Walter Lee Boese, 75, of Deer Lodge, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, on Nov. 18, at Community Hospital of Anaconda.
    Walter was born in Detroit, Mich., on July 3, 1950, to Walter Henry and Dolores Patricia (Shattuck) Boese. He graduated from Fraser High School in Fraser, Mich., in 1968, and attended the University of Alaska from 1972 to 1973, pursuing a liberal arts degree, which included Police Science, Criminal Law and Criminal Psychology. 
In 1967, two crazy kids met, dated, and fell in love, and on Oct. 18, 1969, he married the love of his life, Gail Marie (Kleist). Together, they raised three incredible children, Todd Christian Boese, Shaun Patrick Boese and Kathleen Marie (Boese) Wyant. They were his greatest joy, and he would brag about each of them to anyone at any time!
    He was a true patriot and loved his country. He served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic from May 1970 until May 1976.
    Walter was also an avid sportsman, so in the early 80s, he moved his little family to Montana where he taught his children to love and respect the outdoors. He taught them how to camp, hunt, fish and actually read a map. Wonderful memories were made floating the Madison River, camping in Ennis every 4th of July, pheasant hunting with the boys in Glendive and teaching his daughter how to fly fish and actually tie her own flies at a very young age. He even taught his wife how to rifle and archery hunt, trap shoot and fish. One of his favorite memories was his African Safari trip that he got to take with his son, Shaun.
    He was a journeyman cabinetmaker, learning the trade from his father at Boese Wood Products. Later, he took great satisfaction in passing his love for the trade to inmates at Montana State Prison where he was the Industries Shop Supervisor from 1984 to 1995. He taught them all aspects of cabinet work and furniture construction so that upon release, they could get a good job. From 1995 to 2003, he realized his dream of owning his own company, High Country Furniture and Custom Cabinetry.
    Besides hunting and fishing, he especially enjoyed raising chickens, helping the 4-H kids with their poultry projects. In fact, he gave his grandson Wyatt a turkey, and that dang thing won Grand Champion!
    He was happiest at family get-togethers with his children and grandchildren, loved to cook and had a soft spot for his furry companions: Bear, Presley, Bruiser and Sailor, and treated each and every one like a valuable family member.
    Walter was predeceased by his father, Walter; his mother, Dolores; and his grandsons, Wyatt and Caleb Havens.
    Walter is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gail; their children, Todd Boese, Shaun Boese, and Kathleen (Kristopher) Wyant; three grandchildren, Alexandra (Keagan) Lyman, Riley Boese and Kayin Boese; siblings, Rita (Delayne) Johnecheck, Karen (Brent) Schaller and Mark (Janet) Boese; plus many cherished brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
    We find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared and the memories we will cherish forever.
    A memorial service will be held at noon on Monday, Dec. 1, at St. John Lutheran Church, 410 Missouri Ave., Deer Lodge. A luncheon will follow at the church.
    Memorials in honor of Walter are suggested to the Deer Lodge Food Pantry, 101 Milwaukee Ave, Deer Lodge, MT 59722 or to the Partnership for Animal Welfare Humane Society – “P.A.W.H.S.” - of Deer Lodge, PO Box 802, Deer Lodge, MT 59722.
    Please visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer condolences to the family or to share a memory of Walter.

    Betty Burk, 76, passed away peacefully at the Deer Lodge hospital and went to join her husband and love of her life on Oct. 16, 2025.
    She was born to Ed and Ida Verworn and had grown up in Garrison and had moved to Deer Lodge from there.  She was married to William (Skip) Burk for 46 years until his passing in 2012.
    Betty loved all animals, and opened her home and heart to many strays.
    Betty is survived by a daughter, Tracy Tipps, son-in-law Rick, and two grandchildren, Ryan Tipps and Kayla Sullivan; brothers and sisters Norman Verworn, Jean Scott, Shirley McFadden and Karen Scholler and Clifford Verworn, who has passed.
    A celebration of life will be at a future date for Betty and Skip in the spring.  She will be missed. Visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer condolences to the family or share a memory of Betty.

    James “Jim”  Lee White, 88, a man of remarkable determination, ingenuity and adventure, passed away after a long and full life. A defining figure in Western Montana’s construction and mining history, Jim’s strength and spirit left an enduring mark on the state he loved.
    Born and raised in Deer Lodge, Jim attended Powell County High School and began a lifetime of hard work in the railroad, mining and construction industries. After surviving a severe mining accident at age 19, he recovered with trademark resolve and went on to live a life filled with exploration, craftsmanship and generosity.
    A proud member of the Operating Engineers for 69 years, Jim worked on projects across Montana and was known for his mastery of heavy equipment and unmatched work ethic.  He was still using a jackhammer well into his 80s. A passionate prospector and gold miner, he helped relocate the Crooked River dredge to Virginia City and supplied authentic mining artifacts for Disneyland Paris’ Big Thunder Mountain attraction.  Jim made Helena his home since 1980 and enjoyed many years of gold mining on his properties at Cave Gulch at Canyon Ferry and in Basin.
    Along with his encyclopedia knowledge of cars, Jim’s sharp memory and creative resourcefulness gave way to many lifelong friendships. As a devoted Jehovah’s Witness, he was known for his kindness and willingness to help others.
    Jim is preceded in death by his siblings, Terry White, and Marjie Scarf (Jack) and sons, Thane and Shane White.
    He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Donna White; his children, Linda “AJ” Hoenig (Chic), James “Jimmy” White (Karen), Cindy Marshall, Shawn White (Kat) and Tressie White; along with his sister, Betty Main (Jack) and sister-in-law, Kathy White.
    He leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews, and extended family, all of whom carry forward his love of family, adventure and hard work.
    A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m., May 2, 2026, at the Helena Indian Alliance, 501 Euclid Ave., Helena.

    Our beloved mom, sister, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt passed away on Sept. 28, 2025, in Richland, Wash. Naomi was born in Anaconda on Dec. 23, 1934, to Walt and Ann Sanders. She was the oldest of Walt and Ann’s two children. Her sister Helen arrived 7 years later.
    As a child she loved to ride horses and help her dad on their ranch in Philipsburg. She graduated from Granite County High School in 1953 and completed a Business Degree at Kinman Business University in Spokane, Wash., in 1954. Naomi lived in Kent, Wash., from 1961-2018, where she raised her three sons (Rick Smith, Jeff Smith and Brian Glidden).
    Naomi worked at the Boeing Company where she met Mike Malick. They were married in June 1980. They enjoyed 37 years together. They both retired from the Boeing Company in January 1991, and they spent the next five winters exploring the country in their motor home before settling into their winter home in Bullhead City, Ariz., in 1996. They spent the next 19 years living in Kent, Wash., in the summer and in Bullhead City, Ariz., in the winter.
    In Kent, Naomi enjoyed gardening. Her favorite flowers were Dahlias and Peonies. In Bullhead City, she enjoyed doing ceramics. Wherever she lived, there was always a dog by her side that was happy to be spoiled by her. Mike and Naomi made time to spend a couple of weeks every summer at the Philipsburg family cabin that her family built in the early 1970s.
    She moved to Pasco, Wash., in 2018 to be closer to family, where she lived until her passing in 2025.
    Naomi is preceded in death by her parents Walt and Ann Sanders, and sons Rick Smith and Brian Glidden. Naomi is survived by son Jeff Smith (Donna), sister Helen Reistad (Terry), grandchildren Randall Smith and Jaime Smith, great grandchildren Sienna and Autumn Martinez, three nieces, three great nieces and two great nephews. No matter where Naomi lived, her heart was always in Philipsburg, Montana.

    Diana Marie Caldwell (our beloved mother, mom, Gram, Grandma), 86, passed away Oct. 28 in Deer Lodge. She was born in Williamsport, Penn., on March 25, 1939, to Chet and Elsie Wagner and was the second of seven children.
    In 1955, Diana married Ed Kibler, and they had five children together. Ed was in the Air Force, and they moved frequently to different states and countries until he was stationed in Great Falls in the early 60s. They both lived the rest of their lives in Montana.
    In the 60s and 70s, Diana worked in various restaurants throughout Montana and raised her children. In the early 80s, she got her real estate license and sold real estate until she and Ed bought the Avon Cafe. There they raised their grandson Ryan together until their divorce in 1991. She sold the Avon cafe to son Chuck (Sue) in 1997 after she met the love of her life, Ron Caldwell, and she and Ryan moved to Dillon to be with Ron. Diana and Ron married in 1997, and they lived on a ranch in Dillon and raised Belgian horses. Unfortunately, Ron passed away just over a year later. In the years after that, she spent most of her time with her grandkids and then her great grandkids. They all have fond memories of spending time on the ranch with her and the animals, camping and eating her famous cinnamon rolls. She enjoyed watching them play their sports, and attended many football and soccer games.
    Amazingly, Diana worked until she was 81 at the Indiana University Geological Station in the Tobacco Root Mountains of Montana. She was the camp cook (sometimes cooking for over 100 people at a time) and lived the summers in a cabin on the property. Diana loved working and being there, and she was super Grandma to the kids who attended the camps from all over the USA and Japan. She worked there for 10 years until her health prevented her from continuing. Diana spent her last years in Deer Lodge, where her son Bruce cared for her and made her life as comfortable as possible. We are all grateful to him for being there for her!
    Diana lived her life marked by love and dedication to her family. She also loved animals, camping and cooking for a crowd!
    Diana was preceded in death by her husband, Ron Caldwell; son, Mike Kibler; granddaughter, Emily Copeland; parents, Chet and Elsie Wagner; and her brothers, Bob Wagner and Jim Wagner.
    Diana is survived by her children, Mark Kibler; Chuck (Sue) of Avon; Bonnie (Andy) Copeland of Bozeman; and Bruce Kibler of Deer Lodge. She is also survived by her siblings, Dave (Joyce) Wagner; Fred (Brenda) Wagner; Sandy (Jim, Kris, Hanna, Jacob); and Sue Fessler. Her memory lives on with grandchildren Ryan Kibler (Kim), Stephanie Kibler, James Kibler (Katie), Clark Copeland, Jenna (Joe) Copeland as well as great grandchildren Cayden, Canyon, Tryston, Clayton and Bailee. She had a special place in her heart for Joyce Kibler and Amy Jo Pahut-Kibler. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
    No services are planned at this time. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Deer Lodge Humane Society @https://www.paw-hs.com/.

    Kay Marie (Brunette) McGregor, a beloved wife, mother and pillar of her community, was born in Deer Lodge, Montana, on June 8, 1956, to Elbe James Brunette and Jerry M. McCormick. She passed away peacefully surrounded by love and held by her family on Nov. 3, 2025.
    Kay graduated from Drummond High School in 1974 and went on to attend the Missoula Vocational Technical Center (Vo-Tech), where she majored in Accounting. Although a labor strike prevented her from completing her degree, Kay’s determination never wavered; she went on to manage the books and taxes for numerous businesses and residents for nearly 50 years.
    In 1981, Kay finally went on a date with the love of her life, Scott C. McGregor and shortly after, they married in Las Vegas, Nevada. They returned to the Brunette family ranch in the Drummond Valley, where they raised four children. Kay was the heart of the home, the center and the glue that held the family together. While running the Brunette Ranch, Kay also played a central role at Swede’s Corner - a Drummond, Montana establishment she co-owned with her husband Scott - where she spent years visiting with and cooking for both locals and visitors.
    Kay enjoyed road trips with her family where there were no destinations. These were filled with lots of exploring, camping always with campfires and trees, lots of smiles and laughter. Kay loved crafting; sewing, embroidery, beading and especially crocheting.  Kay never went anywhere without a crochet hook in hand and a skein of yarn in her Mary Poppins bag.
    In addition to her grandparents and parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Karla Jo (Brunette) England, who passed away on April 16th, 2011, and two brothers, one that passed away at birth and one that passed away at six months.
    Kay is survived by her best friend and love of her life, Scott C. McGregor; children, Laurie McGregor, Duane (Hettie) McGregor, Celeste (Stuart) Wilson and Eric (Alissa) McGregor; sister, Kerry Cordova; grandchildren, Brianna Sharrard, Mitchell Sharrard, Riley Sharrard, Alauna McGregor, Graiden McGregor, Dominic McGregor, Amelia Wilson, Adelaide Wilson and Charlotte Wilson; seven great-grandchildren; and many other close family and friends that she cherished.
    We extend our deepest thanks to Hope Hospice, her compassionate doctors and the caring community members who helped her along her journey with cancer with such courage and grace for three years.
    In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the American Cancer Society.
    Graveside services were held at New Chicago cemetery in Drummond on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.

    Connie Joyce McCarthy DeYott reunited with the love of her life and five of her babies on Oct. 27. She passed away in Deer Lodge, just days after celebrating her 88th birthday. While we’re sure her reunion in Heaven is a joyful one, it leaves behind a gaping hole here on earth.
    Connie was born a coal miner’s daughter - perhaps explaining her lifelong love of 1950s country music - on Oct. 7, 1937, in Heber City, Utah. She lost her father when she was nine and her mother at 15. Those early losses led her to Butte, where she lived with her older brother Jerry. It was there that she met the love of her life, Donald Edward DeYott.
    Connie and Don married in July 1955 in Butte and moved to Deer Lodge in 1960. Their marriage began with heartbreak as they lost their first three babies, but they were later blessed - “and blessed” is surely the word they would use - with eight surviving children: five girls and three boys, all born within 15 busy years.
    Connie loved her years in Butte and was deeply involved in the lives of her nieces and nephews - relationships she cherished throughout her life. Family gatherings always included them, because to her, family was anyone you loved. Many trips were made back to Butte to visit, and all but one of her babies were born there.
    Once her children were old enough for school, Connie began working as a waitress and cook in local cafés. In 1979, she joined the Montana State Prison kitchen, where she worked for 20 years. She ran a tight ship and was known for her quick wit and no-nonsense attitude - one officer swore he’d paid enough into her “swear jar” to buy a car! Sometimes she even forgot she’d fed her husband at work, only for him to come home to the same dinner he’d had for lunch.
    Connie and Don were active members of the Deer Lodge community. Together, they co-chaired Ducks Unlimited, hosted Friday dinners at the Elks Lodge and were always ready to help at community gatherings. Connie volunteered with the Woman’s Club and managed the New To You store, leading its move to a larger Main Street location. She did it all - negotiating the lease, cleaning, painting, organizing - and recruited prison work crews, Mormon missionaries, her kids and the Woman’s Club volunteers to help. Her leadership helped the store thrive and expand its donations to local causes, including the Rialto Theatre, the Senior Citizens Center, the EMT service and local scholarships.
    Family was everything to Connie. Every gathering was a big one - full of food, laughter and love. Her Thanksgiving dinners were legendary: the living room packed to the brim with family and friends, and tables overflowing with her wonderful cooking. And as if their house wasn’t already full enough, Don and Connie always found room for more - nieces and nephews, hunting buddies, their children’s friends or the kids they babysat. Everyone was welcome.
    Connie is survived by six children: Joy & Jim Grady, Denise DeYott, Donata DeYott, Lorrie DeYott, Dan Joe DeYott and Rae Ann Forseth; daughters-in-law Deanna DeYott and Sandy DeYott; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren: John Grady & Kari Schluntz (daughters Haylee and Avery), Jimmy Grady (children Mackenzie Grady and Caliber Stanyer), Andrea & Jason Kost (children Gabe Torbert and Eleori Kost), Conner DeYott, Katie DeYott, Joey & Shelby DeYott, Ritien Glosser, Mackie Glosser (son Cooper Simon), Kayla Forseth, Alex DeYott and Joyce DeYott.
    She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Terry DeYott; nieces and nephews Joe & Fran Tierney, Joyce Tierney, Colleen Mee, Gale & Bill Bacon, Tim & Lee Ann Tierney, Rochelle & Perry Jones, Denise & Gene Beaudoin, Cherrie & Tim Anders, and Ray & Rachel DeYott Jr., Allen Draper, Karen & Larry Bush, Debi Mondragon, Claudia Draper Garrett, Julie Watts - plus a multitude of loving great-nieces and nephews.
    Connie was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Donald Edward DeYott, whom she spent nine years missing; five of their children: Steven Edward, Debra Ann, Patricia Ann, Lawrence Eugene and William Raymond; grandsons Glenn Edward and Donald Edward Jr.; parents Annie Blackley McCarthy and William Albert McCarthy; and siblings and in-laws Jerry & Jean McCarthy, Jean & Ike Draper, Deanna Marsing, Lorraine & Eugene Tierney and Ray DeYott.
    Please join us in celebrating the life of Connie on Sunday, Nov. 9. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. at the Deer Lodge Elks Lodge, followed by interment at Hillcrest Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to return to the Elks Lodge for a luncheon at 2:30 p.m.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Woman’s Club of Deer Lodge in support of New To You - or simply by doing what Connie did best: extending a helping hand, inviting someone in and making sure no one is left alone.
    “May the winds of Heaven blow softly and whisper in your ear how much we love and miss you, and wish that you were here.”

    It is with deep sorrow and love that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Mary Jane Pearson, 80, who went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 21. She passed peacefully at her home in Lacey, Wash.
    Mary Jane was born July 25, 1945, in Deer Lodge, and was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend. She lived her life with grace, kindness and an unshakable faith in God. Her gentle spirit and caring heart touched everyone she met.
    A faithful servant, Mary Jane was active in her church community and always found joy in helping others. She will be remembered for her warm smile, her prayers for everyone she loved and the comfort she brought to those in need.
    She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Georgia (Steele) Gaskell.
  She is survived by her children, Joseph (Shannon) of Great Falls; Anthony (Fritzie) of Seattle; six grandchildren; and her siblings, Harry (Lila) Gaskell of Roundup, and Jim Gaskell of Deer Lodge, who will forever cherish her memory and carry her love in their hearts.
    Her faith was her foundation, and we find peace knowing she is now resting in the arms of her Savior.
    Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge, with Military Honors, in the care of Mills & Mills Funeral Home & Memorial Park.

    Katheryn Niona Almendinger, 79, passed peacefully on Oct. 23 surrounded by her children, dogs and husband.
    She was born to Loren and Audrey Almendinger on April 14, 1946. She grew up as the fifth of six children (Marjorie, Gayle, Denny, Dickey and Davey), with whom she had many adventures at the Benson Ranch and throughout the area. She graduated from Deer Lodge High School in 1964.
    She married Warren Donahue in 1966 and had three children: Tammy, Dennis and Carl. Her adventurous life took her to many towns in Montana including Bozeman, Havre, Cut Bank, Conrad, Great Falls, Helena and Kalispell.
    After an illness, she moved to Page, Ariz., where she met long-term partner Carrick Wildon who encouraged her to go back to school. She then earned an English degree from Cal State Long Beach and started a long career with the defense department as a contract analyst. She enjoyed living in various towns in California including San Pedro, Garden Grove, Westminster, Palmdale, Quartz Hill, Stallion Springs and Tehachapi.
    Shortly after retiring from the government, she and her high school sweetheart, Jack Brazill, reunited - she always said that she finally caught the one who got away. She and Jack married in Arlee with a grand party involving family from both sides. She had finally found her forever home and settled in Arlee with Jack.
    She is survived by two sisters, three children, five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, as well as Jack and his family.