November 25th, 2020

Todd Allen Nedbalek
Todd Allen Nedbalek, October 20, 1968 – November 15, 2020.
Todd Allen Nedbalek was born October 20, 1968 to Sharon Ann Huggins at Greeley, Colo. Soon after, she married Robert Joe Nedbalek, who adopted Todd in mid-1969. 
Though he often described himself as understanding that he was a colicky baby, Todd was a healthy, curious and active child. He was a bright and eager student of things both educational and of life itself, most interested in science and nature. As a pre-teen, he was often heard to say that his life’s ambition was to both own and pilot the first commercial space craft to and from the planet Mars. Appointed to the United States Air Force Academy, many thought he might be headed to make that a reality, but his life went in other directions.
In August of 1991, Todd married the love of his life, Jenni Hillary, a union to which three children were born, Jenna, Nicholas and Maggie.
Todd loved the outdoors, and seemed always busy helping others with the tasks of life. But he was most passionate about food. Whenever someone called him a chef, he always countered by saying, “I’m a cook; I feed people.” He seemed most happy and at peace in the kitchen.
Todd passed away at home in Deer Lodge, on Sunday, November 15, 2020. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sharon, his Step-dad, Doug, and his brother, Mike. He is survived by his wife, Jenni, and his children, Jenna, Nick and Maggie “Moo,” his father, Rob and step-mom, “Mother Lori,” brothers Wade, Trebor, Glenn, David and Johnathan and sisters Chris, Tara and Danyelle, and many nieces and nephews, whom he cherished.
Todd returned to Montana, intent upon returning to the place he called home, in the Bull Mountains outside Roundup. He talked often of his memories of that place, on Harper’s Coulee; which always included his dog, Poacher, his pig, Guy, (who thought he was a dog,) and his chickens.
Paul, in Romans 6:4-5 said, “Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” Todd firmly believed that he was joined to Jesus Christ in his baptism and would be joined to him in resurrection. 
Henry David Thoreau said “Spring is a natural resurrection, an experience in immortality.” A memorial service is planned in the spring, and his ashes will be spread in the place he called home.

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​Kim Arthur Pfaff
​Kim Arthur Pfaff, our cherished husband, father, son, brother, and friend, passed from this world and onto his next adventure on November 12, 2020.
Kim was born on September 24, 1963 to Willie and Cleo Pfaff in Kellogg, Idaho. He is survived by his wife Jody; children Aaron Breshears, Amy Breshears, and Damon Pfaff; his grandchildren Alexander Espanol, Mimi Espanol, and Kayla Breshears; his mother Cleo Pfaff, and siblings Lynn Pfaff, Tony Pfaff, Todd Pfaff, Penny Poche, and Pam Nelson. He was preceded in death by his father Willie Pfaff and his in-laws, Frank and Norma Kearby.
Kim grew up in Kellogg, establishing himself amongst his siblings as the adventuresome one. The whole family loved to fish and camp together, and legend has it, fishing in the Kellogg Valley is now poor because of Kim and his brothers cleaning up the waters there. Symbolic of his character, Kim preferred to sleep under the stars instead of under the roof of a tent or camper so he could gaze at the sky and dream big dreams.
Moving to California in his early twenties, Kim set out to forge a life and future of his own. He worked in petroleum, gaining the respect and friendship of his colleagues, along with a reputation for being a compassionate, fair, and honorable man. He had a passion for renewable energy and a fascination with the science of powering a clean and sustainable world. While in California, he met and married Jody, gaining a son and daughter in Aaron and Amy. Damon, the youngest, soon followed.
Kim’s passions were many, including duck hunting, good food, and Ram’s football, but he was never happier than when he was fishing (or talking about fishing) or in the company of his family. And when he could get his family to go fishing with him, or listen to his stories of being on the water, Kim would be in want of nothing.
Kim was immensely proud of his grandchildren and would cherish every moment spent with them. He found a true pal in Alex, who shared his propensity for quiet reflection and insight. He and Mimi loved to eat together, competing every Christmas Eve for who could put down the most cracked crab. Kayla, the baby, had a tight hold on his heartstrings and could always get anything she wanted from her protective Poppa.
Kim was lionhearted and resolute in his fight, and in his honor, we ask that memorials be given to the American Cancer Society, the Powell County Medical Foundation, or the Fishing League Worldwide Foundation.
A service funeral service was held and Kim was laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge.
Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of Kim. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Kim and his family.

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Tina Joy Reza-Sproul
Tina Joy Reza-Sproul passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. Tina was born July 17, 1950 in Missoula, to Norma (Cooper) and Robert Hamilton. Tina grew up in Deer Lodge with her two younger sisters, Roxanna and Noreen and a half-brother named Jerod. After graduating high school in 1968, Tina married Keith M. Mitchell and had her son Michael S. Mitchell in 1969, then later her daughter Cynthia D. Mitchell in 1973. Later Tina remarried Mark S. Reza and moved to Texas where she completed her family with a daughter Rebecca M. Reza born in 1981. In 1999 Tina met her soulmate Mike O. Sproul who has two children, Jay Sproul and Jan Sproul. Tina and Mike resided in Wichita, Kansas where they built their life together. They enjoyed spending their weekends at their farm in Caldwell, Kansas where they later resided as their permanent home. Tina spent many years enjoying her 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren at the farm. You could easily find Tina exploring her artistic talents including making jewelry, gardening, sewing crafts, card making and scrapbooking. She loved traveling, hunting and being outdoors with her partner Mike and their grandchildren. Her service will be held on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 11 a.m. at the Caldwell Community Center, 119 East 1st Avenue Caldwell, KS 67022. Memorials may be made in Tina’s name to the Sumner County Hospital Construction Fund.

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Death Notice: Gene Richard Meredith
Gene Richard Meredith, 62, of Deer Lodge, Montana passed away on Wednesday, November 18th, 2020. Simple Cremation Montana has assisted the family. To view the tribute page or share remembrances, visit: www.SimpleCremationMT.com.

Jan Ridley
Jan Ridley passed away peacefully on November 19, 2020 with her loved ones surrounding her at Deer Lodge Medical Center, Deer Lodge.  Jan was 73 years old.  Jan was born on February 22, 1947 in Billings to Gerald and Rosalin Neeley.  After her father’s death, she was raised by her step-father Woody Frailey and her mother.  Jan grew up in Anaconda, the oldest of four children.  She graduated in 1965.
After high school, she met the love of her life Noel Ridley and married on August 6, 1966 in Missoula.  Soon after they had four children. Noel passed in 1985 and she proceeded to raise her four children on her own.  Jan worked for Montana State Prison for 20 years doing payroll for the staff of the prison. She later worked for the Title and Registration office before retiring. 
 Jan was known to all to be one of the nicest people who always lent a helping hand to anyone and never asked for anything in return.   Jan spent many years in bowling leagues, gardening, canning, crocheting, enjoying her books, and was an avid movie lover especially of John Wayne Westerns.   
Jan was preceded in death by her husband Noel Ridley, her son Scott Ridley, and parents Woody Frailey, Gerald Neeley, and Rosalin Loesch.  Jan is survived by her sons, Keith Ridley of Helena, Matt and Lisa Ridley of Tigard Ore., and daughter Melinda and Linn Feliciano of Three Forks, and one granddaughter Hannah Feliciano of Bozeman.  Her brothers Blaine Neeley and Tim and Regina Frailey, and sister Hazel and Kyle Crouch.  Jan is also survived by special friends John Johnson of Deer Lodge, and Wendy Allen of Cutbank. 
The family would like to thank Deer Lodge Medical Center for their outstanding care of our mother during this time. We appreciate your kindness to our mother and to us.
Due to Covid restrictions Funeral Services will be in the spring 2021.
Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of Jan. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Jan and her family.

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