September 7, 2022

Dona Schlueter
​ November 15 1957 - August 25, 2022

Dona Schlueter, 65, loving wife, daughter, mother and grandmother, died Aug. 25, 2022, at home surrounded by family. While we miss her beyond measure, we rejoice in that she’s now in her eternal home with Jesus, free of pain.
Dona was born Nov. 15, 1957, the only daughter of Bobby and Doris Wilson. She grew up with her younger brother, Robert, in Libby, graduating high school in 1976. In 1983 she welcomed daughter Shaunda and later welcomed daughter Hope in 1984.
Shortly after, she met and quickly fell in love with Hans Schlueter, marrying in 1986. Together they welcomed daughters Christina, Lorna and Alyssa, and later welcomed son Logan. They raised their family in the Swan Valley, later moving to Deer Lodge.
Family was everything to Dona, and if you were considered a friend, you were considered family. Her grandkids were her pride and joy, and nothing made her happier than spending time with them camping, playing games and just enjoying their company. Her last days were filled with family get togethers, scenic drives and even a family trip to Yellowstone National Park, where we finally saw a moose!
Dona is survived by her parents, Bobby and Doris; brother Robert; husband Hans; daughters Shaunda, Hope (Thomas, grandkids Chris, Blake, Kylee and Ashlyn); Christina (Justin, grandkids Jace and Jesse); Lorna (Thomas, grandkids Shandi, Layla and Maddy); Alyssa (Shane, grandkid Reilly); son Logan; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and friends.
A casual celebration of life will be held at the Community Center in Deer Lodge from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3.
All are welcome, and we know she would love to have you there! In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Powell County Literacy Program or an organization of one’s choice.

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Shirley Ann Freeman Tucker
​ May 8, 1938 - August 23, 2022

On Aug. 23, Shirley Tucker, 84, closed her eyes on this world to open them before her Lord, Jesus. Her family was at her side as she peacefully succumbed to natural causes. She was born May 8, 1938, to Marion “Bud” and Edna Peterson Freeman, in Hawthorne, Calif.
Mom was the oldest of seven children, and her siblings truly respected her, each having a special connection to Shirley as they grew up. As the family grew, they were blessed with many extended family nearby. At an early age, Shirley was the best babysitter, using her money to help at home, buy things she desired or save for something later. Mom told stories of meeting Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, and being invited to their ranch. Mom was proud that her Dad taught Roy how to yodel.
As the family grew, they were involved in the youth group at their church, making many memories throughout the years. Mom graduated from Leuzinger High School. She then obtained a job at an insurance agency, which enabled her to purchase her first car, a 1950 hard-top convertible. She had it repainted a two-tone burgundy, and the interior was reupholstered with a white leather tuck-n- roll. Mom told us many stories of ventures in her car, all including fun and crazy adventures. She said she wanted to be a race car driver.
During the summers of 1961 and 1962, Mom took her vacation and traveled to Wisdom to visit her grandma, Eliza Chandler Peterson, a Wisdom school teacher. While on vacation, she began waitressing at Fetty’s. During this time, she met the love of her life, Dan Tucker. On Jan. 19, 1963, they were married in a double wedding with her sister, Bonnie and Harold Smith.
They worked hard through the years raising four daughters in Wisdom. Her life was filled with serving hearty meals to all who entered her kitchen, and anyone visiting could always count on a good cup of coffee or tea coupled with great conversations and many laughs. Over the years, our family spent countless hours fishing for dinner, cookouts, going for drives in the mountains, snowmobiling and attending church.  Mom had a special gift for drawing others to God. She was the prayer warrior for the Valley, sharing her love for Jesus with all her family and friends.
Shirley was an active member of the Wisdom Women’s Club, the Wisdom PTA and a 4-H leader. She found great joy in serving others in many ways. For many years Mom hosted Bible studies at our home. After raising the girls, Mom began cleaning the school and the forest service office and helping her good friend, Karen Stevenson, in her janitorial endeavors.
Shirley enjoyed dancing, tole and ceramic painting, and cross-country skiing. Her joyful spirit spread to every activity and occasion. More than once while out cross-country skiing, she’d take a tumble then laugh so hard she couldn’t get up. The situation would cause all who were part of the ski trip to be incapacitated by the laughter.
She put on many tea parties and movie nights/slumber parties. Popcorn and root beer floats were her favorite treats to serve during countless slumber parties.
She and Dan were married for 37 years. When widowed, Shirley moved to Polson and invested in a Curves fitness center. Later she sold it, moved to Proctor and kept bees. Square dancing became a significant pastime. Deer Lodge soon became home for the next 12 years, where she was closer to family and enjoyed friends at her church “seniors” group.
Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband Dan; her parents Marion “Bud” and Edna Peterson Freeman; sister Barbie, and Barbara’s son, Tim Spurgin, and her brother-in-law Harold Smith. Memories of her well-lived life will be cherished by her four daughters: Leah Tucker Helle (Tom), Dillon; Cindy Tucker Johnson (Randy), Frenchtown; Marion Tucker McArthur, Dillon; and Heather Tucker Quigley (Brian), Avon. Grandchildren: Jessi (Nick), Danny (Lukrisha), MaRysa, Jennifer (Cody), Cheyenne, Levi, Kyle, Courtney (Ty), Russ (Megan), Tucker; 18 great-grandchildren, and countless family and friends.
Funeral services are planned for 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 10, at Assembly of God Church, 601 Fifth St., in Deer Lodge. At 10 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 11, there will be an internment at the Wisdom Cemetery. In place of flowers, please contribute to Clark Canyon Bible Camp in Dillon in her name.
Comments can be made at www.buttefuneralhome.com.

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Diana Mildred Kipe Finch
​ March 2, 1937 - August 29, 2022

​Diana Mildred Kipe Finch, 85, died Aug. 29, 2022, in Deer Lodge.
Diana was born March 2, 1937, in Butte (in a house), to Herman and Della Kipe. Her parents had five children between them, Adeline, Bertrand, Sophronia and Margaret.
Diana graduated from Butte High and then Montana State University as a registered nurse. She married Clyde Arthur Finch April 8, 1961. They moved to Deer Lodge, where they raised their two children, Brenda and Clyde. She worked as a registered nurse at Powell County Memorial Hospital.
Diana loved the outdoors. She loved gardening, camping and fishing. She also enjoyed vacations, especially when she went on cruises with her friends. Diana loved to bake, especially for her grandkids. She would also sneak a few extra bites of sweets now and then. She was a member of the Eastern Star. She was involved with pinochle, bridge, sewing and bunco clubs. She volunteered at the school as a helper in the classroom.
Diana was a very loving, kind and caring person. She loved Jesus and would daily sit in her Lazy Boy recliner and read her bible. She also loved her church and was actively involved as a deacon and treasurer. She became a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Deer Lodge on May 24, 1964. She was ordained Deacon in 1990 and a ruling elder in 2003.
Diana is preceded in death by her husband, Clyde A. Finch, and her siblings Adeline, Margaret, Bertrand and Sophronia. She is survived by her two children, Brenda (Brian) Smith and Clyde (Sandra) Finch; two grandchildren, Daniel Smith and Jennifer (Franklin) Thim; two great-grandchildren Alaya and Hailey Thim; her nieces Joyce Walker, Carol, Debbie and Denise Doris; nephews Ray (Diane) Clark, Wendell (Susan) Walker, Mark Walker, Bertrand and Dale Doris, and many great nephews and nieces.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, at the First Presbyterian Church, 500 Milwaukee Ave., Deer Lodge. A reception will immediately follow. Her internment will be held privately on a later date at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Butte.
Memorials in honor of Diana are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church of Deer Lodge or to the donor’s choice.
Please visit axelsonfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Diana.