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Earl Kelly
Earl E. Kelly, 77, of Great Falls, MT passed away Saturday, February 19, 2011 at Missouri River Manor due to complications of diabetes.
Earl was born December 9, 1933 in Miles City, MT to Archie and Audrey (Vowel) Kelly. He grew up in Miles City and graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School in 1951; attended Miles Community College and graduated in 1953 with an Associate of Arts Degree. He was an engineer for the Montana Highway Department in Miles City and at one time was president of the Employees Union. After working for the State of Montana for 18 years, Earl bought The Texas Club and renamed it Kelly's Gaslite which was located on Main Street in Miles City. He later sold the Kelly's Gaslite and bought the Range Rider's Bar. Earl was a past president and member of the Tavern Association and was also a member of the Eagles Lodge in Miles City.
In 1974 Earl married
Barbara Wallace in Las Vegas and also became step-father to her 3 children; Diana, Allen, & Melody. Earl & Barbara were married
22 years before her passing in 1996.
Due to ill health Earl retired from the bar business and moved to Great Falls, MT. Earl resided at the Park Manor (Downtowner) where he met Mary Benson. Earl & Mary were partners in life until the day he passed away.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Audrey and Archie Kelly, wife Barbara and brothers; Bob, John, & Willis. He is survived by his life partner, Mary Benson of Great Falls, also his three step-children, Diana Clark, Allen Brayden, Melody Wallace and grandson, Alexander; his brothers, Father Frank Kelly of Billings, MT, Glen Kelly (Susan) of Waldport, OR., sister Marge Rockwell (Rocky) of Chico, CA., and numerous nieces and nephews.
Earl, also known as 'Kelly' to most folks, was an avid reader (books on tape) and a very committed sports enthusiast. He kept up with all Montana sporting events, including his favorite team the Miles City Cowboys. He had various newspapers read to him (Great Falls, Missoula, Helena, Billings & Miles City) keeping him up to date on news and happenings. He found comfort in music, especially jazz.
A Memorial Service will be held in Great Falls at the Park Manor (Downtowner) Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 28, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Interment will be held at the Custer County cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of arrangements. Remembrances may be shared with the family at www.stevensonandsons.com.
We will miss you, brother, dad, uncle, friend. Although you were blind here on earth' you will see all of us clearly from heaven. We love you!
Sandra Keeland
Sandra Lynn (Birkett) Keeland, age 48, of Miles City passed away at her home in Miles City on Monday, January 31, 2011. Our Sandy Bird few off to Heaven and will be sorely missed.
Sandy enjoyed life, fishing, animals and spending time with her family. She was and is a beautiful, warm and vivacious woman. Sandy was the type of person to help anyone in need. She was loved by many and will be missed by all.
Sandy was preceded in death by her parents William and Eva Birkett. She is survived by her daughters: Amber, Nicole and Amanda Keeland; her siblings: Reva Birkett Driskol, Tina Birkett Humphery, Alice Birkett, William Birkett, and Brian Birkett; her grandchildren: Elaine, Caidence, Briann, Nicholas Jr. and Justin.
At this time, no funeral arrangements are planned. Her children have decided to do a celebration of life ceremony in everyplace she ever loved. Announcements will be made at a later date on these locations, dates and times.
Aileen Hess
Aileen Maryan (Cooper) Hess, 91, who passed peacefully Tuesday afternoon, February 15, 2011 at Friendship Villa.
Aileen was born on June 20, 1919 in the front room of the family's farm house, 10 miles north of Richey, Montana. She was the fourth of five children born to Leda Ray Cooper and Robertie M. Cooper. Aileen's father died when she was seven months old. Aileen's mother and her young family remained on the family farm for four years before moving to Sidney to be closer to Aileen's grandparents. Aileen often shared stories of her childhood saying that she and her siblings were very happy; never thinking they were poor or deprived in any way.
Aileen met the love of her life, John W. (Johnnie) Hess in Sidney. Johnnie was in Sidney working for the Holly Sugar plant. They married
on September 24, 1939. In February 1940, they moved to the Hess family homestead 18 miles north of Fallon. Sons; David, Dick and Tim were born in Glendive, while Aileen and Johnnie lived on the homestead.
In the winter of 1951, Aileen and Johnnie moved a farm house across the Yellowstone River and on to the irrigated farm they had purchased in Fallon. Ken, LeAnn and Tom joined the family after their move to 'town'. The six children attended grade school in Fallon and high school in Terry.
Aileen and Johnnie worked hard; however, whenever they could, they loved to travel. They loved to fish, visit family and friends, and relax. On July 4, 1977, Johnnie passed away at the age of 63. Aileen moved to Miles City in 1996, where she spent the remainder of her life.
Aileen was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish, a 4-H 'booster', Fallon Homemakers, local Card Clubs, Singles Club, Senior Citizens and St Vincent de Paul among many other interests. She loved to dance, read and crochet. Many newlyweds, graduates and new babies were the recipients of Aileen's crochet covered hangers.
Aileen will be dearly missed by sons, daughters-in-law and son-in-law: David (Diedree), Dick (Lola), Tim (Karen), Ken (Vicki), Tom (Darlene) Hess and Gary Meidinger, 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She will also be missed by her precious sister, Berta Peterson, and many cherished family and friends in states throughout the country.
The surviving family is comforted to know that Aileen has been reunited with her husband, Johnnie Hess; daughter LeAnn Meidinger; grandson, Michael Hess; and her siblings Ray Cooper, Etta Delamore and Don Cooper in addition to her many friends and family who have gone before.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 20, 2011 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A Vigil Service will be held on Sunday, February 20, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 21, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow on Monday, February 21, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. at the Prairie County cemetery in Terry.
Memorial contributions can be made to Holy Rosary Hospice, American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.
Pauline Snider
Our beloved Pauline passed away Friday, Jan. 28, at St Vincent Hospital with her daughter by her side. She had been surrounded with family and friends in the week prior to her passing and went to be with our Lord peacefully. She was born to James 'Rube' and Mary Ruby Adams, along with twin brother Paul, on Aug. 31, 1924, in Uno, Ky. They were the sixth and seventh of eight children.
Rube and Mary Ruby Adams moved their family to Indiana when Pauline was five years old. She attended high school in Whiteland, Ind. Pauline was very bright and ahead of her class. In 1940 during World War II she was asked to substitute teach while still in high school. Pauline was always ambitious and a hard worker. During high school she did steno work at the nearby flying field and also took flying lessons. For three years after high school she did stenographic and typist work at the World War II Defense Plant in Indianapolis, Ind. She then attended Indiana University and graduated with honors in 3 1/2 years with a Business degree. She also worked full time in the Scholarship department while attending college. After college Pauline moved to Elkhart, Ind., and managed three women's retail clothing stores located in Elkhart, Miriam and Richmond, Ind. She held this position for 10 years and during this time met her beloved husband and best friend, Walter 'George' Snider. They married
June 27, 1954, in Syracuse, Ind., and continued living in Elkhart.
In November 1959, Pauline and George, along with George's son, Jimmy Arthur, moved to Montana to pursue George's dream of owning a ranch. In the spring of 1960, Pauline and George purchased their ranch in the Bull Mountains north of Billings. Always hard workers, they also rented a house in Billings and Pauline worked at International Harvester and George worked at Dennison Machine while running their new ranch. Pauline and George had two children. Their first child, John David was born in 1961 and passed away several weeks later from SIDs. In 1963, their second child, Janet Ellen, was born. Pauline left International Harvester and devoted her time to caring for her daughter and helping George on the ranch in the Bull Mountains. When it was time for Janet to start kindergarten, Pauline moved back to Billings and resumed her career working at Hart Albins, then changing careers and working as the Bookkeeper for Baker Transfer and Storage. In 1979, Pauline and George purchased their farm in Judith Gap. Pauline retired from Baker Transfer and Storage and devoted herself to keeping the books and helping George run the ranch and farm.
Pauline was a very bright, loving, and intelligent person whose whole life was selflessly devoted to her family. Her passions were reading, debating political issues, and supporting the political causes she found worthwhile. She was a devoted wife, mother and democrat.
A special thank you to the entire staff at Sweetwater Retirement Community and St. Johns Liggett Cottage for the loving care they provided Pauline during the last two and a half years of her life. Also a special thank you to Dr. Michael Hagan, and the nurses and staff at St. Vincent Hospital and Rocky Mountain Hospice for the outstanding care they provided Pauline and the understanding and support they provided the family.
Pauline is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, George; their daughter Janet Harper and son-in-law George Harper of Billings; daughter-in-law Dianne Snider and grandson Jonathan Snider both of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; sister Louise Heymann of Fort Collins, Colo.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers; one sister; son John David Snider; step-son James Arthur Snider; and granddaughter Amy Snider.
We love you Pauline. We will miss your sparkling eyes and warm hands more than words can express. You will live forever in our hearts and minds. We will join you soon. Rest well now and sleep in Jesus.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, located at 1001 Alderson Ave., Billings, MT. A reception will follow at Sweetwater Retirement Community, 3140 Sweet Water Dr (off 32nd St. West), Billings, MT. A reception will be held at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home, 245 Westwind Ln, Forsyth, MT on Friday, Feb. 4, at 11 a.m. followed by interment at Lee cemetery.
William "Bill" Scheidt
William 'Bill' Scheidt, 75, died peacefully in his sleep on January 6, 2008 at the Rosebud Healthcare Nursing Home in Forsyth, Montana while surrounded by his children.
Bill was born on December 1, 1932 in Sanders, Montana to August and Lora (Dumler) Scheidt and he spent the majority of his childhood and young adult life in the Sanders/Custer area.
In September of 1951 Bill married
Anne Sabe and they were blessed with five children, Rick, Charlene, Steve, Betty and Debbie.
Bill started driving truck for his step-dad, Cecil 'Murph' Tysver in Miles City and later moved to Glendive where he continued his truck-driving career working for Consolidated Freightway. There he made many life-long friendships with his coworkers. In addition to driving truck, Bill learned the restaurant business while working at the Clover Leaf Café in Glendive, which was owned and operated by his mom and step-dad.
Bill, Anne and family then moved to Custer, where they established and opened Bill's Café. Following that he went to work for the Custer School District as a cook, janitor and school bus driver. He later enjoyed many years working on the farm for Delbert Walter.
Bill loved to go camping and fishing with his family and brothers-in-law. 'Hey Clifford, pass the E.T. fish bait on back to Bud and I.'
Bill never missed a single activity that his children were involved in, whether it be traveling on icy roads to a basketball game in a blizzard or chaperoning FFA trips. Bill was awarded with a State Farmer Degree from the Montana Chapter of Future Farmers of America for his avid devotion, support, and participation helping the FFA Youth Group.
In 1980 Bill lost his beloved wife, Anne. In December of 1983 he married
Marian Bendt. They continued to live in Custer and they thoroughly enjoyed attending auctions, yard sales and collecting stuff. He continued to work for Walter Farms and later went to work for Western Sugar loading beets, where he enjoyed being able to work alongside his brother, Irvin. He also spent many years taking care of the Custer cemetery. Bill and Marian then moved to Billings where Bill retired. After the loss of his wife Marian in March of 2007 Bill moved to Forsyth where he enjoyed daily visits with his children and made instant friends with the wonderful staff at the Nursing Home.
Everyone who knew Bill labeled him as having a heart of gold. He was always first in line to lend a helping hand.
Bill is survived by his children, Rick (Gayle) Scheidt of Forsyth, Charlene Berdahl of Forsyth, Steve (Diana) Scheidt of Custer, Betty (Jim) Smrcka of Mandan, North Dakota, and Debbie Gardner of Forsyth. He is also survived by his four step-children, Melissa (Dwayne) Melchert of Gillette, Wyoming, Carla (Tom) Lix, Cory (Cindi) Bendt, and Amy (Jason) Pawlowski, all of Billings, Montana. He is also survived by his sister, Emma Kimball of Federal Way, Washington, his brother, Irvin (Sharon) Scheidt of Billings, and his sister Charlotte (Claude) Chadwick of Missoula, Montana, 24 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and many, many friends.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, his wives, Anne and Marian, two sisters, Lorraine Kemph and Betty Grammens, and his grandson, Josh Meredith.
Our family extends sincere thanks to the wonderful caring staff at the Rosebud Healthcare Nursing Home, and would like to suggest memorial contributions be made to their nursing staff.
Milton Zimmer
Milton Zimmer, age 89, of Broadus passed away on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at the Powder River Manor in Broadus.
Milton was born on October 30, 1921 in Streeter, North Dakota, the son of Adolf and Elizabeth (Fink) Zimmer. He grew up speaking German and learned English when he started school. Milt was very proud of his military career, and of being the first man drafted out of Rosebud County on July 23, 1942 entering the Army's 433rd Signal Construction Battalion. His Signal Corp Battalion landed on Normandy Beach on the 2nd day of the D-Day invasion. After his Battalion reached Germany, Milt was promoted to Colonel's aide as a German Interpreter. Milt was one of the 1st Americans to arrive at the Buchenwald Concentration Camp. He was honorably discharged from the Army on October 24, 1945. Milt and Helen Fisher were married
on November 21, 1945. He worked for a short time in Miles City for MDU before moving to Ashland where he began working for TRECO. Milt and Helen moved to Broadus, where they raised their four children. Helen passed away on March 29, 1983 and Milt retired from TRECO later that year. Milt later married
Phyllis LaFever. They did some traveling until settling in Billings. After Phyllis' death in 2004, Milt moved to Broadus.
Milt enjoyed being back in Broadus and many remember him being a very active fellow. He was a very proud member of the VFW and the Broadus Volunteer Fire Department. More importantly he will be remembered for showing up when the electricity was off, regardless of the weather. Milt was an avid sportsman and out-doors enthusiast. Few people can ever say that they beat him at ping pong. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his family.
Milt is survived by his four children and their families: Darold (Sylvia) Zimmer of Broadus, MT; Darline (Eddie) Huckins of Yachats, OR; Sally (Bob) Hagedorn of Volborg, MT; and Lonnie (Kaylene) Zimmer of Grantsville, UT; his grandchildren: Adam (Lee) Zimmer and children McKinzie, Jax and Saydee of Sheridan, WY; Cass (Amanda) Zimmer and children Cooper and Madelyn of Broadus, MT; Nichol (Brian) Daskivich and son Miles of Oregon; Sara (Chad) Hagedorn Calvert of Boulder, CO; Matt (Stacy) Hagedorn and daughter Kassie of Forsyth, MT; Megan Carlson of Billings, MT; Kirsten (Damon) Carter and daughter Oaklynn of Tooele, UT. He was preceded in death by his brothers: Philip, Herbert, Alvin, Robert and Earhart; and a sister, Emma.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 28, 2011 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus and family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Valley View cemetery in Broadus with full military honors. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.
Martha Miles
Martha L. Miles, age 58, of Miles City, passed away on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at Dahl Memorial Hospital, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Martha was born on January 18, 1952 in Corpus Christi, TX to Charles W. Miles and Ramona D. (Burt) Miles. Martha grew up on the WL Ranch in Powderville, MT where she attended a country school. She later graduated from Custer County High School in Miles City, MT.
Martha worked at Big Sky Pharmacy. She was a friendly, familiar face that many enjoyed. She loved working with the people but as we all could see, her heart belonged in the country making a house a home, growing gardens, and planting flowers. She also worked many years for Page/Whitham Land & Cattle. More recently she was employed with Keith Ranch Co. and ran her own cattle.
The joy of her life was her grandsons. She added so much to their lives with her spunk and devotion. She could always be found cheering them on as their number one fan.
Martha took pleasure in raising sheep and riding on yearlings. She and her longtime friend and partner Danny valued a good days work. They were a wonderful team and covered the country making improvements everywhere they'd go.
Martha was a wonderful person to so many. She was a survivor against all odds and inspiration that showed us all how to "live"! She lived, laughed, and loved like there was no tomorrow.
Martha is survived by her mother, Ramona D. Miles; one brother, Burgess (Dee) Miles of OR; children, Dirk (Jolene) Schmidt of Miles City, Nicki (Ash) Hilliard of Miles City; her longtime friend Danny Maag; grandchildren, Koley Schmidt, Jess Thomas Hilliard and Russ Hilliard; nieces and nephews, Page, Darci, Erin, Julie and Zane.
She was preceded in death by her father, a brother and a nephew (Charles W. Miles, Jr, III, & VI)
Visitation will be held on Monday, January 17, 2011 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. at the Grace Bible Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County cemetery.
Memorials can be made to Dahl Memorial Hospital in Ekalaka, MT in Martha's name.
Jere Manning
Jere, at the age of 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep from heart complications at his home in Hysham, Montana on Monday, January 10, 2011. He was our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. We have all been left with a void in our lives that will be impossible to fill. He exemplified the term, “family man, ” as his family was of utmost importance and always his first priority.
He was born in Hysham on 06/05/1925 to James and Margaret (Zent) Manning and was the second oldest of their 7 children. His younger brothers, Ronald and Robert, preceded him in death and he is survived by his oldest sister, Elaine/Bootsie (Erwin) Heberle and three younger sisters Marilyn Manning, Sharon (Willis) Rexford and Colleen Suhr.
Jere lived nearly his entire life in Hysham except for a very short move with his family to Helena, Montana when he was a teen. His parents and younger siblings then moved to Big Horn, Montana and ran the general store. Jere returned to Hysham and lived with his aunts, Helen (Manning) Henricks and Irene Manning, so he could attend and graduate from Hysham High School in 1943.
He started working for his grandfather, Matt “Dad” Zent at Zent Hardware when he was in high school and literally never left the business until the day of his death. After Matt retired as owner Jere worked for his uncles, Herb and Harold Zent, who had become owners. In 1972 Jere purchased Zent Hardware from Herb and it became known as Manning International. Jere’s mom, Margaret, also worked as the bookkeeper at the business from the time she was a young woman until she was 96 years old. Following in their dad’s footsteps, sons Curt and Mark, both started working there when they were in high school and are currently co-owners of Manning International.
Jere married
Doris Bott of Custer, Montana in Billings in 1951 and they have called Hysham home for the past 60 years. They have five children, Michelle (Dennis) Hoovestal, Curt (Hope) Manning, Mark Manning, Lynn Gray and Wendy (Neil) Dennehy. He was then blessed with 7 grandchildren, Amy (Dan) Hoovestal (Colavito), Jackson, Kevin and Kobe Gray, Michael, Chris and Jere Dennehy and recently two great-grandchildren, Jameson Gray and August Colavito. Jere’s grandchildren were the highlight of his life. This included not only his natural born grandkids but also countless youngsters who considered him their own “Grandpa Jere.”
He also was an integral part of many other people’s lives which included a huge extended family, friends and business associates/customers. He tried to always be kind to everyone he interacted with and looked for the best in each individual. He kept a paperweight on his desk that said, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
Jere’s Catholic faith was the cornerstone of his life, and he was a lifelong active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Hysham. He served the Church in many local capacities and also was a long time representative for the Great Falls Diocese.
He was also committed to many civic organizations in Hysham including the Chamber of Commerce and Museum Board and was so honored to have been recognized by the Chamber of Commerce, with his wife Doris, as “Citizens of the Year” in 2006.
Even though he had a very strong work ethic, Jere also found time over the years to enjoy many family oriented leisure activities. He loved every special event or holiday gathering, with Christmas being his absolute favorite. He looked forward to going to the cabin on the Boulder, fishing, dancing, drawing and soaking up every bit of news and information possible from reading, TV or going “online.” When he would finally leave the store on Sunday afternoons (after always looking both ways to make sure no more customers might be coming!) he would often take a “Sunday Drive.” Whenever possible he could be seen in the audience watching his grandchildren participate in their many school, church and community activities.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Anderson, Kirk Mackley and all of his caregivers at the Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth as well as to his medical team in Billings. Over the past two years since initially having heart surgery Jere had faithfully gone to “rehab/exercise” in Forsyth and it became one of the most important parts of his daily life.
Visitation will be on Thursday, January 13th at Stevenson and Sons from 10:00AM-4:00PM. That evening there will be visitation at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hysham from 6:00PM-7:00PM followed by the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00PM. A funeral Mass will be held at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Friday, January 14th at 11:00AM. Burial will take place at the Hysham Vale cemetery with a luncheon to follow at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
If so desired, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, c/o Audrey Lackman, 23 Gibson Road, Hysham, Montana, 59038 or to an organization or charity of one’s choice.
