Louella Marie McCormick, age 98, of Lindsay, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the Glendive Medical Center Extended Care in Glendive.  

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive with Pastor Will Johnson officiating. Interment will be in the Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Marie was born on July 17, 1919 to Linda and James A. Murphy in Shell Lake, Wis.  She and her two brothers were raised on the Murphy homestead south of Brockway, Mont. Marie grew up working hard doing farm and roadhouse chores. She received her grade school education in Brockway and her high school diploma in Terry, Mont. After graduation, she continued to work at home for a while. Then Marie moved to Billings where she worked at a bakery and attended beauty school. When a storm tore the homestead apart, she returned to help her brother. While at home, she met her future husband at one of the country dances she loved to attend.

Marie married Harvey Gilman McCormick on October 19, 1947 in Glendive. They resided on their farm/ranch north of Lindsay and raised six children. Gil passed away in 1974, and Marie continued to live on the farm until 2008 when she moved to Glendive.

Marie was an active member of Deer Creek Lutheran Church and Ladies Aide, Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Creek Homemakers Club, Lindsay Garden Club and the Lindsay Hall Association.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Phillip and Robert Murphy; and her husband, Gil.

Marie is survived by her six children, Patty (Terry) Struck of Billings, Mickee (Randy) Ebberson of Rapelje, Mont., John (Marla) McCormick of Lindsay, Larry (Carolyn) McCormick of Franktown, Colo., Al (Linda) McCormick of Billings and Karen (Dave) Campbell of Blue Ash, Ohio; also surviving are eleven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

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

Louella Marie McCormick, age 98, of Lindsay, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the Glendive Medical Center Extended Care in Glendive.  

Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive with Pastor Will Johnson officiating. Interment will be in the Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Marie was born on July 17, 1919 to Linda and James A. Murphy in Shell Lake, Wis.  She and her two brothers were raised on the Murphy homestead south of Brockway, Mont. Marie grew up working hard doing farm and roadhouse chores. She received her grade school education in Brockway and her high school diploma in Terry, Mont. After graduation, she continued to work at home for a while. Then Marie moved to Billings where she worked at a bakery and attended beauty school. When a storm tore the homestead apart, she returned to help her brother. While at home, she met her future husband at one of the country dances she loved to attend.

Marie married Harvey Gilman McCormick on October 19, 1947 in Glendive. They resided on their farm/ranch north of Lindsay and raised six children. Gil passed away in 1974, and Marie continued to live on the farm until 2008 when she moved to Glendive.

Marie was an active member of Deer Creek Lutheran Church and Ladies Aide, Zion Lutheran Church, Clear Creek Homemakers Club, Lindsay Garden Club and the Lindsay Hall Association.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Phillip and Robert Murphy; and her husband, Gil.

Marie is survived by her six children, Patty (Terry) Struck of Billings, Mickee (Randy) Ebberson of Rapelje, Mont., John (Marla) McCormick of Lindsay, Larry (Carolyn) McCormick of Franktown, Colo., Al (Linda) McCormick of Billings and Karen (Dave) Campbell of Blue Ash, Ohio; also surviving are eleven grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

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

Douglas Michael Meissner passed away peacefully at home with his wife of 40 years by his side in Billings on Sunday, January 21, 2018 at the age of 68, after an 18-month battle with cancer and kidney failure.

Doug is survived by his wife, Pamela; five sons, Christopher, Mark (Amy), Ryan, Adam (Emily), and Jeffrey (Laura); four grandchildren, Luke, Jake, Brooke, and Nova; and brothers, Gary (Pam), Rick (Carole), Tom (Debbie), Tim (Lonnie), and Ron; and countless cousins, nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Margaret.

Doug was born on August 24, 1949 in Bismarck, N.D. to Ray and Margaret Meissner. He spent his childhood running around his grandparents’ farm in Glen Ullin, N.D. with his five brothers. His father’s job as a store manager at JC Penney took the family to Minot, N.D., Plentywood, Mont., and Glendive. Doug attended Catholic parochial schools when he was young and played Babe Ruth baseball, eventually attending Dawson County High School in Glendive where he starred on the basketball and football teams. He graduated from high school in 1967 and from MSU-Billings in 1972 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He married Pamela Jean Waller in 1978, the love of his life. He started his career with Kmart Corporation in 1972 as an Assistant Manager Trainee in the Rapid City, S.D. store. He steadily climbed the corporate ladder at Kmart, taking his family to Bozeman, Mont., Boise, Idaho, Rexburg, Idaho, Bellevue, Wash., Tucson, Ariz., Los Angeles, Calif., Sacramento, Calif., and Rochester Hills, Mich.; eventually taking the role of Senior Vice President of Operations.  After a short stint with Blue River Financial in Grand Blanc, Mich., Doug moved with his wife back home to Montana where he started his second career with Brewer Dental Center in Billings, as their Chief Operating Officer. Of all his many professional accomplishments, he was most proud of the impact he made at Brewer Dental Center, the relationships he developed, and the culture and community that he helped to foster there.

Doug is remembered for his unwavering integrity, steadfast leadership, calm demeanor, un-matched work ethic, loyalty and stability that he brought to every situation. His family remembers his unconditional love, his incredible sense of humor, and his ability to captivate through telling great and memorable stories. Doug was most proud of the growth and development of his sons (and not shy about it), all who exemplify his qualities through his persistent mentorship. Nonetheless, he humbly attributed all his personal accomplishments and the men his sons became to his equally amazing wife, Pam. Nothing reveals this sentiment more than when in his last days, Doug said to Pam, “I’ve been with you over 40 years, and still, all I want is for you to be right by my side.”

In between all Doug’s personal and professional endeavors, he passionately enjoyed playing golf at every opportunity and fly fishing on the rivers of Montana – never more so than with his family, friends and colleagues.  Doug loved spending time with his entire family; he looked forward to Christmas and other family trips six months in advance, and frequently was the ringleader in organizing family reunions.

A memorial service is scheduled for 12 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral in Billings, with a reception to follow at the Knights of Columbus hall at 1:15 p.m. All are welcome to attend to celebrate Doug’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Riverstone Hospice, the American Cancer Society, or the National Kidney Foundation.

After many years of increasing pain, coupled with other issues, John Degel, age 67, of Malta, Mont., decided to leave this life on his own terms on January 24, 2018.

Memorial services will be held Monday, January 29 at 11 a.m. at the Kirkwood Memorial Chapel with full Military Honors.  Interment will be held at a later date. At his request, donations can be made to the Malta Food Bank. Condolences may be left at www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com.

John William Degel was born in Glendive on June 27, 1950, after the divorce of his father, Robert Harley Green and mother, Vivian Dorene Rathbun. She later married Anton “Tony” Degel in 1952 and he adopted John.  

John graduated from high school in Bozeman in 1968 and joined the Army, serving in Germany and Vietnam.  He served from 1968 to 1977 as a combat engineer, drill sergeant, military policeman and finally as a journalist, garnering many awards and decorations.  

In civilian life, his experiences ran the gamut from police officer, bartender, casino security officer, substitute teacher and entertainer – working all over Montana and in Colorado and Nevada.  In his final working years he returned to journalism, earning more than fifty state and national awards as a reporter and photographer with the Phillips County News in Malta.

He attended Montana State University in Bozeman, Western Montana College in Dillon and Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon, earning enough credits for a Master’s Degree in History and Theology, but left to pursue other interests.

John also entertained children in Illinois, California, Texas, Washington, DC and all along the Hi-Line in malls, schools, hospitals, library programs and county fairs as a magician, ventriloquist or as a real beard Santa. He was also an artist and sculptor with several one man shows in North Dakota and Montana. The upper windows of the Phillips County News (until it burned down) were covered with murals he painted representing the history of Phillips County.

Mounting health issues forced his retirement in 2012 and he stayed mostly at home reading, listening to music and working on the computer.

His father, Tony, died in 1986. A sister, Irene, died in 2010 and the death of a good friend, Robert LaVoy Finicum at the hands of FBI and OSP agents in Oregon in January, 2016, coupled with the death of his beloved mother in August, 2016, drove him into reclusive lifestyle.

He leaves behind his siblings: Mike, Joe, Paul, Kathi, Nikki, Mari and Pati, his beloved pets –dog, Caffie, and kittens, Randy and Misty.

Treasured friends included Jerry Depute, Fred and Pat Messerley, Thad and Suzanne Giblette, Philip Hotchkiss, Anna Shippen and Jim Layton.

Maxine M. (Ondracek) Raisl of Milwaukie, Ore. passed away on January 12, 2018 at age 87.

Maxine was born July 31, 1930 in North Bend, Neb. to Anton and Libby (Hines) Ondracek. She was the oldest of four children. After graduating from high school she received her teaching certificate and taught country school for two years. She met her future husband at a dance in 1947, setup by her father.

On November 22, 1949 she married the love of her life, Alvin E. Raisl.  They moved to Richey, Mont. where they farmed and ranched. Four of their children were born during their fourteen years in Montana. In 1963 they moved to Milwaukie, Ore. where Alvin and Maxine’s brother opened a meat plant. Later, Alvin worked at Cal-Ore Machine Co. Maxine was a stay-at-home mother. Their fifth, and last child, was born in Portland in 1965.  

Maxine was an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and YLI.  She also gained the title of KOP in the TOPS organization. Maxine volunteered at the Christie School and grade schools. She was a 4-H leader teaching cooking and sewing.  Reading, gardening, canning, sewing, dancing and playing cards were activities that she enjoyed. Maxine was a mom to everyone and never knew a stranger.  

Maxine is survived by her five children: daughters, Evelyn Lee of Milwaukie, Ore. and Annette (Loren) Finifrock of Athena, Ore.; sons, Gary (Liz) of Milwaukie, Ore., Ed (Lynn) of Tacoma, Wash., and David (Karmyn) of Milwaukie, Ore. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren; two great–grandchildren with one on the way; sister, Arlene Lemke of Brainard, Neb.; and brother, Tom (Lorrie) Ondracek of Duluth, Minn.  

She was preceded in death by her brother, Dennis Ondracek and her love, Alvin, on October 9, 2009. They were married almost 60 years.  

Maxine’s funeral will be Friday, March 9, 2018 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Milwaukie, Ore.  Rosary is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. with the funeral service at 12 p.m. There will be a reception immediately following the service. Maxine will be interned with Alvin at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Ore. She passed quietly surrounded by family.

Cards and condolences can be sent to the family at 5005 S.E. Aldercrest Rd. Milwaukie, OR 97222.

Wilhelm Portland Memorial Funeral Home in Portland, Ore. is handling the arrangements. 

www.wilhelmportlandmemorial.com

Ronald “Ron” Moran, age 54, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at his home in Billings. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 2, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glendive with Father Francis Schreiber officiating. Rite of Committal will follow in Dawson County Cemetery in Glendive. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Karlene Marie Burbach, age 77, of Glendive, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the Glendive Medical Center. 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive with Reverend Greg Lucido officiating. Interment will follow in Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Ann Cook, 88, Dickinson, died Monday, January 29, 2018 at the Glendive Medical Center Extended Care in Glendive. 

Ann’s memorial service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Dickinson with Brian Davidson officiating. Inurnment will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be on Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Ann was born to Hank and Alice (Prideaux) Aberson, January 11, 1930 in Dickinson. She graduated from Dickinson High School in 1948 and from Dickinson State Teachers College in 1950 where she earned a Standard Elementary Teaching Certificate. She married Rex Cook August 29, 1950. Ann taught elementary school in Hettinger, Gladstone, and was a substitute teacher in South Heart and Dickinson.

Ann was active in Eastern Star, PEO and Past Matrons. Ann was an avid Bridge player and belonged to many Bridge clubs throughout her life. She enjoyed walking and at one time was a 10K walking winner. She was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church and was very proud of her Dutch heritage.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Hank and Alice Aberson; and sisters, Marie Keizer and Jean Bratten.

She is survived by her husband, Rex; her children, Brian (Jennifer) Cook of Bennet, Colo. and Sally (Gerald) Reichert of Glendive; she was a loving and caring grandmother to Andy (Courtney) Cook of Dickinson, Matt (Jessica) Cook of Denver, Colo., Elizabeth Reichert (Matt Whiteside) of Los Angles, Calif., and Sam Reichert of Toulouse, France; and great-grandchildren, Abigail and Teddy Cook, Boden Whiteside, and Heidi Cook.

Arrangements are with Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, www.ladburyfuneralservice.com.

Vernon Llewellyn Spencer died peacefully on January 28, 2018 at home, surrounded by family, in Glendive at the age of 79.

Vernon was born August 10, 1938 in Glendive, the son of Lloyd and Garda Spencer.

He was raised on the family farm in Dawson County, where he learned his love for agriculture.

When he grew up he married the love of his life, and together they had 5 children.

He loved farming, especially swathing, baling and grinding hay, which he eventually turned into his business, Custom Haying Service.

He was president of Badlands Federal Credit Union for 15 years, and was an active board member for 35 years.

He enjoyed his hobbies of hunting, playing cards and cribbage with friends and family, and winning at blackjack.

Vernon is survived by his children, Arnie (Luanne) Spencer of Colorado Springs, Colo., Tammie Feisthamel of Marshall, Minn., Sue Frank of Glendive, and Lloie (Tom) Schultz of Belgrade; ten grandchildren, Kristi Wilcoxen of Denver, Jason (Rachel) Spencer of Colorado Springs, Mandi (Ian) Nelson of Mankato, Britni Feisthamel (Taylor) of New Hope, Shauna (Brett) Johnson of Glendive, Shaelyn (Richard) Snow of Glendive, Shyann Frank of Dickinson, Shantel Frank of Glendive, Aria (Tom) Woods of Bozeman, Spencer (Stephanie) Schultz of Detroit; and five great-grandchildren, Marilyn, Reese, Maryah, Erikka, and Becky; along with many great-nieces & nephews. Vernon was blessed with a bushelful of wonderful nieces and nephews and many caring and fun-loving friends.

He is preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Loretta Spencer; his sweet daughter, Lonnie Spencer; his caring parents, Lloyd and Garda Spencer; his kind-hearted brother, Marvin Spencer; and his creative sister, Hazell Kutzler.

Vernon had too many friends to mention, and he will be greatly missed by all. As his loving family we would like to extend our deep gratitude for each and every one for your help and support you have shown to our family over the years. Your care and his spirit will live in our hearts forever.

Memorial service to be scheduled at a later date.

Ronald “Ron” Moran, age 54, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at his home in Billings.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 2, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glendive with Father Francis Schreiber officiating. Rite of Committal will follow in Dawson County Cemetery in Glendive. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Ron was born on February 13, 1963 in Lewistown, Mont., a son of Patrick and Jeanne (Rutter) Moran. As a young child the family moved to Glendive, where Ron was raised and educated, graduating from Dawson County High School with the class of 1981. While in high school, Ron enjoyed sports, he was a member of the last Red Devil Football team to win a State Championship and in his senior year he was a member of the 1981 State Class A Basketball Championship team. He was also selected to play in the East West Shrine Football game. After high school, Ron attended Montana State University in Bozeman for one year before he transferred to the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, N.D. where he received an Associate’s Degree in Electronics Technology. Upon completing his education, he moved to Billings where he worked for St. Vincent’s Hospital for a few years before he was able to start working on his own from his home.  Ron continued to live in Billings until the time of his passing.

Ron enjoyed hunting and fishing, reading and learning.  He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge, as a young boy he read the entire encyclopedia from A to Z. Ron’s biggest love were his Golden Retrievers, Sparky and Spunky who preceded him in death and Princess and Annabelle who survive him.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Pat Moran.

Ron is survived by his mother, Jeanne Moran of Glendive; one brother, Steve (Debbie) Moran of Berea, Ky.; three sisters, Patty Moran of Naples, Fla. and her daughter Stephanie, Kay (Bruce) Storlie of Glendive and their children Haylee and Cole, and Jeannie (Fernando) Gallardo of Leesburg, Va. and their sons Alexander and Aiden; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

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

Elliot Edward Waller, age 22, passed away on January 28, 2018 as a result of a vehicle accident near Circle, Mont.

Family received friends on Friday, February 2, 2018 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Circle. Funeral services were held Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the Circle High School Gymnasium. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.                   

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Elliot Waller Agricultural Scholarship at the Redwater Valley Bank (PO Box 60, Circle, MT 59215).

Karlene Marie Burbach, age 77, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the Glendive Medical Center in Glendive.  

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive with Reverend Greg Lucido officiating. Interment will follow in Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive.  Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Karlene Marie Burbach was born February 18, 1940, the first of four children, to Carl and Marie Deines Hass on the family farm north of Bayard, Neb. She excelled academically and graduated from Minatare High School. On June 23, 1957, Karlene married Roger Lee Burbach. To their union, two sons were born, Terry and Gregory. Karlene and Roger began their farming life together in Minatare and moved their family to Montana in 1970 to continue to farm. Roger passed away in 1998 and Karlene retired from farming in 2001. In 2008 Karlene married Don Blankenship, continuing to live on her farm site until her passing. 

Karlene was very talented musically and taught piano lessons. Karlene performed as the vocalist for a popular local country western band, the Lost Beets, that she and Roger had formed in Nebraska. Karlene had worked at Brown Bean in Nebraska, Vivian’s Hobby Shop in Glendive and the Feedlot in Fallon and was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Fallon. She had a quick wit, enjoyed collecting her family’s Russian heritage information, taking care of her animals and visiting over a cup of coffee.  

Karlene’s family, especially her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren were the delight of her life. 

Karlene was preceded in death by her first husband, Roger; her parents; and brothers-in-law, Russell Burbach and Clark Irion.  

She is survived by her husband, Don Blankenship of Glendive; her sons, Terry (Bonnie) Burbach of Fallon and Greg (Naomi) Burbach of Glendive; her grandchildren, Daniel (Stephanie) Burbach, Taylor (Ashley) Burbach, Amanda (Bobby) Hopper and Jordan (Jenna) Burbach; great-grandchildren, Sigmund, Korra, Mason, Charley and Hudson; and extended family, stepson Mark (Aimee) Blankenship and grandchildren Carson and Russel of Billings; her surviving siblings are Wayne (Patricia) Haas of Glendive, Steven (Marsha) Haas of Bend, Ore., Lorraine Irion of Billings; in-laws of Nebraska, Ralph & Jeanetta Burbach, Joan Burbach; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Karlene’s name may be given to the church or charity of one’s choice.

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

Helen Mary Casey, age 94, of Glendive, passed away on Friday, February 2, 2018 at the Glendive Medical Center in Glendive.  

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive.  A vigil service will begin at 7 p.m. following the visitation.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, February 5, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glendive with Father Francis Schreiber officiating.  Rite of Committal will follow in the Dawson Memorial Cemetery.  Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Helen was born on the family farm November 26, 1923 in Sentinel Butte, N.D. to Tony & Catherine (Dietz) Barthel. She graduated from high school in Golva, N.D. in 1942. She played basketball all four years of high school and worked at the bank her junior and senior years. She continued to work at the bank after she graduated. She was also a member of the Catholic Daughters. She met the love of her life, Delbert Duane Casey, and the dancing began! They loved to go to barn dances! They were married June 2, 1948 in St. Peters Catholic church in Wibaux. They spent the remainder of their days in Glendive with the exception of moving to Livingston from 1956-1960.

It was a very rare sight to see Helen sitting - unless she was playing the piano or pinochle (or a card game her kids or grandkids knew how to play.) She raised 12 kids and had two big vegetable gardens on Mobile Ave. In her later years, she was financial secretary for the Catholic Daughters Association and secretary for the Altar Society. She was also an active member of Women of the Moose for several years. Her favorite scripture verse was “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13, NKJV.” One of her favorite sayings was… “Do the best you can, pray as if all depends on God, work as if all depends on you.” When asked what traditions she would most like to see passed on as family traditions, her answer was, “To always believe in God, the creator (what a job, to create a human being!) and to practice their faith. I like the tradition of family meals eaten together and prayers said before meals, which my mother taught us.” Helen wanted her epitaph to read “Life is hard by the yard, but by the inch, it’s a cinch.” She was a wonderful, compassionate sister, wife and mother and will be missed by all. 

Survivors include her children, Duane (Lorna) Casey of Fort Worth, Texas, Ron (Sandy) Casey of Helena, Debra (Marshall) Odell of Missoula, Jeri (Jeff) Alarcon of Sandpoint, Idaho, Joan (Alan) Brown of Miles City, Marie McPherson of Havre, Sharon Casey of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, John (Cheryl) Casey of Glendive, Sandy (Paul) Steele of Lone Grove, Okla., Cheryl (Jeff) Allen of Glendive and Darlene (John) Bacon of Harlowton; 14 grandsons; 14 granddaughters; 19 great-grandsons; 15 great-granddaughters; her siblings, Christine Finneman, Dorothy Finneman, MaryAnn Marman, Leona Jacobs and Lillian (Bob) Patterson; and sisters-in-law, Betty Barthel and Audrey Barthel.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Delbert; son, Bob; son-in-law, Randy McPherson; grand-daughter, Natasha; grandson, Casey Alarcon; three brothers, Donnie Barthel, Laurence Barthel and Raymond Barthel; brothers-in-law, Ralph Finneman, Donald Finneman, Ray Marman and Johnny Jacobs; and a sister-in-law, Betty Mae.

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

Joseph David Barnett left us to be with our Lord Jesus on February 1, 2018, in Manhattan, Gallatin County, Mont. 

J.D. was born October 26, 1924, to Thomas Barnett and Dola Martin Barnett in Gallatin County, Ill., the oldest of six children.

J.D. served his country in the U.S. Navy (Pacific Theater) during WWII and the Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, J.D. moved to Evansville, Ind. There he met his wife of 64 years, Vera Jane Padgett Barnett. Two children were born to this union, Jarita Blythe and Ruey Lane. J.D. had many jobs during his lifetime, with his longest tenure working for Birdwell in the oil fields.

The Barnetts made their home in Fairfield, Ill. from December 1959 to June 1971 until a job transfer took them to Glendive. In September 1975, J.D. and Vera moved back to their farm in Fairfield and resided there for the next 24 years. They returned to Montana to be closer to Jarita and Ruey and their families; first to Glasgow, then to Belgrade and Manhattan.

J.D. is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Jim, Marty and Ida. 

He is survived by his wife, Vera of Manhattan; daughter, Jarita (Howard) Neckels of Deer Lodge; son, Ruey (Marla) Barnett of Belgrade; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. J.D. is also survived by his sisters, Ruth Nix and Sally (Glen) Snodgrass; and sister-in-law, Ellen Barnett.

A private family service was held February 5, 2018 in Manhattan. Memorials may be sent to Belgrade Alliance Church, 205 W. Cameron Ave, Belgrade, MT  59714.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service.  www.dokkennelson.com

Vernon Llewellyn Spencer died peacefully on January 28, 2018 at home, surrounded by family, in Glendive at the age of 79.

Per his grandkids’ request, a funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Break Forth Bible Church in Glendive. All are welcome to come and celebrate the life of our grandpa.

There will be another memorial for him at a later date this summer.

Alta Swanson, age 90, of McMinnville, Ore., passed away in her sleep January 21, 2018.

She was born April 16, 1927 in Choteau, Mont., a daughter of William and Sarah (Caufield) Brittain. Alta’s father was a highway engineer and moved many times in the state of Montana until moving to Glendive in 1942. After graduating from Dawson County High School, she married Gordon V. Swanson on August 9, 1946.

Alta was a homemaker for many years until her husband passed away in 1987. She then started on her second career becoming a sorority housemother at Oregon State University and then transferring to Texas A&M where she remained a housemother until 2002. Upon retiring she lived in College Station until 2017 when she moved to be near her son and family in McMinnville, Ore. 

Alta was preceded in death by her parents, William and Sarah; and her sister, Myrt. 

She is survived by her son, William (Cheryl) of McMinnville, Ore.; one granddaughter, Destiny Huntley of Oregon; and one great-granddaughter, Tristin Faller of Oregon; one niece, Sallie Doebler of Las Vegas; and one nephew, Rick Doebler of California. 

Cremation has taken place and family services have been held. Alta and Gordy’s ashes will be interred in Dawson Memorial Cemetery.  To leave condolences, visit www.macyandson.com. 

William Richard “Dick” Crockford of Dillon, Mont., 65, passed away from a heart attack early Thursday, February 8, 2018. He was born May 2, 1952 in Los Angeles to William “Bill” Crockford and Doris Driscoll Crockford. He married Deborah Westby August 17, 1974 in Missoula, Mont. Together, they have three daughters Heather, Rebecca, and Theresa.

Many know Dick from his newspaper work. He loved small-town Montana life and believed firmly in the importance of local newspapers in supporting the communities in which they served. He graduated from the University of Montana’s School of Journalism in 1975 and began his career with the Ronan Pioneer as the editor.  Dick then worked in the news department for KEIN Radio in Great Falls. He edited books for many counties for Montana State’s Centennial. He, Debbie, and eldest daughter, Heather, born in 1978, moved to Rupert, Idaho where he became the farm editor of the Minidoka County News. While living in Rupert, his 2nd daughter, Rebecca was born in 1979. In 1982, the family moved to Shelby, Mont., where Dick was the editor of the Shelby Promoter. Their youngest daughter, Theresa, was born in 1983. In 1990, Dick was offered the position of editor at the Anaconda Leader. He continued in that capacity until 1999 when he served as editor for the A.W.A.R.E. Inc. newsletter. After legislative budget cuts, he returned to the hectic journalism world working for the Boulder Monitor and then the publisher/editor of the Big Horn County News in Hardin with Yellowstone Newspapers. In 2007, he and wife, Debbie, had the opportunity to return to their beloved Southwest Montana to his position as publisher for the Dillon Tribune, where he most recently shepherded their move from the original Tribune offices to their new home on Idaho Street.

To say Dick was an active member of his community would be an understatement. He and his wife, Debbie, lived a life of service to their many home towns, their family, and their church. Over the years, he was active in the Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis, the MISTER (Males In Service To Encourage Reading) Reader Program at Head Start and various elementary schools, annual trips to Tijuana, Mexico to build houses, Montana Catholic youth formation, Montana Newspaper Association, United Way, Beaverhead County Museum Board, also he volunteered as assistant cross-country coach in Anaconda, among so many other organizations. The loss of his presence will be deeply felt.

Dick adored his wife, Debbie, and they could often be seen attending local cultural events together ranging from Pow Wows in Eastern Montana to Butte’s own Irish Festival, An Ri Ra. He loved cooking elaborate meals for his soulmate which often featured beer as an ingredient. Whenever sons-in-law or other out-of-town visitors were in Dillon, he loved to visit “the park” as he jokingly referred to the many wonderful Montana breweries. He was a man who loved to laugh and doted on his daughters. He went so far as to take his youngest on a service trip to Tijuana, Mexico when she was 16 to build houses with the Esperanza Program. While there he fell in love with the communities and families he encountered and continued to go South, sometimes with his youngest, sometimes with his eldest, sometimes by himself as the pull on his heart was so strong.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, many aunts and uncles, and his younger brother, Thomas Crockford. He is survived by his wife, Debbie Crockford, daughters Heather (Chauncey) Boese, Rebecca (Jeremy) Combs, and Theresa (Andrew) Unbehend, sisters Maryellen Crockford, Theresa (Matthew) Norman, Mary Pat Crockford, brothers, Paul (Shirley) Crockford, Patrick (Veronica) Crockford, and Christopher Crockford, as well as grandchildren Sydney, Lauryn, and Cayden Combs and Liam and Quincey Boese.

A visitation was held Monday, Feb. 12 from 5-7 p.m., followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. at Brundage Funeral Home 300 S. Atlantic St., Dillon, Mont. The Funeral Mass was Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 12:10 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Parish 226 S. Atlantic St., Dillon, Mont. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be made to Esperanza International, one of Dick’s favorite organizations at http://esperanzaint.org/.

Wanda Seward, age 94, of Glendive, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at the Glendive Medical Center Extended Care.  

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday, February 19, 2018 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive with Reverend Ruth McKenzie officiating. Interment will be in the Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Wanda was born on July 21, 1923 in Anaconda, Mont. to Joseph and Florence (Crockett) Roney. As a young child she moved with her family several times before settling in Glendive. Wanda received her education in Glendive, graduating from Dawson County High School in 1942. Following high school, Wanda traveled all over the country, working and staying with relatives until she was twenty-six. While she was in Colstrip, Mont. visiting her twin sister she met Cole Seward. They were later married on December 26, 1947 in Glendive. Early in their marriage they had a small farm until Cole went to work in the oil field. The couple resided in Glendive and Wanda raised their son and took care of their home while Cole worked. Wanda resided in Glendive until the time of her passing.

Wanda enjoyed cooking, sewing, raising flowers and gardening. She liked spending time on the Yellowstone River fishing and picking agates. Wanda also braided many large rugs and loved to do most any hobby crafts. In her later years she enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles.

Wanda was preceded in death by her father, Joseph Roney; step-father, Orlando Larsen; mother, Florence Larsen;  husband, Cole Seward; brother, David Roney; twin sister, Juanita Beeler; and one great-grandchild, Dustin Lane Weinreis.

Wanda is survived by her son, Roger (Sandy) Seward of Beach, N.D.; two granddaughters, Katrina (Shawn) Weinreis of Golva, N.D. and Terisa Webber of Beach; two great-grandchildren, Dani (Nathan) Pierce of Grand Forks, N.D. and Hunter Weinreis of the U.S. Navy in Washington State; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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

Gerald A. “Jerry” Jacobs, age 75, of Bismarck, died February 18, 2018 at Sanford Health in Bismarck.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, February 23, at Church of Corpus Christi, 1919 N 2nd St., Bismarck. Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, where a rosary/vigil will begin at 7 p.m.

Jerry was born December 19, 1942, at the family farm in Regent, N.D. to John and Dorothy Jacobs. He was raised on the family farm, went to country grade school, and graduated from Regent High School in 1960. Jerry went on to earn a teaching degree in math from Dickinson State College graduating in 1964. His first teaching job was in Elgin, N.D. where he taught math at the high school from 1964-1967. In 1967 Jerry took a teaching job in Glendive, where he taught math at Dawson County High School until he retired in 1995. He then took a job with Rain and Hail Crop Insurance as field supervisor manager retiring in 2009.  While teaching in Glendive, Jerry coached high school football for several years and refereed football and basketball games for 30 years.

On June 20, 1967, Jerry married Delores Sticka in Schefield, N.D. They made their home in Glendive from 1967-2013; moving to Bismarck in 2013 to be closer to family. They were blessed with two children, daughter Beckie and son Brad.

Jerry loved all sports, he was a true supporter. He had a major project in getting the two B league baseball fields in Glendive organized, as well as, organizing the fundraiser for the legion baseball team, which is still used today. He was a member of the Elks and Knights of Columbus.

Jerry truly enjoyed teaching; he missed the students greatly after he retired. He went to school early each day as students were at his classroom door waiting to be helped with their math problems. After retiring, Jerry continued tutoring students in math.

Jerry loved playing golf, watching football and all sports, volunteering at St. Alexius Hospital, being a tax aide for AARP, working the bench at local basketball games and watching his grandchildren grow. His family was very special to him.

Jerry is survived by the love of his life, Delores, married for 50 years in June of 2017; his children, Beckie (Brian) Ramey of Bismarck, and Brad (Amanda) Jacobs of Tempe, Ariz.; grandchildren, Ashlyn, Mia and Mason; five brothers, Neal (Gloria) Jacobs of Sour Lake, Texas, Cletus (Florence) Jacobs of Sundance, Wyo., George (Carol) Jacobs of Beulah, N.D., Bob (Annie) Jacobs of Woodville, Texas, and Tony (Bobbie) Jacobs of Colorado Springs, Colo.; four sisters, Judy (Leo) Schnell of Highland Ranch, Colo., Jane (Al) Geissler of Bozeman, Deloris (Rod) Nielsen of Rapid City, S.D., and Bonnie (RJ) Fischer of Bismarck, N.D.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Jacobs; sister, MaryAnn Krebs; and his niece, Karen Strong.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Go to www.parkwayfuneral.com to share memories of Jerry and sign the online guestbook.

Lloyd “Bud” Adams, age 94, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the Glendive Medical Center.  

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 23, 2018 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive with Brother Guy Pontoriero officiating.  Interment with military honors will be in the Dawson County Cemetery in Glendive. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Lloyd was born on April 29, 1923 in Glendive to Leslie and Mary (Miller) Adams.  He was raised on the family ranch and attended Dawson County Schools, graduating from high school in 1941.  Lloyd attended one semester of college and then enlisted in the United States Army on November 10, 1942. His first reporting station was Fort Lewis, Wash. and then was sent to Fort Knox, Ky. for basic training. Lloyd was assigned to the 449th Heavy Ordinance Company on August 24, 1944 and was shipped overseas to the European War Zone. He served in England, France and Germany. On March 18, 1946 he was shipped back to the United States and received his honorable discharge on April 1, 1946.

In 1947, Lloyd took pilot flight training under the GI Bill and obtained a Commercial Pilot’s Certificate. He continued his aviation career until December 1959 when he obtained employment with the CAA (now known as the FAA). Over the next twenty-eight years Lloyd worked in South Bend, Ind.; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Fargo, N.D.; Denver, Colo.; and Billings, Mont. In 1987, Lloyd retired and moved back to the family ranch where he worked and resided until the time of his passing.

Lloyd was married to Dorothy Lardy on July 3, 1948 in Glendive. They have three boys, ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.  After sixty-three years of marriage Dorothy passed away in January 2012.

Lloyd enjoyed shooting, riding motorcycles, being on the farm and woodworking. He was an avid square dancer and traveled to many dances with Dorothy during retirement. Lloyd was very mechanically inclined, he enjoyed working on equipment and could fix anything.  His two biggest loves in his life were his family and flying. From 1948 to 1958 Lloyd owned and operated Sky Repair Aircraft out of the Glendive Airport fixing and fueling planes, while he ran the airport for the city.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Dorothy.

Lloyd is survived by his three sons, Andy (Kari) Adams of Billings, Walt (Marlene) Adams of Marinette, Wis. and Tim (Marcy) Adams of Glendive; ten grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lloyd’s name are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the charity of one’s choice.

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