Stephen Edward Denty, born August 1, 1981, in Ogden, Utah, died unexpectedly at the age of 40 in Deer Lodge, Mont., on Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Deer Lodge at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 2. After mass, all are welcome to a brunch at the First Christian Church at 600 Fourth St.
Stephen is survived by his mother, Debbie Jackson; father, Tim Denty; three brothers, a sister, a daughter, and many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins.
In his youth, Steve loved complex puzzles and delighted in finding old machines that he could dismantle to figure out how they worked. He delivered papers and mowed lawns so he could build his own forge. He enjoyed camping, backpacking, snow skiing, scuba diving and rappelling.
In 4-H he earned purple ribbons for his demonstrations; in scouts he achieved Eagle.
At the age of 18, Steve was involved in a serious car accident which left him in a coma and fighting for his life. After his recovery, he served for five years as a volunteer with the Franciscan Friars in New York City.
The blue skies, fresh air and open space lured Steve back to Montana in 2006. The following year, while working construction, Steve fell 18 feet from a roof. He broke his back and shattered his heel. Prescription medications for the chronic pain offered some relief, but they often altered his easygoing demeanor.
Despite his chronic pain, Steve was still passionate about helping others. At the time of his death, he had plans to build shelters for homeless vets. Steve had a trusting, forgiving heart and was always willing to see the good in people, even those who took advantage of his generous nature. In his journey, Steve touched the lives and hearts of many people, and he is dearly missed.
A memorial fund has been opened at Pioneer Federal Savings and Loan, 401 Milwaukee, in Deer Lodge, to help his mom pay for funeral expenses.

Owen, 85, was born Walter Owen Girven on September 22, 1936, to Don and Mae Hallford Girven. He grew up in Bozeman where he attended school. When he was a junior in Bozeman Senior High School, he met his future wife, Laura Covey. They married on Sept. 18, 1954, and had four children - two boys, Alan, wife Sheri of Deer Lodge and Chris of Buckeye, Ariz.; and two girls, Anita, husband Brad Pederson of Spokane, Wash., and Cody Blaine of Oldtown, Idaho.
Owen served in the National Guard and the Army Reserves. He enjoyed life to the fullest. They ranched and then he worked construction for years. They moved to Spokane where he drove truck for many years when he came off the road. Owen and Laura started a construction company, mainly concrete.
They finally moved back to Montana at Condon for 30 years before selling out and moving to Deer Lodge. Both of them enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and traveling. Most of all, he loved digging for gold.
Owen died on June 4 at home with Laura and his kids by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, one grandchild and one great-grandchild.
He is survived by his wife, Laura, four children, eight grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Cremation has taken place, and grave side service will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery at 1 p.m. on July 9, followed by a celebration of life at home, 57 Powell View Lane.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Owen’s funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.

Walter “Owen” Girven, 85 of Deer Lodge, Mont., died on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at his residence in Deer Lodge. Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Owen’s funeral arrangements.
You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.