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Robert "Bob" Edwards
Robert L. "Bob" Edwards, 62, died Monday, March 21, 2005, at in Jordan.
Robert L Edwards was born on Dec. 10, 1942. He was raised at his parent's ranch north of Jordan where he lived until the age of 17 years.
He enlisted in the Navy, proudly serving his country for six years before coming back to Montana. Mr. Edwards spent the next 14 years working on ranches in eastern Montana. When he broke his back, recovery took awhile and he was unable to continue cowboying. For the next 13 years Mr. Edwards drove truck back and forth across the United States. In 2000, he switched to ranching north of Jordan.
In his lifetime he worked hard at everything he did. He had a way of seeing things that others missed when it came to kids, animals and people in general. He had a way with the animals and understood what it took to make them understand what he wanted. Some call it "reading between the lines." He could tell where the deer would be during hunting season, which coulee the cows were in when no one else could find them. Hiding anything from him was almost impossible and getting his opinion was at best obscure.
Mechanical, he was not. If found with a screw driver or wrench someone had to go fix what he fixed. Even when he was trucking, the children and animals were important, they would receive instructions almost daily on what to do and when. He loved the horses. But true to form, when he had to quit riding horses, Mr. D, Mr. Edwards' horse, was retired to the pasture. Mr. Edwards said that no one could ride him because he was a hand full. However, one day Mr. Edwards' bravest daughter saddle up Mr. D and found he was not wild at all. He was an exceptional horse. Everyone was snookered on this one.
Mr. Edwards' survivors include his wife, Linda Edwards; six children, Patrick, Debbie, Shanna, Snuffy, Johanna and Shay; 12 grandchildren, Michael, LaDonna, Jordan, Patrick, Donna, Ashley, Tenea, Jonathon, Patrick, Saharae, Loren and Sylvia; and two great-grandchildren, Sheyenne and Alexis.
He was preceded in death by his father, King, and his mother, Betty.
Funeral Services will be Saturday, March 26, 2005, at 1:30 p.m. in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall in Jordan. Interment will follow in the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan. A Memorial Service will be held in Billings on Saturday, April 2, 2005, at the Atonement Lutheran Church on the corner of Wicks and Lake Elmo Dr. at 1:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
If desired, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Malcolm John "Mac" McRae
Malcolm John "Mac" McRae was born on Sept. 2, 1928, in Forsyth to Evan and Alice McRae. He was brought home to a good Scottish family that raised him to respect people and taught him, by example, the work ethic of the Rosebud Creek settlers.
Mr. McRae enjoyed the ranch. His skill with a rope, horsemanship and knowledge of a cow were well known around the ranching community. The chores that came with ranching were a source of pride to him, from building a straight, tight fence to stacking hay quickly and properly. There were many classes taught on those two subjects, plus many others, for his children. It was amazing how he would usually make a miserable chore bearable.
His parents instilled the history of the surrounding area and its people into Mr. McRae, and his recollection of stories and of events he witnessed would answer many "who is" or "what is" questions.
He graduated from Forsyth High School in 1946. He tried college, traveled a bit, and ended up joining the Army in 1950. He received commendations for two accomplishments which had not been done before: a perfect score for marksmanship on the 600-yard rifle range, and a perfect score on the Officer's Candidate test. The Army taught him mechanics and sent him on a one-year tour of Korea.
He met his future wife, Patricia Savidge, a student nurse of Billings, on a blind date on the Fourth of July 1949. Between that time and March 14, 1952, when he returned from Korea they had three dates. He was sent to Ft. Lewis, Wash., for reassignment in April and returned May 7, 1952, at which time he insisted they should marry on May 10, 1952. He had to go to Ft. Huachuca, Ariz., on May 13, 1952, and she was unable to go with him until she was relieved of her nursing duties six weeks later. They would have been married 53 years.
Mr. McRae was discharged in December of 1952 and moved back to the family ranch on the Tongue River. The family grew to include four children, before the decision was made in 1969 to purchase the hardware store and implement dealership in Ashland. The transition was not easy, but Mr. McRae's gift of conversation and good business sense made for a successful career change.
Mr. McRae served Rosebud County and his community in many capacities, including 10 years as Rosebud County Commissioner and 18 years on school boards in Ashland and Colstrip. He was also actively involved with the Southeastern Stockgrowers Association, Tongue River Electric Co-op, and the Ashland Water and Sewer District.
Mr. and Mrs. McRae moved to Billings in 1992 with thoughts of retirement. The retirement included enjoying the grandchildren, gardening, taking up golf, betting on horses, visiting friends and always getting home in time to do the chores. He wrote many notes to his children, grandchildren, friends, and even an editorial or two on his infamous yellow paper.
Mr. McRae worked hard, but when he played he always had good friends to accompany him. His kindness and integrity are a testament to the traditions of the McRae family and the other families on the Rosebud Creek and the surrounding community. He was always proud of this heritage and always strove to honor it.
His survivors include his beloved wife, Pat; his children, Marla Jo Gorecki of Helena, and John (Kim) McRae, Jim (Cherrie) McRae, and Nancy McRae all of Billings; his grandchildren, Matthew (Suzy), Marissa and Brianna Gorecki, Allie, Kirby and Janie McRae, and Caitlin and Colin McRae, plus Nancy's dog, Bert, who joined Mr. McRae on many walks.
Survivors also include his sister, Audrey; brother, Evan Jr. (Duke); and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
His parents and sister, Carol, preceded him in death.
Memorial services will be Monday, March 28, in the Forsyth Middle School gymnasium at 1 p.m. Cremation has taken place.
Arrangements are being made by Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth.
In lieu of flowers, Mr. McRae requested that memorials be made to Big Sky Hospice/Horizon Hospice Home, P.O. Box 35033, Billings, MT 59107, or Special K Ranch, 34 Special K Lane, Columbus, MT 59019, or the charity of one's choice.
Angelin Fradet Bjerknes
Angelin Fradet Bjerknes, 87, of Billings, formerly of Miles City, died Wednesday, March 16, 2005, at the St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings.
Born July 24, 1917, at Berlin, N.D., she was the daughter of Lawrence and Evelyn Fradet. She graduated from Berlin High School in 1936.
She worked as a dental assistant for years.
In 1942, a B-24 bomber crashed in the Miles City area, killing six and injuring five men. Mrs. Bjerknes and a friend saw the crash and immediately arrived on the scene to help. Mrs. Bjerknes stayed to help while her friend took several of the injured people to the hospital. Additional help arrived to assist with the rescue.
Because of the horrible memories, Mrs. Bjerknes never wanted to discuss it and tried to erase it from her memory. However, over the years she had been contacted by one of the survivors, who thanked her time and again for saving his life and those of his friends. He was contacted on March 16, 2005, and is now 87 years of age, married and has a family. He added that she was the prettiest girl he had ever seen.
In 1946, she and Robert "Bob" Bjerknes were married in Miles City.
Her survivors include one brother, John D. (Jeannette) Fradet of Oregon; a sister, Delores Cass of Billings; a sister-in-law, Katherine Fradet of Sheridan, Wyo.; several half-brothers and half-sisters; and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob; and two brothers, Robert Fradet and his wife, Evelyn, and LeRoy Fradet.
At her personal request, no services are planned. Cremation has taken place. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Big Sky Hospice, P.O. Box 35033, Billings, MT 59107-3300 or the charity of one's choice.
Michelotti-Sawyers is in charge of arrangements.
Jean Kathryn Lee Zignego
Jean Kathryn Lee Zignego, 86, died at her home in Miles City on Friday, March 18, 2005, surrounded by her loving family.
Born Sept. 21, 1918, she was the first of three daughters (sisters Peggy and Jacque) born to Ida and Thomas Lee and grew up in Bismarck, N.D. Her adventurous spirit led her to Los Angeles, Calif., during World War II and eventually a date a handsome young Navy pilot named Gustaf Joseph "Zig" Zignego. Their wedding on Feb. 4, 1944, in Los Angeles was soon followed by a move to Miles City when Mr. Zignego purchased the Chrysler dealership.
The next generation began with the birth of their first son, John Lee (fianc e Doreen, of Whitefish), in 1946, at which time Mrs. Zignego declared she would never have another because she could not love any child as much as she loved her Lee, who possessed a curious and clever nature.
Mrs. Zignego's love proved limitless with the birth of Judith Ann (Miles City) in 1947, who shared her mother's affectionate and sociable side. An everlasting friend and confidant, possessing Mrs. Zignego's insatiable curiosity, arrived with the birth of Linda Jean (Missoula) in 1948. Good-natured Douglas James (wife Chris, of Whitefish), born in 1951 with an appetite to learn, was a constant source of pride and joy. Mrs. Zignego deeply admired the strength and independence of Robert Joseph (wife Debbie, of Miles City), born in 1953. Mary Jill (husband John, of Kalispell) was born in 1954 and could always be found at the end of Mrs. Zignego's apron strings and impressed her mother with her intelligence, warmth, and sociability. Finally, adorable Bruce Jay Gerard (wife Tracey, of Vancouver, Wash.) was born in 1957. Mrs. Zignego's "doll baby" received her wit and loving support forged in a decade of motherhood.
As Mrs. Zignego's countless friends will attest, her hospitality was unfailing and her generosity endless. She never made friends, she always was your friend and felt as loved by her the day she died as the day each came to know her.
She shared her home, her life, and her faith with everyone. Her gregarious nature made her an integral part of the Miles City community. Always a faithful member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church she served the Lord and her peers as a member of RSVP, St. Francis Altar Society, and the Catholic Daughters. Past president and volunteer/board member at St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store until her death, she worked steadfastly to fund the new building where the thrift store currently resides and ensure its success.
Mrs. Zignego possessed a keen wit and impeccably timed sarcasm, practiced in conversation over hands of Bridge. In part, her cleverness came from an insatiable appetite for books. She was most known for being to-the-point and honest about how she felt; thus, conversations with her possessed purpose and substance, anointed with good humor. Her humor, warmth, and timeless attitude drew young people to her even in later years. Her days were filled with prayer, discourse with family and friends, and anything sweet, especially chocolate.
She was a devoted mother until the end of her days. What's more, she found the energy to love and support each of her 18 grandchildren: Scott, Andrea, James David, Shea, Brittnea, Erika, Rory, Zachary, Matthew, Clint, Jessika, Nicholas, Casey, Jay, Jordan, Donny, Katie and Ellie; and three great-grandchildren: Cree, Hunter and Taylor. She instilled in them her principles of family and generosity. Her steadfastness and understanding allowed the family to weather crises and grow together.
It is through decades of Mrs. Zignego's love that the family can weather this crisis now. Besides making sisterhood, motherhood, and grandmotherhood look easy, she managed to be every family members' best friend and counselor. She is now in heaven, finally reunited with "Zig" after 16 years apart and waiting for the rest of her family and friends to join her in paradise after living a life as full as hers.
Her survivors include her two sisters, seven children, eighteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents.
A vigil service will be held on Monday, March 28, 2005, at 7 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 29, 2005, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary Cemetery.
Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made towards Church Masses, Holy Rosary Hospice, 2600 Wilson Street, Miles City, MT 59301; Miles City Public Library, 1 South 10th St., Miles City, MT 59301; or to the charity of one's choice.
