December 09th, 2015

​Helen Hallingstad
Helen Hallingstad was born July 15, 1930 in Deer Lodge to Pete and Margaret O’Keefe Beck. She spent her early years growing up in and around the Deer Lodge and Avon valleys. She married Duane Hallingstad at an early age and they had two daughters Cheryl (Bill) Ott and Bonnie Steber. 
She was a caring and loving wife, sister, mother and grandmother. She loved her family. She enjoyed coffee at her house with friends and relatives, sewing, cooking, crocheting, knitting, ceramics, and a good crossword puzzle. Helen passed away Dec. 5, 2015 under the care of the Deer Lodge Center and Dr. Corbin. Many thanks to all the kind help received. 
She is proceeded in death by her husband, Duane and her daughter Bonnie Steber and sister Rita Morgan. Survivors include brother Charlie Beck, sisters Mardge Shandy and Barb Weiss (Jim). Also included are grandson Kelly Steber (Marnie) and Megan. Granddaughters  Lori Collymore (Ed) and Bryce and Maggie Luke (Ed) and Kaylee and Jaedin. Eric and Nick Ott grandsons and many wonderful nieces and nephews she cared for deeply. Services are set at Jewell Funeral Home  in Deer Lodge on Dec. 10, 2015 at  1 p.m.  Reception to follow at the Elks in Deer Lodge to celebrate her life. Refreshments will be served.  
Cremation has taken place. Memorials, if you wish, may be sent to a cause of your choice in Deer Lodge.

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Scruffer Williamson
On December 3, 2015, Scruffer Williamson passed away due to health reasons. We are not sure when he was born, but we’re pretty sure he was 18 years old at the time of his death.
Scruffer was a ball of fire in his time on this earth and was the toughest 15 pound dog this world has ever seen.
Scruffer made a positive impact on many peoples lives (except a few), and he will be sadly missed by many. Scruffer is survived by his first parents Charlie and Nancy Sedminik, second father Charlie Brenton, and current parents Sandy Williamson and best friend Swede Williamson; and special friend Leonard Kraske.
I am his current father and best friend, Swede Williamson and he touched my heart more than any living thing in my life. Thank you Scruffer for your undying love and friendship you showed me during your time on this earth.
Happy trails my friend,
Love Dad

​Robert Melbourne “Mel” Smith
Robert Melbourne “Mel” Smith passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 28, 2015. 
He was born to Robert Dale Smith and Marie Amy (Shaloy) Smith on September 10, 1943. He graduated from Onaway Area Community School in Onaway, Mich. in 1961. He joined the Navy and was stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes where he assisted with the care of combat veterans. He worked throughout the United States, as well as Saudi Arabia, as a telephone lineman. 
Mel was an avid lifelong outdoorsman who taught all of his children to hunt, fish and enjoy the wild outdoors. He always said that his greatest joy was having a large family that could support one another through life. 
He is survived by his children Theresa “Tracey” Smith, Robert “Bob” Smith, Jr. (and wife Amanda), Jonathan “Jon” Smith, Christopher “Chris” Smith (and wife Marlyn), Cynthia “Cindy” Smith, Rebekah “Becky” Holgate (and husband Leslie), Ila Smith, and Sandra Smith. His grandchildren are Harper, Carson, Sarah, Meadow, Lane, Emily, Tony, Bobby, Jasmine, Seth, Logan, Brenna, Caitlyn, Daisy, Chloe, and Zaydin. His step-children are J.R., Holly, and Clarissa. His siblings are Carol, Jim, Mary, Janice, Leann, and Rosemary. He was married to Lois Longstreet for 16 years and to Virginia Siders for 17 years. 
Mel was known for his endless generosity and his sense of humor. He loved a silly dirty joke now and then. He is no doubt enjoying his chats with the “Big Fella.” Services will be held at The Depot Church in Deer Lodge at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2015. The family invites everyone to stay for a reception after the service.

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Robert Neil Moore
Montana State Prison inmate Robert Neil Moore, #17334, age 80, died on Wednesday, December 2, 2015, in the Lewistown Infirmary following an extended illness.
Mr. Moore was sentenced to Montana State Prison from Silver Bow County on 4/21/2005 for sexual assault. He was sentenced to a term of 25 years, with 10 suspended.