Edwin "Pat" Marang
Edwin "Pat" Marang, 67, of Miles City died Saturday, Aug. 3, 2002, in the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility in Miles City. Born Dec. 27, 1934, in Houston, Texas, he was the son of Alvin and Rose Garrett Marang. He moved to Montana and attended schools in Huntley Project and in Miles City. Following his schooling, he worked for Terry Cline at the Miles City Dry Cleaning where he worked for 35 years. Mr. Marang enjoyed hunting and fishing. His survivors include a brother, Charles Marang, and his wife, Carol, of Everett, Wash.; a sister, Joyce Watson of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; a half-brother, Richard Osness of Austin, Minn.; three half-sisters, Beverly Seaway of Glenpool, Okla., Sharla Turner of Sapulpa, Okla., and Ava of India; and numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002, in the Custer County Cemetery. Friends and family will meet at the cemetery. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of arrangements.

James L. Stanton
James L. Stanton, 63, of Baker died Saturday, Aug. 3, 2002, at his home surrounded by his family following a long illness. Born July 16, 1939, in Butte, he was the son of James and Helen Delaney Stanton. He attended the Immaculate Conception Grade School and graduated from Butte Central High School in 1957. Mr. Stanton graduated from Carroll College at Helena in 1962 with his teaching degree. He also was a member of the football team. On Aug. 18, 1962, he and Patricia Ann Wise were married in Helena. He started his teaching and coaching career with Helena Central High School until 1967. He, his wife and family then moved to Circle where he taught and coached at Circle High School. His next move was when he accepted the principal/boys' basketball coach job and later superintendent of Richey High School. At the same time, he attended summer school for his master's degree in education, which he completed at Montana State University-Bozeman, graduating in 1976. In 1980, he became the superintendent of Baker High School in Baker, serving until his retirement in 2001. Mr. Stanton was a member of St. John's Catholic Church, the School Administrators of Montana, the Montana High School Association and was inducted into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame for football and basketball. He received many accolades for coaching and administrative leadership. A leader among leaders in the field of education, Mr. Stanton was continually lobbying on behalf of Montana's students. The Baker students and athletic teams always had a special place in his heart. An avid sports fan, Mr. Stanton attended all sporting events and was especially proud to watch his own children play at Richey, Baker, Carroll College and Dickinson State University in North Dakota. Five of his seven children also chose teaching and coaching careers. Mr. Stanton enjoyed cooking corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick's Day and invited his "Irish friends and those who wished they were." He was a Green Bay Packer fan and invited people over to watch play-off games and sample his Butte pasties. His survivors include his wife of 40 years, Pat Stanton of Baker; his children, Dan Stanton, his wife, Kim, and their children, Kasey and Kyle of Miles City, Kathy Mitchell, her husband, Dave, and their children, Brandon, Makayla, Alek and Kaleb of Kalispell, Rob Stanton and Jim Stanton, his wife, Karla, and their children, Marissa, James, Jacob and Michael, all of Billings, Pete Stanton of Dickinson, N.D., Missy Racht, her husband, Brad, and their child, Tyson, of Townsend, and Terri Stanton of Bozeman. A sister, Mary C. "Sis" Cronnelly, and a brother, Jack Stanton, preceded him in death. A Rosary and Vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002, in the St. John's Catholic Church at Baker. Matthew T. Helfrich will preside. Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2002 in the St. John's Catholic Church. The Rev. Thomas Tobin will officiate. Burial will be in the St. John's Catholic Cemetery at Baker. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund in the name of James L. Stanton is being set up to benefit area students. All contributions may be mailed to P.O. Box 374, Baker, MT 59313. Stevenson Funeral Home of Baker is in charge of arrangements.

Margaret Dyba
Ervin Arthur Waldie, 91, of Miles City died Thursday, Aug. 1, 2002, in the Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City. Mr. Waldie was born in Dickey, N.D., on Sept. 11, 1910, the son of Arthur J. and Mary Larson Waldie. He attended rural schools there and graduated from high school in Marion, N.D. On Sept. 11, 1943, he and Mildred Ann Ferch were married in West Fargo, N.D. Mr. Waldie farmed and raised cattle on his grandfather's farm until 1945. The family then moved near Grassy Butte in western North Dakota where he again farmed, raised livestock and did custom sheep shearing around the area. After 14 years and the birth of three sons, the family needed a larger place so they purchased land in the Moon Creek area southwest of Miles City. Except for 16 years on the Tongue River ranch, Mr. Waldie spent his remaining years on the TV ranch, which he always called home. He had a special fondness for good saddle horses and was a top hand with them and cattle. He loved the outdoors and little children. His survivors include his wife of nearly 59 years, Mildred of Miles City; his sons, Charles E., and his wife, Deanna, of Miles City, and Gregory L., and his wife, Pat, of Buffalo, S.D.; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Kent R., in 1959. A prayer service will be held Monday, Aug. 5, 2002, at 6 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2002, in the Grace Bible Church at Miles City. Interment will be at a later date on the family ranch. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Grace Bible Church Growth Fund, 3505 Stower St., Miles City, MT 59301 or to the charity of one's choice. Margaret Dyba, 86, of Miles City died Tuesday, July 29, 2002, at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility in Miles City. Born in Mandan, N.D., on March 13, 1916, she was the daughter of Basil and Katherine Schmidt Schantz. She attended school in Mandan and then in Miles City where she attended Lincoln School. Following her schooling, she worked at the laundry and the creamery. On Nov. 15, 1934, she and Paul Dyba Sr. were married in Forsyth. They lived on the Bebe ranch until 1942, when they moved to Rosebud Creek and ranched there until 1960. They returned to the family ranch at Hillside and worked there until 1970 when they sold the ranch and moved into Miles City on Wyttenhove Lane in the Yellowstone Valley. In 1989, they moved into their home at 707 Truscott St. where she had resided since. She was employed by the Custer County Rest Home and the Custer Motel. Mrs. Dyba enjoyed crocheting, reading and watching western movies. She also enjoyed taking care of her livestock and her pets. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Survivors include her two sons, Paul Dyba and Steve Dyba, both of Miles City; three brothers, Frank Schantz, and his wife, Margaret, of Mandan, George Schantz, and his wife, Hazel, and James Schantz, all of Forsyth; a sister, Jean Paul of Mandan; nine grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1993; two brothers, Casper "Cap" and John; and four sisters, Rose, Barbara, Dorothy and Alice. A Vigil Service will be held Friday, Aug. 2, 2002, at 6 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, Aug. 3, 2002, at 10 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Mary Rose Trotter Bentley
Mary Rose Trotter Bentley, 90, of Jordan died Tuesday, July 30, 2002, at the Garfield County Health Center in Jordan. Mrs. Bentley was born in Champagne, Ill., on Dec. 4, 1911, to Mr. and Mrs. James Fullerton. She had five brothers, John, Jim, Frances, Tom and Anthony, and two sisters, Helen and Martha "Toodles." She attended elementary school at the Iler School, Eagle Nest School and completed her eighth grade year in Ingomar. She was a housewife, keeping busy raising eight children, but she found time to work in restaurants, and at the Fort Peck Hotel. Mrs. Bentley worked at the Fort Peck Drug Store and on a floating restaurant on the Fort Peck Lake. In 1961, she took a cooking job at the Home Cafe in Nashua and later worked as pastry cook at the Johnny's Cafe in Glasgow. On Aug. 26, 1929, she and Earl Trotter were married in Jordan and they had eight children. They homesteaded east of Jordan and lived there until moving to the Fort Peck area where Mr. Trotter worked on the Fort Peck Dam. He died July 27, 1975. In June 1977, she and Waldo Bentley were married and the couple made their home on Lone Tree on the Bentley Ranch until moving to Jordan in 1989. They resided in Jordan until the time of their deaths. Mrs. Bentley's hobbies were visiting her children, playing cards and cooking for company. She was a member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Blackfoot Home Demonstration Club, Royal Neighbors and the Senior Citizens where she was named Citizen of the Year in 1990. Her survivors include Agnes and Kenny Drane of Miles City, Clinton and Doris Trotter of Deer Lodge, Nellie and Laurence Fouhy of Scobey, Marie and Leon Bergan of Seeley Lake, Donna and Jim Crider of Florence, Josephine and Blake Luse of Great Falls, and Earline and Rick Lawrence of Jordan, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought joy into her life. In addition to her first husband, Earl Trotter, she was preceded in death by her second husband, Waldo Bentley; and two sons, Anthony "Tony," and Gilbert "Mickey." A Rosary will be held Thursday, Aug. 1, 2002, at 5 p.m. in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at Jordan. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2, 2002, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan. Interment will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Highland Cemetery at Glasgow. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Jordan is in charge of the arrangements.

Christine Littlebird Roe
Christine Littlebird Roe, 56, of Minneapolis, Minn., formerly of Ashland, died Friday, July 26, 2002, after a lengthy illness with diabetes. She was born in Ashland on July 5, 1946, the daughter of John Gray Sr., and Julia Gray. She was raised in Ashland and attended elementary school. She attended St. Labre High School and graduated from Cook County High School in Grand Marais, Minn. Following her schooling, she worked for Northwestern Bell Phone Company, the Fairview Hospital and the VA Hospital in Minneapolis as a receptionist until she became sick. On May 25, 1974, she and Donald Roe were married in Egan, Minn. Mrs. Roe loved bowling, playing cards, traveling and spending time with her family. Her survivors include three brothers, Daniel Old Bull, and his wife, Shirley, of Lame Deer, Nathaniel Little Bird, and his wife, Chris, of Billings and Leroy Gray of Hardin; four sisters, Vina Dircks, and her husband, Charles, of Stanley, Wis., Ladonna Eagle, and her husband, Stanley, and Roselyn Gray and Gerald Rowland, all of Ashland, and Dr. Cheryl Feigal Melton of McAlester, Okla.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and a brother, Larry Gray. A wake service will be held Thursday, Aug. 1, 2002, at 7 p.m. in the St. Labre Mission in Ashland. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 2, 2002, in the St. Labre Mission at Ashland. Interment will follow in the St. Labre Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is in charge of arrangements.

Luther Glenn "Babe" Heaps
Luther Glenn "Babe" Heaps, 72, of Volborg died Sunday, July 28, 2002, in the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility in Miles City. Mr. Heaps was born in Miles City on May 26, 1930, the son of Willard and Albena Dvorak Heaps. He attended schools in Volborg at the Carey-Malone School. Following his schooling, he continued working on the family ranch where he had remained his entire life. Mr. Heaps loved being around his cows. They were his pets. He also loved all his other animals. He enjoyed his friends and he was a hard worker. His survivors include a brother, Gene Heaps, and his wife, Rae, of Baker; three nephews, Kenneth Heaps, Thomas Heaps, and his wife, Caroline, and Donald Heaps; two nieces, Dianna Hoff, and her husband, Howard, and Rebecca Brown, and her husband, David; and several great-nieces and great-nephews. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, 2002, in the chapel of 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 charity of one's choice.

Paula Elizabeth Smith Compton
Paula Elizabeth Smith Compton, 86, of Miles City died Sunday, July 28, 2002, in the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility in Miles City. Mrs. Compton was born Oct. 18, 1915, in Ten Sleep, Wyo., the daughter of Russell Brainerd and Rhoda Speas Smith. She contracted polio at the age of two years, which left her handicapped. In spite of this, she was a woman of many accomplishments. She never let her handicap stand in the way of success. Mrs. Compton graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She taught in Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana. As a teacher she was dedicated to her profession and her students. On Dec. 25, 1941, she and Clarence K. Compton were married at the family farm in Nebraska. He died on Sept. 28, 1973. Mrs. Compton retired from teaching in 1977. Following her retirement, she filled her time doing for others. Handwork was her passion. Counted cross-stitch, crocheting, quilting and knitting were projects for all her family and they received the fruits of her labor. She also made Christmas baskets with homemade jelly, jam, Christmas breads, salsa and gave them away. As a home economics teacher, she knew how to cook and her skills went beyond average. Her special interests included all types of sports and her knowledge of each one was extensive. She loved baseball and Atlanta was her team. Football also was important and she was a lifelong fan of the Cornhuskers of Nebraska. She also enjoyed professional football and was proud of her grandsons, Kent, Kelly and Bruce, for playing high school football. Her zest for sports also included golf and she spent days watching sports while crocheting or stitching. Mrs. Compton's battle with breast cancer and colon cancer proved she was a survivor and she made many special friends at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility. Her survivors include two sons, Russell Compton, and his wife, Gloria, of Broadus and Kenneth Ord of Billings; two daughters, Virginia Roberts, and her husband, Kenneth, of Miles City and Barbara Compton of Missoula; eight grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren. Survivors also include four brothers, Jack D. Smith of Broken Bow, Neb., Frank Smith of Manderson, Wyo., Forster Smith of Callaway, Neb., and Richard Smith of Camarillo, Calif.; and a sister, Barbara Lee Oxenford of Reno, Nev. Funeral services will be Wednesday, July 31, 2002, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility, 2600 Wilson St., Miles City, MT 59301.

Lucy Bates
Lucy Bates passed away Feb. 10, 2002, with family and friends near at the Broadwater Health Center in Townsend. She was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and shortly thereafter, adopted by William and Mina Zibell of Walaso, Minn. Her family moved to Miles City when she was three years old after her father gained employment with the Old Milwaukee Railroad. She graduated from Custer County High School in 1937. She worked as a welder at the Seattle Tacoma shipyards during the war and as a cab driver, cook, and waitress in and around the Miles City area. Mrs. Bates was restless, adventurous and a free spirit; after numerous marriages she finally settled down with Clair Bates, a patrol operator and bachelor of 65 years. They resided in her family home in Miles City. She enjoyed making dolls for the banks to give away at Christmas, as well as, ceramics, rummage sales and thrift stores enabling her to be generous to family, friends and anyone that might be in need. She loved to make people laugh and was quite a practical joker. When she was waitressing there were customers who would wait just to sit in her section so as to enjoy her mischievous personality. She was loved by many people she didn't even know. While her grandsons were in the service she would send goody bags for the 460 men aboard the ship. Everyone would be excited and would rush to find the grandsons when a big box came from "Grandma Lucy." In her later years, Mrs. Bates became an important person in her granddaughter-in-laws' daycare and then in the Townsend Head Start. Many times while shopping or walking down the street she would her "Hi Grandma Lucy." She was easy to love and returned it openly. After "Mr. Bates," as she called him, died, she got sick. She went to Friendship Villa in Miles City to get back on her feet and liked it so well, she decided to stay. Lucy moved to Townsend after her last relative in Miles City moved there. Her family missed her so much and couldn't stand the idea of her being alone in Miles City. She is survived by three children, Michael Chervenak of Kent, Wash., Nadine Chervenak Kruetzer and her husband Bruce of Bridger and Chuck Garlington of U.S.A., five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. It was her wish to be cremated and buried at the Custer County Cemetery. Her services will be held at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City on July 26, 2002 at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at the family plot in Custer County Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice and cards may be sent to 45 Toston Dom Road, Toston, MT 59643 or Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City.

Arthur J. Werley
Arthur J. Werley, 67, of Miles City died Wednesday, July 24, 2002, at the Veterans Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mr. Werley was born Jan. 9, 1935, in Potsdam, N.Y., the oldest of six children born to Earl and Marian Ferris Werley. He was raised and attended schools in the Norfolk and Massena areas of New York. He helped raise his brothers and sisters. Living in the country, he was responsible for many of the household chores. He enjoyed fishing and spending time in the woods picking berries. He entered the United States Air Force, serving during the Korean War. Mr. Werley was stationed in Japan where he defused bombs. After serving 12 years in the U.S. Air Force, he was honorably discharged. He worked several different jobs in New York, worked for an ambulance service and later moved to Montana where he worked in construction in Colstrip. Mr. Werley also worked as a janitor at local bars and at the Pine Hills School at various odd jobs in the area. He attended a year at Miles Community College. Mr. Werley was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, was a house committee member and a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He enjoyed listening to the bagpipes, country and classical music. Mr. Werley also enjoyed watching nature programs and war history programs on television. He loved animals and spending time with Maureen Patikas for the last 17 years. His survivors include Maureen Patikas of Miles City; a son, John Werley; three daughters, Angie, Myra and Ronnie; two brothers, Jim Worley of Carthidge, NY, and the Rev. David Worley of Watertown, NY; three sisters, Ann Ash of Massena, NY, Joan Bush of Norfolk, NY, and Pat Ponis of New York; several grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother in infancy. Vigil services will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, 2002, in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, July 31, 2002, at 10 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal, with military honors, will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Wade D. Peters
Wade D. Peters, 44, of Dickinson, N.D., former Miles City resident, died Saturday, July 20, 2002, at his home. Mr. Peters was born July 2, 1958, at Stanley, N.D., the son of Eugene and Laura Soderstrom Peters. He attended elementary school in Miles City and Bowman, graduating from Bowman High School in 1976. He attended Montana State University-Bozeman for one and one-half years and then enlisted in the United States Air Force. While in the military he received extensive medical training, becoming a Medical Service Specialist. He received an Air Force Training Ribbon and an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and worked at the Wilford Hall United States Air Force Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Mr. Peters was active in the local chess club, representing the Air Force in many chess matches. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he returned to North Dakota, living in Bowman. Since the late 1980s, he had lived in Dickinson. In 1990, he and Janie Flohr were married at Dickinson. He was a devoted father to little Rudie and later to their two sons, Dayton and Taylor. From a very young age he has a great interest in medicine and always worked to advance his knowledge of medicine. He worked with the family seismic drilling business and several oilfield drilling companies. Mr. Peters was a stay-at-home dad for years, devoting every minute to his children. He was involved in chess clubs and enjoyed a good game of golf. He had a great love for motorcycles and at one time encircled the United States on his motorcycle. His survivors include three children, Rudie, Dayton and Taylor Peters of Dickinson; his parents, Eugene and Laura Peters of Bowman; three brothers, Larry Peters of Fort Laramie, Wyo., John Peters, and his wife, Roberta, of Casper, Wyo., and David Peters, and his wife, Tresha, of Denver, Colo.; seven nieces and nephews; and several aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 30, 2002, at 10 a.m. in the Bowman Methodist Church at Bowman, N.D. The Rev. Val Rush will officiate. Burial will follow in the Bowman Cemetery. Krebsbach Funeral Service of Bowman is in charge of arrangements.

Raymond Albert Lundby
Raymond Albert Lundby, 62, of Miles City died Thursday, Sept. 26, 2002, at St. Vincent's Hospital in Billings. Born Feb. 12, 1940, in Miles City he was the son of Raymond George and Greta Minnich Lundby. He attended school in Miles City and graduated from Custer County High School in 1958. On Feb. 11, 1961, he and Helen Fulton were married. They made their home in Miles City. Just before his 22nd birthday, on Feb. 8, 1962, Mr. Lundby joined the Army and served in Germany until his honorable discharge on Jan. 31, 1965. After his return home, he worked for NAPA, Motor Service, Custer Motors and became a part-time firefighter. On March 1, 1971, he went to work full time as a firefighter and mechanic. In 1986, he took the job as the Department of State Lands Rural Fire Coordinator and in 2002, took the position of Eastside Trainer. The accomplishment of which he was most proud was the formation of the County Assist Team (C.A.T.), which was created to coordinate large firefighting efforts. Mr. Lundby enjoyed many outdoor activities. Above all, he valued his family. Every firefighter knows that one small ember has the potential to settle into the undergrowth, quietly glowing, gaining strength and speed, until it can no longer be contained. Mr. Lundby was a humble man, glowing with goodness, reaching out, spreading the spark of his humor, the warmth of his smile, and the fire of his friendship to all he met. While the ember has been extinguished, his warmth continues to spread. His survivors include his wife of 41 years, Helen of Miles City; two sons, Cameron, and his wife, Karen Lundby, of Miles City and Quinten, and his wife, Susan Lundby of Billings; his daughter, Rosalie Lundby of Broadus; two brothers, Christian Lund of Miles City and Harlan Lund of Billings; a sister, Maureen Secrest of Crow Agency; and seven grandchildren, all of whom adored him. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2002, at 11 a.m. in the First Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of arrangements. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Ray Lundby Scholarship Fund, care of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home, 1717 Main St., Miles City, MT 59301 or the charity of one's choice.

John C. "Jack" Haggerty
John C. "Jack" Haggerty, 73, former Miles City resident, died Friday, Sept. 27, 2002, in the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. Born Dec. 22, 1928, in Miles City, he was the son of Ben and Billy Haggerty. He attended Miles City schools and was a graduate of Custer County High School. Mr. Haggerty was employed by and later owned the Miles City Electric Company from 1942 to 1984 when he sold the business and went into retirement. On Oct. 20, 1956, he and Ruth Schlenker were married in Miles City. They made their home in Miles City where they raised their children. After Mrs. Haggerty retired in 1992, they moved to Kalispell. His survivors include two daughters, Kim J. Haggerty of San Antonio, Texas, and Kelly J. Haggerty of Eagle Butte, S.D.; one son, Kirk J. Haggerty of Kirkland, Wash.; two brothers, James and Wayne Haggerty of Miles City; a sister, Pat Towlerton of Helena; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife. An Irish wake will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30, 2002, in the Black Angus in Kalispell. Cremation followed a visitation on Monday afternoon in the Buffalo Hill Funeral Home at Kalispell. Cards and letters may be addressed to Kirk Haggerty, 13223 97th Ave. NE No. F103, Kirkland, WA 98034. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.

Mary Ann Jerrel Johnson
Mary Ann Jerrel Johnson, 67, of Woodville, Texas, former Miles City resident, died Saturday, Sept. 28, 2002, in the Tyler County Hospital in Woodville. Born April 6, 1935, in Miles City, she was the daughter of Jesse B. and Mary Etta Miller Jerrel. She graduated from high school in Miles City. She and Lonnie Johnson were married in 1953. Her survivors include her husband of 49 years; a son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Pam Johnson of Anderson, Texas; a daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Barry Craigen Sr. of San Antonio, Texas; her brothers, Raymond Jerrel of Miles City, Dallas Jerrel of Bonner and Harold Jerrel of Martinsdale; a sister, Minnie Schmidt of Flandreau, S.D.; and two grandchildren, Barry Craigen Jr. and Jessica Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and one sister. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002, at 11 a.m. in the Stringer and Griffin Funeral Home Chapel in Woodville. Burial will follow in Magnolia Cemetery in Woodville.

Mary "Gramma Mary" Stuit
Mary "Gramma Mary" Stuit, 89, of Miles City died Friday, Sept. 27, 2002, in the Holy Rosary Healthcare at Miles City. Born Nov. 21, 1912 in Lodgepole, S.D., she was the daughter of Charles and Amanda Warner. She was the oldest of nine children. The old "Soddie Home" in which she was born and raised still stands and is listed as a National Historical Site. On July 3, 1930, she and Harry Stuit wee united in marriage in Lodgepole. In 1935, they moved to New York where they engaged in farming for 25 years. In 1958, they moved to Washington state where they owned their own chicken farm. Moving to Montana in 1965, they started working at the Pine Hills School for Boys in Miles City where they were "ma" and "pa" to many, many young boys. During the holidays their home was always open for those boys who were able to leave the school, but had nowhere to go. Mr. and Mrs. Stuit retired in 1975 from the Pine Hills, then managed the "Snack Bar" at the Red Rock Bowling Lanes until 1978. Mrs. Stuit always was an avid Cowgirls, Cowboys and Miles City Maverick baseball fan. She went many years without ever missing a game, at home or away. She especially enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their activities. Her survivors include her daughter, Agnes Bishop of Miles City; her sons, Donald Stuit, and his wife, Eleanor, of Newburg, N.Y., David Stuit, and his wife, Beth, of Monument, Colo., and Duane Stuit of Deer Lodge; 11 grandchildren, Kathy Rau, and her husband, Larry, Cindy Kelm, and her husband, Allen, and Jami Lynam, all of Miles City, Doug Bishop, and his wife, Vicki, of Bremerton, Wash., Jerry Stuit, and his wife, Pam, of Newburg, Terry Stuit, and his wife, Jolene, and Dana Stuit, and his wife, Terresa, all of Sterling, Va., Aaron Stuit and Amy Stuit, and Dave of New Orleans, La., Tina Karr, and her husband, Kevin, of Missouri, and Sheila Clark, and her husband, Charles, of Portland, Ore.; 15 great-grandchildren, Brandon and Marty Kelm, Dace and Stephen Webber, Andrew and Sarah Rau, Shannon Meyer, Dustin, Kayla and Ryan Lynam, Brian, Robbi and Tori Bishop, Stephanie and Kasey Lobdel, Chloe Yava, Kara and Brendon Stuit, Matthew, Justin and Alana Stuit, Jaime, Kendal and Stephanie Stuit; four great-great-grandchildren, Jax and Jayce Meyer, Caitlyn Lynam and Kelle Stuit; and her special little darlings, Hunter, Jakob and Tate Doeden, Anna Bishop, Josie Chapweske, Brianna and Brody Hanson of Iowa. Survivors also include her sisters, Lois Sanford of Davenport, N.Y., Charlotte Barker, and her husband, Bill, of Bremerton, and Ruby Swantak of Shelton, Wash.; and her brother, Bill, and his wife, Sharon, of Lakewood, Calif. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her sisters, Esther and Charlene; and her brothers, Francis and Arthur. A memorial services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2002, at 11 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church in Miles City. Burial will follow in the Custer County Cemetery.

Ellen Elizabeth Strong Kowis
Ellen Elizabeth Strong Kowis, 83, of Forsyth, former Miles City resident, died Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2002, in Forsyth. Born Sept. 26, 1918, in Lewiston, Idaho, she was the eldest of seven children of James O. and Ruth Turner Strong. She was named after her paternal grandmother, Ellen Elizabeth Leader Strong, with both having the same birth date. She attended schools in Boise, Idaho, and Washington state and lived most of her life in Montana. She was baptized in the First Methodist Church of Forsyth in 1928. In 1938, she graduated from Forsyth High School. Following her schooling, she worked at the Rosebud Community Hospital until she married Anton Kowis on Feb. 25, 1941. They farmed and ranched in the Rosebud/Cartersville area until 1978 when she moved to Forsyth. Mrs. Kowis later moved to the Eagle's Manor in Miles City, then to Oregon before returning to Miles City, then Forsyth. She enjoyed reading, bird watching, raising flowers (especially African violets), good music and dancing. Her survivors include her daughter, Linda St. John of Beaverton, Ore.; her two sisters, Grace Angeloff of Buffalo, Wyo., and Donna Jones of Forsyth; two brothers, Wayne P. Strong of Forsyth and Charles L. Strong of Lewistown; her god children, Ruthie Johnson of Forsyth and Judy McPhail of Jefferson, Ore.; all her nieces, nephews and their families; and her special sister-in-law, Doris Jean Strong. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond "Ty" Strong and James O. "Buzz" Strong; and a cousin, Dixie E. Ertman. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, 2002, in the Beals Mortuary Chapel at Forsyth. Cremation has taken place and interment of the urn will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery.

Darvin H. Brockway
Darvin H. Brockway, 63, of Miles City died Sunday, Sept. 22, 2002, at his home after a battle with cancer. Born in Fairview on Aug. 3, 1939, he was the fifth of six children born to George Arden and Velma Hawley Brockway. He attended Fairview Grade School through the fourth grade and graduated from high school in Sidney in 1957. Mr. Brockway entered the United States Army on Jan. 10, 1958, and was honorably discharged on Nov. 2, 1960. Following his discharge, he worked for Boeing, Standard Oil of California, then owned his own Union 76 Station in the Seattle area. Throughout this time, he attended several colleges and graduated in 1974 from Eastern Montana College in Billings with a bachelor of science degree in rehabilitation and related service. In 1973, he was employed at Billings Sheltered Workshop. From 1975 to 1977, he was a community organizational worker in Lewistown and from 1977 to 1979, he was a program director at Eastern Montana Industries (EMI) in Miles City. Then he was the executive director at Lincoln County Workshop in Libby, moving on to Malta to be the executive director before returning to Miles City in 1984 to be the executive director at EMI. The "boss," he was known for being easy going and supportive, giving employees the opportunity to work and grow. His love for EMI clients and their well-being was unsurpassable. Mr. Brockway was active in community organizations such as Kiwanis and the Chamber of Commerce as well as being a member of the First Presbyterian Church. He served as an Elder, a Deacon and on numerous committees spending much of his time with the youth ministries program. He was a positive Christian influence to everyone he met. He and Virginia Koss were married in 1984. They had two sons, Adam and Zachary. They later divorced. In January 1999, he and his friend and soul mate, Mary Louise Archer, were married and from this union he was blessed with three daughters, Crystal, Amber and Jessica. Mr. Brockway enjoyed sports and coached Little League at Malta and Miles City. He had a passion for youth and his biggest enjoyment was watching his children, their friends and other youth in community succeed in activities. Mr. Brockway loved working with his hands, camping and fishing. His survivors include his wife, Mary Louise Brockway of Miles City; two sons, Adam Arden Brockway, and Zachary Zane Brockway of the family home; three step-daughters, Jessica J. Archer of Miles City, Crystal Archer-Bratvold, and her husband, Michael, of Minneapolis, Minn., and Amber Warren, and her husband, Matthew, of San Anotonio, Texas; and two grandsons. Survivors also include four brothers, Ron, and his wife, Mary Ann, of Anchorage, Alaska, Don of Pensacola, Fla., Merlin, and his wife, Sharon, of Waldwick, N.J., and Jack, and his wife, Kathy, of Butte; a sister, Virginia Foltz, and her husband, Frank, of Billings; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. A special service for clients and friends will be held on Friday, Sept. 27, 2002, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, 2002, in the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Interment, with full military honors, will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to EMI, Box 759, Miles City, MT 59301; Holy Rosary Hospice, 2600 Wilson St., Miles City, MT 59301; or to the charity of one's choice.

Lucile "Lucy" M. Warford
Lucile "Lucy" M. Warford, 72, of Havre, former Miles City reident, died Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2002, in a Great Falls hospital after complications of lung and liver cancer. Born June 2, 1930, at her Aunt mary DuRussell's house next to the Yellowstone River in Miles City, she was the daughter of James D. and magdaline Wiepert Carter. She attended Sacred Heart Grade School in Miles City and graduated from Custer County high School. Shortly after graduation she and Bill E. Viall were married. They later divorced. To this union six children were born and survive her, James E. Viall, and his wife, Margo, of Mt. Vernon, wash., Don J. Viall, and his wife, Sherry, of Sidney, Paula R. Wargo, and her husband, Donald, of Burlington, Wash., Marla Warford of Havre, Becky L. Willson, and her husband, Travis, of Winifred and Brenda J. Evans, and her husband, Jim, of Havre., Don, Paula, Marla, Becky and Brenda. On March 13, 1970, she and Oris M. Warford were married in Sheridan, Wyo. With their marriage, Mr. Warford brought four additional children who also survive her, Diane Pierce, and her husband, Dennis, of Kent, Wash., Herb Warford, and his wife, Sue, Price Warford, and Hugh Warford, and his wife, Ania, all Florence. While residing in Miles City, mrs. Warford was involved in the March of Dimes and Displaced Homemakers. In 1989, she moved to Havre where she was involved as a volunteer at the Northern Montana Hospital and with Americorp reading program. She was emplyed at the Havre Public Schools as an office assistant and a paraprofessional at Lincoln-McKinley until retiring in August of this year. Her pleasures consisted of reading, sewing, playing cards, spending time with her children and grandchildren. She attended Fifth Avenue Christian Church in Havre. In addition to her children and their spouses her survivors include her mother, Magdaline Carter, and Aunt Margaret Carter, both of Miles City; a sister, LaVawn Guerechit of Oregon; a brother, Jim Carter, and his wife, Peg, of Chester; a brother-in-law, Joe Powell of Billings; 25 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and the family of the Havre Public Schools. She was preceded in death by her father, James D. Carter; her husband, Oris M. Warford; a granddaughter, Fawn M. Warford; two grandsons, Treyton Pierce and Keenan Viall; a sister, Laurain Powell; and an infant granddaughter. Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 27, 2002, at 5 p.m. in Fifth Avenue Christian Church in Havre. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, 2002, in the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City. Funeral arrangements have been made under the direction of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City. Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 1403 W. Third, Spokane, WA 99204, attention: Kathi Mattatws, cancer research in honor of Lucile Warford or to Lincoln-McKinley Child Fund, 801 Fourth, Havre, MT 59501.

Allen H. Caldwell
Masonic services for Allen H. Caldwell, 70, of Rapid City, S.D., father of Melanie Espinosa of Baker, were held Monday, Sept. 23, 2002, in the Osheim-Catron Funeral Home at Rapid City. Burial will be at a later date. Mr. Caldwell died Friday, Sept. 20, 2002, in the Rapid City Regional Hospital. In addition to his daughter in Baker, his survivors include his wife, Joan Caldwell of Rapid City; a son, Gregory Caldwell of Little Rock, Ark; another daughter, Caren Anton of Beaulah, N.D.; a sister, Donna Bostron of Cheyenne, Wyo.; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Gail Bibeau-Ady
Gail Bibeau-Ady, age 65, of Miles City and formerly of Jordan died Sunday, September 22, 2002 at Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City. Mrs. Bibeau-Ady was born in Terry on May 22, 1937, the daughter of Glen and Juanita (McLarnon) Young. She attended grade schools in Terry and graduated from Custer County High School in 1955. She married William Raymond Bibeau in Miles City, then moved to Jordan, Malta, then Billings before returning to Jordan.Ê In 1979, she moved to Miles City, where she met and married James Ady. She worked as a waitress for the Olive Lounge and the 519 Club until 1999, when she retired due to ill health. Mrs. Bibeau-Ady enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, traveling, visiting with friends, but most of all spending time with her family. She is survived by her father, Glen Young and his wife Vicki of Miles City; a son, Mark Bibeau and his wife Tana of Jordan; a daughter, Tanna Rogge and her husband Dean of Sand Springs; two brothers: Dennis Young and his wife Chris of Miles City; and Kent (Beaver) Young and his wife Margo of Apache Junction, Ariz.; three sisters: Sandra Binder and her husband Ray of Chamberlain, S.D.; Cyndy Schimke and her husband Marc of Beaverton, Ore.; and Lorene (Tootie) Santoro and her husband Vince of Billings; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a long list of friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Juanita, and her son, Michael. A prayer service will be held Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 6 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 26, 2002 at 11 a.m. at the VFW Hall in Jordan. Interment will follow in the family lot in the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Jordan is in charge of the arrangements. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Garfield County Search and Rescue.

Euphemia Ann "Scotty" Solee
Euphemia Ann "Scotty" Solee, age 82, of Miles City died Friday, September 20, 2002 at Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City. Mrs. Solee was born on Aug. 28, 1920 in Ross Shire, Scotland, the daughter of Duncan and Jean (Anderson) Douglas. She moved with her family at the age of four to America, settling in Miles City. She attended schools in Miles City, graduating from Custer County High School. She married Robert Solee on August 29, 1946 in Miles City. Mrs. Solee worked for Montana-Dakota Utilities for a number of years. After her husband received his doctorate in veterinary science, they lived in Texas, Montana and Idaho, before she returned to Miles City where she has lived ever since. She loved to read, play the piano and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Solee is survived by her son, Robert Solee and his wife Becky of Portland, Ore.; three sisters, Margaret Kensler of Half Moon Bay, Calif., Jean and her husband Leonard Kulesa of Miles City, and her twin sister, Bess Johnson of Half Moon Bay, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son, Bruce, in 1995 and her parents. Visitation will begin on Monday, Sept. 23, 2002 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2002 at 11 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the family lot in the Custer County Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Elaine Senrud Miller
Elaine Senrud Miller, 62, of Dunnellon, Fla., former Miles City resident, died Thursday, Aug. 29, 2002, in Gainesville, Fla. Mrs. Miller was born in Ekalaka on Nov. 16, 1939, the daughter of Thorvald and Juanita Senrud. In 1951, she moved with her family to Miles City where she attended school, graduating from Custer County High School in 1957. She and Kenneth Miller were married March 19, 1959, in Portland, Ore. Mrs. Miller worked as a food service supervisor for United Airlines for 26 years. In 1994, she and her husband retired to Dunnellon, moving from Seattle, Wash. She was a member of the Disabled Veterans Auxiliary and the International Association of Machinists. Her survivors include her husband of Dunnellon; three sons, Michael Miller of Lebanon, Ore., Duane of Seattle and Gary of Las Vegas, Nev.; a brother, John Senrud, and his wife, Comalita, of Miles City; four sisters, Jennie Hutton of Ekalaka, Thelma Egan, and her husband, Larry, of Colstrip, Shirley Hedrick, and her husband, Jim, of Tucson, Ariz., and Norma Lawrence, and her husband, Gerald, of Terry; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Robert; and a sister, Gladys. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Williams-Thomas Funeral Home in Gainesville was in charge of arrangements.

Claris G. Olson
Claris G. Olson, 80, of Miles City died Friday, Sept. 12, 2002, in Philadelphia, Pa., after a brief illness. Mr. Olson was born June 17, 1922, in Sharon, N.D., the son of Gullick and Clara Hefta Olson. He attended schools and graduated from high school in 1940 in Sharon. Following his graduation, he attended North Dakota State University in Fargo, graduating with his degree in pharmacology. When World War II began, he enlisted in the United States Army. Mr. Olson served with the Merrill's Marauders, which is considered to be the first Army ranger unit, and earned a bronze star. Following his discharge from the service, Mr. Olson began his internship in Warren, Minn., where he met and married Ruby Holter on Sept. 3, 1947. Mr. Olson owned and worked for various pharmacies in a number of places including Ashley, N.D., Grand Forks, N.D., Bemidji, Minn., Columbus and finally Miles City where he owned Key Rexall and Western Pharmacy. In 1971, Mr. Olson began working for the Veterans Affairs Hospital as a pharmacist and moved to Saginaw, Minn., later becoming the chief of pharmacy at the VA Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind. He transferred back to Miles City in 1981 and worked in the VA Pharmacy until he retired in the early 1990s. Mr. Olson then worked part time for Yellowstone Pharmacy in Forsyth and also performed relief work for pharmacies in the surrounding communities until 1998. He always remembered his time in the service, especially the time spent with the Merrill's Marauders, with great honor. His entire unit received the Presidential Unit Citation. In his later years, Mr. Olson became active in attending all the reunions the Marauders would hold. It was while attending their last reunion that Mr. Olson spent the last days of his active life in Philadelphia. He also was honored by receiving a lifetime Pharmacy License in North Dakota by the governor for holding a pharmacist license for more than 50 years. Mr. Olson also was a member of the American Legion, the Trinity Lutheran Church and a past member of the Elks Lodge. His survivors include two sons, Mark Olson of Miles City and Paul Olson of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Claudia Kransky, and her husband, Rich, of Miles City; two grandchildren, Rick Kransky and Heidi Ross, and her husband, Todd; and three great-grandchildren, David, Morgan and Blain Ross. Survivors also include a brother, Melvin Olson, and his wife, Agnes, of Hatton, N.D.; three sisters-in-law, Marion Holter of Oslo, Minn., and Carmon Nicklen, and her husband, Larry, and Georgine Grimm, all of Fort Wayne; a special niece, Eleanor Teigen; and several other well-loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife in 1997; a son, John; a granddaughter, Rachel; two brothers, Oscar and Everett; and a sister, Anne. Funeral services will be Friday, Sept. 20, 2002, at 3 p.m. in the Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of arrangements. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, the World War II Memorial, or to the Trinity Lutheran Church Building Fund.