January 20th, 2016

​Stanley N. Smith MD
Stanley N. Smith MD, age 76, passed away at his home on December 12, 2015.   
Stan was born in Reno, Nev. to Stanley J. and Catherine Smith on March 19, 1939.
Stan graduated from Reno High School after which he pursued his medical training.   He graduated from the University Of Nevada in 1961 with a major in chemistry and a minor in biology; in 1965 he graduated from the University Of Oregon Medical School with his MD degree. His general practice residency was completed in 1966 from the San Bernardino County Hospital, which consisted of a one year rotation through general surgery and a one year through internal medicine.
Immediately after completion of his residency Uncle Sam drafted him to serve as a physician during the Vietnam War. He served as the general medical officer, Major at the United States Air Force Base, Tachikawa, Japan 1968 to 1971. His duties included being the Chief medical officer for a hospital that provided care to outlying dispensaries and caring for the wounded soldiers passing through the casualty units in Yokota, Japan, which handled approximately 500 injured troops per day. Stan said that after caring for so many wounded young Americans he changed from a hawk to a dove. Although he became a dove he never forgot those who served and throughout his life he supported our wounded warriors.   
Following an honorable discharge in June 1971 he and his family moved to Deer Lodge where he was a general practitioner at Powell County Memorial Hospital, where in partnership with other physicians, he provided medical care to the citizens of the Deer Lodge and Drummond areas, including medical services to the staff and inmates of the Montana State Prison.    
Stan was divorced from his first wife Joyce shortly after arriving in Deer Lodge.  They had two beautiful and talented sons.    He then met Nancy Jean Beck when she came into the emergency room with a broken arm.  He asked where she was the first time he got married…. In junior high…she said…. but he said “love was lovelier” the second time around.     They were married a year later in 1974 and in 1980 had a beautiful daughter named Jennifer Marie.    They hunted and fished all over Montana with numerous friends.  They were divorced in Dec. of 1985.  What she remembers most is that Stan Smith was a truly gifted physician. 
In 1985 Stan’s partnership with Barb Simonsen began.   They shared the love of medicine, family, bird hunting, fishing and travel. In Stan’s own words, “Barb was the best thing that ever happened to him” and “third time was a charm.”   
In July 1985, he and Barbara moved to Alaska where he practiced family medicine at Primary Care Associates, a large clinic in Anchorage. Stan hunted and fished in virtually every part of Alaska with his buddies and Barbara, who he married in 1997. Stan and Barbara then moved to Ismay next to Barbara’s brother and his family. They built a new home with all of the amenities they wanted in their retirement. Unable to just retire, Stan started a new career as a firefighter and training officer for the Ismay Rural Fire District.
Stan’s sons remember their father with the following: “Pop has watched his final sunset. He was a doctor, outdoorsman, husband, father and grandfather, who dedicated his life to serving his community through his practice and love of medicine. He rejuvenated himself by exploring the great outdoors throughout the world — from Everest to the Galapagos to the Alaskan tundra. In all his endeavors he made one on one connections his passion. There are few places in this world where he didn’t touch a life or make a friend. He will live on in the memories of all those he touched or called friend. On the night of learning that her grandfather had passed one of his granddaughter’s recalled a recent quote he imparted to her — “All good things must come to an end.” Little did we know that one of the good things would come to an end so soon. Rest in peace “Pop.”
Besides many close friends he is survived by his wife, Barbara Simonsen, two sons and their lovely wives, Stanley Rex and Margie of Kalispell, and Greg and Allison of Seattle, Wash., his daughter Jennifer Marie Smith of Missoula, and eight grandchildren, a brother Stephen Smith and a sister Phyllis Keenan.
No services are planned at his request. Donation memorials can be made to the Ismay Rural Fire District, Ismay, Montana or to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org/Donate.

Lois Jane Stav
Lois Jane Stav passed away peacefully on January 15, 2016 at The Crest nursing home in Butte, where she had been a resident for over two years.  She was 96 years old.  
Lois was born September 12, 1919 southwest of Deer Lodge at the homestead of her maternal grandmother (Snell), located on upper Racetrack Creek.  She was the daughter of John E. and Elizabeth J. (Snell) Perkins.  Her dad and mother farmed and ranched on upper Dempsey Creek, also southwest of Deer Lodge. There were nine children in the family, three boys and six girls. Both parents preceded her in death, her mother in 1951 and her father in 1968. 
The family had an early history in Montana, with her grandfather Perkins arriving in Montana in the 1860s from England and establishing the ranch on Dempsey Creek in 1885. Her mother’s maiden name was Snell, and that family arrived in Butte in the 1880s. 
Lois married Aloysius R. Stav in 1939, soon after his return from US Army duty in the Philippine Islands.  They had four children, all boys.  They remained married 58 years, until Al’s death in 1997. She spent nearly her entire life in Deer Lodge, first on the family ranch, then in town at 605 West Pennsylvania Avenue.
Besides her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by a son, Eric V. Stav, three brothers, Clifford D. Perkins, J. Ernest Perkins, and Jack A. Perkins, and three sisters, Grace Sullivan, Emma Tamcke, and Mae Risch.  She is survived by two sisters, Dorothy Stone, at The Crest nursing home in Butte, and June Wallace, of Deer Lodge. Also surviving her are three sons, Gary Stav (Elaine), of Moore, Idaho, Paul Stav (Myrna), of Helena, and Ronald Stav (Kathy), of Kila, 10 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. 
Besides being a homemaker and engaging in the everyday chores of caring for and raising four boys, Lois enjoyed gardening, sewing, embroidery, and accompanying the family on many hunting, fishing, and camping adventures. She also enjoyed corresponding via letter writing. After her husband, Al, retired from the Anaconda Company, they spent quite a lot of time traveling locally to visit friends and relatives and to various states visiting Al’s brothers and sisters. Lois was a very quiet, unassuming individual and will be remembered fondly as someone who cared for the ones around her in the best way she knew how. As a member of “the greatest generation,” she will be missed by everyone.
The family wishes to thank all who took the time to visit Mom during her stay at the nursing home, and also those who sent her many cards and letters wishing her well.  Their actions gave Mom something to look forward to. The family also wishes to thank The Crest nursing staff for the wonderful care and kindness shown during her stay during the final months of her life.
At her request, there will be no formal service.

George Paul (Blondy) Rainville
​George Paul Rainville, known by most as Blondy, passed away on Sunday January 3, 2015.  He was born October 8, 1928 to Hector and Margaret (Sestrich) Rainville in Deer Lodge.  Except for a short period in 1974 and again from the spring of 1981 through 1983, Blondy lived his entire life in Deer Lodge.
He attended St. Mary’s Academy through the eighth grade then moved on to Powell County High School and graduated in 1946.  Blondy worked at the Deer Lodge Drug for a number of years and became interested in pharmacy.  Upon graduating from high school, he attended the University of Montana in Missoula with a desire to become a pharmacist.  However, while home from a school break, Blondy hired out as a fireman on the Milwaukee Road and did not return to complete his education.  He was promoted to a locomotive  engineer in 1957 and worked for the Milwaukee until it shut down in 1980.  He loved running trains through the mountains of Montana, Idaho, Nevada, California and Washington.  After the Milwaukee shut down, Blondy hired on with the Union Pacific in Las Vegas and lived there from 1981 until his return to Deer Lodge in 1983.  He then hired on with the Montana Rail Link and retired in 1992.
Blondy married Donna Finn on June 5, 1956 and they had three children, Paula, Don, and John.  They divorced in 1983.
In his retirement, Blondy enjoyed raising and riding his Arabian horses, did wood work, and enjoyed hunting and snowmobiling in the fall and winter.
George is survived by his three children: Paula (Steve) Meyer, and their children Maggie and Pat; Don (Betsy) Rainville, and their children Katie and EJ; and Dr. John (Debbie) Rainville, Rochester, Minn., and their son Jackson.  His siblings also survive him: Cleo Seaman, Missoula, Jeanette (Wally) Atkinson, Hamilton, and Tom (Davis) Rainville, Everett Wash., and numerous nieces and nephews.  His parents Hector and Margaret and his brother Bob precede him in death.
Blondy’s family extend a  special thank you to Blondy’s team of care providers at Riverside Health Care Center for their care, concern and kindness during his convalescence there.  
Cremation has taken place and planning for a memorial service is underway and will be scheduled for late spring/early summer.

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​Patricia A. Bielenberg
​Patricia A. Bielenberg, age 74, passed away peacefully of natural causes in her home on January 2, 2016. 
She attended schools in Deer Lodge and graduated from Montana State University where she was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority.  Patricia also attended Portland State University and obtained her CPA license in Oregon where she worked before moving to Phoenix, Ariz. in 1985.  She retired as Audit Manager in 1992 and returned to Deer Lodge. 
Wherever she lived, she found kindred spirits.  One of her favorite groups was the Missoula Calligraphy Guild. Patricia continued learning throughout her life.  One subject she strove to master was calligraphy, many friends have received her wonderful hand crafted cards and artwork. She also explored jewelry making, and quilling.
Throughout her life, Patricia was active in civic and arts organizations.  Locally, she was one of the founding people for the New to You store with Deer Lodge Woman’s Club; an active member of Powell County Progress (now Powell County Economic Development), and Powell County Museum and Arts Foundation to name a few.  She always helped those less fortunate than herself through many charities.   Patricia lent her talents as a calligrapher, leader, and computer aficionado to many projects.
Patricia’s life style was one of loving people, animals and beauty.  She had the best laugh, a sharp wit which she did not employ to hurt and a very fun but complex personality.  She tried hard not to offend, but she believed we all have the right to live our lives in our own style.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Nick and Bette Bielenberg and her brother Nick.  She is survived by her nephew Denis Bielenberg.  A small private graveside memorial is planned by the family in the spring.

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Donald Edward DeYott
On Monday, January 11, 2016 Donald Edward DeYott used the last of his nine lives and we lost him to a new adventure.  He passed away at Deer Lodge Medical Center surrounded by most of his family. 
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Connie McCarthy DeYott, eight children Joy & Jim Grady, Denise DeYott, Donata DeYott, Lorrie DeYott, Larry & Deanna DeYott, Dan Joe DeYott, Rae Ann & Klinton Forseth, Bill & Sandy DeYott; grandchildren and great-grandchildren John Grady, Jimmy Grady, his daughter Mackenzie, Conner DeYott, Katie DeYott, Joey DeYott, Ritien Glosser her fiancee Garry Stocker, Mackie Glosser, her son Cooper Simon, Kayla Forseth, Alex DeYott, Joyce DeYott; brother & sister-in-law Ray & Terry DeYott, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Jean & Ivan Draper; nieces and nephews Joe & Fran Tierney, Dan & Joyce Tierney, Colleen & Brian Mee, Gale & Bill Bacon, Tim & Lee Ann Tierney, Kathy & Bruce Contway, John & Yvonne McCarthy, Rochelle & Perry Jones, Denise & Gene Beaudoin, Cherrie & Tim Anders,  Ray & Rachel DeYott Jr. plus a multitude of loving great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents Mary Nugent DeYott and Raymond Edward DeYott, three children Stephen Edward, Debra Ann and Patricia Ann, his sister and brother-in-law Lorraine and Eugene Tierney, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Jerry & Jean McCarthy, sister-in-law Deanna Marsing and two grandsons Glen Edward DeYott and Donald Edward DeYott Jr.
Don was born in Butte on January 2, 1935.  He attended St. Joseph’s School and Boys Central High School.   He married Connie McCarthy in July of 1954, starting a love affair that lasted over 60 years and showing everyone an example of how to build a strong foundation that outlasts all that life can throw at you,  and believe you,  they got tossed a lot of stuff. 
Don tried very hard to join a branch of the military but his bum leg just wouldn’t let him.  He was a bar tender, horse breaker, ranch hand, road crew worker, demolition derby driver, sanitation worker all before starting his career with the Department of Corrections.  
In 1960 he moved his ever growing family to Deer Lodge and started work in the kitchen at the Montana State Prison.  After covering almost every job in-between,  he retired 34 years later as Captain of Security.  He started the inmate prison fire crew, developed a seniority matrix for scheduling that is now used nationwide.  
Don continued his education getting his high school diploma and college credits while working at MSP. He received numerous awards and certificates and traveled the state teaching drug identification to law enforcement agencies. He made many life long friends there that are truly family, having proven their worth by withstanding all his shenanigans.  
Don was an avid hunter, fisherman, jokester and story teller extrordinaire.  His adventures and pranks were legendary.   But most import to Don was his extended family and Irish heritage.  He was happiest when surrounded with his crew, whether around an ice hole, campfire or in the Garage-mahl. 
As if they didn’t have enough of their own, Don and Connie extended their home to include everyone in their family, whether nieces, nephews, their children’s friends or hunting buddies. Don’s passing leaves a hole in all our hearts. 
Donations in Don’s name can be made to the Shriners, Deer Lodge Elks Lodge 1737, Powell County Friends of NRA, Ducks Unlimited or the American Cancer Society.  Visitation was at Jewell Funeral Home from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 17. Funeral services were held Monday, January 18, 2016 at 11 a.m. in the Immaculate Conception Church.  Graveside services immediately after at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge followed by a reception at the Deer Lodge Elks Lodge.
Don is now with his buddies, Wally & Donnie, Donnie, Bob, plus all his family; telling stories and having a great time we are sure.  Heaven must be rocking and rolling right now.

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​Eva N. Touchette Carman
Eva N. Touchette Carman, with her family at her side, peacefully went to be with the Lord on January 13, 2016 at Deer Lodge Medical Center.
Eva was born October 22, 1921 to Frederick and Della Jacobson at the family ranch in Deer Lodge Valley. Eva graduated from Powell County High School in 1939 and enjoyed going to her high school reunions to visit with old friends. 
Eva was employed at the Galen State Hospital as the Dietary Supervisor for 30 years and continued to gather with fellow retiree’s for many years. Anyone who remembers Eva will tell you that she ran a tight ship in her kitchen, as well the food was delicious. 
On September 20, 1940 she married Oliver Touchette. They had four children Virginia (Buzz) Farquhar, Judee (Bob) Truman, William Touchette (infant), and Sherry (Chuck) Stoner.
Eva loved music and playing the piano, she crocheted beautiful afghans for all her family. Eva took great pride in her  beautiful yard, with flower gardens galore, and especially loved sweet peas. Eva loved her family, she never stopped worrying and asking about each and everyone. She especially enjoyed hearing stories about her family.  Eva had an amazing smile and loved to laugh. She belonged to many clubs including; Eastern Star, Elks and Floral Chapter #46. 
Eva was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver Touchette in 1981. She married Leon Carmen in 1988, he preceded her in death in 2001. She was also preceded in death by both her parents; her sister, Virginia Jacobson; brother, Bud Jacobson; sister, Joan Mollenberg; son, William Touchette; and sister in law, Barbara Jacobson.
Eva is survived by her daughters, Virginia (Buzz) Farquhar, Judee (Bob) Truman, Sherry (Chuck) Stoner; grandchildren, Lisa (Steve) Johansen, Mike (Kelli) Rydeen, Scott (Erin) Farquhar, Tamara (Erik) Reault, Robert (Amy) Truman, Rebecca (Scott) McNeil; brother, Ted Jacobson; sister-in-law, Edna Jacobson; brother-in-law, John Mollenberg; 18 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to Eva’s caregivers for taking such good care of her, you were all truly angels at her side; Kathy Greene, Sierra Hjorth, Jeanette Willis, Mary Newman and Christine Anderson.
Memorial Services will be held Saturday, January 23, 2016 at Jewell Funeral Home starting at 11 a.m. Burial at Hillcrest Cemetery, luncheon to follow at the Elks.
In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that you take a moment to call a loved one, hug your child, grandchild or friend. Take a walk in the woods for a moment, an hour or a day. Time waits for no one.

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