aging, and the Deer Lodge Medical Center for their dedicated care, compassion and assistance to Elmer and Gloria.  We would also like to thank Joe and Kim Lombardi, Jim and Roni Wangerin, Dodie Rennfield, and all our wonderful neighbors and friends for their loving kindness and support throughout Elmer’s time of need. 
Memorials, if desired, may be sent to Friends of Hospice, 1940 Dewey Blvd, Butte, MT 59701 or American Legion Post #10, 744 Conestoga Lane, Deer Lodge, MT 59722.

Lance Newman
Lance Newman, age 54, of Elliston died from a snowmobile accident Saturday morning February 7, 2015. 
Lance Michael Newman was born on March 6, 1960, in Helena to Dan Newman and Deanna Mack Newman.  In 1978 he graduated from Capital High School.  
In 1979 he served as assistant pro at Green Meadow Golf Club under Ron Mendicino where he worked to establish a Junior Golf League.  The following year he began an apprenticeship with the PGA under Mike Stoltz, while teaching beginning golf at Carroll College.  Continuing his work with the PGA he was transferred to the Great Falls Country Club.  During the winter months he gained several certificates in sports marketing, golf course management and golf course business administration.  In 1983, Lance worked as an assistant pro in Seattle, Wash. and a short time later, Lance went to Red Bluff, Calif. to further his career in the PGA.  Upon his certification as a Class A teaching pro with the PGA, he began as a club professional in Carmel, Calif., at the 36 hold Rancho Granada course located along the famous “17-mile” drive.  With a desire to return to Montana, lance was hired as the first pro at the Fox Ridge Golf Course in Helena.  After a 10 year career with the PGA, Lance retired from professional golf, although until his passing it remained one of his favorite pastimes.
Later he followed his family’s footsteps joining the Montana labor movement where he served as a field coordinator for the Montana State AFL-CIO’s dislocated worker program in Glasgow, Great Falls, Missoula and Butte.  Lance was an active member of Local 1686 Laborers International Union.  In the last years of Lance’s life, he worked on various pipeline and public works projects throughout the state.  He held his union brothers and sisters in the highest regard and gave the cause of the labor movement one of his utmost respect and loyalty.  
Lance enjoyed hunting, fishing and played golf any chance he got.  His happiest times were outdoors on skis, riding a snowmobile or working on a cabin built on his family’s mining claim south of Elliston. He also treasured a very special relationship with his mother, Deanna. Her happiness and wellbeing were always at the forefront of his thoughts.  Lance spent his last night at this place where he found his greatest peace and happiness under a full moon with his closest friends doing what he loved:  riding a snowmobile as fast as the engine would allow and getting one last great chance to push the envelope.  
Lance is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents John and Andre Mack, Butte, and paternal grandparents Dave and Elve Newman, Elliston.
Lance is survived by his mother, Deanna Andre Mack, of Helena, father, Dan Newman (Lisa) of Elliston, brothers Brad Newman (Darla) and River Newman of Butte and sister  Dava Newman (Gui Trotti) of Cambridge, Mass. along with nieces Caitlin Newman, Michaela Newman (Ian Hochstein), nephew Joe Newman and great-niece Clara Hochstein. 
A memorial service celebrating Lance’s life will be 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at the Elliston Gymnasium. Burial of his cremated remains will follow in the Elliston Cemetery. A reception will then follow in the Gymnasium. In lieu of flowers memorials in Lance’s name are suggested to the Helena Snow Drifters Club or the Elliston Cemetery Association. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Lance.

Chris Hiltz
Chris Hiltz passed peacefully away from an on going illness, Monday, February 2, 2015, surrounded by the love of his children, grandchildren and wife.
Chris was born April 11, 1941 to Edward and Alvina Hiltz.  He grew up in Whitehall, where he attended school.
In 1963, Chris enlisted in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge in 1967.
On December 14, 1968, Chris married his sweetheart, Judy Sinerius.  They settled in Deer Lodge calling Powell County home for 46 years.  Together they raised their five children.
Chris worked for Cominco American as a miner for more than 24 years until its closing.  Then he went to work for Northern Energy Propane until he retired in 2004.
Chris loved life and was eager to help or give support to family or friends when it was needed, but most of all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were often the focus of his enthusiasm and joy.  His heart was often lifted when they would make their presence and he saw to it that they, too, always had a smile.  He was often adopted as grandpa by so many others outside the family and he always stated the, “I’m grandpa to all these kids, if they need one.”  And he loved the part!
Chris is preceded in death by his son, Brian Hiltz, his parents and four brothers and one sister.  
He is survived by his wife, Judy Hiltz, and his children, Jeff and Silvia Hiltz of Heber Springs, Ark.; Jim and Corina Hiltz, Francine and Tim Denty, Lorna Mollenberg, all of Deer Lodge; grandchildren, Jonathan Hiltz, Jessica Meagher, Ashley Lagasse, Logan Denty Hiltz, Bryant Hiltz, Mathew Denty, Dan Denty, Jeremy Tate, Georgia Hiltz, Keith Hiltz, Frank Hiltz and Jordan Mollenberg, and six great-grandchildren.

Wayne George Olmstead
Wayne George Olmstead passed away January 30, 2015, due to natural causes while doing what he loved; snowmobiling with his family.
Wayne was born August 11, 1940 in Shelby, to May and Elmer Olmstead.  He was the youngest of five children.  From the humblest of beginnings, he spent his childhood in Ponca City, Okla.  His family moved to Kalispell where he graduated from high school in 1959.  Understanding the value of hard work, Wayne worked his way through school at his brother’s logging company by day and setting bowling pins at night.  He went on to earn his bachelor of science in chemistry from Montana State College in Bozeman.  While at college, Wayne met Marlene Lynn Lightfoot, who was attending Montana State University in Missoula through the Square Dance Club.  It was love at first sight.  A year later they were married and remained so for 52 years.
After college, Wayne served his country at the Atomic Energy Commission in Idaho Falls.  He was transferred to the United States Geological Service in Albany, New York, where Wayne and Marlene lived for almost a year before Montana called him home.  He went to work as a chemist for Rocky Mountain Phosphate.  It was at this time that Wayne and Marlene had their first child, Tammy.  They were then transferred to Kalispell with the Anaconda Aluminum Company, where their second child, Kyle, was born.  In 1968, the family moved back to Deer Lodge where Wayne worked a variety of jobs, including Rocky Mountain Phosphate, City of Deer Lodge Water Department, and then the Montana Bureau of Mines in Butte.  He started his business, Mount Powell Labs, in 1975 and continued to operate it up until the day of his passing.
Wayne will always be remembered as a hardworking man who loved his family.  He was happiest in the outdoors; hunting, camping, fishing and snowmobiling.
Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and May, his siblings, Amos, Ben, Alan, Nelly, and his niece, Sherry.  
Wayne is survived by his wife, Marlene; his daughter, Tammy (John) Perkins of Deer Lodge; his son, Kyle (Rena) Olmstead of Spirit Lake, Idaho.  He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a huge extended family (you all know who you are).
A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held Friday, February 6, at Ben’s Arena in Deer Lodge from 4 to 6 p.m.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Powell County Senior Center, P.O. Box 365, Deer Lodge, Montana 59722.