Machille Frazer, 64, of Deer Lodge, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 13. Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home.

    Elizabeth Ann Smith (Liz), 85, was at home and in the arms of her loving husband when she passed away peacefully from natural causes on the evening of Sept. 5, 2025.
    She is preceded in death by her parents, Nathaniel and Henrietta Hanson; her sister, Mary Ellen Hanson; and her daughter, Mary Smith.
    Liz was born in Bend, Ore. on March 1, 1940, to Nathaniel and Henrietta Hanson. She was the youngest of three children and her elementary school years were spent attending Indian Boarding Schools on various Native American Reservations in Oregon, Montana and Nebraska. Her father was a Federal Agent for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Liz loved sharing memories of childhood summers spent using horses to pack supplies into Montana’s back country sites complete with camping and fishing adventures and how exciting Native American Pow Wow ceremonies were.
    Liz graduated from Nevada’s Carson City High School in 1958. She then followed in both her Mother ‘s and Sister’s footsteps earning her RN diploma in 1961 from the Columbus School of Nursing in Great Falls. After graduating from nursing school, Liz moved to Tacoma to live with her sister and started working at Pierce County Medical Center. There she met and fell in love with the most handsome, kindest, hard-working orderly named Bill Smith.
    Bill and Liz were married on Sept. 30,1964, and remained in Tacoma until 1969, when they were able to return to Montana – first landing in Avon before re-locating to Deer Lodge in 1978.
    1983 was the year that Liz officially became known as “Nana.” She had an absolute love and passion for life and was so appreciative of being a stay-at-home Nana and Mom. Her faith in Christ could move mountains, but she had no problem going over his head if she needed to. We all agree that her one true passion was anything children (having six of her own as well as taking in families of foster children, neighborhood children, foreign exchange children, grand-children and great grand-children). She also loved cow dogs, lap dogs, sled dogs, ponies, horses, cats, hunting, fishing, mountain drives, Sunday night family rosary nights and her beloved cabin.
    Hospice nursing remained near and dear to Nana’s heart. She was instrumental in helping to establish Powell County Hospice, and through the years, she continued to keep her Montana RN License active as she wanted to be ready just in case she should receive a call to serve. She was also especially proud that she was able to be of service for three elected terms as Powell County’s State Representative.
    Nana is survived by her loving husband, Papa Bill;  her children, Tanya Wilkerson (Erik), Sabrina Brown (Scott), Troy Smith (Mary), Brock Smith (Denise), Celeste Davis (Todd), Holly Zeilie, Debbie Cooper; 17 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren;  one great-grand Baby Bean on the way; and her brother, John Hanson and his wife, Judy.
    Visitation will take place from 6 – 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12.
    Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m., Sept. 13, at Immaculate Conception Church, 601 Clark St., Deer Lodge, MT 59722. Luncheon to follow at St Mary’s Center.
    In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to PAWHS

    Gerald “Jerry” Lyle Knight, 70, known by many nicknames - “Big Jerry” and “Moose” - passed away on Aug. 20, 2025, in his beloved Avon. Born on June 22, 1955, in St. Joseph Hospital, Deer Lodge, Jerry was the son of Bud and Bonnie Knight.
    From an early age, Jerry’s imposing presence was matched only by his big heart. He gave up a promising football opportunity after graduating high school in 1973 to help on the family’s Avon ranch, marking the beginning of a lifetime devoted to both the land and hard work. His mining career started immediately at Cominco Phosphate Mine, where he remained steadfast until its closure in 1999.
    In partnership with his brother, Don, Jerry purchased a ranch in Powderville, Mont., in 1992, a point of deep pride. He loved Powderville, and the friends and neighbors who would always lend a hand. He built strong relationships there and Avon. Jerry lived a life enjoying people, talking with them, and most would consider a friend. You can travel from one end of Montana to the other, say “Jerry Knight” and someone knew him and had a great story to tell.
    Jerry cherished his family above all. He married his high school sweetheart, Sena, in 1975, and they welcomed their daughter Nicole “Cole” in 1980. Though their paths eventually diverged, Jerry then met Twyla Jackson in 1994, and together they welcomed twin sons, Zeb and Tate, in 1998.
    Known for his hard work and common sense, Jerry was both intimidating and beloved - feared by some but loved by all. He drew people in, whether he was swapping stories at a local Montana bar or working cattle at the ranch. Jerry thrived in the mountains, tracking elk, riding dirt bikes, snowmobiling or checking on cows. Even in retirement after serving as a lead foreman underground at Stillwater’s East Boulder Mine, he loved being a mentor to his sons, who took on the great responsibility of the ranch.
    Jerry is survived by his wife, Twyla Knight; his children, Nicole Ashby (Taylor), Zeb Knight (Cheyanne), Tate Knight (Trinity); his grandchildren, Juna Ashby, Temple Ashby; his great-grandchild, Augustus May Ashby; his siblings, Susan Knight, Marilynn Knight-Pennington and Don Knight (Lynn); and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
    A memorial service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Aug. 28 at the Avon Clubhouse, with stories and lunch to follow. All are welcome to share memories and honor a great man who left an indelible mark on those who knew him.
    In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation given to Avon Community Center and Fire Department or Broadus MT Volunteer Fire Department, Powder River County.

    On the evening of August 13, Kurt Breithaupt, 75, passed away from complications of kidney failure.
    Kurt was born October 20, 1949, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Gordon and Vera (Pierce) Breithaupt. Not long after starting school, Kurt and his family moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Kurt loved the mountains; he hiked, camped, hunted, fished, snowmobiled and dirt biked every chance he got.
    Kurt worked as a heavy equipment operator. He learned how to operate a skidder at 15 (he was a big man and would be asked if he played football in high school - Kurt would always answer “no, I worked”). One of his proudest accomplishments was the road on the “back side of Discovery.”
    Kurt is survived by his wife, Paula of Georgetown/the ranch; his son, Keith (Tina) and granddaughter, Mackinzey of Nevada; his son, Kyle (Sammi) of Georgetown; his daughter, Brandy of New York; his foster son, Darrell Peterson (Sarah) of Washington; and many nieces and nephews (Kurt had a special place in his heart for his niece, Linda Cole (Eric).
    Kurt is preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Vera Breithaupt, and his siblings, Gordon Jr., Nancy and Cindy.
    Kurt hated funerals and requested that he have no funeral or memorial service. Kurt believed in “random acts of kindness” and his family requests in lieu of flowers or donations in his memory, a simple act of kindness to a stranger or neighbor would be welcomed.

    Ted (Teddy) Johnson was born in Deer Lodge, where he lived on the family ranch until moving to Yuma, Arizona in 2019. He graduated from Powell County High School in 1966 and went into the Navy and served in Vietnam. He returned to the family ranch and continued farming and was also a carpenter. He is survived by his children, Marcie and Marty.
    Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Marvel Johnson; sister, Margie Fowler (Boyce); his granddaughter, Madison King; and great-grandson, Zepher.
    He is survived by his wife, Candy; and his special friend and caregiver, Rachel Morales; daughter, Marcie (Jeff Rahm); son, Marty (Cathy); grandchildren, Alex King (Allen Padovich), Molly Rahm, Will Rahm,  Matthew Lewis Johnson; great-grandchildren, Blakey, Knox and Silas. Brother, Boyce Fowler; nieces, Koket Fowler (Jason Troglia) and Julie Fowler (Drew Melby); grand-nephews; and many cousins.
    Ted will be cremated. No services are pending at this time.

    Michael “Mickey” Thomas Lynch, 83, a loving widower, father and grandfather, passed away in Helena on July 25, after sustaining a severe brain trauma caused by a fall at his home early in the morning. He died later the same day. He passed at St. Peter’s Hospital with his son and daughter- in-law by his side.
    Mickey was born in Deer Lodge, in October of 1941, to John “Jack” Lynch and Margaret Eileen Lynch at St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was preceded in birth by sister Constance “Connie” Perrin and followed by siblings Eileen Ekebom, Jacqueline “Jackie” Lynch, Dennis Lynch and Terrence “Terry” Lynch. He was a graduate of both St. Mary’s Academy and Powell County High School in Deer Lodge. While attending school, he held a part time job delivering newspapers around town. As he later liked to tell the tale, the route was always snow-covered, uphill and had to be walked backwards.
    He enlisted for military service in the United States Army in 1959 and was honorably discharged just shy of a three-year tenure. Upon completing basic training, he spent most of his term in France, where in his free time he was exposed to popular American jazz music that immediately turned into a lifelong passion. He was captivated by an Ahmad Jamal tune he heard on the radio, “Poinciana,” and forever referenced that beautiful track as the origin of his expanding musical tastes.
    Back in Deer Lodge, he worked a variety of short-term jobs before becoming permanently employed in 1963 with the Milwaukee Railroad as a machinist, following in his father’s footsteps. He continued his railroad career with the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1975 in Spokane, Wash., followed by a few years in Alliance, Neb., before settling in Seattle, where he finally retired in 2001.
    He met and married his wife, Norene Joy Daley, a recent graduate of Powell County High School in December of 1967. The couple had only a brief courtship before eloping to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, but the decision was the right one; they remained faithfully married for 56 years until Norene’s death in spring of 2024. In August of 1969, she gave birth to daughter Jill, and in July of 1971, to son Jack. The small family remained tightly knit as they moved about while Mickey’s railroad life changed and evolved.
    Mickey was a loyal and devoted family man who enjoyed coaching his children’s summer softball teams. He relished recreational activities himself, joining bowling leagues, softball teams and playing the occasional tennis match with his wife.  His love of sports encompassed basketball and football as well, with his favorite professional teams being the Boston Celtics, the Cleveland Browns and the Cleveland Indians. Even in their losing seasons Mickey remained a loyal, unwavering fan and was never too humble to boast about them.
    He and Norene discovered a love of travel, both international and domestic, later in life making many trips exploring countries all over Europe with Ireland being the favorite as both were proudly of Irish descent. Back stateside they met up with daughter Jill of Atlanta and experienced visiting culturally rich cities like New Orleans, Memphis, and Savannah. And naturally, after relocating to Helena in 2003, they enjoyed scenic road trips and visiting the parks within their home state and the region.
    Mickey is survived by his daughter, Jill Lynch, and spouse Suzanne Abbott of Atlanta, son, Jack Lynch, and spouse Kelly Lynch of Helena; granddaughters Greta Lynch and Lucy Lynch; all siblings with the exception of his sister Eileen; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law, Robert Daley.
    An informal gathering will take place to bury Mickey’s remains at 1 p.m. on Sept. 20 at St. Thomas Cemetery, 409 Helmville Back Road, in Helmville. All are welcome to pay their last respects.
    Mickey had a big laugh, gave a great bear hug, was a friend to all who knew him and will be deeply missed.

    Fred M. Lurie, longtime resident of Philipsburg, was born Nov. 16, 1930, and died peacefully on July 24, 2025. Full obituary to follow. 

    Judy Ann Bice, 73, of Deer Lodge, passed away on July 25, 2025. She was born to Clarence Sabin and Helen Gosset on Feb. 29, 1952, in Seattle. She was adopted by Alfred Sabin and Viola (Harms) Sabin when she was 15 years old. Judy grew up in Twin Valley, Minn., where she graduated from high school.
    At 19 years old, Judy went on a blind date with Kenneth “Knute” Bice. Their relationship grew from there, and they married on Oct. 23, 1971, in Mahnomen, Minn. Knute and Judy were married for 53 years.
    Judy’s principal occupation was as a cook and a server in the food and beverage industry.
    Judy loved Jesus, her cats, reading and writing, art and pestering her husband. She was very committed as a volunteer to PAWHS and the Deer Lodge Food Pantry. These causes were very important to Judy. Judy was fiercely loyal and loved her children and Knute unconditionally.
    Judy is preceded in death by her parents. Judy is survived by her husband, Knute; children, Kimberley Marie (Jimmy Chamberlin) Keith of Butte, Karalee Raye (Robert) Focht of Silver Bow, JoEllyn Kae Sharkey of Silver Bow and Joshua Kenneth (Rolana) Bice of Rapid City, S.D.; her grandchildren, Payton, Kody, Jacey Mae, Trenton, Kyle, Adessah, Jaelynn, Lorne, Tommi Raye, Gabriel, Summer, Mercadie, Makayla and Elijah; and her great-grandchildren, Eli and Ronan.
    Services are pending and will be announced when arrangements are finalized.
   Memorials in honor of Judy are suggested to PAWHS (Deer Lodge Partnership for Animal Welfare Humane Society), PO Box 283, Deer Lodge, MT 59722, or to the Deer Lodge Food Pantry, 101 Milwaukee Ave, Deer Lodge, MT 59722.
    Please visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer condolences or to share a memory of Judy. 

    Patrick David Colligan, age 70, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025, in Franklin, Tenn., with his loving wife, Christina, by his side.
    Pat was born in Bagley, Minn., on July 25, 1954, to James and Mary Colligan. He was one of four siblings and was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James III Colligan. He is survived by his sister Judy (James) Colligan-Marshall, his brother Michael (Lynn) Colligan, his nephew Joshua (Olivia) Rutherford and nieces Megan (Tyler) Borders, Katelyn (Codi) Ballard, Jenna (Michael) Tormanen and Maddie (Zach) Miller. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dan Rutherford, and sister-in-law, Cindy Rutherford.
    In his early years, Pat loved hunting and riding his Harley with close friends. As he got older, he picked up a camera and began capturing wildlife in photos instead. He loved the outdoors — camping, snowmobiling, trail riding in the side-by-side and exploring ghost towns and national parks. His passion for history, especially the Lewis and Clark expedition, ran deep.
    Montana was his dream. He and Christina built a home there together, one that Pat poured his heart and hands into. It became a gathering place for family and friends, full of warmth, laughter and the views he loved from the deck. He treasured watching wildlife around their land and sharing that life with others.
Pat loved to travel, from road trips to European and Alaskan cruises. He was proud of his skills in the kitchen, at the grill, smoking ribs, and enjoyed baking. He rarely let anyone leave hungry, and sharing a meal was one of his favorite ways to show love.
    Pat was a man’s man and a gentle giant. He had that rare combination of strength and softness - someone who could fill a room with his presence but also offer a quiet word or warm smile that put you instantly at ease. If you knew Pat, you knew of his deep love for the history of the American West. He didn’t just read about it - he seemed to live it in spirit. I used to say he would’ve fit right in a hundred years ago, riding the ridgelines as a mountain man, living off the land with grit and purpose. It wasn’t hard to imagine him in buckskin and boots, under a wide Western sky, fully alive. But what made Pat truly remarkable wasn’t just his deep knowledge of the past — it was his love in the present. His devotion to Chris, lovingly known as Muffin, and his fierce love for his family were at the core of who he was. You could see it in his eyes, hear it in his voice, and feel it in every action, big or small. Pat lived with authenticity and heart. He was a man anchored by what mattered: Faith, Love, Loyalty and a life lived true to who he was.
    Pat’s faith was steady and sincere. He loved church, singing hymns, and fellowshipping with other believers. His belief in God anchored him  - and showed in the way he lived, loved and gave.
    A burial service will be held in Bagley, Minn., on Oct. 11, 2025, to honor the place where his journey began.
    In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Pat’s memory by doing something he would’ve loved. Take a drive through the mountains. Sing an old hymn. Light up the smoker. Sit on a deck with someone you love. Share a story. Forgive, laugh, love your people well. That’s how Pat lived and that’s how he’ll be remembered. 

    John David Fah Sr., passed away at Community Hospital of Anaconda surrounded by his family. He was born in Lewistown, Mont., to Alex and Doris Fah. He joined sister Linda and then brother Robert. After his parents divorced, he gained two sisters, Loretta Rae and Judy.
    After John served his time in the Army, he joined the logging industry where he worked for various employers. In 1962, he met the love of his life in Clarks Fork, Idaho. After a six-week courtship, he married Florence Monahan on Jan. 2, 1963. They later welcomed John Jr in 1966, Michael in 1969, and Julie in 1973. In 1980, while working for Bill Free Logging, a logging truck accident changed the course of his life.
    John enjoyed everything outdoors, including snowmobiling, camping, riding his four-wheeler, socializing with his friends at the “office” and looked forward to hunting camps every fall.
    John was especially proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his two children John Jr and Julie (Eddy); daughter in law JoAnn; grandchildren Dale (Mallory, Zenadaya, Zion, Zayna, Zelina), Dustin (Brittany, Patrick, Kashton), Bryce (Kyle, Braelynn, Parker) and Richard (Breanna); sister Loretta Rae (Bill); sister in law Shirley and Lil; brother in law Carl; special friends Tommy (Evonne), Dean (Randee), Carl, Jody and her son Damon.
    He is proceeded in death by his parents; wife Florence; son Michael; brother Robert; sisters Linda and Judy; brother-in-law Michael and James.
    Per his request, no services are planned. Donations can be made in his name to Community Hospital of Anaconda Foundation 401 W. Pennsylvania, Anaconda, MT 59711.