Gary Edward “Flip” Erb, 93, passed away on Friday, Nov. 28, at his residence. He was born on Aug. 17, 1932, in the Missoula Elmore Hospital.
    Gary’s sperm donor, Phil Erb, divorced Margaret prior to Gary’s birth and he, as well as the extended Erb family, remained non-entities physically and financially throughout Gary’s life.
    Gary’s preschool years were spent with his older sister, Fay “Mickey,” and Margaret in the Missoula area where she struggled to support the three of them during the depression. Eventually, Margaret resigned parenting and allowed Gary and Fay to be separated for approximately five years to live with relatives at the Missoula Saint Francis Xavier boarding school and with regional unrelated families who took in boarders.
    When Gary reached about 10 years old, he and Fay were reunited and taken in by their maternal grandparents, Frank and Rose Roberts, who lived in Deer Lodge. Frank was an elderly retired Northern Pacific Railroad Bonita/Clinton section foreman who maintained their small sparse two-room rented home while Rose was employed as a practical nurse/matron and resided at the Warm Springs Mental Hospital. Rose traveled occasionally back and forth between Warm Springs and Deer Lodge on the Northern Pacific “Galloping Goose” as neither grandparent owned, nor was capable of driving a vehicle.
    Their grandfather died when Gary and Fay entered Powell County High School as freshmen, requiring them to live alone for two years. Fay married early in their junior year and departed Deer Lodge. Gary remained in the house by himself except for continued visits by his grandmother.
    Gary worked as seasons and schooling permitted, delivering newspapers, pin setting in a bowling alley, pool hall and restaurant dishwasher, and immediately joined the U.S. Navy, where he qualified to become a Naval Aviation Cadet. Immaturity led Gary to resign after six months of flight training and returned to Deer Lodge with an honorable discharge.
    With the ongoing United Nations action in Korea and the expectation of being drafted into the U.S. military, he decided to enlist into the U.S. Army. Eventually, after basic training and Ft. Benning, Ga., parachute jump school, he was assigned in March 1953 to the original Tenth and Seventy-Seventh Special Forces Groups, spending the remainder of his enlistment at Smoke Bomb Hill, Fort Bragg, N.C., receiving his honorable discharge in June 1955.
    Gary applied for a position with the U.S. Forest Service Smoke Jumper program in Missoula shortly before his U.S. Army departure, believing he had a strong chance of acceptance because of his military training and experience. He had earned senior jumping status, jump master, rigger and heavy drop qualified. He had also undergone mountain climbing training in Colorado and glacier climbing in Wyoming. The Forest Service responded that Gary was not qualified. That rejection remained as a lifelong regret.
    Shortly after returning to Deer Lodge from the army, Gary was offered a ride in a pickup truck by Alice Brenton. This fortuitous encounter resulted in a whirlwind courtship ending with their marriage in Butte by a blind JP in February 1956. With GI eligibility, and Alice’s urging, Gary enrolled in the fall of 1957 at the Montana School of Mines in Butte. Ongoing, Gary worked as a Butte miner, as a head driller in an open pit phosphate mine near Garrison, at the ACM smelter in Anaconda, railroad switchman and as a welder’s helper on a natural gas pipeline between Deer Lodge and Missoula.
    Meanwhile two daughters, Kary and Kim, were added to Alice and Gary’s family. They then moved to Missoula where Gary graduated from the University of Montana in June 1961. Gary spent the summers in Missoula employed by the U.S. Forest Service mineral survey investigating mining claims throughout Region One, including paid extended horse back trips into the Bob Marshall and Absaroka Wildernesses.
    After receiving his UM degree, the U.S. Naval Photo Interpretation Center in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., offered Gary a photo interpreter position, where he remained for 11 months. During this period, Alice gave birth to their son, Montana, a name Alice agreed to in a weak moment shortly after leaving the delivery room.
    A career change occurred at this time when Gary was notified that he had been accepted as a Central Intelligence Agent Officer Trainee. He became a National Clandestine Service staff/case operations officer upon completion of a year plus training in foreign intelligence collection and paramilitary operations at a Virginia facility and Panama.
    In 1964 another daughter, Shawn, joined the family in Virginia as they were preparing for Gary’s initial overseas assignment in northern Laos for two years where he lived with and supported indigenous tribesmen who opposed Communist Lao forces during the Laos civil war. Several overseas and domestic assignments occurred thereafter with family accompaniment depending upon the security / condition of the foreign area concerned.
    Gary retired overtly as a CIA NCS staff officer and followed that up with two other retirements as a CIA independent contractor that altogether spanned approximately 34 years. He participated in covert action, foreign liaison, paramilitary and counter terrorism operations, concluding his career as a training officer at the same facility where his career began. He was active in Panama, Thailand, Laos, South Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Jamaica/Bahamas, Spain, Pakistan, Jordan, Iraq and Afghanistan in addition to the U.S.
    He climbed Mount Powell near Deer Lodge on Aug. 17 1959 (Hebgen Lake earthquake) and again on his birthday at the age of 65. Twice, in his early 80s, he made the trek to the “M” on Mount Sentinel near the U of MT in Missoula.
    In retirement, Gary was a volunteer VA driver into his late 80s; the Montana Adopt a Highway cleanup program for 15 years; America Reads tutor at Polson Linderman School for five years; and, as an avid Griz fan, was a Mission Valley Grizzly Scholarship Association board member for several years.
    Gary is preceded in death by his daughter Kary Erickson; maternal grandparents; sister, Fay “Mickey;” 15-year-old granddaughter in Missoula on Dec 26, 2009; in-laws Al and Kathryn Brenton; surrogate parents, Margaret and Phil.
    Gary is survived by his wife Alice of 69 years, (missed 70 years by 2 months); daughters, Kim Erb and Shawn Erb Cearley, son Montana “Kip” Erb; granddaughters, Erin Dunn, Caitlin Erb, Hanna Erb and Jacey Erb; grandson Brannon Cearley and great-grandson Dominick; all but adopted daughter Debbie Franck and children Chad, Cara and Christina; nieces Teresa Sullivan, Shannon Neubauer and Kathy Mullins; nephews Brad Neubauer and Guy Neubauer.
    Gary’s request was to be cremated, and at his request, no services will be rendered. A wake service will be held during warmer times. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.

    Walter Lee Boese, 75, of Deer Lodge, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, on Nov. 18, at Community Hospital of Anaconda.
    Walter was born in Detroit, Mich., on July 3, 1950, to Walter Henry and Dolores Patricia (Shattuck) Boese. He graduated from Fraser High School in Fraser, Mich., in 1968, and attended the University of Alaska from 1972 to 1973, pursuing a liberal arts degree, which included Police Science, Criminal Law and Criminal Psychology. 
In 1967, two crazy kids met, dated, and fell in love, and on Oct. 18, 1969, he married the love of his life, Gail Marie (Kleist). Together, they raised three incredible children, Todd Christian Boese, Shaun Patrick Boese and Kathleen Marie (Boese) Wyant. They were his greatest joy, and he would brag about each of them to anyone at any time!
    He was a true patriot and loved his country. He served in the U.S. Air Force as an aircraft mechanic from May 1970 until May 1976.
    Walter was also an avid sportsman, so in the early 80s, he moved his little family to Montana where he taught his children to love and respect the outdoors. He taught them how to camp, hunt, fish and actually read a map. Wonderful memories were made floating the Madison River, camping in Ennis every 4th of July, pheasant hunting with the boys in Glendive and teaching his daughter how to fly fish and actually tie her own flies at a very young age. He even taught his wife how to rifle and archery hunt, trap shoot and fish. One of his favorite memories was his African Safari trip that he got to take with his son, Shaun.
    He was a journeyman cabinetmaker, learning the trade from his father at Boese Wood Products. Later, he took great satisfaction in passing his love for the trade to inmates at Montana State Prison where he was the Industries Shop Supervisor from 1984 to 1995. He taught them all aspects of cabinet work and furniture construction so that upon release, they could get a good job. From 1995 to 2003, he realized his dream of owning his own company, High Country Furniture and Custom Cabinetry.
    Besides hunting and fishing, he especially enjoyed raising chickens, helping the 4-H kids with their poultry projects. In fact, he gave his grandson Wyatt a turkey, and that dang thing won Grand Champion!
    He was happiest at family get-togethers with his children and grandchildren, loved to cook and had a soft spot for his furry companions: Bear, Presley, Bruiser and Sailor, and treated each and every one like a valuable family member.
    Walter was predeceased by his father, Walter; his mother, Dolores; and his grandsons, Wyatt and Caleb Havens.
    Walter is survived by his wife of 56 years, Gail; their children, Todd Boese, Shaun Boese, and Kathleen (Kristopher) Wyant; three grandchildren, Alexandra (Keagan) Lyman, Riley Boese and Kayin Boese; siblings, Rita (Delayne) Johnecheck, Karen (Brent) Schaller and Mark (Janet) Boese; plus many cherished brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
    We find comfort in knowing that his legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared and the memories we will cherish forever.
    A memorial service will be held at noon on Monday, Dec. 1, at St. John Lutheran Church, 410 Missouri Ave., Deer Lodge. A luncheon will follow at the church.
    Memorials in honor of Walter are suggested to the Deer Lodge Food Pantry, 101 Milwaukee Ave, Deer Lodge, MT 59722 or to the Partnership for Animal Welfare Humane Society – “P.A.W.H.S.” - of Deer Lodge, PO Box 802, Deer Lodge, MT 59722.
    Please visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer condolences to the family or to share a memory of Walter.

    Betty Burk, 76, passed away peacefully at the Deer Lodge hospital and went to join her husband and love of her life on Oct. 16, 2025.
    She was born to Ed and Ida Verworn and had grown up in Garrison and had moved to Deer Lodge from there.  She was married to William (Skip) Burk for 46 years until his passing in 2012.
    Betty loved all animals, and opened her home and heart to many strays.
    Betty is survived by a daughter, Tracy Tipps, son-in-law Rick, and two grandchildren, Ryan Tipps and Kayla Sullivan; brothers and sisters Norman Verworn, Jean Scott, Shirley McFadden and Karen Scholler and Clifford Verworn, who has passed.
    A celebration of life will be at a future date for Betty and Skip in the spring.  She will be missed. Visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer condolences to the family or share a memory of Betty.

    James “Jim”  Lee White, 88, a man of remarkable determination, ingenuity and adventure, passed away after a long and full life. A defining figure in Western Montana’s construction and mining history, Jim’s strength and spirit left an enduring mark on the state he loved.
    Born and raised in Deer Lodge, Jim attended Powell County High School and began a lifetime of hard work in the railroad, mining and construction industries. After surviving a severe mining accident at age 19, he recovered with trademark resolve and went on to live a life filled with exploration, craftsmanship and generosity.
    A proud member of the Operating Engineers for 69 years, Jim worked on projects across Montana and was known for his mastery of heavy equipment and unmatched work ethic.  He was still using a jackhammer well into his 80s. A passionate prospector and gold miner, he helped relocate the Crooked River dredge to Virginia City and supplied authentic mining artifacts for Disneyland Paris’ Big Thunder Mountain attraction.  Jim made Helena his home since 1980 and enjoyed many years of gold mining on his properties at Cave Gulch at Canyon Ferry and in Basin.
    Along with his encyclopedia knowledge of cars, Jim’s sharp memory and creative resourcefulness gave way to many lifelong friendships. As a devoted Jehovah’s Witness, he was known for his kindness and willingness to help others.
    Jim is preceded in death by his siblings, Terry White, and Marjie Scarf (Jack) and sons, Thane and Shane White.
    He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Donna White; his children, Linda “AJ” Hoenig (Chic), James “Jimmy” White (Karen), Cindy Marshall, Shawn White (Kat) and Tressie White; along with his sister, Betty Main (Jack) and sister-in-law, Kathy White.
    He leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews, and extended family, all of whom carry forward his love of family, adventure and hard work.
    A celebration of his life will be held at 2 p.m., May 2, 2026, at the Helena Indian Alliance, 501 Euclid Ave., Helena.

    Our beloved mom, sister, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt passed away on Sept. 28, 2025, in Richland, Wash. Naomi was born in Anaconda on Dec. 23, 1934, to Walt and Ann Sanders. She was the oldest of Walt and Ann’s two children. Her sister Helen arrived 7 years later.
    As a child she loved to ride horses and help her dad on their ranch in Philipsburg. She graduated from Granite County High School in 1953 and completed a Business Degree at Kinman Business University in Spokane, Wash., in 1954. Naomi lived in Kent, Wash., from 1961-2018, where she raised her three sons (Rick Smith, Jeff Smith and Brian Glidden).
    Naomi worked at the Boeing Company where she met Mike Malick. They were married in June 1980. They enjoyed 37 years together. They both retired from the Boeing Company in January 1991, and they spent the next five winters exploring the country in their motor home before settling into their winter home in Bullhead City, Ariz., in 1996. They spent the next 19 years living in Kent, Wash., in the summer and in Bullhead City, Ariz., in the winter.
    In Kent, Naomi enjoyed gardening. Her favorite flowers were Dahlias and Peonies. In Bullhead City, she enjoyed doing ceramics. Wherever she lived, there was always a dog by her side that was happy to be spoiled by her. Mike and Naomi made time to spend a couple of weeks every summer at the Philipsburg family cabin that her family built in the early 1970s.
    She moved to Pasco, Wash., in 2018 to be closer to family, where she lived until her passing in 2025.
    Naomi is preceded in death by her parents Walt and Ann Sanders, and sons Rick Smith and Brian Glidden. Naomi is survived by son Jeff Smith (Donna), sister Helen Reistad (Terry), grandchildren Randall Smith and Jaime Smith, great grandchildren Sienna and Autumn Martinez, three nieces, three great nieces and two great nephews. No matter where Naomi lived, her heart was always in Philipsburg, Montana.

    Diana Marie Caldwell (our beloved mother, mom, Gram, Grandma), 86, passed away Oct. 28 in Deer Lodge. She was born in Williamsport, Penn., on March 25, 1939, to Chet and Elsie Wagner and was the second of seven children.
    In 1955, Diana married Ed Kibler, and they had five children together. Ed was in the Air Force, and they moved frequently to different states and countries until he was stationed in Great Falls in the early 60s. They both lived the rest of their lives in Montana.
    In the 60s and 70s, Diana worked in various restaurants throughout Montana and raised her children. In the early 80s, she got her real estate license and sold real estate until she and Ed bought the Avon Cafe. There they raised their grandson Ryan together until their divorce in 1991. She sold the Avon cafe to son Chuck (Sue) in 1997 after she met the love of her life, Ron Caldwell, and she and Ryan moved to Dillon to be with Ron. Diana and Ron married in 1997, and they lived on a ranch in Dillon and raised Belgian horses. Unfortunately, Ron passed away just over a year later. In the years after that, she spent most of her time with her grandkids and then her great grandkids. They all have fond memories of spending time on the ranch with her and the animals, camping and eating her famous cinnamon rolls. She enjoyed watching them play their sports, and attended many football and soccer games.
    Amazingly, Diana worked until she was 81 at the Indiana University Geological Station in the Tobacco Root Mountains of Montana. She was the camp cook (sometimes cooking for over 100 people at a time) and lived the summers in a cabin on the property. Diana loved working and being there, and she was super Grandma to the kids who attended the camps from all over the USA and Japan. She worked there for 10 years until her health prevented her from continuing. Diana spent her last years in Deer Lodge, where her son Bruce cared for her and made her life as comfortable as possible. We are all grateful to him for being there for her!
    Diana lived her life marked by love and dedication to her family. She also loved animals, camping and cooking for a crowd!
    Diana was preceded in death by her husband, Ron Caldwell; son, Mike Kibler; granddaughter, Emily Copeland; parents, Chet and Elsie Wagner; and her brothers, Bob Wagner and Jim Wagner.
    Diana is survived by her children, Mark Kibler; Chuck (Sue) of Avon; Bonnie (Andy) Copeland of Bozeman; and Bruce Kibler of Deer Lodge. She is also survived by her siblings, Dave (Joyce) Wagner; Fred (Brenda) Wagner; Sandy (Jim, Kris, Hanna, Jacob); and Sue Fessler. Her memory lives on with grandchildren Ryan Kibler (Kim), Stephanie Kibler, James Kibler (Katie), Clark Copeland, Jenna (Joe) Copeland as well as great grandchildren Cayden, Canyon, Tryston, Clayton and Bailee. She had a special place in her heart for Joyce Kibler and Amy Jo Pahut-Kibler. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
    No services are planned at this time. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Deer Lodge Humane Society @https://www.paw-hs.com/.

    Kay Marie (Brunette) McGregor, a beloved wife, mother and pillar of her community, was born in Deer Lodge, Montana, on June 8, 1956, to Elbe James Brunette and Jerry M. McCormick. She passed away peacefully surrounded by love and held by her family on Nov. 3, 2025.
    Kay graduated from Drummond High School in 1974 and went on to attend the Missoula Vocational Technical Center (Vo-Tech), where she majored in Accounting. Although a labor strike prevented her from completing her degree, Kay’s determination never wavered; she went on to manage the books and taxes for numerous businesses and residents for nearly 50 years.
    In 1981, Kay finally went on a date with the love of her life, Scott C. McGregor and shortly after, they married in Las Vegas, Nevada. They returned to the Brunette family ranch in the Drummond Valley, where they raised four children. Kay was the heart of the home, the center and the glue that held the family together. While running the Brunette Ranch, Kay also played a central role at Swede’s Corner - a Drummond, Montana establishment she co-owned with her husband Scott - where she spent years visiting with and cooking for both locals and visitors.
    Kay enjoyed road trips with her family where there were no destinations. These were filled with lots of exploring, camping always with campfires and trees, lots of smiles and laughter. Kay loved crafting; sewing, embroidery, beading and especially crocheting.  Kay never went anywhere without a crochet hook in hand and a skein of yarn in her Mary Poppins bag.
    In addition to her grandparents and parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Karla Jo (Brunette) England, who passed away on April 16th, 2011, and two brothers, one that passed away at birth and one that passed away at six months.
    Kay is survived by her best friend and love of her life, Scott C. McGregor; children, Laurie McGregor, Duane (Hettie) McGregor, Celeste (Stuart) Wilson and Eric (Alissa) McGregor; sister, Kerry Cordova; grandchildren, Brianna Sharrard, Mitchell Sharrard, Riley Sharrard, Alauna McGregor, Graiden McGregor, Dominic McGregor, Amelia Wilson, Adelaide Wilson and Charlotte Wilson; seven great-grandchildren; and many other close family and friends that she cherished.
    We extend our deepest thanks to Hope Hospice, her compassionate doctors and the caring community members who helped her along her journey with cancer with such courage and grace for three years.
    In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the American Cancer Society.
    Graveside services were held at New Chicago cemetery in Drummond on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025.

    Connie Joyce McCarthy DeYott reunited with the love of her life and five of her babies on Oct. 27. She passed away in Deer Lodge, just days after celebrating her 88th birthday. While we’re sure her reunion in Heaven is a joyful one, it leaves behind a gaping hole here on earth.
    Connie was born a coal miner’s daughter - perhaps explaining her lifelong love of 1950s country music - on Oct. 7, 1937, in Heber City, Utah. She lost her father when she was nine and her mother at 15. Those early losses led her to Butte, where she lived with her older brother Jerry. It was there that she met the love of her life, Donald Edward DeYott.
    Connie and Don married in July 1955 in Butte and moved to Deer Lodge in 1960. Their marriage began with heartbreak as they lost their first three babies, but they were later blessed - “and blessed” is surely the word they would use - with eight surviving children: five girls and three boys, all born within 15 busy years.
    Connie loved her years in Butte and was deeply involved in the lives of her nieces and nephews - relationships she cherished throughout her life. Family gatherings always included them, because to her, family was anyone you loved. Many trips were made back to Butte to visit, and all but one of her babies were born there.
    Once her children were old enough for school, Connie began working as a waitress and cook in local cafés. In 1979, she joined the Montana State Prison kitchen, where she worked for 20 years. She ran a tight ship and was known for her quick wit and no-nonsense attitude - one officer swore he’d paid enough into her “swear jar” to buy a car! Sometimes she even forgot she’d fed her husband at work, only for him to come home to the same dinner he’d had for lunch.
    Connie and Don were active members of the Deer Lodge community. Together, they co-chaired Ducks Unlimited, hosted Friday dinners at the Elks Lodge and were always ready to help at community gatherings. Connie volunteered with the Woman’s Club and managed the New To You store, leading its move to a larger Main Street location. She did it all - negotiating the lease, cleaning, painting, organizing - and recruited prison work crews, Mormon missionaries, her kids and the Woman’s Club volunteers to help. Her leadership helped the store thrive and expand its donations to local causes, including the Rialto Theatre, the Senior Citizens Center, the EMT service and local scholarships.
    Family was everything to Connie. Every gathering was a big one - full of food, laughter and love. Her Thanksgiving dinners were legendary: the living room packed to the brim with family and friends, and tables overflowing with her wonderful cooking. And as if their house wasn’t already full enough, Don and Connie always found room for more - nieces and nephews, hunting buddies, their children’s friends or the kids they babysat. Everyone was welcome.
    Connie is survived by six children: Joy & Jim Grady, Denise DeYott, Donata DeYott, Lorrie DeYott, Dan Joe DeYott and Rae Ann Forseth; daughters-in-law Deanna DeYott and Sandy DeYott; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren: John Grady & Kari Schluntz (daughters Haylee and Avery), Jimmy Grady (children Mackenzie Grady and Caliber Stanyer), Andrea & Jason Kost (children Gabe Torbert and Eleori Kost), Conner DeYott, Katie DeYott, Joey & Shelby DeYott, Ritien Glosser, Mackie Glosser (son Cooper Simon), Kayla Forseth, Alex DeYott and Joyce DeYott.
    She also leaves behind her sister-in-law Terry DeYott; nieces and nephews Joe & Fran Tierney, Joyce Tierney, Colleen Mee, Gale & Bill Bacon, Tim & Lee Ann Tierney, Rochelle & Perry Jones, Denise & Gene Beaudoin, Cherrie & Tim Anders, and Ray & Rachel DeYott Jr., Allen Draper, Karen & Larry Bush, Debi Mondragon, Claudia Draper Garrett, Julie Watts - plus a multitude of loving great-nieces and nephews.
    Connie was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Donald Edward DeYott, whom she spent nine years missing; five of their children: Steven Edward, Debra Ann, Patricia Ann, Lawrence Eugene and William Raymond; grandsons Glenn Edward and Donald Edward Jr.; parents Annie Blackley McCarthy and William Albert McCarthy; and siblings and in-laws Jerry & Jean McCarthy, Jean & Ike Draper, Deanna Marsing, Lorraine & Eugene Tierney and Ray DeYott.
    Please join us in celebrating the life of Connie on Sunday, Nov. 9. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. at the Deer Lodge Elks Lodge, followed by interment at Hillcrest Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to return to the Elks Lodge for a luncheon at 2:30 p.m.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Woman’s Club of Deer Lodge in support of New To You - or simply by doing what Connie did best: extending a helping hand, inviting someone in and making sure no one is left alone.
    “May the winds of Heaven blow softly and whisper in your ear how much we love and miss you, and wish that you were here.”

    It is with deep sorrow and love that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Mary Jane Pearson, 80, who went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 21. She passed peacefully at her home in Lacey, Wash.
    Mary Jane was born July 25, 1945, in Deer Lodge, and was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend. She lived her life with grace, kindness and an unshakable faith in God. Her gentle spirit and caring heart touched everyone she met.
    A faithful servant, Mary Jane was active in her church community and always found joy in helping others. She will be remembered for her warm smile, her prayers for everyone she loved and the comfort she brought to those in need.
    She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Georgia (Steele) Gaskell.
  She is survived by her children, Joseph (Shannon) of Great Falls; Anthony (Fritzie) of Seattle; six grandchildren; and her siblings, Harry (Lila) Gaskell of Roundup, and Jim Gaskell of Deer Lodge, who will forever cherish her memory and carry her love in their hearts.
    Her faith was her foundation, and we find peace knowing she is now resting in the arms of her Savior.
    Graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge, with Military Honors, in the care of Mills & Mills Funeral Home & Memorial Park.

    Katheryn Niona Almendinger, 79, passed peacefully on Oct. 23 surrounded by her children, dogs and husband.
    She was born to Loren and Audrey Almendinger on April 14, 1946. She grew up as the fifth of six children (Marjorie, Gayle, Denny, Dickey and Davey), with whom she had many adventures at the Benson Ranch and throughout the area. She graduated from Deer Lodge High School in 1964.
    She married Warren Donahue in 1966 and had three children: Tammy, Dennis and Carl. Her adventurous life took her to many towns in Montana including Bozeman, Havre, Cut Bank, Conrad, Great Falls, Helena and Kalispell.
    After an illness, she moved to Page, Ariz., where she met long-term partner Carrick Wildon who encouraged her to go back to school. She then earned an English degree from Cal State Long Beach and started a long career with the defense department as a contract analyst. She enjoyed living in various towns in California including San Pedro, Garden Grove, Westminster, Palmdale, Quartz Hill, Stallion Springs and Tehachapi.
    Shortly after retiring from the government, she and her high school sweetheart, Jack Brazill, reunited - she always said that she finally caught the one who got away. She and Jack married in Arlee with a grand party involving family from both sides. She had finally found her forever home and settled in Arlee with Jack.
    She is survived by two sisters, three children, five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, as well as Jack and his family.