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Henry Sappington Ruegamer
HARDIN - In the early morning hours of April 24, 1999, Henry Sappington Ruegamer peacefully passed away at his home in Hardin, Mont. He had on the seventh of this month celebrated his 92nd birthday.
A life-long Montana resident, Henry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Catherine Burns Ruegamer; six children, Marlan (Bruce) Miller of Tucson, Ariz., Jane (John) Pauly of Buffalo, N.Y., John (Cathy) Ruegamer of Cartwright, N.D., Jim (Jacque) Ruegamer of Hardin, Mont., Ellen (Robert) Jeffrey of Groveland, Calif., Michael Ruegamer of Seattle, Wash.; daughter-in-law Bonnie Ruegamer of Billings, Mont.; 11 grandchildren, Brenda (Tom) Braaten, Kevin and Kenneth Miller, Greg (Lauren) Pauly, Terri Sue Pauly, Tana, Sasha, Trevor, Dain, Hans, and Tristan Ruegamer; and two great-granddaughters, Sunshine Hochhalter and Rachael Pauly. His son Robert preceded him in death.
Born in 1907 in Whitehall, Mont., Henry graduated from Manhattan High School in 1928. He then attended and graduated from Moorhead State College in Moorhead, Minn., with a bachelor's degree in English and political science.
He met and married
Catherine Burns in 1937, after which he worked 10 years with the Ford Motor Company. During the war years he served with Ford Motor Company as a government contract negotiator. In 1947, he and his wife purchased Hardin Auto Company in Hardin, where they have since resided,
He was a member of Kiwanis International for over 50 years, and in 1957 served as Kiwanis International Montana district governor. He also was a member of the Big Horn County Chamber of Commerce, Montana Automobile Association, Highway 212 Committee, Yellowtail Dam Committee and Director of the Montana Historical Society for 10 years. He retired from business at the age of 81. He was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church for over 50 years.
He enjoyed many outdoor activities, especially fishing and golf, and for many years walked daily under the stars with his growing children. Henry will be remembered as a planter of trees who each day remembered to thank God for all his blessings.
Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Saturday, May 1, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Hardin.
Phyllis Loraine Ryan
Phyllis Loraine Ryan passed away Sunday morning, April 25, 1999, at St. Vincent's Hospital in the arms of her loving family. She was born Jan. 24, 1925, in Cambridge, Minn., to Gustav and Marie Stroberg, the youngest of three daughters.
She lived in Cambridge until she attended Stevens College in Columbia, Mo., from which she graduated. Phyllis met her husband Richard G. Ryan while she was living and working in Minneapolis. They were married
in Minneapolis on Oct. 23, 1947, and lived there until Richard became owner/operator of Ryan Oldsmobile in Billings in 1951. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard, her parents, and her oldest sister, Dorothy Bouchard.
She is survived by her seven children; Colleen (Tom) Stenglein of Minneapolis, Minn., Richard (Laurie), Michael (Dolly), Thomas (Maree), and Gregory, all of Billings; Julie (John) Worden of Steamboat Springs, Colo., and Patrick (Kim) of Cody, Wyo.; 19 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; her sister Eunice and brother-in-law Robert Hupfer of Cambridge, Minn.; her sister-in-law Mary Jane Ryan Root of Minneapolis; and many nieces and nephews. We would also like to acknowledge and thank her special friends and caregivers of seven years, Margaret Hudyma, Judy James, and Adeline Garcia.
Phyllis will always be remembered for her devotion to, and love of her husband and children, and for her beautiful smile and sparkling eyes. She will be deeply missed by her family.
Visitation will begin 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Mortuary. The Rosary will be recited 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 27th, at Michelotti, Sawyers and Nordquist, 1001 Alderson Ave. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 28th, at St. Thomas the Apostle Church with Rite of Committal in Holy Cross cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer Association of Greater Billings, 2 Poly Dr., Billings, MT 59101, or the charity of one's choice.
Frederick R. 'Wiskers' Stops
CROW AGENCY - Frederick R. "Wiskers" Stops, 51, of Crow Agency, died Sunday April 25, 1999 in the Crow IHS hospital following an extended illness.
He was born Oct. 21, 1947 in Crow Agency, the son of Eli Stops and Alvinna Cummins. He received his education in Lodge Grass.
Fred enlisted in the US Army, serving in the Vietnam war and later received his honorable discharge.
He married
Lucy Yellowmule and the couple made their home in the Wyola area. Lucy passed away in December of 1996.
He was a member of the Wyola Baptist Church, Whistling Water Clan, Child of the Greasy Mouth and the Native American Church. He enjoyed listening to Round Dance Music and took great pride in his nieces and nephews.
Survivors include two stepsons, Chuck Russell of Ashland and Berry Russell of Lodge Grass; two adopted daughters, Paulette Escallier of Washington, and Sonny Rose Yellowmule of Oklahoma; one adopted son, Joe Taneia of South Dakota; one brother, William (Pamela) Back Bone Jr. of Wyola; three sisters, Beverly (Paul) St. Germaine of Hardin, Wilma Back Bone of Lodge Grass and Pamela (Alvin) Little Light of Crow Agency; three half sisters, Elda (Silver) Gonzales, Agnes (Potatoes) Falls Down and Eileen Stops Red Bird all of Hardin; six grandchildren; numerous other brothers, sisters, aunts and uncles.
Funeral services will be held Thursday 2 p.m. in the Lodge Grass First Crow Indian Baptist Mission. Interment with Military Honors will follow in the Lodge Grass cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Felix L. 'Phil' Adams
Felix L. "Phil" Adams, 92 of Billings, died Sunday, May 16, 1999, at St. Vincent's Hospital. He was born Jan. 13, 1907, in Gilberton, Pa.
At age one, he traveled with his parents, Eva and Charles Adams, to Lithuania, their birthplace. While in Lithuania, Felix's baby sister, Annabelle, was born. The family returned to the United States and lived in Wisconsin and Illinois, before settling in North Dakota and by now had four more boys. Felix graduated from North Dakota State University in Fargo, formerly known as North Dakota State School of Agriculture, with a degree in Agriculture in 1931.
He worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 45 years, most of which were with the Soil Conservation District of Burke Co., ND. While in Bowbells, N.D., he served as a Boy Scout Master for eight years, was a member of Toastmasters International, the Masonic Lodge, the Bowbells school board, and was the U.S. weather recorder.
Felix married
Alma Rue of Minot, N.D., on Dec. 16, 1939, and enjoyed 30 years of square and round dancing together, having danced in Hawaii, Germany, and Canada. Felix enjoyed a life filled with camping with his family, tennis, golf, figure skating, and while living in Billings, played with the Billings Banjo Band.
Survivors include his wife, Alma; his two brothers, Stanley of Los Angeles, Calif., and Frankie of Detroit, Mich.; his sister, Annabelle of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; his sons, Larry of Pleasanton, Calif., and Thomas of Cupertino, Calif.; his daughter, DeDe of Billings; and his grandchildren, Suzanne, Scott, Steven, Sean, Jerome, and John Thomas of California and Molly, Marne, and Emily of Billings. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Tony and Edward.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, May 20, at Michelotti, Sawyers & Nordquist, 1001 Alderson Ave., with a reception to follow. Following cremation, private interment will be held in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be sent to the charity of one's choice.
Louise Hanes Byerly
LEWISTOWN - Louise Hanes Byerly, 88, died Sunday, May 16, 1999, at the Central Montana Medical Center after a long illness.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 25, at the family cemetery in Pine Hall, N.C. Creel Funeral Home and Ray Funeral Home of Madison, N.C., are in charge.
John William Cooley
MUSSELSHELL - John William Cooley of Musselshell, 63, went to be with the Lord May 16th, 1999, after a long courageous struggle with heart disease.
Born Nov. 28, 1935, the son of Earl and Vallie (Ness) Cooley, he was a beloved son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. John's life was spent on the family ranch that was homesteaded by his grandparents in 1882. He graduated from Musselshell High School in 1953 and from Montana State College in 1958.
He married
his childhood sweetheart, Mary Turley, in 1955 at the Musselshell Congregational Church. Together they have devoted their lives to the family ranch and raising their four children. John was an avid lover of horses and of reading history. He enjoyed sports, especially watching his children compete. John brought much laughter through his wit and practical joking.
He is survived by his wife Mary; son, Dan and wife, Connie of Crookston, Minn.; son, Brian and wife, Gina of Miles City; son, Darren and wife, Stephanie of Glendive; daughter, Callie and husband Clint of Isabel, S.D.; mother, Vallie Cooley of Billings; sister, Carol Rowe of Dallas, Texas; sister, Earlene Davis and husband, Don of Billings; nine grandchildren; twenty-three nieces and nephews and his many friends. His humble strength will be missed by all.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 19, at 1:30 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church with interment to follow in the Musselshell cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Musselshell EMTs or the Musselshell Fire Department.
We love you. Rest in peace until we meet again.
Wier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Edward A. Farmer
Edward A. Farmer, 71, of Billings, died Tuesday, May 11, 1999.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, at St. Vincent de Paul. Cremation or Funeral Gallery was in charge.
Morlan C. Flattum
Sunday, May 16, 1999, at the age of 79, Morlan Flattum of Billings, died at Valley Health Care Center.
Morlan was born in Greycliff, on May 17, 1919, the son of Clarence and Alice Esp Flattum. He attended grade school in Greycliff and graduated from high school in Big Timber. After three years at the University of Montana, Missoula, he spent 3-1/2 years in the U.S. Army, serving as a mail clerk in the European African Middle East Theater. After his honorable discharge, he completed his college education, earning his BA in business administration.
Feb. 14, 1948, Morlan was united in marriage to Leona Viets in Missoula. He began his career in banking working for Security Trust and Savings until his retirement in 1976.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Leona; daughter, Colleen Rooke; son, Larry; three grandsons; one granddaughter; one great-granddaughter; brother, Russell and wife, Georgia Ann; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside memorial services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 19, in Sunset Memorial Gardens, 1721 Central Avenue. Cremation has taken place. Dahl Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to Valley Health Care Center. Following interment services there will be a no host gathering at Elmer's, 2455 Central Ave. to share memories and celebrate Morlan's life.
Doris Johnson
BOZEMAN - Doris Johnson, 97, of Bozeman, died Saturday, May 15, 1999, at the Holy Rosary Health Center in Miles City.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be at a later date in Bozeman. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City and Dokken-Nelson Funeral Home are in charge.
David C. Laird
WORLAND, Wyo. - David C. Laird, 61, died at his home Sunday, May 16, 1999.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 19, at the United Methodist Church with interment to follow at Riverview Memorial Gardens cemetery in Worland. Veile Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.
Jack Eugene Lowe
BIG TIMBER - Jack Eugene Lowe, 49, of Big Timber, passed away May 16, 1999, after an incredibly strong fight with cancer.
He was born May 1, 1950, to Jack and Ruth Lowe.
A member of the Evangelical Church, he greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, and especially spending time with his family.
He will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, a spectacular father and a very special uncle.
Jack is survived by his wife, Kim; daughter; Hallie (Jonathan) Johnson; son, Eric; sister, Linda (Greg) Bucknum; as well as three nephews, one great-nephew, and two great-nieces.
He was preceded in death by both his parents.
Services will be held on Friday, May 21, at 6 p.m., at the Big Timber Evangelical Church on Third Avenue and Bramble Street. Cremation has taken place.
John 'Pat' McEachron
SHERIDAN, Wyo. - John G. "Pat" McEachron, 67, died Saturday, May 15, 1999, at the Veterans Hospital.
Cremation has taken place and at his request no services are planned. Ballard Funeral Home of Cody is in charge.
Margaret Mohns
Margaret Mohns, 88, of Billings, died Monday, May 10, 1999, at Parkview Convalescent Center.
Cremation has taken place and inurnment will be in Riverhead (Long Island), N.Y. Cremation or Funeral Gallery was in charge.
Margaret Pauline Moore
POWELL, Wyo. - Margaret Pauline Moore, 81, died Thursday, May 13, 1999, at the Powell Nursing Home.
A memorial mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday, May 21, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with interment in Riverside cemetery, both in Cody. Ballard Funeral Home of Cody is in charge.
Bri'Elle Lynn Red Dog-Country
POPLAR - Bri'Elle Lynn Red Dog-Country, daughter of Janelle Red Dog and Paul Country, was stillborn on Saturday, May 15, 1999, at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings.
Bri'Elle is survived by her parents, Janelle Red Dog and Paul Country, both of Poplar; one brother, Jaylen Country of Poplar; her grandmother, Rhea Red Dog of Billings; her paternal grandparents, Larry Country and Gail Dale, both of Macy, Neb.; her great-grandparents, Lawrence and Almena Red Dog of Poplar; and great-grandmother, Susan Dale of Macy; and many aunts, uncles and numerous cousins.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, May 19, 1999, at 10 a.m. at St. Ann's cemetery, Poplar. Clayton Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
