Mabelle Marie Thompson
February, 25, 1938 - January 28, 2021
Mabelle Marie Thompson gained her wings and went home to be with her heavenly Father on January 28, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mabelle was born on February 25, 1938 in Livingston, Montana, to Leaola and Virgil Muir. She was the oldest of three kids and was raised along with her brother Donald and sister Deloris. The family moved to Bozeman in 1949 and in 1954 Mabelle moved to Twin Bridges where she graduated from high school in 1956. Following graduation, her adventurous spirit led her to Billings, where she landed a job at the airport restaurant. Her numerous trips to visit relatives in Deer Lodge sparked her love for the valley, and she moved there soon after securing a job at the local Safeway. She had a blind date with Bill Thompson, Jr. in 1957, fell instantly in love, and married him a short time later. They were married for 37 years and together enjoyed camping, bowling, golfing, snowmobiling, and contributing to the community while raising their six children. She sadly lost her other half in 1994, and their once-in-a-lifetime type of love could never be replicated. 
Mabelle was a gifted artist and enjoyed creating in all types of mediums. She studied pottery for three years through the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts. She was always working on some sort of art project - paintings, sculptures, mosaics and more - and often donated pieces to fundraisers, raffles, and other causes. Her art can be found in many places in the community, just look for her signature “MA-“ inside a bell-shape marking. She loved helping area ranchers with their cattle (and giving the seasoned cowhands a run for their money) and was an avid snowmobiler and ATVer well into her 70s. She prided herself on the strawberries and asparagus she lovingly tended every summer in her garden. She helped start the Deer Lodge Art Club and served as president and secretary, she was a regular attendee of Sculpture Group in Drummond, was a member of the Elks Women’s Club, helped start the Back Country Horsemen, and spent 16 years helping decorate trees for the Museum’s Festival of Trees. In her later years she spent time assisting children with art and reading. 
If you asked her, she would tell you that her family was her life’s greatest accomplishment. She often reflected on how lucky she was to raise each of her children and how much joy they brought her. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her grandkids - teaching about Mother Nature, exploring the mountains, and looking for huckleberries, morel mushrooms, wildflowers, yarrow, and historical artifacts. There were many special memories made at the cabin at Rock Creek Lake. She was a competitive game player (and particularly enjoyed when she was winning). She had many special horses and dogs throughout her life, and was especially thankful for her furry companion, Benji, who was trustfully by her side until the end.
Though Mabelle’s strong will and love for the outdoors never faded, her body began to fail her. Her health slowly deteriorated making it more difficult for her to get out and about. If you stopped by for a visit, you would likely catch her reading a book, watching a game show, or finding comfort in God’s word. She was so grateful for the many people who stopped to spend time with her or called to visit. 
Mabelle was an incredible matriarch and her family was blessed by her steady presence and iron-willed influence. 
She is survived by many loving family members: Her brother, Don (Pat) Muir and family of Abilene, TX; her children, Donna (Ed) McCarthy of Deer Lodge, Colleen (Neil) Owens of Deer Lodge, Maureen (Bob) Heimbaugh of Dayton, WY, Mona (Pedro) Robles of The Villages, FL, John (Sheila) Thompson of Deer Lodge, and Joel (Debbie) Thompson of Missoula; her grandchildren, Brad (Jasmine) Woodward of Mobile, AL, Amy (Doug) Loughry of Jackson, WY, Eric Woodward of Butte, Haley and Koby Owens of Deer Lodge, Hayes (Melissa) Heimbaugh of Denver, CO, Holly (Aaron) Roesler of Deer Lodge, Libby Heimbaugh of Dayton, WY, and Margaret and Aidan Thompson of Deer Lodge; her great-grandchildren, Peyton, Nyah, and Kylee Woodward, Bryna and Calindi Loughry, Kinsley and Grayson Roesler, and Leighton Heimbaugh; her in-laws, Jack Thompson of Deer Lodge and Dorothy Ann (Steve) O’Hare of Albany, OR; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends. 
She is preceded in death by the love of her life, Bill, parents Leaola and Virgil, sister Deloris Flahave, sister-in-law Betty (Joe) Brand, and brother-in-law Jim Thompson.
Mabelle’s celebration of life and memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made in her memory to the Deer Lodge Art Club (C/O Megan Thompson – 912 Missouri Ave., Deer Lodge), Kohrs Memorial Library (501 Missouri Ave., Deer Lodge), Rialto Theater (P.O. Box 874, Deer Lodge), or Friends of Hospice (1940 Dewey Blvd., Butte). 
Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of Mabelle.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Mabelle and her family.

A.J. (Fred) Donich Jr.
January 22, 1941 - January 27, 2021
A.J. (Fred) Donich Jr, 80, died from COVID-19 on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021, in Bozeman.
Fred was born to Alfred J. and Kathryn Stergar Donich, Jan. 22, 1941, in Anaconda. He grew up on the family ranch in the Deer Lodge Valley. A 4-H Club member, his heifers were regular blue-ribbon winners at the Fair.
He graduated from Powell County High School in 1958 after four years on the honor roll. That fall, he entered University of Montana, and was an honor student all four years, graduating with high honors in Economics. Later, he was proud to be a graduate of University of Virginia Law School where he earned a place on the school’s law review.
Upon graduation, he was chosen to be a clerk for Judge Samuel Whittaker on the U.S. Court of Claims in Washington, D.C. Judge Whittaker passed his season football tickets to the Washington Football Team on to Fred. It was a great gift to a young man from Montana.
Shaw, Pittman, Potts, Trowbridge and Madden, a corporate law firm in the nation’s capital, hired Fred following his clerkship. He would become a partner at the firm.
Fred enjoyed many things about Washington. Great restaurants, art galleries, the cherry blossoms and tulips, and the international trade part of his law practice. But the photographs on his wall were of Montana and its mountains. Ultimately the pull of the mountains won and he returned to Deer Lodge.
After a few years at the bank there, he moved to Madison Valley Bank in Ennis. He remained in Ennis for the next 36 years. His attachment to the town was strong enough that when he went to work at D.A. Davidson in Butte for 25 years; he remained in Ennis despite the long drive.
At the age of 40, Fred took up mountain climbing and became a passionate enthusiast. His first dream was to summit the Grand Teton, which he ended up doing several times. Eventually he summited, among many others, all the Tetons, and The Liberty Ridge of Mt. Rainier, where he and his climbing partners were trapped for two days in a blizzard.
When he retired from DADCo in 2007, he served three years on the Ennis Hospital Board. One summer, he managed The Depot Art Gallery, where he enjoyed getting to know some of the artists whose work he’d always liked. His house and his family members’ homes are full of artwork from those artists.
All three of his children attended school in Ennis and graduated from that high school. They all inherited his love of the mountains. 
Fred’s happiest days were when one or more of his children joined him on the rocks. When his daughter married Andy Willett, Andy also joined the family climbing circle. Eventually, even his New York granddaughter, Story Donich, visited Montana to climb rocks.
In 2017 Fred moved to Bozeman because of health issues, but his heart remained in Ennis. He missed it every day until the end of his life.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Catherine “Kitty” Donich; his former wife, PJ Shaw Wright; children, Albee (Andy) Willett, A.J. Donich III, and John Marshall (Andrea Colvin) Donich; three grandchildren, Brooke Willett, Hudson Willett, and Story Em Donich; sisters, Carol Ann McGillis of Deer Lodge and Kathy (Jeff) Lantz of Virginia; sister-in-law, Susan G Lee of Tampa, Fla.; and brother-in-law Jeremy Kinross Wright of Missoula. He was predeceased by his sister, Marikae Kinross Wright, and brother-in-law, Joseph Patrick McGillis.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation at alexlowe.org.
A celebration of his life will be held this summer in Ennis.
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com

Jacob Brent Simpson
JACOB BRENT SIMPSON, 24. OCTOBER 14, 1996 – JANUARY 26, 2021.
Our beloved son and brother, Jacob Brent Simpson, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at his apartment in Midwest City, Oklahoma.  While his life ended much too soon, Jacob’s impact on his family, friends, and the world in general will be felt forever.
Jacob was born October 14, 1996 to Rodney and Laura Simpson in Livingston.  He was a happy, inquisitive, creative, and logical little boy who took on the role of big brother when his sister, Kaitlyn Anna was born in 1999.  His love and protection for his sister were never-ending and fierce.  From his earliest days of learning at Debbie’s daycare to his grade school years in Livingston, Dodson, and Geraldine, Jacob was passionate about science in all its many levels and forms.  For many years his greatest worry was “what kind of scientist should I be?” and it seemed the answer to this question constantly evolved as his experiences and knowledge of the world grew and motivated him to seek out understanding of subjects beyond his years.  Jacob was also born with a natural gift of athleticism and a healthy dose of competitiveness that served him well as he played basketball in grandma’s basement with his sister and cousins, played summer league baseball, or ran cross county with the older kids.  He proudly wore the green and white of the Dodson Coyotes and the orange and black of the Geraldine Tigers.
In 2010, Jacob and our family made a final move to Deer Lodge, where Jacob completed his high school education at Powell County High School, graduating as salutatorian of the Class of 2015. It was here that Jacob found his passion and gift for mathematics and continued his athletic pursuits.  He was a proud Warden and wore the blue and gold all four years in three sports – football (wide receiver/defensive back), basketball (forward) and track (330 hurdles/pole vault).  He excelled on the playing fields, earning many honors and awards, and more importantly to him earning the respect of his teammates, coaches, and fellow competitors for his intense drive and commitment to excellence. 
Upon graduation, Jacob attended Montana Tech in Butte from 2015 to 2019 where he truly found his academic home, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematical Sciences.  His freshman year of college he was a member of the Oredigger Basketball team as a redshirt.  During his sophomore year, he was selected by the national program SMART Scholars for a full ride scholarship and contract to work for the Department of Defense upon graduation.  He began a research project with his professor and mentor, Dr. Atish Mitra, that afforded him the opportunity to present his work at a mathematical symposium at Gonzaga University his senior year.  
Jacob’s SMART Scholar contract took him to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, where he worked since 2019 as a member of the 38th Division of Cyber Security and the 557th Software and Engineering Squadron as a member of an elite Machine Learning team working on the B1-Bomber series with top security clearances.  Here he met and worked with talented civilian Airmen.  He enjoyed becoming an Oklahoman, drinking sweet tea and exploring the big city, but he never forgot his Montana roots and always longed to be closer to his family and friends where the seasons actually changed.
Jacob was a young man of many self-taught eclectic talents.  He was an avid reader and musician, teaching himself to play the violin and electric guitar; a connoisseur of chess; a comic book collector; a student of physics and logic; a passionate basketball fan; and a self-driven thinker and athlete who enjoyed pushing himself and competing.  But most of all, Jacob’s quiet ways always connected with his true friends and forged bonds that brought him great joy and friendships with people of all ages.
Jacob is survived and loved by his parents, Rodney and Laura Simpson of Deer Lodge; his sister and best friend Kate of Boise, Idaho; paternal grandparents Bob and Avis Simpson of Lewistown; maternal grandparents Paul and Judy Alisch of Chinook, Uncle Randy (Carol) Simpson and cousins Robbie and Ryan of Bozeman; Aunt Stephanie Simpson of Lewistown; Uncle Russell (Tina) Alisch and cousins Ayden, Carter, Callen, and Avie of Chinook; Uncle Todd (Lori) Alisch and cousins Evan, Marin, and Jasper of Havre; Aunt Kristen (Ben) Moore and cousins Emma and Patrick of Baker; Aunt Jackie (Casey) Schreiner and cousins Clara and Tyson of Park City; numerous other extended family and so many dear friends that have earned the title of family.
Final arrangements are being handled by Creel Funeral Home of Lewistown and Ford Funeral Service of Midwest City, Oklahoma.  Cremation will take place in Oklahoma and we will plan a memorial service to honor Jacob and celebrate his life at a future date.  We request that any memorials be made to the Montana Tech Math Department for a scholarship in Jacob’s name. 

​John J {Jack} Meagher
​John J {Jack} Meagher, 83.
May 4th, 1937-January 13th, 2021.
It is with great sadness that the family of Jack Meagher announces his passing on Wednesday, January 13th, 2021 at the age of 83.
Jack was born to Henry C and Sabina Meagher in Deer Lodge where he lived his whole life.
Jack graduated from PCHS in 1955. After graduating he went into the Army and served proudly for seven years.
Returning back to Deer Lodge Jack held numerous jobs before settling into what would become 34-year career at the Montana State Prison.
In 1960 Jack was married to Marian Bender. During their 58-year marriage they had three children and nine grandchildren. Jack came from a large family, being the second youngest of 13.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Sabina, brothers Clifford, Henry {Hank}, Frank {Bud}, Pat, Leo. Sisters Geraldine {Jerry} Ford, Alta {Stromdahl}, Shirley {Sample}, Donna (Fleck), Margorie (Swenson), Darlene {Gangl}, Kathleen {Kay} Perry and his wife Marion.
Jack is survived by children, Cindy Meagher Fah (Ashton, Jordan), Corey and Sarah (Josie), Cody (Jonathan, Mckenna), Patty and Dave Lowery (Jennifer and Rob Brandt-Ava, Madison, Finley), Michelle and Jake Mandell (Emily, Reagan), Michael and Amanda Lowery (Ellie), Kaehl, Troy Meagher (Tristen, Kadeshia, Ariel). Sister-in-law, Jane Rogers (Bill), brother-in-law Gary Bender (Melissa).
We would like to thank the nurses and staff at Ivy in Deer Lodge, and Hospice for their loving care and kindness where Jack was a resident for the last two years.
Dad proved you can live happily on ice cream, McDonald’s milkshakes and chocolate for years. We are so thankful for the loving dad he was in his last months of life, giving us those precious moments and memories. RIP dad, you will be missed, God is good! It is done! You are going home, Thank You Lord, Amen.
A memorial will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to: Frontier Hospice
1940 Dewey Blvd.
Butte, MT 59701

Death Notice for John “Jack” Meagher
John “Jack” Meagher, 83, of Deer Lodge, died on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at the Deer Lodge Rehabilitation Center, Deer Lodge.  Services are pending.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Jack’s funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.

Reed Archie Allred
Reed Archie Allred, June 9, 1956 - December 27, 2020.
Reed Archie Allred, 64 passed peacefully at his home in Idaho. Reed was born July 9, 1956 in Brigham City, Utah to Kenneth and Mae Allred.  He spent his childhood in Clearfield, Utah riding bicycles and spending time with his five siblings Alan, Anna, Janet, Nancy, and Brian. At an early age Reed found a love for engines and enjoyed helping his dad in the garage, finding and fixing problems. He was known in the family for his riding abilities and fearlessness, and his love for the outdoors and hunting.
Reed was always in pursuit of adventure and loved pushing the boundaries of what he could accomplish. When he learned to ride a bike, that turned to wheelies, which turned into motorcycle wheelies, and eventually wheelies around the block. And when Reed wasn’t pursuing adventure it pursued him! At 13, Reed was woken by a curious bear while sleeping outside during a family camping trip. Luckily, all he came out with was some small scars, a ripped shirt as a souvenir, and a story to entertain the family for years to come.
Reed graduated from Clearfield High School in 1974 and joined the Army, serving for two years from 1974-1976. While serving he made friends from Montana and following his honorable discharge in 1976, he made his way to MT to see what it had to offer.
 Reed settled in Deer Lodge and found work as a ranch hand. On June 5th, 1980, he married Jane Boggess and together they had three girls, Tiffany, Jolanda, and Kailey.  Reed bought his first self-loading log truck some years later. He liked to tell everyone, “You’ll never get anywhere working for someone else,” and for the next  30 years he ran a successful trucking business allowing him to retire at 62. 
 During his working years not much changed from his childhood. The toys just got bigger and the inner daredevil never left. Many years with his family were spent camping, hunting, boating, exploring mountain lakes, and scaring people with his infamous Jeep rides. He enjoyed all types of hunting and fishing and often travelled to East Montana, Florida, and Alaska to enjoy the outdoors with his friends and family. In the later years he enjoyed riding his mule Toby and packing into the mountains as a member of the Backcountry Horsemen.
Retirement suited him well. He enjoyed the property he had built with all his “stuff” around him. He enjoyed being alone, but loved having good friends and his grandkids around. In 2020 he found the perfect solution and moved to North Idaho in the mountains in the middle of nowhere. Just the way he wanted it. A caravan of amazing friends helped get him over and settled. Thankfully, Reed spent his last years surrounded by the people who mattered most.  Gone far too soon, he will be extremely missed. Per his request no service will be held. 
Reed is preceded by his parents Viola Mae and Kenneth Allred. Reed is survived by his five siblings Alan, Janet, Nancy, Anna, Brian, his daughters Tiffany Bentick, Jolanda LaChapelle, and Kailey Allred, his unofficial son Kyle Stone, and his beloved grandsons Kessler Reed Bentick and Kanyen Allen Bentick.
“I’m the biggest, baddest, little mother you’ve ever met, and don’t you forget it.”

​Fred Dale Benson (Papa Fred)
Fred Dale Benson (Papa Fred) passed away December 23, 2020, at his home.
Fred was born November 15, 1929, in Deer Lodge, to John and Ester Benson. He attended grade school in Avon and high school in Deer Lodge.
When he was 14 years old his parents were killed in a tragic accident. He quit school when he was a freshman in high school so he could help with running the family ranch. 
Fred married Dorothy Eliason on November 20, 1949. They resided on the ranch in Avon for several years. In 1954 he was drafted into the army and served for a few years. While in Avon they had  several dairy cows which had to be milked early in the morning and then in the evening. In between the milking times all the other ranching work had to be done. The milk was sold to the creamery in Deer Lodge for many years. After the ranch in Deer Lodge was purchased, Fred and Dot moved and continued to live and ranch there.
Fred and Dot were not blessed with having their own children but while living in both Avon and Deer Lodge they helped raise many kids. There were always one or more kids living with them. All the kids wanted to go stay with Papa Fred and Grandma Dot.
Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, his parents, John and Ester Benson, sister Betty and brother Cliff. He is survived by his brother Bruce and sister-in-law Pauline, his sister Eva Browning, his sister-in-law, Helen Ring and his sister-in-law Sharon and brother-in-law Joe Applegate. He also has many nieces and nephews that he loved.
Graveside service were be held December 30, 2020, at the Avon Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. A celebration of life will be held in the summer. In-lieu of flowers memorials are appreciated and can be made to the Avon Cemetery, the Avon Community Club or the Community of Christ Church in Deer Lodge. 

Death Notice for Duane Hart
Duane Hart, 70, of Deer Lodge, died on Thursday, December 24, 2020, at the Deer Lodge Medical Center.  Services are pending. 
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Duane’s funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.

Dale Marie Thompson Briggeman
After almost 96 years of family hugs, and nine months without them, mom/grandma Dale took her last breath in the early minutes of Dec. 26, 2020.
Dale Marie Thompson Briggeman died of natural causes at Riverside Health and Rehabilitation, her home for most of the past six years. It had nothing to do with COVID-19 and everything to do with a gentle old heart that grudgingly stopped beating.
Dale was born June 2, 1924, to Leo and Elizabeth Bersuch Thompson on a ranch between Lewistown and Grass Range. The family moved into Lewistown when the kids, including sister Eleanor and brothers Roy and Harry, became of school age. Dale graduated from Fergus High in 1942 and followed in Eleanor’s footsteps to Montana State Normal College in Dillon. After graduating from the two-year program she taught third grade in Bozeman for a year; first grade in Deer Lodge for three years and in Rockford, Washington, for one more. While in Deer Lodge she met Martin Briggeman, and they married in Lewistown on June 25, 1949. 
The newlyweds lived first in Drummond, where Martin was bulk salesman for Continental Oil (Conoco). Kathy was born in May 1950, and in 1951 Martin accepted an offer to manage Ted Farley’s Two Creek Ranch in Ovando. Lynne, Tom and Kim were born while living there. In 1957 Martin took a job with the state highway department and moved his growing family to Helena. In June 1958 they settled outside of Missoula, in a home at Marshall Grade that would remain Briggeman headquarters for the next 50-plus years. Mary, their fifth and youngest child, was born two months later. 
In January 1965, with all her kids now in school, Dale opened a private kindergarten on the porch of her home. For the next nine and a half years she taught morning and afternoon classes to five-year-olds who are now in their 50s and early 60s. When Bonner School added public kindergarten in the fall of 1975, Dale was the obvious selection to lead it. For the next 11 years she was surrounded by a staff of lifelong friends and hundreds of eager students. Dale was also an active member of the Altar Society at St. Ann Catholic Church in Bonner, and was fully immersed in the horse show scene with Martin and the girls. After she retired from teaching in 1986, Dale threw herself into her yard, her kids and their kids, walks by the river and up Marshall Canyon, and frequent travels with Martin to ports of call from Hawaii to Texas to Plentywood. In 2006 they moved into Missoula to enjoy life at The Springs. When Martin’s health deteriorated five years later, Dale moved to the Village Senior Residence to be near him. Her husband of 62 years passed away on Aug. 22, 2011. 
After living for a time in Colorado with daughter Lynne and her family, Dale moved back to Missoula in early 2015. She received the best of care at Riverside from an array of compassionate providers, even and especially during these COVID times. We will forever be grateful for that.
Besides Martin, Dale was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Eleanor Bell and Roy and Harry Thompson. Survivors include her children: Kathy (Sam) Milodragovich, Butte; Lynne (Stewart) Thomson, Kremmling, Colorado; Tom (Tomi) Briggeman, Kalispell; Kim (Linda) Briggeman, Missoula, and Mary (Milt) Bradford, Weatherford, Texas. Dale is also survived by brother-in-law Don Briggeman of Portland, Oregon, as well as 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren: Sam and Kelly Milodragovich (Arabelle and Ellery) of Lolo; Mary Milodragovich of Clinton; Pat and Liza Thomson (Charlee, Owen, Will) of Wright, Wyoming; Tim and Nellie Thomson (Lyndee and Hadley) of Kremmling, Colorado; Adrianne and Mike Taylor (Jackson and Clay) of Spokane; Malarie and Chad Juel (Briggs) of Scobey; Kaci Briggeman (Marli) of Missoula; Kara and Josh Petersen (Kenzie and Kyrie) of East Helena; Nicole and Jermaine Sellers (Lincoln) of Raleigh, North Carolina; Molly and Austin Sabers of Kalispell, and Garrett Bradford of Texas. 
Funeral services will be held when the pandemic is under wraps. Dale’s cremains will be interred next to Martin’s at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge at that time. Memorials can be made to Ladies of St. Ann, St. Ann Catholic Church, P.O.  Box 1008, Bonner, Montana 59823. 

Edna Marie Parish Hover
Edna Marie Parish Hover. December 11th, 1943 – December 28th, 2020.
Edna Hover went to be with her Lord on December 28th, 2020, in Chandler, Ariz. She was born on December 11, 1943, to Carl and Phoebe Parish in Dillon. The family resided in the Big Hole Valley for several years before moving to Deer Lodge in 1955. She attended Powell County High School and there, met the love of her life, Forest Hover. The two were married on July 6, 1960. Edna was a lifetime member of Floral Chapter #46, O.E.S.
She is survived by her son, Roy Hover, brother Carl Parish, numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Forest, and her daughter, Tammie Hover Romine.
No services are planned at this time. Donations in her memory can be made to a charity of your choice.

Diane Wallgren
Diane Wallgren (90).
Diane passed away peacefully at home on December 26.  She was surrounded by her family including her husband of 72 years, Ivan, and her son Terry and his wife Mary.  Diane lived in Rathdrum, Idaho for eight years at the Golden Spike Estates, but Deer Lodge, where they lived for 58 years, was the place she always considered home.
She was born February, 1930 in Ashley, N.D., to Adolph and Lydia Hess.  In her childhood, they moved around North Dakota as her dad worked for the Great Northern Railroad.  She graduated from Ellendale High School in North Dakota.  A mutual friend had introduced Diane to Ivan Wallgren and their first date was a local dance.  She married Ivan in 1948 in Jamestown, N.D.  They went on to have two children, Terry and Vicki, and moved to Deer Lodge in 1954 where she spent most of her life.  Ivan taught shop at the junior high.  Once their own children were in school, Diane worked for the Montana Registrar’s Office and then became the “call girl” for the Montana State Prison – at least that was what they called the switchboard operator.  She enjoyed her career and the friends she made.  She retired in 1984.
Diane loved her beautiful flower garden and was affectionately known as “Grandma Rainbird” because she maintained a gorgeous yard through frequent watering by hand.  They loved going to car shows in the Northwest to show off their restored ’67 Mustang convertible and ’55 fat-fender Ford pickup and even hosted the Territorial Days Rod Run at the Old Prison in Deer Lodge for several years.  In addition to the multitude of trophies they took home, they also made many friends they enjoyed seeing year after year.  Diane also enjoyed traveling to see family across the US and in Canada.  Family and friends were very important to her.  Diane will always be remembered as an elegant, beautiful woman with a quiet, gracious nature.
Faith meant a lot to Diane and she was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Deer Lodge and then Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Rathdrum.   
Diane was preceded in death by her parents and their daughter, Vicki.  She is survived by her husband, Ivan; son Terry (Mary) of Rathdrum; grandsons Cory (Holly) of Jefferson City, Lee (Kirsten) of Havre, and Brett (Leticia) of Bonney Lake, Wash.; and six great-grandchildren:  Michael, Ryan, Wyatt, April, Colter, and Harper.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation:  www.BCRF.org

​Jerry Ray Johnson
​Jerry Ray Johnson, 68, ended his journey on earth and entered his true home in Heaven on Tuesday, December 29, 2020.  He was with his devoted wife, Sharon, at their residence and is now at peace after a five-year battle with PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy).
Jerry was born on a blizzarding Easter Sunday, April 13, 1952 to Lawrence and Nellie Ann (Runnels) Johnson 45 minutes after his twin sister, Judy – much to the surprise of his parents.  They joined his other siblings David, Jim, Jane, Barbara and Kathleen. 
He was raised in Wautoma, Wis. where he enjoyed playing baseball with his siblings, spending summer days at Witter’s Lake with his grandmother, Anna Johnson, swimming, fishing, and catching turtles and frogs with his siblings and cousins.  The family moved to Monona, Wis. in 1967 where Jerry later graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1970.
He moved to Milwaukee where he worked for Kmart and Miller Brewing Company for many years.  He met and married Jaqueline Blend and they were blessed with two sons, Joseph in 1975 and Kristopher in 1979.  Jackie and Jerry later divorced, and Jerry moved to Deer Lodge in 1984 where his brother Dave lived.  Jerry began managing the Deer Lodge Golf Course and worked at the liquor store and bartended at The Broken Arrow before settling into his career at the Montana State Prison. He met Sharon Moore and was welcomed with open arms to the Moore family and group of friends.   Jerry and Sharon married in July 1986 and were blessed with son, Joshua in 1988 and daughter Dannielle in 1992.  
Jerry worked for the Montana State Prison for  29 years.   He held several different titles through the years including Correctional Officer, Hearings Officer, and finally as Contract Placement Bureau Correction Manager. Jerry enjoyed work, but more importantly the people he met and friendships he made.  He will probably be remembered by his coworkers mostly for his sense of humor, pranks, and easy-going attitude.  Due to health issues, he retired from the prison in August 2016 and was honored for his years of service.
Being born and bred in Wisconsin, Jerry was an avid Packer and Brewer fan and every trip to Lambeau Field and Miller Park was a special occasion, even to the point of paying homage by kissing the ground at Lambeau field with Kris and Josh. Family and friends loved to gather, often in full Cheesehead apparel,  to watch the Packer games. He wanted to make sure everyone was well fed so brats and brews and a multitude of appetizers were staples.  Jerry enjoyed all sports especially when his kids were participating – soccer and baseball with Joe, hockey with  Kris, basketball and football with Josh and basketball, volleyball, softball and track with Danni.  At Danni’s various sports events he was known as the “King of Concessions” and would often have pockets full of treats to give away.   
Jerry had such a gentle spirit, always wanting to make people feel comfortable and at ease.  He had an infectious grin and a quick humor, regardless of the occasion. He would be the first person to crack a joke at his own memorial. Just ask any of his coworkers about his fart machine.  He was the best guy to belly up to the bar with for a drink and always had a story to tell. With family and others, he was continually patient, kind, fair, understanding, impartial, and ready to listen.  
Jerry was full to bursting with classic dad knowledge - how to build a deck, the best kind of pepper for salsa, dates of the French and Indian War, how tall Napoleon Bonaparte was, and the name of the 1967 Superbowl MVP. If you ever had the privilege to be on his team in a game of trivial pursuit, the win was in the bag. 
He was always willing to lend a helping hand no matter the time or place. He was an Exalted Ruler for the Local Elks club, frequently acting as chef (where his potato bar was famous), and bartending where his humor and listening skills were greatly appreciated.   He  was an avid participant in their charitable activities around town like the Hoop Shoot, Hooked on Fishing, bike safety and various other community events.
Jerry loved yard sales,  and on any given weekend  you could find him scouring the streets of Deer Lodge looking for a bargain (or what Sharon called junk), the perfect gift, or just  striking up a conversation, especially with fellow “collectors,” a trait that he passed along to Danni.
He enjoyed Monday night cribbage - looking for a 29 hand, men’s bowling- always striving for the elusive 300, and the occasional poker games on Saturdays at Benders. For many years, golfing was also an enjoyable activity with family and friends. Jerry loved to build, tinker, and fix. He was always working on a project - fixing a lawn mower,  building a shelf, organizing the garage or elbow deep in his garden.
Jerry was loved by all who were lucky enough to know him. He made every life he touched better. Many would say he was “one of the good ones.” 
Jerry was preceded in death by parents, Lawrence and Nellie,  in-laws, Hugh and Lois Moore, brother Dave and Sister Barbara and brothers-in-law Pat Purcell and Robert Pohle.  He is survived by his wife, Sharon; sons Joe (Alison) Sheboygan Falls, Wis.;  Kris, Sheboygan, Wis.; Josh (Brittany) Belgrade; daughter Danni (Joe) Kersten, Manitowoc, Wis.;  brother Jim (Janice) Sidney, Ohio; sisters Jane (Pete) Brogle, and  Kathy Pohle, Wautoma, Wis.;  twin sister Judy Johnson (Gene)  Wild Rose, Wis.  He is also survived by brother-in-law David (Nancy) Moore, Deer Lodge; Janice (Chuck) Spencer, Helena; Meri (Greg) Hudoba, Minneapolis, Min. and grandchildren, David, Mary, Daniel and Luke Johnson, Katelynn Johnson and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. 
Sharon and the family would like to thank Julie and Grace from  Senior Home Solutions for their wonderful care. A special thank you to Dr. Paul Siddoway for the  years of care and support as well his determination to find answers.  They are forever grateful.  Sharon would also like to thank  family and friends  for their love, support and  prayers these last five years  which brought them joy and laughter even amid Jerry’s health challenges.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 1 p.m. at the Rialto Theater in Deer Lodge.  Join us in solidarity that day by wearing green and gold with the Johnson family Packer fans.  Masks and social distancing will be practiced.  The service will be live streamed from: Flint Creek Courier’s Facebook page under Events. 
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to CurePSP, Elks National Foundation, Christ Fellowship Church or donor’s choice.

James Harold “Steve” Stevenson
James Harold “Steve” Stevenson. May 23, 1929- December 29, 2020.
Dad was born in Alexander, North Dakota on May 23, 1929. He was raised on his granddad’s ranch on Squaw Gap, Redwing/Haydraw area, North Dakota near Sydney. He was the fourth of 11 children born to Hod Stevenson and Laura Grace (Shibley) Stevenson. The first two passed as babies from “milk fever.” His older brother, Hugh William, was killed in a car wreck in May of 1975.
Jim enlisted in the Army in November of 1950. Dad married our mother, Karen Louise Wells, on March 31, 1951, in Miles City. Five days later Jim was deployed to Korea. He served 10 months on the front lines as a Communication Specialist. He returned to the states in August of 1952.  
After his return to civilian life Jim and Karen, and daughter Donna who was born while he was away at war, moved to Keene, N.D. to the Henderson Ranch. Leslie and Danny were born while Jim and Karen and family lived there. The family then moved to the Kennedy Ranch at Mandaree, N.D. and then moved to Powers Lake where Jim worked for Ron Creighton, Karen’s uncle, who ran a dairy farm there. Our brother Wade Lee was born on May 19th of 1959. A week out of the hospital and Jim moved the family to the Spring ranch on the Figure 4. It was there that Wade Lee passed on January 21, 1960.  Times were tough for this Stevenson family, but we worked hard and always made the best of things. We had each other to rely on and had many good times as well. 
In April of 1960 Jim and family relocated to Deer Lodge to work for the Comico American Phosphate Mine. He was nearly killed in a mine accident in 1962. In June of 1967 Jim moved the family to Wisdom. The family lived at the Ferris Ranch house and Jim took a job working for the Mel McDowell family. 
Jim did many different jobs over his 91 years of life.  He broke horses, farmed, milked cows, cut lumber, built fence. His greatest love next to his family, was breaking horses and working on the ranch. The cowboy life.  In fact, he was just horseback two years ago in the spring, up at the North Fork Ranch west of Wisdom and heeled a calf that needed doctored and tagged!
Jim loved the Big Hole. He loved riding the meadows, hunting, fishing, fencing. Just about anything outdoors. He loved a good meal, chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, and peas. He loved a good piece of pie and often could be found at the Crossing Bar and Grill in Wisdom enjoying his favorite, pumpkin pie with a big dollop of whipped cream or ice cream on top. Jim also like to socialize. He could often be found at the Antlers Saloon in Wisdom discussing the day’s work with the local cowboys while enjoying a Budweiser or a Ten High Whiskey Ditch. 
Jim was known throughout the area as “Gentleman Jim, or Steve,” which was short for Stevenson. 
Jim was preceded in death by his parents (Laura Grace and Harold Stevenson), his siblings Hugh (Shib) Stevenson, Walter (Walt) Stevenson, Jerry (Bud) Stevenson, Winnifred (Loulabell) Dschaak, Sharon Stevenson, Patrick Stevenson, Robert Henry “Bob” Stevenson, and two siblings who died right after birth: his two sons, Wade Lee Stevenson and Leslie James Stevenson, and his beloved grandson Jason (Jake) Neil Stevenson.
Jim is survived by his siblings Patricia/Sis (Pete) White, Adam “Mike” (Katherine) Stevenson, and Katheryn “Jeppy” Rutledge; his daughter Donna Louise (Mike) Campbell of Battle Mountain, Nev., her son Danny Ross Stevenson (Serena) of Wisdom, daughter, Paula (Buzz) Kirkpatrick of Jackson; also his grandchildren Dusti (Aaron) Gilbert of Battle Mountain, Nev., Chancy (Sheila) Campbell of Wisdom, Tharon Campbell (Stacey) of Jackpot, Nev., Lacey Stevenson of Billings, James “Jimmer” (Zane Burns) Stevenson of Wisdom, Lori Wilke of Wisdom, Lani (Eric) Leonard of Winslow, Ariz., Jennifer (Rusty) Kallem of Billings, Sarah (Dan) Reinhold of Pocatello, Idaho, Megan (Robert) Blake of Dillon, and Holly (Spencer) Sorensen of Belgrade,  Arthur (Harlie Smith) Gutierrez of Bozeman, Lydia (Martell Parks) Gutierrez of Menifee, Calif., Rosanna Gutierrez of Missoula; and 29 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. 
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 9.  About 4:30 or 5:00 we will all toast Jim at the Antlers Saloon in Wisdom, then at 6 pm at the Crossing Bar & Grill, we will all do a toast to “Gentle Jim,” a great friend, a great cowboy, a great man. A private family and close friends scattering of his ashes at Stone Lake, up Doolittle, will take place this summer, date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Rocky Mountain Care Center, 30 South Rodney, Helena, Montana 59601. They took such great care of him; he was very comfortable and happy there. 

Tamara D. Canaan
Born October 10, 1937, in Butte, to Donald and Deborah Canaan, Tamara passed away from medical complications on December 21, 2020.  She attended elementary school in Avon and high school in Deer Lodge.  She attended University in Missoula and trained as a court reporter.  She practiced her court reporter career in Missoula, Santa Cruz, Calif., and Helena.  A co-worker wrote at her retirement: “Well done!  A good and faithful public servant, your loyalty, dedication, and hard work have been an inspiration to the entire staff.  Congratulations on having completed many years of exemplary service to the court.”
During her retirement, she enjoyed her home in Helena with her flowers and animals, and some wonderful friends and neighbors.  She was a faithful contributor to many worthwhile causes.  
Tamara was preceded in death by her parents.  She had no other family or relatives.
No services will be held. She will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Cemetery in Deer Lodge during a private service.
Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of Tamara. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Tamara.

Clifford Earl Graveley
Clifford Earl Graveley was 98 years old.  He was born on June 4th, 1922 on the home ranch and passed December 26, 2020 at his ranch home.  He is the son of Charles and Rhoda Graveley.
Cliff went to school in Avon to the eighth grade and worked on the home ranch otherwise.  He married Patricia E. Heltborg September 7th, 1943.  They were married 77 years.  They had eight children; Christine Rachor (Jim), Steve Graveley (Sue), Lorrain Mead (Roger), Valda Thome, Scott Graveley (Suzi), Shane Graveley (Donna), Sandy Graveley (Mary) and Lisa An who died shortly after birth.
He also had many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Those preceding him in death are his parents, siblings and son-in-laws Buzzy Cooper, Kit Hardy and Duane Thome.
Memorial contributions can be made to Avon Community Church, PO Box 224, Avon MT 59713.
Burial has taken place.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Cliff’s funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.

Marjie Rae (White) Scharf
Marjie Rae (White) Scharf of Helena passed away on November 13, 2020 at the age 81.  Born on January 17, 1939 and raised in Deer Lodge, she was the oldest daughter of Jack White and Bonnie (Anderson) White. In 1957 she graduated with honors from Powell County High School along many of her lifelong friends. On January 2, 1958 Marjie married her childhood sweetheart Jack Scharf.  She is survived by her husband Jack of almost 63 years, daughters Sandy (George) Countryman and Laura (Chet) Pierman, and sons Bruce (Nina) Scharf and Eric (Dini) Scharf, brothers Jim (Donna) White and Terry (Kathy) White and sister Betty (Jack) Main, 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  
Always ready for adventure, Marjie and Jack opened and operated the River of Gold Mining Museum and Gift Shop in Nevada City for several years.  After becoming snowbirds they spent many winters in Quartzite, Ariz. selling their wares and exploring the desert.  It was there that Marjie learned and perfected the art of wire wrapping jewelry which allowed her to share her love of stones with family, friends and customers.  Marjie especially loved camping and for the last several years organized large family campouts each summer at Gold Creek, creating good times and great memories for everyone.  Always busy with a project, she could decorate on a dime and made her homes beautiful inside and out wherever she lived.  Her close friends affectionately called her “Magic Marj” because she could pull a meal together with not much to work with. 
Marjie was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother and kind friend who was always willing to offer love and support in times of need.  As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, she loved studying the bible and received much joy from sharing bible knowledge with others.  A celebration of Marjie’s life will be held at a later date when family and friends can gather to share stories and memories.

Death Notice: Robert C. Toole
Robert C. Toole, owner and operator of River Radio Ranch and The River AM/FM, passed away November 2020.

Darrell Vernon Bauman
Darrell Vernon Bauman was born November 26, 1934 to George and Florence Bauman in South Dakota.  The family had an adventurous spirit and moved around quite a bit to allow George to work on farms and ranches all around the Midwest.  Their travels led them to Deer Lodge and Darrell ultimately chose to make it his home.  His time in the Army allowed him to see a bit of the world including an opportunity to tour Europe while stationed in Italy, but he always came back home.  
Darrell married Joy Bauman and together their family included sons Doug, Darcy, and Darrell, and daughter Darla.  Deer Lodge was the perfect place to call home as it provided an excellent location for Darrell to pursue his great joys – hunting and ice fishing!  After retiring from Cominco mine, he continued to stay busy with work at the sawmill and as a bartender.  After spending 40 years as an underground miner, he spent as much time in the sun as possible and developed a year-round tan.  The year really had three seasons – yard sale-ing, hunting, and ice fishing.  
He is survived by sons Doug and Darcy Hunt of Deer Lodge, and Darrell Bauman (Sandy) of Helena; grandchildren Laura Anderson (Gabe) of California, Doug Hunt Jr. (Laura) of Kalispell, Devin Leigh Hunt of California, Hannah Sidner (Rodger) of Great Falls, Morgan Turner (Levi) of Deer Lodge, and Olivia Bauman of Bozeman; and six great-grandchildren.   He was preceded by his parents George and Florence, brother Kenny, sister Nettie, daughter Darla, and granddaughters Melanie and Laynie.  
Darrell was warm, friendly, and chatty with everyone he met.  His big smile with those dimples instantly drew people in!  He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.  He slipped away peacefully to enter the kingdom of Heaven on December 7, 2020.   Due to COVID, no services will be held at this time, but the family will plan a celebration of life for later in the year.  Please honor Darrell by thinking of him next time you are out in the sunshine enjoying nature, as that was truly his happy place.  

Rockne Tim “Tim” Johnson
Rockne Tim “Tim” Johnson passed away at Big Sky Care Center in Helena as a result of Covid-19 at the age of 79 years old. Tim passed peacefully Monday afternoon on 12/7/2020 after being diagnosed 12 days previously. He was able to be visited and comforted by his sons and niece at the time of passing. 
Tim was born in Bozeman on 7/7/1941 to Ada L. and Arthur W. Johnson, who had moved to Bozeman from Deer Lodge. The Johnson family then moved to Helena where Tim attended school, graduating from Helena High School in 1959. He enjoyed his time in high school and developed good friends with whom he remained close throughout his life. When on summer break, Tim worked on his uncle’s farm in Deer Lodge with his cousins and continued to maintain close family ties with his Deer Lodge family. 
Tim joined the United States Army Reserves in May, 1960 and later attended Montana State College (MSU Bozeman), graduating with a bachelor’s degree. He retained employment in Butte, moving to Denver, Colo. in 1966 where he worked in the banking industry. There he met Deanna Kay Wilken of Denver and they were married 2/16/1968 and later divorced. Tim returned to Helena in 1979 where he worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield as a computer programmer and raised his sons, Derek and Todd. Tim retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield in 1993 and spent the next several years pursuing his hobbies and past times. 
Tim enjoyed working with his hands. He did woodworking, creating carvings, refinishing antique furniture, and painting. He had belonged to bowling leagues, but his favorite past time was golf where he spent many happy hours, in the early years with his dad and brother, then teaching his sons the joys and skills of the sport, belonging to golf leagues and playing with a regular foursome at Bill Roberts Golf Course. Tim enjoyed football, especially the Denver Broncos and followed them avidly, watching games every weekend with his boys. Tim loved animals and kept dogs throughout his life. He got a kick out his regular visits from a couple of deer that he named when they frequented his back yard.
Tim was preceded in death by parents Ada and Art Johnson and brother and sister-in-law Art Jr. “Skip” and Dorothy Johnson. He is survived by his sons Derek Johnson and Todd (Amy) Johnson; grandchildren Rylee, Raeghan, Ryker, Abby, and Lilly; sister Doris Powell (Jim); niece Donna Downs; nephews Dan (Kathleen), Chris (Mary), Jeff (Amanda), and Paul; great-nephew and niece Cooper and Kennedey; and many cousins. 
Tim will be cremated and interred in Deer Lodge. No memorial or burial has been scheduled at this time due to COVID-19, but will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to a hospice program, animal shelter, or a charity of your choice. 
Tim’s family wish to offer a special thanks to his wonderful neighbors who offered their support to Tim and his entire family throughout the last several years, who helped him maintain his home and connections to the community; to his life-long friends Everette, Al, Jock, Mike, and Bob who helped cheer Tim on with calls, letters, and visits, and spent part of their last class reunion with him, bringing him news and much joy; to Marty, Duane, Clyde, and George who brought great friendship and joy on and off the golf course; to Tim’s extended family/cousins who kept Tim in their thoughts and prayers; and to the tireless and faithful staff of Big Sky Care Center, who made Tim feel safe, loved, and cared for. Thank you all!
Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Tim.

Nancy J. Kenny
Nancy J. Kenny, 76, passed away December 6, 2020 in Deer Lodge.  She was born July 20, 1944 to Joseph and Izetta (Myers) DeMarois in Anaconda where she attended grade school and graduated from Anaconda High School. 
She met her husband Jack of Anaconda, in Helena in 1976 and they married January 20, 1979 in Anaconda, where they lived until June of 1990 when they moved to the Deer Lodge Valley.  
Nancy worked at Deer Lodge school system as a Paraprofessional teacher’s aide and at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home. Nancy loved to sew and make quilts for all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  
Jack and Nancy enjoyed dancing and following the Old Time Fiddlers throughout Montana. They also enjoyed following their grandsons to the rodeos watching them bull ride. They also enjoyed camping and fishing with family and friends. Nancy had such a big heart and loved lending a helping hand to friends and family during weddings and gatherings.  
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, brother Ivan (Snooks) DeMarois, and son Walter I Fadness.  
She is survived by her husband Jack, daughters Tonna O’Neill (Greg) of Boulder, Jodi Ann DeMers (Banner) of Jefferson City. Grandchildren Lathe Fadness (Shelby), Sage Fadness, Myle O’Neill, Rosin O’Neill, Heston O’Neill, all of Boulder, Jubal DeMers, Talon DeMers, and Tyrel DeMers of Jefferson City. Great-grandchildren Hadley Fadness, and Mylo Fadness of Boulder. Brothers Bob DeMarois Chico, Calif. and Tom DeMarois of Anaconda, and many nieces and nephews who she dearly loved.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Services will be held at a later date.
Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral & Cremation Service is entrusted with Nancy’s funeral arrangements. You may pay your condolences at www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com.