Miscellaneous Custer County, Montana obituaries:
Thadeus "Tad" Kirk
Thadeus "Tad" Dale Kirk, 15, of Miles City died Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005, at his home in Miles City.
Tad was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Nov. 4, 1989. He came to Montana with his father Steve Kirk and Zachary, his brother, when he was three years of age. There Steve and Ione were married in 1995. Soon after, Steve adopted Michael and Ione adopted Zachary and Tad, and with that God made a family.
Tad had fond memories of HeadStart, baseball, soccer, bicycling, Spotted Eagle and growing up in Miles City. He played the saxophone in the band and he played the piano for many years.
Tad loved drawing, children and animals - especially his cat, "Baby." He grew to be a fine young man with a good humor, a deep calming voice and a good heart. He loved his youth group at the UCC Church and Pastor Darryl (Kistler). He was a youth delegate to the United Church of Christ Montana/Northern Wyoming Conference.
Tad loved everything about dirt bikes. He enjoyed riding them and working on them or anything mechanical in the garage. Tad would work on them alone or with his brother Michael, and his friends, Brad, Dylan, Ryan, and many others. He loved teaching his brother Michael the rules of motocross racing.
Tad enjoyed many summers camping, boating and fishing at Fort Peck Lake, with his uncle Ed and cousins Justus and Aaron. He was currently working with his Uncle Ed to restore his dad's 1970 Chevy Pickup.
He was a faithful Miles City paper carrier for two years. Tad was well known for his smile and his calm quiet demeanor and wisdom beyond his years. He was always eager to help others. His empathy for others was huge and it shown in his eyes.
Tad is survived by his mother, Ione Kirk of Miles City; his brothers, Michael Kirk of Miles City and Zachary Kirk of Chatsworth, Calif.; his Uncle Ed Morlock and Aunt Coni Morlock of Circle; his Aunt Rhea and Uncle Ed Suko of Miles City; his cousins, Gus Morlock, Lenny Suko of MDC, his cousins Justus Morlock of Missoula and Aaron Morlock of Circle, Shelly and Marland Seawood of San Diego, Calif., and Orianna Seawood.
He had many special friends including Tom Albers, Kurt Hughes and his friend's fathers, Dennis Petrik and Mark Lester.
He was preceded in death by his father, Steve Kirk in 1996.
On Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, the family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery.
Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Counseling Program for Adopted Children, care of D.E.A.P., 2200 Box Elder, Miles City, MT 59301 or to the charity of one's choice.
Gerald Ferguson
On New Year's Day, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005, Gerald "Jerry" Ferguson, 88, of Hysham died of natural causes in the Rosebud Community Hospital.
Born on July 16, 1916, he was the third child of homesteaders Wallace M. and Margaret G. Hanrahan Ferguson of Sarpy Creek. He grew up and attended schools in the Sarpy and surrounding Hysham area.
Mr. Ferguson served in the Engineer Corp of the United States Army from 1941 to 1945 during World War II. He was proud to have served his country and was fond of telling "Army stories."
After returning from the service, he and Bette Hite [married] on Nov. 9, 1945. - Together they worked hard on the family ranch on lower Sarpy Creek where they raised their family and enjoyed the lifestyle that come with that walk of life. They especially enjoyed area country dances, playing cards, "neighboring" and extended family gatherings.
Mr. Ferguson loved to hunt and was an excellent shot up until his eyesight started to fail. Practicing conservation management proved him to be good steward of the land he loved so much.
He belonged to several organizations and served on various boards including the SCS, Treasure County Conservation District, Farmers Union, American Legion Unit No. 92, and the Treasure Riders. Although born Catholic, he had joined the Community Presbyterian Church in Hysham. He was also a devoted Democrat.
In 1981, Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson semi-retired by moving into Hysham. He continued a daily trek out to the ranch he loved so much. He never really had any special hobbies or pastimes, nor really made a habit of traveling, but instead enjoyed the day-to-day, season-to-season, ranch work. He loved his horses and Hereford cattle.
Mr. Ferguson was a patient, easy going, good natured, quick witted, yet quiet man. He was slow to anger and rarely complained or found fault.
He was always interested and proud of his grandchildren. He loved watching them participate in sports and especially showing their cattle and horses. When they were little, they spent countless hours "riding shotgun" with Grampa checking the wells.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Betty; his daughter, Susan (David) Redding of the family ranch; his granddaughter, Jaylene Pinkerton of Billings; his grandson, Clay Redding of Sarpy Creek; and his great-granddaughter, Reata Pinkerton of Billings.
He is also survived by his three sisters-in-law, Juanita Ferguson of Hamilton, Erma Ferguson of Big Timber, and Eleanor Ferguson of Huntley.
Mr. Ferguson was preceded in death by his son of 21 years, Gerald Barry; his parents; his three brothers, Leo, George and Bill; his sister, Helen; and one sister-in-law, Ruth Ferguson.
Funeral services will be Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, at 11 a.m. in the Presbyterian Church in Hysham. Burial will be in the Hysham Vale Cemetery.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences can be made to the Ferguson family at www.stevensonandsons.com.
William T. Minow
William T. "Bill" Minow, 74, of Olive died Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005, at the Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City.
Mr. Minow was born in Miles City on Nov. 10, 1930, the son of Thomas John and Dora Kiosse Minow. He attended Cross S Grade School and one year of high school at Powder River County High School in Broadus. He then transferred to Custer County High School in Miles City and graduated from there in 1948.
After high school, he began ranching on the family Spear E Ranch in the Mizpah Community and continued the ownership and operation of the ranch until his death. On May 3, 1953, he and Lorraine Gaub were married at Marsh and they were blessed to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in May, 2003.
Although Mr. Minow's greatest passion and enjoyment in life were his ranch, his children and his grandchildren, he was blessed to have a variety of other hobbies and interests. In his early years, he participated in high school track. He took great pride in the meticulous operation of his ranch and the cattle he raised. Horses were also a very special part of his life.
He very much enjoyed all types of vehicles and machinery and continued to amaze his friends and family with his knowledge of them. Mr. Minow enjoyed rodeos, especially calf roping, stock car racing, boxing and listening to his children's musical performances.
Mr. Minow was baptized in the Greek Orthadox Church in Miles City and was a confirmed member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. Throughout his life, he served several boards and organizations including the Cross S School Board, Powder River County 4-H Council, Powder River County Weed and Pest and he participated in several neighborhood roping clubs.
His survivors include his wife, Lorraine Minow, of Olive; a son, Tom Minow, his wife, Amy, and their children, Miranda and Kyle, all of Olive; and three daughters, Julianne Randall, her husband, Donn, and children, Alicia and Troy, of Pine Bluffs, Wyo., Lana Kay Smith, her husband, John, and children, Amber and Even, all of Broadus, and Gaylene McMenamy and her husband, Bill, of Yankton, S.D.
Survivors also include two brothers, John Minow, and his wife, Wilma, of Denver, Colo., and Pete Minow and his, wife, June, of Tongue River; and a sister-in-law, Harriet Minow of Squaw Gap, N.D.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jim Minow; and a granddaughter, Amanda Erin McMenamy.
A funeral service will be held Friday, Jan. 7, 2005, at 2 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Miles City Hospice; First Lutheran Church in Miles City; American Cancer Society; Our Savior Lutheran Church in Broadus; or any other charities of their choices.
Ines Smith
Ines Smith, 84, of Miles City died Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, at the Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City.
Mrs. Smith was born in New England, N.D., on Aug. 24, 1920, the daughter of Edward and Anna Austinson Ronning. They homesteaded in Rock Springs, north of Miles City. She attended country school in Rock Springs and in Miles City, graduating from Custer County High School in 1937.
Following her graduation, she attended graduate school for secretarial training.
On Aug. 26, 1937, she and Carl Alvin Brodston were married. They traveled all over Canada up to Alaska as Mr. Brodston was working on the government building Alcan Highway. She returned to Rock Springs where she ran the Rock Springs Store and Post Office.
She moved to Orange County, California and lived with Gladys and Amos Clark. In 1947, she and Earl Smith were married in California. She then began working for Hughes Aircraft and for Continental Kiewit Inc. as a paralegal.
Mrs. Smith retired at the age of 65 in 1985. She remained in Garden Grove, Calif., until 1997, then moved back to Miles City where she had remained since.
Mrs. Smith enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, reading romance novels and read the newspaper from cover to cover. She loved musicals, dancing and loved to travel.
Her survivors include her daughter, Barbara Hartman of Hemet, Calif.; two brothers, Warren Ronning, and his wife, Elizabeth, and Orville Ronning, and his wife, Kathleen, all of Miles City; two sisters, Gladys Clark of Red Lodge and Dorothy Bakken of Glendale, Calif.; four grandchildren, David Knoles, Michael Knoles, Carrie Williams and Terrance Robinson; four great-grandchildren, Guillermo Giron, Amber Williams, Christopher Giron and Lita Knoles; one great-great-grandson, Weston Williams; her ex-husband, Carl Brodston of Tacoma, Wash.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Miles City. Interment will be 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 charity of one's choice.
Everett Loren Harr
Everett Loren Harr, 84, of Hemet, Calif., formerly of Miles City, died Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004, at the Hemet Valley Hospital in Hemet.
Mr. Harr was born on Oct. 31, 1920, in Miles City the son of Harry and Blanche Eastling Horr. He was raised and attended schools in Miles City and graduated from Custer County High School in 1939.
He then attended the University of Montana in Missoula on a basketball scholarship. In 1941, Mr. Harr and Jessie Halley McCartney were united in marriage in Missoula. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942 and served during World War II.
Mr. Harr was honorably discharged in 1945 and returned to Missoula for a short time before moving to South San Francisco, Calif., where he owned his own appliance business. He then began working for the Gibson Company, which later became White Manufacturing Inc.
He made the appliance industry his lifetime career and while doing so lived in Sunnyvale and San Jose, Calif. In 1986, Mr. Harr retired as the Western Division manager for White Manufacturing, Inc. and moved to Sun City West, Ariz.
In 1993 he moved to Hemet and in June of 1999, his wife, Jessie, died. In September 2001, Mr. Harr and his brother, Lyle, made a trip back to Miles City where Mr. Harr found his high school sweetheart, Kathleen. Lockwood Smith. He convinced her to visit him in Hemet and they were married in November 2001 in Hemet where they had made their home since.
His survivors include his wife, Kathleen of Hemet; his brother, Lyle Horr, also of Hemet; his step-granddaughter, Debbie Berry, and her companion, Bob Schwartz of Sebastopol, Calif.; a step-daughter, Cathy Wilson, and her husband, Monty of Kent, Wash; and three step-grandchildren, Krista Kelley and her husband, Rob, of Indio, Calif., Janel Dawson and her husband, Jeff, of Covington, Wash., and Adam Wilson of Auburn, Wash.
Survivors also include two step-great-granddaughters, Riley Kelley of Indio, Calif., and Marisa Dawson of Covington.
In addition to his first wife, Jesse, Mr. Harr was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Harriet Lavonne; and a step-daughter, Colleen Berry Bennett.
A memorial service was held on Thursday, Dec. 23, 2004, at the United Methodist Church in Hemet. A memorial service in Miles City, with interment to follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery will be held at a later date.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of local arrangements. Should friends wish, condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cancer Society, or charity of one's choice.
Shawn D'Ewart
Shawn Odwin D'Ewart, 25, died Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2004, at Fallon, Nev., from injuries received in an automobile accident.
Born Feb. 16, 1979, in Helena, he was the son of Tina Littlefield and Jack D'Ewart. He was a ranch foreman and also rode in Pro Rodeo in the Western States.
His survivors include his three children; his mother, Tina Littlefield of Falcon, Mo.; his father, Jack D'Ewart of Townsend; two sisters, Brandy D'Ewart and Dawn and her husband, Drew Wanner, all of Great Falls; his special beloved friends, Stacy and Samantha Unruh, both of Glendive; and his maternal grandparents, Charles and Donna Grice.
Survivors also include his aunt and uncle, Alice and J.W. Blankenship and his uncle, Paul Grice, all of Falcon, Mo.; and numerous nieces, nephews, great aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by an aunt, Deborah Hobbs; and an uncle, Charles Grice, Jr. A Life Tribute Service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 10, 2005, in the Chapel of the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive with Celebrant Sandy Silha officiating.
Memorials are suggested to the Shawn D'Ewart Memorial Fund, care of Heritage Bank, P.O. Box 2779, Great Falls, MT 59403.
Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com
