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Daphine Marie Fiechtner
Daphine Marie Fiechtner, 73, of Miles City died Friday, Dec. 9, 2011, at her home in Miles City.
She was born on Nov. 21, 1938, in Terry, the daughter of Aaron and Emma Speide Meidinger. She was the second of 11 children. She grew up in Marsh and Ismay.
On Nov. 28, 1958, she and Lyle Fiechtner were married
in Miles City.
Mrs. Fiechtner worked as a waitress at the Met Café, Crossroads Inn and catered at the 600 Café. She raised two daughters and enjoyed spending time with her three grandchildren. The coffee was always on and everyone was always welcome.
She is survived by her two daughters: Tara (John) Moorehead and Elaine (Brett) Moats; three grandchildren: Kristin Moats, Brittany Moats and Anthony Moorehead, all of Miles City; and her siblings: Mervin (Dorothy) Meidinger, Jerry (Janis) Meidinger, Kenny (Dianne) Meidinger, LeRoy (Lori) Meidinger, Clinton (Beva) Meidinger, Jo Meidinger and Cheryl Meidinger, all of Miles City, and Leon Meidinger of Minnesota.
She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle; both parents, Aaron and Emma; two sisters, Sharon Prince and Judy Walker; and an infant son, James Dale.
Graveside services will be Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011, at 11 a.m. in the Custer County cemetery.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Wayne Lee Kurtz
Wayne Lee Kurtz, 69, of Billings, former Miles City resident, died at his home, Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011.
He was born in Miles City to Alfred and Lillian Albert Kurtz on March 3, 1942.
Mr. Kurtz attended school in Miles City and graduated from Custer County High School in 1960. He served with the National Guard and was a roughneck in the oilfields around Baker. For many years he played the drums in bands with his best friend Burch Palmer. Their band was called “The Walkers.”
Later Mr. Kurtz had his own band, “Trips Three.” He was always proud that they played at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, Nev.
Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz owned the Alta Club in Miles City for many years and then he built the Golden West. After moving to Billings in 2001 he worked at the Billings Airport for the TSA.
Mr. Kurtz loved his three sons and they always looked up to and respected their father. He was so proud of all of their accomplishments. All three young men have gone on to be very successful. Mr. Kurtz was always at all the boys’ sporting events, cheering them on and was grinning from ear to ear at their college graduations.
He was always open to conversation with anyone and everyone. Over the years so many people were drawn to his spirit, sense of humor and kindness. It was easy to call Wayne Kurtz a dear friend.
Mr. Kurtz and Kathleen Ann Brown were united in marriage Dec. 5, 1976, in Baker. They were a loving couple since October of 1973 and recently celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary.
His survivors include his wife, Kathleen Ann Brown Kurtz; three sons, Marc Allen Kurtz of Sioux Falls, S.D., Dr. Michael John Kurtz of Sheridan, Wyo., and Matthew Wayne Kurtz of Billings; a son, Paul Kurtz and a daughter, Jill Meyer; a sister, Eileen Feuerherm of Miles City; and a brother, Arnold ”Dub” (Lucile) Kurtz of Alexandria, Va.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Donna May Hollowell and Yvonne Kurtz, and a brother, Louis Paul Kurtz.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2011, at 2 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County cemetery.
Elva Alta Whitaker
Elva Alta Whitaker, 90, matriarch of her family, passed away Saturday evening Dec. 10, 2011, in the Miles City Holy Rosary Healthcare.
She was born Aug. 16, 1921, in Heburn, North Dakota, a daughter of E.E. and Mary Kusch Nolan. She grew up and received her education in North Dakota.
Elva married
Ray James Whitaker on Aug. 29, 1939 in Worland, Wyoming. The couple made their home in several states before settling in Miles City in 1954. She was an amazing cook, who loved to fish and socialize with her family. She was a member of the Moose and Eagles Lodges.
Her son, James, husband, Jimmy, granddaughter Cassie and 12 siblings preceded Elva in death.
Survivors include her daughters, Gloria Gale, Marilyn Williams and Susan (Bill) Ferrell; her son, Alvin (Donna) Whitaker; 17 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and two special nieces, Carol Remme and Donna Thayer.
What words can be spoken to describe such an extraordinary woman; our Mother, Grandmother and our friend. Elva was one of those rare people that made such a profound difference in the lives of those that knew her. Elva was a wonderful mother and the best Grandmother in the world. Her patience, love and experience of life enriched all those who knew her.
Her big heart never went unnoticed nor her wonderful big smile that lit up her face that made her eyes sparkle whenever you saw her. Those wonderful hugs, making you feel so special and safe. Her laughter had a way of surrounding you like a warm blanket, wanting more.
Elva/Gram was a strong person and always knew what to say and for those of us who love her and miss her I am sure she has this to say; Don’t Grieve for me, for now I’m free, I took God’s hand when I heard him call and one by one you whispered I love you in my ear. My life’s been full; I savored much, good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief; don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and be happy for me, God has set me free I know how much you miss me; I see pain inside your heart. But I am not so far away, we really aren’t apart. So be happy for me dear ones. As much as you wanted me here, I love you all so much, but I will be spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year. We will forever miss you.
Family and friends will gather Tuesday Dec. 13th at 12:30 p.m. and proceed to the Custer County cemetery for a 1:00 p.m. Graveside service. Bullis-Graves has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Marie C. Bertz
Marie C. Bertz, 95, of Miles City died on December 8, 2011 with her daughters by her side. She left this world with enormous grace and dignity, dying in her own home, which was her final wish.
Mrs. Bertz was born on May 5, 1916 to Nels and Marie (Kohn) Nottveit in Bowman, N.D., the third of six children. She was raised in Marmarth, N.D., graduating in 1935. She married
Charles Bertz on January 23, 1937 in Baker, Mont. To this union, two daughters, Janice Swanson and Sharon Bertz, were born.
She and Chuck lived in Marmarth and later Mobridge, S.D., moving for his job on the railroad. She worked various jobs including housekeeping, cooking for the railroad men at Shorty Foreman’s and as a postal clerk.
Mr. Bertz died in 1978, at which time she moved to Miles City, Mont., to be near her daughters. After moving to Miles City, she continued to clean houses until the age of 71. At that time, she became acquainted with the Drop-In Center, where she enjoyed several afternoons per week playing cards with the many new friends she made there.
She enjoyed spending time with family, attended her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s sporting events and spent time at the family cabin at Fort Peck. She took great pride in her beautiful yard and flowers. She was a member of the Eastern Star and Royal Neighbors of America. Above all, she was dedicated to her family. Her daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her devotion and focus in life.
Mrs. Bertz was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Chuck, and her siblings, Martha Manning, Hilda Corneil, Clarence Nottveit, Margaret Bianchi and James Nottveit.
Survivors include her daughters: Janice (Bob) Swanson of Miles City and Sharon Bertz of Hazen, N.D.; her grandchildren: Rocky (Kirsten Kaufman) Swanson, Rob (Lu) Voigt, Sheila (Joel) Marshall, Shannon (Dennis) Sjomeling and Sherri Swanson. She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren: Josh Swanson, Sage and Shawnee Swanson, Christ, Craig and Chad Marshall, Mike and Derek Marsh, Sheena Flink, Angelea Richards, Cassandra, Allison and Aaron Voigt; and six great-great grandchildren: Cayden, Chase, Caleb, Dominik, Jaxson and GraceLyn.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 9, 2011 from 1-5 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Custer County cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Holy Rosary Hospice, Drop-In Center or to the charity of one’s choice.
Vicki L. Annalora
Vicki L. Annalora died Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011, surrounded by her family at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings.
She was born on March 19, 1947, in Miles City to Samuel H. and Ruby I. Bovee Annalora. She attended Sacred Heart elementary and secondary schools where she graduated in 1965. She attended June’s Beauty School in 1966 and worked as a hairdresser in Plentywood, Great Falls and Billings before returning to Miles City in 1971, where she worked at Bud’s Beauty Shop.
In 1987 she changed careers and, as a non-traditional student, attended Eastern Montana College in Billings where she earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary education.
She began her career at Mac’s Frontierland, Inc. in the summer of 1990 and remained employed with the family company until the time of her death.
She looked forward to her annual vacations to the Oregon Coast where time on the beach meant building sand castles, reading, working crossword puzzles and flying kites. she participated in many of the family’s group trips to Deadwood, S.D., and the Madison River, near Bozeman. Her other outdoor interests included working in the flower garden. Decorating the home for holidays and hosting family meals were important traditions to her.
Over the years she sang with family and church and community choirs. While driving her Ford Mustang, she listened to the music of the ’50s and ’60s.
Her survivors include her mother, Ruby I. Annalora; her sister, Ginger (Joe) Weiss of Great Falls, her brother, Terry (Myra) Annalora and her sister, Lindy Annalora of Miles City; nieces, Julie (Andy) Younggren and family of LaGrande, Ore., and Jill Boettcher and family of East Helena; nephew, Brian (Claudia) Weiss and family of East Helena; her uncle, Robert (Dorothy) Bovee of East Helena; her aunt, Louise Annalora of Miles City; and her numerous cousins and their families.
She was preceded in death by her father, Samuel Annalora in 2007.
Visitation will begin on Friday, Dec. 9, 2011, at 8 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A Vigil service will be Friday, Dec. 9, 2011, at 6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, at 11:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will follow in the Custer County cemetery.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Donald Patrick Bailey
Donald Patrick Bailey died Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011, after a brief but brave battle with cancer.
He was born July 7, 1940, to James N. Bailey and Mary E. Bailey in Miles City. He was a lifetime rancher on Rosebud Creek first raising Herefords and later diving into the Red Angus bloodlines and developing the Rosebud Reds Red Angus Ranch.
Mr. Bailey had many passions in life. Politics were important and he fulfilled his desire to make a difference through his terms as Rosebud County commissioner and by active involvement on numerous county boards and local organizations. While county commissioner, Mr. Bailey was active in the Montana Association of Counties (MACO). His dedication to natural resource preservation prompted him to diligently advocate for the reclamation of southeastern Montana lands, participate in the Northern Plains Resource Council, and support the development for new advances in sustainable energy and biomass. He was an active member of the Montana Fish and Game Commission. Mr. Bailey was a savvy business man. His insight and influence will be his legacy.
Mr. Bailey especially enjoyed socializing with neighbors and hunting and fishing with friends and family. To say that sports were a passion for him is an understatement as he thoroughly enjoyed athletics and competition. He had an eye for a good tractor and found much pleasure in running heavy equipment, from road grading to fire fighting. His most favorite pastime, however, was raising his registered Red Angus herd and focusing on the genetic proliferation of the Red Angus bloodlines. He was extremely proud of his cow and bull herd and knew them each by name.
Mr. Bailey was a proud father and grandfather and will be missed greatly. Tractor and “pope mobile” rides were a favorite activity of the grandchildren with grandpa. They will always remember to “go the extra mile, ” as it was advice they heard often. Mr. Bailey’s insight and influence will be missed.
His survivors include his wife, Connie Bailey; daughters, Bobbi (John) Monroe, Cindy (Chad) Kuykendall, and Jennie (Randy) Allies; six grandsons; one granddaughter; a brother, Dr. James Bailey; and a sister, MaryAnn Lammers.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hardin on Friday, Dec. 9, 2011, at 10 a.m. with burial to follow at the Lee cemetery on Rosebud Creek at 2 p.m. Friends and family are welcome for a reception following the burial at St. Margaret Mary’s Church in Colstrip.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MDAnderson Cancer Clinic in Houston, Texas, at giving@mdanderson.org.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth has been entrusted with these arrangements.
Ronald Alvin Geist
Ronald Alvin Geist, age 68, died on December 2, 2011 in Miles City, Mont.
Mr. Geist was born July 23, 1943 in Miles City, to Emil and Myrtle (Straw) Geist. He attended grade school and high school in Forsyth, Mont. At the age of 17, with his mother’s signature of approval, he entered the military and served in the Navy for 23 years as a BTC (Boiler Technician). He was baptized as an infant in the Lutheran Church in Miles City. He enjoyed woodworking, was proud of his naval career and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. While serving in the Navy as a boiler maker he developed asbestos cancer, which eventually took his life.
Mr. Geist was preceded in death by his father. He is survived by his mother, Myrtle Bay, and his son, Daniel Geist of San Francisco, Calif.; great-aunt, Bernice Higginbotham; and uncles, William and Harvey Straw.
Visitation will be Wednesday, December 7, 2011, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Burial with full military rites will follow at the Forsyth cemetery in Forsyth.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth has been entrusted with these arrangements.
Monema Hudson
Monema Hudson, 90, of Miles City died of natural causes on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, at Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility where she has resided since 2009. The night before she died her daughter, Millie, read some Bible verses while Bonita, daughter and Laura Ann, granddaughter, listened. Monema died in peace with all of them asleep.
Monema Gibson was one of 14 children born to Rollie Lee and Mattie Ola Orren Gibson on Sept. 30, 1921, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. She helped with chores as there were so many children, everyone did their share. The oldest children took care of the smaller ones and so on. The family had a big garden, animals, and other things as most people did at that time.
She met Samuel “Sammy” Thomas Hudson in Chicago where she was working as a waitress. They got acquainted, fell in love and came to Miles City where she met his family. They were married
Aug. 8, 1945, in Miles City after only two weeks of courtship.
Four children were born to this union, Rosalie, Mildred “Millie, ” Bonita “Bonnie” and Tommy Hudson. Mr. and Mrs. Hudson traveled some as he was a journey electrician. They lived in Miles City after they were married
. Three girls were born to them in Miles City. A son, Tommy, was born to them in Ecorse, MI. They lived in Cheyenne, Wyo., Kankakee, Ill., Joliet, Ill., and Oak Harbor, Ohio, as Mr. Hudson had to go where the work was. Mrs. Hudson worked at Foster Drug Store and other places as a waitress and raised a family.
She loved to work outside planting a garden, flowers and taking care of her yard. She loved to spend time with her family, especially the grandchildren. Mrs. Hudson was a good cook, loved to play Yatzee, loved to bowl and was in a league in Miles City and Cheyenne, Wyo. She and her husband bowled mixed doubles in Cheyenne.
She was a member of the Eagles and the Moose and would help the less fortunate when she could. She loved to watch TV Land and her favorite show was “Bonanza.” She attended Grace Bible Church when it was located across from Lincoln School. She read her Bible every day while she could see to.
Her survivors include her sisters: Annie Murtice Slenay of South Georgia and Schrene Statum of Shelbyville, Tenn.; a brother: Edmond Gibson of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; children: Rosalie Ola Marschner of Mount Shasta, Calif., Mildred Schrene Quay of Miles City, Bonita Marie Judson of Chatham, Ont., and Frank Thomas (Kathy) Hudson of Fremont, Ohio; grandchildren: Dale Samuel Wren, Cindy Lee Wren Beurtheret (Cyriaque), Sally Verla Wren Wiggins, Gabrielle Ola Marschner, Laura Ann Bayne Klunder, Jerry Thomas, Bayne Klunder, Cassandra Sue Peters (Brian), Michelle Nicole Klunder Gonzales, and Caleb Thomas Hudson; great-grandchildren: Charles Pierre Buertheret, Casper Buertheret, Calixte Buertheret, Grady Wren, Nathaniel Jon (Elli) DeKock, Robert Lewis Lefler III, Jennifer Leigh Lefler, Devan Michael Klunder, Jordan Michael Klunder, Gage Michael Peters, Gabe Thomas Peters, Tristen Jay Peters, Nicole Elizabeth Gonzales, Miguel Anthony Gonzales, and Jessica Marie Gonzales; great-great-grandchildren: Angela Marie Gonzales and Nicoli Julian Gonzales; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family at Holy Rosary Extended Care Facility and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Rollie and Mattie Orren Gibson; her husband: Samuel Thomas Hudson; brothers: Herschel, Carl, Winnial, Willie, Osnee, Frank; and sisters: Linnie Dell, Margaret, Altie and Estelle.
Services will be Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011, at 2 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County cemetery.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Mrs. Hudson’s family.
Jefferson Veach Doggett
Jefferson Veach Doggett, 81, of White Sulphur Springs died Friday, December 2, 2011 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.
Mr. Doggett was a fourth-generation rancher, husband, father and friend to many. He was born on November 5, 1930 in Helena, Mont., the son of Elizabeth and Howard Doggett.
He grew up in Broadwater County and attended local schools. He often told of riding horseback to the one-room Johnson Schoolhouse with his identical twin brother, Bill. He graduated from Broadwater High School in 1948 and was a member of the first group selected to participate in Boys State.
Mr. Doggett attended the University of Montana in Missoula and graduated with a business degree in 1952. College was a significant time in his life, where he was an active member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. His fellow brothers recognized his leadership ability and selected him as the chapter’s president. During college he met many lifelong friends from his affiliation at the Sigma Nu.
It was also at Missoula where he met a Kappa Kappa Gamma by the name of Mary Bohling from Miles City, who later became his wife and the true love of his life. They were married
October 18, 1954.
After graduating from college, he moved to the family ranch near White Sulphur Springs, and soon after he and his brother, Bill, began their journey as managers of Camas Creek Cattle and Sheep Co. In 1974 Bill and his family moved to Madison County to purchase and run a ranch outside of Alder, and Mr. Doggett continued to operate the ranch at Camas Creek Cattle and Sheep Co.
Through his life he maintained a journal, where he periodically noted significant happenings at the ranch and in his life. On April 1, 1962 he wrote, “I’m very pessimistic about any future for our present method of operating sheep. We must change as soon as possible to a different type of operation than we have. This land has a strong value and of course a strong pull on me. I hope we can make it work better or we won’t stay happy or solvent.”
The rest is history. Mr. Doggett was able to successfully implement the change he spoke of in 1962 and improve the ranch by buying land, converting to a quality cattle operation, enhancing water developments, turning soil and selling timber. His business sense and innovation kept the ranch going and allowed him to successfully pass on the family corporation to the fifth generation of the Doggett family.
He was a dedicated father and husband. He exposed his sons to work well done, but also made sure time was spent with the Townsends, Grandes and others enjoying skiing, water sports and special family outings. Over the years he and Mary traveled the world, and the couple further enjoyed spending much of the last 13 winters in the San Diego area with new and old friends on Coronado Island.
During his life, Mr. Doggett was a devoted public servant, and from 1976 to 1998 he served as a Meagher County Commissioner. He took his position seriously and spent a great deal of energy working to improve the community where he lived. He served on the Alumni Association for the University of Montana, was a member of St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church, member of the local bank board and a longtime member of the Meagher County and Montana Stockgrowers Associations.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary; his sons: Jon (Nancy) of Lakeridge, Va.; Andrew, of Anaconda; Jock (Jamie) of White Sulphur Springs; Stuart (Janice) of Helena; four grandchildren, one great-grandchild; his brother, Bill, of Alder; and sister, Judi (Dave) Flegel of Racine, Wisc.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 7 at St. Bartholomew’s Catholic Church in White Sulphur Springs. A Rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 6 at St. Bartholomew’s. Twichel Funeral Home of White Sulphur Springs is in charge of arrangements. Donations are suggested to Shodair Children’s Hospital in Helena, Mountain View Memorial Hospital in White Sulphur Springs or a charity of your choice.
