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SYLVIA J. KENT
RED LODGE – Sylvia J. Kent, 84, of Red Lodge, died Saturday, August 14, 2004 at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings.
She was born on July 2, 1920 in Red Lodge, a daughter of John and Fiina Dahlman. Sylvia spent her entire life in the Red Lodge area. On July 26, 1938 she married Armas Kent, and they operated the Kent Dairy until their retirement in 1969.
The round, brick barn built by Armas and his brothers is a Red Lodge landmark that was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. Sylvia was a hard worker; in addition to her housekeeping duties she milked cows, delivered milk to homes and stores, and helped with a variety of farm chores. After their retirement, Sylvia and Armas enjoyed playing pinochle, pitching horseshoes and spending time with family and friends. She was a longtime member of the Red Lodge/Roberts Senior Citizens Center.
Sylvia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She had an independent spirit, was steadfast in the face of challenges, and was loyal to her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, one sister and three brothers.
Survivors include her two sons, Ray (Jane) Kent of Madison Wis., and Ron (Kay) Kent of Reno Nev.; one sister, Helen (Louis) Schrumpf of Billings; five grandchildren, Laurel (Matt) Frazer of Waunakee, Wis., Jason Kent of San Diego, Calif., Cory (Becky) Kent of Boise Idaho, Jessica Kent of Boise, and Kristin Kent of Reno Nev.; one great-grandson, Jordan Kent of Boise; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place, and in accordance with Sylvia’s wishes no service will be held. Interment will be in the Red Lodge Cemetery. Smith-Olcott Funeral Chapel of Red Lodge was in charge of arrangements.
The family suggests that memorials in Sylvia’s name be made to the Red Lodge/Roberts Senior Citizens Center, P.O. Box 1293, Red Lodge MT 59068.
DORIS TEMPLE
BRIDGER — Doris Temple, loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, passed away at St. Vincent Healthcare August 9, 2004 after a courageous battle with cancer. Doris Beryl Slater, the daughter of James and Pearl Slater, was born February 19, 1928, on the family homestead in Musselshell County, Montana. The family later moved to a farm near Laurel where Doris attended elementary school at Spring Creek School and graduated from Laurel High School in 1945. After completing a teaching certificate at Eastern Normal School, she taught at Loughboro School near Glendive. It was there she met her future husband, Chester Temple. Chester and Doris were married on August 22, 1946 and shared 52 years together until Chester’s death in 1998. They farmed in the Bridger area until 1970, at which time they moved to the town of Bridger.
Doris loved gardening and flowers, especially geraniums, spending much time each summer nurturing growing things. She found great pleasure and solace in all kinds of music, and some of her favorites were John Gary, Jim Nabors, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and the Irish Tenors. She also enjoyed watching sports and became a die hard Chicago Cubs fan later in life. Above all else, Doris valued family and particularly enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had a wonderful sense of humor and always took time to listen. Family get-togethers were warm, fun-filled times. One of Doris’ greatest pleasures was preparing large meals for family and friends. She was known for her ability to create a meal for anyone who came to visit, and her fresh-from-the-oven buns, home-canned peaches and jams, and homemade ice cream were always big hits.
Thank you, Mom. We will miss you all of our lives and we will love you forever.
Doris is survived by her nine children: Robert Temple, Susan (Robert) Riehl, Eileen (Douglas) Winterrowd, Carol Temple, Laurie Temple, Bonnie Salanky, Jon (Jeannette) Temple, Lisa (Randy) Watkins and Barbara (Darrin) Heitmann; three brothers, Warren (Lois), Gene (Corinna), and Lloyd Slater; and two sisters, Veda (Leo) Fay and Merle Pinkham. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Dustin Temple, Dawn (Rich) Harmon, Desiree (Jason) Bishop; Alexis, Kurt (Renee), and Molly Riehl; Erin Winterrowd; Michael and Mark Salanky; Jennifer (Zack) Winchell, Tifani DeRudder (David Barker), and Jonathon DeRudder; and Emily, Jacob and Will Heitmann, as well as nine great-grandchildren: Zane and Sydney Temple; Gage, Chas and Si Harmon; Andrew Bishop; Megan and Kyliegh Riehl; and Kaden Winchell, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Doris was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two sisters, Helen Lenhardt and Ann Slater, and two bothers, Donald and Ellis Slater.
The family would like to express our appreciation to Dr. Marchello and St. Vincent Healthcare for the care given our mother during her illness.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial services were held Saturday, August 14 at Smith Funeral Chapel-Laurel. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Big Sky Hospice or the American Cancer Society.
MANLEY O. (MORT) MORTENSEN
July 8, 1928 - Aug. 1, 2004
Manley O. (Mort) Mortensen died peacefully Sunday, August 1, at age 76 at Big Sky Convalescence Center in Helena after a long illness. Mort was born in Sanders, Montana to Charles and Minnie Mortensen near Forsyth on July 8, 1928. He grew up on his parents&Mac226; farm during the depression, and gained most of his education learning how to work the land and keep the equipment in working order — with little or no money. After graduation from Forsyth High School in 1946, Mort began attendance at Montana State College in Bozeman — but had to withdraw at the end of the first quarter when his father became seriously ill. Mort immediately returned to Forsyth to run the family farm. To his great regret, he was never able to return to college.
Before Mort reached adulthood, he had learned a range of skills, and acquired an incredible work ethic, that would guide him through the rest of his life. Mort was a jack-of-all-trades — mechanic, welder, electrician, plumber, and carpenter, to name a few. Mort married the former Roberta (Bobbie) M. Matson, of Red Lodge, on March 25, 1950. He and Bobbie had four children while living near Billings, where he built two homes, worked a full-time job at the Conoco Refinery, and farmed in his spare time. In 1961, Mort and Bobbie moved the family to Helena, where Mort established himself as a business owner. Mort ran several service stations and a bulk plant in Helena, culminating with ownership of Mort’s Conoco. He was also involved in real estate development, built three homes, was elected a member of the Helena School Board, was a board member of the YMCA-Lions Swim Club, worked in State Government, and raised his children. He loved Montana and the outdoors. He especially enjoyed the annual father and son fishing trek to the Tobacco Root Mountains begun by Mort & Doc Frisbee in 1962.
Mort’s charge through life was slowed down, but not stopped, when he developed a pituitary tumor in 1983. He lost the vision in one eye and acquired life-long disabilities that he fought off for more than 20 years. During that time, he pushed ahead — with total disregard for his physical problems. In 1986, Mort built a home for Bobbie in Red Lodge, where they started a new phase of their lives. While living in Red Lodge, Mort was active in the community, serving as a member of the Elks Club, and making many friends. He also built and sold two more homes. Bobbie passed away in 1998, and Mort moved back to Helena that same year. Mort made many friends while residing at Hunter’s Pointe. They will miss him and remember his on-going wood-working projects and lively conversations.
Mort loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his family and delighted in the fact that he had raised his children well. Mort mentored numerous young people during his life, encouraging self reliance and confidence. He will always be greatly admired and missed by family and friends.
Mort was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Minnie Mortensen; two brothers, Donald and Virgil, his loving wife Roberta (Bobbie), and his grandson Matthew.
He is survived by his brother, Dallas Mortensen, and his wife Marilyn of Denver; sons: Barry Mortensen, and his fiancé Rita McClain of Boulder; Colo., Gregg Mortensen (USA Ret), and his wife Jill of Bozeman; Jeff Mortensen, and his wife Marcie Martin of Bozeman; and daughter: Cherie Wing, and her husband Dan Wing of Helena. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
A private family interment will take place at a future date. Cremation has taken place. Memorials may be made to: Montana Pro Rodeo Hall & Wall of Fame, P.O. Box 930, Billings, MT 59103-0930.
LANE MARTIN
RED LODGE – Lane Lewis Martin, 17, of Red Lodge, died Saturday afternoon, August 14, 2004, in an auto accident near Boyd.
Lane was born on October 27, 1986 in Red Lodge, a son of Rick and Dawn Martin. He was raised and attended school in Red Lodge where he would have been a senior this year at Red Lodge High School.
He was interested in electronics and a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and had recently begun rock climbing with his good friends Matt Thayne and Angela Schilz. Other hobbies included making homemade films with Adam Lynn, who along with Lane had established Two Men and a Tempo production company. He also enjoyed his time paint balling with Jeremy Hauge, Nick Lawlor, Kyle Brown and Nathan Bilyeu.
Lane especially enjoyed long walks in the woods with his girlfriend, Erin Bulau. He liked to play video games with his sister Becky, listen to punk rock and watch movies while eating Cheez-its and drinking Dr. Pepper.
Lane had a great interest in Japanese culture and cuisine. He enjoyed his expensive toys including his guns, bicycle, MP3 player, his climbing gear and heavy- duty sewing machine. He was employed at Sylvan Peak Mountain Shop where he was a dedicated employee.
The “old man” will be remembered by all for his kilt, his “holie” T-shirts and his leprechaun beard.
Lane was preceded in death by his much-missed grandmother, Marlene Martin.
Survivors include his parents, Rick and Dawn Martin, and his sister, Becky Martin, all of Red Lodge; his girlfriend, Erin Bulau; grandparents, Charles L. Martin of Red Lodge, and James and Sue Klessens of Luther; an adopted grandma, Betty Lee Fluke of Folsom, CA; a special cousin, Kelsie Boggio; aunts and uncles, Debi (Bill) Harrison of Belgrade, Teresa (Tim) Nelson, Beth and Scott Boggio and Jody Klessens, all of Luther, James (Deb) Klessens of Joliet, and Karin (Randy) Mahoney of Billings, numerous cousins, and many, many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 21 at the Veteran’s Memorial Civic Center in Red Lodge. Cremation will follow the service. Smith-Olcott Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be given to the Lane Martin Memorial Fund, c/o Avanta Federal Credit Union, P.O. Box 1188, Red Lodge, MT 59068.
LAURI M. SAARELA
BOYD — Lauri M. Saarela passed away Aug. 16, 2004 at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings. Lauri was born Sept. 28, 1917 in Red Lodge, and graduated from Roberts High School.
He served five years in the Army Air Corps during World War II (1941-1945), and was discharged with military honors. Lauri was a member of the 163rd Infantry, 2nd Battalion Headquarters Co., and served three years in New Guinea and the Asiatic Pacific Theater.
He married Mertis M. Robinson Nov. 30, 1958, and together they ranched by Red Lodge Creek near Boyd until Lauri retired due to health reasons. Lauri had a special love of all animals and got to be known as “Doc Saarela” in the community.
Lauri is survived by his wife, Mertis, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sanford and Ida Saarela, and his three brothers and four sisters.
Mertis offers special thanks to all their good neighbors and friends for their constant help and support during Lauri’s long years of poor health, and thanks also to Carbon County Home Care and the Billings Health and Rehab Center.
Following visitation, services will be held Aug. 19, 2004 at 2 p.m. at Smith West Chapel, 304 34th St. West in Billings. Interment with military honors will follow at Terrace Garden Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Carbon County Home Care in Red Lodge.
MATTHEW PHILLIP THAYNE
RED LODGE - Matthew Phillip Thayne, 21, of Red Lodge, died Saturday, August 14, 2004 in an auto accident near Boyd.
Matt was born on March 25, 1983 in Billings. He was raised in Billings and in Colorado where he attended elementary and junior high schools. His family moved to Red Lodge where he attended high school and graduated in the Class of 2001. Matt would have been a junior this year at the University of Montana in Missoula where he studied his love of theatre, drama and design. During the summers he worked with his dad at L&L Builders.
Matt loved skateboarding, snowboarding, rock climbing with his buddy, Lane Martin, and listening to and playing punk rock music. Even now, Matt continues to watch over his little sister, Tycona. He shared his adventurous spirit with his big brother, Josh, in Cabo, San Lucas, Mexico. Matt loved to spend time with his best friend and companion, his dog, Ara.
Matt lived life to the fullest!
Matt was preceded in death by grandfathers, Ivan Abell and Lewis Andrews; great-grandfathers, Fred Abell and Phillip Flack; and cousin, Stephanie Abell.
Matt is survived by parents, Bob and Julie Lee of Red Lodge; a sister, Tycona Lee, and a brother, Josh Lee, both of Red Lodge; grandparents, Phyllis and Ernest Wait of Campo, CO, Shirley Andrews of Billings, and Harry and Joyce Lee of Billings; great-grandparents, Abbie Abell of Billings, and Dorothy and Ben Hamburg of Hardin; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and a special cousin, Steven Abell; and his special friend and the love of his life, Angela Schilz.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, August 20 at the Smith-Olcott Funeral Chapel in Red Lodge. Cremation will follow the service.
