Heaven “Kissed an Angel Good Morning” on December 12th when Jean Anne Evans (McCarvel) Wirth was welcomed by her son, Robert, to heaven.

Jean was born on October 12, 1938 in Plentywood. Born to Helen and Russell “Chub” Evans, she was born minutes before her identical twin, Joan. They were the “dynamic duo” creating many crazy moments / memories as little girls and then teenagers. Raised in Medicine Lake, she was proud to be the sister to Bob, Mary and, of course, Joan. Always a sports fan, she loved being a “Honker.” Jean made her parents proud when she decided to attend Kinman Business University in Spokane, Wash. after her high school graduation. It was in Spokane that she met Francis McCarvel, a young lawyer. They married in August of 1963 and made their first home in Kalispell. Together they had four children - Cynthia, Russell, Angela and Robert. In 1970 they moved to Glendive. Shortly after Robert was born, Jean went to work as a bookkeeper for the McDonough, Cox and Simonton law firm, and years later, she worked for Getty Oil Company. Jean raised her four children in Glendive, supported by many dear friends in “Red Devil” country. 

In 1988 she moved to Casper, Wyo. to work for Texaco (formerly Getty Oil Co.) It was here that she met the love of her life, Andrew Wirth. They were married on July 6, 1991 and moved to Houston, Texas shortly after their wedding. Enjoying the warmer climate, new places to explore, Jean was most happy to have found an exercise center that had Jazzercise. “Jazzin’ Jean” couldn’t get enough of this aerobic dance activity and often went to class twice a day. 

Jean and Andy returned to Montana in 1998, making their home in East Helena. Enjoying time with her grandkids, traveling the state to attend country music concerts, she also was happy to be a member of the St. Cyril & Methodius Parish. She joined Crossroads Fitness Center which provided a variety of exercise opportunities and a wonderful group of friends that she loved spending time with each day. 

In 2013 Jean was diagnosed with lung cancer. Battling the disease for three years, it took its toll on her body and her mind. Hospitalized on December 9th, she was called to her heavenly home on December 12th. 

Jean is preceded in death by her son, parents, and brother Robert “Bob” Evans. 

She is survived and will be missed dearly by her husband, Andy; her children, Cynthia (Greg) Thornquist, Russell (Jacki) McCarvel, and Angela (Tom) Boos; sisters, Joan Ator and Mary (Joe) Tropila;  grandchildren, Halstyn and Kienan Stief, McLain Thornquist, Robert and Conor McCarvel and Jackson and Lauryn Boos; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and many wonderful friends. 

The family is extremely grateful to Dr. Weiner and his compassionate staff at the Cancer Treatment Center for caring for Jean these last three years. We thank all of them for making her smile and keeping her spirits happy during a difficult time in her life!

Viewing will be at 11 a.m. with the Mass of the Resurrection to be celebrated at 12 p.m. on Monday, December 19 at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W. Riggs Street in East Helena.  A snack reception will follow the Mass in the fellowship hall of the church. Interment will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 23 at Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials to the Robert G. McCarvel Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University in Billings at 1500 University Dr., Billings, MT 59101 or the Cancer Treatment Center at St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 E. Broadway St., Helena, MT 59601.  Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jean.

Evelyn L. Lewis passed away from natural causes on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 in Nampa, Idaho. 

Evelyn was born on April 17, 1930 to John and Otillia (Herrmann) Reiner. She lived in Crane, Mont. and attended Midway Country School. We later moved to Savage and went to school there. She was confirmed at Savage Lutheran Church in 1946. Our family moved to Glendive in 1947 and she worked at various jobs. She met Gayle Lewis and they were married on July 24, 1956 in Sidney. Evelyn also lived in Tioga, N.D., Williston and Plentywood.  She worked at the El Rancho motel for 3.5 years until moving back to Glendive in 1969. 

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; 4 brothers; 2 sisters; and a grandson, Bradley Jon Losleben. 

She is survived by her two daughters, Delma Reiner and Sharon Lewis of Nampa, Idaho; her two sons, Dean (Carolyn) Lewis of Nampa and Paul of Billings. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters; Alexa Lynn and Olivia Dawn. 

Evelyn will be cremated and buried with her parents in Savage Riverview Cemetery. 

Sharon Elizabeth Lowry, 78, daughter of Fred and Irene Bolton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 18, at Canyon Creek Memory Care in Billings. 

Sharon was born in Minot, N.D. on June 13, 1938. She spent her childhood in Sherwood, N.D. and graduated from Sherwood High School in 1956. In high school, Sharon was a cheerleader and worked part-time at the local café. After graduating from high school, Sharon attended and graduated from Minot State Teachers College in 1958 - she was also a cheerleader at Minot State. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Montana in 1980.  Sharon began a decades-long teaching career in 1958 as a fourth-grade teacher at Plentywood Elementary School in Plentywood. From 1958 through 2012, she taught elementary school in seven consecutive decades encompassing a 54-year timeframe in Plentywood, Glendive and Great Falls.

Sharon was independent, somewhat unique and forward thinking for her generation, initially forging her own career path as a young female in the 1950s and 1960s before marrying and starting a family. While teaching at Plentywood Elementary School in the 1960s, Sharon met her husband, Robert (Bob) Lowry III. After marrying in 1966, Bob and Sharon had four kids: twins Robert IV and Jeanie in 1967, Michael in 1968, and Jonathan in 1981. Sharon dedicated the majority of her time in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s raising her children and attending their athletic and music events. When raising her children, she was an iconic homemaker, selflessly putting the needs of her family ahead of her own, cooking remarkable meals and baking delicious desserts, while ensuring the needs of her husband and children were always met. 

Sharon was an avid reader and loved animals. Throughout the decades she owned and cared for countless dogs, cats and birds, and often stated if not for her career in education, she would have become a veterinarian. She was vibrant and energetic and kept herself in phenomenal physical condition, walking two miles every day.  When the weather cooperated, you would find Sharon in her yard and tending to her garden, always surrounded by her pets.

Throughout the years, Sharon dedicated her life to raising her kids, taking care of her family, caring for her pets and teaching her students. Her life was admirably defined by her love for her family, her pets and the students she taught. 

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Irene Bolton, and her husband, Robert Lowry III.  

She is survived by her brothers, Fred Bolton and Tom Bolton; son, Robert Lowry IV; daughter, Jeanie (Lowry) Pierce; son, Michael Lowry; son, Jonathan Lowry; and grandchildren, Janeigh Lowry and Robert Lowry V. 

A private service for the family will be held.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in memoriam are welcomed at the website: RobertLowryMemorialFund.com or at the Robert Lowry Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 16554, Missoula, MT 59808.

Helen J. Dye, age 74, of Seymour, Tenn. passed away Monday, December 19, 2016 at the family home.

Before moving to Tenn., Helen for many years handled parts for autos and agricultural equipment in Glendive. She loved gardening, “digging in the dirt”, and everything Tennessee. She loved crocheting, especially Christmas bells and scenes. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lester D. & Irma L. Hutchison; sister, Donna Mack; and grandson, Gabriel Dye. 

Survivors include her husband, Robert “Bob” Dye; sons, Gary (Kelly) Dye of Williston, N.D. and Ronald “Ron” and partner Sue Smith of Helena; grandchildren, Amber & Chad Long of Glendive, Aaron Dye of Grand Forks, N.D., and Megan Dye of Williston, N.D.; great-grandchildren, Annabell Dye, Makenna Dye, Hailee Long and Hanna Long; brothers & sisters-in-law, Jim & Merilynn Hutchison of Palm Springs, Calif. and David & Helen Hutchison of Lewiston, Mont.; Sister, Marilyn K. Lutter of Lubbock, Texas; as well as many nieces, nephews and other family. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Thompson Cancer Survival Center, 1915 White Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37919. As per Helen’s wishes no services are scheduled at this time. A Celebration of Life may be held at a later date. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.

Kenneth Fred Johnson passed away on December 18, 2016 in Helena at the age of 91. 

Funeral services for Ken were held at Big Sky Funeral Home in East Helena on December 23. Burial followed at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Helena, with full military honors.

Kenny was born in Frederic, Wis. to Fred and Agnes Johnson on January 15, 1925. He attended high school in Grantsburg, Wis., graduating in 1942. At the age of 21, Ken was asked by his country to serve in the U.S. Army, where he found his calling as an Electronics Technician during the last year of World War II. After leaving the service, he worked as a technician for Bell Telephone Company in many different locations, including Glendive in the 1950s and 1960s, Helena, and Sandy, Utah, before retiring to Rio Rancho, N.M.

Ken met his wife Hazel Morel while working in Glendive. They were married on March 5, 1960. This year they had celebrated their 56th Anniversary.

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Hazel; sons, Gary Johnson of Albuquerque, N.M. and Douglas Johnson of Helena; sister, Shirley; brother-in-law, Dan; grandson Kevin; and one great-grandson.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Agnes; his sister, Elsie; and his son, David Fred Johnson.

Ken enjoyed life greatly, and cared deeply for everyone around him. He especially liked being a boy scout leader, where he affected many young lives in the Glendive area, and he loved learning how to pilot a plane

Expressions of sympathy may be added to the tribute wall at www.helenafunerals.com, and may be sent to the family c/o Gary Johnson, 12899 Central Ave. NE, Apt. 300, Crest Ridge Apartments, Albuquerque NM 87123.

John Henry Patrick Moerman, age 86, of Glendive passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at his home in Glendive. 

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive with Reverend Avis Anderson officiating. Interment will be held at the Wibaux Cemetery in Wibaux  at a later date. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

John was born on April 27, 1930 in Glendive to Anton “Tony” and Martha (Halsbergan) Moerman. He was raised and educated in Wibaux and graduated high school with the class of 1949. He stayed on the family ranch north of Wibaux by Blue Mountain where he farmed and ranched until he retired and sold the farm in 1995. In 1958, John married Irene Wittenberg, and to this union three children were born; Doug, Sonya and Christine. This marriage later ended in divorce. On June 6, 1998, John married Cheryl Holden in Billings. The couple resided in Huntley until 2005, when they moved to Glendive and have resided there since.

When John was young, he liked model airplanes. Throughout his life he enjoyed ranch work, feeding cows and fixing fences. He never liked to throw anything away, because anything that creates a shadow has value.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

John is survived by his wife, Cheryl of Glendive; his children, Doug (Karen) Moerman of Sidney, Sonya Lam of Midlothian, Va., and Christine Moerman of Chesterfield, Va.; grandchildren, Amanda DeMasters of Middleburg Heights, Ohio, and Anthony Moerman of Shelby, Mont.; Cheryl’s children, Ric (Jan) Holden of Glendive, Janell (Mick) McCaslin of Salt Lake City, Utah, Rod (Dale) Holden of Denver, Colo., and Jodi (Matt) Welch of Belgrade; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step grandchildren, and step great-grandchildren.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at:www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Another angel joined the heavenly choir.  Beverly Jean Dahl was born on August 7, 1926. She was the 2nd child and only daughter of Henry F. Dahl and Naomi Potter Dahl.  “Sis” had 3 brothers.  Kenny was older,  Johan (John) and Gary were quite a bit younger. Mom helped her dad outside and then came inside and helped her mom clean, cook and do other chores.  Life was not easy growing up.

Mom attended a country school thru 8th grade.  She attended high school in Glasgow and stayed with her grandparents during the week. She graduated from Glasgow High School. After high school, she worked one year on the ranch and then moved to Portland, Ore. and worked for Western Union.    She often rode the last running night bus to get home.  She made lifelong friends in the short time she was there.

She returned to Montana because of a special person.  Bev married Henry Pankratz , the love of her life, on March 4, 1948. They made their home in Wolf Point with their 3 children:  Janice, Roger and Arlyn. Mom was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, taught Sunday school, belonged to various organizations and worked as a bank teller. They square danced, bowled and enjoyed camping and fishing. Life was going along smoothly, when Hank was tragically killed  in 1966. This turned her world upside down. She said that she felt God’s hands surrounding her and comforting her during this time.

In 1968, she married Ray Roberts. She gained all of Ray’s sisters and brothers and their families. There were many Roberts’ family reunions throughout the following years. Ray and Bev lived in Glendive for many years. They loved to dance and they traveled throughout the U.S. in their RV. They wintered in Apache Junction, Ariz. for at least 10 years, where they worked on their golf game.

Bev was a member of ESA Sorority (a service organization) for 35 years. She held various offices and as state president, she had the pleasure of meeting Danny Thomas the founder of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Mom was also historian several times…she was scrap booking before it became popular! She volunteered at Eastmont, where she worked with handicapped children.

Age has a way of changing people, and it was in 2009, that Mom and Ray moved into assisted living at “The Crossings” in Laurel. In January, 2012; Ray passed away and Mom moved in with her daughter in Bridger, Mont.  Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s had a firm grip on her.  However, mom could still speak, her eyes twinkled and she had her wonderful laugh.  Alzheimer’s continued to steal away our mother little by little.  Surrounded by love at home, Mom passed on Friday, December 16, 2016.

She was preceded in death by both husbands; her parents; her brothers, Kenny and John; her granddaughter, Brandi Pankratz; and great-grandson George Wassman.  Many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law also went on before her.

She is survived by one brother, Gary Dahl of Lustre, Mont.; her children,  Janice (Bob) Goetz of Bridger, Roger (Laurie) Pankratz of Baker, and Arlyn (Janet) Pankratz of Lustre; her grandchildren, Jennifer (Larry) Stern, Jeremy (Elizabeth) Goetz, Courtney (Josh) Waggener, Caitlin (Steve)Yates, Hannah Goetz (Jeff), Craig (Sacha) Pankratz, Darcy (George)Wassman, Kari Pankratz (fiancée Cody),  Chris (Crissa) Abercrombie, Marc Pankratz (Jamie), and Shelley (Kris) Keller. She has 14 great-grandchildren and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and cousins that also survive.

We would like to thank the Beartooth Billings Clinic hospice nurses and staff. A special thank you to Beth for her loving care of Mom and to Shirley for watching over mom, also.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28, at Clayton-Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point.  Viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Floyd O’Brien will be officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Dennis Howard was a man who loved the Lord, was utterly devoted to his family, was generous to a fault and embraced life with passion.  Dennis walked into the arms of his precious Savior on December 29, 2016, at his home in Hettinger, N.D. after a sudden heart attack.

Born in Glendive on October 27, 1948, to William Arthur and Bette Lou (Boese) Howard, he was the eldest of five sons and attended Glendive schools and later Dickinson High School where he began his life-long hobby of ham radio, which he was active in until the present. A highlight of his ham career was teaching his grandsons the art and seeing all four of them become licensed radio operators earlier this year.

In Dickinson, Dennis met and married his beloved Ruth Viland on February 14, 1975.  The couple lived in Glendive where they were blessed with two sons, Wade and Derric. They also lived in Denver and Bismarck while Dennis worked for AT&T, and retired to Hettinger recently to be close to children and grandchildren.  

Dennis loved to give. He was a fervent supporter of Trails End Ranch Bible Camp in Montana and Jungle Aviation and Radio Service. He sang throughout his life at every opportunity, be it in concert, choir or around the dinner table with family.  He loved to spend weeks in the fall in his “other office” -- driving grain cart for his farming brothers-in-law near Wahpeton, where he would eagerly welcome any of his great-nieces to ride with him.  He delighted in treating his kids and grandchildren to family trips to the Oregon Coast and dazzling them with his kite flying. And he couldn’t get enough of giving his grandsons Legos.

Dennis would want those who miss him to know he’s with the Lord, and is finally learning what heaven is really like after having repeatedly read and lead Bible studies on Randy Alcorn’s book Heaven. Those who know him well already know he’s singing there!

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, William and Bette; his parents-in-law, Viar and Alma Viland; and a brother, Nathan Howard.

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 41 years, Ruth, of Hettinger; his sons, Wade (Kerri) of Hettinger, and Derric (Amanda) of Hampshire, England; grandchildren, Isaac, Levi, Luke and Elijah Howard of Hettinger and Emma and Alice Howard of Hampshire, England; brothers, Joel (Betsey) Howard of Meridian, Idaho, Phillip of Cascade, Mont., and Jon (Cecile) of Lake Worth, Fla.,; sister-in-law, Joliene of Billings; brothers and sisters-in-law Dave and Donna Viland of Bloomington, Minn., Reuben and Beth Viland of Valley City, N.D., Eldon and Betty Hermunslie of Wahpeton, N.D., Tom and Sue Viland of Walcott, N.D., and Tim and Evonne Viland of Wahpeton, N.D.; many nephews, nieces and great-nephews and great-nieces; and a large community of ham radio operators that he interacted with regularly.

Memorial donations may be made to Trails End Ranch for their Multi-purpose Building Project:  Trails End Ranch in Ekalaka, Mont.

The funeral service for Dennis Howard, age 68 of Hettinger, will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Hettinger Lutheran Church in Hettinger, N.D. with Pastor Brad Burkhalter officiating.  Burial will be in the Hettinger Cemetery.

A family service will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening, January 3, 2017 at the Centennial Chapel of the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Hettinger.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, January 2, 2017 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Centennial Chapel of the Evanson-Jensen Funeral Home in Hettinger.

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

Marti Vee Hill, of Glendive, moved back home to heaven, on December 25, 2016 at the Billings Clinic Hospital at the age of 53. 

Marti was born December 23, 1963, in Glendive, the first born daughter to Otis and Jean (King) Hill.

Marti is survived by her mother, Jean (Otis) Hill, of Glendive; sister, Cara (Darren) Hill-Thompson, of Glendive; niece, Samantha (Scott) Murphy and their children Landen, Lincoln, Taylor, and Skylar, of Dickinson, N.D.; nephew, Jeremiah Thompson, of Glendive; boyfriend, Sean McMahon, of Glendive; and her companion pug, Shelby.

She is preceded in death by her father, Otis Hill; her maternal grandparents, Charles and Martha King; and her paternal grandparents, Charles and Verna Hill.

Marti will always be remembered as a light hearted, storytelling, caring woman who had an unconditional love for her friends and family.

A memorial service for friends and family will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, January 2, 2016 at the Westside Baptist Church in Glendive. Reception to follow, thereafter.

Leona Elizabeth (Bares) Popiel, age 102, of Glendive, passed away on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 in Billings. 

Visitation will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glendive with Father Francis Schreiber officiating. Rite of committal will follow in Dawson County Cemetery. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Leona was born on November 20, 1914, to Anthony H. and Anna (Schwinghammer) Bares in Golva, N.D. on the family farm. During her first and second high school years she lived with a family and worked for her room and board. During her third year she lived with a friend and rented an apartment. Her fourth year of high school, she got to drive a Model T Ford back and forth to school from the farm. She graduated high school from Golva. She wanted to go on to school in Dickinson, N.D. to become a teacher, but she was going with Joe and her Dad “wouldn’t pay for school if she was just going to get married.” 

She met Joe L. Popiel when she was 14 at a dance at St. Phillips, Mont. She and Joe were married on November 20, 1935 on Leona’s 21st birthday. They lived in Beach, N.D. and Wibaux for a short time, then moved to Golva. They farmed, hauled coal, delivered milk and eggs, and owned and ran Joe’s Food Market. Leona loved working in that store and carefully balanced the books. They provided credit and food during the difficult depression years. Oranges were very scarce during the depression and they made sure that every family had at least one on every Christmas Eve. They also opened the store after church on Sunday morning so the people who shopped in Beach could pick up what they forgot to buy. Later, Leona also worked at Dawson County High School for a number of years. 

Joe and Leona moved to Glendive and Leona lived in the home that Joe built until she was 90. She then moved to an apartment at Grandview Retirement Home and resided there until the age of 97, when she moved to Tendernest Assisted Living in Laurel/Billings, where she resided there until the time of her death. 

Leona sewed for her family; she made many of her children’s clothes and every one of her children and grandchildren have more than one of her homemade quilts. She also had a beautiful flower garden and a large vegetable garden, which she canned all of the produce. Leona was famous for her homemade buns and canned fruit, and people would often stop by to enjoy them for dessert. She loved to dance and loved to “Go.” She enjoyed several cruises and many trips. She was the family matriarch who kept her children coming “HOME.” 

Leona was a member of the Catholic Daughters, Court of St. Catherine, Altar Society and Women of the Moose. She was one of the original organizers of the Quilters at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe L. Popiel; oldest son, Donald L. Popiel; one great-granddaughter, Michelle Fasching; and one great-great-granddaughter Hannah Bishr.

Leona is survived by nine children, Carol (Mike) Fasching, Norman (Carolyn) Popiel, James L. Popiel, Joyce (Ben) Koffler, Annette (Dennis) Schwartz, Michael (Cheri) Popiel, Randy (Michelle) Popiel, Rita (Marvin) Nemitz, and Patty (Wayne) Meidinger; twenty-seven grandchildren; forty-seven great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. 

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Hazell Kutzler, age 81, of Glendive, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2016 at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, N.D. 

A celebration of her life is planned for this summer and will be announced at a later date. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Hazel was born on August 28, 1935 in Bloomfield, the daughter of Lloyd and Garda (Egeness) Spencer. She lived on a farm near Bloomfield and attended 7 Mile School in that area. She and Chuck Tillman were the last kids to graduate from the 8th grade there. She attended Dawson County High School in Glendive, graduating with the class of 1953. Hazell was united in marriage to Harold Kutzler on November 6, 1953 in Glendive and they spent 63 years together.

Hazell worked at Montana Dakota Utilities until they started a family and then she became a stay-at-home mom. When the kids were older she started working at TAB Electronics, Inc. as a secretary. After 28 years of service at TAB she retired to work on her hobbies.

Hazell was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, a past member of the credit committee at Badlands Credit Union and a member of the Porcupine Quilters Group. She enjoyed ceramics, needlework, canning the produce from their gardens, family history and quilting. She especially enjoyed the twice a year quilt retreats she attended. Both her work in family history and her talent with quilting were shared with immediate and extended family. Some projects she combined the family history and quilting to create memory quilts with pictures and dates to be cherished forever.

Hazell was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Marvin Spencer; sister-in-law, Bev Spencer; sister-in-law, Loretta Spencer; granddaughter, Sara Hansen; and son-in-law, Faron Hansen. 

She is survived by her husband, Harold and her daughters, Marilyn Kutzler and Peggy Hansen all of Glendive; her son, Ron Kutzler of Bismarck, N.D.; grandson, Trent Hansen of Glendive; granddaughter, Kayla Kutzler of Bismarck; two great-granddaughters, Bailee Stevens and Rebecca Christmann of Bismarck; and another great-grandchild to be born in 2017; her brother, Vernon Spencer; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Patrick Brophy, age 63, of Glendive, passed away on Saturday, December 31, 2016 at the Billings Clinic in Billings.  

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 6, 2017 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glendive with Father Francis Schreiber officiating. Interment will be in the Brophy Family Cemetery South of Wibaux at a later date. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Pat was born on July 5, 1953 in Beach, N.D., a son of John James and Frances Emily (Koffler) Brophy. He was raised and educated in Wibaux, graduating from Wibaux High School with the class of 1972. During high school he played football for the “Longhorns,” whose mascot was nicknamed “Broph” after all the Brophy’s who played there. Shortly after graduating from high school, Pat married Phyllis Boyce on October 7, 1972 in Glendive and to this union two children were born.

Pat worked various jobs for a few years before beginning his career with the railroad in 1976. Pat really loved working for the railroad, however an accident in 1985 forced him to retire early.

Pat had many hobbies, and especially enjoyed hunting, paddle fishing and shooting.  As a member of the NRA, Pat was a gun enthusiast and considered by many a “Gun Doctor.” He was a very talented gunsmith and enjoyed all guns from antique to modern. He would talk guns to anyone who gave him the chance. Pat was a hunter safety instructor for many years and loved getting new people involved in shooting sports.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Frances; brother, Mike Brophy; and an infant brother.

Pat is survived by his wife, Phyllis of Glendive; daughter, Tracy Brophy of Glendive; son, Corey (Jen) Brophy of Belle Plaine, Minn.; one granddaughter, Darian Buel and one grandson, Nathan Buel; two sisters, Barb York and Mary (Warren) Thomas; two brothers, Jim (Maureen) Brophy and John (Betty) Brophy; one aunt, Katherine Brophy; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Rynette Nina Ingebretson Coon, age 67, of Glendive, went to the Lord on January 12, 2017 at the Billings Clinic after complications from open heart surgery.  

Visitation will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, January 16, 2017  at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. A family and friends service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, January 16, 2017 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at the Evangelical Church of North America in Glendive with Pastor David Steinbron officiating. Interment will follow at the Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements. 

Rynette was born on July 27, 1949 to Ruth and Orville Ingebretson in Fargo, N.D. and they lived in Moorhead, Minn. until 1952. They then moved to Wolf Point where she lived until she graduated from the Wolf Point High School in 1967. Her claim to fame was the picture of her standing in front of the burning high school taking a picture with Terry’s letterman jacket on. It was put into a photo competition and on the front page of the newspaper. While in Wolf Point, she worked as a CNA at the hospital and had always enjoyed telling stories of her experiences there.  

She married Terry Allen Coon, her high school sweetheart, on August 23, 1967.  They were married for forty-five years before he passed away in 2012.  They moved to Glendive in 1969 so Terry could work in the trucking business with his father Lee Coon. Their daughter, Tara, was born in 1971 and son, Rhett, in 1974. During the late 80’s and early 90’s Rynette worked as an activities assistant at the Glendive Nursing Home where she enjoyed taking the residents fishing, to the circus or anywhere else adventurous.  

Rynette was so proud of her children and grandchildren and loved to be in the middle of all of her grandchildren’s activities. Chantz Hubing (18) and Blayne Hubing (15) hooked her up to Snapchat and texting and she spent many hours a day talking or texting with the two boys.  Taven Coon (13) and Ramey Coon (10) kept her busy attending their many activities in town. She followed Chantz and his music, Blayne with his rodeo and basketball, Ramey with her dance, and Taven with his basketball. Chantz began calling her “Ga” as a baby when he could not pronounce Grandma, and it stuck—so we had Ga and Pa. She continued to be a support to her children at their jobs- Tara is a school counselor at the Circle Public Schools and Rhett owns and operates Coon Construction in Glendive.  

Rynette was strong in her faith and a prayer warrior for any and all people in need.  She was sure to praise the Lord when times were good as well as when things were not so good. She was a member of the Glendive Evangelical Church for many decades.

Rynette loved reconnecting with old classmates and treasured cousins on Facebook.  She was looking forward to her 50th class reunion this summer. Another favorite pastime was crocheting.  She could read any type of pattern and make anything that anyone requested. She was always offering to help someone learn how to crochet and met many new crochet friends in Circle.  Her license plates said “CROSHYR”—and it gave her a chuckle when it stumped people.  She became an avid Circle Wildcat fan and would rarely miss any type of sporting event or concert. There were many new friendships made in Circle and she appreciated how she was accepted into the community.  

Rynette was one of the most giving people you would ever meet. She prayed for others, made prayer shawls and offered help when she could. Even while in the hospital, she felt bad for everyone else in there. She drove a Suburban so she could fit lots of people in it and take them places. She and her friend, Bonita, would drive to Wibaux for supper or drive around town. After Terry passed away, Rynette continued to operate Terry Coon Trucking and was fully involved in every aspect of the business.  

Rynette was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth Erickson Ingebretson and Orville Ingebretson; and her husband, Terry. 

She is survived by her children, Tara (Jon) Hubing of Circle, and Rhett (Tiffany Jimison) Coon of Glendive; grandchildren, Chantz Hubing, Blayne Hubing, Taven Coon and Ramey Coon; brother, Curt (Joy) Ingebretson of N.C.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Larry and Becky Coon of Glendive, Linda Sibley of Nashua, Mont., and Brant and Judy Nordwick of Shoshoni, Wyo.; and numerous nieces and nephews.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Rynette’s name are suggested to be made to Redwater Valley Bank, 300 Main Street, Circle, Mont. 59215 for a memorial bench to be placed at McCone County Fairgrounds.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Robert Arthur Scherz, age 85, of Glendive, passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at the Glendive Medical Center in Glendive. 

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at Bethlehem Mennonite in Bloomfield with Pastor Darrell Nefzger officiating. Interment will follow at Bethlehem Mennonite Cemetery in Bloomfield. Silha Funeral Home in Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Robert met Faye Thomas and they were married on April 10, 1951 in Holdrege, Neb. Together, they had five children, three sons and two daughters; Michael of Idaho; Glen of Neb., who is married with three children; Glenda of Neb.; Kathleen Smith, who had 2 children; and Christopher of Glendive.

From the age of ten until retirement, Bob farmed, raising corn, wheat, alfalfa, wild hay, hereford cattle and rambouillet sheep. He liked hunting in season and trapping in the winter on the family farm. He liked the quiet, private life of the farm. He was a lucky guy, his in-laws all loved him.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Orpha Scherz; and daughter, Kathleen Smith.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

James (Jim) Virgil Christensen, age 91, of Glendive, passed away in the evening on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at the Wibaux County Nursing Home in Wibaux, with his wife of 63 years at his side. 

Cremation has taken place and services will be held at a later date at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, S.D. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements. 

Jim was born on March 29, 1925 to Louie and Agnes (Mayhew) Christensen in Parkston, S.D. He grew up on the family farm and attended schools in the Parkston area. He served in the United States Army during World War II and the Korean Conflict from 1945 to 1952. He was honorably discharged in 1952.

He married Joan Heisinger in 1953 in Parkston. To this union five sons were born: William (Bill), James (Jim), Robert (Bob), Thomas (Tom), and Daniel (Dan). They moved to Glendive in 1966. An active Teamster for most of his career, Jim worked for several road construction contractors and was a truck driver for Cenex Transportation until his retirement in May of 1992. Jim had a contagious smile and was a true country gentleman, always willing to lend a helping hand.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Francis, Ione and Jim’s twin sister June; his brothers, Leon and Charles (twins), Sergeant William Christensen K.I.A. WWII, and Charles II; and his infant daughter Mary Margaret.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Joan (Heisinger); five sons, William (Terri) of Billings, James of Sheridan, Wyo., Robert (Caroline) of Denver, Colo., Thomas (Roberta) of Glendive, and Daniel (Peggy) of Pocatello, Idaho; six grandchildren, Nathan and Erika (Bill’s children), Isaac and Alec (Tom’s children), and Caleb and Denton (Dan’s children); and two great-grandchildren, Addy and Easton.

From Jim’s own words:

“May the sadness in our hearts today be filled with pleasant memories; I would want this for us.”

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Sheila Raye Fultz passed away, peacefully at home with her family on January 7, 2017 in Glendive at the age of 66.

Sheila was born May 6, 1950 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Dickinson, N.D. to Phylis Irene (Kessel) Roth and John Dean Roth. She attended school in Belfield, N.D. and college at Dickinson State University, University of North Dakota, and Sheridan College. Sheila had unlimited adventures growing up with her numerous siblings and various pets in N.D. and enjoyed sharing tales of her childhood.

After attending college in N.D., she spent time in Ariz. (Flagstaff, Sedona and Tucson) where she met her husband. Sheila married Arthur Preston Fultz on May 18, 1975. In 1981, they relocated with their children to Sheridan, Wyo. Sheila and Art moved with their youngest daughter to Glendive to be closer to family in 1994. Sheila loved children and worked in various positions that impacted young lives including, most recently, as a paraprofessional at Jefferson Elementary School in Glendive.

Sheila is survived by her husband, Arthur Fultz of Glendive; her children, Cher Fultz of Salt Like City, Utah, Terisa Clark of Durango, Colo., and Jessica Fultz-Aho of Pocatello, Idaho; her grandchildren, Maia and Levi Clark of Durango, Colo., and Olavi Aho of Pocatello, Idaho; her siblings, Dena Hoff, Craig Roth, Stephanie Roth, John Roth, P. Kelley Roth, Morey Roth, Amy Myran and Cale Roth; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on June 10, 2017 at 3 p.m. in Glendive.

Jodell (Jody) Lea Rahr-Dunkin, age 60, of Billings, passed away on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at the Billings Clinic in Billings. 

Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 20, 2017 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive with Pastor Will Johnson officiating. Interment will be held in Dawson Memorial Cemetery. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Jody was born in Glendive on January 16, 1956 to John and Virginia Rahr. She attended Washington Middle School, spent one year at Lutheran Academy in Mobridge, S.D., and came back to graduate from Dawson County High School. After graduation, she enrolled at Miles Community College and graduated with a nursing degree. She furthered her training in Phoenix, Ariz., specializing in intensive care. In 1987, Jody moved to Nashville, Tenn. to work for Baptist Hospital, where she was the care management heart failure coordinator. She met and married David Dunkin. To this union, a baby girl, Kaylea, was born. In 2014, Jody and Kaylea moved to Billings and Jody began working as a registered nurse for Billings Clinic. 

Jody was always very independent and wanted to take care of her own life. She enjoyed caring for others, including her three younger brothers. She went so far as to feed them enough tea and snacks that they would begin to feel sick, or sometimes dressed them in girl clothes. This ended when the boys were old enough to escape on their horses and 3-wheelers. Jody also loved to cook, but could never get down the art of noodle making. She always cut the noodles too wide in order to move on to the next task.

Jody was the best and most caring mother Kaylea could have been given. Jody worked endlessly to help prepare Kaylea for a happy, healthy life.

Jody is preceded in death by her father, John.

Jody is survived by her mother, Virginia Rahr of Glendive; daughter, Kaylea Dunkin of Billings; brothers, John (Kim) Rahr of Glendive, James (Heather) Rahr of Billings, and Jeff Rahr of Glendive; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.  

Carol Loella Dougherty, age 74, died from complications from corticobasal degeneration at her home in Greeley, Colo. with her family on Sunday, January 15, 2017. 

Carol was born on June 20, 1942 to Norma and Clinton Anderson on a farm five miles east of Minnewaukan, N.D. After graduating in a class of 12 students at Minnewaukan High School in 1960, she attended the University of North Dakota. Carol graduated from UND in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree major in speech correction. She later received her master’s degree in speech pathology from Minnesota State University, Moorhead, in 1995. She began her career in Utica, N.Y., before returning to North Dakota in 1965, taking a job as a speech pathologist in the Lakota, N.D. public schools school system at Lakota, N.D. She met Jim Dougherty, a fellow teacher. They were married on July 2, 1966, in Minnewaukan. They moved to Glendive, where they lived, worked and raised a family for the next 38 years. Carol spent time raising their three children, but worked many years as a speech pathologist at different stages of her career in the Glendive public schools, for a collection of school districts in eastern Montana, at hospitals and the St. Labre School in Montana. In 1971, she was part of a group of mothers in Glendive who helped establish Christopher Robin Nursery School, which is the longest-running parent co-operative preschool in the state of Montana. In the 1970s, Carol became the director of religious education at Sacred Heart Parish in Glendive, and in the early 1980s, she was a library assistant at Dawson County High School. She rounded her professional career in speech pathology before retiring.  

Jim and Carol moved to Greeley, Colo. in 2014. Carol enjoyed writing classes at the University of Northern Colorado, where she learned and was guided in writing her memoir. They also enjoyed the bible studies and faith community that they joined at St. Mary’s Church in Greeley, a special place to celebrate Easter and Christmas when their family gathered for the holidays.

Survivors include Jim; their three children, Mike and his girlfriend Michelle of Rochester, Minn., Brian and his wife Elsa of Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Ann and her husband Vincent of Evans; a brother, Harry and his wife Margaret and their two children, Eric and Cory of Weatherford, Texas; five grandchildren, Jack, Katherine and Martha of Rochester, Minn., and Logan and Katerina of Evans.

The funeral will be held at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 19 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greeley. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, January 18 at Stoddard Funeral Home in Greeley.

Please visit www.stoddardsunset.com to sign an online guestbook.

Betty Louise Liebelt, age 86, went to be with the Lord on January 18, 2017 at the Holy Rosary Extended Care in Miles City.

Betty and her twin brother Raymond were born on October 13, 1930. Raymond always hated it when Betty teased him that she was 20 minutes older. They were born in Hammond, Ind. to Gertrude and AJ Marsh. When she was 5 years old they moved to Shelby, Ind. where she attended school.

When Betty was 14 she got her first job at a gas station/convenience store. One day a man stopped at the store and asked Betty to put some oil in his car. Betty, not knowing where to put the oil, poured it all over the motor. Closing the hood she said “there you go and have a nice day”. She never did learn where the oil went in a car.

Betty was 15 when her cousin Rena came to her and said “come to Montana with me. You have a lot of relatives you have never met.” So Betty packed up and got on a train and made the long trip to Montana. She moved to Fairview where she worked in a restaurant and had her own apartment and enjoyed meeting all the Montana relatives.

One day she was babysitting for her cousin Lucy Liebelt when Lucy’s brother-in-law Elmer came to help work the sheep. One thing led to another and Elmer and Betty were married on May 3, 1947. They were married 67 years. They lived in Savage where they had two daughters, Gloria and Deborah.

In 1950 Elmer got the job with the Montana Highway Department and they moved to the Flowing Wells. The day they moved there was a big snow storm and they had to shovel snow out of the house before Elmer could go plow snow on the highway and Betty and the two girls stayed in the one room house with no heat and no lights. (They forgot to bring kerosene for the lamp.) So began their life at the Flowing Wells. During their time there 3 more joined the family; Bryan, Audrey and Mary.

They later moved to Sidney, then Glendive and finally Miles City. Betty was the Flowing Wells rest area caretaker for many years. While in Sidney she was a cook at the school, housekeeper at a hotel and a CNA at the hospital. In Glendive she was a housekeeper at the hospital. Betty and Elmer were maintenance and janitors at the Lutheran Churches in Sidney and Glendive. She enjoyed traveling to visit family. Betty spent the last few years at the Extended Care at Holy Rosary Hospital. She loved her time there and always had a full dish of candy for the CNA’s and Nurses. She loved to play bingo and she won a lot of stuffed animals for the grandkids to play with when they came to visit. Betty loved to crochet; you never saw Betty without a crochet hook and yarn in her hands. She was proud of the ribbons that she won at the fair for her crochet items.

She is survived by her children, Bryan (Sheila Cramer) of Riverton, Utah, Audrey Bruckner of Miles City and Mary (David) Denowh of Machesney, Ill.; her grandchildren, Holly (Shane) Harbaugh, Lee (Charlotte) Billing, Ajay (Sally) Liebelt, Scott (Rebekah) Denowh, Joe Denowh and Matthew Liebelt; her great-grandchildren, Chantel (Bill) Brooks, Skylar Harbaugh, Ashlie Liebelt, Brittany Liebelt, Brooke Garnes, Kendra Garnes, Jakob Denowh and Madelyn Denowh; her great-great-grandchildren, Edward Brooks, Shayna Brooks and Jaxson Harbaugh; one son-in-law, Donald Pawlowski; sister-in-law, Christina Marsh; and brother-in-law Chad Mellinger. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Elmer; 2 daughters, Gloria Billing and Deborah Pawlowski; 2 sons-in-law, Joe Bruckner and Randy Billing; her parents; three brothers, Raymond, Clifford and Harry; 2 sisters, Mary Alice Shinkle and Anna Marie Marsh; sisters-in-law, Ada Marie, Betty, Virginia, Elsie, Alvinia, Bertha, Evelyn, Esther, Lydia,  Dolly and Lucy; brothers-in-law, Charlie, Alex, Arnold, Albert, Emil, Bob, and Bill; and several nieces and nephews.

A family to receive friends will be held on Tuesday, January 24, 2016 from 4-6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2016 at 1 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in Custer County Cemetery.  Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.

If desired, donations may be made to Holy Rosary Extended Care for Bingo games, because Betty loved to play Bingo.

Daphne Jill (Snow) Meyers, age 49, of Fargo, N.D., passed away January 19, 2017. 

Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at the Glendive Alliance church in Glendive.Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at the Alliance Church in Glendive, with Reverend Avis Anderson officiating. Interment will be held in Dawson County Cemetery. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Daphne entered this world in Billings October 24, 1967.  Her parents Dennis and Sandra Snow were so proud and excited. They lived in Conrad, Mont. for the first five years of her life. A big highlight of hers was when her brother Darren joined the family in 1970. From the beginning he was “her” brother. In her entire life no one ever doubted how special he was to her.

When they moved to Glendive in 1972 she began kindergarten at Mrs. Bold’s kindergarten, where she started making many lifetime friends like Lori (Mann) Couture and Mike Dougherty. They journeyed through 12 years gathering many more friends on the way. She still had these special people in her life.  She spent many years involved in swimming and attending many sporting events.  Never a dull moment in this young girl’s life! After graduating from Dawson County High School she attended Jamestown College in Jamestown, N.D. where, among other things, she was a dorm monitor. After graduating with a B.A. degree she moved to Philadelphia to live with Melissa Danielson to work in downtown Philly, where she met and later married Mark Meyers in Glendive. Eventually they moved to Fargo, where in 2001 their life was blessed with son Jacob Thomas Meyers. He truly put a spark in her life. After her divorce she continued to live in Fargo, a town she truly loved. She looked forward to Jacob’s many Fargo visits. 

Daphne was born to be a leader and an organizer. She was a certified Event Planner, at which she excelled. She started her own business, the Red Barn Group. At the time of her passing she was working at her dream job as Rental and Events Manager for the Fargo Red River Zoo.  A perfect combination—love of people, planning “events” and her love of animals. She also taught Event Planning at Moorhead State College as an adjunct professor. Daphne was also very proud to be a Rotarian and enjoyed helping with their many local and international endeavors. 

Daphne was a gift to all who knew her. God must have needed her so He called her home, much to the sorrow of her family and friends.

Daphne was preceded in death by many grandparents and a great uncle who all loved her. 

She leaves behind her son, Jacob of Cherry Hill, N.J.; her parents, Dennis and Sandy Snow of Glendive; her brother, Darren and his wife Devonna, who was a true sister to her; nephew, Craig, godchild, Reece and niece, Alexis, all of Bismarck, N.D.; she also leaves her grandmother Anna Dew of Glendive, who never loved anyone any more than Daphne. They had many exciting trips together to see the world. Her years in Glendive were also shared with two “siblings”, Shauna Faler and Shane Roberts, who lived at the Snow house. She leaves many family members and friends grieving, but holding tight to their favorite memories. 

She would have wanted any memorials made in her name to the Fargo Red River Zoo or Second Hand Paws in Glendive. There was never an animal she would not have wanted to help. Her beloved dog Penny was her latest “rescue” and brought her great joy. 

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.