​Donald Gilbert Mickelson
Donald Gilbert Mickelson, 87, 1/29/1930 –  10/06/2017.
Donald Gilbert Mickelson passed away Friday afternoon at the BeeHive Assisted Living Center in Butte on October 6, 2017.
Don was born in Roundup, to Gilbert and Mary Mickelson on January 29, 1930.  He grew up in Delphia and Musselshell, graduating from Musselshell High School in 1948.  From 1948 until 1951, he worked for the Milwaukee Railroad.  He enlisted in the Army on March 4, 1951 and served as a radio operator until his honorary discharge on March 7, 1953.  After that, he returned to work for the Milwaukee Railroad in eastern Montana, relocating to Deer Lodge in 1963 as a train dispatcher.  His Milwaukee career lasted over 30 years, continuing until the Milwaukee Railroad closed their western divisions in 1980.  He went to work at the Louisiana-Pacific Sawmill until he retired.
Don was an avid hunter and fisherman, and woodworker, skills he passed along to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  He was also well-known to be an “H-O” Train collector.
He is survived by his 100 year-old sister, Lois Gackle, of Miles City, and his daughters Diana Johnson of Aberdeen, S.D., Linda Mickelson of Helena, Jean (Mike) Steber and Carol (Ron) Mjelde, both of Deer Lodge, 11 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild and one niece.
Don was preceded in death by both of his parents, wife Vivian, son James, and sister Carol.
A visitation was Tuesday, October 10,  from 5 to 7 p.m.  Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11.  All were held at Jewell Funeral Home in Deer Lodge.  Family requests memorials to the Powell County Senior Citizens.

​Dorothy Marie Eliason Benson
Dorothy Marie Eliason Benson passed away October 23, 2017, surrounded by family.
Dorothy (Dot) was born December 31, 1929, in Deer Lodge, to Charles and Gladys Eliason.  She attended grade school and graduated high school in Deer Lodge.
Dot worked for Powell Motors in Deer Lodge after high school.  She then worked for the Avon Store and the Avon Post Office where she was postmistress.  She also worked for Davis Mercantile and later for Forbes Grocery in Avon.  She worked in the Welfare Office and the Drivers’ License Bureau in Deer Lodge.  She was then elected as Clerk and Recorder which she worked in that office for two terms and retired.
Dorothy married Fred Benson of Avon on November 20, 1949, and resided on the ranch in Avon for several years until they moved to the ranch in Deer Lodge.  She cooked for ranch hands, worked in the hay field, raised chickens and supplied many families with eggs, and helped with many other ranching activities.  
Dot was a devoted member of the Community of Christ Church in Deer Lodge where she attended all her life and was ordained in the priesthood.  She loved to bowl and was on many bowling leagues over the years.  She enjoyed playing horseshoes, making wedding cakes, and painting with her friends.  Dot enjoyed going to the Applegate cabin with all the kids.  The highlight of her week was preparing Sunday dinners for her family and friends.
Dot was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Gladys Eliason, brother Richard, sisters Alma and Ruth.  She is survived by her husband Fred, sisters Lois Jones and Helen Ring, sister Sharon and brother-in-law Joe Applegate, sister-in-law Eva Browning, brother-in-law Bruce and Pauline Benson.  She also has many nieces and nephews that she loved.
Memorials are appreciated and can be made to the Community of Christ Church, Avon Cemetery or the Avon Community Club.

​Floyd Dale Larkin
Floyd Dale Larkin, of Deer Lodge, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at the age of 87.
Floyd was born to parents Harold and Clara Larkin in Bottineau, N.D. on February 24, 1930. Floyd attended Minot State Teacher’s College earning a bachelors degree in Education. He went on to earn a master’s degree in Education at Greeley State University. Floyd served in the Army Special Forces in the Korean War. Upon discharge, he worked as a teacher and later as an administrator in Glasgow and West Yellowstone. He retired as the Superintendent of Powell County High School in Deer Lodge.
Floyd was married to Delores (Soland) in 1954 who preceded him in death in 1980. They had one son Richard Dale Larkin. One of their greatest joys was their cabin on Ft. Peck Reservoir where they spent summers renovating and enjoying the outdoors with their son.
Floyd married Marie Connolly Curran in 1982. They spent countless hours volunteering for local charities especially Elks Lodge 1737, where Floyd held several offices including Exalted Ruler and District Deputy for the state of Montana. He was most proud of his work on the Elks scholarship fund for graduating seniors. He was instrumental in establishing the Hooked on Fishing Program for grade school children. Aside from his volunteer work Floyd was also active in the VFW and Masons. Floyd and Marie traveled extensively visiting every state in the continental US and Alaska. Not only did they travel personally, but they led several guided tours throughout the country. They spent many summers at his cabin on Ft. Peck Reservoir where he caught walleye and hunted deer. Floyd loved country music, Marie’s cooking, western movies and Montana history.
Floyd is survived by his wife Marie of Deer Lodge. Son, Richard Larkin (Sara), of Broken Arrow, Okla. Step-children Thomas Curran (Laurel Lee) of Deer Lodge; David Curran (Patti) of Ontario, Ore.; JoAnn Peters (Donald) of Billings; Sharon Curran (Jeffery Kinzer) of Chalfont, Pa.. Floyd had eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, whom he adored.
A celebration of Floyd’s life will be held at the Deer Lodge Elks Lodge, 230 Main Street in Deer Lodge, MT on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 11 a.m. with lunch following. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Elks National Foundation (through the Deer Lodge Elks Lodge or www.elks.org) or the Deer Lodge Presbyterian Church.

​Janice A. Clute
Janice A. Clute, age 66, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 4, 2017. Janice was born on May 20, 1951, in Deer Lodge. She was welcomed into the loving home of her parents, Bill and Winifred Ahlin and brother Jim Ahlin. She was raised in Drummond and remained a lifelong resident of  Drummond. She graduated from Drummond High School in 1969. 
Janice married the love of her life Delbert Clute on June 5, 1970. Janice and Delbert were blessed with two sons Roy and Earl. 
Janice and her family enjoyed the outdoors and often went fishing, hunting, and on picnics. Janice also enjoyed sewing and quilting. 
Janice worked for many years as a cashier at one of the local gas stations in Drummond. She pursued an education at the University of Montana and graduated with an associate’s degree. She then served as the city clerk in Drummond. 
Janice was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Winifred Ahlin and her loving husband, Delbert Clute. Janice is survived by her two sons; Roy, his wife Valerie, and grandson Samuel Clute and her son Earl, his wife Rebecca and granddaughters Abby and Mercedes, and her brother, Jim Ahlin and family. Services were held on Tuesday, October 10 at 11 at Lower Valley Cemetery. Immediately following, was a luncheon at the Community Hall in Drummond.  

​James B. (Jim) Barkley
James B. (Jim) Barkley, 88, of Deer Lodge, passed away on 09-29-2017 after a courageous battle with cancer.  He peacefully left this earth in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born November 3, 1928 in San Francisco, Calif. to Cpt. John B. and Pearl Barkley, who preceded him in death.  He was also preceded in death by his brother Roy, son James Jr. and grandson Stephen.
He and his beloved wife Emma were married on November 6, 1948 in Missoula.  This year would have marked their 69th anniversary.
Jim was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and served his country during the Korean War.  While in service, Jim was awarded the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.  
Following his wartime service, he obtained a degree in accounting and was subsequently employed as an Accountant/Assistant Administrator at both Galen and Warm Springs State hospitals.
He was a member of the Elks Lodge and VFW, as well a member of the Galen Volunteer Fire Fighters.  James enjoyed camping, fishing and reading.  Upon retiring, James and Emma spent the winter months in Arizona, where he enjoyed riding ATVs in the desert.
James is survived by his wife Emma, children JoAnn (Tom) Earwood, Allen (Barbara) Barkley, Cindy (Al) Lambert, and Roy (Robyn) Barkley, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in James’ name be made to:  Friends of Hospice, 1940 Dewey Blvd., Butte, MT  59701. 

​Bonnie Jane Franks
Bonnie Jane Franks, 76 of Missoula passed away on September 26, 2017 peacefully surrounded by her family at home.
Bonnie was born on May 31, 1941 in Nevada City to James and Sarah Miller. She was raised in the mountains at the Andersen Phosphate Mine along with her five siblings. She attended Powell County High School and graduated from BYU with honors in math and science, achieving her teaching certificate.
Bonnie married George G. Franks of Lima and they together raised three children; George, Kathy (John) Campbell and Jennifer Franks in Missoula.
Bonnie was a celebrated and beloved teacher at Lolo Elementary for over 25 years. She took great pride in helping many students qualify and compete in the national Math-A-Lete in Washington DC.  Bonnie was an active member in the LDS church.
Bonnie retired to run her other businesses and was respected in the community for always being a very loving and generous person.
Survivors include daughters; Kathy (John) Campbell, Jennifer Franks, son George Franks, grandchildren; Andy Franks, Scott and Madison Campbell, Ethan and Adam Brush, great-grandchild Hazel Franks, sisters; Barbara (Larry) Berhman of Texas, Sarah Daniels of Colorado, Tom (Toni) and Jim (Marylou) Miller of Deer Lodge, numerous nieces and nephews. 
Awaiting Bonnie in the arms of God are parents Jim and Sarah Miller, brother Richard Miller, George Franks, and grandson John Campbell.
Please join us in celebrating Bonnie with a graveside service at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 4, 2017. A luncheon will follow at the LDS church, 761 Sagebrush Lane, in Deer Lodge.

Edna Jacobson
EDNA JACOBSON 87
After a 28 year battle with cancer, Edna Lou Jacobson passed away at her home on the ranch on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, surrounded by family and friends.
Edna was born to Virginia and William Wood on January 21, 1930 in Idaho Falls.  Edna attended schools in Idaho, California and Deer Lodge.   Edna’s mother passed away when Edna was nine and a tough childhood followed. Edna returned to Deer Lodge from California when she was 16 and attended Powell County High School while working at Kenny’s Fountain.
At a dance at the Rainbow Inn near Gregson (Fairmont), Edna met the love of her life, a rancher named Lorenzo (L.D.) “Bud” Jacobson.  After a short courtship the two were married at the family ranch on April 12, 1948 and shared 53 blessed years together dancing whenever they could.  They raised three children, Lee, Rod and Lori.  They also raised seed potatoes and cattle.  If a hired man did not show up, Edna was his replacement for the day.  For many years, Edna cooked three large meals daily for her family and hired men, as well as any friends that happened to stop by. She was an excellent cook.  Edna would pick choke cherries, gooseberries, and apples to make jelly, syrup, apple butter and she also canned pickled beets.  Edna made cookies and kool-aid every afternoon during haying season to take out to the fields.  In the summer, a banana split was always waiting when Bud would return from the fields at the end of the day.  Bud and Edna were also involved in banking, Deer Lodge Bank & Trust 1966-1968, First Security Bank of Anaconda 1968-1972, and First Security Bank of Deer Lodge 1972-2000.
Edna was extremely talented, there was nothing she could not do from plumbing to electrical to furniture upholstery to refinishing wood furniture.  She was even the family barber.  Edna loved wood working and made rocking horses and elephants for many grandchildren.  She was an excellent seamstress, as well as crocheting, knitting,  cross- stitch, and other crafts.  She also had a passion for photography and ceramics.  In her later years she passed her time with crocheting, word books, puzzles and coloring cards.
Edna loved to entertain.  For many years she would invite over 60 relatives and friends to have Christmas Dinner using fine china and gold plated silverware.  Edna was the caretaker for many aunts and uncles as they aged.  She would have the Montana Fiddler’s over to her house for a feast and good ol’ picking and grinning several times a year.  Edna was the secretary/treasurer of the Montana Fiddlers for years. Edna also would plan family reunions and bank picnics.  She was like a second mom to her nieces and nephews, and she would always welcome her children’s friends in with open arms.  Rod’s band often practiced in the basement, she cooked home-made fries as a surprise in the middle of the night during Lori’s slumber parties, and she put up with Lee sneaking snakes, frogs, and other undesirable creatures into the house during his youth.   
Edna loved history, and knew detail of her family’s roots in Deer Lodge.  Edna was a member of Sons & Daughters of Pioneers.  She was a charter member of the Powell County Museum & Arts Foundation where she served on the board for many years, and also volunteered giving tours of the Old Prison.  Edna helped put together the book Powell County Where It All Began (many of the photographs in the book were taken by Edna and came from Edna). As for the South Valley, Edna was the last of her generation.
Edna was a member of the Floral Chapter of Eastern Star and Ladies of the Nile.  Edna and Bud were very involved with the Shriners.  She also had a group of knitting/crocheting friends that met every Wednesday evening at each other’s homes for years.  Edna loved riding her bicycle here in the valley, and would ice skate and build snow men until later in life.  Her home was always comfortable, but immaculate including her windows.
You could always count on Edna to tell you just what she thought.  Edna had a quick wit and sharp mind that stayed with her until the day she died.  Edna had a great attitude toward life, no matter what curve life threw at her, she made the best of it.  She laughed a lot, loved a lot, and was an extraordinary woman, but most of all she was a kind, loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend.
Edna was preceded in death by her husband Bud (2000); parents; brothers Luther, Kenny (Betty) Wood;  grandsons Jacob Johns, Matthew Jacobson; cousin Ted Eldg;  in-laws Fred and Della Jacobson, Joan (John) Mollenberg, Eva (Oliver) (Leon) Carmen.
Survivors include: children Lee (Jackie) Jacobson; Rod (Mona) Jacobson;  Lori (Mike) Johns; grandchildren Terri, Niki (Nick), Janelle (Jay), Tracy (John), Shonna (Matt), Billy, Kelli, Wes (Niki), Ashley, Dallas, Patti (Danny), Jason, Kyla (Luke), 22 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Ted Jacobson, numerous nieces and nephews, her cousin Geri Langley and some extra special friends that were like family to her.
A funeral service was held on Friday, September 22, 2017 with internment following at Hillcrest Cemetery.  Pall bearers were Lee Jacobson, Rod Jacobson, Mike Johns, Jason Johns, Wes Jacobson, Dallas Jacobson, Danny Faaborg, Luke Johnson, and Peter Howard.
Memorials can be made to the Shriner’s Hospital, Rialto Theatre, or Friends of Hospice. 

​Berniece Rose Johnson
Berniece Rose Johnson (nee Mullins), 62, passed away on August 25, 2017 in Jonesboro, Ark. after a short battle with the sudden onset lung disease called AIP (Acute Interstitial Pneumonitis). She was born November 21, 1954 to Andy and Leota (nee Brantner) Mullins. Berniece graduated from PCHS in 1973. She married Russell Johnson (son of Rolande and Fred Johnson) on June 15, 1974. She was preceded in death by her dad, mom, and brothers Bob and Glen. She is survived by her husband Russell (Gosnell, Ark.), children Charie Melton (Gosnell, Ark.), Rebecca Johnson (Urbana, Ill.) and Avery Johnson (Chino Valley, Ariz.), six grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, sister Beverly Hover (Ogden, Iowa) and sister-in-law Kathy Mullins (Deer Lodge).