Frederick (Fred) W. Balkovetz
Frederick William Balkovetz, (October 15, 1936 - February 15, 2018).
Frederick  (Fred) W. Balkovetz, age 81, died at his home in Hoover, Ala., surrounded by his family.  Fred was preceded in death by his parents George and Sally (Fullwood) Balkovetz, sister Virginia Maxine Balkovetz Schaub, daughter Virginia Marie Balkovetz and grandson Thomas Daniel Balkovetz.  Fred is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Pfohl Balkovetz, sons Lt. Colonel (ret) William Russell Balkovetz and Dr. Daniel Frederick Balkovetz (Mary), and grandchildren Amy, Carolyn, Ann and David Balkovetz.
Fred was born in Sheridan and raised in Twin Bridges.  He graduated, with honors, from Montana State University on a ROTC scholarship.  Following graduation, he entered the United States Army to begin an honorable 25-year career achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel.  
During Fred’s distinguished military career, he served two tours of duty during the Vietnam War and one overseas tour as an advisor to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. During his first tour in Vietnam, he served with the Military Assistance Command Vietnam.      In his second tour he was the operations officer for the military base at Long Binh.    His heroic service during the Vietnam War earned him the coveted Combat Infantryman’s Badge, two Bronze Star Medals, the Soldier’s Medal, and the Air Medal.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014) or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105).

​Joshua A. Ehlert
Joshua A. Ehlert grew his wings February 5, and spent his final moments in the arms of his loving wife Samantha.
They first met in 2000 and were later married December 18, 2004. It was love at first sight, they found their soulmates in each other. Together they brought three boys into the world, Maximus, Michael and Malachi. Josh always said his life was competed the day his boys were born. He was always jumping at the chance to teach them something new.
He loved being outdoors and was often off on an adventure with his best friend Chad Wenz. He shared that love with his boys, he taught them to hunt, fish, and enjoy nature. His greatest passion was his family, he always did everything he could to make sure they were loved, happy, and well cared for. When Josh spoke of his wife and boys you could always see the love in his eyes and hear it in his voice.
He was a perfectionist and it showed in everything he did, especially his work. He started construction when he was 14 years old and worked many years at the Beck ranch, he loved his cows. He was also an avid animal rescuer and passed that onto his boys, they rescued many animals over the years.
He will be deeply missed and never forgotten, forever in our hearts.
He is survived by his wife Samantha Richie/Ehlert, his boys Maximus Ehlert, Michael Ehlert, and Malachi Ehlert. His mother Kristine Ehlert, his father Frank Johnson, stepmother Amy Johnson, and brother Frankie Johnson. Also numerous other relatives.
He is proceeded in death by his grandfather Duane Ehlert, uncle Hugh Ehlert, grandmother Karen Ehlert, and grandmother Clare.
His funeral will be held at First Baptist Church on Sam Beck Road in Deer Lodge, February 23 at 1 p.m.

Death Notice: John D. Coates
John D. Coates passed away on February 15, 2018 at home in Bend, Ore.
John was born on November 23, 1930 in Deer Lodge. He was a graduate of PCHS in 1948.
He is survived by his wife Nancy of Bend, Ore. and son Dan of Gilbert, Ariz.
Services will be held in Bend in March and burial will be sometime this summer at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge.

Dorothy Anne Sinerius
On February 8th, our precious mother, grandmother, grandma-great, aunt, and friend Dorothy Anne Sinerius left this earth to meet her Savior, three children, one grandson and husband and many others who had gone on before. Dorothy was born on July 24, 1930 in Butte to her parents Ivar and Annette Carlson.  She was raised in Butte and attended schools there through eighth grade.  Her fondest memories were of walking or taking the bus up to the beautiful Columbia Gardens and enjoying her friends and having fun.  She always commented on how much she missed going there. They moved to Hamilton, and she attended high school there.
On November 16, 1946 she married Austin Hilton.  She was welcomed into the Hilton family with open arms and was treated as one of the family who taught her how to cook and later to care for her children.  She was still considered part of the Hiltons even after she and Austin divorced. Together they had three children, Austin (Bob), Beverly, and David. They lived in several Montana towns and ended up in Deer Lodge.
She married Henry (Mike) Sinerius on November 2, 1963 in Deer Lodge. Together they had one child, Lorri Ann. Before Mike passed, they discovered another daughter, Patti Jo Hellmann-Sinerius. Dorothy loved her as one of her own, and they had a special bond together and blessed each other over these last several years. Mike and Dorothy bought their first home on Main St. in 1967 and were so proud to have their little “sugar shack.” With love and hard work they made their little home into a cute little cottage that brightens up that block with charm and character.  She loved her home and wanted to live there until she passed. She reached that goal, and we are so proud of her.
Dorothy worked several places in Deer Lodge but ended up working in the kitchen at the Deer Lodge schools.  She enjoyed her job and the people she worked with. She worked there until she retired. They made most every thing from scratch back then and served wonderful meals.
She faithfully served her church, Deer Lodge Assembly, in many capacities over the years.  The longest lasting one that she worked on almost to her last day was making beautiful and unique birthday cards for all the women in the church for the monthly birthday luncheon which she and her friend Elsie Bauman started many years ago.  Recently, her friend Mabelle Thompson helped her get many made ahead. Ladies have been blessed and enjoy and cherish those cards.
Friends abound in her life which has helped her with the losses of her loved ones who proceeded her in death, especially the losses of her children, Austin (Bob) Hilton, David Hilton, Lorri Ann Sinerius-Lowery, and grandson, John Lowery.  She was also proceeded in death by her parents Ivar & Annette, brothers Jack Carlson, Arthur Bliss, and sister June Florea, and her husband Henry (Mike).
Dorothy is survived by her daughter Beverly (Bill) Shaver, former son-in-law Don Lowery, former daughter-in-law Lila (Hilton), grandchildren, Jamie Lowery, Marnie Hilton, Tammi Price, Dawn (Eric) Haas, and Jeremy (Riana) Shaver, and Tobi Gibson. She was loved and known as Gramma-great to Meridian, Acadia, Sawyer, Austin, Carson, Ellen, Kaden and Kynzlee. She is also survived by her special friend George DeKay who had a challenge to see which one would see Jesus first.  She called him to tell him she was going to win.  She will be missed by all of us!
Dorothy had a passion and it was the Lord and wanting all her friends and family to know him as their personal Savior.  She spent hours in the Bible and praying every morning.  She kept a journal every day of her scriptures and prayers.  Her last entry was February 5. She had read scriptures Matthew 21, John 10, Psalm 37, and quoted Psalm 37:9: “The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord, He is their stronghold in times of trouble”. Her prayer: “O Lord, I do need you as our stronghold at this time, it seems there are troubles all about – We need You! Be with us Lord!! Amen.” Yes, I agree, we do need Him… He is our only hope!  I’ll see you again mom, and I miss you with all my heart!
Memorial services will be held at Deer Lodge Assembly at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 16.  Graveside and a luncheon will follow.  Memorials can be made to Deer Lodge Assembly or to a charity of your choice.

​Paul I. Greany
​Paul I. Greany, 91, of Drummond, passed away on February 11, at his home, surrounded by his loving family after a brave battle with prostate cancer.
Paul was born in Waterloo, Iowa on February 28, 1926 to William and Gertrude (Cavanaugh) Greany.   In 1938, due to the economic hardships of the depression and dust bowl, the family left Iowa and headed west. They settled in Montana and Paul grew up in Elliston, where his parents owned and operated the Last Chance Gulch Saloon.   While attending school, Paul worked summers at the Luke Phosphate Mine and honed his skill of driving horses while mowing and raking hay for the local ranchers.  
Paul left school in 1943 at the age of 17, enlisting in the United States Navy.   He served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater on the USS LST 612 as a Quartermaster Third Class.   The crew participated in many of the major assaults in the Pacific, including Okinawa, Japan, the Luzon Operation and the Battle of Leyte Gulf, Philippines.  
Returning to Montana after the war, Paul met Wilma (Billie) Coughlin and they were married in a Thanksgiving Day ceremony in 1949 in Helmville. Paul and Billie settled in Drummond where Paul formed Paul Greany Oil Company and was a jobber for the Continental Oil Company (Conoco) until he retired in 1992. Paul’s customers knew that no matter the conditions - snow, sleet, rain, or mud - the fuel was delivered!   He and Billie owned and operated the ‘Biggest Little Store in Montana’ - Greany’s Dry Goods and Western Wear with locations in Drummond and Deer Lodge.   Selling western wear and work clothing to Montana ranchers, loggers, and miners for over 50 years gave Paul a lot of pride. 
Paul owned and operated Swede’s Bar in Drummond for several years before purchasing the Shack Bar in Deer Lodge where he ran a successful bar and restaurant for 15 years. He was always an entrepreneur looking for opportunities to support his family and to be involved in his community.   Paul and Billie raised their four children in Drummond and supported the many activities of each; music, basketball, football, track and 4-H.      
Paul was a member of the American Legion for over 60 years and was a founding member and first president of the Drummond Kiwanis Club.   Over the years Paul was an ambassador for both organizations, selling thousands of dollars in advertisements and raffle tickets in support of their worthwhile causes and working at the events.   Paul was a strong supporter of rodeo and the western way of life, riding his horse to carry the flag or driving a team of horses or mules in the local parades proudly representing his community and Montana’s western heritage.   He participated in several reenactment cattle drives, including the Montana Territorial Centennial in 1964 and Montana Centennial ‘Big Drive’ in 1989.   During travels to Europe, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Paul accompanied by his wife Billie, would rarely be without his Stetson hat. His boots and hat would often bring stares and comments only to elicit a smile and a chuckle from Paul.
Paul tried many rodeo events over the years, but found his passion with chariot racing, which he started at the age of 60!   At his first competition, in Bozeman, he arrived with a homemade chariot, built from a 50-gallon oil drum with wheels welded to the bottom!   Despite the other team’s jokes, Paul knew he had found his true passion!    
Paul won and placed at many chariot events including, Idaho State Championships, Jackson Hole Shrine Club Cutter Races and the World Championship Chariot Races.   In addition, he received awards for sportsmanship, best-matched team, and oldest driver.   In 2017 at the age of 90, Paul was inducted into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame.
A go-pro video of Paul’s winning race at the Jackson Hole Shrine Club Cutter Races in 2016 has had over 33,000 Facebook views and has been seen around the world - Australia, France, England and India!   The video has also been shown as an inspirational video to the board of trustees of a major medical center in the New York metropolitan area!      
At a time of life when most people have long-since retired, Paul continued to work, to care for his property and to pursue his passion of chariot racing. When Paul was not racing his chariot team, irrigating his property, mowing the lawn or helping with a branding, he could be found tending bar at the Corner Office in Deer Lodge until he retired in 2017.  
Paul was a quiet, humble, generous, extremely patient, tough, and resilient man. He is a hero to many and an inspiration to all who knew him and to those who had the opportunity to watch him compete!  From the cornfields of Iowa, over 80 years ago, to the mines and hay fields in Montana, to fighting for his country in WWII, as part of America’s “Greatest Generation,” it was an incredible journey...  Love of country, love of family and the love of competition as well as a strong work ethic kept him focused and active.  
Paul is survived by his wife of 68 years, Billie; children, Patrick (Kathy), Augusta; Dannette (Sameer) Merchant, Morristown, N.J.; JD (Deb), Bozeman; Paula (Grant) Savage, Aztec, N.M.; 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, sister Regina White, Billings; brothers, Dr. Byron J., Greenacres, Wash. and Richard, Rapid City, S.D.; he is preceded in death by his brother, Dan and sister, Helen Gill.  
Arrangements:  
A vigil will be held at Immaculate Conception Church, Deer Lodge, Friday, February 16, at 7:30 p.m.; Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 17 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, Deer Lodge with a luncheon to follow.  Internment will be at the Helmville Cemetery at 3 p.m. 
In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made in Paul’s name to: Drummond Kiwanis Club, PO Box 70, Hall, MT  59837.

Thelma Bishop
Our beautiful mother, sister and friend to many, peacefully went home to the Father  at the nursing home in Deer Lodge on February 6, 2018.
Thelma was born in Priest River, Idaho, December 4, 1933 to Edward and Elouise Krueger.
December 10, 1949 Thelma married the first love of her life James W. Cain. They had one child, Ronald J. Cain on April 9, 1950.
In 1953 Thelma and James moved to the Deer Lodge Valley area until his passing March of 1973.
Thelma had a brief marriage to Fred Howard. Then Thelma went to work for the State Liquor Store in Deer Lodge. 
She met the second love of her life Forrest Bishop. They married August 4 of 1981.
She became stepmom to four beautiful daughters which she loved very much and now her son wasn’t an only child.
Thelma became very active in the Deer Lodge area. She belonged to the Eastern Star. Thelma enjoyed Bunco with her many friends as well as Bingo at the Senior Center and her church. Thelma  most enjoyed her family and many friends as well as traveling and reading.
After retiring from the State she did babysitting as Thelma loved babies and little children.
Then Thelma was diagnosed with  Alzheimer’s. She went to live at the Deer Lodge nursing home July of 2007 until her recent passing.
She is survived by her son Ronald (Ronnie) J. Cain and daughter-in-law Ina. Two brothers, Charles (Charlie) and Linda and Harold and Ruthie. Stepbrothers Allen and Walt. One stepsister Mary Kay. Her much loved stepdaughters Sharon, Elouise, Debbie and Mary Lou.
Thelma also has several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
There will be a celebration of life for Thelma at a later date.
Any donations in Thelma’s name can be made to the Powell County Senior Center or to the Deer Lodge Presbyterian Church.

Joe Edward Gordon
Montana State Prison inmate Joe Edward Gordon died on Monday, February 5, 2018 at Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, of an extended illness. He was 61 years old.
Mr. Gordon was sentenced out of Jefferson County in 1997 for the crime of Aggravated Kidnapping. Mr. Gordon was sentenced to Montana State Prison for the term of 80 years. He was parole eligible in 2016 and had a discharge date of 2036.

Karen Louise Stevenson
Our beloved sister, mother, grandmother and friend, Karen Louise Stevenson, went on to her heavenly home with Jesus on the morning of February 1, 2018. She fought the good fight…and she won! 
Karen was born April 30, 1938 in North Bend, Ore., to Ross and Bessie (Cornell) Wells. She grew up in Western North Dakota, McKenzie County. Growing up Karen loved to cook, ride horses and do just about anything else that was asked of her. Ever the spitfire even then, she was always ready to take on a dare and was never afraid of trying something new! Her adventurous spirit often found her in trouble as a child. 
Karen married James (Steve) Stevenson on March 31, 1951 in Miles City.  It was a hard life, but Karen and Jim always made the best of things. During this time, the family traveled from Big Timber, to the Missouri Breaks, as well as The Mandan Indian Reservation at Fort Berthold.  Karen gave birth to four children and raised three to adulthood. She worked on the ranch, raised her kids as well as taking care of other family members and children in the community.  Karen’s family was her whole life, everything centered on her children, and her and Jim’s sisters and brothers. Following the death of their youngest son Wade, Karen and Jim moved to Deer Lodge in April of 1960. In June of 1967 the family moved to Wisdom where they went to work for the McDowell Family Ranch.  Karen loved the Big Hole.  She worked hard for her family and for the community. In her later years, Karen traveled to Hawaii and also spent some time working in Battle Mountain, Nev. She made lifetime friends where ever she traveled. 
Karen was most loved for her sassy sense of humor as well as the mischievous twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes.  She told it like it was, whether you liked it or not, but always threw in how much she loved you and hoped you had a good day whatever you were doing. She never knew a stranger; she loved wholeheartedly, looked for the good in everyone and usually found it! She was a true jack of all trades, she cooked and cleaned houses, worked for the Forest Service planting trees, she worked as a waitress, as well as a Reflexology in her spare time.   
Karen was a devout believer in Jesus Christ; he was her anchor and her stronghold.  Putting it simply, she loved the Lord, and was not afraid to tell you. Her motto in life was, “if Jesus is holding my hand, I can get through anything in this life.” She told the doctors this very thing when informed about her cancer.
Karen was preceded in death by her mother and father Ross and Bessie (Cornell) Wells, her brother Larry Wells, her two sons, Wade Lee Stevenson and Leslie James Stevenson, and her beloved grandson Jason (Jake) Neil Stevenson.
She is survived by the father of her children James (Steve) Harold Stevenson of Wisdom, her daughter Donna (Mike) Campbell of Battle Mountain, Nev., her son Danny Ross Stevenson (Serena Towery) of Wisdom, daughter, Paula (Buzz) Kirkpatrick of Jackson, her sisters, Sandra (Brad) Ford of Deer Lodge, Linda (Pat) Clark of Dillon, and brother James Roger Wells of Deer Lodge.  Also, her grandchildren Dusty (Aaron) Gilbert of Battle Mountain, Nev., Chancy (Sheila) Campbell of Wisdom, Tharon Campbell (Stacey Scott) of Jackpot, Nev., Lacey Stevenson of Billings, James “Jimmer” (Lori) Stevenson of Wisdom, Lani (Eric) Leonard of Winslow, Ariz., Jennifer (Rusty) Kallem of Billings, Sarah (Dan) Reinhold of Pocatello, Idaho, Megan (Robert) Blake of Dillon, and Holly (Spencer) Sorensen of Belgrade,  29 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Deer Lodge Celebration of Life for Karen will be held on Friday, February 9, 2018, at the Deer Lodge Assembly Church, 601 Fifth Street, Deer Lodge, MT 59722, at 1 p.m. (406-846-1056).  A light luncheon will follow.
Wisdom Celebration of Life for Karen will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Community Center in Wisdom, Montana, at 1 p.m.  A potluck lunch will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (Stjude.org) or another charity of your choice.

​Patricia Marie Herrick
Patricia Marie Herrick passed away on January 30, 2018 in Deer Lodge. She was born in Deer Lodge on January 8, 1927. Her parents were Ted Beck and Ethel Wachtier Beck. She had two sisters, Billie Jean, and Theo Rose (Teddy). And baby brother Theodore Lewis who was stillborn. 
They lived in Deer Lodge until her father died from an infection after being kicked by a horse at a rodeo in Jens. Patricia and Billie went to live at the orphans home in Twin Bridges until their mother could afford to get them back with the help of a senator. 
Then she attended Sacred Heart Academy in Missoula. They moved to Chester, Calif. where she met and married Charles Andrew Herrick (Jim). They had six children. Mike, Julie Hoyt, Denny, Jamie, Carole Defoe and Andrea Albery. Grandchildren, Tiana Albery, Drue Loreque, Sage Defoe, Sarah English, Emily Ascher, Sean Herrick, Rachel Kasabian, Kristine Alba, Melissa Herrick, Benito Herrick, Little Mike Herrick, Michelle Armstrong, Chris Cosby, Myles Villahermosa. And many great-grandchildren, including two sets of twins. 
She enjoyed traveling and had many hobbies, including ceramics, horseback riding, raising tropical fish, shoe making, jewelry making, doll making, worm farming, sewing, and quilt making, and was a talented painter. She always had a good garden and they loved growing vegetables. 
She had home based businesses until her children got older. Then she worked in a health food store in Costa Mesa, Calif., and ran a family business for many years. She liked attending health and nutrition seminars and taking college courses. And when she and Jim retired from property management they moved back to Montana. 
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Teddy, brother Theodore, son Denny and grandson Benito and Little Mike. Her home was always open to friends and she was always helping the less fortunate and giving to charities. 
A service will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Deer Lodge, followed by a luncheon reception at the Broken Arrow.

​Julius “Jules” R. Waber
Julius “Jules” R. Waber, 80, of Deer Lodge, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at his home. Born October 29, 1937 in Great Falls, his family soon moved to St. Paul, Minn. where he graduated from Cretin High School. Returning to Montana, Jules received his Bachelor’s degree from Northern Montana College and a Master’s degree from Washington State University. His marriage to Louise Crabtree resulted in five children.  His teaching career spanned 24 years and took him to schools in Montana, Arizona, Australia, and in the remote highlands of Papua-New Guinea. If you recall, it was in Papua-New Guinea that Nelson Rockefeller’s son, Michael, disappeared but they didn’t mess with dad. His legendary beard was considered the source of his great magic.
Following his return to the United States, Jules realized a lifelong dream to follow his grandfather in ranching, raising cattle and sheep in the south Deer Lodge Valley. Many a valley youth benefited from his generosity by having a calf or lamb to raise and show at the Tri-County Fair.
In 1994 Jules was appointed to the position of Powell County Superintendent of Schools. He was subsequently re-elected and held this position until his death. A welcome sight at the rural schools, Jules was always involved with ‘his kids.’ From the annual spelling bee to the inter-school track meet, he was interested in keeping certain rural traditions alive.  Always an advocate of education, Jules served on the National Rural Education Association, for many years as an executive committee member.  His efforts were recently recognized by his induction in the NREA Hall of Fame. In his spare time Jules enjoyed trapping, hunting, and in more recent years serving on numerous state-level advisory boards.
‘Jolly’ Jules as he was known to many, will be remembered for his love of fireworks and his unique style. Never conventional, there are many stories that have taken on mythical proportions, from eating a frog sandwich, transporting a sheep across state lines in a 1970 Toronado, to dressing up as a 19th century school marm to celebrate Powell County’s centennial, his wry sense of humor will be missed.
He is survived by his by sons Julius “Monk,” Duane (Maria), Ken (Karissa) and Pat (Terri) Waber; seven grandchildren, Taylor, Zachary, Parker, Derrick, Madison, Weston, and Halen; brothers Glen and Phil (Claudia) and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his daughter Charmagne and parents Julius M. and Pearl (Nantelle) Waber.
At Jules’ request no formal services will be held but a Celebration of Life pig roast will be held in his honor at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Powell County High School Foundation- Julius Waber Scholarship.