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Miscellaneous Custer County, Montana Obituaries - 6


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Harold Raymond Hageman
Harold Raymond Hageman, 85, of Jordan died Monday, Feb. 3, 2003, in the Garfield County Health Center at Jordan. Mr. Hageman was born Aug. 23, 1917, in Baker, the son of Arthur and Jacquetta Grant Hageman. He attended school in Plevna, then moved to Jordan with his family in 1928 when they purchased the Pioneer Garage. Along with running the Pioneer Garage, they also operated the power plant for Jordan. They would turn off the electricity late at night and turn it on again in the mornings. This continued until 1949. In 1935, Mr. Hageman graduated from Garfield County High School in Jordan and attended Montana State University in Bozeman, later returning to the family business. On Sept. 23, 1954, he and Betty Wille were married in Winnemucca, Nev. Mr. Hageman ran the business with his father and brother until they were killed six months apart. Mr. Hageman continued to own and operate the Pioneer Garage until the mid-1980s when his two sons, George and Bob, took over the family business. He was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church where he served on the board, the Masonic Lodge No. 148, Chamber of Commerce and Fire Department. Mr. Hageman helped start the Garfield County Bank, which he served as a director for 25 years. He also was involved in the Volunteer Ambulance, Garfield County High School Board, coached the high school basketball team during the war and refereed for many years. He received many awards for his community involvement. Along with the Pioneer Garage, he was a Chevrolet dealer for more than 50 years and a bulk plant distributor until he retired. Garfield County meant everything to Mr. Hageman. His survivors include his wife of Jordan; five sons, George Hageman, and his wife, Susan, and Bob Hageman, and his wife, Donna, all of Jordan, Glenn Hageman, and his wife, Katie, of Sheridan, David Kester of Tonasket, Wash., and Baan Kester of Belt; a sister, Louise Ogle of Bozeman; 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Floyd. A family service will be held Thursday, Feb. 6, 2003, at 7:30 p.m. in the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 7, 2003, in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall at Jordan. Interment will follow in the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Jordan is in charge of arrangements. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Garfield County Health Center in Jordan.

Thresa Kathryn King Hunter
Thresa Kathryn King Hunter, 77, of Minot, N.D., sister of Iris Rogers of Miles City, died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, in her home. Born May 19, 1925, in Minot to Lawrence and Veronica Larocque King, she was raised in Minot and attended Minot High School. She worked at the Clarence Parker Hotel from 1966 to 1977. Mrs. Hunter then went to work for ManorCare Health Services until her retirement in 1992. A member of St. Leo's Catholic Church, she also belonged to the Senior Citizens and the Parker Senior Center. She enjoyed playing bingo and long walks in the parks. In addition to her sister in Miles City, her survivors include her son, Rodney of Minot; her granddaughter, Laura Kelly Waswick of Minot; her great-grandchildren, Tyler Hunter and Samantha Waswick; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Gloria Hunter; her son, David Hunter; two grandsons, Keith and Greg Hunter; her sister, Freida Geyer; her brother, Larry King; and her good friend, Ray DiBrell. Rosary recitation will be Friday, Feb. 7, 2003, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Leo's Catholic Church in Minot. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in St. Leo's Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Rosehill Memorial Park at Minot. Thompson-Larson Funeral Home in Minot is in charge of arrangements.

Rev. Isaac Lee Schmucker
Funeral services for the Rev. Isaac Lee Schmucker, 86, of Marengo, Ind., father of Floreta Helm of Jordan, were held Sunday afternoon, Jan. 26, 2003, at Mt. Zion Brethren in Christ Church in Milltown, Ind. Bishop John A. Byers officiated. Burial followed in the Batman Ridge Cemetery. The Rev. Schmucker died Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 22, 2003, at his residence after an extended illness. Born June 8, 1916, in a log cabin in Midland, MI, he was the oldest son of Levi and Susanna Kaufman Schmucker. He and his family moved to Nappanee, Ind., when he was six years of age. He attended Nappanee High School for a couple of years and left due to the Depression to supplement the family income by selling firewood and building houses with his father. He furthered his education and graduated from Upland Academy at Upland, Calif. He received his bachelor of arts degree from Bulah College in Upland. During World War II, he entered the Civilian Public Service at Camp No. 36 at Santa Barbara, Calif., which was administered by the Brethren Service Committee. Rev. Schmucker was stationed in California for two years, fighting forest fires, then for two years, he was stationed in Puerto Rico where he worked in medical relief and later became the director of medical relief for Puerto Rico. As a pre-med student, he served as ship's doctor for wounded soldiers returning from the war front on medical transport ships. After the war, Rev. Schmucker was called of God into the Christian Ministry. He and Nina Mae Arnold were married June 1, 1949, in Upland. They served as missionaries to the Navajo Indians in New Mexico in the 1950s. While there, he built a school and a hospital for the Navajo Mission of the Brethren of Christ. The couple were then assigned as missionaries to Collingwood, Ontario, Canada, for five and one-half years where he taught the Bible in Canadian schools. Rev. Schmucker was a schoolteacher, having taught English and Spanish in the Milltown and Leavenworth high schools. He became the pastor of the Mt. Zion Brethren in Christ Church at Milltown, which he started in 1962 in obedience to a vision from the Lord. In addition to his daughter and her husband, Floreta and Bill Helm of Jordan, his survivors include his wife, Nina Mae Schmucker; three other daughters, Ninita Conely, and her husband, Gordon, of Evansville, Ind., Rosana Troxel, and her husband, Steve, of Lynchburg, Va., and Lorita Elam, and her husband, George, of Marengo, Ind.; a foster daughter, Elizabeth Davis, and her husband, Walt, of Niles; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Survivors also include two brothers, Alvin Schmucker, and his wife, Armina, of Milford, Ind., and Glenn Schmucker of Zionsville, Ind.; three sisters, Matilda Brenner, and her husband husband, Merwyn, of Dalton, Ohio, Bessie Garver of Bristol, Ind., and Bertha Dickerhoff of Wolcottville, Ind.; and a brother-in-law, Lester Yoder of Goshen, Ind. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Terzeta Schmucker in 1977; two infant granddaughters, Elizabeth and Sarah Helm in 1988; a brother, Christian Schmucker; three sisters, Alma Borkholder, Elva (Lloyd) Well and Mary Yoder; and two brothers-in-law, Earl Dicerhoff and Earl Garver. Dillman Green Funeral Home of Indiana and Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City assisted with arrangements.

Evelyn Maxine Holly
Evelyn Maxine Holly, 76, died Monday, Feb. 3, 2003. She was born April 11, 1926, in Circle to Ellis and Stella Kamp Schuld. She was educated in various schools in Oregon. In 1946, she met and married Edward Henry at Albany, Ore. From this union there are seven surviving children. Mr. Henry died in January 1963. In 1965, she and Williams "Bill" Keller were married. Also that year, they bought and operated the Roy Rogers Bar and Cafe until selling it in 1971. They moved to Miles City in 1978 and in 1984, Mr. Keller died. She moved back to Terry and took over cooking at the Prairie County Manor. In 1986, she met and married Clayton Holly. They continued to work at the manor until Mr. Holly's health failed. After Mr. Holly died in 1994, she moved to Bismarck, N.D., and Wibaux to be around more of her family. Mrs. Holly loved to cook and play a good game of cards. She was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. On Dec. 2, 2002, she started the hardest job of her life after having brain surgery. Finally the fight grew too great and she died. Her survivors include seven children, four sons, Harold Henry and his wife, Ginny, of West Baldwin, ME, Lester Henry, and his wife, Deb, of Livingston, Art Henry, and his wife, Kathy, of Terry, and Mark Henry, and his wife, Sally, of Gladstone, N.D.; and three daughters, Joyce Anderson, and her husband, John, and Lucinda Henry, all of Wibaux, and Carol Thomas of Bismarck, N.D.; 15 grandchildren, Shane, Stephanie, Nick, Sheena, Todd, Buck, Thea, Eddie, Patty, John, Barbie, Billie Jo, Colette, LeRoy and Kathleen; and four great-grandchildren. Survivors also include three sisters, Elnora Arnston, and her husband, Ray, of Glendive, Kathryn Stevens, and her husband, Robert, of Alamogordo, N.M., and Helen Kneiling of Salem, Ore; a brother, Nick Schuld, and his wife, Kat, of Lebanon, Ore.; and her cat, Tinker. In addition to her three husbands, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Harold, Ernie, Art and Vernon; and two sisters at infancy. Funeral services will be Friday, Feb. 7, 2003, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Interment will follow at a later date. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Terry Senior Center or to the Terry Museum.

William Henry Kjellstrom
William Henry Kjellstrom, 59, long-time Miles City resident, died Saturday, Jan. 11, 2003. Mr. Kjellstrom was born Dec. 4, 1943. He was a restaurant chef who worked locally at the Red Rock Supper Club and the Husky Station as well as out-of-town. Mr. Kjellstrom was married three times and was the father of six children, Alexa Kjellstrom, Lisa Sunnamaker, Amanda Kjellstrom, Dwayne Johnson, Shelly Johnson and Gail Johnson Quan. He also had nine grandchildren. One died in an electrical accident at the age of three years. He enjoyed outdoor sports. Hunting, camping and fly fishing were his favorite activities. Mr. Kjellstrom developed a progressive lung disease, which eventually claimed his life. A memorial service for him will be held on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at 1 p.m. in the Valley Drive Baptist Church. Associate Pastor Marion Hogue will officiate. A reception for family and friends will follow the memorial service at the church.

Fay Pugh
Fay Pugh, 85, of Forsyth died unexpectedly from leukemia on Friday, Jan. 24, 2003, in Tomball, Texas, while visiting family during the holidays. Born July 8, 1917, in Forsyth, she was the daughter of Bill and Edna Kirby Thomas. She attended schools in Colstrip, graduating from Colstrip High School in 1935. In 1937, she and Donald Kimball were married. They made their home in Colstrip until 1953 when they moved to Forsyth. They owned and operated the Range Motel in Forsyth for many years. Following Mr. Kimball's death in 1977, she sold the motel and worked for the City of Forsyth Water Department until her retirement. In 1980, she and Glynn "Kat" Pugh were married. They spent their winters in St. George, Utah, where they enjoyed playing golf and being with good friends. Summers were spent enjoying friends and family in Forsyth. After Mr. Pugh's death in 1994, she continued to live in Forsyth. Mrs. Pugh enjoyed playing cards. She cherished the friends with whom she played bridge and the many trips they took together. A devoted member of the Federated Church, she looked forward to the Golden Girls luncheon every Friday. She took great pride in her home and garden and had a passion for flowers. She loved children and those who called her "Grandma Faye" held a special place in her heart. Her survivors include her son, Leonard Kimball, and his wife, Mary Ann, of Omaha, Neb.; two daughters, Donna Meisburger, and her husband, Dan, of San Jose, Calif., and Jean Eyler, and her husband, Dick, of Magnolia, Texas; her grandsons, Robert and Thomas Eyler, Stephen and Scott Meisburger; and her great-grandson, Bobby (Krystal) Eyler, and his wife, Krystal. Survivors also include her sisters-in-law, Ruth Watson of Forsyth and Mary Lou Thomas of Arlington, Va.; her nephews, Dale Watson, and his wife, Rita, Lee Watson, and his wife, Carol, Bill Thomas and Bobby Thomas; her nieces, Lavina Lubines, and her husband, John, Della Beth Rossman, and Patty Thomas Beck; and her special and loving step-daughters, Jean Evenson, and her husband, Berniel, Dixie Cozzens, and her husband, Earl, Sherry Thomas, and her husband, Dick, Toy Rolston and Kitty Pugh. In addition to her husbands, Donald Kimball and Glynn Pugh, Mrs. Pugh was preceded in death by her brother, Leonard Edwin Thomas. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, in the Forsyth Federated Church. Interment will follow in the Forsyth Cemetery. Beals Mortuary of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements.

Nellie Iris Seaman Nichols
Nellie Iris Seaman Nichols, 88, of Miles City died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2003, in the Holy Rosary Healthcare at Miles City. Born March 19, 1914, in Baker, she was the daughter of William "Bill" and Mable Scoles Seaman. She was raised in Baker until she went to Idaho where she met and married her life-long partner Roy Nichols in 1933. She resided in Idaho until Jan. 1, 2003, when she moved into the Cottonwood Assisted Living Home at Miles City so she could be closer to her family. Her survivors include her sisters, Genevieve Ducello, and her husband, Harry, of Canyon Ferry, Frances Reid of Rosebud and Yvonne Rost of Baker; a brother, Donald Seaman, and his wife, Phillis, of Spearfish, S.D.; a sister-in-law, Doris Seaman of Miles City; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; her sisters, Edyth Kneebone and Agnes Lovec; and her brothers, Lester, James, Gary and Lyle Seaman. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service is planned for next May in Aberdeen, Idaho. It will be announced at a later date. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of arrangements.

Kenneth V. Farley
Kenneth V. Farley, 67, of Miles City died Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003, in the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive. Mr. Farley was born in Redfield, S.D., on Nov. 25, 1935, the son of Victor L. and Martha Schwichenberg Farley. They lived in Harlowton from 1943 to 1949. He moved to Miles City where he attended and graduated from high school. In February 1958, Mr. Farley enlisted in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Miles City where he worked as a printer at the Miles City Star and for other papers in the area as a pressman. He also worked at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Miles City where he did maintenance for several years, retiring in 1975. Mr. Farley remained in Miles City until the time he moved to the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive. He was also tinkering with something and was known as a pack rat. Mr. Farley enjoyed skiing in his younger years. He was a member of the Elks Lodge. His survivors include a brother, James Farley of Las Vegas, Nev.; a niece, Cindy Urlacher of Dickinson, N.D.; a nephew, James Farley Jr. of Miles City; and four great-nephews, Matthew Urlacher, Michael Urlacher, Steven Urlacher and Briton Farley. He was preceded in death by a brother, Tom. Funeral services will be Monday, Feb. 3, 2003, at 10 a.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment, with full military honors, will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Miles City.

Audrey Lorraine Cole
Audrey Lorraine Cole, 77, and Patrick Cole, 78, died Friday, Jan. 24, 2003, at their home in Loveland, Colo. Mrs. Cole was born Oct. 8, 1925, in Livingston to Henry Walter and Emma Marie Ruhsamer Sorensen. She grew up and graduated from high school near Manhattan. She had worked as a secretary for the Northern Pacific Railroad and also for the United States Government in Helena. Mr. Cole was born March 21, 1924, in Miles City to William S. and Bessie Pack Cole. He grew up and graduated from high school in Miles City. The couple married Nov. 2, 1949, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. They made their home in Great Falls and Spokane, Wash., before settling in Longmont in 1963. Mr. Cole received air traffic control training and began his career in 1944 with the Federal Aviation Administration. Following his retirement as an air traffic control supervisor in 1975, he began a new career in real estate with Roemer Real Estate in Longmont and later retired. The couple also had lived in Estes Park, Colo., before moving to Loveland in 1996. Mrs. Cole had served as a Girl Scout leader and had taught Sunday school. She also enjoyed working with ceramics, reading, gardening, interior decorating and spending time with her grandchildren, whom she adored. Mr. Cole enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing and daily walks. He also enjoyed spending time with his family. The Coles are survived by their son, Ronald Cole, and his wife, Becky, of Longmont; two daughters, Marcia Collins of Longmont and Sheree Robertson, and her husband, Raymond, of Parker, Colo.; four grandchildren, Jason Collins, Brandon Collins, Jillene Robertson and Addie Cole; and Mr. Cole's sister, Lucille Cloud, and her husband, Jack, of Richland, Wash. They were preceded in death by both sets of parents; and Mr. Cole's half-brothers, Todd, Cecil, Judd, Herschel and Donnie Storms. A memorial celebration will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, 2003, at Howe Mortuary in Longmont. David Bradshaw of LifeBridge Christian Church will officiate. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, Boulder County, 2130 Mountain View Ave., Suite A, Longmont, CO 80501 or the American Parkinson Disease Association, 1250 Hylan Blvd., Suite 4B, Staten Island, NY 10305-1946.

James H. "Nick" Nicholson
James H. Nicholson, or "Nick" as he liked to be called,of El Paso, Texas, formerly of Siloam Springs, Ark., and uncle of Terri Stevenson of Miles City, died Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003, in the Bethany Healthplex in Lakewood, Colo. He arrived in Denver just two weeks before his death. Born Feb. 18, 1939, in Stigler, Okla., he was the son of Hubert and Louse Blair Nicholson. He graduated from high school in Kinta, Okla., in 1957 and graduated from college at North Eastern State Teachers College at Tahlequah, Okla., in 1961. In 1962, he and Carolyn Murray were married and together they had two sons, Todd and Kyle. From the mid-1970s until the mid-1980s, Mr. Nicholson and his wife, Carolyn, owned and operated the Otasco Store in Siloam Springs. His life was spent teaching math, coaching basketball and football for 20 years in El Paso. Mr. Nicholson enjoyed watching OSU sporting events and attending horse races, which fulfilled his love of horses. Spending time fishing was a passion of his. Mr. Nicholson was a member of the Siloam Springs Masonic Lodge, the El Paso, Texas Masonic Lodge and the Masonic Lodge in Faben, Texas. In addition to his niece, Terri Shelton Stevenson, her husband, Todd, and their children, Tiffany and T.J., all of Miles City, his survivors include his mother, Louise "Granny" Nicholson of Lakewood; his son, James "Todd" Nicholson of San Bernardino, Calif.; his sister, Patricia Nicholson Brunson, and her husband, Gary, of Broomfield, Colo.; his grandson, Tyler Nicholson of Waco, Texas; and another niece, Debra Shelton Mallookis, her husband, Steve, and their children, Kristal and Stav of Littleton, Colo. He was preceded in death by his son, Gary "Kyle" Nicholson in 1993 and his father, Hubert "Papa" in 1992. Funeral services will be Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, at 1 p.m. in the First Baptist Church in Kinta, Okla. The Rev. Mike Mills will officiate. Interment, with Masonic graveside rites, will follow in the Quinton Cemetery in Quinton, Okla., next to his father. Mallory Funeral Home of Stigler has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. If desired, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Kinta, OK 74552 or to the charity of one's choice.

Edgar Lorn Clancy
Edgar Lorn Clancy, 85, of Miles City died Monday, Jan. 20, 2003, in the Veterans Hospital in Sheridan, Wyo. Mr. Clancy was born in Stacy on Nov. 17, 1917, the son of Victor and Helen Babcock Clancy. He attended schools in the Stacy area. In 1942, Mr. Clancy entered the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge, he went to work for the Krumpe Mechanical Shop. On Dec. 24, 1947, he and Juneamae Martin were married in Miles City. He then worked for Howard Anderson Construction before going to work for the Milwaukee Railroad where he worked for 20 years. Mr. Clancy had his own lawn and sprinkling business and ran it for several years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. Mr. Clancy was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Rifle Club. His survivors include his wife, Juneamae of Miles City; two sons, Loren Clancy, and his wife, Linda, of Carmichael, Calif., and Allen Clancy, and his wife, Jean, of Gillette, Wyo.; three daughters, Mary Wallis, and her husband, Roy, of Kalispell, Carla Martenson, and her husband, Blair, of Anaconda, and Janice Rose, and her husband, C.J., of Beaver, Okla.; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Survivors also include three brothers, Eldon Clancy of Miles City, Orville Clancy of Sacramento, Calif., and Roy Clancy of Arizona. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ivan; and two sisters, Berta Mae and Octave. Funeral services will be Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment, with military honors, will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Miles City. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of arrangements. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery Endowment Fund.

Lydia Scheafer Belden Door
Lydia Scheafer Belden Door, 94, of Culbertson, formerly of Sidney, died Monday, Jan. 20, 2003, in the Madison Valley Hospital at Ennis due to a fall at the Madison Valley Manor. Born June 14, 1908, in Culbertson, she was the daughter of Henry and Anna Margaret Wagner Scheafer. She lived in Culbertson after she was born until her family moved to Shepard. On May 21, 1927, she and Walter Belden were married. She worked for Dr. Morlage, cleaning his house and taking care of his children. She also worked for Mrs. Steel and many others for $1 a day, walking to her jobs winter and summer. On Jan. 9, 1947, she and Percy Dorr were married in Billings. The couple ranched in Big Timber, Mill Iron and Mackenzie County, North Dakota. They then moved to Sidney and bought the Mint Bar and Cafe. Mrs. Dorr enjoyed working at the bar and cafe. She was a longtime resident of Sidney. She was a mother and friend to anyone who needed a helping hand. Mrs. Dorr always made sure she had a free meal and gift for anyone away from home during the holidays. She enjoyed her flower garden, traveling and making many afghans for her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed having barbecues in her backyard and spending time with her family and friends. Her survivors include her daughter, Edith Margaret J. Culler; her son, Carl William Belden; her step-son, Bill Dorr; her brothers, August Scheafer, and his wife, Iryne, and Bill Scheafer; her sisters, Rachel Aders, and her husband, Alvin, and Margaret Micheals, and her husband, Robert; her grandchildren, Art, Diana, Linda, Harry, Greg, Berry, Janice, Terry, Lee, Myron and Carol; her step-grandchildren, Mark, Patrick, Joel, Shawn and Michelle Door; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by both of her husbands, Walter J. Belden and Percy Dorr; a daughter, Ruth Gage; her sisters, Mary Scheafer Dick, Hanna (George Neibauer) and Frieda (Ed Gable); her brothers, Henry (Marie Scheafer), David (Louise), George (Rachel), John (Elisabeth), Herman (Lillian), and three infant brothers and sisters. A family service will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003, at 11 a.m. in the Shepherd of the Valley Church at Sidney. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Shepherd of the Valley Church, 211 E. Holly St. in Sidney. The Rev. David Huskamp will officiate. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of arrangements. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Shepherd of the Valley Church in Sidney.

Tony Keroff
Tony Keroff, 86, of Miles City died early Tuesday morning, Jan. 21, 2003, in the Veterans Affairs Nursing Home in Miles City. Mr. Keroff was born June 1, 1916, in Streeter, N.D., to John and Mary Keroff. He attended school in North Dakota and then worked for Richardson Stables in Redland, Calif., and Big Bear Lake. He joined the Army in 1941 and participated in two major engagements at Guadalcanal and New Georgia. Mr. Keroff was awarded the Bronze Star for "heroic achievement" on D-Day. He served with the infantry in Hawaii, New Zealand, New Caledonia, the Fijis and New Hebrides. In 1945, he was honorably discharged. After the military service, he worked at the White Sun Guest Ranch in Rancho Mirage, Calif., for 25 years. He also worked at Lake Tahoe on the Ponderosa Ranch, which was the setting for the television show "Bonanza" and where Mr. Keroff got to know Loren Green, Hoss and Lil' Joe. He was an extra in the early cowboy movies and got to know Gene Autry, Roy Rogers and Monte Montana. Mr. Keroff was a great performer in his own right, quite skilled at rope twirling and other cowboy talents. He never married, but enjoyed the company of his extended family, especially their travels to Reno, Nev., South Dakota, North Dakota and California. Mr. Keroff enjoyed rodeos and playing the slot machines. In 1983, he moved to the Eagles Manor in Miles City to be near family. His niece, Dorie Jas, enjoyed a special relationship with Mr. Keroff that made his final years full and satisfying, despite his physical limitations. He made his last home at the VA Nursing Home Care Unit where he lived the last four and one-half years of his life, Survivors include two sisters, Lydia Grekoff of Steele, N.D., and Nettie Keroff of Osage, Iowa; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Barbara, Christina and Katie; and his two brothers, Mike and George. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003, at 10 a.m. in the Veterans Affairs Nursing Home. Interment, with full military honors, will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.

James H. Clapper
James H. Clapper, 60, of Lewellen, Neb., former Miles City resident, died Sunday, Jan. 19, 2003, in the Garden County Hospital in Oshkosh, Neb. At his request, cremation has taken place and services will be held at a later date. Mr. Clapper was born July 30, 1942, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Arthur F. and Faye A. Spiedler Clapper. He grew up in Miles City and Denver, Colo. Mr. Clapper received his education in Denver. He worked in several meat packing plants in Denver and Miles City. Due to his health, he retired in 1985. In 1991, he moved to Lewellen, where he had resided since. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. His survivors include his special friend for more than 20 years, Hollie Howell of Lewellen; his daughter, Pam Kelly of Sevierville, Tenn.; his son, William Clapper of Sevierville; his step-children, Hollis Bourn of Lewellen and Haley Mills of Lamar, Colo.; his brothers, Art Clapper of Forsyth and Steve Sims of Texas; his mother, Faye Mace of Texas; and 16 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Mick; and an uncle, Ed. Holechek Funeral Home in Oshkosh is in charge of arrangements.

Henry George Wertz
Henry George Wertz, 65, of Forsyth died Thursday, April 10, 2003, at his home in Forsyth due to natural causes. Born July 28, 1937, in Custer, he was the son of George Wertz Jr. and Laura Helling Wertz. He grew up and attended school in Custer, graduating in 1955. Following his graduation, Mr. Wertz joined the United States Army in November 1955 and served his country until November 1957 when he was honorably discharged. After his discharge, he returned to Montana where he kept busy working and being a cowboy in the Hardin, Hysham, Forsyth and Sheridan, Wyo., areas. In 1981, he and Lenore Welch were united in marriage in Sheridan. Together they made their home in Hysham where he worked for the Treasure County Road Department. Mr. Wertz moved to Forsyth in 1994 and resided there until his death. He was a fun loving person and was teasing someone at all times. He enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs and driving all around to visit his friends. His survivors include his three step-children, Marj Cunningham, and her husband, Leo, of Hysham, Joan Larsen, and John Welch, and his wife, Amy, all of Billings; two brothers, Bob Wertz of Custer and Les Wertz, and his wife, Linda, of Perryton, Texas; five sisters, Thelma Childers, and her husband, Wesley, of Pavillion, Wyo., Doris Gregerson of Douglas, Wyo., Bernice Stamper, and her husband, Monte, of Medford, Ore., Lucy Wallace of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Patty Duran, and her husband, Willie, of Sheridan; eight grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and his brother-in-law, Butch Hein. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Bonnie Hein. Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 16, 2003, at 2 p.m. in the Custer Congregational Church in Custer. Burial will follow in the Custer Cemetery at Custer. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.

Terry K. Winkley
Terry K. Winkley of Helena, 48, formerly of Miles City, died Sunday, April 6, 2003. Mr. Winkley was born Dec. 8, 1955, in Miles City to William A. Winkely Sr. and Emily Rodgers. He attended school in Miles City. He graduated from Auto mechanics School at Miles Community College in 1991. In 1980, he and Bonnie Rentschler were married. To this union a daughter, Tansen, was born. The couple later divorced. Mr. Winkley also had another daughter, Jennifer Austill Collins of Cottonwood, Ariz. Mr. Winkley and Cynthia Brown were married in 1990. To this union three children were born, Nicole, Brian and Lela. The couple later divorced. Mr. Winkley worked for the Department of Transportation in the motor pool for seven and one-half years in Helena. He enjoyed spending time with his family, riding motorcycles and camping. In addiiton to his children, Mr. Winkley is survived by three brothers, Allen Winkley and Mark Winkley, both of Miles City, and Scott Sotka of Sunnyvale, Calif.; and four sisters, Kari Winkley of Miles City, Melinnee (Cindy) Mastel of Rapid City, S.D., Laura Wetherelt of Forsyth and Roni Sue Adams of Eau Claire, Wis.; his parents, William and Linda Winkley of Miles City; two grandchildren, Chasity and Levi Collins of Cottonwood; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his maternal mother, Emily Rodgers; and his paternal grandparents, William and Ceceilia Winkley. A memorial service will be held in East Helena on Saturday, April 12. Cremation has taken place, by Mr. Winkely's request. Anyone wishing to send cards may send them to: Nicole, Brian and Lela Winkley, 3739 Bluebird Rd., East Helena, MT 59635 or Tansen Winkely, 1510 Palmer, Miles City, MT 59301 or Jennifer Collins, 3763 Pivot Rock Circle, Cottonwood, AZ 86326.

Richard James "Dick" Stanley
Richard James "Dick" Stanley, 61, of Chattanooga, Tenn., former Miles City resident, died Thursday, March 27, 2003, at his home. Mr. Stanley was born April 23, 1942, to Richard and Esther Stanley in Chicago, Ill. He graduated magna cum laude from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., and served with the United States Marine Corps. He served 36 years with the Veterans Administration beginning as a warehouseman in Chicago. Mr. Stanley served at 14 VA facilities in various supply service positions and as an associate medical center director. He was the director of the Miles City VA from August 1994 through September 1997 and retired from the VA Medical Center as medical center director. He and his wife had resided in Chattanooga since his retirement. Mr. Stanley was a life member of the American Legion Homewood Post 351 in Verona, Pa. He also was a member of the Lions Club in Cleveland, Tenn., and the Tennessee Hospital Association. At his request, no funeral services were held. His cremains will be interred at Browns Chapel Cemetery in Clarksburg, Ohio, at a later date. Heritage Funeral Home in Chattanooga was in charge of arrangements. Should friends desire to send cards or letters, Mrs. Stanley's address is P.O. Box 23812, Chattanooga, TN 37422-3812.

Anna M. Dyba
Anna M. Dyba, 90, of Billings, former Miles City resident, died Wednesday, April 9, 2003, in her home. Born Feb. 26, 1913, she was the oldest of 10 children born to Anton and Agnes Hafla of Wasson Flats. On April 6, 1931, she and Fred Dyba were married. They had a loving and happy marriage, which lasted 72 years. To this union five children were born. Mr. and Mrs. Dyba lived at 606 Washington St. in Miles City for 60 years. They moved to Billings in 2000 to be nearer their children. In addition to her love for her family, Mrs. Dyba loved to work in her flower garden and crocheted miles of thread into pansy doilies. Her survivors include her husband; five children, Fred Dyba Jr., and his wife, Katie, and Anthony Dyba, and his wife, Helen, all of Billings, Rose Marie Bianco, and her husband, Jimmy, of Franklin, Mass., Jerome Dyba of Bozeman and Marlene Speder, and her husband, Walt, of Biloxi, Miss.; 17 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Survivors also include four sisters, Mary Strom, Agnes Cremer, Rose Schantz and Marge Davis; and three brothers, Joe, Anton and John Hafla. She was preceded in death by two grandchildren and two brothers, Richard and Vincent Hafla. A vigil service will be held Friday, April 11, 2003, at 6 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, April 12, 2003, at 10 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary Cemetery. Mrs. Dyba belonged to the Altar Society of Sacred Heart Parish. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Altar Society.

B. Dorothy Sutton
B. Dorothy Sutton, 91, of Lisbon, N.D., died Sunday, April 6, 2003, in Evanston, Wyo. Born in Lisbon on May 29, 1911, she was the daughter of Harvey and Ellen Oleson Sutton. She attended grade school and graduated from high school in Lisbon. Following graduation, she attended two years of college at Jamestown College in North Dakota before returning to Lisbon where she worked. She then went to work for the United States Government in Washington, D.C., with the Civil Service for Alcohol and Firearms Tax Division working in Washington, Nebraska, Chicago, Ill., and St. Paul, Minn. After 30 years of service, she retired in the early 1960s. She returned to Lisbon and spent time in Evanston to be near her family. She then returned to Fargo, N.D., until 1997 when she moved to Evanston. Her survivors include her brother, Norwood "Sut" Sutton of Evanston; a niece, Pam Sutton of Salt Lake City, Utah; and a nephew, Keith Sutton of Evanston. Funeral services will be Monday, April 14, 2003, at 11 a.m. in the United Methodist Church in Lisbon. Interment will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City and Armstrong Funeral Home of Lisbon are in charge of the arrangements.

James Tupper
James Tupper, 52, of Miles City died Saturday, April 5, 2003, in the Friendship Villa Care Center in Miles City. Born in Riverside, Calif., on April 25, 1950, he was the son of Lester and Marjorie Noughy Tupper. He attended schools in Riverside before he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Following his honorable discharge, he worked as a painter. In 1985, he moved to Miles City where he and his brothers cut trees. Mr. Tupper enjoyed fishing and walking. Survivors include his brother, Fred Tupper; two sisters, Nedra Roberts and Marjorie Lee; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Mike; and two sisters. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 11, 2003, in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment, with full military rites, will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Gidion Martin "Sonny" Gramm
Gidion Martin "Sonny" Gramm, also known as Montana, 62, of Miles City died Monday, April 7, 2003, in his home in Miles City. Born July 6, 1940, in Jordan, he was the son of Eugene Emanuel and Esther Katie Bickel Gramm. He was raised in Miles City where he attended schools and graduated from Custer County High School. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in England, the Philippines and Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Mr. Gramm and Jeanette Steneon were married Nov. 1, 1963, in Graceville, Fla. They remained in Florida for three years until his discharge in 1967. They lived in Alabama for a short time before moving to Montana where Mr. Gramm worked for the Allen Ranch for a short time. In 1968, he joined the United States Navy and served two tours of duty during Vietnam. He earned the Purple Heart and Medal of Valour. Following his honorable discharge, he worked at the Phosphate Mines in Florida and then drove trucks and became a journeyman welder and worked on a shrimp boat. He then moved to Montana where he worked for the Cenex Gas Station as a truck driver. Mr. Gramm also worked at County Market and most recently drove truck for Eckart Truck. He loved airplanes, John Wayne, his horses, guns, western movies, boating, his computer, looking at the stars, sunsets and mountains. His survivors include his father, Gene Gramm of Miles City; two sons, Kenneth Lee Gramm and Kevin Lamar Gramm, both of Midwest City, Okla.; two daughters, Kimberly Lorraine Gramm of Miles City and Karen Leona Gramm Pittman, and her husband, Danny, of Gautier, MS.; and two grandchildren, Telisha Larae Gramm-Hellyer and Bryce Gramm Pittman. Survivors also include a brother, Raymond Gramm of Colstrip; two sisters, Dorothy Whitfield and Sami Gramm, both of Miles City; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Esther; and a son, Kristopher Lamont Gramm. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 12, 2003, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment, with full military honors, will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.

Helen N. Jordan
Helen N. Jordan, 91, of Billings, formerly of Crow Rock and Brockway, died Thursday, April 3, 2003, in the Billings Health and Rehabilitation Center. Born Aug. 30, 1911, in Odessa, Russia, she was the 11th of 14 children born to John and Christina Eberhardt Neuhardt. Her family came to the United States when she was two years of age and settled in the Crow Rock area. She attended the Tree Coulee School. In 1931, she and William C. Jordan were married. The couple farmed and ranched in the Brockway/Watkins area for more than 50 years. Mr. Jordan died in 1984. Mrs. Jordan moved to Billings in 1998. She was a member of the Brockway Homemakers Club, Brockway Ladies Aide and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post No. 4813. Mrs. Jordan was well known for her cooking. In the summers, she spent many hours gardening and sharing the produce. In later years, she embroidered tablecloths for her family and enjoyed reading. Her survivors include her three children, LeRoy Jordan, and his wife, Janet, of Brockway, Fern Stene of Billings and Lydia Johansson of DeKalb, Ill; and her seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren who include Karl Jordan of Brockway, Karen (Igor) and Misha Korolev of Minnesota, Marlene (Robert) Stene-Trout, Jordan and Jackson Trout of Colorado, Bill (Sabra) Stene, Andrew, Amanda and Alex Stene of Billings, Jason (Audrey) Stene, Jase and Alayna Stene of Billings, and Angela and Tina Johansson of Illinois. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by 13 brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 12, 2003, at 2 p.m. in the Faith Assembly of God Church in Circle. Interment will follow in the Brockway Cemetery. Bullis-Graves Memorial Chapel of Miles City has been entrusted with the arrangements. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Circle VFW Auxiliary, care of Vera Olsen, for the troops overseas or to the charity of one's choice.

Kathleen Ann Geib
Kathleen Ann Geib, 62, of Douglas, Wyo., former Broadus and Alzada resident, died Friday, April 4, 2003, of natural causes at her residence in Douglas. Born Oct. 28, 1940, in Ridge, she was the daughter of Earl and Emmaline Irish Malley. She was raised and educated in Ridge and Broadus. In 1967, she and Daniel "Bud" Geib were married in Belle Fourche, S.D. The couple lived in Alzada where they raised their family. She was an excellent homemaker who enjoyed animals and her grandchildren. Her survivors include seven children, Leo R. Malley, Wendy Geib and Daniel Geib, all of Belle Fourche, Janice Marie Malley of Gillette, Wyo., Terry Geib and John Geib, and his wife, Cindy, all of Douglas, and Bradley Geib, and his wife, Anita, of Hulett, Wyo.; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband on May 30, 1990; one infant daughter; one sister; and 10 brothers. A Celebration of Life for Mrs. Geib will be held Sunday, April 13, 2003, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Community Center at Broadus. Gorman Funeral Home - Converse Chapel of Douglas is in charge of the arrangements. A memorial to the choice of the donor would be appreciated by the family.

Joseph Clarke Murnion
Joseph Clarke Murnion, 83, of Jordan died Friday, April 4, 2003, in the Garfield County Medical Center at Jordan. Born Dec. 4, 1919, in Jordan, he was the son of John Joseph and Alma Howe Murnion. He attended Butte Creek Country School and graduated from Garfield County High School in Jordan. After high school, he worked at the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp near Alberton for six months. After herding sheep for his uncle Pat in the Jordan area, he bought a ranch 20 miles northwest of Jordan near Brusett. On June 25, 1942, he and Lyonors Grant were married in Miles City. They raised Targhee sheep, line one Hereford cattle and grew wheat. He lived on the ranch for more than 62 years. Mr. Murnion enjoyed playing cards, visiting with friends, fishing, hunting and working with his sheep. He was a member of the Butte Creek School Board. His survivors include his wife of 60 years, Lyonors of Jordan; five sons, Joe Murnion, and his wife, Bev, Jack Murnion, and his wife, Charlotte, Nick Murnion, and his wife, LeAnna, all of Jordan, Dan Murnion, and his wife, Diane, of Forsyth and Tony Murnion, and his wife, Pam, of Helena; a daughter, Margie Cristofaro, and her husband, Frank, of Auburn, Wash.; 18 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Survivors also include two brothers, Barnard Murnion, and his wife, Loriene, and Philip Murnion, and his wife, Cynthia, all of Jordan; a sister, Kathleen Fowler, and her husband, Tom, of Conrad; and two sisters-in-law, Virginia Murnion of Jordan and Marian Murnion of Shawmut. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Coleman and James; a sister, Mary Johnson; and a grandson, Dylan. A vigil service will be held Monday, April 7, 2003, at 7 p.m. in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, April 8, 2003, at 11 a.m. in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Jordan. Rite of Committal will follow in the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Jordan is in charge of arrangements. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the St. John the Baptist Parish Center Building Fund, care of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Jordan, MT 59337.

Nanie Winifred Cain Bidwell
Nanie Winifred Cain Bidwell, 85, of Broadus died Thursday, April 3, 2003, in the Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City. Mrs. Bidwell was born July 18, 1917, in a dugout on the family homestead near Volborg, the daughter of Horace Taylor and Bessie May Williams Cain. She and her siblings walked a mile to school. They attended Leosch Country School near Volborg. They then went to school at Carey where there were 20 children in the school. After Mrs. Bidwell's father died in 1934, she helped her mother with the children. On Jan. 4, 1936, she and Frank Bidwell were married. Following their marriage, they moved to the sawmill near Stacey where he worked. Later they moved the sawmill to Broadus. Mrs. Bidwell worked at the Parker Cafe in Broadus, then at K & M Cafe for the Kliens and they ran it for approximately three years. Mr. Bidwell died May 29, 2002, and Mrs. Bidwell remained in Broadus until the time of her death. Mrs. Bidwell was a member of the 500 Card Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and the Powder River Senior Citizens Center. She enjoyed upholstery, playing cards and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her survivors include two daughters, Mamie Denson of Broadus, and her friend, George Winkley of Douglas, Wyo., and Myrtle Ridernour, and her husband, Bill, of Colstrip; two sons, Cyrus Bidwell, and his wife, Dolly, of Belle Fourche, S.D., and Ron Bidwell, and his wife, Mary Lou, of Laurel; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and one step-great-great-grandchild. Survivors also include her brother, William "Tat" Cain of Miles City; and three sisters, Ruth Hagen, Onie May Root and Edith Cook, all of Miles City. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Joe, Sal, Bullet, Fatso, Mike, Buster and Short; and her sisters, Jess Tucker, Myrtle Colsen and Gertie Peabody. Funeral services will be Monday, April 7, 2003, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Interment will follow in the Valley View Cemetery at Broadus. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Powder River Museum in Broadus.


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