Scott F. Howard, 65, of Deer Lodge, Mont., died on March 23. A celebration of his life will be held at 1 pm. on Saturday, April 12, in the gym of Powell County High School, 709 Missouri Ave. A reception will follow in the gym. Memorials in honor of Scott are suggested to the Mason Moore Foundation, PO Box 1193, Three Forks, MT 59752, or to the Deer Lodge Future Farmers of America by visiting https://montanaffa.org/donate/.
    The obituary will be published in next week's edition.  Visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer condolences to the family.

    Larry was born in Eau Claire, Wis., in 1941, and thanks to a trip Out West with his big brother Wimpy when he was 12, Larry moved to Montana at age 31 to fulfill a lifelong dream of living in the mountains and being a mountain man.
    He had an extensive background in Montana history and followed his passion by riding every one of the Big Sky state roads on his Harley Davidson. After leaving Butte, where he raised his two daughters, Larry moved to Deer Lodge and had a long career at Montana State Prison, when he met his wife, Lynn (who passed away in 2024), and gained four more kids and a very large extended family. Larry loved to camp, hunt, hike, visit museums and battlefields throughout the beautiful state.
    Prior to Montana life, Larry served in the US Army as an MP during Vietnam and continued that service with the Deer Lodge VFW honor guard for many years. In recent years, on any morning Larry could be found rolling dice for coffee at the local diner and telling stories to anyone who would listen.
Larry never missed a Lutefisk Dinner at Gold Hill Lutheran Church in Butte where he was a longtime member and delighted in telling everyone lutefisk was just a vehicle for butter.
    Larry will be greatly missed by his many family and friends. We know this is not a goodbye, but rather a see ya later. I’m sure he’s up there telling a Pintler Lake fishing story to Saint Peter right now. Until then, we love you and cherish the memories we made.
Uffda
    There will be a funeral service at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 20, at Elks Lodge, 230 Main St., Deer Lodge. A graveside service follows at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge. Following the graveside service, there will be a luncheon back at the Elks Lodge.
    Please visit www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com  to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Larry.

    Zane G. Murfitt was born in Terry, Mont., on Aug. 20, 1925, to Sam and Hester Murfitt. At the age of six, Zane moved with his family to Helena, where he attended school, graduating in 1943. Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in World War II.
    Following Zane’s military service, he pursued higher education at the University of Montana, earning a degree in Business Administration in 1950. He remained a devoted Grizzlies fan throughout his life, receiving the 2015 Community Service Award for his dedication & devotion to the Montana Grizzlies and University.
    Zane built a career in banking, working in Helena, Stanford, and Philipsburg. While working in Helena, he met the love of his life, Barbara Langlois. The two were married on April 28, 1951. They raised five children: Brad (Jennifer), Russ (Lori), Linda (Rick), Steve (Gigi), and Janice (Doug).
    In 1960, Zane and his family moved to Philipsburg, where he began working at the Flint Creek Valley Bank. He served as President of the bank He remained dedicated to his career, working there until November 2022. One of his career highlights was serving on the Federal Reserve Board of Directors 9th district out of Minneapolis from 1980-82.
    Beyond his professional achievements, Zane was deeply involved in his community. He served on the Philipsburg School Board, he held the position of Mayor of Philipsburg for 16 years, served on the Philipsburg City Council, the Granite County Hospital Board, as well as many other services.
Zane played a key role in transforming the Taylor Knapp property into what is now “Zane G. Murfitt Park,” a cherished community space in Philipsburg. In recognition of his efforts and dedication, the park was officially dedicated in his name in November 2018.
    Zane was inducted into the Montana Hall of Fame for his years of playing Fast Pitch Softball - winning the 1949 State Championship on the HO Bell team!
    Zane is survived by his children and his sister, Nina Krakenberg. He leaves behind a legacy through his grandchildren: Kendra (Justin) Routh, Heidi (Troy) Clemes, Allyson (Shawn) Helde, Christopher Murfitt, Zane (Kelsey) Murfitt, Gabe (Ryanne) Murfitt, Kate Bratz (Cody), Joe (Alana), and Laura (Sloan) Fix. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Hudson and Kenli Routh; Maycee and Cambree Jeanotte; Averi, Elleson, and Marlowe Murfitt; Henry, Ellie, and Finn Murfitt; and Olivia, Gavin, and Brielle Helde.
    Zane was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; grandson, Michael; brothers Zach (Beverly) Murfitt and Walter (Howdy) (Myrtle) Murfitt; sisters Zalia (George) Logan and Donalda (Jim) Maness; sister-in-law Joan Neal; and brother-in-law Mick Neal.

    It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and brother, James D Miller, 88.
    Jim was born in Butte to James and Sarah (Reno) Miller. He lived in Garrison with his parents and five siblings and graduated from Powell County High School.
    He married Mary Lou Rainville, and they had three children. He retired from the Cominco mine after 45 years of service.
    Jim’s passion for camping, hunting and fishing had his family going somewhere almost every weekend. He loved horses and cattle, and the work that entailed in raising them. The love he had of the outdoors he instilled in his children and grandchildren. His compassion led him to the role of caretaker as his parents aged. Due to his love of sports, you could find Jim at many basketball games, tournaments, and track meets long after his children and grandchildren were no longer playing.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Mary Lou, parents James and Sarah, brother Richard, sister Bonnie and granddaughter Carlie.
    He is survived by son Perry (Mindy) Miller, daughters Melanie (Kevin) Miller and Joyce (Bill) Schaff, seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and siblings Thomas, Barbara and Sallie.
    His love of life, family, friends and hard work will always be remembered by all who knew him.
Jim’s ashes will be spread in the upper Madison (Beaver Creek, Cabin Creek and Bear Creek), places he truly loved, and buried at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge, with family members who truly loved him.
    A memorial service will be held at Christ Fellowship Church, 600 4th St., Deer Lodge, at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 8, with a reception to follow.

    Ward James Estelle, Jr., 93, was born March 31, 1931, to Ward James Estelle and Maxine Brenneman Estelle in Henry Co., Ind. His parents moved Jim and his sister D’Anne to Whittier, Calif., in 1933. Twin brothers Walter and Wayne were born there. Ward Sr. transferred with CDC to San Quentin Prison where Jim attended a two-room school and graduated eighth grade in a class of three students. The next move was to Represa, Calif., for his father’s job at Folsom State Prison.
    Jim graduated from San Juan High School in 1949. He served as student body president and played varsity football, in addition to showing prizewinning Duroc pigs at the State Fair. In 1950, Jim began college at UC Davis and married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Jones. They celebrated their 74th anniversary in September 2024. He finished his degree in 1955 at Sacramento State College.
    His career in Corrections began in 1952 at Folsom State Prison.  He transferred to Paroles in 1955 for five years and then returned to uniform at CA Medical Facility, Vacaville. He quickly promoted to Associate Superintendent at Susanville CCC. An opportunity to be Warden at Montana State Prison came in 1970. In 1972, he was recruited to Texas and became Director of the Texas Department of Corrections for 12 years before retiring. For three years he was president of the First National Bank, South, in Huntsville, Texas, before returning to California. There he was manager of the Prison Industry Authority in Folsom until he retired in 1991. TDC named a new prison in Huntsville the W.J. Estelle Unit in 1995. He was honored with the ACA’s Cass Correctional Achievement Award and two fellowships to the Aspen Institute. The Texas Sheriffs Association named Jim an Honorary Sheriff and the Texas Rangers honored him with Ranger status and have him in their Hall of Fame.
    After retirement, Jim focused on volunteer work, including Friends Care, several years of service with the El Dorado County Grand Jury and decades of work with the General Service Office, serving them as Chairman in a four-year term. In addition to his successful career, Jim was an avid hunter and hiker. He hiked to the top of Mt. Lassen, Mt. Shasta and Mt. Whitney. He enjoyed fishing trips and traveling.
    He passed peacefully on Feb. 13, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn of El Dorado Hills; his son Ward James III and Ward’s partner Mary Scott who reside in Ashland, Ore.; his daughter Lorraine Susan who lives in Redlands, Calif.; his daughter Linda Diane of Sacramento, Calif.; as well as many nieces and nephews.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the W.J. Estelle, Jr. Scholarship Fund at the Northern California Peace Officers Association, PO Box 1267, Yuba City, CA 95992; or the Texas Prison Museum, 491 Hwy 75 N., Huntsville, TX 77320.