Funeral Notice - Janice “Jan” Kay Ridley
Janice “Jan” Kay Ridley, 73, of Deer Lodge, Montana, died Nov. 19, 2020. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 1p.m. Sunday, May 16, at The Pen in Deer Lodge. A coffee and cookie reception will be held from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. following the service. 
Jan will be laid to rest during a private service at Hillcrest Cemetery. Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of her. 
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Jan and her family.

Joe Moore
August 13, 1952 – April 29, 2021
As the sun rose on April 29, Joe Moore died peacefully. Joe was born August 13, 1952 to Jack and Penny Moore in Helena. He attended Catholic schools and graduated from Helena High School in 1970. 
Joe initially worked installing floors for Finstad Flooring and other companies. In 1977 he began his 44-year profession as a real estate appraiser with Moore Appraisal Firm. 
Joe trained under his father and later mentored his brother, sister and nephew as they learned the appraisal business. He was instrumental in passing the first laws regarding appraisal licensing in Montana and was well respected by peers and clients alike. After spending his first years as a residential appraiser, Joe spent the last 20 plus years doing commercial work, including many different types of property in Helena and around the state.
Joe’s pride and joy were his daughter and three granddaughters. He often drove to Great Falls to have dinner with them or attend a school event. He bragged about their accomplishments and enjoyed watching them grow, get good grades, pass tests and appreciate music. He helped build a house for Megan and the girls, volunteering many weekends with NeighborWorks Great Falls, often enlisting other family members and friends to assist.
Joe was an enthusiastic, avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish in Montana and Alaska. He was an accomplished taxidermist. While he taught himself taxidermy as a hobby, his mounts rivaled or exceeded those of many professionals. 
Joe made sure his granddaughters, nieces, nephews, and other children caught fish and delighted in their joy as they hooked and landed a fish. For many years Joe meticulously tied his own flies. Joe taught hunter education to a generation of youth from the Elliston-Avon community. He enjoyed hearing stories about hunts from his students and seeing their pictures. Joe processed his own game together with his cousin Gary and Uncle Bud and was known for making excellent sausage.
As the oldest of eight children, Joe was the big brother who would help on any project from building a house, plumbing, roofing or flooring repairs, buying real estate, floating a river or sharing a hunt. He forged special relationships with each sibling and was treasured by all. Joe had a heart of gold. He valued his many friendships and routines of lunches, dinners, donuts and ice cream with friends. He also went out of his way to help anyone who needed it.
Joe loved vehicles and spent endless hours working on them. He started with a classic Pontiac convertible and progressed through a series of trucks that sometimes seemed to be just a collection of parts moving in formation. Later he enjoyed driving his red Corvette with the Treasure State Corvettes and showing his 1959 Corvette at classic car rallies.
To say that Joe loved rock and roll music is an understatement. He could recite the lyrics to hundreds of songs from all eras. He attended live concerts whenever he could and liked to challenge others with music trivia. 
Joe was a diehard Seattle Seahawks fan, seldom missing a game on television and occasionally attending in person. 
He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed joking and teasing with his family, friends and waitresses. Coffee was a staple for Joe, especially when paired with ice cream and friends. Many servers in town recognized Joe and had his coffee on the table within a minute of his arrival. Joe was proud of all his friendships and especially a long-term relationship with Bill W.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents Jack B. and Ruth Mary (Penny) Moore. 
He is survived by his daughter Megan Moore (Bill Gardner) and granddaughters Mariah Redfern, Reina Crawford and Emma Jo Gardner of Great Falls; his siblings Lou Moore (Hal Aasen), Tim Moore (Liz), Dan Moore (Lori), all of Helena; Sue Moore (Pete Stabio) of Polson; Nancy Rossmiller (Dana) of Lewistown; Maureen Moore of Spokane; and Mary Kay Linke (Craig) of Helena as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
At Joe’s request there will be no funeral service. Friends and family are invited to stop by the Fairgrounds Picnic Shelter from to 2 to 4ish on Sunday, May 16, to share memories and celebrate Joe’s life.
Memorials may be made to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Powell County Search and Rescue or a charity of your choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Joe. 

Dawn Marie Meagher
June 30, 1972 - April 21, 2021
Dawn Marie Meagher, 48, was born June 30, 1972, at St. Pats in Missoula. She died April 21.
Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of Dawn. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Dawn and her family.

​William Arthur Rush
William Arthur Rush, 90, of Deer Lodge, died Friday, April 30, in Helena, Montana. 
Come join the family and friends at a graveside service scheduled for 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 5, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge. 
A reception will be held at the Elk’s Lodge in Deer Lodge immediately following the graveside service. Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of William.

Donna Finn Rainville
June 12, 1931 - April 14, 2021
Donna Finn Rainville died of natural causes April 14 at Olympics West Retirement Inn in Tumwater, Wash. She leaves behind a legacy of loving kindness for all who were fortunate to know her. 
Donna was a person of immense integrity in her personal and professional life. She also exhibited great perseverance in overcoming any adversity encountered in her life’s path. 
Our Mom was born the youngest child of John and Mary (Lowney) Finn in Deer Lodge on June 12, 1931. She was educated at St. Mary’s Academy and graduated from Powell County High School in 1949. 
Donna was known for her meticulous attention to detail whether it was in managing our home or at her work. She applied her vast administrative professional skills in various occupations throughout her life. 
She particularly enjoyed what she consistently referred to as “the best job ever” while working as Deputy Clerk of Court for Mary Ann McKee of Helmville (past Clerk of Court for Powell County). For a brief period of time thereafter, Donna was a Court Clerk for Clark County, Las Vegas, Nev. 
After relocating to Texas in 1985, she was fortunate to secure an executive-level administrative support position through the City of Plano, Texas, at Schimelfenig Library, retiring in 1998. 
At the time of her death, Donna lived in Tumwater, Wash., but she always referred to Montana as “home,” and she maintained contact with several of her dear friends and former classmates in the Deer Lodge Valley. 
In her retirement, Donna enjoyed taking several “Senior” trips and she never passed up an opportunity to fly around the country to visit her children and her revered grandchildren. 
She particularly enjoyed playing cards (she was especially fond of Bridge, Cribbage and Gin-rummy), triumphing board games played with her family and diving into a good mystery book. 
She was a charter member of Prime Timers (a senior ministry at her church, St. Michael’s parish, in Olympia, Wash.) and she enjoyed her Dine-In Dinner Club group; she especially enjoyed co-hosting their St. Patrick’s Day dinner party. 
She was also their “Sunshine Lady,” responsible for sending many get-well and sympathy cards, and she called upon the membership when it was St. Michael’s turn to provide lunch for the Habitat for Humanity volunteers. 
Donna was also a devoted member of the Capital City Newcomers Club and served two years on their Board of Directors. She was deeply proud to be a member of the Sons and Daughters of Montana Pioneers in consideration of her paternal grandfather, Luke Finn (a native of County Sligo, Ireland, who homesteaded and settled in Montana in 1864). The little community (now a ghost town) of Finn, in Powell County, bears his name. 
Donna’s greatest joy in life were her children and grandchildren who survive: daughter, Paula Meyer, and her husband, Steve; son, Don Rainville, and his wife, Betsy; and son, John Rainville, and his wife, Deborrah; and her grandchildren: Maggie and Pat Meyer, Katie and EJ Rainville and Jackson Rainville. Also surviving are Donna’s sister-in-law, Barbara Finn, as well as several cherished nieces and nephews and many dear friends in Montana, Texas and Washington. 
Donna’s Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Olympia, Wash., at noon, on Wednesday, May 26. 
A graveside blessing of Donna’s cremains will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 28, at Hillcrest Cemetery, Deer Lodge.

Mervin Alfred Horswill
November 27, 1961 - April 22, 2021
Mervin Alfred Horswill, 59, left this thing called life and went to his heavenly home April 22, 2021.
He was born Monday, Nov. 27, 1961, in Riverside, Calif., to Merlyn “Buck” and Lourlie M. (Johnson) Horswill.
Mervin started working at the Don Beck Ranch while he was in high school. After high school he moved to Oklahoma 1980 – 1982 and worked in the oil fields. In 1982 he moved back to Deer Lodge and started his logging career working for Wozny Logging and Sun Mountain Logging before starting his own logging company. He worked at Louisiana Pacific Saw Mill from 2002 - 2003 before starting his mining career at Stillwater Mine in 2003.
Mervin married Darcy (Sargent) on Aug. 28, 1992, at the Presbyterian Church in Deer Lodge. Together they had three children: Royce Allen, December 1996; Rowan Victor, September 1998; and Raif Anthony, January 2000. Mervin and Darcy later divorced. 
He met Raylynn (Kostoff) in Deer Lodge, and they relocated to Big Timber, where they were married March 2004. Together they had one child, Cash Mason, October 2004. Mervin and Raylynn later divorced. 
Mervin moved to several towns before moving to Billings, calling it home. Mervin married Margo (Ball) in December 2012. Three step children, Kayla, Kassidy and Kaden, merged into the family. Mervin and Margo later divorced and remained close friends.
Mervin loved spending time with his boys, family and friends. He enjoyed riding his Harley motorcycles; taking his boat and camper out fishing tubing, skiing and camping; watching and cheering the boys on in their sports; watching a good movie at the drive in; shooting his guns at targets and gopher hunting; bartering and wheeling and dealing on cars, motorcycles and guns; sharing jokes, stories, laughs and memories. 
Mervin loved his family and friends with all his heart. He loved spending time with all, making memories that he cherished. We hope all of you cherish those memories and will hold onto them in your hearts in the future and beyond.
Mervin was preceded in death by his dad, Merlyn “Buck” Horswill; grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. 
He is survived by sons Royce, Rowan and Raif Horswill, Williston, N.D., and Cash Horswill, Jacksonville, Fla.; mother Lourlie Horswill, Deer Lodge; sister Lisa (Marty) Hunter, Deer Lodge; brother Mark (Kelly) Horswill, Big Timber; sister Lynn (Willie) Johnson, Deer Lodge; Aunt Blanche Gill, Apache Junction, Ariz.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 15, at the First Baptist Church in Deer Lodge. Graveside services will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. A luncheon will be served at the Corner Bar. There will be a Celebration of Life gathering at Tiny’s Tavern in Billings at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 22.

Donald Albert Hendricks
May 10, 1929 - April 14, 2021
Donald Albert Hendricks, 91, died peacefully on April 14, 2021. He was born in Omaha, Nebr., on May 10, 1929, to Albert and Elizabeth (Schulte) Hendricks. 
In 1939, the family moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where Don attended school, graduating from Dowling Catholic High School for boys in 1947.
The years immediately after graduation were a great adventure for Don. He hitchhiked west to work as a ranch hand in Montana; jumped freight cars to Seattle where he worked as a longshoreman; and drove up the Alaska/Canadian Highway to look for railroad work in Alaska.
Don received his draft notice for the Korean War in 1951. After completing basic training at Camp Roberts, Calif., and Intelligence School in Maryland, Don was stationed in Nuremberg, Germany, in the Counterintelligence Corps.
In 1954, Don returned to Montana where he enrolled at the Montana School of Mines in Butte. Within four years, Don had met and married his beloved wife Natalie “Tootsie” Tomich, started a family and still graduated with honors – earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering.
Don’s professional mining career began with 12+ years at Montana Phosphate Co./Comico as Chief Engineer followed by 13+ years at the Anaconda Company, where he was Chief Operations Engineer. After the closure of the Berkeley Pit in 1982, Don worked well into his 80’s as a Professional Land Surveyor. He also returned to his alma mater, Montana Tech, as a professor, where he taught Land Surveying for several years.
Don and Tootsie lived and raised their four children in Deer Lodge. Don was an avid golfer and a founding member of the Deer Lodge Golf Course. He also enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing trips with his three boys and was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge of Deer Lodge. 
Don was well traveled, well-read, with a keen intellect and a great memory that made him an excellent conversationalist and storyteller. With a glass of wine in one hand and vanilla smoke rising from his pipe, Don could tell stories for hours. He was a remnant of a bygone era and a true gentleman in every sense of the word.
Don was preceded in death by his “sweetheart” of 60 years, Natalie (Tomich) Hendricks and his parents, Albert and Elizabeth Hendricks.
He is survived by three sons, Tom (Cindy) Hendricks of Marysville, Wash., Ken (Lori) Hendricks of Casper, Wyo., Jim (Lisa) Hendricks of Allen, Texas; daughter, Jill (Keith) Dixon of Oklahoma City, Okla.; sister, Karen (Dan) of Florence, Ore.; sister-in-law, Joann (Ken) of Cut Bank; eight much-loved granddaughters; two great-grandchildren; and beloved nephews and nieces.
Services will be announced and held at a later date.
Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of Donald.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Donald and his family.

Donald Albert Hendricks, 91
May 10, 1929 – April 14, 2021
​Donald Albert Hendricks, 91, died peacefully on April 14, 2021. He was born in Omaha, Nebr., on May 10, 1929, to Albert and Elizabeth (Schulte) Hendricks. 
In 1939, the family moved to Des Moines, Iowa, where Don attended school, graduating from Dowling Catholic High School for boys in 1947.
The years immediately after graduation were a great adventure for Don. He hitchhiked west to work as a ranch hand in Montana; jumped freight cars to Seattle where he worked as a longshoreman; and drove up the Alaska/Canadian Highway to look for railroad work in Alaska.
Don received his draft notice for the Korean War in 1951. After completing basic training at Camp Roberts, Calif., and Intelligence School in Maryland, Don was stationed in Nuremberg, Germany, in the Counterintelligence Corps.
In 1954, Don returned to Montana where he enrolled at the Montana School of Mines in Butte. Within four years, Don had met and married his beloved wife Natalie “Tootsie” Tomich, started a family and still graduated with honors – earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering.
Don’s professional mining career began with 12+ years at Montana Phosphate Co./Comico as Chief Engineer followed by 13+ years at the Anaconda Company, where he was Chief Operations Engineer. After the closure of the Berkeley Pit in 1982, Don worked well into his 80’s as a Professional Land Surveyor. He also returned to his alma mater, Montana Tech, as a professor, where he taught Land Surveying for several years.
Don and Tootsie lived and raised their four children in Deer Lodge. Don was an avid golfer and a founding member of the Deer Lodge Golf Course. He also enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing trips with his three boys and was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge of Deer Lodge. 
Don was well traveled, well-read, with a keen intellect and a great memory that made him an excellent conversationalist and storyteller. With a glass of wine in one hand and vanilla smoke rising from his pipe, Don could tell stories for hours. He was a remnant of a bygone era and a true gentleman in every sense of the word.
Don was preceded in death by his “sweetheart” of 60 years, Natalie (Tomich) Hendricks and his parents, Albert and Elizabeth Hendricks.
He is survived by three sons, Tom (Cindy) Hendricks of Marysville, Wash., Ken (Lori) Hendricks of Casper, Wyo., Jim (Lisa) Hendricks of Allen, Texas; daughter, Jill (Keith) Dixon of Oklahoma City, Okla.; sister, Karen (Dan) of Florence, Ore.; sister-in-law, Joann (Ken) of Cut Bank; eight much-loved granddaughters; two great-grandchildren; and beloved nephews and nieces.
Services will be announced and held at a later date.
Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of Donald.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Donald and his family.

Elizabeth Kathleen Rollins
November 21, 1954 - Thursday, April 16, 2021
​Elizabeth Kathleen Rollins, 66, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, April 16, 2021. While she will be missed by many, we are thankful that she is again in the arms of her beautiful daughter.
She was born Nov. 21, 1954, to Vernon and Kathë Campbell in Deer Lodge. Because her father was in the military, Lisa grew up in Montana, Texas and Germany. She was proud of her German roots, but Montana was always her home.
On May 4, 1974, she married her dear husband Robert (Bob) Rollins in Anaconda. Out of this union came their beloved children, Dale and Donna.
Lisa loved camping, nature and her precious fur babies. She was always capturing these special things on camera. She had an incredible talent for snapping pictures at just the right time. She was also highly skilled with a crochet hook, creating many cherished gifts for her loved ones.
She lived a full life as a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. Her sharp wit, enormous heart and boisterous laugh will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her husband Bob, her son Dale (Mandy) Rollins, her sister Molly (Tony) Hixon, her brothers Pat (Tawni) Campbell, Alex (Heather) Campbell, Steve (Ashley) Rollins, and James (Phadera) Campbell, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, her sister Carmen, her mother, and her daughter Donna.
A private celebration of Lisa’s life will be planned. Condolences may be expressed through www.buttefuneralhome.com.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Lisa and her family.

John Edwin Stone
John Edwin Stone, 68, died Thursday, April 8, at Deer Lodge Medical Center from complications of an extended illness. 
John was adamant he did not want an obituary, so we will instead just call this a remembrance of the journey of his life and the positive impact that he left on all the people he met along the way. 
A man wears many hats as he navigates the winding road from birth to death: son, sibling, friend, uncle, husband, father, mentor, teacher, coach, co-worker, companion, grandfather, great-grandfather and countless more. 
For each and every one on that list, a thousand examples could be given of how John made it unique and meaningful for himself and for those around him. In accordance with his final requests, no formal memorial services will be held. 
Instead, his wishes were for all friends, family and loved ones to celebrate his life, each in their own way, be it with thoughts, prayers, reminiscence or revelry. May we relish in his virtues, forgive him his faults, bow our heads, tell a tale or raise a glass and bid him a fond farewell.
Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of John.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for John and his family.

Patrick John Bannon
June 5, 1961 - March 26, 2021
Patrick John Bannon, 59, of Deer Lodge, Montana, died on Friday, March 26, at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula, due to cancer complications.
He was born on June 5, 1961, in Lansing, Mich., to Kenneth and Mary Jo Bannon. He spent his youth in Oak Park, Ill., until age 15 when he moved to Hanover, Ill. He graduated from Hanover High School in 1979. 
He then went out West, completing a B.A. in Science Education from the University of Montana. He began his teaching career in Harlem, continuing it to Harrison, Seattle, and then Deer Lodge, where he taught for 25 years. 
On October 19, 1991, he married Sarah Blaisdell in Bellingham, Wash. The couple lived in Renton, Wash., until moving and settling in Deer Lodge. 
Pat was an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. He expanded on his love of the outdoors as an outfitter, taxidermist and creative wildlife artist. He was forever developing countless skills and talents throughout his life. 
Survivors include his wife, Sarah; daughter, Shea (Jacob Duerr); son, Jonathan; mother, Mary Jo Bannon; stepmother, Leila Bannon; sister, Margaret Bannon; and brother, Dennis Bannon.
A service in celebration of his life will be held later this spring. 

Death Notice: ​Marsha Presely
Marsha Presely, 71, of Deer Lodge, died Wednesday, March 31, 2021. She was born Aug. 11, 1949. 
No services are planned; her remains will be taken to Texas.

Betty J. Filcher
September 3, 1932 – February 15, 2021
Betty Filcher, 88, of Deer Lodge, died Feb. 15 at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula.
She was born to Rose and Bill Miller in Bell Crossing, Stevensville, on Sept. 3, 1932. The family moved to Anaconda with her sister Flossie and brother George, where they graduated high school.
She worked as a telephone operator and at the Anaconda Courthouse and at JC Penney for a time.
She married Dale Filcher and had one son, Michael J. Filcher. She has a granddaughter Jaci Filcher with two grand girls Adrienne Fogerty and Braizlynn Brock and grandson Rhylie Filcher.
Betty and Dale moved all over Montana as Dale worked on the railroad for 40 years. Betty enjoyed bowling, playing cards with the ladies and fishing over the years.
She will be missed greatly by us all.
Graveside services will be held at a later date.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Betty’s funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.

Barry Allen Kennedy
September 12, 1946 – March 22, 2021
Barry Allen Kennedy, 74, died at home of natural causes. He was born Sept. 12, 1946, in Rolla, N.D., the second child of Verna Joyce and Ivan Gerald Kennedy. 
He spent the first 8 years of his life in Rock Lake, N.D., and then went to work at the smelter in Anaconda. He lived in Deer Lodge almost for the rest of his life.
Barry was very good at math and graduated from Powell County High School in 1964. He went on to the Navy and was honorably discharged 3 years later. After that, he went to and graduated from computer school. He worked at West Coast Paper in Seattle, then settled at Montana State Prison and retired after around 25 years.
Barry liked to fish and hike in the mountains at various lakes. He loved fantasy sports, football, basketball, baseball, hockey – you name it. He was very good at all of them.
He loved his computers and his dogs, walking with them every day, and loved visiting with everybody he happened to meet.
Barry was preceded in death by his mother in 2014 and father in 1997. 
He is survived by his daughter, Heather Kennedy, in Fort Collins, Colo.; brothers, Ronald L. Kennedy of Butte and Gerald L. Kennedy (Jackie) of Sagle, Idaho; nephew, Matthew Kennedy of Butte; nieces, Stephanie Rief of Sandpoint, Idaho, and Roberta Cestnic of Manhattan.
Donations may be made to any animal shelter in Barry’s name. 
A memorial service will take place at a later date.

Richard O. Rydeen
June 10, 1943 - March 23, 2021
Richard O. Rydeen, 77, known by most as Dick, passed away peacefully on March 23 at St. Pete’s Hospital in Helena from complications of COVID. 
Dick was born June 10, 1943, in Kalispell and attended school there prior to the family moving from Somers to Lincoln, then Livingston. He attended Park County High School, graduating in 1961 with his close friends and entered the Army with his buddies very soon after and served his country for 3 years. Upon discharge he moved to Deer Lodge where his parents and siblings were and went to work at the Northern Timber Sawmill.
Dick fell in love with and married his wife Karla Johnson there in 1966. They moved to Missoula, and he enrolled at U of M and worked nights at a parking garage downtown. They then moved back to Deer Lodge, returning to work at the sawmill. 
He then enrolled at Western Montana College in Dillon, where the family resided, returning each summer to work at the mill. Part of his success in managing everything was having earned the G.I. Bill funding of $90 (a large amount in 1967!), being a wizard with finances, and working any job during the school year, including cleaning laundromats, and farm work. He always made sure all of the needs of his family were met, sometimes going without himself, but always ensuring there were savings for any emergency. 
He and Karla had two daughters during that era, Kristi Lee and Amy Jean. 
Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education with a math major, they returned to Deer Lodge where he once again worked at the sawmill. He completed his student teaching at the Junior High with the wonderful teachers, becoming good friends. Never having taught in the public schools thereafter, he used his education in many ways as he climbed the ladder with what became one of the Louisiana-Pacific Co. mills as Planer Superintendent, Mill Manager, then promoted as Division Operations Manager of 15 mills in five states. He was lucky enough to keep his family and office in Deer Lodge even though the head office was in the Coeur d’ Alene area. He had the most amazing work ethic and barely took a day off and few vacations. He received a special LP watch in 1993 commemorating 20 years with that company and worked until he took an early retirement one month short of his 54th birthday. 
In 1980 we were blessed with custody of our nephew, Frank Gonzalez, and he was instantly received with love as a son and brother to Kristi and Amy. Dick made sure his kids were able to enjoy snow and water skiing, bringing their friends along, and those are some of their best memories today. With his great sense of humor he teased the kids about many things, but their favorite was when he told them he had “the body of James Dean and the mind of Einstein.” Pictures of the two legends still grace the wall of his room even though the only sure thing was his brilliance and high IQ. He taught us all the difference between “want” and “need” even though he spoiled his children with pretty much everything they wanted!
Dick had a major stroke at 59 but his disabilities did not affect his being the caretaker of his family. Again, being the amazing “Great Watash” as his kids called him; he made sure he lived the last 18 years large and in charge, with the same work ethic and love, exercising, reading, always kind to all that cared for him even in the worst of situations. 
He especially appreciated the great care given to him by the Veterans Administration, including the VA Home Health Care team. He got tired of “this damn stroke” but kept his sense of humor and his ability to give Karla, the kids and grandkids and other family members that great advice even if they didn’t need it! Education was important to him for any and all that pursued it, and he assisted family as best he could with those financial burdens. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Frank and Fred, nephew Joey, niece Anna, the in-laws he loved so much, and his beautiful daughter Amy. 
He is survived by his wife and girlfriend, Karla; daughter Kristi; son Frankie; grandkids Lance and Carlo Gonzalez, Daley (Michael) Beck, of Helena, Danielle of Casper, Wyo.; great granddaughter “Princess” Kennedi Beck, Helena.
The Psalm of Life poem from his Mother said in part “Let us, then, be up and doing, with a heart for any fate, still achieving, still pursuing, learn to labor and to wait.” On his office wall was a sign that said, “The Oxen Are Slow but the Earth is Patient.” These words are what he tried to teach his co-workers, friends and especially family to live by, as he did himself. 
A graveside service is scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, April 3, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge. A celebration of Dick’s life will be scheduled this summer. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Dick.

Berrett Michael Wirth Crossley
April 25, 2007 - March 6, 2021
​Berrett Michael Wirth Crossley, 13, left his earthly body to join our Heavenly Father on Saturday, March 6, at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma, Wash. He suffered a traumatic brain injury as the result of not wearing a helmet during a skateboarding accident. 
Berrett was born April 25, 2007, in Billings, to Larae Stone and Cory Wirth. Larae and Berrett moved to the Seattle area when he was 3 and shortly after became part of the large and loving Crossley family when Larae and Mikal joined their families, and Gabriel, Gianna and Lincoln became his best friends and siblings. Three years later they welcomed their little sister, Finley, into the family and Berrett became the best big brother a little girl could ask for. He adores her and she worships him.
Berrett loves all things outdoors. He could be found at the skate park, building a fort or riding quads while camping, playing basketball or baseball, sledding and tubing at Georgetown Lake, Mont., or anywhere he could find adventure or test his survival skills. He was an entrepreneur and loved to draw. He created a logo for his Kadet skateboard brand.
Berrett is survived by his parents Mikal and Larae Crossley and Cory Wirth; siblings Gabriel, Gianna, Lincoln and Finley Crossley; great grandparents Beverly Bruner, and Art and Mary Bradley; grandparents Jake and Natalie Stone, Tom and Gayle Butler, Monty and Christie Lambert, Dustin and Lani Moore, Steve Crossley and Tanda Robinson; uncles and aunts Aaron and Lacie (Stone) Gransbery (Royal), Loudan and Andi Steffes (Brant and Veda), Dustin Mace, Jamie and Cassie Waters (Liam, Lila and Juliette), Kelsey Crossley (Lianna and Lamont), Sam and Tera Hemken (Beatrice and Sam), Skyler Crossley, Kiara Crossley, Zak Crossley, Willie and Lynn Johnson (Lenora and Josee), Kiya Shelton and Devin Shelton. Berrett is also survived by his best friends Alyanna and Cyler Qualls and numerous other cousins and friends.
On March 8, Berrett gave one more remarkable gift to this world and helped save the lives of other children with his gift of organ donation. Donations to assist other families with organ donations can be made in Berrett’s name to Life Center of the Northwest, 3650 131st Ave. SE, Suite 200, Bellevue, WA 98006 (lcnw.org).
A GoFundMe site (Berrett’s Medical Fund) has been set up to help with medical expenses and start a campaign to educate kids on the importance of wearing their helmets until their last ride is over. #Wearit4Berrett.
Berrett’s family would like to thank the first responders of East Pierce Fire and Rescue Station 116 and the wonderful staff at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital for the great care they gave Berrett and the kindness they bestowed upon his family. A special thank you to Doctor Whitt, Doctor Asplin and Doctor Jones; nurses Patrick, Anabel and Bonnie, Patient Service Specialist Shannon of the 7th floor PICU and Rachel and Carly from Life Center of the Northwest. Your care for Berrett and kindness during this tragic time will be forever remembered.
A celebration of life will be Saturday, March 13, at 2 p.m., at Rainier Hills Christian Church, 23711 Entwhistle Road, Buckley, Wash.
Fly high with angels, sweet boy. May the skate parks always be paved in gold, your trucks never be loose, and your bearings never go bad. You will forever live in our hearts, and we look forward to the day we see your beautiful, contagious smile once again.

Emery (Buzz) D. Weston
August 24, 1930 - March 10, 2021
Emery (Buzz) D. Weston, 90, of Deer Lodge, died Wednesday morning, March 10, surrounded by family in Hamilton. 
Buzz was born Aug. 24, 1930, in Missoula, to Barney and Alice Weston.
He grew up on a ranch just east of Beavertail Hill along with two brothers, Ben and Bill, and attended elementary school in Clinton. Buzz graduated from Missoula County High School and attended the University of Montana where he studied accounting.
In 1953, he married the love of his life, Nedra Cordrey, and they were married 56 years. Buzz and Nedra moved to Deer Lodge in 1957, where they raised four children, Neil, Steve, Bill and Joni. Buzz worked several years for the National Guard but spent the bulk of his working years as a truck driver. During his time in the National Guard, he participated in the quelling of the Montana State Prison riot of 1959.
Buzz and Nedra retired in 1993, where they spent their time working on the family ranch and attending all the sporting events of their grandchildren. Nedra passed away in 2008 and Buzz missed her every day for the rest of his life.
Buzz will be remembered as one of the hardest working, most honest men ever. He will be greatly missed each day by the members of his family.
Buzz was preceded in death by his beloved wife Nedra, son Bill, brother Ben and son-in-law Ed Ames.
He is survived by his brother Bill Weston of Missoula and by sons Neil (Jany), Steve (Kathy), daughter Joni Ames, and cousin Wanda Weston-Hooper (Gary) of Helena. In addition, he is survived by nine grandchildren and many great grandchildren, and six nieces and nephews.
No public services are scheduled. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com

Sharon Dolores (O’Reilly) Collinsworth
March 18, 1945 – March 5, 2021
Sharon D. (O’Reilly) Collinsworth, 75, died Friday, March 5, at Accordius Health, a caring and loving nursing facility, in Harrisonburg, Va.
The world lost a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and friend. Sharon battled illness, but it never stopped her from thinking of others and providing words of love and encouragement. Her heart always had room for one more person to love. She was full of life. She was a strong, independent, and a stubborn Italian and Irish woman who loved everyone and never hesitated to put you in your place. She loved spending time with other’s and sharing her memories from childhood. 
Sharon was born March 18, 1945, in Great Falls, to Francis J. and Bernadine (DeRose) O’Reilly. She graduated from Great Falls Central Catholic High School in 1963 and worked for her father’s real estate business as a secretary. 
She married Maynard (Bud) J. Bolin Jr. on August 21, 1965, and had four children: Debe, Dena, D’ann and Dawn. Sharon and Bud made their home in Deer Lodge, where Sharon worked as a playground and lunch aide for the school district and then as a secretary in the steno pool at Montana State Prison. 
She moved to Oregon in 1989 and married Wayne Collinsworth on August 11, 1990. She continued raising her family and working as a secretary for Touch of Mink in Salem, Ore., and as an office manager for the Polk County Itemizer Observer newspaper, in Independence, Ore. Her retirement years were spent in Mexico and California. After taking care of her husband who preceded her in death (2008), she continued her retirement years residing in Oregon, Indiana, South Carolina and finally settling in Virginia, making many friends and loved ones along the way. 
She is survived by her sister, Dr. Francis L. O’Reilly; her brother, Jerry T. O’Reilly (Judy); and her daughters, Debe Rito (Charles Kidd), Dena Barnes (James), D’ann Farr (Maher), Dawn Ohren (Brent), Collette Antoine (Lou); and her stepchildren, Larry Collinsworth, Lynette Rounds (Billie), Lori Bosch (Dale) and Lonnie Collinsworth and sister-in-law, Del Collinsworth.
She was blessed with many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, longtime friends, Nancy and Gerry Adams, and those she called her family. 
A celebration of life is to be held at a later date.

James Charles (Boomer) Lane
December 21, 1947 – March 4, 2021
​James Charles (Boomer) Lane,73, died on March 4, after a long-fought battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, diagnosed in 2012. 
Jim was born on Dec. 21, 1947, in Great Falls to Charles and Frankie Lane. He moved to Drummond for two years then onto the Family Ranch, 12 miles south of Drummond on Flint Creek. He attended school in Philipsburg, graduating from high school in June 1966. 
Jim enlisted in the Anaconda National Guard in 1969. He attended Western Montana College after graduation and embarked on a quest to seek knowledge in working in Homestake Gold Mine in Lead, S.D., for 2 years; then became an auctioneer, accomplished pilot, developed commercial buildings, residential rentals…..No challenge that he passed on. 
In 1971, Jim went to work as a Journeyman Lineman for the Montana Power Co. in Butte. He married the love of his life, Deanna Peterson, on April 5, 1973. They welcomed a baby girl into the world Sept 24, 1974, Amy Rachelle Lane. Jim was transferred by the MPC in 1976 to Deer Lodge, where he resided for the remainder of his life.
Jim and DeeDee received their real estate licenses in 1977. He and Dee Dee worked side by side in the real estate profession, which proved to be a great choice, embarking on a 40-year career buying and selling several businesses as well as subdividing 20,000 acres across Montana.
Jim was an extremely passionate and dedicated person, which resonated in his devotion to his loving wife and daughter. He loved being a father and was always Amy’s first call for advice, solicited and unsolicited, but always great advice. He and Amy are a lot alike with a very special relationship. He was so proud of his family. Jim was beyond proud when Amy graduated in 1998 from U of M with a degree in business finance. Jim was absolutely adored by his grandchildren, Lane and Jace, which created a special bond. You could always see a twinkle in his eye just being with them and taking all of the family on special vacations.
He was known for his quick wit, vast knowledge and overall intellect. He was always up for a bet with his buddies. Jim and his soul mate, DeeDee, worked side by side together to run many successful businesses, excelling in real estate and development, amongst many other ventures. They were not afraid to take any challenge as a unified team. 
Jim loved life and lived it to its fullest, always being the life of the party!
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Chuck and Frankie Lane; brother, Robert Lane; nephew Mike Lane; and his beloved granddaughter, Lane Mannix 11/27/2000-6/17/2019.
Survivors include his wife, Deanna Lane, Deer Lodge; daughter Amy Lane, Missoula; grandson Jace Mannix, Missoula; nephew, Mac Lane, Livingston; and many other nieces and nephews who enjoyed fun times with Uncle “Boomer.”
A funeral service will be held at the Rialto Theatre in Deer Lodge on Saturday, March 13, at 11 a.m. Visitation is from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Rialto, with reception to follow at Broken Arrow Steakhouse, Deer Lodge.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Deer Lodge Ministerial Association or charity of your choice.

Judy Gail Clark McConnell
Judy Gail Clark McConnell, 72, of Hamilton, completed a life with love, laughter and kindness. 
Judy was born June 8, 1948, to Vern Dexter and Earldean “Deanie” (Hendrickson) Clark, in Great Falls. She graduated from Florence Carlton High School in 1967.
Judy married Jim McConnell on Nov. 16, 1985, in Lincoln. They added a son, Jason, and daughter, Cori, to make this family complete. Judy was a past member of the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed being an election judge in Garrison. Her many interests were quilting, gardening, reading, raising chickens, cooking, bible study and seeing her grandchildren grow.
Anyone that ever met her said she was the most kindhearted, sweetest person they knew. Judy had a beautiful smile that could light up the room. She was loved by everyone.
Judy was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jim McConnell; parents, Dexter and Deanie Clark; sister-in-law, Helen Clark; and brother-in-law, Scotty.
She is survived by her son, Jason (Jenn), of Great Falls; daughter, Cori (Trent), of Deer Lodge; brother, Jim; sisters, Barbara and Verna; seven grandchildren plus one on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers are Jason Goss, Todd Goss, Trent Freeman, Art Freeman, Tim Haugen and Sam Goss. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Clark and Bill Everson.
Visitation was held Wednesday evening, March 3, and funeral services were Thursday morning, March 4, both at Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton. Interment followed the service at the Florence-Carlton Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
A special thank you to Whitney and Partners in Home Health Hospice for all of their compassion and care during Judy’s last days.

John Matthew Inkret
February 25, 2021
John Matthew Inkret, 62, died peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021 in his beloved “Alamo,” in Deer Lodge. He was preceded in death by his father, William. He is survived by his mother, Aurelia, a brother, three sisters, three nephews, three nieces and many close friends.
Born and raised in Denver, he attended Regis High School, and graduated from Carroll College in Helena with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He later furthered his education with a master’s degree in Soil Science at Montana State University. 
He enjoyed curating and planting the perfect combination of native grasses and forbs both professionally and as a hobby. His knowledge and skill in this area was impressive.
John had many friends, often brought together by their love of music. Appreciating live music and playing the mandolin were some of his beloved hobbies. John adored his dog Django, and he was passionate about fishing, gardening and working with his hands. He had a wry sense of humor, and he loved to laugh.
No services are scheduled at this time. Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of John. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for John and his family.

​Betty Filcher
Betty Filcher, 88, of Deer Lodge, Mont., died Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula. Services are pending.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is handling the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be paid at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.

Glenna Stucky
September 21, 1936 – February 21, 2021
It is difficult to put into mere words the life of one so loved and admired.
Glenna Dea Krueger Stucky, 84, was born on September 21, 1936 and was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church of Bozeman. She grew up on a farm in the Gallatin Valley with two younger sisters, Marilyn and Lenita, with their parents, Leonard and Ruby Krueger.
Her interests and talents were many. When Glenna was only twelve, she and her dad played for dances all over the Gallatin Valley—she playing piano, and her dad playing the drums. 4-H was a big part of her younger years and was where she met the love of her life, Earl Stucky. 
They were married November 24, 1954. The young couple purchased the family ranch in Gateway and spent the next few years building their registered Angus cattle business, as well as raising their five children—Earline, Sharon, Calvin, Jill and Becky. 
In 1966, Earl was offered the job as cow boss on the Flying D Ranch, and the family moved to Cherry Creek on the Madison. At the same time, the Stucky’s ran their own cow herd, with Glenna and the kids pitching in to help.
Glenna’s love of music was always present, intermingled with day-to-day ranch life. She taught piano, chorus, and served as choir director at Harrison High School for a time. 
In 1976, the Stucky family moved to the Keiley Ranch at Finn, near Avon. Glenna enjoyed all the seasonal ranch work, from watching calves arrive in the spring, to branding, bucking hay with her buckrake in haying season, cooking for the crew, sorting replacement heifers in the fall round-up and shipping. She was such an integral part of the ranch operation, especially with the management and accounting bookwork. 
Even though her life was filled with commitments of family and ranch life, she made time for other hobbies—she was an avid seamstress, knitted prolifically and beautifully, loved gardening and woodworking, and was the No. 1 fan at family sporting events. She simply made time for everyone. 
Glenna loved her community of Avon and showed it with her involvement in the local Cattlewomen chapter, her dedication as a 4-H leader for nearly 40 years, and her faithful service as the president of the Avon Get-Together Club for many years. Glenna loved her life, saying, “There is never a day that goes by that I am not in awe about being able to be here. I’m so very thankful.”
Glenna loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, her family, community and wonderful country. She is preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Ruby Krueger, sister Marilyn Ransom, grandson, Roy Edsall, and infant great-granddaughter, Hattie McIntosh. 
She is survived by a loving husband of nearly sixty-seven years, Earl Stucky. For the whole of their marriage, they were inseparable, always working as a team. She is also survived by her sister, Lenita Hough, and Glenna and Earl’s five children: Earline (Mick) Goettle, Sharon Edsall, Calvin (Renee) Stucky, Jill (Bill) McIntosh, and Becky (Larry) McLaughlin; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Glenna’s life will be held Monday, March 1 at 1 p.m. at the Avon Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the Avon Get-Together Club, the Montana 4-H Foundation, or donor’s choice.

Linda Ericson
November 5, 1938 - February 12, 2021
Linda Ericson, 82
Linda Lou Ericson, 82, of Billings, MT passed away, unexpectedly from complications of pneumonia, February 12, 2021. Linda was born in Poplar, MT on November 5, 1938, the eldest child of Elna and Eric Lindquist. 
She grew up in Poplar, graduated from Poplar High School, and attending nursing school in Kansas City, MO, where she earned her registered nurse certificate. After graduation, she met and married Harold Ericson. They had three children. They divorced later in life.
The family moved to Deer Lodge, MT in 1968, where Linda worked at Powell County Memorial Hospital for over 20 years as a RN. Her favorite part of her job was helping with the delivery and care of newborn babies. Even later in life many community members commented on the great care that Linda gave them. Linda moved to Billings, MT, in 1987, and worked at St Vincent and later Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. She retired in 1991. 
Linda was the world’s greatest thriftier, where there was a bargain, she could find it. She loved going to all the thrift stores in Billings weekly and was an impeccable dresser. She would send her great grandchildren name brand outfits, shoes, and toys. She also like to eat at the hospital cafeteria, walk the Rimrock Mall, attend Peace Lutheran Church and Billings Senior Citizens Center. 
Linda is preceded in death by her son, Eric Ericson, and brother James Lindquist.
Linda is survived by her sister Jean Marie Martin of Great Falls, daughters, Margo Ericson of Clarkston, WA, Valorie (Doug) Smith of Deer Lodge, grandchildren, Adrian Ericson of Glen Rose, TX, Courtni Hart of Deer Lodge, great grandchildren, Emmalyn, Alayna, and Josiah Hart. 
The Michellotti-Sawyer Funeral Home is entrusted with Linda’s funeral arrangements and services will be conducted at a future time.