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Wayne Ralph Beeler
Wayne Ralph Beeler, 84, of Miles City died Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, at 5:24 p.m.
Mr. Beeler was born March 19, 1928, in Biddle, the oldest child of Lealta Edna Jones and Lloyd Claroin Beeler. He attended school in Biddle and Broadus and enlisted in the Navy at the young age of 17 years. He served in World War II aboard the USS Gatner APD42 and USS Passaconaway in the Asia-Pacific Theatre including Samoa, the Philippians, Japan, Figi, Africa and the Guadle Canal and was honorably discharged.
One of his first jobs upon his return was as an orderly at the Veterans Affairs hospital in Miles City. After that he was employed as a fireman on the railroad in Forsyth, tire recaper for Beacon Carter, roofer for Gene Cutting, a mechanic, over the road truck driver and worked as a heavy equipment operator on road construction for numerous companies, the last of which was E.H. Oftedal and Sons. His job with them took him to many places including Colstrip, Wyoming and Sidney.
In 1967, on Christmas Eve, Mr. Beehler proposed to the love of his life, with a tab from a pop can with a stone he welded on it. They were together for 18 years when they were blessed with a daughter, Addibeth Edna. They were married
on Jan. 24, 1987.
Three months later, while working in Sidney, he suffered his first massive heart attack, after which he was not able to return to the job he so enjoyed.
Mr. Beeler enjoyed spending his retirement years fishing, boating, hunting, camping, welding and building trailers, making blue ribbon winning wines and taking the back roads. He could truly find enjoyment in the simple things in life. He spent time taking pictures, volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul and making diamond willow canes. He loved his family, God, his country and nature.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Phebe Beeler of Miles City; their daughter: Addi (Dean) Hanvold (Dean’s children Jenn (Justin) Schaefer and Matt Hanvold) of Miles City; his sons: Blake Beeler of Miles City, Wayne (Kim) Beeler of Jacksonville, Ore., Dale (Chere’) Beeler of Eagle Point, Ore., and daughters: Audrey Beeler of Central Point, Ore., Becky Beeler of Arizona, Sandra (Robert) Schoen of Otterville, Mo., and Sandra Ostwald of South Dakota; his brother: Corky Beeler of Auburn, Wash.; his sister: Merna Martelle of Miles City; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents: Andy and Nella Jones; his parents; 13-month old sister: Joycie; brother: Lee Gene; and close friends: Jim Quinlan, Dean King, Louie Kurtz and Les and Ron Young and numerous other friends and family.
Mr. Beeler was always the first to lend a helping hand to a friend or a stranger and gave of himself unconditionally. He was a loving and caring man who’s laughter and spirit will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home followed by a vigil service at 6 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, at 1 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans cemetery with full military honors.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Linda Clark
Linda Clark, 66, of Broadus died in Billings on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012.
She was born May 1, 1946, in Colorado Springs, Colo., to Elmer and Billy Miles. She attended high school there and moved to Durango for college. There, she was fond of saying, she got her “MRS” degree: on May 1, 1966, she married
Kenneth Clark in Colorado Springs. In 1974, they moved to Gillette, Wyo., where they lived for 30 years. They moved to Broadus in 2004.
She contributed much to the people in her community, wherever she was. She worked at Emerald City Preschool for ten years, sharing her joy for life with all she taught. She always did her best to give back. In Gillette she volunteered at Campbell County Memorial Hospital, and in Broadus she served at the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store and as an elementary school library assistant.
She was a proud member of Literacy Volunteers for America and a reading mentor for the after-school Bug’s Life program in Broadus. She was also a member of the East River Homemaker’s Club, where she loved to play a good game of Dirty Bingo. She was a longtime leader in the Girl Scouts of America, first for her daughters’ and then for her granddaughter’s troops.
While she blessed many organizations throughout her life, she will be remembered by everyone who knew her for the good things she did every day. Her family was the most important part of her life. She was always there for her grandchildren. She never missed one of their events. She made lunch every day and baked for birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions — and everyone was especially fond of her chocolate chip cookies. Her stories were delightful and her hugs wonderful. She made everyone laugh. She was beloved by her family and by all who knew her.
Her survivors include her husband of 46 years, Ken; daughters, Tracie (Luke) Earley and Kerrie (Jesse) Larson; grandchildren, Craig, Cody and Sarah Earley; siblings, Kay Marshall, Sharon Noble and Terry Miles; and mother, Billy.
She was preceded in death by her father, Elmer.
Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Interment will follow in the Valley View cemetery in Broadus. A luncheon will then be served at the Broadus community center.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Donations on her behalf may be made to the American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association.
George Fulton
George Fulton, 79, of Broadus died Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, at his home.
He was born on July 12, 1933, to Noble and Edith Fulton in Gillette, Wyo. He moved to Powder River County when he was 16, working for area ranchers. He began buying cows, running them on Fredric Swope’s place while he worked there. When the Swopes moved to western Montana, Mr. Fulton moved his cows up the river and began working for Hubert and Mary Gay.
In 1962, Mr. Fulton and Evelene Swope were married
at the Swope family home near Lonepine. They bought a place further up the river and ranched there until the present time.
Mr. Fulton’s survivors include his wife of 50 years, Evelene; his son, Hugh (Valli); his daughter, Nellie (John) Tandy; his grandchildren, Breiann (Kalan) Pluhar and Darby Fulton, Jake and Samantha Tandy, Bill and Jayme Gaskill; and his sister, Barbara Rice.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Phyllis Mueller and Mary Ellen Coleman; and his brother, Glenn.
Services will be at a later date. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Masonic Lodge in Broadus or to the charity of one’s choice.
Ray Henry James
Ray Henry James, age 76, died peacefully on December 12, 2012, in American Fork, Utah.
He was born in Vernon, Texas, on April 20, 1936, the youngest of four children of Jimmy Jack James and Juanita Inez Parks.
He enlisted in the Marine Corp and was stationed in Korea, where he served from 1953 to 1956. He attended Eastern Montana College in Billings, Montana, from 1961 to 1965 and studied accounting and previously attended Midwestern University in Wichita Falls, Texas.
He married
Glenna Stahle on August 1, 1964, and they were sealed in the LDS Idaho Falls Temple on July 1, 1967. During the course of their marriage they have lived in Billings, Montana; Casper, Wyoming; Sterling, Colorado (14 years); and Miles City, Montana (24 years). Five years ago, they moved to Utah to be near their children.
Ray was an accomplished athlete, competing in football, baseball, and track in high school as well as football at Midwestern University. He was a successful leader in business and worked as the controller for Sonnenberg and Sons and Hurst Construction in Sterling, Colorado, and for 21 years as the controller and officer at E. H. Oftedal and Sons in Miles City, Montana, where he worked until he retired.
He was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many positions in the church, including as the first and second counselor in the bishopric, ward financial clerk, high priests group leader, and as a temple worker in the Billings Temple.
Ray is survived by his six children—Michael James (Nancy) of Springville, Utah; Heidi Price (Lee) of Draper, Utah; Chris James (Heidi) of Lehi, Utah; Kathy Price (Jason) of American Fork, Utah; Ray Allan James of Wichita Falls, Texas; and Randy James (Donna) of Burleson, Texas—by eleven grandchildren; and by his sister, Ava Lou Haralson of Dallas, Texas. An infant son, Richard, preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held Monday, December 17, 11:00 a.m., at the Thanksgiving Village Ward meetinghouse, 3679 North Bluegrass Boulevard, Lehi, Utah (north of Thanksgiving Point). A viewing will begin that morning at 10:00 a.m. (Flowers may be sent to Warenski Funeral Home, 1776 N 900 E, American Fork, Utah.) Burial will take place in Lovell, Wyoming, on Thursday, December 20, preceded by a short memorial service at 10:00 a.m. at Haskell’s Funeral Home.
James O. Russell Sr.
James O. Russell Sr., 79, of Miles City died Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012, at the Veterans Affairs Nursing Home in Miles City.
On a fall day, Sept. 10, 1933, Paul and Agatha Russell were blessed with a baby boy who they named James O. Russell. Mr. Russell’s life was a testament to the fact that if you work hard enough, are honest, and care about the people around you, you can achieve dreams thought impossible.
As a child and young man Mr. Russell moved quite often and eventually Rosebud is where his family settled. This became home for them.
In 1951, Mr. Russell chose to enlist in the United States Navy, where he would be assigned to the U.S.S. Iowa battleship. During his tour of duty he participated in the conflict in Korea.
Mr. Russell left the U.S. Navy in 1954. He got to see the world during the service to his country and earned the right to get two bluebirds on his chest, which meant he had been on his ship more than 20, 000 nautical miles. While he was in the Navy he completed his General Education Development test, which meant there could be bigger things for him to achieve.
Mr. Russell met Darlene Handley and on Aug. 19, 1956, they were married
. This union led to four children. Mr. and Mrs. Russell settled in Miles City where he became a repairman for the Maytag distributor and could fix anything on them. Mr. Russell then went on to Pine Hills School. While there, he completed a dream. He loved working with children so he enrolled at Miles Community College and received an associate’s degree in sociology. For the first time in his life he received a diploma.
The pull of working for himself was very strong, so he opened a wholesale dairy company called Quality Checked. It truly was an uphill battle, but once again he overcame the odds. Mr. Russell was always looking for an opportunity so he sold his dairy company and opened Custer Chemical. He worked hard and once again he created a viable business, which he sold and went on to his first true love, working with children.
Mr. Russell went to work at Eastern Montana Industries until he became ill. He loved that job and the people he helped.
Another thing he loved was riding his bike to and from work. He was able to do that right up to his illness. Mr. Russell was a family man. He was not only dedicated to his children, but to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved every minute he could spend with his family. Daughter Kim (Russell) married
Ed Wheadon and as a result there were three grandchildren, Jennifer, Justin and Tanina. Son Jim Russell Jr. has a daughter, September (Russell) Harper. Laurie (Russell) Jerome was united in marriage to Dennis Jerome and they were blessed with two boys, James and Jeremy. Karla Russell has a son, Brent. There also were 10 great-grandchildren born who were the light of Jim’s life.
Mr. Russell had so much to give to the world, his family, friends and his beloved city of Miles City.
He spent a lot of time with his grandparents when he was young and he could talk about those days like it was yesterday. His face would light up when he talked about those days when there was no television, no video games and the rest of the things the children of today have. Each of his brothers and sisters got one new pair of pants for school and most of what they ate they grew or raised. He never complained about those days, looking back with pride and happiness. He was not afraid of work or anything else. Some people say they would give the shirt off their back if needed. Mr. Russell would not only say it, but would do it.
Mr. Russell began writing western poetry several years ago and he was a natural. He not only wrote poetry, but became an accomplish poet. He was published in national books, magazines and was asked to read his poetry on the radio in South Dakota. He met a lot of people who would be called stars, but he truly was a genuine person. He was asked to write a poem about Chris LeDeux by Mr. LeDeux’s wife, Peggy.
He also started a postcard business and has them in several motels in Miles City. Also he designed a clothing line with everything made in Miles City.
He truly loved sitting on the front porch of his house and talking with people who went by, and he would do the same thing at the fair. Mr. Russell was a kind, loving man. and his favorite things were butterflies and children.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Funeral services will be Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans cemetery with full military honors provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1579.
Memorials may be made in Mr. Russell’s name to Head Start, the Empty Stocking Program or any other local children’s cause.
Bertha Helen Schlepp
Bertha Helen Schlepp, 87, of Circle, went died on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, at the Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City.
She was born to Reinholt and Pauline Nasz on March 31, 1925, at Watkins. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.
On Sept. 25, 1943, she and Carl Schlepp were married
in Miles City. They farmed Mr. Schlepp’s mother’s farm for several years, and they then moved to Miles City where Mr. Schlepp worked for Beacon Carter. A few years later he transferred to Wolf Point, where he managed a General Tire shop for Beacon Carter.
In 1956, they moved to a farm at Circle where they retired in 1987 due to his health. Mr. Schlepp died on Jan. 20, 1992.
Mrs. Schlepp at that time sold their house in Circle, and moved into an apartment.
She had a green thumb and she loved to garden, go dancing, fishing and hunting. She painted many beautiful pictures on sandstone rocks and she loved to crochet. She read many books about gardening and birds, and she loved to feed and watch the birds, which was a great source of joy and entertainment in her years at her apartment.
Mrs. Schlepp lived a very simple life, and she spent her days giving to those she loved. She was a very quiet, soft spoken and caring person who never wanted to impose on anyone. Her family was always a number one priority in her life.
Her survivors include one daughter, Carol, and her husband, Ted Rensvold of Vida; one son, Jerry and his wife, Margi Schlepp of Glendive; six grandchildren, Shelly Sutton of Circle, Sherry Haynie of Vida, Michael Erickson of Wolf Point, Paula Frank and Jeremy Schlepp both of Glendive, and Darci Rykowski of Billings; one sister, Annette Kaul of Missoula; and 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Carl; one daughter, Bonnie; five sisters; and one son-in-law, Bob Erickson.
Visitation will be Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City as well as Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Circle. Funeral Services will be Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, at 11 a.m. at the Evangelical Church in Circle. Burial will be in the Vida cemetery at 3 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Klohe Ann Beyl
Klohe Ann Beyl, infant daughter of Leann Beyl and Sim Jackson, died Monday, Dec. 10, 2012, at the Children’s Hospital in Denver.
Klohe was born in Miles City on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012. She is survived by her mother, Leann Beyl of Miles City; her father, Sim Jackson of Miles City; a big brother, Gavin Beyl of Miles City; and grandparents, Tom and Janet Beyl of Miles City.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Klohe’s parents for traveling expenses.
Elizabeth Christina Peters Nice
Elizabeth Christina Peters Nice, 65, Lawrence, Kan., died Tuesday, May 16, 2006, at her home in Lawrence.
She was born Feb. 11, 1941, in Spearfish, S.D., the daughter of John Edward and Elsie Leila Leonard Peters of Miles City. She was raised on a ranch near Alzada and graduated from high school in Belle Fourche, S.D.
She then attended business school in Denver and Wichita State University, where she majored in piano performance and social work.
She and Doyle Dean Nice were married
in Denver in 1960. They had two children. They later divorced.
Mrs. Nice worked as a social worker while she lived in Wichita. In 1972, she moved with her family to Shawnee Mission, Kan., where she was the co-founder and co-owner of Computer Consultants, Inc.
She was a devoted classical pianist, Girl Scout leader and competition contract duplicate bridge player. In her later years, she dedicated herself to raising purebred American Kennel Club Yorkshire Terriers. Many families in the area have Mrs. Nice’s Yorkies as beloved family members.
Her survivors include her son, John Doyle Nice of Prairie Village, Kan.; her daughter, Elizabeth Nice Lumpkin of Topeka, Kan.; her sister, Donna Peters Moorhead of Moorestown, N.J.; two grandchildren, Erik Anthony Nice and Tyler David Nice; and her last two Yorkies, Sammy and BigFoot.
Inurnment services will be Tuesday, July 18, 2006, at 1 p.m. at Pine Slope cemetery in Belle Fourche, S.D.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lawrence Humane Society, P.O. Box 651, Lawrence, KS 66044-0651.
Elvira L. Fisher
Elvira L Fisher, 68, of California, former Miles City resident, died Wednesday, May 31, 2006, on the way to a doctor’s appointment from an apparent respiratory/cardiac arrest.
She was born Aug. 16, 1937, to Earlon and Hilda Fisher in Miles City. She attended Custer County High School, graduating in 1956. In school she was active in marching band and edited the school paper “The Branding Iron.”
She attended her 50-year high school reunion just nine months ago in September.
She began her married
life in 1957 and began her homemaker/mothering career on Dec. 14, 1958, with the birth of their first child. A stay-at-home mom, she gave up her opportunity to continue college/career goals.
She lived in New York State after her husband, Duane, graduated from Montana State University and then moved to Cupertino, Calif., where the family had lived for the past 40 years.
An awesome mother, sister and friend to many, she continued her education late in life earning an associate in arts degree at the local junior college.
Her survivors include her ex-husband, Duane; her daughters, Rosanne Hofland and Donna Bretzke; her sons, Mel, Richard and Steve Bretzke; her grandchildren, Wendy, Alison, Sarah, Heather, Jessica, Luann, Anthony, Deborah, Zachary, Jacob, Danny and Alan, all in the Bay Area in California.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Eleanor; and her oldest child, Maribeth.
Graveside services will be Sunday, July 9, 2006, at 2 p.m. at the Custer County cemetery in Miles City.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
