Nancy Kailey Thorne
Nancy Kailey Thorne, 54, of Merlin, Ore., former Miles City resident, died Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at Three Rivers Community Hospital of complications from an automobile accident two weeks ago. Born Aug. 18, 1949, in Lincoln, Neb., she was the daughter of Ilo and Vernon Kailey. At the age of 10 days she moved with her parents to Forsyth. In June of 1957 the family moved to Miles City where she graduated from Custer County High School. After graduation she attended college at the University of Montana in Missoula where she majored in art education. Following graduation she taught art at Custer County District High School for 29 years. On Oct. 28, 1985, she and Curt Thorne were married. He was a single parent with two boys, Troy and Trent, and the couple later had a daughter, Whitney. The family moved to the Grants Pass area in May 1999 to pastor North Valley Assembly of God. Mrs. Thorne was an accomplished artist and loved crafts. She enjoyed people and life and was extremely gifted as a speaker, teacher, counselor and loyal friend. Her survivors include her husband, Curt Thorne; two sons, Troy and Trent; a daughter, Whitney; and her parents, Vernon and Ilo Kailey, all of Merlin. Survivors also include a brother, "Ty" of Cincinnati, Ohio; a sister, Linda Sandvig of Helena; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Aug. 13, 2004, at Parkway Christian Center in Grants Pass, Ore., with Pastor Dennis Webber officiating. Hull and Hull Funeral Directors of Grants Pass are in charge of arrangements. Remembrances may be made to the Memorial Fund at North Valley Assembly of God Church, P.O. Box 130, Merlin OR 97532.

Ann Wolff
Ann Hoagland Wolff, 65, of Terry, died Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004, at the Prairie Community Health Center in Terry. She was born on Oct. 28, 1938, in Terry, a daughter of Roy and Alvina Vena Hoagland. She attended first and second grades at Tacoma, Wash., where her father worked at the shipyards during World War II. The family returned to Terry where she graduated from Terry High School in 1956. On Sept. 11, 1957, she and Ralph "Lefty" Wolff were married at Terry. They resided in Terry, Glendive and Baker, then moved back to Terry in 1970. She worked at Reynolds Market for Dave and Lucille Covert, as a bookkeeper at Terry Community Hospital under Anna Hauck and from 1975 to 2002 she was employed by The Terry Tribune, doing general office work and bookkeeping. Mrs. Wolff enjoyed spending time with her children and the families, going to ball games, traveling, flower gardening and playing keyboard with the music teams at Terry Wesleyan and Fallon Evangelical churches. She was a member of Ash Creek Homemakers Club. Survivors include her husband, Ralph Wolff; one son, Kelly Wolff, and his wife, Jody, of Billings; two daughters, Tana Ban, and her husband, Brian, of Terry and Angie Strobel, and her husband, Greg, of Temperance, MI; and five grandchildren. Her survivors also include her mother, Vena Hoagland of Miles City; one brother, Gary Hoagland of Denver, Colo.; and three sisters, Joan Wolff, and her husband, Leonard, of Miles City, Karen Hanson, and her husband, Jim, of Denver and Bonnie Meek, and her husband, Hal, of Saint Louis, Mo. She was preceded in death by her father, Roy Hoagland in 1983. A prayer service will be held on Friday, Aug. 13, 2004, at 6 p.m. at the Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004, in the Fallon Evangelical Church in Fallon. Interment will follow in the Prairie County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. If desired, memorials may be made to the Camp Make-A-Dream Children's Oncology Foundation, P.O. Box 1450, Missoula, MT 59806.

Amos Clark
Funeral services for Amos C. Clark, 88, of Red Lodge, former Miles City resident, were held Wednesday morning, Aug. 11, in the Messiah Lutheran Church at Red Lodge. Mr. Clark died in the early morning on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Potter County, South Dakota, on Sept. 1, 1915, the eighth of 13 children born to Elmer and Persis Clark. The family moved to Miles City where he graduated from High School and began his life-long love of aircraft and flying after witnessing a barn-storming exhibition over the prairies north of town. The second, and by far the most important, leg of his life began on Oct. 16, 1937, when he and Gladys Ronning were married, a union that lasted more than 67 years. The young couple put their belongings in the back of a 1937 Oldsmobile, attached a 10-foot travel trailer and headed for southern California where Mr. Clark went to work for the then fledgling Lockheed Aircraft Company. The couple purchased their first home in Culver City, Calif., which became a virtual USO for family and friends during the war years. In 1944, his son John was born and his co-workers, commenting on his absence that day said, "either he crashed his plane (a Fleet Biwing) or Gladys gave birth." Although their life was filled with friends and activities, Mr. and Mrs. Clark felt that Montana was their future and moved to Red Lodge in 1954. Mr. Clark started driving bus for the school district and eventually "Clark's Bus Service and Cody Bus Lines" had operations based in six communities in two states. He was a partner with ski racing great Pepi Gramshammer and others for the development of the Red Lodge International Ski Race Camp held annually on the Twin Lakes Headwall. HMr. Clark helped develop the Montana School Bus Association and served as its first president. One of his treasured awards was "MSBA Person of the Year," presented for his service to the organization. Mr. Clark had been a member of Messiah Lutheran Church since 1954 and prior to that was a founding member of Grace Lutheran Church in Culver City. He and his wife were recently honored by that congregation as two of the founding members. He was involved in many organizations and activities but probably the most important to him entailed service to others. He was a member of the Lions Club International for more than 35 years and had been involved with the Charles Cambell Children's Camp since its inception. Mr. Clark was active in the Democratic Party for many years and was drafted by friends to run for the Montana Senate. He was a rather relaxed politician as he assumed that most people in his district knew him, and if they wanted him as senator, they would vote for him. He lost the election by a handful of votes. His close-knit family had been a great blessing. He always had time for his grandchildren and the numerous nieces and nephews who loved to visit. A treasured photo taken during Mr. and Mrs. Clark's 50th wedding anniversary shows six of his brothers and sisters with spouses who had been married more than 50 years. His survivors include his wife, Gladys; a sister, Olive Lockie; his sisters-in-law, Dorothy Baken and Inez Smith; his brothers-in-law, Warren Ronning and wife, Liz, and Orville Ronning and wife Kate; his son, John and his wife, Nani; his grandchildren, Jeff, Will, Shinta (Daniels) and Angie; his great-granddaughter, Isis; and numerous neices and nephews, who with their children will always remember their "Uncle Amos." Arrangements were handled by friends at the Smith-Olcott Funeral Chapel of Red Lodge. Friends and family may make donations to the charities of their choices.

Mildred Thomas
Funeral services for Mildred Maxine Thomas, 95, of Miles City were held Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004, at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Interment followed in the Custer County Cemetery. She died peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, at the Friendship Villa Care Center in Miles City. Born on Jan. 15, 1909, in Ewen, Mich., she was the daughter of Benjamin J. and Winifred Wilcox Thomas. As a child, she was baptized in the Episcopal Church and remained an active member throughout her life. As a young child and teenager, she traveled often to Escanava, Mich., to visit a favorite aunt. She also visited the Eagle River area in Wisconsin to visit numerous cousins and relatives. Her mother, Winnie, died when she was a young girl, leaving her father to raise an only child. When her father relocated to Miles City in the mid-1940's, she accompanied him to Montana. Upon her arrival in Miles City, she worked as a bookkeeper for many years. She worked at the local KOA campgrounds for over 20 years doing office work, parking trailers and any other chore that was needed. A hard worker, it was during her work at the KOA that she made a good friend in Cheri Porten. A gregarious and ambitious woman, she loved to visit. She was active in the local Rebecca's Lodge in Miles City until the area chapter closed. She was known for her handiwork, crocheting beautiful doilies and sewing all of her own clothes. She was always impeccably dressed in beautiful dresses, pants and shirts. ʆor many years she lived on her own, but many loving friends surrounded her. She grew very close to her neighbor, Patsy Bickle, who was a daily visitor until Miss Thomas moved into the nursing home. She continued to travel back to Wisconsin every five years or so to visit her distant cousins. She had a special dog named Toby, whom she loved dearly and she was very attached to her little poodle dog. Her survivors include her cousins, Jeanne Gabert of Appleton, Wis., Neala Kay Benson of Ames, Iowa, and Matt Lawrence; and her close friends, Cheri Porten, Patsy Bickle and Jean Vetch. She was preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004, at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Interment followed in the Custer County Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Should friends wish, they can send condolences to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.

Vivian Drew
Graveside services for Vivian Lulu Drew, 98, of Laurel, formerly of Miles City, were held Saturday morning, Aug. 7, 2004, in the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City. Friends and family met at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home to proceed to the cemetery together. Mrs. Drew died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, in Laurel. Born Dec. 30, 1905, in Red Oak, Iowa, she was the daughter of William Allen and Josephine Lulu Strain Wax. At the age of five years, she moved with her family to North Dakota where they homesteaded in the Grassy Butte area. She attended grade school in Grassy Butte, attended high school in Killdeer and graduated from Dickinson High School. Mrs. Drew then attended Dickinson Normal School where she received her teaching certificate. Her 45-year teaching career began at the age of 20. She began teaching in one-room country schools in North Dakota and eastern Montana. She and Ralph Drew were married 1948, and they made their home in Miles City. She then began teaching at Lincoln School as the second grade teacher, a position she worked in for 22 years. Mr. Drew died in 1973. Mrs. Drew remained in Miles City until 1995, when she moved to Laurel where she remained until the time of her death. She touched the lives of many school children, many of whom have kept in touch with her through the years. Her survivors include a son, Doug Armitage, and his wife, Shari, of Laurel; seven grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; an infant brother and an infant sister; and a sister, Octavia in 1977. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.

Roger Harris
Roger Lee Harris of Billings died of cancer on Aug. 5, 2004, at the Hospice Hospital. Mr. Harris was born on April 6, 1931 to Jesse and D. Harris at the Abbey Hospital in Miles City. He grew up in the Sonnette area and attended schools in Powder River County. He was a 1949 graduate of Custer County High School. He worked for his dad on the LS Ranch on Pumpkin Creek until entering the United States Army in November 1952. Mr. Harris served in Korea and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. In 1957 he became employed by the Montana Livestock Commission as a brand inspector in Billings and later in Choteau. In the fall of 1969, he began ranching east of Lewistown and remained there the winter of 1984. Following his years in the cattle business Mr. Harris lived in the Kalispell area and later returned to live in Miles City. He was an authentic Montana cowboy and a rancher at heart. His survivors include two sisters, Rita Lindvold of Miles City and Mary Rose Hettinger of Billings; and brother, Ed of Colorado Springs. Roger was preceded in death by his father, Jesse in 1958; his mother, Doris in 2000; and two brothers, Jerry in 1979 and Donald in 1995. He survived by two sisters, Rita Lindvold of Miles City, Mary Rose Hettinger of Billings and brother Ed of Colorado Springs. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004, at 2 p.m. in Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Burial will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Miles City. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Big Sky Hospice, P.O. Box 35033, Billings, MT 59107.

Leona "Lee" Harn
Leona "Lee" Margaret Harn, 72, of Miles City died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at her home in Miles City. She was born on Sept. 12, 1931, to Michael and Mary Josephine Sayers Patneaude in Poplar. Mrs. Harn was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, sister, auntie, adopted gramma and friend. She loved spending time with her family and friends. Mrs. Harn worked as a counselor for the IDEA office for 29 years. In those years she helped 500 individuals and families complete their college educations; specifically she assisted 100 nurses complete their nursing education at Miles Community College. In her job as a counselor she developed life-long friendships with her students and families. Survivors include her husband, Howard of Miles City; her daughter, Susan; her sister, Joanne Souza, her husband, Albert, their son, Jeff Wilson and children of Texas; a special nephew, Patrick, and his wife, Jennifer Harn; her adopted children, Ernie Bighorn and wife Mary, Kathy Larson and son Shawn; her in-laws, Zeke and Lorraine Zeitner, Joan and Larry Harn; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Daniel Harn; her parents, Michael and Mary Patneaude; her brothers, Burton and Duane Patneaude and Ralph and Selma Harn. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004, at 10 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Church in Miles City. To send condolences to the family visit www.stevensonandsons.com. If desired, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Curtis Allen McWilliams
Curtis Allen McWilliams, 66, died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2004. Mr. McWilliams was born July 14, 1938, in Peekskill, N.Y., to Ralph and Clella McWilliams. He was the third child of six. When he was a young age, the family moved to Cohagen to the farm where Curt remained for the next 45 years. He attended grade school in Cohagen and graduated from Garfield County High School in Jordan. After high school he met his best friend and love of his life, Dorcas Thomas. They were married on Sept. 17, 1960, and were to celebrate 44 years of love and devotion later this fall. While on the family farm, they raised four children, Ralph (Eileen) of Miles City, Stewart (Kennette) of Boise, Idaho, Marcene McDonnell (Bryan) of Billings, and Shelly Mitchell (John) of Shepherd. Mr. McWilliams treasured and spoiled his eight grandchildren, Curtis, Liam, Tess, Justine, Connor, Kenyon, Brooklyn and Morgan. Mr. and Mrs. McWilliams farmed and ranched at Cohagen for 24 years, raising their family and being involved in the community. In 1984, they sold the farm and moved to Billings to work for Greytek Farms.ʠNot enjoying city life, in 1987 they moved to Powderville to work on the WL Ranch for Charlie and Naomi Miles. As always, Mr. and Mrs. McWilliams were a big part of the community and gained many great friends. After the WL Ranch was sold, Mr. McWilliams made his way to St. Xavier, to work for the Nessan Farms. He continued his love of farming and working with the land up until the time of his death. Mr. McWilliams was known to many as the "Candy Man" for his endless supply of Tootsie Rolls in his shirt pocket. Spending time with his family, especially spoiling his grandchildren, and friends is what he enjoyed most. His survivors include his wife, Dorcas; his four children and their spouses, Ralph and his wife, Eileen, Stewart, and his wife, Kennette, Marcene, and her husband, Bryan, and Shelly and her husband, John; and eight grandchildren, Curtis, Liam, Tess, Justine, Connor, Kenyon, Brooklyn and Morgan. Survivors also include four sisters, Betty Leslie, and her husband, Jim, of Kalispell, Myrna Stone of Miles City, Jane Engdahl, and her husband, Bob, of Jordan, and Joyce Schwartz, and her husband, Curt, of Kent, WA; his mother-in-law, Ruth Thomas and her sister and brother-in-law, Daisy and Bob Selman; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Clella; a brother, Dean; and a son, Denny. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will be held at a later date in the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Martha Sieler
Martha Sieler, former Miles City resident, died Sunday, Aug. 1, 2004, at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash., after a long illness. Born in Plevna on April 11, 1925, she was the daughter of Jacob and Emma Opp. She grew up and attended school in Plevna. Growing up she had an extraordinary talent for the piano, exceeding the abilities of the local piano teacher. Her dream was to be a nurse, but unfortunately because foot problems, she was not able to make her dream come true. She moved to Beulah, N.D., where she was a clerical worker for several years. On one return visit to Plevna, she met and subsequently married Rudolph Sieler. They lived in Miles City for most of her married life where she worked at the Miles City Steam Laundry and the Holy Rosary Hospital Laundry. When her husband died, she moved to Steilacoom, Wash., to live with her daughter, Eileen. As a talented musician, Mrs. Sieler played organ, piano, and accordion. For 30 years she was the pianist for the First Baptist Church of Miles City. In Steilacoom, she provided music for her church group, the Cornerstoner's at Temple Baptist Church in Fircrest. Mrs. Sieler loved to ride her scooter with her two dogs, Bootsie, a poodle, and Tiny, a chihuahua, through the town of Steilacoom to see the ferry coming in and to pick up her mail at the local post office. She received smiles, waves, and warm comments from the residents of Steilacoom. Two daughters, Marilyn Higgins of Miles City and Eileen Hemman of Steilacoom, survive Mrs. Sieler. Her grandchildren are Shawn Wheadon of Billings and Michelle Kinnunen of Miles City who gave Mrs. Sieler her pride and joy of a one-year-old great-granddaughter, Jamie. Mrs. Sieler's brothers are Emil Opp of Billings, Richard Opp of Baker and Ruben Opp of Miles City. Her one sister is Loretta Schafer of Miles City. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004, at 9 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana Veteran's Cemetery in Miles City. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Mary Filiault
Mary Elizabeth Pelletier Filiault, 37, of Miles City died Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2004, at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings. She was born Sept. 10, 1966, in Miles City, the daughter of Earle and Ella Mae Parker Pelletier. She was raised and attended schools in Miles City and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1984. Following graduation, she attended Miles Community College. She then moved to Boston, Mass., where she worked as a nanny for three years. She then moved to Bridgewater, Vermont, where she managed Junction Country Store. While in Bridgewater, she met Craig Filiault. They moved to Miles City in 1991 and were married on June 22, 1995. Mrs. Filiault worked at Holy Rosary Hospital in the cafeteria for 15 years. She loved her dogs, spending time with her friends and coworkers, and fishing (as long as she didn't have to bait her own hook.) "Auntie M" loved all children, especially her nieces and nephews. She was a member of the Caledonians for five years. Her survivors include her husband, Craig Filiault of Miles City; her parents, Earle "Pinky" and Ella Mae Pelletier of Miles City; four brothers, Michael Pelletier of Las Vegas, Nev., Frank Pelletier of Tallahassee, Fla., Jimmy Pelletier and his wife Tami of Belgrade, and John Pelletier and his wife Shelly of Spearfish, S.D.; and four sisters, Lisa Wagner and her husband Bob of Miles City, Amy Pontius and her husband Rob of Colstrip, Jenifer Zeilstra and her husband Travis of Billings and Sara Kellum and her husband Terry of Seattle, Wash. Survivors also include two step-sons, Billy and Jesse Filiault of Vermont; two grandchildren, Emily and Brandon Filiault; numerous special nieces and nephews; and her mother-in-law, Betsy Wilkins of Killington, VT. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Guy and Elizabeth Parker and Frank and Emma Pelletier. A Vigil service will be held on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at 6 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Eastern Montana Cancer Center or to Holy Rosary Hospice.

Isabel Lapito O'Neill
Isabel Lapito O'Neill, 80, of Miles City died Monday, Aug. 2, 2004, at her home in Miles City. Born in Gorham, N.D., on July 5, 1924, she was the daughter of Wallace and Patricia Malkowski Osadchuk. She attended school in North Dakota and worked on the farm herding cows. At the age of 17, she was sent to a convent in Philadelphia and was a nun for nine years. She returned home for her father's funeral and met Sam Lapito.ʠThey were together for 28 years, until the time of his death in 1980. On Aug. 8, 1983, she and Richard O'Neill were married. Mrs. O'Neill worked at the Olive Hotel and the Miles City Steam Laundry. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and family and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Her survivors include her husband, Richard O'Neill of Miles City; a son, Leo Lapito, and his wife, Susan, of Billings, and their children, Luke Lapito of Las Vegas, Nev., Marcia, Gabe and Lucy Lapito, all of Billings; three step-daughters, Barbara Stark of Kansas City, MO, Patricia Rubel of Missouri, Colo., and Beverly Huffman of Plains; and a step-son, Brad O'Neill of Harlowtown. Mrs. O'Neill's parents, seven brothers and seven sisters preceded her in death. A Vigil Service will be held on Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, at 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Harold W. Higlin
Harold W. Higlin, 90, of Knoxville, Tenn., former Miles City resident, died Tuesday, July 27, 2004, in the Shannondale Care Center in Knoxville. Mr. Higlin was born Dec. 11, 1913, in Tonganoxie, Kan., the son of William and Georgia Baker Higlin. The family moved to the Medora, N.D., Badlands that same year where Mr. Higlin was raised and attended schools, graduating from Sentinel Butte High School. He attended Dickinson State College in North Dakota, Billings Business College, Poly Tech and a trade school in Seattle, Wash. Mr. Higlin and Mary Ann Bader were married at Elko, Nev. They made their home in Alaska for many years. He worked as a construction foreman. The couple later moved to Miles City where they owned and operated a hotel while Mr. Higlin worked in the plumbing trade until his retirement from civil service at the Miles City Veterans Affairs Medical Center. A World War II veteran, Mr. Higlin's military life consisted of CMTC, Fort Lincoln, N.D., and Marine Corps at San Diego, Calif. He belonged to several lodges and became a lifelong member of three of them. Mr. Higlin enjoyed all sports, especially tennis and swimming. His survivors include a daughter, Mona Carrasco; three granddaughters, Angela, Elisa and Kristin Carrasco of Knoxville; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; and two brothers, William and Harry. Cremation has taken place. A committal service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, in the Custer County Cemetery. Bullis-Graves Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Carl W. Smith
Carl Walter Smith, 97, of Broadus died Saturday, Oct. 9, 2004, at the Powder River Manor in Broadus. Mr. Smith was born in a sod-roofed homestead in Mott, N.D., on March 6, 1907, delivered by his parental grandmother who was a midwife. He was the oldest of five children born to Charles Walter Smith and Mary Agnes Stanfield Smith. The family moved to Montana in 1913 and homesteaded near Sonnette. Mr. Smith attended first and second grades at the Mitchell School and third through the eighth grades at the Bottles School. He then moved to Belfry to live with his grandmother in 1920 where he completed the ninth & 10th grades. This is where he met the love of his life, Joann Sterling, and they were married on Sept. 8, 1924. Later that year Mr. and Mrs. Smith, along with Mrs. Smith's mother and three brothers moved back to Sonnette where they had three children of their own. Several years later they moved to Miles City where Mr. Smith worked at the State School and Deluxe Motors. Some years later he purchased an irrigated place at Shirley. In 1968, Mrs. Smith died. In 1971, Mr. Smith and Patricia Brady were married. They later moved back to Sonnette after selling the place at Shirley. She died in 1999. Mr. Smith then moved into the Powder River Manor at Broadus a couple of years later, where he enjoyed the staff, his extended family and very close friends. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, rodeos and especially visiting with friends and neighbors. His survivors include a son, Joe Smith, and his wife, Sharon, of Billings; a daughter, Virginia Dice, and her husband, Don, of Sonnette; his grandchildren, Linda Dice, Tim Smith, Shannon Smith and Carl Smith; and many friends and extended family at the Powder River Manor. In addition to his two wives, Joann and Pat, Mr. Smith was preceded in death by one infant son, "little" Carl; his sisters, Blanche, Catherine and Mary Agnes; and one brother, Sam. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004, at 2 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Powder River Manor Nurse Scholarship Fund or the charity of one's choice.

Linda Elma Hoffer
Twenty-one days after the loss of her beloved husband, David, Linda Hoffer, 80, of Fallon died on Monday, Oct. 11, 2004, at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility in Miles City. Mrs. Hoffer was born on March 26, 1924, to Dan and Marie Kranzler Elhard at Marsh. She attended schools in Watkins, Terry and DeWalt schools. She worked for various households as a housekeeper. On March 26, 1943, she and David Hoffer were married in Fallon. They continued living on the family farm where they farmed and ranched their entire lives. Mrs. Hoffer was a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Fallon; a lifetime member of the LWML and taught Sunday school. She was a member of the Homemakers Club for 50 years, and was a 4-H leader for a number of years. She baked wedding cakes for over 30 years. Mrs. Hoffer enjoyed needlework and doing crafts. She enjoyed traveling with David, especially their autumn trip through the New England states. She also enjoyed square dancing and old time waltzes, the old time fiddlers' jamborees and cooking and baking German food. Her survivors include a son, Delbert Hoffer, and his wife, LaVonne, of Glendive; three daughters, Darlene Moline, and her husband, Charles, of Brockway, Diana Schmidt, and her husband, Roger, of Baker and Maridel Kassner, and her husband, Lyle, of Circle; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one step-great-grandchild. In addition to her husband who died on Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, she was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, William, Elmer, John and Harry; a sister, Annie Dienes; and an infant granddaughter. A prayer service will be held Friday, Oct. 15, 2004, at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Funeral services will be Saturday, Oct. 16, 2004, at 10 a.m. in the Grace Lutheran Church in Fallon. Interment will follow in the Prairie County Cemetery in Terry. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Ellen R. Hirsch
Ellen R. Hirsch, 93, of Miles City, formerly of Rock Springs, died peacefully, due to natural causes on Friday, Oct. 8, 2004, at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility. Born on April 20, 1911, at Eureka, S.D., she was the daughter of Fred and Christina Rau Raile. She was raised and educated at Eureka. On Dec. 13, 1932, she and Emil Hirsch were married in Eureka. After their marriage they moved to the farm in the Crow Rock area. They began their farm and ranch life, then for a short time moved to Ismay, where their first son was born. They then moved back to the Crow Rock Area, where three more children were born. In 1951, they moved to the Rock Springs/Angela area and lived there until her husbands' death in 1978. She then moved to Miles City and had resided there since. She was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. She enjoyed cooking and gardening, but most of all, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her survivors include two sons, LeRoy and his wife, Pearl, and Don and his wife, Coleen of Rock Springs/Angela; two daughters, Patricia and her husband, Dave Berg of Carnation, Wash., and Carolyn Risher and Lee Cox of Missoula; one brother, Morris (Nimet) Raile of Sandy, Utah; her grandchildren, Dale (Cindy, Chase, Cord) Berg of Miles City, Jason (Jennifer, Cole, Kaitlyn) Hirsch of Rock Springs/Angela, Trisha (Shawn, Lauren, Dylan) Coffin of Miles City, Shane (Gretchen, Amber, Riley, McKenzie) Hirsch of Miles City, Chad (Kerry, Brittany, Taelor, Brody) Hirsch of Miles City, Shawn (Lora, Austin, Dylan) Hirsch of Billings, Jim (Sabrina, Alex) Risher of Bothel, Wash., Kamae Risher of Denver, Co., Laci Cox, Missoula. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Emil; her sister, Ida Hirsch; one grandson, Todd Berg; and one granddaughter, Darcy Hirsch. A prayer service will be held Monday, Oct. 11, 2004, at 6 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Should friends desire, condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials can be made to the Trinity Lutheran Church or the charity of one's choice.

Shirley Truax
Funeral services for Shirley Truax, 74, longtime resident of the Steele, N.D., area and sister-in-law of Delores Truax Drennen of Miles City, were held Thursday afternoon, Sept. 23, 2004, in the Steele Community Building in Steele. A committal service followed in the Woodlawn Cemetery at Steele. Mrs. Truax died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004 at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck, N.D., surrounded by her family. Born Sept. 12, 1930, in Bismarck, she was the daughter of Charles E. and Eva Laughton Rohrer. She graduated from Bismarck High School. On July 21, 1950, she and W. Donald Truax were married. They settled on a dairy farm near Steele where they raised a family of 10 children. Mrs. Truax enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, visiting friends, reading her Bible and writing poetry. In addition to her sister-in-law Delores Drennen of Miles City and Mrs. Drennen's late husband, Clyde C. Drennen of Miles City, her survivors include her husband, W. Donald Truax of Steele; her children, Thomas Truax, and his wife, Trudy, of Menoken, N.D., Arnold Truax, and his wife, Linda, of Lockhart, Texas, Diane Dizayee of Harlingen, Texas, Julie Haakenson, and her husband, Jim, of Lakota, N.D., Paul Truax, and his wife, Janice, of Bloomington, Minn., Gary Truax, and his wife, Kathy, of Erie, N.D., Nancy Secker, and her husband, Wilford, of Selby, S.D., Carrie Knutson, and her husband, Clint, of Steele, Ronald Truax, and his wife, Lisa, of Thompson, N.D., and Glenn Truax, and his wife, Diana, of Jamestown, N.D.; and 15 grandchildren. Survivors also include her brothers, Lewis Rohrer, and his wife, Betty, of Rapid City, S.D., and Richard Rohrer, and his wife, LuAnn, of St. Louis, Mo.; her half-brothers, George Rohrer and Bill Rohrer, and his wife, Bodil, of Wyoming; another sister-in-law, Alice Rohrer, and her husband, Bud, of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her half-brothers, Ronald Rohrer and Charles "Bud" Rohrer; and one nephews, Dale Drennen.

Louise Alberta Kappes
Louise Alberta Kappes, 82, of Miles City died Sunday, Oct. 3, 2004, at the Murray Care Center in Murray, Utah. She was born in Havre on Sept. 28, 1922, the daughter of Charles and Myra Pearce Wilkins. She attended grade school at Cottonwood Country School and graduated from Havre High School in Havre. On Aug. 5, 1941, she and Bernard Charles Kappes were married in Kalispell. Following their marriage, they remained in Kalispell. Mrs. Kappes lived in Ogden, Utah, and Havre while her husband was in the service during World War II. Following the war they returned to Havre, living there until 1947 when they moved to Fort Peck. Upon purchasing the Melody Shop in Miles City they moved to Miles City in January of 1962. She remained in that business until her retirement and sale of the business in early 2000. Mrs. Kappes remained in Miles City until February of 2002 when she moved to Salt Lake City to be near her family. Her survivors include two sons, Preston Kappes, and his wife, Carla, of West Jordan, Utah, and Leon Kappes, and his wife, Linda, of Elko, Nev.; two sisters, Charlotte Jones of Seattle, Wash., and Katherine Gerstenberger of Ventura, Calif.; a brother, Nelson Wilkins of Seattle; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bernard "Buzz" Kappes in 1989; two brothers, Virgil and Preston; and two sisters, Maxine and Gloria. Funeral services will be Thursday, Oct. 7, 2004, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 2 Poly Dr., Billings, MT 59101.

Emma Johnston
Emma Johnston, 74, of Miles City died peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004, at the Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City. Born in Graham on Jan. 31, 1930, she was the daughter of Eddie and Emma Olson. She was raised on the family homestead south of Broadus where, as a first grader, she rode horseback seven miles to school. The family moved to Broadus during the school year for the rest of her education. She graduated from Powder River County High School at Broadus in 1946. After high school she went to nursing school, graduating from Presentation School of Nursing in 1951. She and Frank Johnston were married in 1951 and they raised seven children in Miles City. As a Registered Nurse, she worked at the Holy Rosary Hospital, did private duty nursing, worked at Friendship Villa and did Home Health Care. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston bought Miles City Cab in 1990 and operated the business for 11 years. Mrs. Johnston was known for helping out with all of her children's activities, leading both boy and girl scouts and baking cookies for many events. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the American Nurses Association and was the past president of the Montana Nurses Association. She enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include her husband, Frank Johnston of Miles City; seven children, Brenda Johnston, Carla Ferris, Marla Malley, Charla Johnston, Kevin Johnston and his wife, Mary, and Lowell Johnston, all of Miles City and Wanda Rasmussen and her husband, Bud, of Grenora, N.D.; her grandchildren, Joe Ferris, Peggy Ferris, Kimberley Malley Teske and her husband, Roger, Gregory Carlson and his wife, Rheannon, all of Miles City, Chris Hibbs of Humbolt, Kan.; Misty Johnston and Elizabeth Johnston both of Miles City; and her great-grandchildren, Brian Hopkins, Hailey Ferris, Vance Teske, Jeremy and Isabel Carlson, and Brendan Wood Johnston of Miles City; Her survivors also include a sister, Hazel Wetherelt of Broadus; three sisters-in-law, Caroline E. Olson of Tacoma, Wash., Ruby Olson of Broadus and Leona Wright of Montesano, Wash.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eddie and Emma Olson; four brothers, Charles, Pete, Ray and John; and two sisters, Mary Schlepp Kranzler and Alma Wetherelt. Funeral services will be Thursday, Oct. 7, 2004, at 2 p.m. in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Miles Community College Nursing Scholarship Fund.

Kathy Larsen
Funeral services for Kathy Larsen 42, of Crow Agency, formerly of Culbertson, MT, will be Thursday, October 7, 2004, at 10:00 AM, MDT, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Culbertson. Father Greg Staudinger will officiate and burial will be in the Ebenezer Churchyard Cemetery. A wake service will be held Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM, MDT at St. Anthony's Catholic Church. Kathy Lynn Larsen was born on July 12, 1962 to Arlie and Phoebe (Lambert) Larsen in Culbertson, Mt. She passed away on October 1, 2004 in Billings, MT from a brain aneurysm. Kathy grew up and attended schools in Culbertson, MT. After high school, she moved to Miles City, attended Miles Community College and earned her first college degree as a medical secretary. She went to work at the Indian Development and Educational Alliance for 18 years. Kathy was very passionate about her work and helped hundreds of people to further their education, as mentor and friend. It was during that time, that Kathy met and worked with Ernie Bighorn and Leona (Lee) Harn, these two people forever became her special extended family. After many years of working in Miles City, Kathy went back to college and earned a degree in radiology technology and went to work in the medical field. This new line of work took her to Glendive, Wolf Point, Poplar and Crow Agency. Kathy's family and friends were her focal point. She had the biggest heart and always put everyone else's needs first. She was the first in line to donate her time and her energy to help others who were less fortunate or in need. On December 13, 1999, Kathy and Greg were blessed with a wonderful little boy they named Shawn. He was Kathy's world. Kathy was the most giving mother, sister, niece, aunt, and friend. Her life was dedicated to her family and friends. Her nephews and nieces, Austin (Christie) Knudsen, Jordan Knudsen, Kylan, Samantha, Dillon, Jacoby, and Ted (T.J.) Engelke, and Amanda, Joshua, and Katelyn Hansen were very special to her. Kathy is survived by her son Shawn of the family home; her sisters Rhonda (Miles) Knudsen of Culbertson, Lana (Keenan) Engelke of Culbertson, Dina (Joe) Hansen of Billings, and Cynthia Larsen of Billings; her brother Jonathon Larsen of Billings; adopted brother Ernie Bighorn; numerous aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Kathy was preceded in death by her husband Greg Olson, her parents Arlie and Phoebe, her grandparents, and her "other" mother Lee Harn. Friends may call at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Culbertson on Wednesday from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM and for one hour before service time at the church on Thursday. Fulkerson Funeral Home of Williston is in charge of arrangements.

Elaine Rae Forman
Elaine Rae Forman, 74, of Miles City died on Friday, Oct. 1, 2004, at the Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City. She was born in Devils Lake, N.D., on Jan. 3, 1930, the daughter of Arthur and Sarah Jane LaRue Linendoll. She attended schools in Devils Lake, then moved to San Diego for a short time before returning to Devils Lake where she graduated from high school in 1947. She met and later married Ralph Forman on June 17, 1951, in Miles City. They made their home in Miles City where they operated the Miles City Dairy for more than 20 years. After retiring, they enjoyed spending many winters in Arizona. Mrs. Forman loved crocheting, making Christmas goodies and babysitting her grandchildren. She loved spending time with her family. Survivors include her husband, Ralph Forman of Miles City; three sons, Mark Forman, and his wife, Lavonne, of Knowlton, Jim Forman, and his wife, Marilynn, and Jerry Forman, and his wife, Elaine, all of Miles City; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Betty Riffe and Janet Sullivan. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004, from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Rev. Kim Forman of Seattle, Wash., former Miles City resident and Mrs. Forman's brother-in-law, will preside. Cremation will take place and the spreading of the ashes will follow at a later date. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 550 N. 31st St., Suite 103, Billings, MT 59101.

Marjorie "Marge" Urick
Marjorie "Marge" Lucille Urick, 89, of Miles City died Friday, Oct. 1, 2004, at her home, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Born Dec. 29, 1914, in Hinsdale, Ill., she was the oldest of four children born to Knute and Anna Martha Sandstrom Anderson. She grew up in northern Minnesota where she attended a country grade school near Grand Rapids, Minn. She moved with the family to Coleraine, Minn., where she graduated from Greenway High School, Itasca Junior College and Business College in Duluth. She worked in Washington, D.C., and St. Cloud, Minn., for the Veterans Administration. She and John Harris "Brad" Bradley were married in Brainerd, Minn.ʠThey lived near St. Cloud for several years, and Patricia was born there in 1942. During World War II, Mr. Bradley transferred as a machinist to Skykomish and Wenatchee, Wash., and Havre, where Joan was born, then back to St. Cloud. In the spring of 1948, the family moved to Culbertson and in July of that same year, Mr. Bradley died. Through friends in Havre, she got a job as secretary at the experiment station - the old Fort Assinniboine, and started working there in September 1948. She was the secretary for all the office personnel including the superintendent, M.A. Bell and Joseph Urick, who had started working there in March of 1948. As a romance started to gradually develop, the she and Mr. Urick began a well-chaperoned "courtship" - chaperoned by Pat and Joan.ʠMr. Urick gained her love of and that of the girls, and they were united as a family on Nov. 29, 1950, in a small church in Belt. Pat and Joan were joined by brothers and sisters Joseph C. "Jay," Margaret Mary "Mary," Stephen "Steve," Katherine "Kathy" and Carol, and Mrs. Urick stayed home to be a full-time mom. In 1961, the family moved to the U.S. Range Experiment Station in Miles City where they had made their home since, raising their family.ʠIn 1965, Marge went back to work at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, and after 18-1/2 years of government service, which began in Washington, D.C., she retired in 1980. Mr. and Mrs. Urick moved out to Signal Butte in March of 1977, which became the gathering spot for many holidays. In 1990, they moved into town and enjoyed having a multitude of family and friends constantly filling the house with laughter, memories and love. Mrs. Urick was a devoted wife, mother, grandma and friend. Her survivors include her husband of 53 years, Joe of Miles City; seven children, Patricia (Bob) Fuhrman, of Richland, Wash., Joan Bradley of Olympia, Wash., Joseph "Jay" (Connie) Urick of Hilger, Mary (Fred) Wambolt III of Miles City, Steve (Jackie) Urick of Stanford, Kathy (Rob) Bird of Bismarck, N.D., and Carol (Don) Switzer of Richey; a close brother-in-law "Uncle Bob" Robert O'Clock of Auborn, Calif.; 17 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and many wonderful friends whom she considered to be family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Knute and Anna; a daughter, Kay Charlotte; her brothers, Clyde Anderson and Willard Anderson (in World War II); and her sister, Myrna O'Clock. A Vigil Service will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004, at 6:30 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2004, at 11 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church in Miles City. Private family burial follow in the Custer County Cemetery. If desired, memorials may be made in Mrs. Urick's name to the Holy Rosary Hospice, 2600 Wilson St., Miles City, MT 59301 or to the charity of one's choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.ʼP>

Lizbeth Gwin
Family graveside services for Lizbeth Rockie Gwin, 8, of Terry were held Monday, Oct. 4, 2004, at the Prairie County Cemetery in Terry. Lizbeth died Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004, at her home in Terry after a battle with cancer since the age of 2. She was born in Billings on March 22, 1996, the daughter of Robert and Emelia Montero Gwin. She attended school in Terry and would have been in the third grade this year. Lizbeth loved animals and enjoyed working in the rock shop with her parents. She helped design bracelets, necklaces and bolo ties. Her survivors include her parents, Robert and Emelia Gwin of Terry; and a brother, Bo Gwin of Billings. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Lionel "Len" DuBrey
Lionel "Len" Hiram DuBrey, 56, of Stanton, N.D., died after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2004, at Sakakawea Medical Center in Hazen, N.D. Mr. DuBrey was born Oct. 3, 1947, in Plattsburgh, N.Y. He was the son of Lionel Alfred DuBrey and Frances Mary Fisher. He worked as a boilermaker out of Local 11 in Helena and retired after twenty-some plus years of service. Mr. DuBrey served in the Army from 1967 to 1972, in the 101st Airborne Paratrooper in Vietnam and he was a recipient of a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Paratrooper Wings. He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, hunting and trapping. Mr. DuBrey also enjoyed reading, playing cards, telling stories and most of all listening to loud country music. His survivors include his companion and best friend of 12 years, Cathy Easterling of Stanton; his sons, Kevin DuBrey of Thomas River, N.J., Lenny DuBrey of Albany, N.Y., and Chris Easterling of Minot, N.D.; his daughters, Holly DuBrey of Dannemora, N.Y., Autumn and Stephanie DuBrey of Plattsburgh, N.Y., Lisa Easterling of Yankton, S.D., and Amy Easterling (Tony Bailey) of Minot, N.D.; and his grandsons, Cory and Zachary of Minot; Survivors also include a brother, Eugene and Anne Marie DuBrey of Plattsburgh N.Y.; his sisters, Mary and Darrel Bowen of Morrisonville, N.Y., Cindy and Ronnie Drollette of Catyville, N.Y., and Peggy and Jimmie McComb of Mooers, N.Y.; his uncle Daniel and aunt Pat DuBrey; his aunt Jean and uncle Raymond Blaine of Plattsburgh, N.Y.; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Mr. DuBrey was preceded in death by his parents; and his maternal and paternal grandparents. Services will be at 10 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time on Monday, Oct. 4, 2004, at Seibel Funeral Home, Inc., in Hazen, with Pastor Jerry Drebelbis officiating. Burial will follow at 1 p.m. Central Daylight Time at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, N.D.

Magdaline Carter
Magdaline Mary Eve Carter, 97, of Miles City died Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2004, at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility in Miles City. Born in Rugby, N.D., on Feb. 21, 1907, she was the daughter of Ferdinand and Mary Schuldt Weipert. Her father died when she was three years old and her mother then moved to Ryder, N.D. In 1917 the family homesteaded in Powder River County about eight miles north of Broadus. Mrs. Carter attended school in Broadus and married James Carter in 1926. They made their home on the Mizpah Creek with three daughters and a son. The family decided to move to Miles City when their oldest child started high school. Mr. Carter delivered gas and Mrs. Carter worked at the Ben Franklin Store for 20 years. When the store closed, she then worked at Holy Rosary Hospital. Mr. Carter died in 1963, and Mrs. Carter moved to the nursing home in 1988. She enjoyed crocheting afghans and other novelties in the winter months. Mrs. Carter also enjoyed being with family and friends. She was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary and the Degree of Honor. Her survivors include a daughter, LaVawn Guerechit of Hillsboro, Ore.; a son, Jim Carter of Chester; a sister, Margaret Carter of Miles City; 18 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; and many great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two daughters, Lucile Warford and Laurain Powell; two brothers; three sisters; and one great-granddaughter. A Vigil Service will be held Friday, Oct. 1, 2004, at 6 p.m. at the Holy Rosary Chapel in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004, at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will be held at a later date in the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Memorials may be made to the Holy Rosary Extended Care, 2600 Wilson, Miles City, MT 59301.

Arnold Solberg
Arnold Richard Solberg, 86, died at Shady Lane Assisted Living in Miles City on Monday, Sept. 27, 2004. He was born in Red Lodge on Oct. 21, 1917, to Martin and Gunhild (Bjornson) Solberg. He was the seventh of nine children who spoke Norwegian until beginning first grade. The family moved to Billings in 1923, where he attended school. In 1940, Mr. Solberg enlisted in the Air Force, serving primarily in India and Australia during World War II as a cryptographer. He was honorably discharged in September of 1945. After returning from overseas, he married Mary Pfennigs at Wichita Falls, Texas, on March 12, 1945. They made their home in Billings where they raised three daughters. Mr. Solberg worked at Tony's Market as a butcher and later as a salesman for Midland Empire Packing Company. In 1988, he and his wife moved to Spokane, Wash. After Mrs. Solberg's death in 1998, Mr. Solberg moved to Miles City where he lived with his daughter, Susan, and her family until shortly before his death. Mr. Solberg is survived by his daughters, Donna and Jon Rasmussen of Antelope, and their daughters, Suzanne and Kara; Susan and Randy Anderson of Miles City and their children, Joshua, Marissa, and Sara; Sandra and David Bishop of Redmond, Ore., and their sons, Michael and Brian; and his sisters, Agnes Haugland of Billings and Ruby Ostrem of Gresham, Ore. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Mary; his parents, Martin and Gunhild Solberg; his brothers, Magnus, Ed, Harold, Bjarne and George; his sister, Mable Sundberg. Funeral services will be Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004, at 3:30 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment, with military honors, will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Kyle Heitbrink
Kyle Andrew Heitbrink, 21, of Vernon, Texas, formerly of Miles City, died Monday, Sept. 27, 2004, as a result of a tragic car accident returning home to Texas from his mother's funeral in Miles City. He was the son of the late Donna Kay Smith and Rick Heitbrink of Fort Morgan, Colo. Mr. Heitbrink was born Jan. 8, 1983, in Fort Morgan. The family moved to Miles City where he attended Highland Park School.ʠThey later moved to Texas where he finished school. Mr. Heitbrink was planning to go into law enforcement. His survivors include a daughter, Madison Sara Kay Heitbrink of Vernon, Texas; two brothers, Jason (Cheridy) Heitbrink and their two daughters, Hannah and Hailey, and Colton MacDonald of Nebraska; a sister, Kelly Buckingham of Terry; his grandparents, Harold and Gladys Smith of Miles City and Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Heitbrink of Fort Morgan; his special friends, Sara, Hutch and Ruby of Vernon, Texas; and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Donna Kay Smith; his aunt, Janet Smith; and a cousin, Brianna Frahm. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004, at 4 p.m. at the Calvary Cemetery in Miles City.