May 01st, 2019

​Mary Lou Miller
Mary Lou Miller, beloved wife, mother, friend, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on April 22, 2019 after a brief fight with cancer.  She was born August 3, 1941 in Ennis.  She spent her early years on a ranch between Virginia City and Ennis.  She later moved to Deer Lodge where she graduated from Powell County High School.  She married James D. Miller and together they raised their family and were active in the Deer Lodge community for over 60 years.
Mary Lou was known for her many talents.  She was a beautiful seamstress, creating many treasured items for family and friends.  She was also a wonderful baker.  Everyone who came to visit knew where the cookie can was and it was always full.  When her children were older she took her love of cooking to the Deer Lodge school district kitchen where for many years every child that went to school never missed her famous chili and cinnamon roll day.  She retired from the school district in 1999 and continued to volunteer for many years in the junior high school home economics department, helping many children learn life skills through sewing and cooking.
Mary Lou was very active in the Deer Lodge community.  She volunteered at the “New to You” thrift store and belonged to the Deer Lodge Woman’s Club.  She was a dual member of the Order of Eastern Star chapters Margaret Cumming #57 in Drummond and Floral Chapter #46 in Deer Lodge.   She was also active in Daughters of the Nile chapters Sapphira #79 in Helena and Tirizah #3 in Butte.  She treasured her many Star and Nile friends and family.  
She and Jim made a point to be a part of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildrens’ many adventures and activities.  Many Montana highway miles were logged attending school and club activities and any cheering sections always included Mary Lou showing her support.
Mary Lou was proceeded in death by her father, James Schubring, mother Virginia and step-father Paul Rainville and her great-granddaughter Carli McKenna Miller.  She is survived by her husband of 60 years Jim, son Perry (Mindy) Miller of Deer Lodge, daughter Melanie (Kevin) Lackey of Missoula and daughter Joyce (Bill) Schaff of Missoula.   Grandchildren, Cory (Jamie) Miller, Perry (Tara) Miller, Shawn Miller, Ryan Miller, Kyle (Elise) Schaff, Brent (Natalie) Schaff and Anna (David) Didier and 10 great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by brothers Joe (Carol) Rainville, Dick Rainville and Todd Rainville and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held on Saturday April 27 at 11 a.m. at the Christ Fellowship Church, 600 4th Street, Deer Lodge.  A reception followed services. The family requests memorials in Mary Lou’s name be made to the Shriners Hospital or a charity of their choice.

​Elaine Carlsen Fleck
​Elaine Carlsen Fleck, 1955-2019.
Elaine passed away Sunday, April 14, 2019 at the Deer Lodge Medical Center after a long struggle with cancer. She was born to Ralph and Sabra Carlsen on August 20, 1955. She graduated in 1974 from Powell County High School. Elaine was Recreational Director at SD#1 for 34 years and also substituted as an aide wherever they needed her. She was married and divorced from Ralph Fleck. She loved working in her yard planting flowers and also decorating her yard for the holidays. Elaine also enjoyed watching and going to the Grizzly football games. She really enjoyed the cruises she took with her mother to Alaska, South America and many trips to the Bahamas and also the trips to New York to see some plays. Elaine also loved her cat Goose. 
Elaine is survived by her significant other John Beard of 18 years, sister Dalice Campbell Rogers (Pat) of Deer Lodge; nephew Brian Cook (Michelle) of Las Vegas; Julian Johnson of Missoula, which Elaine was like a second mom to Julian; also grandnephews Jordan Cook and Noah Cook of Las Vegas, and grandnieces Violet and Faith Cook of Las Vegas and several cousins and many friends. Elaine was preceded in death by both her parents, sister Janice Carlsen, nephew Shawn Cook. 
We would like to thank the staff at Deer Lodge Medical Center and Powell County Ambulance and Compassus Hospice of Butte. Also a big thank you to Diane Evans and Diane Enger for all their help and support. 
Jewell Funeral Home is taking care of arrangements. Cremation has taken place. Elaine requested no services. Memorials, donations can be made by donor’s choice. 

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