2008 Obituaries

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This is a list of obituaries from the Big Timber Pioneer for 2008. After over thirty years of ownership, Dale and Beccy Oberly sold the newspaper with new owners taking over the end of July 2008. After that date, vital information has been abstracted. A full obituary appears in the listed edition of the newspaper.

January

Iver Sondeno
From the Big Timber "Pioneer", January 4-10, 2008:

Iver Sondeno, 88, of Big Timber passed away Thursday, December 27, 2007 at the Pioneer Medical Center in Big Timber.

Iver was born March 18, 1919 on the family ranch at Lebo, near Martinsdale. He was the youngest of nine children born to Malinius and Lena (Hereim) Sondeno.

He attended schools at Lebo and in the Martinsdale area. During World War II, he was drafted into the Army and served in the 99th Infantry Battalion with the Norwegian Ski Troops, as part of the 10th Mountain Division. He was honorably discharged in 1943 after serving his country.

He spent most of his life ranching in the Martinsdale area. In 1953 he married Ellen Marie Keller of Lewistown. In 1991 they retired to a small acreage on the Boulder River before moving into Big Timber in 2002.

Iver enjoyed raising high quality Hereford and Red Angus cattle, loved hunting and fishing on his ranch and in the mountains nearby. He also loved square dancing and did a lot of calling and teaching when he was younger.

He was a member of the Big Timber Lutheran Church, American Legion, and Montana Livestock Association. He judged sale bulls for years at the Winter Fair in Bozeman. He served many years on school boards at Lebo and White Sulphur Springs. He also emceed and auctioneered many community events in the area.

Iver was a man of great integrity, decency and honesty. His handshake and word were always true. If there was ever a person who it could be said never made an enemy in his life, it was Iver. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Ole, George, and Elmer Sondeno; five sisters, Inga Berg, Ingeborg Sondeno, Mable Orness, Alma Bell and Elida Christensen.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen, of the family home; their sons, Iver Edward of Bozeman, Michael John (Connie) of Cody, WY, and Bryan Keith (Susan) of Big Timber. He was so proud of his grandsons Bennett 'BJ' (Beth) and Olin 'Ole' (Quincy) of Cody, and his newest grandson, Weston Iver, who was named after him, and many nieces, nephews and their families.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held 10 a.m. on Friday January 4, 2008 at the Big Timber Lutheran Church. Graveside services will follow at 2 p.m. at Lennep Memorial Park.

Memorials may be given to the Big Timber Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 278, Big Timber, MT 59011, Pioneer Medical Center, P.O. Box 1228, Big Timber, MT 59011, Hearts and Hands Hospice, P.O. Box 1337, Big Timber, MT 59011, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements were by Stenberg Funeral Home.

Bernard Montana Lien
From the Big Timber "Pioneer", January 4-10, 2008:

Bernard Montana Lien was born on July 8, 1924 to Bertha Eik and Anton Lien in Big Timber, Montana. He died on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007. He was the youngest of 12 children. Bernard and his surviving brother, George Lien, enjoyed a close bond.

Bernard lived long enough to hold his great granddaughter and had pictures taken with her, one of his goals. Other than his time in the military Bernard spent most of his life in the Big Timber area.

He married Gertrude Aalgaard and they had a daughter, Beverly Watson. Bernard is very proud of his daughter, grandchildren and great grandchild.

Bernard loved the mountains, his many friends and his independence. He herded for most of the sheep outfits in the area and enjoyed the summers herding in the mountains most of all. Many of his best friends are forest rangers, past and present, especially Dan Tyers.

Bernard enjoyed visiting at the senior center, especially the morning coffee group. He will be greatly missed by all of his family, including all his nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 4, 2008 at the Evangelical Church in Big Timber. Lowry Funeral Home assisted the family with the services.

Louise P. Guild
From the Big Timber "Pioneer", January 4-10, 2008:

Louise P. Guild, age 95, of Brookings, died Friday, November 9, 2007, at the Brookings Hospital, South Dakota. Her body was donated to the USD School of Medicine, and a remembrance service was held December 9 in Brookings. Memorials may be directed to the SDSU Foundation.

Louise Pillsbury Guild was born September 6, 1912, at Amesbury, Massachusetts, to Henry and Margaretha (Knobel) Guild. She graduated from Amesbury High School and Framingham State College. For six years she was employed in analysis of plant foods of Mexico and Central America at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and after obtaining a Master of Science degree in nutrition at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, was engaged in research at UMass and the University of Montana, Bozeman. She then served five years as Extension Home Economics Agent in Sweet Grass County, Montana, and one year as State Extension Nutrition Specialist in New Hampshire.

Louise joined the nutrition staff at South Dakota State University in 1964. She was the author of several published research reports and made a number of oral reports on the results of her studies, including one at the International Congress of Nutrition in Kyoto, Japan, in 1975. She was a member of Sigma Xi and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, and served one year as local chapter president of each.

A fan of Elderhostels, she participated in more than 20, including two in Europe. She visited Mexico several times and all 50 states. She made most of her own clothes and enjoyed all kinds of handwork. After retiring from SDSU in 1978 she contributed more than 400 pairs of baby booties to the Brookings Hospital Auxiliary gift shop. She liked puzzles of all kinds. She assembled and distributed genealogical and historical information about and to both branches of the family.

Louise is survived by a sister, Eleanor Gilman, Bonita Springs, Florida, seven nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two brothers; John in 1992 and Edward in 1999.

Richard Burnett Hauge
From the Big Timber "Pioneer", January 11-17, 2008:

Richard Burnett Hauge passed away December 21, 2007. He was living in Deer Lodge, MT.

Richard was born July 8, 1924 in Sweet Grass County to Richard and Bina Hauge.

He served in World War II.

He worked at Mouat Mine. He owned Dick's Bar and Motel in Avon, MT, and served as undersheriff in Powell County from 1972 to 1985.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Henry, Palmer, Rudolph, Donald and Elmer; sisters Marie, Frances and Ruth.

Survivors are his best friend, Barbara Hauge; daughters Robin and Tom Steber of Elliston, MT, Judy Kendall and friend Dick Vick of Elliston, MT, Sharon and Glenn Bailey of Helena; son Alan and Evelyn Hauge of Miles City, nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Margaret Hauge, and brother-in-law Clarence Rostad, both of Big Timber, and many nieces and nephews.

Services were held January 4, 2008 in Helena.

Soloma E. "Sally" Hubber
From the Big Timber "Pioneer", January 18-24, 2008:

Soloma E. "Sally" Hubber, a long time resident of Bozeman, Montana, peacefully slipped away Wednesday, January 9, 2008 in the presence of family at her temporary home in Townsend, Montana.

Sally was born March 11, 1915 in Big Timber, Montana to Robert and Etta (Plaggemeyer) Johnson. She grew up in Big Timber and graduated from Sweet Grass County High School in 1933. She worked as a secretary in the Big Timber public school until 1936. She then went to work for the Resettlement Administration in Big Timber, and later transferred to the Bureau of Agricultural Economics in Bozeman. She next went to work for the Farm Management section of the BAE office in Milwaukee, WI.

In 1944 she married William J. Hubber, who preceded her in death in 1989. She is survived by two sons: William R. (Janet) of Townsend, and James L. (Choi) of Kent, WA; two granddaughters, Laura Hubber and Jennifer Hubber of Helena, MT; and a sister, Winifred Reeves of Wichita Falls, TX.

She was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, the Bozeman Senior Center, and had until recently been a volunteer at Sacks Thrift Store in Bozeman.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Jan. 12 at Dokken-Nelson Sunset Chapel. Interment followed in Sunset Hills Cemetery.

Memorials in Sally's name may be made to the Pilgrim Congregational Church, 2118 South Third, Bozeman, MT 59715 or to the Broadwater Food Pantry, P.O. Box 1164, Townsend, MT 59644. Local arrangements were entrusted to Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service.

Esther Harriet Scrimsher
From the Big Timber "Pioneer", January 18-24, 2008:

Esther Harriet Scrimsher, 84, a resident of Rufus, Oregon, died Wednesday, January 9, 2008, at a local care facility.

She was born on October 26, 1923, the eldest of two children to Charles and Esther Eliza (Hart) Shrewsbury in Lewistown, Montana. Raised at a ranch in Buffalo, Montana, she and her sister rode horseback to a one room school house located on the ranch, and obtained her driver's license at the age of eight to help her blind father around the ranch.

She graduated from Buffalo High School and attended Montana State College in Bozeman for two years. She then left for California and worked to help the war effort as a civilian secretary for the military during World War II.

She returned to Montana and married Tracy Perle Scrimsher on January 29, 1954. Together they owned a ranch in Harrison, Montana, selling it in 1960. They then purchased a ranch in Big Timber and sold it in 1966.

The couple next settled in Rufus where Harriet owned a store as well as an apartment house. She retired from Rufus Grade School where she was a teacher's aide.

Harriet was a member of the American Legion, the Eagles Lodge, the Rufus Grange, and volunteered at the grade school. She enjoyed reading, dancing, playing pinochle, serving her community, and was very active in schools activities.

Harriet is survived by her daughters: Diane Dempewolf and her husband, Terry, of Bellevue, Iowa, Cheryl Van Doren and her husband, Jack, of Oregon City, and Connie Cox and her husband, Gary, of Powell Butte, OR; granddaughters Lisa Hooper, Terina Trappe, Laura Zabala; five great-grandchildren; and her niece, Cathy Spang of Lame Deer, MT. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister, Pat Kansala.

Memorial services were held on Saturday, January 19 at the Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home. A private cremation was held at The Dalles Win-Quatt Crematory, with Spencer, Libby, and Powell Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to any charity of choice in Harriet's name.

Robert L. Chapel
From the Big Timber "Pioneer", January 25-31, 2008:

Robert L. Chapel slipped away on January 20, 2008, at the young age of 87. No services are scheduled at this time. A celebration of his life will be held in Big Timber in February.

Born in Great Falls, MT his family later moved out to the old Hanks place in what was known as Gibson Country where Bob attended the Cherry Creek Elementary School. Bob and his brother, Pat, moved to Shawmut where Bob graduated from high school.

Bob enlisted in the Army, served during WWII and discharged in 1945. While stationed in Taft, CA he met and married Luella Mae Wise in May of 1944. They made their home in Bakersfield, CA, where Bob worked for Tidewater, later known as Getty Oil.

Bob served as a scoutmaster and helped build Oakhurst Bible Camp, where they both donated many hours to support the youth encampment.

Bob and Luella were baptized into Christ in the early 1950's, where later Bob served as a Deacon at Central Church of Christ in Bakersfield.

Bob retired from Getty Company in 1982. After Luella's death in 1990, Bob moved to Big Timber to be closer to his family, where he married Matilda Ann Nevin (Tillie). Bob and Tillie lived in Big Timber until 2006 when they moved to Billings.

Bob loved to play Pinochle, Poker and dance to his favorite Country and Western music. He loved to hear and play jokes. Bob's other love was kids and he wanted them, including his grandchildren, to call him "Uncle Bob". In his early years in the church he always carried candy in his pockets for "his kids".

Robert leaves behind his wife Matilda Ann (Tillie); son and daughter-in-law Robert Melvin and Claudean Chapel of Billings; granddaughters Melissa Chapel of Sacramento, CA, Kelli Strahl of Bakersfield, CA; great grandsons Bryce Chapel of Billings, MT, currently serving in the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Eustis, VA, and Nicholas Scott of Bakersfield, CA; great granddaughters, Tiffiney Webester and Sara Strahl, both of Bakersfield; brothers and sister-in-laws Lawrence and Virginia Chapel of Livingston, Pat and Belle Chapel of Big Timber; sister Avis Funk of Paradise Valley, MT; numerous nieces and nephews; and friend Bill Araujo.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Ingar Chapel, and six brothers and sisters.

The family would like to thank Billing Clinic Hospital and the doctors and nurses on the fourth floor. Interment will take place in Bakersfield at a later date.

February

Lucy Harlene Price Davis
From the Big Timber "Pioneer", February 8-14, 2008:

Lucy Harlene Price Davis entered her new life with the Lord February 5, 2008.

She was born in Rolette, North Dakota, April 5, 1932 to Harlon H. Price and Clara F. Summers Price. They lived at the family home on the north shore of Lake Upsilon, North Dakota until she was 6 years old when the family moved to St. John, North Dakota so the children could attend school. During her 12 years of school, music became a big part of her life, specificially voice and piano. She inherited her love of music from her father. School was also where she met the love of her life, Jim Davis.

On June 9, 1950, Lucy and Jim were married in St. John, North Dakota at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. To this union was born one daughter, Kari, and five sons, James Harlon, Brian, Clayton Edward, Jeffry Frank and Darren John. During this course the family moved from North Dakota, and in 1968 eventually made their home in Big Timber, Montana.

For the last five years of her life Lucy had made the Pioneer Home in Big Timber her residence. Even while in the Pioneer Home, she still attended services at the Evangelical Church whenever possible. The Lord was always first in Lucy's life and she made sure to always follow Him. She has now followed Him to Heaven to join her husband, Jim, and many others that have passed before her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; parents Harlon and Clara Price; brothers Frank, Harley, Rex and Bill Price; sisters Grace Davis, Dony Leslie and Francis Ingles; and grandchildren Tyler, Jeremy and Mary Davis.

Survivors include her children, Jim (Diana) Davis of Casper, Wyoming, Brian (Peggy) Davis of Shepherd, Montana, Clayton (Kate) Davis of Shelby, Montana, Kari (Dan) Howe of Big Timber, Jeff (Maria) Davis of Buena Park, California, and Darren (Heather) Davis of Shepherd, Montana; along with 19 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Also surviving Lucy are her sisters, Evelyn Stein and Marilyn Strietzel.

Hobbies and interests during Lucy's life included Bible Study, Church choir, rug crochet, teaching Sunday School class, reading books, and gardening, in which she and the children would can hundreds of jars of vegetables raised in her garden.

Lucy will be misssed by so many friends and family but she is also enjoying the fruits of serving the Lord during her life. Viewing time will be Thursday, February 7 from 3 to 9 p.m. at Stenberg Funeral Home in Big Timber. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, February 8, at the Big Timber Evangelical Church with burial to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Wilbert J. (Wink) Johnson
From the Big Timber "Pioneer", February 15-21, 2008:

Wilbert J. (Wink) Johnson, 89, of Goodyear, AZ passed away February 4, 2008.

He was born in Newfolden, MN on December 31, 1918, to Julius E and Clara Swan Johnson. The family moved to Roundup, MT in 1924, where he graduated from Roundup High School in 1936. He attended MSU in Missoula for two years, then returned to Roundup and worked in the coal mines. He married Billie L. McMillen December 31, 1940.

In 1949 they purchased a ranch west of Big Timber and in 1953 moved to Big Timber and bought into J.S. Solberg Co. Wink enjoyed bowling, playing cards and dancing. He loved to play golf, and was one of the many fine fellows in Big Timber who were instrumental in getting the Overland Golf Course established.

He was a member of Masons, Eastern Star, SGHS School Board, Jaycees, Volunteer Fire Department, and served as a timekeeper for high school football and basketball games for many years.

Wink is survived by his wife, Billie, of 67 years; son Denny (Marilyn) Johnson, daughter Jan (Kenneth) Boe; grandchildren: Scott (Theresa) Johnson, Debbie (Jonathan) Stineford, Jason (Candi) Boe, Stacey (Steve) Moore; 7 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Betty Bowers; and niece Barbara Graves. He is preceded in death by his parents, son James Dale, grandson JD Boe, and brother-in-law Bob Bowers.

Memorial services were held February 6, at the home of Wink and Billie. Cremation has taken place and graveside services will be held at the Mountain View Cemetery in Big Timber this summer.

Barbara Etta Saye Tasker
From the Big Timber "Pioneer", February 15-21, 2008:

Barbara Etta Saye Tasker was born on Valentine's Day in 1931. The window to her room at Eagle Cliff Manor was left open and the angels entered to take her soul to heaven on February 10, 2008, at the age of 76. All five of her children loved, hugged, kissed and comforted her to send her on the journey.

We are all a little jealous she will get to join our other loved ones in heaven - her mom and dad, Rube and Lila Nelson; her husbands, James D. Saye and Morris Tasker; her niece and nephews Lila Lee Fuller, Jack Fuller, and James Fuller.

She left us all behind to celebrate her life, which we will do in a manner to make her proud. We are her children: Pamela Saye, Billings; Paula Saye-Dooper, Laurel; Steve Saye, Big Timber; Stu Saye, Miles City; and Shree Saye-Jones, Billings; her sister and brother Jodie Fuller, Big Timber; LaVern "Sonny" Nelson, Salt Lake City; her nieces and nephews scattered around the country: Chance, Donna, Kim, and Shannon Nelson; Jan, JoAnn, Julie and Shawn Fuller; Shannon "Poco" Saye; Patricia, Troy and Janelle Saye. Barb also leaves behind 15 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren with two more in the oven; and one great-great grandchildren with another in the oven.

A service for Barb was held at Lowry Funeral Home in Big Timber on Thursday, February 14, 2008. Valentine's Day is when she entered this world and it is our wish to celebrate her life and send her offr on the same day as her birth.

Helen Dutton Cowles
From the Big Timber "Pioneer", February 22-28, 2008:

Helen Dutton Cowles, the last surviving member of the Dutton family raised on the Dutton Ranch, passed away Sunday, February 17, 2008, of natural causes at Spring Meadows Assisted Living Facility in Bozeman.

Helen, the youngest of nine children, was born May 20, 1913 on the Dutton Ranch 12 miles south of Big Timber. Her father, William Dutton, had homesteaded the land after it was released from the Indian reservation. She attended the "Dutton School" on the ranch property. When she was a sophomore in high school she moved to San Bernardino, California to live with her sister, Beulah, for two years before returning to Big Timber her senior year.

She moved to Livingston in 1931, where she married Don C. Cowles, Jr., in 1939. They became partners in the Public Drug Store, and later Western Photo sales, a wholesale distributor of photographic film and cameras. They operated this business until they retired in 1979, after which they traveled extensively.

She moved to Bozeman in 1988, where she was a member of the Montana Association for the Blind and attended their summer orientation programs and volunteered in the program for six years.

She spent many winters in Oceanside, CA where she attended the San Diego Center for the Blind, and the North Country Rehabilitation Program, where she had volunteered since 1990. She also attended rehab classes for the blind at the Braille Institute in La Jolla, CA from 1991.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Don C. Cowles, her parents, and all of her brothers and sisters.

Survivors include her son, Don C. Cowles III and daughter-in-law Patty Cowles of Bozeman; daughter Linda Slack and son-in-law Bruce Slack of Pineville, Louisiana; grandchildren, Kalani K. Cowles, a student at Bucknell University, and Donald Carson Cowles IV, a student at Miami University of Ohio. Other survivors include her niece, Donna Ronning Caruso (Dick) of Livingston, and several grandnieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place and, according to her wishes, no services are planned.

Memorials may be sent to the Montana Association for the Blind, P.O. Box 465, Helena, MT 59624, or the San Diego Center for the Blind, North County, 1385 Bonair St., Vista, California 92084.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.dahlcares.com.

Dale Robert Schott
From the Big Timber "Pioneer", February 28 - March 6, 2008:

Dale Robert Schott passed away at his home February 20, 2008 surrounded by his family.

Dale was born to Christ and Pauline Schott in Portland, Oregon, January 30, 1939. His family moved to South Dakota shortly after and then made the final move to Greycliff, Montana. It is there where he attended Greycliff School, K-8th grade and Sweet Grass County High School. Later he attended and graduated from Moler Barber School in Spokane, Washington. He started his own barbershop in Big Timbr, which he operated until 1971 (although he continued barbering from his home).

In 1968 Dale married his true love, Sharon Darleen Terland. Their family quickly grew to include three children. Around 1971 the family moved out to Dale's in-law's ranch (Olando and Borghild Terland) on the Yellowstone west of Big Timber, where he raised cattle, a great family and developed many lifetime friendships with his neighbors. In 1994, the ranch was sold and Dale and Sharon moved to Billings. While in Billings he worked for Billings Livestock, T-Bone feeders, and A&H Turf. Dale "retired" in 2002. Retirement included building houses with Rosie and Leonard Schuff and helping his nephews with various work projects, which he truly appreciated.

Dale enjoyed visiting with his family and all of the friends he made throughout his life. The outdoors was a key part of his life. He enjoyed hunting, even picking up bow hunting late in his life. He was also extremely proud that all of his children graduated from college. Just as dear to his heart were his five grandchildren.

Dale is survived by his wife, Sharon; children Kerri (Jason) Rigsby, Kassi and Connor; Derek (Andrea) Schott and Malcah; Stephanie (Matthew) Cowen, Blake and Caleb. He is also survived by his five brothers and two sisters: Alvin (Ann) Schott, Marvin (Ardith) Schott, Elmer (Carol) Schott, Earl Schott, Kenneth (Linda) Schott, Jeanette (Carl) Ronneberg, and Alberta Schott. He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Christ and Pauline Schott.

Papa, you will be missed by all!

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 23, 2008 at the Big Timber Lutheran Church with interment following at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Billings Clinic Cancer Center or Big Sky Hospice. Arrangements by Stenberg Funeral Home.

James K. Durfey
From the Big Timber "Pioneer", February 28 - March 6, 2008:

James K. Durfey, 64, of Big Timber, passed away Sunday, February 24, 2008 at his home in Big Timber.

Cremation has taken place and private family services will be held at a later date. Stenberg Funeral Home is in charge.

David Duffey
From the Big Timber "Pioneer", February 28 - March 6, 2008:

David Duffy, 78, passed away February 18, 2008 in Bozeman following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was the young of six children born to Emma (Pederson) and Sam Duffey, and grew up on the family ranch on Upper Deer Creek east of Big Timber.

He attended school at the one room school on Lower Deer Creek and High School in Big Timber.

Dave was involved in ranching with his dad for several years, and then started a career in construction, helping to build many houses and buildings in Big Timber. He went from homes to building bridges when he joined Tamietti Construction. He worked on many interstate bridges and other bridges until he retired. He was a member of Pacific Northwest Regional Council Carpenter Union.

He married Jean Hoiland in 1953. Their children are: Kelli and Larry Brewer of Big Timber, and their children Megan and Bonnie; Carol and Eric Harrison of Condon, OR, and their children Erica, Bailey and Bryce; Mary Ann Duffey and Tom York of Big Timber; Charlie and Gwenda Duffey and his son Skyler of Baggs, WY; and Jill and Forrest Beadle of Denton, TX.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Sammy; his brothers Ed and John; his sister Martha Shipton; sister-in-law Vivian Duffey; and brothers-in-law Himer Branae and Keith Gottlob.

He is survived by his sisters, Barbara Branae and Alice Gottlob; several nieces and nephews; and many friends, including special friends Ann Blackstone, Katy and Mike Derzay, and Bill Tamietti.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held on June 21, 2008 at the Duffey Ranch on Upper Deer Creek.

March

Robert L. Hauck, Sr.
From the Big Timber Pioneer, March 7-13, 2008:

Robert L. Hauck, Sr., 67, of Marion, passed away on March 1, 2008, at his winter residence in Panama Beach, Fla., of an apparent heart attack. Bob had been in excellent health and was enjoying life.

Bob was a well known, lifetime resident of the state of Montana, born in Butte in Jan. 6, 1941. Bob attended Butte High School, served in the United States Marine Corps, and then attended the University of Montana, completing his master's degree in 1966. At the U of M, he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Coach Hauck is best known for his many years of service to young people. He was a long time coach in Big Timber and Athletic Director at Missoula Loyola High School. Bob is a member of the Montana Coaches Hall of Fame and was on the Montana Coaches Association Board of Directors. He made a difference for a generation of kids who grew up in Big Timber.

A beloved father, grandfather, husband, and friend to us all, Bob is survived by his wife of 44 years, Eleanore; his children, Katie and Jason Tirrell of Missoula, Tim Hauck and his fiance Denali Solomon of Los Angeles, and Bobby and Stacey Hauck of Missoula; his siblings, Tom Hauck, John and Mary Lou Hauck of Missoula, Mary and Ronn Rasmussen of Anchorage, Alaska, Jane and Tom Van Dyke of Billings, Fred and Donna Moriarty of Salt Lake City and Bill Moriarty of San Francisco; grandchildren Sydney, Ali, Robby and Elise Hauck, Kari, Tommy and Ryan Tirrell; numerous cousins and close family members.

A devout Catholic, Bob was a member of St. Mathews Parish in Kalispell. Mass of the Ressurection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 7, at Loyola High School Activity Center located at the corner of First and North California Street. For directions, please call Garden City Funeral Home. A private family burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery.

In honor of Bob, the family requests that people would donate in Bob's name to the Loyola High School football locker room project, 300 Edith, Missoula, MT 59801, or to the Big Timber High School football field lights project, P.O. Box 886, Big Timber, MT 59011.

Arrangements are under the care of Garden City Funeral Home. Condolences can be sent to www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.

Irene Mabel Braughton
From the Big Timber Pioneer, March 28-April 3, 2008:

Irene Braughton, 91, of Big Timber passed away peacefully in her sleep with her family by her side at the Pioneer Medical Center on Thursday, March 20, 2008.

Irene, the youngest of three children, was born April 7, 1916 in Big Timber to Robert and Mabel Brownlee. She was raised on the Main Boulder River family ranch with her brother Bob Brownlee and sister Mary Brownlee Smoot.

Helping to run the ranch, wearing her bib overalls, she loved the outdoors and all of its animals. Never heard to utter a word of complaint, Irene was an inspiration for all who knew her through her cheerful dispostion and positive outlook in all aspects of her life, and the lives of others around her.

A 1933 graduate of Sweet Grass County High, she had made plans to continue with college, but that changed when she met the love of her life, Lloyd Braughton. She soon became a wonderful ranch wife and mother.

Lifelong Boulder River residents, Irene and Lloyd lived in their "Bar Three K" East Boulder ranch south of McLeod since 1948 where their three children, Ellen, Ron and Dean, were raised as the happiest of ranch kids.

They never remember her as being anything but positive and the consistent provider of support and praise through their accomplishments and their travails.

Holding her in loving memory are her husband of almost 70 years, Lloyd Braughton; daughter Ellen (Bill) Rauch of Big Arm; sons Ron (Diane) Braughton of Billings and Dean (Valerie) of Casper; grandchildren, Shannon (Mark) Walker of Helena, Brian (Heidi) Rauch of Kalispell, Curt (Jennifer) Braughton of Billings, Kevin (Sonja) Braughton of Hamilton and Dirk Braughton of Casper. Remembering too are her great grandchildren, Eli and Brynn Walker, Peyton and Ella Rauch and Tira Braughton.

A Celebration of Irene's life was held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at the First Congregational Church in Big Timber. Memorials may be made to the MS Society or to a charity of one's choice.

Bob Gene Gentry
From the Big Timber Pioneer, March 28-April 3, 2008:

Bob Gene Gentry, 76, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2008 in Ogden, Utah.

He was born on July 5, 1931, in Ninnekah, Oklahoma. When he was 10 his family moved to California. He joined the Marines at the age of 17, and was honorably discharged.

Bob married Lee Noker on August 27, 1952, in Ogden. They had three children: R. Scott, who preceded his father in death, Douglas G. and Lezlie L. Cazel.

Bob worked at Hill Air Force Base from 1953 to 1967 and transferred to McClellan Air Force Base, California, until retiring in 1987.

Bob and Lee lived in Big Timber for 14 years before returning to South Ogden. They moved to Willard in 2006.

It was Bob's desire to be cremated. Memorial services will be held this summer in Big Timber.

Alice Agnes Vander Voort
From the Big Timber Pioneer, April 4-10, 2008:

Alice Agnes Vander Voort, 98, of Livingston, died at Evergreen Livingstone Health and Rehabilitation Center Wednesday morning, March 26, 2008. Funeral services were on Tuesday, April 1 at the Livingston Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Cliff Larson officiated. Graveside committal and burial followed in Park View Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home.

She was born September 3, 1909 in Blue Earth, Minn., the daughter of Walter R. and Marget I. (Buckles) Kenison. In 1911 the family moved to Fort Benton, Mont. and later to Big Timber. On Juy 3, 1928 she married Antoon "Tony" Vander Voort in Big Timber. He worked on area ranches before starting Riverside Lumber Co. which he operated for a number of years. Mr. Vander Voort preceded her in death and in the early 1990's she moved to Livingston to be near her son and his family.

Mrs. Vander Voort was active in the Moose Lodge and enjoyed bowling.

Survivors include her son, Ray E. (Joyce) Vander Voort of Livingston; two daughters, June Maxine Esp of Auburn, Wash., and Faye Pauline (Bob) Schrimsher of Jefferson City, Mont.; eleven grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Kenison, and a sister, Mildred Carr.

Memorials may be directed to the Senior Citizens Center of Park County, 206 S. Main St., Livingston, MT 59047, or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Val Kloeckner
From the Big Timber Pioneer, May 2-8, 2008:

Val Kloeckner, at the age of 67, died at home in Redding, California on March 12, 2008 following a previous heart attack in August, 2007.

He was born in Big Timber in 1941 and then moved to Oregon with his family for most of his school years. Val served his country for three years in the U.S. Army, which included a tour in Vietnam. Later he returned to Big Timber for about six years to establish his pump business and became involved with the Big Timber Fire Department before moving back to California in 1986. For his last 20 years he worked as a carpenter, specializing in commercial cabinet installation and was a member of the local carpenter's union.

Val is survived by his wife of 45 years, Nancy; his brothers, Larry Green and Michael Kloeckner; his sisters, Sandi Love, Patricia Kloeckner, and Kandi Baker; as well as his extended family and friends in the Big Timber area. Val was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Alice and Clinton Green, and his father, Pat Kloeckner.

He pursued many interests throughout the years, including hunting, fishing, trail riding, camping, motorcycles, cars and aviation. He was an avid reader and especially enjoyed conversations on almost every subject. Val spent countless hours remodeling and improving his home and property, always paying great attention to the detail and quality of his work. He also found great satisfaction sharing his skills by teaching and helping others with their projects.

Val was a devoted husband, a considerate and compassionate man who will be missed by all who knew him. An outdoor service was held and his cremation ashes interned at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in April.

Sweet Grass County held a special place in Val's heart. He always referred to Montana as "back home" and his heart longed to return. To honor his wish, family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service to be held on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at the Melville Lutheran Church at 11:00.

April

Norman R. Prevost
From the Big Timber Pioneer, April 11-17, 2008:

Norman R. Prevost, 79, of Big Timber passed away Tuesday, April 8, 2008 at the Pioneer Medical Center, which has been home to Norman for almost five years.

Norman was born in Livingston, Montana on September 9, 1928, to Mr. and Mrs. Frank (Cecelia Kappes) Prevost. He attended grade school in Livingston until age 11. He then attended country schools north of Springdale; a school at the ranch house that was then owned by the Chris Boe family in the little homestead (now the Frank Prevost) Sioux Crossing school and the Green school house. He attended Sweet Grass County High School and graduated in 1946.

Raising Herefords and Black Angus cattle was his main livelihood.

Survivors include his brother, Raymond L. Prevost of Plano, TX, and three sisters: Bernice M. Wick of Big Timber, Darlene Fahrenbruch, Marlene D. Bauer of Great Falls, and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew.

Friends may call for visitation at the Lowry Funeral Home from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, April 11. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 12, with the Reverend Kenneth Nelson officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Pioneer Medical Center and the Hospice Program in Big Timber.

A reception will be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 209 East 4th Ave. after the funeral.

Kathy Sue Burmeister
From the Big Timber Pioneer, April 18-24, 2008:

Kathy Sue Burmeister, 46, of Big Timber died unexpectedly Sunday, April 3, 2008. Kathy was born in Big Timber on October 9, 1961 to Pete and Dorothy Burmeister. She graduated from Sweet Grass County High School and attended Walla Walla College. She also lived in Arizona and Washington before returning to Big Timber.

Kathy had a great sense of humor, was very personable and left an impression on everyone she met. For many years she had a favorite dog, named Saucy Beau, that was very special to her. During her time in Arizona, she worked at Corporate Jets and had many stories of the famous clients who flew in and out of Scotsdale Airport. Most recently, Kathy worked for Thiessen Team USA in Big Timber.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Peter Burmeister. She is survived by her mother, Dorothy; brothers Gary (Gail) and Dan (Glenna), all of Big Timber; as well as nieces and nephews, Kris (Genevieve), Adrianne (Josh), Loren, Mara, Olivia and Jacob; great nieces and nephews, Heath, Hunter, Katelyn and Luke; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Kathy also leaves her close friend, Jeff Harper.

A memorial service was held Thursday, April 17 at 2 p.m. at the Big Timber Episcopal Church with a reception following at Dallman Hall.

(Additional story on p. 12.)

David Ralph Goosey
From the Big Timber Pioneer, April 25 - May 1, 2008:

David Ralph Goosey, 66, of Big Timber passed away on April 11, 2008 at the Billings Clinic.

David was born on March 28, 1942, in Livingston. He was the son of the late Douglas Richardson Goosey and Donna Neill Goosey.

Dave and his wife Dorothy had made their home in Big Timber since 1974.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy; son Travis Goosey; daughter, Tammy Hall; brothers Douglas Goosey and Dennis (Char) Goosey; granddaughters, Sarah Lewis of California and Tanah Hall of Big Timber; grandsons, Allen Lewis of Bozeman and David Anthony Goosey of Georgia; aunt, Edna Goosey of Big Timber, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Cremation has taken place. No services are planned.

Eileen Buster Collinsworth
From the Big Timber Pioneer, April 25 - May 1, 2008:

Eileen Buster Collinsworth, 61, of Pueblo, Colorado, a 1964 graduate of Sweet Grass County High School, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2008.

Eileen was a member of the Southwest Church of Christ for 26 years. She enjoyed cooking and decorating. She loved and cherished her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

Eileen is survived by her husband, Joe Collinsworth; children, Chantel (Michael) Ginwright, David (Mitzi) Collinsworth, Michael (Laura) Collinsworth, Brian (Jennifer) Collinsworth; eight grandchildren, four brothers and sisters, Rosie (Michael) Holsten of Phoenix, Arizona, Mary Lou (Bill) Lager of Ridgecrest, Californias, Bill (Marcy) Buster of Laurel, and Bob (Kitty) Buster of Big Timber.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Annabelle Buster.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 22 at the Southwest Church of Christ, Pueblo, Colorado. Cremation followed.

Donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the American Cancer Society.

Bud Clayton
From the Big Timber Pioneer, May 2-8, 2008:

George "Bud" Clayton, 84, of Big Timber passed away April 28, 2008 at the Pioneer Medical Center in Big Timber.

Bud was born November 25, 1923 at Shepherd, Montana to William M. and Nancy (Bassett) Clayton. After graduating from Sweet Grass County High School, Bud served in Europe as a operating room technician in the United States Army during WWII. After the war, he married Earleen Hochstrasser of Anaconda, who preceded him in death.

Bud served as Vice President of Industrial Towel of Livingston, Montana before taking over the family ranch operation from his father in 1957. Bud was past president of the Wool Growers Association and a Commander of American Legion Post No. 19.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Bill Clayton and Gerald Clayton, and his sister, Wilma Polson. Survivors include his daughter Linda Clayton, Boston, Mass; two sons Mike (Diane) Clayton, Big Timber and Steve (Juanita) Clayton, Bismarck, ND; seven grandchildren; and his long time companion Lynn Duncan.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Saturday, May 3, at Lowry Funeral Home. Graveside committal will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by American Legion Post No. 19. Reception following at the Legion Club.

Memorials may be made to Hearts and Hands Hospice, Big Timber or Crazy Mountain Museum.

Gloria Miner Biglen
From the Big Timber Pioneer, May 2-8, 2008:

Gloria Miner Biglen was born on November 25, 1926. Her father and mother, Hobart and Margaret Wisner Miner, lived in Lewistown, Montana, where Gloria, her brother, Kenneth, and sisters Ramona and Sandra were raised.

Gloria attended Fergus County High School, as did her future husband, Francis Lawrence Biglen. Frank served in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during WWII. While his ship was in dry dock on the West Coast, Frank and Gloria met and during an all-too-short leave time: they dated, decided to marry and to start a family, in no particular order. They were truly a part of the "Greatest Generation," as so aptly coined in a recent book about their remarkable generation.

After the war Gloria and Frank lived, at different times, in Montana, California, Missouri, Wyoming and Colorado, returning to Big Timber, Montana in 1958.

Frank and Gloria's children are: Tom Biglen, Kay Ryberg, their niece who lived with the family for some time in Big Timber, and their niece Seaneen Duke, who they adopted after her father's death when she was four years old.

Frank died in 1987 and Gloria died on April 11, 2008. They are interred at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Crazy Mountain Museum, which Gloria enjoyed and contributed proceeds of an antique auction to, as well as offered her extensive knowledge of antiques during the museum's formative years.

May

Phyllis Sargent
From the Big Timber Pioneer, May 23-29, 2008:

Phyllis Louise Lowry Sargent, 76, died peacefully in Big Timber with her family by her side on May 19, 2008.

She was born in LeRoy, IL on July 27, 1931. At the age of 13 she moved with her family to Clyde Park, MT. After receiving her college education, she taught at Progress and Cherry Creek schools where she met the love of her life, Bill. On June 9, they would have been married 57 years. They spent 21 years at the Rein Anchor Ranch before they moved to the Sargent family ranch south of Shawmut, MT.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her five children: Diana (Dan) Plaggemeyer, Debby (Gary) Arlian, Donna (Ken) Laubach, Dale (Martha) Sargent, and Darla (Kevin) Sedgwick, and a "special" son, Chuck Rein. She has 13 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, sisters Margie Reed and Martha Stone, brothers Jack Lowry and Johnny (who means more to our family than words can express) Lowry.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, John and Marie Lowry, sister Gail Krepps, and grandson Travis John Laubach.

Her greatest joys were her grandchildren. There was nothing she liked more than babysitting them, attending their events, and being a part of their lives.

Baking, cooking, playing cards and entertaining her family and friends were highlights in her life. She was a member of the Melville and Big Timber Lutheran Churches. She lived out her faith by loving and serving others.

A Celebration of Life was held on Wednesday, May 21 at the Big Timber Lutheran Church. Funeral services were held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 22 at the Big Timber Lutheran Church. Interment was at Mountain View Cemetery.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." - Proverbs 31:28.

Lela Strout Ultch
From the Big Timber Pioneer, May 30-June 5, 2008:

Lela Strout Ultch passed away on May 19, 2008.

Lela was born on April 16, 1918 in Deer Park, Illinois, the only daughter of four children born to Grace and E.J. Strout. She grew up on a farm where her duties included keeping the water bucket full in the kitchen, cleaning the chimneys of the kerosene lamps, tending to the (corn) cob bucket for starting the cook stove fire, retrieving the ducks and geese in the evenings, and, best of all, taking care of her grandfather who lived with them.

She learned about diligence and hard work, small and large kindnesses, faith, and appreciation for God's creation as she enjoyed it from day to day with her little pony Diddle. Flowers and gardening - working the soil - were life-giving to her, and she often remarked at God's amazing power to create such wonder "all out of black dirt!"

Lela grew to the lovely lady we know, married Bud Ultch in 1940, raised three children on their farm-feedlot operation in Sublette, Illinois, then retired to their new home on the Missouri at Townsend, Montana, in 1978. They also enjoyed a couple care-free years on a ranch working with friends at Shannon Creek, White Sulphur Springs at that time.

Bud passed away in 1986, after which Lela remained in Townsend for another 10 years before moving to Big Timber to be with family here.

She was a life member of the Eastern Star, much enjoyed, also demonstrated love-of-country symbolized by the flag, all it stands for.

She passed away on a Monday, her family around her, entering the presence of the Lord whom she loved and honored. A funeral was held May 20, 2008, at the Big Timber Evangelical Church, with friends and family celebrating some of the highlights of her life, her love of God. Any donations may be made in her name to P.O. Box 306, Big Timber, MT 59011, which will be given to that church's building fund (flowers/landscape) and to Gideons International.

Left behind are one brother, David B. Strout (and Vi), LaSalle, Il; Renee Axtell, daughter, Las Cruces, NM, and family: granddaughter, Camille, great grandchildren Maddie and Gage; granddaughter Jackie (Orlando, FL), grandson Joshua, great granddaughter Lilly. William Ultch, son (and Judy), Peru, IL and family: granddaughter Anite (and Justin), Maquon, IL; great grandchildren Wyatt and Ellie; grandsons Will (and Becca), Morton, IL and Marshall (and Lori), Detroit, MI; Cherrlynn Riekert, daughter, (and Roy), Big Timber, MR and grandson Matthew, Harbin, China.

Lela also was (second) mom to Douglas Holman, nephew, St. Louis, MO; Diana Walker, niece, Austin, TX; Barbara Arriaga, niece, Ojai, CA; Warren Strout, nephew, Whittier, CA and George Strout, nephew, Phoenix, AZ. She sure loved her kids.

"Goo be with you till we meet again; by His counsels guide, uphold you, with His sheep securely fold you; God be with you till we meet again..."

Did we mention, she loved to sing?

Lola E. Wilkinson Coykendall
From the Big Timber Pioneer, May 30-June 5, 2008:

Lola E. Wilkinson Coykendall, age 81, died of cancer September 4, 2007 at Roseberg, Oregon. Cremation has taken place. There will be a graveside service Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 12:00 noon at Mountain View Cemetery, Big Timber.

Lola was born July 11, 1926 at Flatwillow, Montana to Harry and Tillie Wilkinson. She attended school there and graduated from Fairfield High School i n1944. She then joined the Cadet Nurse Corp and served in the U.S. Navy as a nurse, stationed in various countries in Europe. After her discharge from the Navy, she was a nurse for the V.A. hospital in Livermore, California for several years, where she met and married Leo Coykendall. Lola then worked for the V.A. Hospital in Helena, Montana and then in Roseburg, Oregon. She and Leo retired in nearby Sutherlin, Oregon.

Lola was very involved in helping her elderly neighbors, playing her beloved golf (she was so proud of her "hole in one" and played at several different golf courses in the country), and she traveled extensively visiting family and friends.

Lola is survived by her sister, Leone Lapeyre of Great Falls, Montana, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo, her parents of Springdale, Montana, her brothers Clare Wilkinson of Springdale and Bob Wilkinson of Phoenix, Arizona, sisters Evelyn Newberg of Helena and Ann Carlin of Springdale and Sutherlin, Oregon.

Lowry Funeral Home is assisting the family with the services.

Donna Crawford Cooper
From the Big Timber Pioneer, June 6-12, 2008:

Donna Belle Crawford Cooper, aged 91 years and 10 days, passed to her final reward at her residence in Tucson, Arizona on May 22, 2008, at peace within herself.

Donna was born in Fort Benton, Montana on May 12, 1917, the second daughter of Richard Berry Crawford and Lydia Mabel McClellan Crawford. Her father was the sheriff of Choteau County at the time and her mother was the daughter of the folks who started the McClellen Ferry that crosses the Missouri River.

Donna married John R. (Jack) Cooper, the son of Elbert Nathan (Nate) and Love Sarah Cooper, pioneer ranchers on Blue Creek, south of Billings, on October 2, 1946 in Billings, Montana at the ranch home of Al and Mary Rehberg on the rims north of Billings.

In 1949, Donna and Jack bought their first ranch at the mouth of the canyon of the East Boulder River, south of Big Timber, and spent the next 42 years raising quality Hereford cattle and taking in many wayward boys to teach the "Cowboy Way" of life for quite a few of those years. They had no children of their own, but had a very positive influence on many other people's kids. They purchased the Hoyseth place down the creek and then they finally bought a ranch located at McLeod, Montana to complete their working years.

They retired to Naco, Arizona on the Mexican border in 1990 and then moved to Bisbee in 1993, playing golf at Turquoise Valley and entertaining many of their friends from the north and south country. They recently moved to Tucson for health reasons.

Donna was a true ranch wife. She was on horseback while working their cattle and on tractors while putting up hay. She was a good cook and a very skilled hostess, no matter what or who came to the door. She and Jack were partners through the bad times as well as the good times.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents and step-father, G.D. (Doc) Beeson and her sister, Helen Craven, who passed in 1992.

She leaves behind her husband "Jack" and a multitude of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews as well as friends to remember her.

God bless you, Aunt Donna, we will miss you.

At Donna's request there will be no formal service. A memorial for family and friends will be held later. The date and location will be announced. Heather Mortuary in Tucson is handling arrangements.

June

Kenneth Hale
From the Big Timber Pioneer, July 11-17, 2008:

Kenneth Hale, 95, of Livingston, died at his home late Wednesday evening, June 18, 2008. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service was held June 26 at Franzen-Davis Funeral Home, with Pastor Ken Nelson of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church officiating.

Kenneth was born August 15, 1912, in Big Timber, the son of Norman and Edith (Wetzel) Hale. He spent his early life and attended school in Big Timber. One June 19, 1937, he married Margaret Minnie Schleicher in Livingston. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in June of 2008.

In his 95 years, Kenneth lived life to the fullest, creating precious memories for all who knew and loved him. He was an avid fisherman, and one of his great joys was floating the Yellowstone River. His other passions in life included playing the accordian with friends and relatives, square dancing and traveling with Margaret, trekking in the woods, and enjoying his grandchildren. Kenneth was also a 50 year member of Livingston Elks Lodge.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Margaret M. Hale, of Livingston; a brother, Raymond W. Hale, of Big Timber; sister, Geraldine Zeleny of Ft. Collins, Colorado; three grandchildren, Kenneth Swanson, Candace Swan and Greysen Keeney; six great-grandchildren; one niece and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Betty Kathleen Hale.

If so desired, memorials may be directed to Rocky Mountain Hospice, 301 Edelweiss Dr., Suite 6, Bozeman, MT 59718.

July

James Richard Yuzeitis
From the Big Timber Pioneer, July 11-17, 2008:

James Richard Yuzeitis, known to friends as J.Y., joined our Heavenly Father and loved ones after a courageous battle with a sudden illness on Monday, July 7, 2008, in St. George, Utah.

J.Y. was born November 11, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois to Stanley J. and Amy B. (English) Yuzeitis.

He enjoyed working as a paperboy and volunteering as an Altar Boy at the young age of six. He then went on to work for the United States Postal Service and the Chicago Police Department. J.Y.'s schooling included Quigley Preparatory School, Saint Mary's of the Lake Seminary, and he received a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration from Loyola University of Chicago, Illinois. He finally found his calling at McDonald's Corporation Headquarters, Oakbrook, Illinois in 1967 as a Human Resource Director. He remained with the company for 25 years, retiring in 1992 after moving to Big Timber, Montana. While in Big Timber he formed his own company, Quality Surveys, Incorporated, which he ran until he retired and moved to St. George, Utah in 2004.

J.Y. married Susan Carol London on October 7, 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. They raised three children together, Timothy James, David Richard and Amy Marie.

On June 23, 2001 J.Y. married Linda J. Thomson in Big Timber, Montana.

He is survived by his wife Linda, St. George, Utah; his sons, Timothy (Melissa) Yuzeitis, Big Timber, Montana; David (Tammy) Yuzeitis, Crystal Lake, Illinois; and his daughter Amy (Ross) Hanson, Big Timber, Montana; his brother Donald (Barb) Yuzeitis; sisters, Mary O'Connell, Laura (Jim) Daeschler, and Dorothy (Dennis) Bose. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Andrew, Kaitlyn, Jennifer, Lauryn, Cianan, Aedan and Caeli; his friend and former wife Susan London; along with stepchildren, stepgrandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Edward, Sister Alice and brother-in-law, Bill O'Connell.

J.Y. was passionate about music, food, travel, all things Irish, and life in general. He had a very generous, loving personality which will continue to live on through our wonderful memories of him.

An informal and brief prayer service will be held at Saint Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Chicago, followed by a tree planting ceremony at Don Yuzeitis' house in Orland Park, Illinois on Saturday, July 12, 2008, starting at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers please send donations to your local Ronald McDonald House in J.Y.'s name.

William Harold McIntosh
From the Big Timber Pioneer, July 18-24, 2008:

On July 12, 2008, shortly after midnight, the gates of heaven opened to welcome our beloved husband, father, step-father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle William Harold "Bill" McIntosh. As we look to the heavens, our hearts will yearn for him, but we will cherish the memory of his days spent here on earth.

Born in March, 1932 in Monarch, Wyoming, Bill was the second child of William Morton McIntosh and Ethel Mae Moline. He began his elementary education in Monarch and continued in Sheridan, Wyoming where he graduated from high school in 1950. He spent one semester at the Sheridan College before joining the U.S. Navy in 1952, serving aboard the USS Valley Forge aircraft carrier as Interior Communications Electrician's Mate.

Employed by the Mountain Bell Telephone Company, he was transferred to Tucson, Arizona in 1957.

In the 1960's, Bill transferred to Pacific Bell Telephone in Ventura, California and retired from that comapny in 1983, then contracted to General Telephone as a splicing foreman. Paso Robles, California was his choice of location for his retirement home. In 1990, he and an old acquaintance with whom he played as a child were reunited, and in December, 1991, Bill and the former Jeanne Moreland were married.

After eight and a half years as foreman on the Chimney Rock Ranch, Paso Robles, California, Bill and Jeanne decided to make the move back toward their roots. They settled into a home in Big Timber.

Bill loved to hunt and fish, his favorite spots being in Wyoming and Montana.

Bill was a member of the BPO Elks Lodge No. 1430 since 1957. He also belonged to the American Legion Post No. 19, the Big Horn City Historical Society, and the Hospitality House/Senior Center of Big Timber. He was a country music fan, especially enjoying the music of the Bar D Wranglers. He shared Jeanne's joys in genealogy and the research trips they have made together. He looked forward to family gatherings, his class reunions and the hundreds of emails from friends and family. He was well known for his sense of humor, his love and pride in his two children, his four step-children and the rest of his family, his generous and loving and caring heart, and his devotion to God and his country.

Survivors are his wife, Jeanne McIntosh; son, Dennis (Cathy) McIntosh; daughter, Donalee (Carlos) McIntosh Cordova; step-children, James (Claudia Carlson) Racheff, Jerry (Penny) Racheff, Micki (Don) Pettit, Joel (Patti) Racheff; sister, Wilma Day; brothers-in-law, John W. Moreland and Wilson (Mary) Moreland; sister-in-law, Melva Moreland Smith; twenty one grandchildren and great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In accordance with Bill's wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial services and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date to accommodate the convenience of the entire family. In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorial contributions be made to the Senior Center Hospitality House in Big Timber, the Big Horn City Historical Society in Big Horn, Wyoming, the Ronald McDonald House in Billings, or a charity of your choice.

Cheryl DePuy
From the Big Timber Pioneer, August 1, 2008:
Cheryl DePuy Murrary died Saturday, July 26th, 2008 at home, north of Big Timber, Mt. She was born May 15, 1947 in Livingston, the daughter of Warren A. and Eva S. DePuy. She married Fred Walker on June 5, 1965. She married Daniel Murray in Miles City, MT on June 26, 1977. Funeral services were at Holbrook United Methodist Church in Livingston with burial in Park View Gardens Cemetery.

Charlene Ruth Overfelt
From the Big Timber Pioneer, August 1, 2008:
Charlene Ruth Overfelt died July 17, 2008 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was born July 16, 1932 in Formosa, Arkansas to Charles and Ruth Hammett. Marvin Overfelt and Charlene Hammett were married October 12, 1952 in Sacramento, California. Burial will be at Mountainview Cemetery in Big Timber.

Berniece Ostrum
From the Big Timber Pioneer, August 8, 2008:
Berniece Ostrum of Big Timber passed away July 30, 2008 at the Pioneer Medical Center in Big Timber. She was born Nov. 12, 1917 to Carl and Inga Bue on Work Creek, south of Reed Point. She married Alfred Ostrum on Oct. 7, 1938 in Bozeman, MT. Funeral services were Aug. 4, 2008 with burial at the Rosebud Cemetery in Absarokee.

Clive F. Talkington
From the Big Timber Pioneer, August 8, 2008:
Clive F. Talkington died in Anchorage, Alaska on July 23, 2008. He was born Feb. 19, 1937, in Belfield, ND, to Russell and Ethel Talkington. He married Marilyn McBrind in 1955. A memorial service was held in Homer, AK. A service will take place in Big Timber in October.

Rebecca W. Munsell
From the Big Timber Pioneer, August 8, 2008:
Rebecca W. Munsell died on July 27, 2008 at Fallon Medical Hospital. She was born May 29, 1921 to Graham Woolsey and Minnie Bennewitz Woolsey south of Big Timber. She married J.K. Munsell.

Edward E. 'Bud' Matre, Jr.
From the Big Timber Pioneer, August 15, 2008:
Edward E. 'Bud' Matre Jr. of McLeod, MT died July 31, 2008. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on Sept. 17, 1926 to Edward E. and Edith Eckstein Matre. He married Jane. Memorial services were held Aug. 6, 2008 at the Big Timber Lutheran Church.

August

Barney A. Warp
From the Big Timber Pioneer, August 8, 2008:
Barney A. Warp died August 5, 2008 in Big Timber. He was born November 3, 1915 in Big Timber to Seval and Lena Warp. He married Maxine Turner October 10, 1948 in Hardin. The funeral was August 8 with burial in Mountain View Cemetery in Big Timber.

Dorothy Langus
From the Big Timber Pioneer, August 22, 2008:
Dorothy Langhus died August 18, 2008 in Big Timber. She was born January 7, 1918 to Carl and Ragnhild (Lende) Mysse in Reed Point. She married Samuel J. Langhus on November 13, 1942. A memorial service was held at Big Timber Lutheran Church on August 23, 2008.

Cynthia Hope Beade
From the Big Timber Pioneer, August 22, 2008:
Cynthia Hope Beade died August 8, 2008. She was born in Billings, MT, on July 14, 1945 to Phyllis and Edward Hanson. She marriedKen Beade on January 28, 1967 in Coeur D'Alene, ID. A memorial service will be held in Big Timber.

Richard P. Tregidga
From the Big Timber Pioneer, August 22, 2008:
Richard P. Tregidga was born April 14, 1965 and died on July 28, 2008 at Denver Health Center in Denver, CO. He married Sally. A celebration of his life was held at his home in Springdale, MT.

Ann Stenberg
From the Big Timber Pioneer, August 29, 2008:
Ann Stenberg died August 20, 2008. She was born to Herman and Dora Frey on January 1, 1936 at the family ranch on Bridger Creek. She married Stanley Stenberg on May 12, 1956. A graveside service was held August 25, 2008 at Mountain View Cemetery in Big Timber.

Isaiah Lee Payton-Seeley
From the Big Timber Pioneer, September 5, 2008:
Isaiah Lee Payton-Seeley, 22, of Big Timber died on August 20th, 2008. He was born in Urbana, New York.

September

Mary Hamilton
From the Big Timber Pioneer, September 12, 2008:
Mary Hamilton of Big Timber died on September 7, 2008 at the Pioneer Medical Center. She was born April 2, 1923, in Opelika, Alabama to Thomas Hamilton and Carmen Longshore Hamilton. Cremation has taken place.

Agnes E. Skaarland
From the Big Timber Pioneer, September 12, 2008:
Agnes E. Skaarland died September 6, 2008 at Pioneer Medical Center in Big Timber. Funeral services were held September 12 at Big Timber Lutheran Church. Burial was in Mountainview Cemetery in Big Timber. She was born December 31, 1917 in Big Timber, the daughter of Ole and Anna (Asvald) Hegdal. On June 3, 1939 she married Elmer C. Skaarland in Big Timber.

Nellie Wendland
From the Big Timber Pioneer, September 19, 2008:
Nellie 'Nell' Wendland of Big Timber passed away September 14, 2008 at the Pioneer Medical Center. She was born June 16, 1914 in Springdale to Robert and Cordelia (Reynolds) Braughton. She married Ralph Wendland in Whitehall on May 16, 1936. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life was held September 18, 2008 at Boulder Meadows Assisted Living Facility in Big Timber.

Irene Elizbeth Kinney Barnum
From the Big Timber Pioneer, September 19, 2008:
Irene Barnum died on September 13, 2008 at Beartooth Manor in Columbus. She was born April 29, 1916 to Hard and Anna Kinney in Tilden, Nebraska. On March 18, 1936 she married Glen (Barney) Barnum at Yankton, South Dakota. A memorial service was held September 19, 2008 at the Evangelical Church in Reed Point.

Arden Mitchell Berg
From the Big Timber Pioneer, September 19, 2008:
Arden Mitchell Berg died September 7, 2008 at Community Hospital in Anaconda. He was born February 2, 1934 to Berent (Ben) Berg and Anna C. George Berg in Napa, California. He graduated from Sweet Grass County High School in 1954. He married barbara Jean Kemp. A celebration of his life was held at Carmel's Bar in Anaconda on September 21, 2008.

Carl E. Mosness
From the Big Timber Pioneer, September 26, 2008:
Carl E. Mosness, 83, of Big Timber died Wednesday, September 17, in Billings. He was born on September 5, 1925 in Big Timber to Ole and Edith Mosness. He married Thelma Slettebo in 1946. She died in 1987. He married Sharon Nevin Pederson in 1988. Funeral services were held Monday, September 22, at the Big Timber Lutheran Church with interment in Mountain View Cemetery.

Dorothy Y. Dempster
From the Big Timber Pioneer, October 3, 2008:
Dorothy Y. Dempster was born on Oct. 4, 1926 to Miles and Erna Eik. She graduated from Absarokee High School in 1944. She met her future husband, Bill Dempster, while in high school. She passed away on Sept. 11, 2008 at Pioneer Medical Center in Big Timber. A memorial service was held at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Absarokee on Oct. 4, 2008.

Ruth Alma Mallasch
From the Big Timber Pioneer, October 3, 2008:
Ruth Alma Mallasch, of Big Timber, died at the Billings Clinic on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008. She was born on July 28, 1920, in Bismarkhutte, Germany to Johann Buschmann and Anastasia Scholtysik. In 1944, she married Bruno Mallasch. Ruth and Bruno immigrated to the U.S. in 1956. In 1992, they moved to Big Timber. A celebration of her life was held September 9th at the Big Timber Lutheran Church with interment at the Big Timber Cemetery.

Ed Holmberg
From the Big Timber Pioneer, October 3, 2008:
Ed Holmberg, of Big Timber, passed away on September 27th at the Pioneer Medical Center in Big Timber. He was born March 23, 1919 in Terry Montana to Carl Edwin and Vinita (Groves) Holmberg. He served in the Marine Corps in WWII in the Pacific Theater. He married Donna Mattison in Windom, Minnesota on September 28, 1946. The funeral was at the Lowry Funeral Home on October 3 with graveside committal at Mountain View Cemetery in Big Timber.

November

Carrie L. Brannin
From the Big Timber Pioneer, November 6, 2008:
Carrie L. Brannin, 98, died on November 1, 2008 at the Pioneer Medical Center in Big Timber. She was born on July 15, 1910, in Pipestone, Minnesota to Ralph and Lucy Morley Bird. Her youth was spent in Illinois and the family moved to Harlowton in 1928. She married Lewis Brannin on December 29, 1930. The couple had three children. She requested no services.

Jean Moore
From the Big Timber Pioneer, December 4, 2008:
Jean Faw Moore died November 27 at the Pioneer Medical Center in Big Timber. She was born in Big Timber on July 1, 1927, the daughter of James A. and Venie J. Faw. She graduated from Sweet Grass County High School in 1946. She married Owen D. Moore on September 29, 1951. A celebration of her life was held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at the Big Timber Evangelical Church.

Marion Hoegger
From the Big Timber Pioneer, December 4, 2008:
Marion Hoegger was born in Munich, N.D. on Feb. 17, 1916. She married Werner Hoegger in Wisconsin on June 3, 1939. She was preceded in death by her parents Leon and Ida Schrag. She is survived by her husband, Werner. She died on November 27, 2008 at the Boulder Meadows Assisted Living in Big Timber. A memorial service was held on Dec. 5 at the Congregational Church.

December

Malcolm Hayes Goosey, Jr.
From the Big Timber Pioneer, December 11, 2008
Malcolm Hayes Goosey, Jr., 81, of Bozeman died December 1, 2008 in Billings from complications associated with Parkinson's disease. He was born in Big Timber on November 22, 1927 to Malcolm and Edna Goosey. He married Hazel Wheeler in Big Timber on July 15, 1948. He married Frances Wren in Augusta, Ga. on May 4, 1983. The couple moved to Bozeman in 1987. A memorial service was held December 13 at Bozeman United Methodist Church.

Carl Frederick Suhr
From the Big Timber Pioneer, December 11, 2008:
Carl Frederick Suhr was born October 1, 1925 to Ruth and Edward Suhr. He died December 8, 2008. He married Barbara Jean Wilcox on February 29, 1986. Viewing was December 12 at Stenberg Funeral Home. Services were Saturday, December 13th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Big Timber.

Eugene A. Alotrico Jr.
From the Big Timber Pioneer, December 25, 2008:
Eugene A. Alotrico, Jr. died December 16, 008 at the Pioneer Medical Center in Big Timber. He was born August 18, 1909 in Yonkers, New York. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Amaresi Alotrico, his brother George and his parents Gene and Marie Mangini Alotrico. Services were held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Big Timber with internment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant, NY.

Kathryn Osborn
From the Big Timber Pioneer, January 8, 2009:
Kathryn Osborne, 93, died December 30, 2008. Kathryn was born near Rapelje on July 6, 1915 to Elizabeth and William Zindler. She graduated from Rapelje High School. She married Walter Osborne on May 20, 1937 and had four sons. Walter died in August 1997. The couple built The Fort in Big Timber. Funeral services were set for January 3, 2009 at the Church of God with graveside committal following at Mountain View Cemetery. Lowry Funeral Home assisted with services.

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Copyright © 2008, 2009.
This page was last updated April 19, 2012.
It was created 12 March 2008 by Joan Shurtliff.