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Audrey Grace Dixson
Dixson, Audrey Grace, 83, of Helena passed away in the early morning of October 6th.
Audrey was born on July 28, 1928, the daughter of Elmer and Rachel (Green) Wildman. She was raised and attended grade school in Knowlton and graduated from Custer County High School in 1946. She worked for the Chamber of Commerce in Miles City for a number of years, worked for the Forest Service in White Sulfur Springs and Helena Vet Service. After working for 30+ years, she retired.
Audrey was active in Soroptimist Club, Lewis and Clark County Historical Society and Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church for many years.
She is survived by her three daughters: Colleen (Ray) Brockett, Susan Sabol and Celia Senrud; a granddaughter, Candace (Brian) Ahl; grandsons, Chad (Marie) Wattnem, Brandon Johnson, Kyle (Natalie) Smitham and Cotton (Amber) Brockett; great-granddaughters, Samantha Novak, Cheyenne Brockett, and Lyla Johnson; and great-grandsons Justin Ahl, Auston Johnson and Cayden Brockett.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Rachel Wildman; father, Elmer Wildman; sister, Leona (Wildman) Herzog; and brother, Harley Wildman.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 11, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church with burial to follow at Forestvale cemetery. Please join us for a reception at the church immediately following the burial service. Memorials in Audrey’s name are suggested to the Lewis and Clark County Historical Society, P.O. Box 1864, Helena, MT 59624. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Crystal Kay (Vaughn) Harrell
CONRAD — Crystal Kay (Vaughn) Harrell, 29, died of organ failure Wednesday, Oct. 5 at her home in Miles City.
Her memorial service is 11 a.m. Tuesday at Pondera Funeral Home in Conrad.
Crystal was born Jan. 17, 1982 in Williston, N.D., to Art, Jr. and Donna (Lighthizer) Vaughn. She attended school in Conrad. She moved to Miles City last year. Crystal became a mother on Aug. 14, 2003, with the birth of Peyton Arthur. She married
Jonah Nicholas Harrell on Dec. 23, 2004. On Aug. 6, 2006, Kaylee Kay joined their family. Crystal’s greatest achievement was her kids. She loved watching Peyton wrestle and play baseball, and watching Kaylee ride her bike. She enjoyed watching “Star Wars, ” posting on Facebook, and watching Chicago Bears football.
Survivors include her husband Jonah; son Peyton Arthur; daughter Kaylee Kay; parents Art, Jr. and Donna Vaughn; brother Douglas Vaughn; sister Christina Marsh; grandmother Jean Vaughn; and all of her aunts, uncles and cousins and extended family members and many great friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Kathy Klette; grandfathers, Donald Lighthizer and Art Vaughn, Sr.; aunt, Terry Lighthizer; and uncle, Doug Johnson.
Crystal was a loving mother, daughter, sister, niece, and cousin and friend.
She will be missed by all that knew and loved her.
Herman Roscoe Huisenga
Herman Roscoe Huisenga passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of October 4, 2011. His passing is mourned by the friends and family he left behind and Shorty’s life is celebrated for his dedication to his family and community.
Herman was born on July 16, 1927 in Choteau, Montana to Ivabelle and Herman Huisenga and grew up on the family wheat ranch. When he arrived at Montana State College in 1947 he met Barbara Ellen Simpson, a cattleman’s daughter from Miles City who became the love of his life, and he acquired the nickname “Shorty” because he was the tallest member of his freshman class. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and graduated with a degree in Art. Shorty and Barbara were married
on August 7, 1949 and moved to Billings after graduation.
Shorty started his business career with the Farm Bureau and subsequently worked for several years for the Vaughn-Ragsdale department stores in their advertising department. In 1962, he created Huisenga Advertising, a complete service agency, and represented clients all over the city and state. Eventually, he moved the business into his home and continued to serve clients until his death.
In the Billings community, Herman was a longtime member of First English Lutheran Church and the Billings Downtown Rotary Club. He served on the boards of directors of his church and St. John’s Lutheran Home and was elected president of both. The United Way named Shorty its Citizen of the Year in 1980. A generation of boy scouts, Little League baseball players and church youth remember him as a leader, mentor, friend, boat captain, chauffeur, tent mate and chaperone. He and Barbara opened their home and the cabin they shared with Barbara’s sister Margaret Ann Nolan and her husband Barry to one and all. But his great love was family.
Shorty is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children, Craig Huisenga, Mark (Tamie) Huisenga, and Debbie (Gary) Schulz; his grandchildren Joshua (Sayoko) Huisenga, Peter (Imee) Huisenga, Christel (Matt) Meyer, Joel (Emily) Schulz and Sarah (Caleb) Baker; his nephew Gregg Nolan; and his great-grandchildren Jackson Schulz, Ken Huisenga, Tucker Schulz and Jonah Baker.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, October 8, at First English Lutheran Church, with reception to follow. The casket will be open prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow the reception at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park.
Donations may be made in his name to First English Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice. Michelotti-Sawyers is in charge of arrangements and remembrances may be shared with the family at www.michelottisawyers.com.
Fr. Steve Tokarski
Fr. Steve Tokarski died on Monday, October 4 of cancer. He was born on December 17, 1942 to Steve and Eileen (Leonard) Tokarski in Great Falls, Montana. He graduated from Billings Central High School in 1961, and attended St. Thomas Seminary in Seattle Washington. Ordination to the Catholic priesthood was performed at St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral in Billings on April 19, 1969. The following day he celebrated his first mass at Little Flower Parish in Billings, where his mother and father were married
in 1940 and where he attended grade school.
Steve’s life was one of service to others. He had deep compassion and a special way of listening and hearing the voices in the hearts of others. All who knew him through his years of education remember him apart from others, a brilliant student with a delightful personality and an optimistic nature. During his years in the priesthood he touched the lives of thousands of people. All who knew him have cherished memories. His compassion was genuine, his love for others unbounded.
Steve’s father died in 2006, and his brothers Joe and Tom in 2006 and 2011. He is survived by his mother, Eileen and a brother, Mark (Hassie) of Morrison, Colorado. He had four nieces, Michelle (Eric) Dubarry and Katie Tokarski of Portland, Oregon; Linda (Patty) Glantz and Annie Tokarski of Yellowstone National Park, and a nephew, Stephen, also of Portland.
Steve’s passions and talents were many, but the outdoors had a special call to him. He loved to backpack with friends and climb mountains, to run daily and participate in marathons and other races. He was a skilled administrator and organizer. In Lewistown, where he was Pastor of St. Leo’s Church in the 1980’s, he helped bring about a major remodeling of the aging building.
In Billings he brought the parish community together to build the beautiful church that now stands at 18th and Broadwater. He had a special way with youth, inspiring them to develop their own talents and serve others. His counseling helped people in their spiritual faith, and was wise and practical as well. He gently suggested that we make decisions, and always move forward.
His friends were legion, and mention of only a few here is due to space limitations. In every town and city he lived, every school he attended, he developed lasting friendships. In his last days he was attended by his close friends Bob and Carol Bender and Dave Webinger. Fr. John Houlihan and the medical staff of the Billings Clinic were kind and caring in their service to Steve and the family. Irene Osborn was a special friend to him throughout his ministry in Billings. The staff of St. Pius Church is one of his many legacies to that parish community. They are talented, kind and caring. Our love and thanks go out to all of you.
Memorials may be made to St. Pius Church and Calvary cemetery of Billings, Montana. Funds that go to St. Pius will be managed by the staff in a manner as Steve would have wished in support of education for the needy and for other charities.
Visitation will be held Thursday October 6, 3 p.m.-7 p.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church followed by the vigil service which will commence at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Friday October 7, 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Catholic Church followed by committal in Calvary cemetery.
Steve, yours was an exceptional life. We mourn now, but cherish our memories. We will follow your advice. We will make our decisions and always move forward. We will carry your love in our hearts and offer service to others. This is your lasting memorial.
Ruth Christine Surges Gasper
Ruth Christine Surges Gasper, 96, of Circle died Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011, at the McCone County Hospital in Circle.
Mrs. Gasper was born on Aug. 2, 1915, in Circle, the daughter of Peter John and Martha Knopp Surges. She was born at the homestead on Sioux Creek. She attended elementary school at the Sioux Creek Country School and graduated from Circle High School in 1933. She attended Billings Business College for one semester before coming back to Circle to help care for her mother.
She and her father continued to live on the ranch until she married
Edward “Ed” Gasper on Oct. 6, 1939. Mr. and Mrs. Gasper lived in Glasgow from 1939 to 1941 while he was working on the Fort Peck Dam, then returned to the family ranch and farmed and ranched there until his death in 1977.
Mrs. Gasper continued to live on the farm and later made her home with her son and daughter-in-law, Ed and DeVona.
Mrs. Gasper was an avid gardener and quilter. She made both of them an art. Her profusion of color in her flower gardens was evident in her many quilting projects that she shared with her family and friends. She was always eager to help a new quilter get started and was so happy to see the finished project.
She loved her family. Mrs. Gasper was a quiet, constant source of strength and comfort to them. She was always the same and always there for us.
Mrs. Gasper enjoyed being a grandma. She always had a full cookie jar, swiss cheese and books to read. She always had time to help get ready for special occasions for them. Mrs. Gasper was more than willing to sew costumes, Christmas dresses and even got in on a few prom dresses.
Over the years, she had lots of opportunities to be grandma to so many, it made no difference to her if they were adopted, foster or birth grandchildren. She was fiercely protective of them all and loved them all equally.
Mrs. Gasper was a charter member of the Friendship Homemakers Club and a member of St. Francis Xavier Church and Altar Society.
Her survivors include her sons, Edward (DeVona) Gasper of Circle and George (Sandy) Gasper of Sidney; her grandchildren: Jennifer Ross, Kristina Redyoungman, Jacob Gasper, Jed (Natasha) Gasper-Germany, BriAnna Gasper, Gilmen Gasper, Andrena and Kyle Groh, Lynn and Travis Bain, Anne Bjerken, Trisha and Aric Mavity, Joe and Patti Carpentier, Jeffrey Kassner, Peter and Susan Gasper, Michael and Lynsey Gasper; and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ed, and her parents.
A vigil service will be Friday, Oct. 7, 2011, at 7 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Circle. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Circle. Rite of Committal will follow in the Riverview cemetery.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Myra Dee Griffith
Myra Dee Griffith, 77, of Miles City, died peacefully in her sleep at the home of her daughter on October 1, 2011.
Myra was born in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, on March 22, 1934 to Marion and Elizabeth (Beilage) Butts. She attended schools and graduated from Powder River High School in 1952. From Broadus, she moved to Helena and then to Miles City where she met and fell in love with Harry.
She and Harry were married
at his parents’ home in Miles City on November 28, 1954. They owned and operated Griffith Dental Lab in their home for more than 30 years.
Myra was a fan of CCDHS and MCC sports. She and Harry were also involved in and dedicated to the youth baseball community for more than 45 years. As evidence of their love for local athletics is the fact that numerous out of town athletes playing locally lived with them over three decades.
She was an avid reader, expert in crossword puzzles, pianist, and an active member of the First United Methodist Church. She loved music and dogs. She was generous and sincerely believed in the goodness of people. She enjoyed traveling to watch and cheer on her grandchildren as they participated in sports and music. She enjoyed spending the winters in Texas with friends and playing cards.
Myra was preceded in death by her husband Harry, son Ronnie Joe Griffith, and sister Betty Carpenter.
Myra is survived by her son Dr. Harry (Butch) Griffith, III and his wife Shelly Johnson of Shelton, WA; daughter Ruth Moreland and her husband Scott of Carson City, NV; four grandchildren — Elizabeth Roberts, Erica Griffith, Blake Moreland, and Drew Moreland; brothers Ernest (Sonny) Butts and Marion (Bud) Butts of Miles City, and sister Johanna Holland of Carlsbad, NM.
A celebration of life service is being planned and will be announced at a later date.
Eleanor Habel
Eleanor Habel, 95, of Federal Way, Wash., formerly of Terry died Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011.
She was born Sept. 9, 1916, the daughter of Gottfried and Christina Kalmbach Gackle. She was raised on her ranch and attended Watkins School. She left home when she was 20 years of age and moved to Wolf Point where she worked at a hospital.
From there she went to Great Falls and attended business school.
She also worked at the Aireshire Dairy in Great Falls where she met Martin Habel and soon married
him. They worked on ranches across Montana and Wyoming. After she and Mr. Habel divorced, she moved to Terry.
She eventually moved to Miles City to work at the Veterans Hospital. She also worked at the Miles City Steam Laundry where she received a very coveted diploma in re-weaving. She was the only person at that time who could re-weave clothes.
She moved next to Auburn, Wash., where she worked in various hospitals until she retired at the age of 83 years.
She loved Jesus, her Lord and her family. She loved to cook and made the best German food. She loved to sew, garden, and visit with her many friends. She was a very quick-witted lady with a wonderful sense of humor.
Her survivors include her brother, Howard Gackle, daughter Carolyn Larsen (Bill) of Auburn, Wash.; two granddaughters: Tamie Thompson (Dan) and Terri Beeler of Washington State; three nieces: Janice Gackle and Christel Denardo of Miles City, and Patsy Deese of Billings; four nephews: Delton Gackle of Brockway, David Gackle of Miles City, Howard Gackle Jr. and Tracey Gackle of Brockway; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; two great-granddaughters; and one great-grandson.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Gottfried and Christina Gackle; her brother and sisters: Oscar Gackle, Cynthia Gackle, Palma Gackle and Alma Gackle; one son: Eugene Habel; one nephew; and a niece.
Graveside services will be Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011, at 2 p.m. at the Prairie County cemetery in Terry.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Terry is in charge of the arrangements.
Should friends desire, a memorial may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Doug James Martin
Doug James Martin, of Miles City passed away, September 28, 2011, at the age of 50, with his family by his side, after a battle with cancer.
Mr. Martin was born on April 3, 1961 in Miles City, MT to Russell and Peggy (Jacobson) Martin. While growing up in Miles City he enjoyed playing various sports including football, baseball and basketball.
He graduated from Custer County High School in 1979 and after going to college for a short period of time he moved back to Miles City where he began working for the Montana Department of Transportation.
He married
Novelene Doucette in January of 1997 in Miles City at the First Lutheran Church. The family grew in January of 2002 with Caitlyn and Ethan in 2005. Doug continued to work for the Montana Department of Transportation until after 30 years of loyal service he retired in March of 2011.
Mr. Martin was an avid fisher, golfer and sports watcher. He cherished this past summer coaching Ethan in tee-ball and watching Caitlyn as a catcher in softball. He enjoyed watching football especially the Miles City Cowboys, the Grizzlies and the Cincinnati Bengals. His last hurrah was a trip to Denver to watch the Bengals play the Broncos. Above all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Novelene Martin of Miles City; his children: Caitlyn and Ethan; his parents, Russell and Peggy Martin of Miles City; his sisters: Nan Wade and Naomi (Scott) Rhodes, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Curt Martin.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 30, 2011 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2011 at 2 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Miles City.
Interment will follow in the Custer County cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Wake Up And Lace Up, 107 Balsam Drive, Miles City, MT 59301.
Donald James Annalora
Donald James Annalora of Miles City, Montana passed away on September 26th, 2011 at the age of 66.
Mr. Annalora was born in Deming, NM on December 9, 1944 to Anthony James Annalora and Louise Annalora.
He grew up in Miles City where he attended Sacred Heart High School and was a National Merit Scholar. He later earned degrees at both Eastern Montana University and Montana State University.
In 1969, he moved to New Mexico where he taught biology and chemistry for 30 years at Wingate High School near Gallup, NM.
During his teaching career, he was also a coach and athletic trainer for the Wingate Bears football team, and a beloved mentor for numerous students who participated in the National Science Fair competition.
Upon retirement, he moved to Belgrade, MT and later, back home to Miles City.
Raised in Montana, Mr. Annalora was the consummate outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish, but he loved the people who shared these activities with him even more.
An avid reader and a model of intellectual passion for the world around him, he always enjoyed sharing his knowledge. There was seldom a wild animal or natural phenomenon that he could not expound upon. Teaching came naturally to him throughout his life, and the world is truly a smarter place because of him.
Mr. Annalora is survived by his mother, Louise; his sons, Anthony and Andrew; his brothers, Michael and Robert; and sisters, Tamara and Jeanne.
Family will receive friends on Friday, September 30, 2011 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
