Bernerd Roland Persons
Bernerd Roland Persons, 59, entered into eternal peace, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
Bernie was born April 15, 1956 in Kalispell and was a beloved son of Clyde and the late Alice (Young) Persons.  While attending Powell County High School, he worked summers at Williams and Tavenner’s Ranch. Upon graduation in 1976, he entered the Army and served four years in the Infantry. Around 1980 he moved to Seattle, Wash. and worked at Isaacson Steel for a few years before moving back to Deer Lodge where he met and married Betty Whitney. The couple has a son, Jacob, and they later divorced. While in Deer Lodge, Bernie worked for Cominco American Mine until its closure in 1994.  He then worked for Watkins Shepard as a truck driver for a couple years before moving to Elko, Nev. where he worked the remainder of his career at Newmont Gold Mine.
Family was everything to Bernie. He was devoted to his son Jacob and was fighting hard to stay alive long enough to meet his first unborn granddaughter Natalie. Bernie also loved the outdoors, rock hounding and telling jokes.
He was predeceased by his beloved mother, Alice (Young) Persons in July 1994.
He leaves his loving memories to be cherished by his son Jacob (Brooc) Persons, unborn granddaughter Natalie, father Clyde (Phoebe) Persons, siblings Brenda (Ron) Dodge, Larry (Mary) Persons, Lonnie (Kathy) Persons, Clyde (Traci) Persons, Susan (Frank) Gliko, Terrie (Ed) Stefalo, Lambert Duval and numerous nieces, nephews.
Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Deer Lodge, Thursday, July 30, at 11 a.m. with a luncheon following.
Everyone that knew Bernie knew that he exemplified Matthew 25:35-36 and know that the Lord met him with the words, ‘Come, Bernie, who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35  For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
In lieu of flowers and in light of how Bernie lived his life; the family requests that you honor his memory by donating to your local food bank, cleaning out your closet and donating the items to the Salvation Army or St. Vincent DePaul, or make a donation to your local Hospice.

Hazel E. (Betty) Kelley
HAZEL E. (BETTY) KELLEY, 91
“Gramma Betty” passed away on July 24, 2015. Betty was born in Butte on December 11, 1923 to Freida (Fritz) & Bemis McElhiney. She was an only child and grew up in Alberton and Deer Lodge. She was very proud of being raised in Deer Lodge. Her father worked for the railroad and her mother was a long time Powell County High School English teacher. 
While in high school she fell in love with a country kid, Jack Kelley. She spent some time in Tacoma, Wash. to attend Nurses Training before getting married. Betty and Jack were married on June 14, 1943 and had five children. Betty was the perfect country wife and mother. She sat on many tractor seats, rode both good and not so good horses, changed hand-line sprinkler pipes, and warmed many baby calves in the only bathtub in the house. 
The best part of Gramma Betty was her constant happiness. Even at the end of her life, she was appreciative of everything and everyone. Some of her favorite things came from nature. She loved to watch the clouds and stars move across the sky, collect beautiful rocks, watch the birds in her front window, and walk down to talk to the foxes in the meadow. She never wanted to leave her ranch and home, so her family tried their best to make that wish come true. 
Betty is survived by her five children: Bill of Tucson, Ariz.; Jack at large; Ron (Nancy) of Deer Lodge; Betty Tiddy of East Helena; and Dan (Debi) of Deer Lodge. She is also survived by her 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Per her wishes no services are planned and her ashes will be dispersed over the ranch as were her husband’s. Condolences can be sent to 2347 Bowman Rd, Deer Lodge, MT 59722 or [email protected].

Death Notice: Bernerd Roland Persons
Bernerd Roland Persons, 59, entered into eternal peace, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, July 21, 2015, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.
Bernie was born April 15, 1956 in Kalispell and was a beloved son of Clyde and the late Alice (Young) Persons.
Services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Deer Lodge on Thursday, July 30 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Howard Neckels officiating, followed by a luncheon at First Baptist Church.
A full obituary will run at a later date.

Paul Navarro Sr.
Paul was born on July 1, 1955 in Butte, to Richard and Alice (Vega) Navarro.  Paul graduated from Anaconda High School in 1974, and served in the U.S. Army from 1975-1978. 
Throughout his life, he held many jobs including the Anaconda Smelter, Downing Car Sales, Louisiana Pacific, and A.W.A.R.E Inc. 
He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing, basketball, softball, and taking pictures of family and friends, usually when they weren’t paying attention.  He enjoyed spending time with his loved ones, and his care-free, spunky personality will be missed by all who knew him.
Paul died Thursday, July 09, 2015 at his residence in Opportunity.
Paul is survived by his girlfriend, Donna Kuzara; his children, Phil (Brianna), Paul, Nick (Michelle), Pat (Desiree); grandchildren, Isabella, Elizabeth, Kaleb, Ayedan, Emelya, Michael, Nichole, Braxton; his siblings, Patti, Rosie, Vicki (Mick), Rich (Julie), Joe, Michelle (Kirk), Ray (Judy), Alice, Mary (Bob), Teri, Dan (Jill); and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Alice.
Celebration of Life Services are on Wednesday, July 15 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Anaconda. There is one hour of visitation prior to the services at the church.
Military Honors are accorded by the Anaconda American Legion #21 and the Montana Honor Guard.
A luncheon will follow at the V.F.W. 
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation to a charity of your choice.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Paul’s funeral arrangements. 
You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.

Douglas Edward Thornton
Douglas Edward Thornton, or Dugy as some called him, was welcomed to his glorious home in Heaven on June 29, 2015. After struggling with a rapid decline in health, Doug passed suddenly at the Copper Ridge Health and Rehab in Butte.
 Doug was born January 11, 1942 to his parents Stewart and Pearl Lucas, in Cheyenne County of Wyoming. Doug lived on his grandparent’s ranch in Wyoming as a child. He then moved to California where he graduated from Rio Linda High School in 1960. Doug lived in the Sacramento Valley where he married Nancy Carol. Together they had a newborn daughter who suddenly passed from an infant illness. Soon the couple had another daughter, Carol Anne whom he adored. 
Doug later moved to Wisconsin where he met and married the love of his life Charlene Rae Ide in 1978. Soon after the wedding Charlene passed away suddenly at tender age of 23. Doug never forgot Charlene. Over the years Doug would talk of their reunion one day in Heaven. 
Doug moved on to Montana where he settled for good. Doug loved the out of doors Montana life.  He also loved God, his church family, children, animals, hunting, fishing, home cooked meals, attending church, revivals, Bible camp, retreats, Christian musical events, cartoons, and old martial arts movies.
Doug was a man of God who loved to serve others by giving. Doug was a generous and kind man who often gave more than he could afford.  Doug was always good to lend a shoulder to cry on and a patient ear to listen.  
Doug’s favorite summers were spent working at Glacier Bible Camp in Hungry Horse.   He worked as a janitor for many years at the Bible camp just to be able to attend all the camps and services. He made many memories and friends at his special place. 
He loved his pets too. Doug always had a small dog and a cat or two hanging around. 
Doug Thornton was a gentle loving spirt, with a great sense of humor. He adopted families that needed fathers and grandfathers. He will be especially loved and missed by the Bohrer and Stryker families of Deer Lodge, the Brenton family of Lincoln, and his faithful church family at Deer Lodge Assembly. 
There will be a Celebration of Doug’s life and homecoming following the regular Sunday service that begins 10:30 July 26 at Deer Lodge Assembly on the corner of 5th and Montana. Keeping with the spirit of Doug’s enjoyment of a home cooked meal there will be potluck to follow. 

Jack L. Young
Jack L. Young, a man of so many talents, a man of immense humor, a man with a gentle soul, a man who was cherished by his family, walked into heaven on June 12, 2015.
Jack was born John LaWayne Young on July 19, 1934 to Thora JoAnn Coder and Lionel Young in Idaho Falls, Idaho.  He grew up in Deer Lodge, attended St. Mary’s Academy and, for a short time, Powell County High School.  He met the love of his life, Dorothy Mae Verlanic and the two married June 17, 1955.  Jack joined the US Army National Guard in 1955 and ended his military career as a Drill Sergeant in 1958.  Together Jack and Dorothy forged a prosperous and joyous life raising five children.  They opened and operated Young’s Market from 1963-1976 which quickly became a unique business offering the best “penny” candy around and Dad becoming well known as the best butcher around.  Not a small child in Deer Lodge left that store without the longest, blackest piece of licorice that Dad could find!  
Dad was blessed with the love and partnership of a second wife, Merrie Gene, on December 15, 1995.  Together they shared family memories, travel adventures and grandchildren.
Jack is survived by his wife of almost 20 years, Merrie, his sisters Patty Jo Coughlin of Billings, Betty Harris and Sharon McCauley of Missoula and his children:  Sandy (Butch) Jacke, Jeff Young, Connie (Tim) Poland, Melinda (Paul) Floerchinger and Rachael (Randy) Martin, his nephew David (Georgie) Young and his niece Heather (Marvin) Shepard, children of Merrie. He is also survived by his special nephew Conn Coughlin, his brother and sister-in-law’s Fred and Bernice Verlanic, Duane and Shirley Colwell, and step-brother and sister-in-law Bill and Jeannie Scott.  Dad was blessed with 20 grandchildren; Jake, Nikki, Cody, Shelby, Mercedes, Jessie, Grant, Jessica, David, Rebecca, Skyler, Tyler, Mike, Christian, Devinne, Audrey, Ruthie, Delacey, Desiree and Sage.  In addition surviving Dad are 13 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dad is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of almost 40 years, Dorothy, his first born son John Patrick, his brothers Curtis, Bob and Doug Young, his grandsons Eric and Casey and great-granddaughter Kharma.
Jack loved nothing more than his two wives, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his hometown of Deer Lodge, his garage and fishing.
Memorial services will be July 19, 2015 at 1 p.m. at The Depot Church with Pastor Caleb Burton.  Graveside services will follow at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge.  Family and friends are invited to gather at the St. Mary’s Center following the graveside services.  

Jean P. Inman
Jean P. Inman, age 100, of Deer Lodge, went to be with her Lord on June 14, 2015. The Livingston rehab center was her home for the last four years.
She was born in Helena, on August 1, 1914.
Jean attended school in Deer Lodge, and graduated from Powell County High School. She attended the University of Montana’s School of Journalism for two years. She was married June 11, 1937 to Robert Inman and they were married for 68 years. She lived her life in Deer Lodge until she was disabled by brain stem surgery. In 2001 Robert and Jean moved to Bozeman and resided as Birchwood Assisted living facility until his death in 2005. Jean loved her crafts and a highlight of her life for many years was her sewing club. Her hobbies were embroidery, quilting, designing and sewing clothing and making many ornaments for her family. Baking cookies for church family and friends was a favorite pastime. She loved her church and was the Sunday School Superintendent for many years. She had many fond memories spending time at her aunt Patsy’s cabin on Rock Creek Lake.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert and one grandson Tom.
She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Young (Duane) of Hardin; her son John Inman (Susan) of Florence; her son Rich Inman (Judy) of Belgrade; Shirley Sager (Bill) of Clyde Park. She also has 10 grandchildren: Deb Shea, Kathy Kukes (Scott), Russ Young (Kari), Carri Carothers (Alex), Janelle Herren (Steve), Joy Inman, Chandra Inman, Steve Sager (Sarah), Greg Sager (Jenni), Kurt Sager (Quinnell), 20 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Gravesite services will be held on July 18, 2015 at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge at 10:30 a.m.
A reception will follow at the Depot Church in Deer Lodge.
Memorials can be made to a charity of your choice.

Donald Edward Hurlbert
Donald Edward Hurlbert died June 8, 2015, in Prince Georges Hospital Center from complications following an automobile collision on May 2, 2015.
Don began his love affair with the camera at a young age, inspired by a high school teacher’s suggestion to explore photography. Throughout his life he went on to develop his skills and passions through shooting in extreme and diverse contexts, to the extent that over the course of his 40 years of experience there was little that he hadn’t captured through his camera lenses.
Don was born on May 12, 1954, in Forsyth, to Eugene and Dolores Hurlbert. When Don was very small, they moved to Deer Lodge, where he grew up, graduating from Powell County High School in 1972. In 1974, he enlisted in the Army as a helicopter mechanic. He soon began training as a photographer and went on to excel as a combat cameraman. In acknowledgement of his courage and commitment to excellence he received numerous awards including the highly esteemed honor of Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM).
Don’s military career involved several tough missions, airborne trainings and took him to many far off countries, including Vietnam, Bosnia, Haiti, Saudi Arabia and Japan, where he met his wife, Barbara Watanabe, in 1985. He also lived all over the U.S., including Hawaii where he learned to scuba dive. Consequently, he liked to say that he worked anywhere between 800 feet in the air to 100 feet under the water. In 1998 after 24 years in the Army, at the rank First Sergeant, he graduated from the U.S. Sergeant’s Major Academy in El Paso, Texas; only to retire his highest rank for the opportunity to work as a photographer for the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution (NMNH) in Washington D.C.; where he would remain for the rest of his life, ultimately becoming the Senior Science Photographer.
Not surprisingly, his skills and artistry flourished in the context of the NMNH and he enjoyed his work at the Smithsonian immensely: the subjects, opportunities, “challenges” and colleagues. Most of all the deep sense of satisfaction of knowing that he was creating a corpus of work that he could be proud of and would serve future generations. Described as a “true NMNH legend” by the Museum’s Director, Kirk Johnson; Don was a highly respected professional and cherished friend to so many.
Don leaves behind his parents and brother, his wife and three children, six grandchildren and his extended adopted family, who Don and Barb generated through their deep sense of community and kindness throughout their years together at the Smithsonian. On August 1, 2015, his remains will be returned home to Deer Lodge. On September 10, 2015 the NMNH will host a celebration of his inspirational life: a dearly loved family man, colleague, friend, mentor and hero … who will be missed by everyone who had the great privilege of knowing him.

Bernhard (Bernie) Schillo
Bernie entered the Kingdom of Glory on June 26, 2015.   After enduring the trial of esophageal cancer he passed at his home surrounded by family.  Bernie was born in Landsweiler, Germany July 19, 1955 to Bernard and Maria Schillo.  He graduated from Powell County High School and Carroll College.  He has three children from his marriage to Roxie.   
In 1990 he bought the RV park and met the love of his life, Sharon. When he married her he gained her five children and then God blessed them with one more child.
Bernie was a plumber by trade for many years.  He was called to pastor in 2002 and he founded The Chapel at Riverfront RV Park.  Bernie packed a lot of life in the years he had here.  He was very outgoing and loved by many.  Bernie is survived by his wife Sharon, his children Nora (Ray), Bernie, Matthew (Christina), Tim (Jennifer), Jen (Eddie), Marty (Shelly), Sarah (Dave), Ladonna, David, and 19 grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Wednesday  July 1, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Riverfront Chapel in Garrison. Graveside services will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Hillcrest Cemetery. Memorials: Donors Choice.

Katherine “Kay” Asay
Katherine “Kay” Asay, June 12, 1931 – June 21, 2015.
Katherine Lottie (Patrick) Asay passed away at Parkhaven Assisted Living, Manhattan, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.  Instead of her dream life of boats, beaches, art, dancing and travel, her life was full of kids, cows and cooking.  Lots of cooking!  Instead of a thriving social life, Kay and Jack spent the first five summers of their marriage in a remote cow camp in the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming – with their first three kids. She loved to laugh and enjoyed life, traits she maintained to the end. Her life was not as planned but she would be the first to say she was rich for all her friends and family.
Kay sacrificed so much to be sure that her husband, Jack, and five children were loved, cared for, and as safe as she could possibly provide under the circumstances.  Jack worried and fretted when he saw the kids drive down the street on a bicycle or went swimming; Kay chewed her fingernails down to stubs when she saw those same kids ride off on a green-broke horse to work cows all day.  She must have known there was no hope left for the dream life when, in the mid-1960s in Casper, Wyo., Jack traded their tiny boat for a used refrigerator and freezer.
Mom was the constant, steady, loving presence of good sense and sacrifice in the lives of her children.  She was proverbial in her example as a mother and friend. If one word had to be used to describe mom’s life, that word would be “sacrificial.”  And she did not moan, and groan and gripe about it.  She gave what she had -- to be certain that her husband and kids had what they needed.
Mom was a committed Catholic, an unwavering Democrat, a Wyoming Patrick (a tough breed), a striving poet, a pretty good artist, a mischievous mom, a boisterous (and sometimes profane) audience at athletic events, a cook who hated cooking, and therefore, not-particularly-good cook, an Olympic level whistler, a loving mom who provided constantly for her children but held her own clothes together with safety pins, a very fast driver, a beautiful woman (she had million dollar legs), a great friend, and a testament to what your life can produce when you live for the sake of those you love.
She was proud to be a graduate of the University of Wyoming where she met her husband and her Kappa sisters who remained life-long friends.
Kay was preceded in death by her husband, John “Jack” Asay (2005), and brother, James “Jimmie” Patrick (2005).  She is survived by her brother, Edwin Patrick of Cheyenne, Wyo.; sister-in-law and life-long friend, Brigitte Patrick, of Portland, Ore.; five children and their spouses; 20 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Her children are: Pat (Cheryl) Asay of Bozeman; Jan (Randy) Frost of Winnett; Bryan (Margaret) Asay of Bozeman; Kevin (Laurell) Asay of Helena; and Joanna (Ron) Krogstad of Manhattan.
The family is grateful to Parkhaven Retirement and Rocky Mountain Hospice for their loving care. Memorials can be sent to Yellowstone Public Radio, 1500 University Drive, Billings MT 59101-0298.
A Funeral Service was held at Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service, 113 S. Willson Ave. in Bozeman at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 27, 2015, followed by a noon reception in the Atrium at the Best Western Grantree Inn, 1325 N. 7th Ave. in Bozeman.
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service.  www.dokkennelson.com

Death Notice: Jack Young
Jack Young passed peacefully away on June 12, 2015. There will be a celebration of Jack’s life at the Depot Church in Deer Lodge on July 19, 2015 at 1 p.m. There will be an Honor Guard graveside service at Hillcrest Cemetery immediately after the memorial service. Following the graveside service there will be a luncheon at 2:30 p.m. at the Saint Mary’s Center on Saint Marys Street in Deer Lodge. A full obituary will be at a later date.