August 10th, 2016

​Deanna L. Heavner
​Deanna L. Heavner was born in Bozeman on June 27, 1965. In the early morning hours on August 2, 2016, surrounded by those who loved and cherished her, Deanna lost her valiant battle with breast cancer.  Those students and all who knew Deanna knew she never gave up on anyone or anything, EVER.  
Deanna was raised in Manhattan by her parents Douglas and Carol Heavner, graduating with honors from high school in 1983.  She is survived by her beloved parents, Carol and Douglas of Manhattan; five sisters, Cathy, Trudy (Brian), Debbie, Flora, and Dorothy (Kent), several nieces and nephews, and last (and certainly most importantly) her best friend, Roody Heavner, her Border Collie. She was preceded in death by her son, Liem Roland Heavner in 1985.
Deanna received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in 1987 from Western Montana College in Education (Business, Health Enhancement, and Athletic Training). Upon graduation from Western, Deanna immediately moved to MSU Billings to obtain a Master’s Degree in Special Education with a concentration as a Behavioral Specialist, and taught for two years in the PIC Unit at the Yellowstone Treatment Center before taking a one-year contract  at Sweet Grass County High School in Big Timber as a Special Education teacher and head volleyball coach.  In 1990, Deanna landed her favorite job ever at Powell County High School as a Special Education teacher, and coached volleyball, basketball, and track for years before finally retiring her whistle. It was with sheer will and determination that she finished the 2015 - 2016 school year, making sure she was able to see her last group of seniors walk across the stage at graduation.
Services for Deanna were held on August 8, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 605 Clark Street, Deer Lodge, Montana.  There was a reception immediately following the services at the parish hall.  The family would like to extend a special thank you to Chris, Josh, and Kathleen of Butte’s Highlands Hospice for their care and kindness shown to Deanna during her final journey.
In lieu of flowers, it was Deanna’s wish to start a “Pay It Forward” Scholarship fund for any students who plan on attending at least a two-year Vocational college, or a four-year Bachelor of Science Degree for those wishing to become Special Educators.  Donations to this fund can be made to Powell County High School, 709 Missouri Avenue, Deer Lodge, Montana, 59722.

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​Dr. Garr T. Phelps
​Dr. Garr T. Phelps of Deer Lodge, who loved traveling this world, began his intimate journey on August 4, 2016, when he passed away.   Garr was born in Latonia, Ky. at home to Ed and Julia Phelps on August 7, 1936.
He was educated at St. Xavier High School and Xavier University, both in Cincinnati, Ohio and received his doctorate degree in Dental surgery in 1961 from the University of Maryland.  Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he attained the rank of Captain.  He married Mary Lynn Russell of Greenhills, Ohio in 1962.  Garr and Mary Lynn were married for 25 years.
Following six years in the military, Garr began his private dental practice in Deer Lodge in 1967, helping to construct the Professional Plaza complex in 1974.  Garr enjoyed exploring as many places as he could on this planet.  Following retirement in 2004, Garr spent his winter months in Arizona being outdoors as much as possible.
He will be greatly missed by friends and family.  He is survived by his son Blaine and daughter-in-law Kathryn, daughter Torryn Brazell and son-in-law Tim and their two sons, Ty Alexander and Bannon; Jim Glenn, brother-in-law and his three children, special friend Dr. Michael Noss and very special companion Darlene Hargus.
Visitation was Monday, August 8, 2016, from noon until 8 p.m.  Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  Burial followed at the Hillcrest Cemetery.   A luncheon followed at St. Mary’s Center.  Memorials may be made to William Kohrs Memorial Library in Deer Lodge.

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James Drummond Sr.
On Wednesday, August 3, 2016, a silent formation of B-24 Liberator bombers flew above Bozeman.  A single bomber dropped out of formation to fly at rooftop level where the last missing brother, a young lieutenant, strapped into the pilot’s seat.   The lone Liberator rose to rejoin the squadron, which soared home to the heavens, their final mission complete. 
James Drummond Sr. was born in Anaconda, on February 9, 1921, to Scottish immigrants, Thomas and Jane Drummond.  He grew up on the Mount Haggin Livestock Ranch between Anaconda and Deer Lodge and graduated from Powell County High School.  His youth was full of stories of tending vast flocks of Hampshire sheep, putting up hay with horse drawn mowers, buck rakes and beaver slides, and daily ranch chores alongside his brothers, Dave and Tom. 
Upon graduation from high school in 1941, Jim enrolled in Animal Industry at Montana State College (now MSU).  His college aspirations were interrupted when he was called to the service of his country in October, 1943.   After a short 40-hour pilot training, Jim, along with a crew of 12 other young men in their late teens and early 20s, began a journey across the ocean in a newly built B-24 Liberator to join with the 484th bomb group in Italy to battle Nazi Germany aggressions.   Jim flew 50 successful bombing missions at a time when over a third of the aircraft flying each mission did not return home.  On several missions all of the other aircraft in his squadron succumbed to flak or enemy fighters leaving his young crew the only Liberator to drop bombs and return to base.   He received numerous commendations as a pilot including the Air Medal with Oak leaf clusters.   After his 50th mission, Jim was deployed back to Texas to serve as an instructor pilot until the end of World War II. 
When the war ended in 1945, Jim returned to Montana State College to complete his degree in Animal Industry.  As a student at MSC, Jim was active in the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity where he met many lifelong friends.  He was a Bobcat letterman lettering in wrestling his junior and senior years.  He was manager of the Little International Livestock Exposition, a student senator and the co-editor of the 1948 MSC annual, the Montanan.  His co-editor, George Watson, would eventually become his brother-in-law.   While at MSC, Jim became enamored with a young Kappa Delta, Betty Watson, who was the daughter of Irish homesteaders from the prairie of Eastern Montana.   The two became one and were able to continue their hand-holding and love affair for 67 years.  His final words in life were “I love you” to Betty.  Jim earned a Masters Degree in Animal Science at the University of Wyoming and returned to Bozeman to become an Animal Science Professor, Montana Extension Service Sheep Specialist and Director of the Montana Wool Laboratory.  He held these positions until his retirement in 1980. 
Jim was involved in the Bozeman Community throughout his working career and long into retirement.  Jim was an active Boy Scout leader and eventually became chairman of the Mountain Valley District, BSA and on the board of directors of the Montana Council, BSA.  He served as the DeMolay Dad Advisor, a 4-H judge, a ham radio operator (N7HEU), and chairman of the doughnut shop daily coffee klatch. He was a Master Mason and member of Bozeman Masonic Lodge #18. Along with Betty, Jim was especially involved in the Lilly of the Valley Eastern Star where he served as Worthy Patron, and eventually served the State of Montana as the Worthy Grand Patron.
Of all his titles, Jim was most proud of “Dad” and “Grandpa.” In his later years his greatest enjoyment came from camping with his grandchildren, teaching them how to operate a swather or a wood lathe, or patiently standing at their side on the banks of a stream with a fly rod.   He was a man of principals and honor who loved his country, his family and anything “Made in Montana.” 
He died peacefully surrounded by his family.  Jim is survived by Betty, his companion of 67 years; his brother, Tom (Ruth); sons, Jim (Leslie), Bill (Nora), Bob (Linda); and his grandchildren, Kris, Taylor, Brian, Rachael and Natalie; and a number of nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dave.
Memorials may be made in his name to Montana Council Boy Scouts of America, 1902 W. Dickerson St. #104, Bozeman, MT 59718 or to the M.S.U. Foundation/College of Agriculture, P.O. Box 172750, Bozeman, MT 59717.  
Visitation was held Sunday, August 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Dokken-Nelson Sunset Chapel.  A Celebration of Life was held Monday, August 8 at 11 a.m. at Bozeman United Methodist Church.
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service.  www.dokkennelson.com.

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