June 1, 2022

Mary Lou Walsh Newman August 21, 1935 - May 16, 2022

​Mary Lou Walsh Newman, 86, peacefully left this world to be with her Lord on May 16. She died while at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula, Mont. Mary Lou was born Aug. 21, 1935, in Butte, Mont., to John S. and Lucille (Severtson) Walsh.
She was the youngest of three children, and she attended school in Butte and graduated from Girls Central High School in the class of ‘53.
Mary Lou married her first husband Richard Rowe in June 1953. From this marriage, five sons and one daughter were born. She was divorced from her first husband in 1971. In 1974, Mary Lou married Robert (Bob) Newman, and from that marriage, she gained three daughters. Mom would often say, “A smile isn’t a smile until you give it away.” Perhaps this was her version of the old saying, “Love isn’t love until you give it away.”
In Mark 12:30 we are told to “love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our soul, and with all our strength.” We learned by our Mother’s example that love is a commitment of our entire being without exception and that nothing will overpower our devotion, respect, loyalty or commitment that we have toward God, and to share this love is our purpose.
She waved with a smile and said hi to everyone who passed by. She was generous in every way, always ready with a hug and always had time to listen.
She enjoyed the outdoors, hiking, skiing, family picnics, yard work and gardening. She would often spend hours picking weeds by hand. She did many things with loyalty to all and yet maintained the balance needed to be a loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Friend.
May she be eternally secure at the right hand of our Father, and may the seeds of love she planted in our hearts continue to grow and bloom.
Mary Lou is preceded in death by her husband Robert Newman, parents and brothers. Her survivors include children: Rick (Irene) Rowe, Brenda (Adrian) Keene, Ron (Suzanne) Rowe, Randy (Robin) Rowe, Ray (Laurie) Rowe, Roger Rowe and stepdaughters Margie (Gordon) Edsall, Gerri (Harvey) and Jean Thoma; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

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​Jo Etta (Jodi) Slayton June 24, 1948 - May 14, 2022

Jo Etta Slayton (Jodi), 73, of Elliston, Mont., died in her home with her husband by her side on May 14, 2022.
Jodi was born June 24, 1948, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Donald and Virginia Joslyn. Jodi met the love of her life, her husband Jim, at age 16. Jodi and Jim had a love that everyone admired.
Jodi was an artist in Native American art. She loved riding her horses and playing with her dogs. Jodi was an avid hunter and loved shooting her guns. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do. Jodi was a loving wife, mother and friend. She was loved by everyone.
Jodi is survived by her husband Jim Slayton of Elliston, son JD Slayton (wife Tammy), daughter Kim Cornelius of Elliston, grandson Brandon Ramsey of Missoula, grandson Dannie Slayton (wife Taren), granddaughter Mandi Cornelius of Crosby, Texas, granddaughter Cede Stimmel of Great Falls, brother Steven, sister Rita, sister Patty, sister Judith and six great-grandchildren.
Jodi was preceded in death by her son Daniel Charles Slayton, father Donald Joslyn, mother Virginia Garcia and her brother Wayne.
No services are scheduled at this time. Shine on Shining Eagle
Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family.

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​Death Notice

Lee William McElwain, 66, of Deer Lodge, Mont., died May 21, 2022. Private services are being held by the family. Visit axelsonsfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a story of Lee.