Darrell Lawrence Ward
​Darrell Lawrence Ward, age 52, passed away on August 28, 2016, in a tragic plane accident at Rock Creek.
Born on August 14, 1964, in Hamilton, he was the son of Susan Brunner and Wayne “Skip” Ward. He attended Victor High School in Victor, and went on to work a multitude of positions as a farmer, logger, truck driver, and a celebrity for the History Channel’s, Ice Road Truckers.
Darrell enjoyed fishing, his jet boat, hunting, working on anything to do with automobiles, and especially driving long haul semi-tractor trucks. His greatest passion was his family and friends, and in recent years, the fans he met as a television personality. At the time of his death, he was a producer and star with Original Productions for a new television series, Tall Timber Pilots. The passion he had for his fans recently led him to create YOLOrx.com, an organization that assists with affordable prescription medications. He was also dedicated to supporting Special Olympics world-wide.
Darrell is survived by his son Reno Ward of Deer Lodge, daughter Terra Ward (Jarrett Brooks) of Anthony, Kans., granddaughters Laila Dodgen and Shaylee Brooks of Anthony, Kans., stepdaughter BreAnna Garner of Anthony, Kans., mother Susan Brunner of Harlowton, father Wayne “Skip” Ward (Sherry) of Custer, brother Wayne Ward (Susan) of Great Falls, sister Lauri Ward Teig (Ron) of Harlowton, sister Terri Ward of Harlowton, brother Justin Ward (Kizzy) of Custer, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and many more family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Gregg Ward.
A private memorial service was held for family and close friends at 1 p.m. on September 3, 2016, at the First Baptist Church in Deer Lodge; officiated by Pastor Shane Olson and the eulogy was given by Darrell’s lifelong friend, Bill Claassen.
In lieu of flowers, a college fund has been set up for his grandchildren. Donations can be made to: Darrell Ward Memorial Fund, 1st Security Bank, Attn: Tom Christnacht, PO Box 629, Deer Lodge, MT 59722 or by calling (406) 846-2300.

​Ohrla Catherine Batt Zoeteman
Ohrla Catherine Batt Zoeteman, 89 passed away on September 25, 2016 in Deer Lodge. Ohrla was born May 12, 1927 to George and Elizabeth Batt in San Pedro, Calif. into a family with six siblings. At an early age the family moved to western Nebraska and she graduated high school in Sidney, Nebr. Afterwards she attended beauty school and opened her own shop in Potter, Nebr.  On a blind date in 1950 she met her future husband Elmer.  They were married August 19, 1951 and celebrated their 65th anniversary this year.  They eventually settled in Deer Lodge where she worked in the school system for 20 years. After retiring in 1987 her and Elmer enjoyed traveling and spending winters in Arizona. She is survived by her husband Elmer Zoeteman; and her children, Kathleen Burt of East Helena, Dale (Kathy) Zoeteman of Deer Lodge, Linda (Kevin) Edwards of Golden, Colo. and Carey (Marty) Zoeteman of Dewey, Ariz.; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.  Graveside services will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge, at 11 a.m. on Friday September 30. A luncheon will follow at The Broken Arrow, 317 Main Street.  In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in her name to the Deer Lodge Elks Club.

Mary Sydney Bray
We lost our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend Mary Sydney Bray, 86, of Hall,  on Sept. 18, 2016.  She was born on Nov. 27, 1929 to Charles and Margaret Fyvie in Kellogg, Idaho.  She married Leonard Bray of Hall on July 1, 1950.  They resided on the family ranch in Hall.   Mary was very proud of her Scottish heritage. Mary had a generous heart for service.  She lived her life dedicating herself to her family and friends.  The community calendar served as her diary which she used daily to send cards to countless friends and their families.  Mary enjoyed working with the children at Hall Methodist Monday School for 40 years.  She supported all of the activities of her children.  She was very involved in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was a member of Hall Methodist Church,  Margaret Cumming Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, and PEO. 
She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Margaret Fyvie, husband Leonard Bray, sister Peg Gutcher, brother-in-law Harold Bray. 
She is survived by her children: Marjorie (Dwight) Wade of Three Forks-Sarah (Shane) Shoopman-Brian, Elektra; Sydney Wade-JT;   Don (Honore) Bray of Hall-Marcus (Jen) Bray - Anthony, Marah, Russell; Kara (Jared) DeMers -DMitri, Sophie;  Dale (Sunny)  Bray of Grapevine, TX- Dustin (Ashley) Bray- Addison, Jacob; Taylor Bray;  Dean (Cammy) Bray of Bismarck, N.D.- Lindsey Bray; Alex Bray;  Dee (Gayle) Bray of Columbus- Deven Bray; Dillon Bray.
She is also survived by brother-in-law Ken Gutcher and sister-in-law Audrey Bray. 
In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Hall Methodist Monday School.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Sept. 24, 2016 at the Hall Methodist Church.  Internment was held at New Chicago Cemetary.   Jewell Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mary Ann Knight
On September 23, 2016 Mary Ann passed away after a long courageous battle with breast cancer.  She was surrounded by her family and loved ones who were dear to her heart.   
Mary Ann was born on November 2, 1960 to Jerome and Patricia Mattice; she was the second of five children. She grew up on a ranch west of Helena where she had many memories of riding her ponies with her siblings. She attended Capital High School in Helena. After high school she attended MSU at Bozeman. 
She met the love of her life Hank Knight after Jerry and Pat bought their ranch in Avon in 1979. They were married on April 25, 1981. Together they had two children Pamela and Kelley. Mary Ann was a one of a kind, her family came first and she was a true and genuine friend to everyone she crossed paths with. 
She was preceded in death, by her father Jerome Mattice. Mary Ann is survived by her husband Hank, two daughters Pamela (Jeff) Ford, Kelley (Shannon) Corey and five grandchildren who meant the world to her - Shaylee, Clinton, Rylee, Olivia, and Liam. She is also survived by her mother Patricia Mattice, and siblings  Vicky Kluesner, Melinda (Joe) Neiman, Brad (Sherri) Mattice and Becky (Bill) Lowery, as well as many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. 
Services will be held on October 1 at 2 p.m. at the Avon Church followed by a luncheon at the clubhouse and graveside services at 5 p.m. 
Donations are suggested to either the Cancer Treatment Center (2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601) or the Avon Community Club (In care of Nick Beck- P.O Box 244 Avon MT 59713).

Don Goddard
Don was born in Livingston, January 19, 1930, to Floyd and Barbara Goddard.  He received his education there.  He worked briefly for the Northern Pacific Railroad until enlisting in the Army in 1946.  Upon discharge he moved to Deer Lodge and worked for the Milwaukee Railroad until its closure.  He then worked highway construction until retiring in 1992.
Don married Norine Munkres in 1952 and in July of 2016 they celebrated their 64th anniversary.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and had a very unique gift of telling great stories. 
He is survived by his wife Norine, son Tom Goddard, daughters Jan (Bill) Alexander and Dawn Goddard, 12 grandchildren,seven great-grand children, brother Mick Goddard, sister Mary Lou Shields, sister-in-law Eileen (Al) Kinney and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Mary, brother Chet, sisters Helen Irey and Jody Fink.
Funeral services are planned for Thursday September 22, at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church with luncheon to follow at St. Mary’s Center.
Donations are suggested to Tina’s House or charity of donor’s choice.

Barbara Jean (Jacobsen) Weaver
Barbara Weaver passed away Saturday, September 3, 2016.
Barbara was born April 28, 1944 in Deer Lodge.  She was raised in the Helmville area, attending grade school at the Douglas Creek School and high school at Powell County High School in Deer Lodge.  She spent her childhood years on the family ranch helping with chores, raising of livestock, cooking and cleaning.  It was there on the ranch that she learned the incredibly amazing work ethic that showed every day, which also carried through to her children.
Barbara married Leland “Dutch” Weaver, together they had two children.  Our mom was a woman like no other.
There are no words to describe how important Barbara was to us and what a powerful influence she continues to be.  Barbara, we love you.  You will forever be remembered for your love of family, amazing cooking (huckleberry chocolates, pudding, mutton, rocky mountain oysters; just to name a few) family gatherings and generosity unto others.  
She was preceded in death by sisters, Flora Wimberly and Marge Gould and brother, Skip Davis.
She is survived by her husband, Dutch, children, Bonnie (Shannon) and Casey (Amanda), twin grandsons, Jayden (Zoom) and Bryden (Zip), sisters, Wilma Gauthier, Pauline Mininger, Jerry Robb, Verna Lutz (Dennis) and Vicky Davis (Tom) brother, Paul Jacobsen (Tina) and several nieces and nephews.
At Barbara’s request there will be no funeral services.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your choice.

​Alfred Gerald Lowery
Alfred Gerald Lowery, November 6, 1929 – September 5, 2016.
Alfred (Al) Lowery was born in Anaconda to Gerald & Elise Lowery on November 6, 1929.
They moved to the Deer Lodge Valley where the family originally homesteaded. His early farming days started at age nine working for many different farms.  Al went to St. Mary’s Academy and graduated in 1947 from Powell County High School.
In 1952 he met his wonderful and beautiful wife Mary Catherine Anderson and they married December 12, 1953 at Sacred Heart Church in Butte.
After serving in the Army in Korea Al returned home in 1954 and started his family and career as a bricklayer working at the Anaconda Smelter.  In 1967, the State of Montana hired Al for his masonry skills where he laid all of the block and tile for the dairy at the prison.  Until his retirement, he built many fireplaces and brick/stone masterpieces throughout the valley.  
In 1971 Al, Mary and their eight children built a brick home they shared with love, family and friends for 45 years.
Al loved the outdoors including hunting, horses, ice fishing, camping and gardening. He enjoyed telling stories and playing a game of cribbage sharing his smoked canned salmon and homemade wine. 
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; father and mother; sister, Mary Ann; brother, Glen and his wife, Sharon; grandson, John; daughter-in-law, Lorri and their best friends, Jack & Bonnie Warren.
Al is survived by his brother Robert (Shirley) Lowery; brother-in-law, Jack Anderson; brother-in-law, Joe Anderson; children, Dale Lowery, Diane (Larry) Benz, Dave (Patty) Lowery, Dan (Debra) Lowery, Dean (Naomi) Lowery, Don Lowery, Donna (Dan) Klette & Doug (Judy) Lowery; 33 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Celebration of Al’s life was held on Monday, September 12 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 140 Sam Beck Road, with a luncheon following at the Elks. 
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Scleroderma Research Foundation, www.scleroderma.org, and Hand In Hand In Africa, www.handinhandinafrica.com.

​Richard K. Shandy
Richard K. Shandy, 66.
Richard K. Shandy of Anaconda, passed away peacefully the evening of August 3, 2016 at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Wash. due to complications with diabetes.  Cremation has taken place.
He was born on September 17, 1949, in Deer Lodge to Russell and Margie (Beck) Shandy.  He spent his early years growing up in and around the Deer Lodge Valley.  Rich was raised and educated in Deer Lodge attending both St. Mary’s Academy and Powell County High School.  He married Linda Lewis in 1968 and the following year they moved to Anaconda where they made their home and raised their family. They later divorced but remained good friends.  From this union Rich was blessed with four children, Beth, Heather, Becky and Heath.  Rich spent his later years with good friend and companion, Sandra Glenn.
Starting at a young age, Rich had a big heart and was always willing to lend a hand.  Rich spent most of his childhood outdoors tending to his animals, riding his horse, and spending time with family and friends.  He was well known for his gift of gab, sense of humor, and always having a treat to share.  He enjoyed attending his children’s activities, going on picnics, fishing and playing pinochle.  Rich worked for the Anaconda Company until the smelter closed.  He then became self employed as a painter where he took pride in the many houses he painted in the area and the friendships that he made.
Rich was preceded in death by his father, Russell M. Shandy, paternal grandparents, J.B. and Millie (Tucker) Shandy, and maternal grandparents, Pete and Margaret (O’Keefe) Beck.
He will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his mother, Margie Shandy of Helena, daughter Beth (Mike) Parks and their children, Skylar and Taylor of Butte, daughter Heather (Mike) Gasper and their son Michael Patrick of Mansfield, Tex., daughter Becky (Chris) Sorg and their son Carson of Swisher, Iowa, son Heath (Ruth) Shandy and their sons Chris and Brody of Benton, La., sisters Linda (Jim) Quigley of Avon, Deb (Pete) Horton of Helena, ex-wife, Linda Shandy of Butte, special companion Sandra Glenn of Anaconda, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Deer Lodge. Burial will immediately follow at the Hillcrest Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at St. Mary’s Center.  Memorials, if you wish, may be made to a charity of your choice.