​Mary Lou Walsh Newman, 86, peacefully left this world to be with her Lord on May 16. She died while at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula, Mont. Mary Lou was born Aug. 21, 1935, in Butte, Mont., to John S. and Lucille (Severtson) Walsh.
She was the youngest of three children, and she attended school in Butte and graduated from Girls Central High School in the class of ‘53.
Mary Lou married her first husband Richard Rowe in June 1953. From this marriage, five sons and one daughter were born. She was divorced from her first husband in 1971. In 1974, Mary Lou married Robert (Bob) Newman, and from that marriage, she gained three daughters. Mom would often say, “A smile isn’t a smile until you give it away.” Perhaps this was her version of the old saying, “Love isn’t love until you give it away.”
In Mark 12:30 we are told to “love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our soul, and with all our strength.” We learned by our Mother’s example that love is a commitment of our entire being without exception and that nothing will overpower our devotion, respect, loyalty or commitment that we have toward God, and to share this love is our purpose.
She waved with a smile and said hi to everyone who passed by. She was generous in every way, always ready with a hug and always had time to listen.
She enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, skiing, family picnics, yard work and gardening. She would often spend hours picking weeds by hand. She did many things with loyalty to all and yet maintained the balance needed to be a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Friend.
May she be eternally secure at the right hand of our Father, and may the seeds of love she planted in our hearts continue to grow and bloom.
Mary Lou is preceded in death by her husband Robert Newman, parents and brothers. Her survivors include children: Rick (Irene) Rowe, Brenda (Adrian) Keene, Ron (Suzanne) Rowe, Randy (Robin) Rowe, Ray (Laurie) Rowe, Roger Rowe and stepdaughters Margie (Gordon) Edsall, Gerri (Harvey) and Jean Thoma; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jo Etta Slayton (Jodi), 73, of Elliston, Mont., died in her home with her husband by her side on May 14, 2022.
Jodi was born June 24, 1948, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Donald and Virginia Joslyn. Jodi met the love of her life, her husband Jim, at age 16. Jodi and Jim had a love that everyone admired.
Jodi was an artist in Native American art. She loved riding her horses and playing with her dogs. Jodi was an avid hunter and loved shooting her guns. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do. Jodi was a loving wife, mother and friend. She was loved by everyone.
Jodi is survived by her husband Jim Slayton of Elliston, son JD Slayton (wife Tammy), daughter Kim Cornelius of Elliston, grandson Brandon Ramsey of Missoula, grandson Dannie Slayton (wife Taren), granddaughter Mandi Cornelius of Crosby, Texas, granddaughter Cede Stimmel of Great Falls, brother Steven, sister Rita, sister Patty, sister Judith and six great-grandchildren.
Jodi was preceded in death by her son Daniel Charles Slayton, father Donald Joslyn, mother Virginia Garcia and her brother Wayne.
No services are scheduled at this time. Shine on Shining Eagle
Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.

Lee William McElwain, 66, of Deer Lodge, Mont., died May 21, 2022. Private services are being held by the family. Visit axelsonsfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a story of Lee.

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Genevieve (Jerri) Lynn Graveley-Quartey, 79, of Missoula, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 10, from natural causes with her family by her side.
She was born in Deer Lodge, Mont., on Sept. 23, 1942, the second of three children, to Arnold and Elizabeth (Betty) Graveley. Jerri grew up on the family ranch while attending school in Avon. She later attended Powell County High School after the family sold their ranch and moved to Deer Lodge.
On Jan. 19, 1960, Jerri married Robert (Bob) Townsley in Deer Lodge. After brief stays in Deer Lodge, Livingston and Great Falls, the young couple settled in Missoula where they raised their four children.
As the children got older, Jerri ventured into the working world and began to make her mark. In 1973, she found herself as host of a local talk show called “Coffee Break,” interviewing local personalities covering various topics. Three years later she founded Jerri Townsley Employment Agency.
Her entrepreneur spirit became a staple of her life, owning several businesses, not only in Montana, but also the Seattle area. She purchased a fulfillment business from her former employer in the late 1980s and proudly called it the Timmus Company and began a 23 year business relationship with Choices Education Group, a non-profit organization headquartered in Seattle.
Known for her exquisite flair in fashion, she enjoyed trying new things and seeing new places, including escapades to Uzbekistan and West Africa.
She loved spending time with family and friends. She was a terrific mom, and she treasured the tight bonds she had with her children as they were her life. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchild alike, there was never a day that went by that she did not brag about all her beautiful babies.
Jerri is preceded in death by her parents Arn and Betty Gravely; and sister, Sharon Tamke. She is survived by sister, Linda (Dave) Treadwell, Boise, Idaho; daughter, Tracy Knight-Missoula; sons, Bob Townsley, Bozeman, Wayne Townsley, Missoula, and Todd (Donna) Townsley-Missoula, along with 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A celebration of her life will be held on June 25 in Missoula. A special thanks to Mary and all of the wonderful people from Riverside Health & Rehabilitation, and the folks with hospice, who helped take care of our Mom during her final days.


Death Notice
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Jo Etta Slayton, 73, of Elliston, Mont., died Saturday, May 14, 2022. Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family. To view the obituary and share remembrances, visit: www.SimpleCremationMT.com.

A horse walks into a bar, and the bartender says, “hey buddy, why the long face?”
Dale’s favorite joke would normally bring giggles and maybe some eye rolls, but our long faces come from the great loss of Dale Alan Foster, 78, on May 12, 2022. Dale died peacefully, surrounded by family, at the hospital in Spokane, Wash.
He was born March 12, 1944, in Grants Pass, Ore., to Elaine (Holland) Foster and Alan Hunt, and was later adopted by his stepfather, George Foster. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He shared more than 20 years of partnership with his wife, Dot (Hareland Swanson) Foster. They had an enduring love for each other rooted in faith, devotion and chocolate. Together they nurtured a big, wild blended family with 12 children: Nichole (Glen) Wyant, Bryan Foster, Aaron Foster, Hannah Foster, Michelle (Tyler) Bryant, Kevin Foster, Jennifer Foster, Cheri Hersh (Ted Piche’), Paul (Tondra) Swanson, Lori Swanson (Jim Harrington), Shelly (Rodney) Harding and Mark (Bonnie) Swanson.
They have more grandchildren and great-grandchildren than could be practically noted here, and it’s okay if you don’t remember everyone’s names; Dale often didn’t. Many times, he’d go through at least a couple of names to land on the right one, sometimes even calling out one of the dogs’ names.
Dale served honorably in the United States Air Force as a jet engine mechanic from 1962 to 1966 and was an avid supporter of service members. He frequented war memorials and museums wherever he went, and cried at every single one. He was never afraid to show emotion. He was an ordinary man who lived extraordinarily in the way he loved and cared for those around him.
Dale gave space for his children to flourish, make mistakes, even the big ones, embrace joy, be afraid, be excited, be loud, be quiet, be themselves, and he was always ready to welcome them home when ready. He practiced compassion and loved unconditionally. He didn’t try to fit people into a mold, and he didn’t believe that one thing made up all of a person. He believed in community and communion. He treated everyone with kindness and gratitude.
In his final days at the hospital, he even thanked the doctor for his hospitality. He loved the ocean, playing Rummy, all the dogs, going for a drive, movies, traveling and spending time with loved ones. Dale had a strong conviction and enjoyed a good breakfast.
We will be celebrating Dale at Hope Lutheran Church in Anaconda, Mont., at 1 p.m. on June 24, 2022. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to Hope Lutheran Church or Save-A-Vet (www.save-a-vet.org). If you would like to share pictures or stories, please email his daughter Michelle at [email protected]. ​

Let’s dance again and fly away
Oh, Hazel Eyes!
Don’t be afraid and forget all the pain
Oh, Hazel Eyes!Margaret Tangen, 78, died Wednesday, May 11, 2022, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She waited for her son, Ed to get to Deer Lodge to say his goodbyes. Margaret was born Aug. 10, 1943, to Gerald and Margaret (Metcalfe) Hughley.
She was loving, compassionate, intelligent, strong and resilient. Born in Anaconda, Mont., Margaret lived in Spokane for a few years before settling in Deer Lodge, where she met her forever friend, Carol Landsiedel Hunt. Margaret graduated with honors from Powell County High School in 1961. She attended Butte Business School and worked at Pioneer Federal Savings and Loan and NAPA before becoming a full-time homemaker. She married Donald Tangen on April 24, 1976. Together they raised four children, Ed, Rob, Peggy and Kristin.
Mom’s resiliency and love of life were inspiring. Although she had several health issues, none of them stopped her from living in her own home, taking care of herself and others, and living her best life. Where her mind and heart were willing, her body was tired. Mom was the smartest and kindest person you could meet. She was proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom had a way with kids and pets. Loved by all, the kids always wanted to be at “Nana’s House.” She taught us the value of hard work, generosity and humor.
Mom joins her beloved husband, Donald Tangen; parents, Gerald and Margaret Hughley; father and mother-in-law, Orlando Tangen and Eunice Connolly; brother John Hughley; sisters Florence Gill and Mary Lee Hamilton; an infant daughter, Sandra Jean; and son William Robert “Rob” Ayers.
She is survived by her son, Edward Ayers; daughters Peggy (Jim) Nesbitt and Kristin (Jason) Rohling; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and two greats on the way; as well as her family by choice, Carol Hunt, and Tracy and Eric Klapan.
A Celebration of Life is set for 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 21, at the Pen Convention Center, 925 Main St.; lunch will be served. Condolences can be mailed to Margaret Tangen Family, 1109 Washington St, Deer Lodge, MT 59722, or email [email protected].
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the PAWHS Animal Shelter or any charity that benefits underserved populations.

Diane Kay Thompson, 73, died May 4, in Missoula, Mont., from Multiple Myeloma.
She was born Feb. 23, 1949 in Dillon, Mont., to Oliver (Smokey) and Betty Lou (Glassey) Thompson. In 1950, little sister Linda Lee completed the family.
The Thompsons moved to Butte, Mont., in 1954, and she was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that same year.
While in Butte, she took acrobatics for a year and was a member of the Butte Figure Skating Club.
In 1959, the family moved to Deer Lodge. Diane attended fifth through 12th grades and graduated in 1967 from Powell County High School.
During this time she was a member of the Rainbow Girls, the National Honor Society and was an honorary member of the high school Pep Club.
She worked for a summer at the Registrar’s Office and then attended the Crippled Children’s School (now the Anne Carlsen School) in Jamestown, N.D., for 1 ½ years, and was employed by Melland, Incorporated, as an information receptionist for 3 ½ years.
Diane returned to Deer Lodge in 1972. She attended the University of Montana from which she graduated with high honors in 1983 as an elementary school teacher with a minor in reading.
A career with the Forest Service beckoned in the fall of 1984 when she applied and accepted an information receptionist position with the Helena National Forest in Helena, Mont.
Diane earned several promotions and made some life-long friends there. In 1991, she transferred to the Missoula Ranger District as a Support Services Supervisor and worked there until 2000 when she transferred to Lolo National Forest as a Procurement Technician, a job she retired from in 2008. She enjoyed her career, the learning experiences offered in that, and the super friends she made along the way.
Diane loved playing cards, doing crafts, cha-chinging, traveling, and the Montana Griz football team. She attended at least four home games a year and had a wonderful time at the tailgating parties. Her friends took her on new adventures all the time and kept her very busy. Besides her family, she considered her friends true blessings in her life.
Those preceding her in death were her father Smokey and mother Betty Lou Thompson; maternal great-grandparents Hazel and Thomas Powe of Grantsdale, Mont.; maternal grandparents Phyllis and Edward Glassey of Wisdom, Mont.; paternal grandparents Alma and Edmund Thompson of Bannack and Dillon; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Survivors include: sister Linda Lee (George) Hucke of Fallon, NV; nephew Wade (Cathy) Hucke of Dillon; niece Wende Hook (Ozzie Henke) of Fallon; great-nephews Derrick Hucke (Clarissa Martin) of Havre, Mont.; and Donovan Hucke of Miles City, Mont.; great-nieces Alexandra Pokrandt of Birmingham, AL and Camryn Hook of Fallon; great –uncles Larry Haas and Bill Brown, both of Hamilton, Mont.; and numerous cousins.
A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Deer Lodge at 11 a.m. on June 30.University of Montana Griz apparel is strongly encouraged.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in Diane’s name to the First Presbyterian Church, 500 Milwaukee Ave., Deer Lodge, MT 59722 or the Deer Lodge Elks Club, PO Box 777, Deer Lodge, MT 59722.

​Breanna “B” Arae Rome, 16, of Deer Lodge, Mont., was born Oct. 21, 2005, filling her parents, Heidi and Tate, with an abundance of joy. Breanna continued to bring joy to her parents, family and everyone who knew her.
Breanna was a firecracker from day one, and her red hair was a sentiment to that. She loved the outdoors, hiking, floating, fishing and more. Her love for living things began at a young age with her obsession with bugs and most recently, animals of all kinds.
Music was always a big part of Breanna’s life. There are many things that Breanna accomplished in her time with us. She was a great student and borderline perfectionist. She was never afraid to try any activity – T-Ball, soccer, Girl Scouts, band, theater, swim team, softball, volleyball, golf, dance, tumbling, cheer - just to name a few.
Since starting high school, Breanna was involved in Volleyball, Golf, FCCLA, Cheer and Close-Up. When not participating in school or other activities, Breanna was helping her parents at their local Ace Hardware store, where the entire community watched her grow up. She was a great help with several community organizations, such as Booster Club, NRA, Powell County Shooting Association events and the Chamber of Commerce.
Breanna knew the value of family and friends and was never too busy to provide love and care to those she loved.
On April 22, 2022, Breanna was taken from us much too soon, and all of our hearts are hurt beyond repair. She was reunited with loved ones: great-grandparents, Phillip and Donna Brown; grandfather, Robert “Papa” Brown; Aunt Carol Arnold; and great-grandparents, Nelson and Marge Rome.
Breanna’s loving family who will miss her every day includes her parents, Heidi and Tate Rome; grandparents Allen and Ellen Rome; grandmother Alese Moore; Aunt Brandy (CJ) Sheehy; cousins Nevaeh & Donnie Sheehy; Uncle Matt Kennedy; cousin Riley Kennedy; and many other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who are considered family.
Breanna’s kind heart and unselfishness was most recently showcased in her decision to be an organ donor. May her light live on in those who received her gifts.
All family and friends are invited to celebrate her life at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 15, at Powell County High School in Deer Lodge.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Rome family at Peoples Bank in Deer Lodge.
Please visit www.axelsonfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Breanna.

Rose M. Heisdorf, 88, died peacefully in her sleep at the Community Hospital of Anaconda on April 23, 2022. Rose was born on May 25, 1933, in Wausau, Wis., to Theodore and Emily Landowski. She was raised on a farm near Bevent, Wis., and is the third youngest of 11 children. At age 18, Rose moved to Milwaukee, Wis., and lived with her friend Tessie.
She worked at Briggs and Stratton and there met Joseph Heisdorf, who would become her husband. They were married Sept. 4, 1954, in Milwaukee and would have four children. They lived in Richfield, Wis., until May of 1967, when they moved their family to Deer Lodge. Rose worked hard as a wife and mother for the next 55 years and had many friends. She was very skilled in cooking and seamstress work, and specialized in quilting. Rose is survived by her husband, Joseph Heisdorf, of Deer Lodge, and her four children; Joan Taule of Sacramento, Calif.; Joseph Heisdorf Jr. of Deer Lodge; Timothy Heisdorf of Phoenix, Ariz.; and Stephen Heisdorf of Deer Lodge.. Funeral services will be held at the Immaculate Conception Church in Deer Lodge at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, with burial following at Hillcrest Cemetery. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service at the church. Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Rose’s funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.