June 15th, 2016

William (Bud) Arthur Elberson
William (Bud) Arthur Elberson, Sept. 27, 1918 -  June 5, 2016.
Bud Elberson, 97, passed away in Sandy, Ore. on June 5, 2016.  He was born on September 27, 1918 in Deer Lodge, to William Elberson and Gladys Cowan Elberson.  Bud grew up in a Montana pioneer family on the Hansen homestead cattle ranch.  He attended Powell County High School where he was active in FFA and band.  After graduation he attended diesel machinist school and was employed by the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad in addition to working on the family ranch.  He married his high school sweetheart, Lorna Gerk, in 1941 and in May they celebrated their 75th Wedding Anniversary. 
Bud was a WWII veteran. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942 to 1945 and was a Chief Petty Officer.  After he was discharged, he and Lorna returned to the Montana ranch.  In 1951, the family moved to Spokane, Wash., where he was employed by the Washington Water Power as a machinist for 29 years until he retired.     Throughout their life together, Bud and Lorna enjoyed ballroom and square dancing.  They spent their retirement years traveling in their motor home, boating and fishing with friends.
Bud Elberson embraced the Montana cowboy spirit.
*Be gentle with dogs, horses and little children.
*If it is broken, fix it better than brand new.
*If you really need it, build it yourself.
*Never  say “whoa” in a tough place.
Bud is survived by his wife, Lorna Elberson of Sandy, Ore.; daughters, Lynette Larter (Leigh) of Spokane, Wash. and Leslie Elberson of Estacada, Ore.; son, Bill Elberson (Laurie) of Ketchikan, Alaska;  10 grandchildren and 21 great-grand children.
A graveside memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on June 18, 2016 at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge. 

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​Herbert Spencer Kimerly
Herbert Spencer Kimerly was born in Deer Lodge, on April 24, 1944 to George and Bessie (Setter) Kimerly. Herb attended various schools in Deer Lodge and Twin Bridges and went on to work at many of the local ranches around Deer Lodge.  In the early 1970s, he moved to Butte where he met and married Linda Poulton. Together they had one child, a daughter they named Lisa.  While in Butte, Herb worked as an underground miner. Herb and Linda later divorced and he and his daughter moved back to Deer Lodge where he worked various jobs to include cutting firewood, working on various ranches and the local sawmill.   Herb continued to live in Deer Lodge, a town he loved, for the remainder of his life.
Herb was an avid fisherman, hunter and loved anything outdoors. He and his nephew, Russell Robertson were great friends. If you saw Herb out fishing or hunting, you knew Russell was close by.  They were always together doing the things Herb loved the most. Herb would even tell people Russell was the son he never had. 
Herb had one grandson, Zechariah, who he talked to regularly on the phone.
Herb was a great father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He had a heart of gold and would do anything to help out a person in need. He was loved by just about everyone who came into contact and had a conversation with him. His conversations generally varied from hunting to fishing and usually included a very tall tale!
Herb passed away on June 6, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings George, Henry, Darlene, Betty, Evelyn, Rose and Ida plus numerous nieces and nephews who have joined the angels.
He is survived by his daughter Lisa (Denny) Muscato, grandson Zechariah Muscato, nephews Russell (Missy) Robertson and Kenny (Tina) Kimerly who were there to care for him over the last few years. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Emma Kimerly and numerous nephews and nieces from the Kimerly and Sanford families. 
A memorial service will be held in Deer Lodge later in July.
Memorials can be made to any special needs children’s organization or to an organization of the donor’s choice. 

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​Harry Walter Mitchell
Harry Walter Mitchell, 88, of Green River, Wyo., passed away on Friday, October 2 at his home. 
A resident of Green River for the past three and one half years and former resident of Dubois, Wyo., Mr. Mitchell had been in ill health for the past several years.
He was born on January 15, 1927 in Lavoye, Wyo., the son of the late Walter and Angela Mitchell. He married the love of his life Marilyn Gregory in Cortez, Colo. on December 5, 1969. She preceded him in death on August 29, 1986.
Mr. Mitchell was a United States Navy Veteran of World War II. In his younger years he was a saddle bronc rider and spent his days as an outfitter and guide. He was a true cowboy who enjoyed hunting, fishing and ranching. He also worked in the oil field as a driller for many years. 
He had nine children and 19 grandkids that he adored. Survivors are six sons Rod Mitchell, DK Mitchell, John Scott Mitchell and Ed Mitchell, all of Montana, Kevin Reardon and Shane Mitchell both of Green River, Wyo.; three daughters Debra Mitchell of Montana, Karrie Ann Reardon of Pinedale, Wyo. and Sandy Mitchell of Gillette, Wyo.; two sisters Jeanne Mitchell of Montana and Mary Carter of Utah; his loving caretaker and daughter-in-law Dorothy Mitchell of Green River, Wyo.; 19 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; one son Shawn; one brother Ray; one sister Maxine, one grandson Tyler Lane Reardon and one granddaughter Smokie Mitchell.
Cremation will take place and services announced at a later date.

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​Jerry Shafford
Jerry Shafford, 63, died June 10, 2016 at home South of Deer Lodge.  Jerry was a son of Laura (Lorello) and Elwood Shafford.   
He is survived by his mother Laura, three brothers (Jim, Joe and Jed Shafford) and one sister (Susie Mavrinac), two children (Shelley and Jerome), five grandchildren, and seven nephews.  
Jerry worked as an auto mechanic throughout his life and also ran the Garrison Mercantile for a period of time.  Jerry was known as a personable and pleasant man, with a quick wit and friendly disposition.   
Jerry will be missed by all that had the pleasure to know him.  
Jerry was preceeded in death by his father Elwood, brothers (Jack, John and Billy Shafford), and niece Jodi Shafford. 
There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Memorials: Your local food bank. Jewell Funeral is assisting the family in arrangements.