Search Archived Marriage Records
Dorothy Katherine Graham
Dorothy Katherine Graham, 76, passed away with her husband, Dean, at her side on Sunday, April 2, 2000, at her home in Billings. Dorothy was born Aug. 15, 1923, at Red Lodge to Croatian immigrants, Gasper and Katherine Tomicich. She grew up in Red Lodge with her parents, her five brother and two sisters
Dorothy married
Dean Graham at Red Lodge on Aug. 1, 1942. Dean, "the most handsome and the most polite man, and everything a man should be, " has been the love of her life for 57 years. Dorothy and Dean made their early home in Stillwater County before moving to Billings in 1952.
Dorothy is survived by her devoted husband, Dean; three daughters, Gerdean (Alex) Tan, Judith Dawn Graham, and Holly (Randy) Dunn; three sons, Dean (JoAnn) Graham, John (Ann) Graham, and Louis (Lori) Graham; eleven grandchildren (and baby); four great-grandchildren, and her sister, Mary Monego.
Rosary for Dorothy will be recited at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Billings. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 6, at St. Bernard's Church. Dorothy will be buried at the Red Lodge cemetery following the funeral services. Arrangements were made by Smith Funeral Home.
Dorothy struggled valiantly against heart disease for nearly 30 years. Therefore, the family asks that memorials be made to the American Heart Association, the National Multiple Sclerosis Association, or to St. Bernard's Parish.
Mom, we thank God for His wonderful gift of your life and love. Our comfort is knowing that you are with Him now in peace. Your courage in the face of pain and struggle, and your devotion to your family and to God has inspired us and given us our strength. Your lasting message to us, your family, is a simple one: have fun with your family, stay close to God, and exercise. We will miss you so much until we are with you once again.
Margaret Haidle
April 24, 1917-April 3, 2000
FRUITLAND, Idaho - Margaret Haidle, 82, of Fruitland, died at her home of complications with cancer. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Ontario First Church of the Nazarene.
Margaret was born in Payette, Ida-ho, to William and Ruby Smith. Later, the family moved to Nampa where she attended public schools and Northwest Nazarene College. She worked in Portland, Ore., where she married
Fred Haidle in 1949 and moved sight-unseen to his farm and ranch in Fallon, Mont. The couple raised four children.
In Montana, Margaret was a member of the Fallon Homemakers Club and the Evangelical Church. She enjoyed corresponding with friends and relatives. Fred and Margaret traveled to 26 countries around the world, visiting with missionary friends, relatives and other acquaintances. Other family members also traveled with them when possible.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, in 1996 and an infant brother, Paul.
Survivors include their four children and grandchildren, Marjorie and Jerry Williamson, Stephanie, Shannon, and Shari of Ranchester, Wyo., Wayne and Rachel Haidle, Joelle and Jordon of Bismarck, N.D., Ron and Nancy Haidle, Joy, Bret, Chad and Melody of Ontario, and Dave and Shirley Haidle, Kyla, Kelsi and Kendra of Fruitland.
Her desire was for her children and 12 grandchildren to have a personal relationship with Christ.
Lewis Hoffman
ASHLAND - Lewis Hoffman, 85, formerly of Miles City, died Tuesday, April 4, 2000, at the Powder River Manor in Broadus.
Visitation will begin Thursday in Miles City. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 7, in the chapel of Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot in the Custer County cemetery.
Scott Ronald Koski
Scott Ronald Koski lost his lifelong battle with drug addiction on Tuesday. He was born in Red Lodge, Mont., on May 16, 1956. Scott received his education in Billings, graduating from West High School. Early in life, he had a passion for motorcycles. Not only did he enjoy racing them, he worked in several shops making many friends. Later, his interests turned to writing, using his talents to produce science fiction, which was enjoyed by people in Billings' literary circles. His father, Ronald W. Koski, preceded him in death.
He leaves behind his mother Charlotte Koski of Billings; his little brother, Mike and wife, Lorrie Koski of Columbus, Mont.; and his sister, Teresa and her husband, Bill Kemp of Billings. "A battle with addiction is a hard war to win. It drains relationships and wastes lives. Scotty, we love you more than you'll ever know. God will take care of you."
Graveside committal of ashes will be Friday April 7, at the Red Lodge cemetery. Memorials may be sent to The Hub, P.O. Box 219, Billings, MT 59103, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are being made by Dahl Funeral Chapel.
Mable E. McKinney
LOVELL Wyo. - Mable Elaine McKinney, 93, died Tuesday, April 4, 2000, at North Big Horn Hospital.
Graveside services and interment will take place in Indianola, Miss., on April 12. Haskell Funeral Home of Lovell has charge of local arrangements.
Nancy Evelyn Dunn Owens
BAINVILLE - Nancy Evelyn Dunn Owens, a two-time cancer survivor, was called home to be with her Lord on April 4, 2000. Her prayers were answered as she passed away peacefully in her home at Bainville of congestive heart failure.
Evelyn was born on Aug. 8, 1918, the daughter of John Thomas Dunn Sr. and Ada Letitia Miller Dunn. Her family homesteaded from Missouri and lived north of Bainville where she was born and was raised with three sisters and three brothers. She was baptized in a dam just west of their home. Nancy graduated from Bainville High School in 1939, along with her sister Gladys.
On Sept. 26, 1940, she married
Charles Franklin "Chuck" Owens Jr. in Glasgow. They purchased Chuck's family homestead where they spent their entire married
life and raised their four children.
Evelyn served her Lord, cherished her family, friends, and neighbors, and was active in the community. She helped Chuck work the farm and they both drove school bus. She took in sewing, did housekeeping and cooking, and worked for the Montana Highway Department as a caretaker of the rest area east of Bainville for years to supplement the family income. Evelyn served on the rural fire department, election board, a 4-H leader, and was a honorary Chapter Farmer for Bainville FFA. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church of both McCabe and Williston. She often attended camp at the Bubbling Springs Bible Camp.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Lena Seymour, and Clella Qualley; three brothers, Frankie, Ferril and baby John Thomas Jr.; her husband, Charles; and a grandson, Chad Odell Hagen.
Survivors include a sister, Gladys (Mrs. Orville) Qualley of Brockton; four children, Ruby Jean Dunn-Owens of Missoula, Francis Parker Owens of Bainville, Roy Thomas Owens and wife, Sue of Dickinson, N.D., and Joy Kaerene Owens of Froid; one granddaughter, Dannelle Collette Solonar of Missoula; four grandsons, Shawn Travis Hagen of Missoula, Bradley John Barnett, Gary Everett Lee Barnett and Christopher Charles Owens, all of Dickinson; and one very special great-granddaughter, Morgan Faith Solonar (grandma greats' "Dolly") of Missoula; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitations will be held on Saturday, April 8, from 9 a.m. to the funeral service time at 11 a.m. at the Bainville School gym with Pastor Sheldon Sorenson of Williston, N.D., and Pastor Barry Troyer of Rapelje officiating. Interment will follow at the Bainville cemetery with lunch to follow at the Bainville School cafeteria. Everson-Clayton Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Gladys Singer
Gladys Singer was born in Ambrose, N.D., on June 5, 1927, the youngest of six children born to Iver and Mary Lee. She attended schools in Ambrose and then worked as a switchboard operator for Mountain Bell in Crosby, N.D., and later in Glasgow, Mont. In 1947, she married
Marchel W. Singer, and they lived at Fort Peck, Mont., where he was employed as a barber. In 1948, they moved to Billings where they made their lifelong home and raised their two daughters, Karen and Shirley.
Gladys was an excellent mother and homemaker, who took great joy in sewing matching outfits for the girls, tending her rose garden, and baking for the frequent visits of family and friends. The backyard apple trees provided wealth that never went to waste. Family gatherings were based on picking of the apples and the enjoyment of their later baked goods and jams. Her quilts were treasured family gifts and her baked goods were sought after at church bazaars. The family enjoyed camping on the Boulder River and traveling to mountain lakes around the state. Special times in a camper for six were enjoyed by many more and all made comfortable and well fed by Gladys.
Gladys was an active member of her women's circle at Grace United Methodist Church and a friendly face to the patients of Deaconess Hospital where she volunteered delivering flowers. She was blessed with three grandchildren, Gregory Rush, Dawn Oakland and Brett Oakland. They were her greatest joy in life and she made everyday and all holidays very special for them with her treats and efforts of love. She was a true "Norwegian" and on a moment's notice, guests had a table spread with a variety of Norwegian cookies and a "home away from home" for as long as they wished to stay.
A trip to Minot, N.D., with daughter, Karen and son-in-law, Jerry last fall for the "Nordfest" to hear Myron Floren on his accordion, was probably her last true pleasure this life. Soon after, she was given the news of recurring cancer and was no longer able to enjoy her treasured home and special friend "Peaches" (her sheltie that she received from the grandchildren the year she was widowed). She did, however, continue to be blessed by the visits and well wishes of those who loved her, until her release from pain on April 3, 2000.
Gladys is survived by her daughters, Shirley Rush of Helena and Karen Oakland of Billings; sons-in-law, Jerry Oakland, Bruce Rush and grandsons, Gregory Rush and Brett Oakland, all of Billings. She is also survived by brothers, Christian Lee of Laurel, Alvin Lee of Williston, N.D.; sisters, Minnie Berg of Crosby, N.D., and Ida Johnson of Great Falls; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marchel Singer, granddaughter, Dawn Marie Oakland and brother, Ed.
Celebration of her blessed life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 7, at Grace United Methodist Church in Billings. Private family interment will take place. Memorials may be sent to Mothers Against Drunk Driving at PO Box 20156, Billings, MT 59104, in special memory of her beloved granddaughter, Dawn.
Michelotti, Sawyers & Nordquist has charge of arrangements.
Leland Slack
ABSAROKEE - Leland Slack, 83, of Absarokee, passed away Sunday, April 2, 2000, at Beartooth Manor in Columbus.
Memorial services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, April 7, in Viroqua, Wis., and inurnment will be held Saturday morning, at the Boscobel cemetery. Arrangements were made by Cremation or Funeral Gallery.
Eunice K. Staudacher
Eunice K. Staudacher, 97, went to be with Jesus on April 2, 2000, from Billings. Eunice was born in Rockhold, Ky., Feb. 4, 1903. In 1927, she came from Spokane, Wash., to Chester, Mont., to teach. In 1928, she married
a local wheat farmer, Leonard Staudacher.
She tackled being a mom and homemaker with the same zeal as her teaching position. If she wasn't passing out homemade bread, homemade soap or fresh garden vegetables, she was visiting the nursing home or the shut-ins. Her life was centered around her church family. To make a difference she assumed the responsibilities of Sunday School Superintendent and president of the United Methodist Women as well as local Business and Professional Women and the Garden Club. She was adamant that her flowers needed to beautify the church alter every Sunday. With a son and two daughters, the house was filled with kids. Even though our home was small, Eunice always had room in her heart and home for cousins, Mary and Ray, after their mother had passed away. When the family moved to Kalispell in 1945, her zest for life continued to grow. By 1950, her children were grown, allowing her to spend 40 winters as a snow bird in Arizona, playing shuffleboard, horseshoes and dancing. We thank God that He had her here for 97 years, even though her last years were almost unmanageable.
Mother, you imparted that indomitable spirit that God gave you in those remaining: Lila Kruckenberg family, Kalispell; Elaine Davis family, Billings; seven grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren. Now you have new dancing shoes with you husband, Leonard; son, Leonard Jr., two sisters, a brother and your mom and dad in an eternal setting.
Memorial service at Epworth Methodist Church, 11 a.m. Saturday, April 8, s000. Graveside inurnment 2 p.m. Sunday, April 9, at the Chester cemetery, Chester, Mont. Memorial of your choice.
Geoffrey M. Turner
LOVELL, Wyo. - Geoffrey M. Turner, 75, died Tuesday, April 4, 2000, at North Big Horn Hospital.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 7, in Haskell Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday, April 6, at Haskell Funeral Home.
Margaret M. Ward
Margaret M. Ward, lifelong resident of Billings, died at Valley Nurs-ing Home on April 2, 2000, following an extended illness.
Margaret was affiliated with the following organizations: charter member of Central Christian Church, past president of Christian Women's Fellowship, member of the American Legion Auxiliary, past president of Junior Women's Club, past charter member of Toast Mistress Club, past member of Zanta Club.
Margaret was born March 8, 1911, in a duplex where the Dude Rancher Lodge is now located. She attended public schools and graduated from Billings High School. Margaret was employed by the Selective Service System, Local Board 56, as chief clerk and executive secretary, retiring in 1971 following 28 years of meritorious service.
Margaret was preceded in death by her sisters, Gladys Polly, Alice P. Morrow and Marie Martin; a brother, Clarence Polly; and her husband, Walter C. Ward. She is survived by nephews, Ben Martin of Mount Vernon, Wash., Herbert Porter of Estero, Fla.; cousins, Dewey J. Hansen and Warren F Vaughan of Billings; nieces, Joyce Bushaw of Cypress, Texas, Doris Marshall of Bellevue, Wash., Marjorie Parker of Mt. Vernon, and Alyce Stuart of Port Townsend, Wash., and her extended "adopted family", Bob and Jana Jo Towery of Fort Coffins, Colo., and their children Tara Jo, Jeffery, and Todd.
Margaret left this written message for all of her friends: "I am thankful for the strength and support I have received from the prayers, loyalty and devotion of all of my dear friends. May God richly bless each and every one."
Should anyone desire, memorials may be sent to Central Christian Church or a charity of their choice.
Memorial services for "Family of Friends" will be held at Central Christian Church, 1221 16th St. West, Billings, Mont., Monday, April 10, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Don Beal officiating.
Mary R. Wills
RIO VERDE, Ariz. - Mary R. (Novasio) Wills, 56, formerly of Billings, died April 1, 2000, at her home after a brief battle with cancer.
Cremation has taken place in Rio Verde, and a memorial service is planned at a later date in Kalispell, Mont. Messinger's Fountain Hills Mortuary is in charge.
Lucy Miller Bell
THORNTON, Colo. - Lucy was born in Zebra, Mo., March 10, 1911, to James and Missouri Miller. She was the youngest of seven children. She passed away March 27, 2000. She married
Elwyn Bell April 28, 1962. She was a longtime member of First Christian Church of Billings.
Survivors are her husband, daughters, Joretta (Harold) Foster, Dianne (Jeff) Eckman, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Services were held March 31 in Denver.
Margaret 'Jean' Clinton
LEWISTOWN - Margaret "Jean" Clinton, 75 of Lewistown, died Sunday, April 2, at her home of cancer. She was born Aug. 11, 1924 on the family ranch near Moore, the daughter of Louis and Anne (Pivniska) Sirucek. She received her education in Moore schools graduating from Moore High School. In 1942, she was united in marriage to Richard Nessan and they raised five children. She owned and managed the Mountain View Motel in Lewistown for several years before retiring. She married
Martin J. "Clint" Clinton in 1971 in Lewistown. He preceded her in death in 1998.
Jean was a member of the United Methodist Church and actively supported a number of community activities. She loved to travel and toured many states including three trips to Alaska and several to Canada. Her hobbies included gardening, reading, camping, walking and playing bridge.
She is survived by three daughters: Karen (Bill) Norwood of New Fort Richey, Fla., Barbara (Jerry) Wylie of Neosho, Mo., and Helen (Les) Thom of Laurel; two Sons: Rick (Carol) Nessan of Red Lodge, and Ronnie Nessan of Helena; one brother, Robert Sirucek of Kalispell and one sister, Kate Horwath of Cody, Wyo.; 10 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Her parents and two sisters, Evelyn Friedenthal and Helen Sirucek preceded her in death.
Memorial services for Margaret "Jean" Clinton will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the United Methodist Church. Cremation has taken place under the direction of the Cloyd Funeral Home.
Friends may make memorials to the Central Montana Hospice or the United Methodist Church and they may be left at the Cloyd Funeral Home.
