Search Archived Marriage Records
Rene Murnie Sorensen
Rene Murnie Sorensen, 49 of Colstrip died at her home on Monday, Aug. 17, 2009.
She was born on March 6, 1960, the daughter of Stan and Carol White Baney in Glasgow. She attended grade school and high school in Glasgow, graduating from high school in Sidney.
She was united in marriage to Jeffrey Sorensen on July 15, 1978, in Nashua. Together, they lived in Sidney until 1989. They moved to Helena in 1990 and lived there for one year. Following, they moved to Colstrip where they had resided together until the time of her death.
Mrs. Sorensen owned and operated the Craft Cupboard and later the Midtown Theatre in Colstrip.
She was very dedicated to her community and most of all her family. She was a great artist and enjoyed cooking.
Her survivors include her husband of 31 years, Jeffrey Sorensen of Colstrip; her three sons, Shawn, Sheldon and Sonny, all of Colstrip; her mother, Carol Baney of Colstrip; and her brother, Phillip (Debbie) Baney of Sidney.
She is also survived by many aunts, nieces, several uncles, a nephew, cousins, and a multitude of friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Stan; and her sister, Carmen Marie.
If one wishes, memorials may be made to Mrs. Sorensen’s children, care/of First Interstate Bank in Colstrip.
A Celebration of Mrs. Sorensen’s Life will be Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, at 2 p.m. at the Colstrip High School Auditorium in Colstrip.
A reception will follow at the Moose Lodge in Colstrip.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth have been entrusted with these arrangements.
Harry S. Griffith
Harry S. Griffith Jr., 76, of Miles City died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, at his home in Miles City surrounded by his family.
Mr. Griffith was born at the Abbey Hospital in Miles City on May 7, 1933, the son of Harry and Selma Larson Griffith. He attended schools and graduated from Custer County High School in 1951. As a sophomore in high school, he was an apprentice with Dewey Doxtad Dental Lab.
He and Myra Dee Butts were united in marriage on November 28, 1954, and he immediately fell in love with her smile and the way she danced.
Mr. Griffith took over the dental lab business in 1956 and bought their home on Prairie Avenue the same year. He absolutely loved the Miles City Mavericks, Custer County Cowboys and the Miles Community College Pioneers. He spent much of his free time as a groundskeeper at Denton Field. As evidence of his love for local athletics is the fact that numerous out of town athletes playing locally lived with him and his family.
Mr. Griffith was an avid reader of history, particularly the local history, loving the area in which he lived. He lived for fishing and hunting and enjoyed his Eagle Scout skills. In his later life as he let go of hunting, he spent more time fishing and traveling to various cities and states watching and cheering on his children and grandchildren who participated in hockey, baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis and music. He also traveled to follow up on all the history he read.
He was an avid music fan, especially enjoying Dixieland Jazz and traveled around the United States to listen to all the talent. One of his favorite sayings was “that chuckles me, ” and with that saying he left many memories with his family that they can chuckle about.
Mr. Griffith was a 50-year mason. He was awarded the SGMA Hero Award in 1999.
His survivors include his wife, Myra Griffith of Miles City; a son, Dr. Harry “Butch” (Shelly Johnson) Griffith of Shelton, Wash.; a daughter, Ruth (Scott) Moreland of Carson City, Nev.; a sister, Hazel (Dean) Martenson of Billings; four grandchildren: Elizabeth Roberts, Erica Griffith, Blake Moreland and Drew Moreland; and longtime friends: Lynne and Viny, Sonny, Greg, Bob, Miles, Harvey, Dave, Jon, Randy, his Texas family, Rob, Jeff, Washington Jerry.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Ronnie Griffith; and a sister, Ellen Michaelson.
A Memorial Service will be Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009, at 9:30 a.m. at the Denton Field in Miles City.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Miles City Youth Baseball Association.
Jacob Hirsch
Jacob Hirsch, 95, of Angela died Sunday, Aug. 16, 2009, at the Holy Rosary Healthcare in Miles City.
Mr. Hirsch was born on May 28, 1914, on the family ranch at Rock Springs, the son of Charley and Magdelena Schluat Hirsch. He grew up and attended country school in the Rock Springs area.
Only having an eighth grade education, he started from scratch and ended with a very prosperous farming business. One of many highlights of his life was working at Fort Peck in 1934, constructing the Fort Peck Dam, which has continued to provide electricity and recreation up to this day. President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited this area while Mr. Hirsch was employed at the site.
Mr. Hirsch worked on other government projects including the WPA Little Dry Irrigation Project at Watson Flats where a 25-mile-long irrigation ditch was dug by hand shovels; the Taylor Grazing fencing project at Terry in 1938; and the Little Sheep Mountain Reservoir, which was built with horse-drawn fresnoes and plows.
Mr. Hirsch also worked at the Crow Rock Jensen Coal Mine — again, all work was done by hand. At that time, lignite coal sold for $1.50 a ton.
After the horse-drawn era, Mr. Hirsch owned his first tractor-an Allis Chalmers. In 1947, he purchased a W-9 tractor for $2, 200 from his father.
Mr. Hirsch married
Martha Elhart on Oct. 24, 1937. They were married
64 years, and to this union were born five children: Leroy, Gerald, Delores, Marlene and Sandra.
Mr. Hirsch had attended every Rock Springs picnic held since 1913. He was very good in the horseshoe contest and bowled twice a week in Miles City where his bowling record is one of the highest. He belonged to the Good Sam Club and wherever there was a community project, Mr. Hirsch was there, volunteering his service.
His survivors include four children: Gerald Hirsch of Angela, Delores Sitton of Forsyth, Marlene (Louie) Preller of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Sandra (Ernie) Nielsen of East Helena; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Martha in 2002; a son, Leroy; two brothers; and one sister.
Funeral services will be Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009, at 10 a.m. in 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 the charity of one’s choice.
Melinda Lyn "Mel" Bennett
Melinda Lyn “Mel” Bennett, 32, of Nashua, formerly of Miles City. died Friday, Aug. 14, 2009, as a result of a motorcycle accident.
She was born in Cadillac, Mich., on Nov. 3, 1976, the daughter of Fred Clarence and Tamara Lea Nicholas Morrow. She grew up and attended school in Miles City.
She enjoyed the outdoors, playing the guitar, singing, spending time with her family, and loving her little boy.
Her survivors include her husband, David Bennett of Colorado Springs, Colo.; a son, William Bennett of Colorado Springs; her parents, Fred and Tamara Morrow of Gillette, Wyo.; three sisters: Ruth (Charles) Buckner of Gillette, Samantha Morrow of Miles City and Katy Morrow of Miles City; as well as grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009, 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 the charity of one’s choice.
Ron L. Palmer
Ron L. Palmer, 48, of Billings, formerly of Miles City, died Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009, at his home in Billings after a short illness.
Mr. Palmer was born April 20, 1961, to A.C. and Arlyle Gresens Palmer. He was raised and attended school in Miles City.
After attending school, he worked at Colstrip and various construction jobs, including both the Milwaukee and Burlington Northern Railroads.
In 1984, he and his brother moved to Billings where they went to work for a roofing company, which is where Mr. Palmer worked until his death.
He is survived by brothers, Leo of Miles City, Dennis of Billings, Mike of Spearfish, S.D., and Pat of Washington State; his aunt, Irene Gresens of Miles City; and two nieces of Missouri.
He was preceded in death by an older brother, Jim; and both parents.
There will be no services and cremation has taken place.
Douglas Duane O'Connor
Douglas Duane O’Connor, age 34, of Nashua, MT passed away Friday, August 14, 2009 between Fort Peck and Glasgow, MT from a motorcycle accident.
Doug began his life April 15, 1975 in Jordan, MT the oldest of four children. At an early age he moved to Bozeman, and then to Helena, MT where he attended grade school and high school. He later attended college for two years.
Doug loved the recreational life that the Nashua area had to offer. Hunting and fishing had become a favorite pass time. His musical aspirations were at an all time high with his purchase of a baby grand piano and his self taught guitar talent.
Doug was an extremely skilled chef and organized most of the meals for family gatherings. He was an avid agate hunter and had set up his rock shop at his new home. Doug was every ones favorite, you always lived and laughed to the fullest when in his presence. Doug was a Jack of all Trades and a Master of Many, whether truck driving, carpentry, decorative tile or taking the buck out of Dad’s many horses. He never complained and always made a hand. Doug showed up early and stayed late.
Doug left two children, Brenna and Shamrock of Missoula, who he loved with all his heart. He is also survived by his parents, Jim O’Connor of Wolf Point and Linda Parks of Miles City; brother, Clell (Emily) O’Connor of Helena; sisters, Amy O’Connor of Billings, MT and Sarah (Dave) Ludwig of McHenry, ND; four nephews and one niece. Doug felt he had found his life in Nashua and his life long love in Melinda Morrow.
Funeral services or Celebration of Life will be Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point with Pastor Jay Cummins officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood cemetery, Wolf Point.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel, P.O. Box 130, Wolf Point, MT 59201. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Donald Robinson
ZORTMAN - On August 12th, with rain hitting the window, Donald Robinson quietly hung up his spurs for the last time. Don, 83, rancher, died Wednesday, August 12 at a Billings hospital of natural causes.
Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, August 19, at the Kirkwood Memorial Chapel in Malta. Interment will be in the Malta cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Billings Clinic Foundation, P.O. Box 31031, Billings, Montana 59107-9945; or CMMC Foundation, 408 Wendell Ave., Lewistown, MT 59457. Kirkwood Funeral Home of Malta is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include his wife, Eva. Robinson of the home; sons, Don (Toni) Robinson of Columbia Falls, Brian (Terri) Robinson of Zortman; daughters, Diana Robinson of Zortman, Barbara (Kevin) Wiebe of Malta; sister, Mary Emily (Leo) Barthelmess of South Malta; brothers Jess (Nancy) Robinson of Zortman, Jim (Maralee) Robinson of South Malta; 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many, many friends gathered throughout his life, young and old.
Don was born August 11, 1926 at Gillette, Wyoming, the son of Floyd and Emily (Colgate) Robinson. He was raised south of Gillette on the ranch where his parents had started with two homesteads. In 1939 the family moved to a ranch south of Miles City, Mt. On horseback, along with his brothers John and Colgate, he trailed the cattle and horses 150 miles, to the new ranch in Montana. He was 12 years old and it was his first trip into Montana. Don graduated from the Custer County High School in 1944.
He married
Eva May Gifford on Nov. 4, 1950 in Pasadena, California. They moved to Zortman area in 1958 where they ranched until his death. Don’s life was centered on the ranch and his family. He was first and foremost a stockman and horseman.
Jean Belle Johnson
Jean Belle Johnson, 70, of Terry passed away of congestive heart failure Friday, August 7, 2009 at Billings Clinic.
Jean, the eldest of three children, was born August 15, 1938 to Earl and Effie White. Jean attended elementary school in Vananda and later attended Custer County District High School. Jean’s father’s work as a government trapper led the family to Terry, where she spent the remaining two years of high school, graduating in 1956. It was at Terry High School that Jean and Joe met. They married
December 28, 1956, forming a partnership that would last over 52 years.
It was this same joint partnership that led Joe and Jean to begin a water well drilling company, in 1965. Earlier in their marriage they spent time throughout Wyoming and Montana as Joe worked in the oilfields. Jean performed all of the bookkeeping duties for their business. In the 1970’s Joe and Jean owned and operated the Turnbull Chevrolet Garage where she also managed the office affairs.
Jean was an avid reader and dog lover. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening, baking and was always up for a game of cards, in particular playing pitch and her daily cribbage games with Joe. Jean and Joe’s love for card playing led them to share in seasonal poker parties with a special group of friends. This same group of friends took in many high school football games in the late 1980’s, traveling in Joe and Jean’s motor home, cheering on the state championship winning Terry Terriers. This was a particularly fun time for Jean and Joe.
Jean’s life was dedicated to her husband, family and home. She found great enjoyment in spending time with her children and grandchildren and hearing about each of their achievements. Those visiting the Johnson home were sure to find delicious food and good conversation.
She was the centerpiece of her family, providing wisdom and strength. She will be greatly missed by those who love her, who can only find comfort in the fact that she is now in the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Jean is preceded in death by her mother and father and brother Lloyd White.
Jean is survived by her husband Joe and four children, Renee Pirtz, of Boise, Idaho, Don (Lea) Johnson, Green River, Wyo., Cole (Nikki) Johnson of Gillette, Wyo. and Kay (Todd) Braddock of Terry, Mont and 10 grandchildren.
A funeral service for Jean will be Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at the Wesleyan Church in Terry, MT. Visitation will be Monday from 1-7 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Terry, MT and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in the family lot at the Prairie County cemetery.
Thelma Kosty
A celebration of life for Thelma E. Kosty, former Miles City resident, will be held Friday, Aug. 14, 2009, at 10 a.m. in the First Lutheran Church, 512 Cale Ave.
Mark Donald Schmitz
We lost our beloved Mark on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Mark Donald Schmitz was born on July 10, 1961, in Valley City, N.D., to Jim and Katy Schmitz. He was the fourth of five children. The family moved to Miles City in 1965, where he resided until the time of his death.
Mr. Schmitz attended school in Miles City, graduating from Custer County District High School in 1980.
He married
Sherry Jean Cameron on Aug. 26, 1984, and gained a wonderful step-daughter, April. Mr. and Mrs. Schmitz spent 23 loving years together. He was so thankful for the opportunity to be a father to April and he loved her dearly. He also raised and was an incredible “father” to dozens of pets. He loved all animals, all of the outdoors, all thunderstorms, all music, all food, all of his family, and all of his friends. He loved life.
He worked for over 20 years at The Short Stop, side by side with his parents and sister, Terri. After leaving there, he worked at Pine Hills School as a correctional officer, at CCDHS and Garfield Schools in the maintenance departments, and briefly for Sanjel, before being diagnosed with cancer just two weeks after his wife Sherry passed away.
Mr. Schmitz had an incredible zest for life and an infectious sense of humor that touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He always had a smile on his face, a pun ready to fly, or some funny observation to tell about.
In the last two years of his life, he was fortunate enough to fall in love for a second time, with his long-time friend Renae Meade. She was his guardian angel, his caregiver, and his best friend. She gave him love, dignity, strength, care, and unyielding respect. All of his family and friends will be forever grateful to Renae, Frankie, and all of the Meade family for everything they did for him.
Mr. Schmitz is survived by his parents: Jim and Katy Schmitz; brothers: Mike (Rhonda), Matt, and Jim (Holly); and sister: Terri Newby (Rick).
He is also survived by; his step-daughter: April Cameron; three nieces; two nephews; a special great-nephew: Nolan; companion; Renae Meade; special friend; Frankie Meade; and pets Max, Jack, Kado, Beasley, Coco, Smudge, Simone, Ivy, BC, Bobby, Clyde, Peanut and Dixy.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Sherry Schmitz; his grandparents; and numerous pets.
He did not want a traditional funeral, so the following plans reflect his wishes. Family visitation will be Sunday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Graveside services will be Monday at 10 a.m. at the Custer County cemetery. Following that, there will be a luncheon and wake to celebrate his life at The Town and Country Club beginning at 11 a.m. and carrying on through the afternoon. We invite all of his friends to come out and celebrate with us, tell stories, and share the love.
