Blog Archives

October 25, 2023

10/25/2023

Death Notice
Avalon Marie Billquist

Avalon Marie Billquist, 97, of Anaconda, died Oct. 10. Services were held Oct. 17. Avalon was laid to rest with her husband, Ole, and her parents, at the Avon Cemetery. Please visit www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com for the full obituary to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Avalon. Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services and Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services were privileged to care for Avalon and her family.

Thomas “Bud” Gerald Findlay
February 2, 1927 - Oct. 17, 2023

Thomas “Bud” Gerald Findlay, 96, born in San Francisco, Feb. 2, 1927, died Oct. 17.
He was in the Navy from 1943 to 1946 during World War II. Bud was on a destroyer, circling the globe to bring supplies to our troops. He traveled around the world several times in 2 years, eventually returning to his home in San Francisco. Anne and Bud met in 1946; they were married 57 years.
Bud worked on a Dreger, on the San Francisco Bay, for over 30 years, digging for depth to allow ships to come in.
He and his wife, Anne Hertz Findlay, moved to Deer Lodge in 1991. He volunteered for numerous things in the 30 plus years he lived there. He became an Elks member, helping with dinner, decorations and seating tables. He and Anne delivered food for the Deer Lodge Senior Center for several years, and he helped his wife during her volunteer hospice work. His happiest times were repairing everything and fishing the Clark Fork River.
He is survived by his wife, Anne; his three daughters, Lori Gale, Linda Maeding and Vikki Gentry; his son, Christopher Findlay; his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
Memorials in honor of Bud are suggested to Immaculate Conception Church, 605 Clark St., Deer Lodge, or to a foundation of the donor’s choice.
Funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, at Immaculate Conception Church. A reception will follow at the Elks Lodge Deer Lodge, 230 Main St., in Deer Lodge. Rite of Committal with Military Honors will be held at 3 p.m., following the reception, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge.
Please visit axelsonfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence or share a memory of Bud.

F. Charlotte Faust
June 22, 1936 - October 14, 2023

F. Charlotte Faust, 87, passed away due to a stroke at Northern Montana Hospital on Saturday, Oct. 14. She was born June 22, 1936, in Deer Lodge to Harold and Freda (Larson) Gustafson. She was raised with two brothers and graduated from Powell County High School. After high school, Charlotte moved to Spokane and worked for Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph as a phone operator.
In Spokane she met Bill Faust, Air Force airplane mechanic, stationed at Fairchild AFB. They were married December of 1957. When Bill was discharged, they moved to Inglewood, Calif., where daughter Carol was born. In 1979, they moved to Washington, where later, Charlotte attended the Tri-Cities Community College and then Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash., receiving her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Both Charlotte and Bill earned their bachelor degrees as empty nesters; quite an accomplishment!
Charlotte worked for several different companies as a bookkeeper; her favorite being Atlantis Submarines in Everett, Wash. She retired from bookkeeping in 1998. In retirement, the couple enjoyed many years of camping and road trips, not to mention frequent trips to Costco. When Bill passed away in 2013, Charlotte relocated to Havre to be near her daughter, granddaughters and great-grandchildren.
Charlotte enjoyed working in her yards gardening. She always kept a tidy house so she could host company. She loved “keeping in touch” through email and phone calls and had a passion for genealogy, taking a Community Ed class to perfect her skills. She took a David Jeremiah Alaskan Cruise to celebrate her 80th birthday. She was an active church member wherever she was living. In recent years, Charlotte spent time volunteering at Fifth Avenue Christian Church folding bulletins, picking up communion cups, helping with funerals, facilitating a ladies Bible study and whatever else needed done. She especially loved hymn sings, school music performances, community music events and playing the piano.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Faust; parents, Harold and Freda Gustafson; son-in-law, Chris Crosby; and brother, Harold “Jack” Gustafson.
Charlotte is survived by her daughter, Carol (Les) Crosby Odegard, Havre; granddaughters, Alisha (Jon) Wells of Havre and Leandra (Josh) Fraley of East Helena; great-grandchildren, Eden, Presly, Olivia, Roman, Dylan, Emersyn; brother, Jim Gustafson of Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place, and memorial services were Monday, Oct. 23, at Fifth Avenue Christian Church in Havre with Pastor Rick Hodshire officiating. Charlotte’s family has suggested memorial donations be made in her memory to Fifth Avenue Christian Church, the Veterans of the Hi-Line Memorial Park or the charity of the donor’s choice. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Please visit Charlotte’s online memorial page to send a card or leave a message of condolence for her family at www.hollandbonine.com.

Joseph Harold Jette
November 23, 1940 - October 14, 2023

Joseph Harold Jette, 82, known to family and friends as Harold, quietly passed from this life on Oct. 14. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and a cherished member of the Deer Lodge community.
Harold was born Nov. 23, 1940, in Deer Lodge, to Joseph and Helena (Harold) Jette.
Harold’s life was deeply rooted in the Deer Lodge Valley. His parents purchased a ranch there when he was just 5 years old, and it was on this land that he spent most of his life. He was raised alongside his twin sister, Donna (Hoppe), and brothers Alford “John” and David.
Harold’s journey through life was marked by hard work and a love for the outdoors. He began his laborious journey on the family ranch, where he toiled alongside his family. As a young man, he joined the workforce at the Anaconda Company ranch at the tender age of 16, starting a lifelong career that spanned different roles within the company.
Throughout his life, Harold dedicated himself to various occupations in Montana’s mining industry. He worked in the mines of Butte and the Anaconda smelter and Butte concentrator as a laborer. His unwavering commitment and strong work ethic defined him as a dependable and industrious individual. He retired from mining in 1998.
In 1961, Harold married his beloved Carol (Wekkin), and together they raised two sons, Troy and Terry, in Anaconda. Their love and partnership endured for over six decades, a testament to their enduring bond.
In 1978, Harold and Carol made a pivotal decision to purchase the Jette family ranch from Harold’s mother. His time was filled with tending to the land, growing feed for the cattle and managing a diverse range of animals, from chickens and turkeys to pigs. He even had a pair of draft horses that he worked with on occasion. The ranch was not just a place of work but also a source of cherished memories, especially with his family and friends.
Beyond his dedication to ranching and mining, Harold had a deep passion for the outdoors. No matter the season, you could always find him enjoying his four-wheeler, boat or snowmobile. These were the moments when he found solace and joy in nature.
Harold was best known for his quick-witted humor, unwavering determination and generous spirit. He touched the lives of many with his kindness and charisma.
Harold is survived by his loving wife, Carol, their two sons, Troy (Rhonda) and Terry, and bonus son Paul Heitt-Rennie (Darin) and brother, David. He leaves behind four cherished grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.
A memorial service, organized privately by family in honor of Harold will be held Saturday, Oct. 28, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Racetrack Volunteer Fire Hall, located at 6887 S. Frontage Road, Deer Lodge. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that those who are able donate to honor his memory.
Harold’s life was a testament to the values of hard work, love, and dedication, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He has left an indelible mark on the Deer Lodge community and the hearts of his loved ones.
Please visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Harold. Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Harold and his family.

October 4, 2023

10/4/2023

Jay Arthur Peterson
May 20, 1964 - September 12, 2023

The world has lost an amazing man. Jay Arthur Peterson, 59, of Anaconda, passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 12, with his family by his side.
Jay was born in Butte on May 20, 1964, to William and Shirley (Williams) Peterson.
Jay attended Ramsay School, West Junior High and graduated from Butte High School in 1982. Jay grew up on the Peterson Ranch with his loving mom, dad, Uncle Art and 12 siblings. Even though Bill and Shirley had a full house, they often opened their home to extended family and neighbors. Jay was raised with a strong foundation of love, which he passed on so freely to others during his lifetime.
As soon as Jay could, he started learning the ropes of the western lifestyle on the ranch. He could often be seen with a rope in hand, bottling sheep, feeding cows, taking out trail rides at the horse corral, guiding elk hunts, herding cattle, working in the hay fields and changing pipes. Jay dedicated his life to the Peterson Fairmont ranch and took great pride in his daily work. At a young age, Jay and his brother Hank worked with their dad and uncle to run the ranch.
Shortly after graduating high school, Jay and his life-long friend Elizabeth “Beth” (Seymour) Peterson started dating. They were meant for each other and enjoyed many years doing the things they loved together. Jay and Beth were married on Dec. 20, 1987, and together raised three wonderful children, daughter Hailey and sons Justin and Ty. They were later blessed with three beautiful grandchildren, Reid, Clayton and Briar. Jay was the best husband, father and “Papa” ever. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he loved spending time with them. Jay was incredibly giving and selfless. Even though he was busy with all he had to get done each day on the ranch, you could often see him catching frogs at the pond, teaching the grandkids how to throw a loop or bringing them on motor bike rides.
Jay was a devoted family man with unwavering support for his children in whatever they wanted to pursue; but he was the happiest teaching and working with them on the ranch. He always took time to show them how much the ranch meant to him and make them feel like they were a part of it. Jay had hopes of keeping his legacy a working ranch that would continue for generations to come.
Jay was not only a role model to his children and grandchildren but many of his nephews and nieces looked to him as a father figure. He loved them all as much as they loved him and could make anyone feel special and welcome. Jay had the ability to turn bad situations into positive ones and was a man that many others turned to. Jay was the glue that held everything together. He was “always there” for his family and friends.
Jay continually looked for ways to improve the ranch whether it was the hay crop, the cattle blood line or increasing the cattle herd. Jay was very innovative, talented and resourceful. Jay was very proud of the custom log home that he and Beth built to raise their family in. Jay could look at a picture of his next project for the ranch and before you knew it, he would have it built. He built several hay bale feeders, horse trailers and numerous farming/irrigation equipment. He seemed to be able to fix (jerry rig) anything, even if missing a few parts.
Jay understood the importance of hard work, but he also understood the importance of making it fun. Jay was tough as nails, motivated and self-disciplined, making sure to live each day to the fullest. Jay wore many hats over the years: rancher, roper, farmer, welder, mechanic, hero to many. He loved to train his cow dogs and was never without his cow dog “Pete” by his side. Over the years he had some of the best horses around, and could rope and ride with the best.
Jay (Jaybird) was an extraordinarily skilled hunter and somehow always seemed to know where the elk were, which he learned from his dad and uncle Art. He cherished many great memories at hunting camp with friends and family, and he passed down his love of the tradition of hunting to his cousins, nephews and children.
Jay will be remembered for his overwhelming generosity and his “Once in a Lifetime” personality. He could light up a room with his presence and always had a huge smile on his face, and his contagious laugh would echo through any crowd. Jay made friends with ease. Jay experienced and accomplished so much in his lifetime; he had many stories to share and was always ready with a good joke. Jay was honest, thoughtful, loving, genuine and led by example. He was an inspiration to us all and truly a “One of a Kind” cowboy.
Jay leaves behind many close friends including Ross and Chris Swanson, Bob Swanson and Swanson family, Kenny Blume and Blume family, nephew Sam Reynolds, Brian Kimpton and many more. We apologize if we forgot to mention anyone by name.
Jay was respected by those he worked with and was an active member of the Sparrow Grazing association, spreading his interest in improving it for all.
Jay, our lives will never be the same without you. We will never understand why you had to leave so soon, but we will forever cherish the time we had with you, and know you are smiling and tracking the “Big Bulls” up in heaven.
Jay was preceded in death by his father, Bill; uncle, Art; father-in-law, Joseph Seymour.
Jay is survived by his wife of almost 36 years, Beth; daughter Hailey Peterson, grandsons Reid and Clayton. Son Justin (Bailey) Peterson, son Ty Peterson, granddaughter Briar. Mother, Shirley Peterson; Hank (Maggie) Peterson, Connie (Dale) King, Ellen (Wayne) Allen, Laurie (Mike) Gurnett, Billie (Scott) Reynolds, Vickie Buckley, Susan (Clint) LaRue, Holly Christensen, Judy (Sam) Davis, Lisa (Russ) Scherman, Gayle Peterson, Jenny Peterson. Nephews, nieces and greats: Garrett (Ashley) Graham, Sloan Gurnett, Libby (Dalton) Jhett, Etta Tamcke, Katie (Brandon) Sidney, Sara and Shea Whitaker, Sam (Melissa) Gus, Pete, Clyde, Ike, Tilly Reynolds, Jake and Jared Buckley, Jessie (Pierce) Myla Pendleton, Levi (Kileigh) Claire, Henry, Leah Knott, Jeremy (Jamie) Anthony, Avery Knott, Cassie (Ryan) Ella, Joey Fallang, Emily Peterson, Abby (Chris) Wrenley, Thea Brown, Rusty, Rowan, Collins Christensen, Carly Christensen, Kyle (Echo) Davis, Lexi (Will) Poell, Mami (Kaleb) Scherman, Nate Scherman. Mother-in-law Jean Seymour and family, Karen (Rich) Barnett, Travis (Kelly) Kaleb, Jake, Emma Barnett, Patti (Shane) Kailee, Jax Anderson, Missy (Joe) Bayes, Levi, Paige Jordan, Mandy (Jeremiah) Noah, Addy, Tate Stifle; Brad (Connie) Seymour, Allison Seymour, Danny, Aiden Lee Seymour, Paula (Zeb) Zoolkoski, Laura (Kyle) Tompson; Jack (Brenda) Seymour; Becky Jensen, Jennifer Rognstad, Robbie, Faith, Madi, Gabe; Tina (Mike) Chris, Jacob, Kaleb Ogburn, Sarah Jensen; Cindy (John) Kmetz, Joseph (Stacey) Kmetz, Michael Kmetz, Kevin (Lauren) Kmetz, JeanMarie Kmetz; Scott Seymour, Barry (Amanda) Riley, Evangeline Butori, Autumn (Todd) Butori.
Memorials in honor of Jay are suggested to the Tri-County Fair, P.O. Box 149, Deer Lodge, MT 59722.
A Celebration of Life service for Jay will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, at the Peterson Fairmont Barn, 1800 Shirley Way, Anaconda, MT 59711.
Please visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family condolences or to share a memory of Jay.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Jay and his family.

October 25, 2023

Death Notice Avalon Marie Billquist

Thomas “Bud” Gerald Findlay ​ February 2, 1927 - Oct. 17, 2023

F. Charlotte Faust ​ June 22, 1936 - October 14, 2023

Joseph Harold Jette ​ November 23, 1940 - October 14, 2023