Tamara D. Canaan
Born October 10, 1937, in Butte, to Donald and Deborah Canaan, Tamara passed away from medical complications on December 21, 2020.  She attended elementary school in Avon and high school in Deer Lodge.  She attended University in Missoula and trained as a court reporter.  She practiced her court reporter career in Missoula, Santa Cruz, Calif., and Helena.  A co-worker wrote at her retirement: “Well done!  A good and faithful public servant, your loyalty, dedication, and hard work have been an inspiration to the entire staff.  Congratulations on having completed many years of exemplary service to the court.”
During her retirement, she enjoyed her home in Helena with her flowers and animals, and some wonderful friends and neighbors.  She was a faithful contributor to many worthwhile causes.  
Tamara was preceded in death by her parents.  She had no other family or relatives.
No services will be held. She will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge during a private service.
Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of Tamara. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Tamara.

Clifford Earl Graveley
Clifford Earl Graveley was 98 years old.  He was born on June 4th, 1922 on the home ranch and passed December 26, 2020 at his ranch home.  He is the son of Charles and Rhoda Graveley.
Cliff went to school in Avon to the eighth grade and worked on the home ranch otherwise.  He married Patricia E. Heltborg September 7th, 1943.  They were married 77 years.  They had eight children; Christine Rachor (Jim), Steve Graveley (Sue), Lorrain Mead (Roger), Valda Thome, Scott Graveley (Suzi), Shane Graveley (Donna), Sandy Graveley (Mary) and Lisa An who died shortly after birth.
He also had many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Those preceding him in death are his parents, siblings and son-in-laws Buzzy Cooper, Kit Hardy and Duane Thome.
Memorial contributions can be made to Avon Community Church, PO Box 224, Avon MT 59713.
Burial has taken place.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Cliff’s funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.

Marjie Rae (White) Scharf
Marjie Rae (White) Scharf of Helena passed away on November 13, 2020 at the age 81.  Born on January 17, 1939 and raised in Deer Lodge, she was the oldest daughter of Jack White and Bonnie (Anderson) White. In 1957 she graduated with honors from Powell County High School along many of her lifelong friends. On January 2, 1958 Marjie married her childhood sweetheart Jack Scharf.  She is survived by her husband Jack of almost 63 years, daughters Sandy (George) Countryman and Laura (Chet) Pierman, and sons Bruce (Nina) Scharf and Eric (Dini) Scharf, brothers Jim (Donna) White and Terry (Kathy) White and sister Betty (Jack) Main, 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  
Always ready for adventure, Marjie and Jack opened and operated the River of Gold Mining Museum and Gift Shop in Nevada City for several years.  After becoming snowbirds they spent many winters in Quartzite, Ariz. selling their wares and exploring the desert.  It was there that Marjie learned and perfected the art of wire wrapping jewelry which allowed her to share her love of stones with family, friends and customers.  Marjie especially loved camping and for the last several years organized large family campouts each summer at Gold Creek, creating good times and great memories for everyone.  Always busy with a project, she could decorate on a dime and made her homes beautiful inside and out wherever she lived.  Her close friends affectionately called her “Magic Marj” because she could pull a meal together with not much to work with. 
Marjie was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother and kind friend who was always willing to offer love and support in times of need.  As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, she loved studying the bible and received much joy from sharing bible knowledge with others.  A celebration of Marjie’s life will be held at a later date when family and friends can gather to share stories and memories.

Death Notice: Robert C. Toole
Robert C. Toole, owner and operator of River Radio Ranch and The River AM/FM, passed away November 2020.

Darrell Vernon Bauman
Darrell Vernon Bauman was born November 26, 1934 to George and Florence Bauman in South Dakota.  The family had an adventurous spirit and moved around quite a bit to allow George to work on farms and ranches all around the Midwest.  Their travels led them to Deer Lodge and Darrell ultimately chose to make it his home.  His time in the Army allowed him to see a bit of the world including an opportunity to tour Europe while stationed in Italy, but he always came back home.  
Darrell married Joy Bauman and together their family included sons Doug, Darcy, and Darrell, and daughter Darla.  Deer Lodge was the perfect place to call home as it provided an excellent location for Darrell to pursue his great joys – hunting and ice fishing!  After retiring from Cominco mine, he continued to stay busy with work at the sawmill and as a bartender.  After spending 40 years as an underground miner, he spent as much time in the sun as possible and developed a year-round tan.  The year really had three seasons – yard sale-ing, hunting, and ice fishing.  
He is survived by sons Doug and Darcy Hunt of Deer Lodge, and Darrell Bauman (Sandy) of Helena; grandchildren Laura Anderson (Gabe) of California, Doug Hunt Jr. (Laura) of Kalispell, Devin Leigh Hunt of California, Hannah Sidner (Rodger) of Great Falls, Morgan Turner (Levi) of Deer Lodge, and Olivia Bauman of Bozeman; and six great-grandchildren.   He was preceded by his parents George and Florence, brother Kenny, sister Nettie, daughter Darla, and granddaughters Melanie and Laynie.  
Darrell was warm, friendly, and chatty with everyone he met.  His big smile with those dimples instantly drew people in!  He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.  He slipped away peacefully to enter the kingdom of Heaven on December 7, 2020.   Due to COVID, no services will be held at this time, but the family will plan a celebration of life for later in the year.  Please honor Darrell by thinking of him next time you are out in the sunshine enjoying nature, as that was truly his happy place.  

Rockne Tim “Tim” Johnson
Rockne Tim “Tim” Johnson passed away at Big Sky Care Center in Helena as a result of Covid-19 at the age of 79 years old. Tim passed peacefully Monday afternoon on 12/7/2020 after being diagnosed 12 days previously. He was able to be visited and comforted by his sons and niece at the time of passing. 
Tim was born in Bozeman on 7/7/1941 to Ada L. and Arthur W. Johnson, who had moved to Bozeman from Deer Lodge. The Johnson family then moved to Helena where Tim attended school, graduating from Helena High School in 1959. He enjoyed his time in high school and developed good friends with whom he remained close throughout his life. When on summer break, Tim worked on his uncle’s farm in Deer Lodge with his cousins and continued to maintain close family ties with his Deer Lodge family. 
Tim joined the United States Army Reserves in May, 1960 and later attended Montana State College (MSU Bozeman), graduating with a bachelor’s degree. He retained employment in Butte, moving to Denver, Colo. in 1966 where he worked in the banking industry. There he met Deanna Kay Wilken of Denver and they were married 2/16/1968 and later divorced. Tim returned to Helena in 1979 where he worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield as a computer programmer and raised his sons, Derek and Todd. Tim retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield in 1993 and spent the next several years pursuing his hobbies and past times. 
Tim enjoyed working with his hands. He did woodworking, creating carvings, refinishing antique furniture, and painting. He had belonged to bowling leagues, but his favorite past time was golf where he spent many happy hours, in the early years with his dad and brother, then teaching his sons the joys and skills of the sport, belonging to golf leagues and playing with a regular foursome at Bill Roberts Golf Course. Tim enjoyed football, especially the Denver Broncos and followed them avidly, watching games every weekend with his boys. Tim loved animals and kept dogs throughout his life. He got a kick out his regular visits from a couple of deer that he named when they frequented his back yard.
Tim was preceded in death by parents Ada and Art Johnson and brother and sister-in-law Art Jr. “Skip” and Dorothy Johnson. He is survived by his sons Derek Johnson and Todd (Amy) Johnson; grandchildren Rylee, Raeghan, Ryker, Abby, and Lilly; sister Doris Powell (Jim); niece Donna Downs; nephews Dan (Kathleen), Chris (Mary), Jeff (Amanda), and Paul; great-nephew and niece Cooper and Kennedey; and many cousins. 
Tim will be cremated and interred in Deer Lodge. No memorial or burial has been scheduled at this time due to COVID-19, but will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to a hospice program, animal shelter, or a charity of your choice. 
Tim’s family wish to offer a special thanks to his wonderful neighbors who offered their support to Tim and his entire family throughout the last several years, who helped him maintain his home and connections to the community; to his life-long friends Everette, Al, Jock, Mike, and Bob who helped cheer Tim on with calls, letters, and visits, and spent part of their last class reunion with him, bringing him news and much joy; to Marty, Duane, Clyde, and George who brought great friendship and joy on and off the golf course; to Tim’s extended family/cousins who kept Tim in their thoughts and prayers; and to the tireless and faithful staff of Big Sky Care Center, who made Tim feel safe, loved, and cared for. Thank you all!
Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Tim.

Nancy J. Kenny
Nancy J. Kenny, 76, passed away December 6, 2020 in Deer Lodge.  She was born July 20, 1944 to Joseph and Izetta (Myers) DeMarois in Anaconda where she attended grade school and graduated from Anaconda High School. 
She met her husband Jack of Anaconda, in Helena in 1976 and they married January 20, 1979 in Anaconda, where they lived until June of 1990 when they moved to the Deer Lodge Valley.  
Nancy worked at Deer Lodge school system as a Paraprofessional teacher’s aide and at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home. Nancy loved to sew and make quilts for all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  
Jack and Nancy enjoyed dancing and following the Old Time Fiddlers throughout Montana. They also enjoyed following their grandsons to the rodeos watching them bull ride. They also enjoyed camping and fishing with family and friends. Nancy had such a big heart and loved lending a helping hand to friends and family during weddings and gatherings.  
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, brother Ivan (Snooks) DeMarois, and son Walter I Fadness.  
She is survived by her husband Jack, daughters Tonna O’Neill (Greg) of Boulder, Jodi Ann DeMers (Banner) of Jefferson City. Grandchildren Lathe Fadness (Shelby), Sage Fadness, Myle O’Neill, Rosin O’Neill, Heston O’Neill, all of Boulder, Jubal DeMers, Talon DeMers, and Tyrel DeMers of Jefferson City. Great-grandchildren Hadley Fadness, and Mylo Fadness of Boulder. Brothers Bob DeMarois Chico, Calif. and Tom DeMarois of Anaconda, and many nieces and nephews who she dearly loved.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Services will be held at a later date.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Nancy’s funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.

Death Notice: Nancy J. Kenny
Nancy J. Kenny, 76, of Deer Lodge, MT, died on Sunday, December 6, 2020 at the Deer Lodge Medical Center, Deer Lodge. Celebration of Life Services will be held at a later date.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Nancy’s funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.

Betty Eleanora Smith
Betty Eleanora Smith, 94, of Elliston passed away December 1, 2020 at Beehive Assisted Living in Helena. Her final days were spent surrounded by family and she passed away peacefully in her sleep with her daughter by her side.
 Betty was born in Quincy, IL on July 9, 1926 and moved to Elliston with her parents, Sam and Ethel White, when she was just a toddler. Soon after, she became a big sister when her sister Jean was born. She graduated from high school in Elliston in 1944. She worked in Helena and helped her parents run their White’s Mountain Bar in Elliston for many years.
Betty married Don Smith in 1966 and had their daughter, Tanya, in 1967. The family moved to Deer Lodge in 1969 where Don worked for the MT State Prison Ranch and eventually served as the superintendent of the ranch until the time of his  retirement in 1981.  Betty worked at some local businesses in Deer Lodge, which included both of the local newspapers.   She developed many close relationships at her workplaces.
 She was especially close with her youngest granddaughter, Karlee. They were constant companions and she treasured the time she got to spend with Karlee making trips to Walmart, having lunch out on the town, or taking an afternoon break with a smoothie or some frozen yogurt. Betty was well known among her friends and loved ones for her kind, generous heart, her love of gardening, and her elaborate April Fool’s Day antics.
Betty was preceded in death by her father (Sam), mother (Ethel), brother (Sam Jr.), husband (Don), and sister (Jean). She is survived by her daughter Tanya (Emmett), and granddaughters Ashley (Nick) and Karlee (Trent), along with many friends in the Elliston and surrounding areas who will miss her dearly.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Beehive Assisted Living and Compassus Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to Betty.
 A memorial service for Betty is planned for summer 2021 in Elliston.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Betty’s honor to the Elliston Community Cemetery, Elliston EMS, or Elliston 27 Club.

​Timothy T.J. Vincent
Timothy T.J. Vincent, age 45 of Butte, passed away in the early morning hours of November 23,2020 at his family home. T.J was born July 27, 1975 to Timothy James Vincent and Susan Jo Vincent in Mission. T.J attended grade school in Garrison. He also attended school in Deer Lodge and graduated from Butte High School in 1995. T.J. then moved to Idaho where he was employed by 44 Quick Stop for 20 years. T.J. made many life long friends during his years in Idaho. Due to health issues and to be near his family, T.J. moved back to Butte in July of 2019. T.J.’s hobbies and interests included remote control vehicles, digital artwork, computer gaming, and planning future gold panning with his dad and anything having to do with the Dukes of Hazzard car, the General Lee. T.J. also loved to work on vehicles, especially his Franken truck (1985 Dodge Ram Charger).
T.J was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Ernest and Florence Vincent who he loved dearly as they helped in raising him after his parents divorce, and his maternal grandparents, Stan Oliver and Josephine Smith. T.J is survived by his father Tim and stepmom Darci Vincent of Butte; his brothers, Nehemiah Vincent of Butte, Justin Webb of Idaho and John and Kisharra Colton of Maryland; nephew Dante Webb of Idaho, his mother Susan of Idaho and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins. T.J. will aways be remembered for his caring nature, his unselfish generosity and compassion, and an uncanny sense of humor in good times or bad. T.J. was also known as Big Red and Viking. You are and will be greatly missed and remembered.
To you, our Gunnar (Viking Warrior) Gott Natt (good night) AO UNNA (LOVE YOU).
Memorials to Butte  Food Bank and Butte Marine Corp League Toys for Tots.
Due to Covid-19, no services are planned at this time and will be announced at a later date. Cremation has already taken place.

William Dallas Foster, Jr.
William Dallas Foster, Jr. passed away on November 17, 2020 after a valiant fight with Leukemia.
He was born on October 16, 1934 in Deer Lodge to the late William and Florence Foster.
Bill married Meridene Ballinger on  April 16, 1989.
He served for 31 years with the United States Air Force retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant.
Bill is survived by his wife Meridene, five children, Vicki (Kelly) Foster, Dianna (Ed) Holzinger, Dallas Foster, Jay (Kristen) Ballinger and David Ballinger; three sisters, Nancy Corneil, Mikell Periman and Patty Foster; brother David Foster; ten grandchildren and a great-grandson.