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Helen Katherine Pratt
Helen Katherine Pratt, age 92, of Miles City died Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility in Miles City.
Mrs. Pratt was born in Great Falls on June 12, 1915, the daughter of George and Elda May (Keller) Culp. She attended schools in Great Falls
She and Jesse C. Pratt were married
on March 22, 1946, in Miles City. She worked at the 66 Club for 14 years, Miles City Veterans Hospital for seven years, and owned and operated H & P Ceramic Shop for four years.
Mrs. Pratt was a member of Rebecca, American Legion Auxiliary and volunteered with congregate meals and at Saint Vincent De Paul. She enjoyed running her ceramic shop and especially loved visits from her grandchildren and family. She enjoyed ceramics, gardening, quilting and crocheting.
Survivors include her son, Leo Schwichtenberg of Billings; three grandsons, Dave Schwichtenberg and John Schwichtenberg, both of Billings, and Jason Schwichtenberg of Ridgecrest, Calif.; a granddaughter, Barbara Mansanage of Omaha, Neb.; and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jesse Pratt; two brothers, David Culp and Carl Culp; two sisters, Elda Jamrock and Zelda Ward; and her daughter-in-law, Darline.
Graveside services will be in the Custer National Battlefield.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
James E. "Jim" DeLange
Funeral services and burial for James E. ‘Jim’ DeLange, former Miles City resident, were held recently in Sumner, Wash.
Mr. DeLange died Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at his home in Buckley, Wash., of an apparent stroke.
Born in Miles City, he and his brother, Robert, were raised at Fort Keogh in the officers quarters that now is located on the Range Riders Museum grounds.
Mr. DeLange graduated from Custer County High School with the class of 1957. After graduation, he joined the Air Force and was last assigned with the 13th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Glasgow.
He retired with 31 years of service with United Airlines of Seattle, Wash. At the time of his death, he and his wife, Korliss, were working in the Buckley area school system.
In addition to his wife, his survivors include his daughter, Ray Jean, and brother, Robert.
Mr. DeLange loved the Lord and was active serving Him at Lake Tapps Community Church in Sumner where he was a faithful member and usher.
Irene H. Dobson
Irene H. Dobson, 73, of Glendive, died peacefully on Monday, April 21, 2008, at her home surrounded by her family and friends.
Mrs. Dobson was born on March 7, 1935, the daughter of Fred and Charlotta Link Entzel in Hazen, N.D., the last of 13 children. In 1937, the family moved to Fairview and in 1941 they moved again, settling in Buffalo Rapids near Glendive. After the death of her father, they moved into Glendive where she was raised and educated, graduating from Dawson County High School in 1953.
She and Arley Dobson were married
on Feb. 8, 1953, in Glendive. They made Glendive home and raised their family there. Mr. Dobson preceded her in death in 1991.
Mrs. Dobson worked various jobs in Glendive and sold Avon products for 32 years, stopping just four months ago due to ill health. She enjoyed many activities especially fishing, gardening, dancing and crocheting.
Her survivors include her daughter, Elizabeth Idland and David Ackley of Miles City; three sons, Michael E. (Daralyn) Dobson of Carson City, Nev., Thomas L. Dobson of Sparks, Nev., and Steven F. Dobson of South Lake Tahoe, Calif.; a brother, Rueben Entzel of Glendive; a sister Elda Glaser of Sidney; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Erick (Darby) Idland and their children Autumn and Arley, Sadie Idland and her daughter Rayne, Jake Idland, Darren (Lindsay) Dobson and his son Anthony, Cody (Tanya) Dobson and their son Seth, Jeramie Dobson, Melanie Dobson, Nicole Dobson and Christine Dobson; long time companion and friend, Ray Zimdars and his family, Dave (Mary) Volk and their children, Hannalee, Haylee, Abraham and Emmalee, Jeff (Jo) Bain and their children, Travis (Lynn) Bain and Trace, Taylon and Tyrel, Ty (Mary) Zimdars and their children Maria, Talia, Angelia and Wayne.
Mrs. Dobson was preceded in death by her parents; seven sisters, Caroline, Hilda, Hertha, Emma, Erma, Freida and Elsie; three brothers, Herbert, Norman and Eugene.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 25, 2008, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Glendive with Pastor James Hageman officiating. Interment will be in the Dawson Memorial cemetery in Glendive.
Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive is entrusted with arrangements.
Memorials are suggested to GMC Homecare/Hospice, 117 B Kendrick Ave., Glendive, MT 59330.
Linda René Leigh
Linda René Leigh, 31, of Miles City died in Anaconda on Monday, April 21, 2008.
She was born on June 17, 1976, in Tucson, Ariz., along with her twin sister Carla René to Clayton Elmer and Carla René Matzen Huffman Jr. The family moved to Miles City where she attended grade school. She then moved to Billings, where she graduated from Billings West High School, then returned to Miles City. She lived in Billings and Bozeman while working in the customer service and food service industry.
In 2004, she moved back to Miles City where she had made her home since.
She treasured the time she spent with her daughter, Madison and her niece and nephews. She loved working on her computer, reading, watching movies, crocheting, and she loved animals. She had a contagious smile and a wonderful laugh.
Her survivors include her daughter, Madison Leigh of Peoria, Ill.; her parents, Clayton Huffman of Miles City and Carla (Dwight) Livengood, two sisters, René Decker and Sarena Vollmer, all of Miles City; a brother, Chris Huffman of Sidney; a special aunt and uncle, Arlen and Diane Matzen; a second mom, Marianne Leigh of Lake Charles, La.; and numerous aunts, uncles and step-siblings.
The family will receive friends Thursday, April 24, 2008, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be Friday, April 25, 2008, at 10 a.m. at the Wesleyan Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County cemetery in Miles City.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Linda Leigh’s family c/o René Decker, P.O. Box 112, Miles City, MT 59301.
Lyndsey Alexis Merchant
Lyndsey Alexis Merchant was born March 28, 1984.
Miss Merchant died April 18 2008, on her little brother, Jacob’s, 9th birthday, in a car accident.
She grew up on her grandparents’ ranch near Volborg.
She was currently teaching at St. Labre Indian School in Ashland. She cared deeply about her students, and was eager to become a counselor in order to help the students even more.
Miss Merchant attended elementary school at the rural Horkan Creek School and Garfield Elementary in Miles City. She graduated from Powder River County District High School in 2002. She was very involved in school, participating in band, volleyball, basketball, track, cheerleading and FFA.
She was also involved in Bridging the Gap, a national community youth development program which increased youth development in urban and rural communities. As a sophomore she attended the Hugh O’Brien youth leadership conference in Missoula and the world leadership conference in Washington, D.C. During her junior year, she attended the national FFA convention in Louisville, Ky. She was also chosen to attend Girls State.
As a senior, she became involved with the AmeriCorps organization and, after graduation, she spent the summer in Flagstaff, Ariz., working as a youth development specialist. Her work included co-training more than 40 local and state participants in the Building Community Tool Kit and providing facilitation to a newly formed collaborative called “Grandparents as Parents.” Additionally, she helped develop language preservation programs for Hopi and Navajo reservations.
While in high school, she was employed at the bowling alley and the movie theatre.
Miss Merchant attended the University of Montana and Montana State University-Billings, from which she graduated in 2007 with a B.S. in English and a certificate of Secondary Education. During college, she did her student teaching at Huntley Project High School in Worden, Mont. She was also an assistant track coach and coached junior high volleyball at Huntley Project. She worked her way through college at Texas Roadhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Old Chicago. She was also a MOA volleyball referee, Special Olympics track coach, and a nationally certified English tutor.
Throughout high school and college, she traveled extensively throughout the United States, including several trips to Washington, D.C. She recalled standing on the Capitol lawn on the 4th of July listening to the National Anthem being played. She most recently traveled to Ireland, where she participated in a bicycle tour.
She taught English at St. Labre Indian School, where she was also an assistant basketball and track coach. She marveled at the complexities of her students’ personalities, and her hope was to be able to truly make a difference in their lives.
Miss Merchant is survived by her Mother, Linda Merchant, and Bill Cannon, and Grandparents Dallas and Betty Merchant, all of Volborg.
She also blessed the lives of her father, Jessie Adams, stepmother Dionne Adams, and little brother Jacob Adams, all of Billings.
She was preceded in death by: paternal great-grandparents Howard and Dora Merchant; maternal great-grandparents Anthony and Mary Janutis; her very special great-aunt Frankie Watts, and her stepsister, Kendra Rose Adams.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 from 1-6 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 2 p.m. at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus. Interment will follow at the Valley View cemetery in Broadus.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lyndsey’s name to the St. Labre Indian School; 1000 Tongue River Road, Ashland, MT 59003. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus has been entrusted with the arrangements.
William "Bill" Julian
William “Bill” Julian, was born in Cartersville, Mont., on July 13, 1921. He died in Spokane Valley, Wash., April 11, 2008, where he lived for the past 32 years with his wife, Karen.
He met Karen Anne Behmerwohld in Miles City, Mont., and they were married
on July 20, 1956. Mr. Julian was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He raised five children, four boys and one girl.
He was preceded in death by his son, Walter William Julian (Nov. 20, 1977), and his wife of 50 years, Karen Ann Julian (July 3, 2007). He is survived by his son, Roger Julian, his son, Scott (Dawn) Julian, with grandchildren Tiffany (George) Badner, great-grandson Ashton Kidwell, and Melissa Julian, his son, Taylor (Johauna) Julian, with grandchildren Charles “Chuck” Julian and Jessica “Jessie” Julian, his daughter, Rebecca Saul, with grandchild Danielle Saul, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation will begin on Friday at 9 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 1 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans cemetery with full military honors. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Yvonne Louise Aggers
Yvonne Louise Aggers, 81, of Sheridan, Wyo., and formerly of Miles City, died Friday, April 18, 2008 in Sheridan Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Aggers was born July 28, 1926 in Miles City, Mont., to Alphons and Gladys (Welch) Schaut. She grew up and attended schools in Miles City, graduating from Sacred Heart High School in 1994.
She married
John Aggers May 18, 1946 in Miles City at the age of 19. The Aggers lived in Miles City, Anaconda and Billings before moving to Sheridan in 1956 to continue to raise their family.
Mrs. Aggers was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church. She was also a member of the Elks Auxiliary, a past member of Jaycees, and a former stockholder of the Golden Steer Restaurant. She enjoyed bowling, camping, spending time tending her flowers and working in her yard, but most of all enjoyed the company of her beloved dog, Abby. She treasured quality time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Aggers was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John, in 1993; three sisters; one brother; and one son-in-law.
She is survived by two sons, Allan Aggers of Bartlesville, Okla., and Gordan Aggers of Sheridan, Wyo.; three daughters, Annette Rockas of Sheridan, Wyo., Cindy Larson of Billings, Mont., and Julie Kennedy of Sheridan, Wyo.; two sisters, Dorothy Madson of Sheridan, Wyo., and Carol Schaut of Seattle, Wash.; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and also her faithful companion, Abby.
Visitation for Mrs. Aggers will be from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23 at Champion Ferries Funeral Home. Funeral Liturgy will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 24 at Holy Name Catholic Church, with Father Thomas Ogg as celebrant. Interment will be in the Elks section of Sheridan Municipal cemetery. Arrangements are with Champion Ferries Funeral Home.
Memorials in memory of Mrs. Aggers may be made to the Sheridan Animal Shelter, 84 E. Ridge Rd., or the Holy Name Church Building Fund, 260 E. Loucks St. Sheridan, WY 82801.
Marie Benge
Marie Benge, 92, of Miles City died Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at the Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility in Miles City.
Viola Marie Mann Benge was born Feb. 28, 1916, in Missouri. Robert and Susie (Robison) Mann had moved to Spring Creek (Powderville area) in eastern Montana. They thought it better if Mrs. Mann would return to family and a more settled area to give birth to her first baby.
Mrs. Benge liked to learn and enjoyed taking care of her siblings while her dad and mom worked the land and livestock. Grade school was a horseback ride away. In order to go to high school, she boarded and worked in homes in Miles City.
At the age of 14, Mrs. Benge went behind a grain bin and asked Jesus to be her personal Lord and Savior. From that point on she studied her Bible and made a deep study of what the Bible taught that a person who loves Jesus should do. Their Pastor rode horse back to the rural areas to teach God’s Word to the country people. That same Pastor taught in her future husband’s country church 50 miles away.
Mrs. Benge attended Normal School at Eastern Montana College in Billings, followed by seven years of formal teaching. She came with her friend Lucille Bird to the Coalwood community to teach school for two years and stayed with Fred and Lois Janssen. She then taught the Divide School, which was 1/2 mile from the Benge homestead, where she met Dale Benge. For three years she taught at the Washington School in Miles City before marrying him.
By June 10, 1942, she was in love with Dale Benge and committed to spend the rest of her life with him. Living, working, and loving on the farm that Mr. Benge’s mother homesteaded was Mrs. Benge’s life and a delight as she sought the Lord’s counsel and His joy to fill her days.
Her second year of marriage was spent teaching Spring Creek School because their first crop was hailed out and this was a way to supplement their income. There was nothing that Mrs. Benge enjoyed more than teaching children and she continued to do so as she substituted at the country school, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.
Mrs. Benge served as president of the Powder River Parish, which was formed to unite the county as a closer church unit. She received the “Unsung Hero” award from the state WIFE organization for work with the Agriculture in the Schools program. Supporting 4-H members, encouraging youth in music and helping a young person know their potential were delightful times in Mrs. Benge’s life. She also loved to dance and be a part of Mr. Benge’s music. They enjoyed the fairs in Broadus and Miles City. They were honored in 1996 when the Powder River County Fair Book was dedicated to them. The Coalwood Ladies’ Aid and the Coalwood Community Church and their families filled the couple’s lives with love and purpose.
Mr. and Mrs. Benge loved their children and grandchildren dearly. Those families lived many miles away, so Mrs. Benge would write letters and make little booklets with family pictures and family stories and send decorated molasses and apple cookies.
The couple’s son, Dwayne Dale, was killed in a horse accident when he was eight years old; daughter Joyce lives with her husband, Jerry, on the home place at Volborg; son Bruce with his wife, Beverly, live in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and daughter Janet with husband, Randy Ek, live in the Phoenix, Ariz., area; her seven grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren are a delight to her heart.
Mrs. Benge also is survived by sister-in-law Ruby Mann, sister Ethel McSweyn, brother Russell (Arlene) Mann, brother Edward (Marcia) Mann, and brother Larry Mann and their families, Mr. Benge’s sister Vera Archer, and his brother Milton Benge (Hughette).
Mrs. Benge was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2003; her son; and her brother, Harold.
Family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, April 18, 2008, at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 19, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County cemetery in Miles City.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to: Your Network of Praise, 99.5 FM Miles City, PO Box 2426, Havre, MT 59501 or to Trail’s End Bible Camp, P.O. Box 460, Ekalaka, MT 59324-0460.
Kathleen Maria Frerich Neiman
Kathleen Maria Frerich Neiman, 59, of Billings, formerly of Broadus, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, died Monday, April 14, 2008, of cancer.
Born Aug. 22, 1948, in Whitefish, she was the daughter of Pat and Leona Frerich. She graduated from Whitefish High School in 1966 and attended college in Havre. This was where she met her husband, Charles Jay Neiman. They were married
Oct. 24, 1968, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Whitefish.
They moved to Broadus and together owned and operated the Quarter Horse Hotel.
Mrs. Neiman was a homemaker who enjoyed sewing, crafts, quilling, playing bridge, puzzles and games. She had a passion for golfing and made the game more enjoyable for many. She had a special place in her heart for her four grandchildren, spending as much time with them as she could. The last five years she had become a snowbird, living six months in Broadus and six in Yuma, Ariz.
Her survivors include her husband, Jay Neiman of Yuma; her daughter, Lisa Marie (Neiman) Majors and husband Glen and their three sons, Matthew, Dalton and Joshua, all of Manhattan; her son, Patrick James “Pete” Neiman and his son Dillion of Phoenix, Ariz.; two sisters, Charlene (Jack) McCay of Anchorage, Alaska, and Michele (Jeff) Helfen of Federal Way, Wash.; two brothers: John (Nancy) Frerich of New Castle, WA and Dan (Vivian) Frerich of Eagle River, AK; mother-in-law, Iris Neiman of Broadus; as well as her husband’s sisters, Katie (Bruce) Owen of Billings and Suzie (Lyle) Stempke of Spokane, Wash; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Pat and Leona Frerich; and a brother, Patrick Frerich.
Funeral services will be Saturday, April 19, 2008, at 1 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Interment will follow in the Valley View cemetery in Broadus.
Mrs. Neiman desired that any donations be made to Rolling Hills Golf Course of Broadus.
