Delbert Pawlowski, age 82, of Circle passed away on Friday, November 18, 2016 at the McCone County Health Center.  

A memorial service with military honors was held at 2 p.m. on Friday, November 25, 2016 at the First Lutheran Church in Circle with Pastor Wade Brinkopf officiating. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Delbert was born on September 4, 1934 in Circle to Henry and Esther (Schroeder) Pawlowski.  He was raised and educated in Circle and graduated from Circle High School with the class of 1952. Following high school, Delbert returned to the family farm to do what he loved; farming.  Delbert was united in marriage to Sandra Crane on September 7, 1957 at the First Lutheran Church in Miles City and to this union, two children were born.  Shortly after their marriage, Delbert was drafted into the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany in a combat ready unit for the majority of his two-year tour.  After his service to our country, Delbert returned to Circle, purchased several farms and engaged in farming until health forced him to retire. On August 5, 2005 Delbert moved into the McCone County Health Center where he remained until the time of his passing.

Delbert had a passion for farming and was a very inventive man, always tinkering or making something new and held a patent for one of his unique inventions. He was an excellent marksman; he enjoyed hunting and loved raising pheasants and releasing them into the wild each year. Delbert enjoyed flying his plane, treasure hunting with his metal detector, visiting with friends and had a teasing sense of humor.

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Marvin Pawlowski; six brothers-in-law, Kenneth Skillestad, Sam McClellan, Don Tew, Rob Schriver, Tom Crane, Bob Crane and Ron Brooks; and sister-in-law Sharon Skillestad.

Delbert is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sandra Pawlowski of Circle; his son, Mark (Annette Brady) Pawlowski of Lincoln, Neb.; his daughter, Nancy (Rusty) Parkin of Superior, Mont.; four grandchildren, Erika Pawlowski, Alexis Pawlowski, Kade Parkin and Alli Parkin; his twin brother, Delno (Agnes) Pawlowski of Circle; four sisters, Marlene (Sam) McClellan of Wolf Point, Lois (Don) Tew of Circle, Marjie (Rob) Schriver of Circle and Linda (Terry) Palm of Minneapolis, Minn.; four sisters-in-law, Marjorie (Marvin) Pawlowski of Circle, Jeannie (Ron) Brooks of Valier, Diane (Darrell) Olson of Tucson, Ariz., and Marion (Tom) Crane of Glendive; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at:  www.silhafuneralhome.com.

Edith Schepens, age 92, of Glendive, passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2016, at the Glendive Medical Center. 

Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, November 28, 2016 at the Glendive Evangelical Church, with Pastor Jim O’Connor officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral services. Interment will be held in Dawson Memorial Cemetery. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Herta Stickel of Fallon went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 22, 2016, at the Prairie County Hospital in Terry.

Herta was born on February 15, 1936, to Theodor and Jakobine Kron in Bessarabia, now called Romania. Persevering through many challenging trials, Herta and her family eventually arrived in the United States in 1952. On September 30, 1955, Herta married Alvin Stickel in Fallon, and they farmed and ranched on Hay Creek until 2000 when they moved into the new house they built together in Fallon.

Herta enjoyed traveling, sewing, cooking and of course her favorite, gardening. She was also a very dedicated wife and mother. Most importantly, she was committed to serving her Lord and was continually devoted to studying His Word and to prayer.

Herta is survived by three sons, Karl Stickel of Ridgecrest, Calif., Vernon Stickel and his wife Lisa of Glendive, and Willard Stickel of Torrington, Wyo.; two sisters, Erna Kron and Renata Grekoff; three grandchildren, Kara (Joel) DeVries, Calvin (MacKenzie) Stickel, and Kaitlyn Stickel; and one great-grandchild, Emma Mei Stickel. 

Herta was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin; her parents; and her stepfather, Phillip Stotz.

Visitation was held on Friday, November 25, 2016 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Fallon Evangelical Church in Fallon.  Interment will follow in the Fallon Cemetery.  Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Terry is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Prairie County Nursing Home.

Edith Schepens, age 92, of Glendive passed away on Sunday, November 20, 2016, at the Glendive Medical Center. 

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, November 28, 2016 at the Glendive Evangelical Church, with Pastor Jim O’Connor officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral services. Interment will be held in Dawson Memorial Cemetery. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements. 

Born on December 19, 1923, Edith would have celebrated her 93rd birthday in December. She was born in Albion Mich. to Alice and Howard Bennett. Edith grew up and went to college in Michigan.  She followed her parents to Montana in 1947 to work for an oil company. Edith met a local man Fred Schepens and they were married in 1950. They ran businesses in Glendive with Edith having the Jack and Jill shop and together they purchased the Jordan News Stand, which they owned and operated for many years. Fred was later Postmaster in Glendive for many years. Fred and Edith also purchased a ranch east of Glendive near Belle Prairie and later purchased farmland on Belle Prairie from Edith’s mother Alice.  

Fred and Edith lived on irrigated land near Highland Park where they raised their children. Bennett John was born in 1951 (Dona), William Frederick was born in 1958 (Linda), and Bonita Marie was born in 1960 (Brent Larson).  Edith had 5 grandchildren that include Sarah, Diana, Jenny, Brian and Kyle.

Edith always enjoyed watching sports and she and Fred attended almost every football and basketball game including Dawson High and college games. Even tennis became a priority, especially when their children were participating.

Traveling was something that Edith also enjoyed.  Edith and Fred had occasion to travel all over the U.S. and enjoyed these trips very much. They also went to Ecuador to visit Ben and Dona where they were missionaries for many years. Another trip they enjoyed was a visit to Hawaii.

Growing up in Michigan and then after moving to Montana, Edith always loved horses. After Fred retired from the Post Office, she and Fred raised and raced thoroughbreds all around Montana for more than 20 years. Edith enjoyed this very much and developed many friendships during these travels.

Edith had also been active in her church during her whole life and kept in touch with church activities through friends even though she couldn’t attend very often any more.

Edith was preceded in death by her husband, Fred.

Edith is survived by her children, Bennett (Dona) Schepens, William (Linda) Schepens, and Bonita (Brent) Larson; and grandchildren Sarah, Diana, Jenny, Brian and Kyle.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Edith’s name can be made to the DCHS Booster Club to honor girl’s athletic programs.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Sandra (Sandy) Lea (Oster) Patterson, age 64, of Glendive passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2016, in Bismarck, N.D. 

Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on  Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at the Silha Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m on Thursday, December 1, 2016, at the Silha Funeral Home with Reverend Will Johnson officiating. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Sandy was born in Dickinson, N.D. to Jake and Veronica Oster. She grew up on the family farm north of Gladstone, and attended school at Gladstone until her senior year, when she graduated high school in Dickinson with the class of 1970. After graduation, Sandy attended community college in Bismarck, N.D. and studied business. In December of 1976, while working in Dickinson, Sandy met Steve Patterson. They were married on March 31, 1978 and moved to Glendive, where they made a home for their children and spent many years watching their grandchildren grow as well.

Sandy had a love for many crafts, and enjoyed creating gifts and greeting cards for her family and friends. Quilting was also a long-time passion of Sandy’s and she devoted countless hours creating beautiful, love-filled blankets for all of those around her, near and far. She and Steve shared a love for collecting and restoring antiques. There was nothing Sandy could not do. They refinished pieces throughout the years for friends and family, as well as local customers.

Every fall, Sandy looked forward to their annual trip to Kalispell for the Patterson family gathering and annual apple smash. She enjoyed this time spent with her sisters-in-law and their families, as well as the rest of the relatives that gathered for the weekend. The weekend was spent making cider, telling stories, enjoying company and listening to live music.

On her first wedding anniversary, Sandy received one red rose, and every year since a rose was added. She kept all thirty-eight year’s worth of blossoms and petals.

Sandy was preceded in death by her father, Jake Oster.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Steve Patterson of Glendive; her mother, Veronica Oster of Bismarck; her sisters, Karen (Ron) Semerad of Bismarck, Jackie Bettgar of Minneapolis, Minn., and Carla Oster of Bismarck; brothers, Terry Oster of Oakes, N.D. and Shane (Myong) Oster of Shalimar, Fla.; the children she raised with Steve, Scott, Jason and Christina; grandchildren, Kimberleigh, Randy, Megan, Scottie and Brayden; sisters-in-law, Arla (Kerry) Culver of Kalispell, Cathy (Ken) Siderius of Kalispell, and  Julie Taylor of Kalispell; dear friends, Laurel Dassinger of Glendive, and Dianne Mindt of Glendive, plus many others;  and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.  

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Lon Clayton Brest, age 89, of Richey passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at his home. 

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at the United Methodist Church in Richey with Pastor Melanie Martin-Dent officiating.  Interment with military honors will be held in the Dawson Memorial Cemetery. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Betty K. Scherger, age 92, formerly of Glendive passed away on November 21, 2016 at the Hillside Manor Nursing Home in Missoula.  

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive.  A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Silha Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glendive with Father Francis Schreiber officiating. Rite of Committal will be in the Dawson County Cemetery in Glendive. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Fern Lillian (Casey) Austby, age 90, passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at the Golden Valley Manor in Beach, N.D. 

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at the Wibaux County Fairgrounds in Wibaux. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at the Wibaux County Fairgrounds with Reverend Larry Phalen officiating. Interment will follow services at the Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive. Silha Funeral Home of Wibaux has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Fern was born on April 1, 1926 in Wibaux to Charles and Susan (Beeler) Casey. She was raised in the Wibaux area and educated in rural Wibaux schools.

Fern was united in marriage to Raymond Austby on December 4, 1943 in Glendive. They ranched near Glendive on Belle Prairie and raised their family there. Later, they moved south of Glendive and then they moved to the Powder River, where they ranched for seventeen years and then to Marmarth, N.D. Ray and Fern then moved to Wibaux in 2001 and continued to stay active in ranching until Ray’s passing.

Fern was a member of several homemaker clubs in Glendive, Belle Prairie and Powder River areas. She was a member of Zion Lutheran in Glendive before transferring to Trinity Lutheran in Wibaux. Fern enjoyed gardening and canning the fruits of her labor. She loved to bake, especially for her family, as well as crocheting and embroidery. She also enjoyed dancing and playing cards.

Fern was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Susan; her husband, Raymond Austby; three brothers, Andrew Casey, Delbert Casey and Charles Casey Jr.; two brothers-in-law, Donald Austby and Robert Austby; and a son-in-law, Jesse Howard.

Fern is survived by her daughter, Judy Howard of Wibaux; her sons, Darry (Candy) Austby of Glendive and Gene (Madelon) Austby of Rhame, N.D.; her sisters, Kate Casey of Glendive and Mert (Louis) Schlautman of Beach; twelve grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Ruth Lisette Goodrich, 87, of Tempe, Ariz. passed away on November 20, 2016. 

Ruth was born May 20, 1929 in Bismarck, N.D. and grew up in Glendive. She received her Bachelors degree in Education from Montana State Univ. (‘51), and was sorority vice president and mortar board - senior women’s honorary treasurer. She taught high school athletics in Missoula, Portland, Ore. and Palo Alto, Calif., and attended post-graduate classes to further her education at Ucla, Hawaii and Stanford. 

From there she married and moved to Tempe, Ariz.. Ruth resumed working in the secondary education dept. at Arizona State Univ. From there she moved to the track department, where she worked with several athletic programs and received terrific reviews from ASU staff and athletes. Ruth was warm, friendly and helpful to all. 

Ruth actively contributed to a number of worthwhile charities including the March of Dimes, animal welfare groups and those supporting our police officers. 

She enjoyed cheering on ASU sports and the Phoenix Suns. Ruth loved playing sports, spending time with her ladies golf group, and taking walks with her many friends. Ruth was an animal lover and had several beloved miniature poodles through the years. 

Ruth is survived by her son, David and his wife Saowanee of Tempe; brother, George Samuelson and his wife Suzanne of Goodyear, Ariz.; niece, Jennifer LaPierre of Billings; and nephew, Thad Samuelson of Kellogg, Idaho.  

A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held on Saturday Dec. 17th at Elegant Care Living Facility at 442 E. Sunburst Ln, Tempe, AZ 85284. 

In leu of flowers, donations may be made to a charitable organization of your choice.

Christine Margaret Frenzel, 81, peacefully passed away November 27, 2016 at Glendive Medical Center, surrounded by her family. 

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, December 2, 2016 at Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 2, 2016, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glendive, with Father Francis Schreiber officiating. Rite of Committal will follow in Dawson County Cemetery. Silha Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Christine was born on January 22, 1935 in Dickinson, N.D. to Monica Reichert-Kuntz and Gregor Kuntz. Christine grew up on the family farm and often shared fun memories of farm life and country school with her 9 siblings. Her father died when she was 7 years old and her mother remarried Joseph Jaeger who became her loving stepdad. 

On October 26th, 1955, Christine married Fred Frenzel at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dickinson. They met before he was drafted to the Korean War and maintained a friendship through letters. Fred often joked that he fell in love with her handwriting first. When Fred returned from Korea, they married and started their life together in Glendive where they raised Cheryl, Colleen, Doug and Michelle.

Christine took great pride at being a homemaker and raising her children. When her children were older, she became employed full-time at Kmart in 1988 and worked until her retirement in 2005.

Christine and Fred enjoyed volunteering and supporting their children and grandchildren’s numerous activities. Christine spent many years at the ball field managing the concession stand with her best friend Ruby Herland while Fred coached Doug through his baseball years. She was secretary of Colleen and Doug’s bowling league for years. One of her favorite sports trips was traveling to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho cheering Michelle’s team on to a softball championship. Christine’s proudest moments came from being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She had a sparkle in her eye watching them from the stands or listening attentively on the radio. Grandma and Grandpa’s house was the place to be on the holidays, especially Easter when they hosted the best Easter egg hunt followed by the annual whiffle ball tournament. She loved visiting her grandchildren. Her last big adventure was a return trip to Disneyland after 30 years. The memories are priceless and we will treasure them forever. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love through her grandchildren.

Christine was an excellent seamstress and sewed clothes for her children while they were growing up. She enjoyed keeping busy with her hobbies; reading books, crocheting afghans and doilies, and baking the most delicious pies, cakes and cookies. She shared this love and passed on her skills with her eldest daughter Cheryl. Christine had a knack for math and was an avid pinochle player at her second home at the Glendive Senior Center. She played in a card club for over 60 years. 

Christine will be remembered as a kind woman with a loving heart for her family and friends. We will miss her and are thankful of the many fond memories of our precious mother, grandmother and friend.  Christine was a faithful Catholic. We have comfort knowing she is reunited in Heaven with Fred, her husband of 51 years and their daughter Cheryl.  

Christine is survived by one son, Doug (Deb) Frenzel of Dickinson; two daughters, Colleen (Mike) Boyer of Glasgow and Michelle (Mike) Schlabach of Gilbert, Ariz.; one son-in-law, Emery Brelje of Glasgow; 12 grandchildren, Ben (Lindsey) Brelje, Sam (Lacey) Brelje, Erika (Chris) Schilken, Kirk and Kyle Boyer, Tyler Frenzel, Cole (Shannon Heinzler) Frenzel, Kaylee (Derick Popiel) Frenzel, Jena (Austen) Ellenson, Cody, Katie and Rachel Schlabach; 9 great-grandchildren, Mack, Knox, Case and Bella Schilken, Claire and Vivian Brelje, Beau and Ryne Brelje, and Quinlee Popiel; her brother, Pete (Mary) Kuntz; and 2 sisters-in-law, Betty Kuntz and Caroline Kuntz. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Fred Frenzel; her daughter, Cheryl Brelje; her parents, Monica and Gregor Kuntz; her stepfather, Jospeh Jaeger; and her siblings, Leo Kuntz, Frank Kuntz, John (Monica) Kuntz, Rose (Frank) Schwindt, Jack (Mary) Kuntz, Pauline (Tony) Decker, Betty (Harry) Heidt, and George (Gladys) Kuntz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Christine’s name may be made to the Sagebrush Alley Senior Center or to Glendive Babe Ruth Baseball.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Betty Scherger, age 92, formerly of Glendive passed from this world on November 21, 2016 to be reunited with her forever-sweetheart George W. Scherger.  At the time of her death, Betty was living at Hillside Manor in Missoula.  Betty was born on March 7, 1924 in Wolf Point, the daughter of Marguerite (Fergus) and A.J. Macpherson.  The following year, the family moved to Glendive where Betty and her sister, Winifred, were brought up and lived many idyllic years.  Betty was educated in local schools and graduated from Dawson County High School with the class of 1941. It was during her senior year that Betty met her future husband, George, at an ice skating rink in Glendive. Following high school, George enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during World War II.  While George was in the Pacific, Betty attended college at the Montana State University in Bozeman.  When George returned home from the war he wasted little time in reconnecting with his high school sweetheart.  The two were married in Glendive on June 8, 1946.   After their marriage, George and Betty owned and operated the Beer Jug in Glendive.  Together they ran the family tavern and sporting goods store for forty-four years and retired in 1991.

Betty loved entertaining family and friends at their home, she was an amazing decorator and loved gardening in her yard. When not working, Betty was an avid golfer, travelling with friends to many area golf courses.

She was preceded in death by her parents, A.J. and Marguerite Macpherson; husband, George; son, Dan; daughter, Jill Moran; and sister and brother-in-law, Winifred and Don Culver.

Betty is survived by her children, George and Joanne Scherger of Missoula; Jon and Annie Scherger of Guernsey, Wyo. and their children Cristy Miller, Jon Paul Scherger, William Scherger and Katherine Scherger; Tom Scherger of Seattle and his sons, Patrick and Quentin; and Scott and Shelly Scherger of Gilbert, Ariz.; son-in-law, Doug Moran of Bremerton, Wash. and sons, Nicholas and Tucker; three great-grandchildren, Trevon, Kaylie and Alyssa; sister and brother-in-law Clara Jane and Everett Heidinger of Tucson; and numerous and much-loved nieces and nephews.

Family and friends can attend visitation from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive.  A vigil service will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Silha Funeral Home.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glendive with Father Francis Schreiber officiating.  Rite of Committal will be in the Dawson County Cemetery in Glendive.  Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.  

V. Lorraine Haggerty, age 88, of Lindsay passed away on Monday, November 28, 2016 at the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive. 

Services are pending and will be announced at a later date. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Maurice Luke, age 74, of Glendive, passed away on December 7, 2016 at the Glendive Medical Center.

Visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 11, 2016, at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 12, 2016 at the First Baptist Church in Glendive, with Reverend Jim Squires officiating. Silha Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Maurice C. Luke was born in Glendive to John W. and Anita “Pat” Patzer Luke on May 3, 1942.

Maurice attended elementary school at the Washington school less than ½ block from his house. He graduated from DCHS in 1960 where he  was an accomplished music student. He later graduated from Dickinson State College with a major in music.

His music teaching career took him to the Richardton–Taylor, Steele and Belfield, N.D. school systems. He then took a position in Cascade, Mont. where his band made annual trips to march in parades in California.

Maurice left teaching and returned to Glendive when his father’s health failed and his mom needed his help. 

He then took a job driving truck for a pipeline company. He ran a prover truck and later focused on rebuilding pumps. He played a significant role when a pipeline broke under the Yellowstone river in getting the proper people and technology to the site.

Maurice was an active member of the Ham Radio club in Glendive and had shortwave contacts from around the world.

In his early 20s Maurice served as a lifeguard at the swimming pools in Glendive and Wibaux. He was instrumental in organizing the Glendive swim team that has been active for over 50 years.

Not one to share much information, Maurice was once asked whose nice car was parked out in front of his house. He quickly responded, that belongs to Betty Lou. Thus, the story of the phantom girlfriend was born. Maurice had purchased the car from Jim Thielman as part of his mom’s estate.

Maurice is survived by a cousin, Helen Nees in Stevensville, Mont. His older sister died as an infant. His dad John lived into his late 70s and his mom passed away at 93. 

Memorials remembering him are suggested to the Greater Glendive Foundation, Box 1122, Glendive, MT 59330.

Among the many who called Maurice their friend are: Scott and Ann Mills, Ann Huebert, Ty and Vicky Edelman, Tim O’Donnell and Jim Squires.

Remembrances and Condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Christ (Sonny) Diegel, age 94, of Glendive passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2016 at the Glendive Medical Center Extended Care Facility surrounded by his family. 

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2016 at Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. A prayer service will follow at 7 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2016 at Silha Funeral Home. Funeral services will  be held at 10 a.m. Friday, December 16, 2016 at Our Savior Lutheran Church with Pastor Greg Lucido officiating. Interment will be in the Dawson Memorial Cemetery.  Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with arrangements.

Sonny was born on May 2, 1922 in Lowry, S.D. the son of Christian and Maria Anna (Troster) Diegel, the youngest of 9 children. The family moved to Montana in 1929 when Sonny was 7 and settled in the Cracker Box area. He attended the Kinsey School on Whoopup Creek in Dawson County. Sonny married Betty Hansen on June 1, 1947 in Glendive. They ranched and farmed southwest of Glendive on the Buffalo Rapids Irrigation project until 1991 when he retired and moved to town. Sonny raised Charolais and Angus cattle along with milk cows, sheep, chickens, pigs, turkeys, ducks and geese. His grain crops consisted of wheat, barley, flax, safflower, alfalfa and corn.

Sonny was a 4-H leader, served on the ASCS Committee, the Buffalo Rapids Board, the Farmers Union Co-Op Board and was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, the Dawson 100 Club and the Moose Lodge. He was a very hard worker and helped build the grandstands at the fairgrounds.  He was a very kind, caring man and loved to spend time with his family, especially at his cabin at Fort Peck Lake where he caught some pretty nice fish. He also enjoyed being warm and would soak up the sun sitting in Sherry’s solarium on many a Sunday afternoon. He would look forward to the annual trip to Ariz. in February, to visit his son, Don and family where he could sit in the sun for hours.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents;  his loving wife, Betty, of 57 years; eight siblings,  Anna Diegel, Walter Diegel, Cecelia Flemmer, Ella Flemmer, Erna Schwartz, Rudy Diegel, Mary Matischeck Zimbleman and Gust Diegel; one grandson; and six great-grandchildren.  

He is survived by his three sons, Terry (Connie) of Glendive, Don (Patty) of Scottsdale, Ariz. and Thad (Tina) of Glendive; three daughters, Sherry (Arvid) Corneliusen  of Glendive, Penny (Don) Zimmerman of Glendive, and Tammy (Gary) Schmidt of Keller, Texas;  sisters-in-law, Patty Hansen, Lois Hansen and Karen (Vern) Deaton all of Glendive; along with numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

Heaven “Kissed an Angel Good Morning” on December 12th when Jean Anne Evans (McCarvel) Wirth was welcomed by her son, Robert, to heaven.

Jean was born on October 12, 1938 in Plentywood. Born to Helen and Russell “Chub” Evans, she was born minutes before her identical twin, Joan. They were the “dynamic duo” creating many crazy moments / memories as little girls and then teenagers. Raised in Medicine Lake, she was proud to be the sister to Bob, Mary and, of course, Joan. Always a sports fan, she loved being a “Honker.” Jean made her parents proud when she decided to attend Kinman Business University in Spokane, Wash. after her high school graduation. It was in Spokane that she met Francis McCarvel, a young lawyer. They married in August of 1963 and made their first home in Kalispell. Together they had four children - Cynthia, Russell, Angela and Robert. In 1970 they moved to Glendive. Shortly after Robert was born, Jean went to work as a bookkeeper for the McDonough, Cox and Simonton law firm, and years later, she worked for Getty Oil Company. Jean raised her four children in Glendive, supported by many dear friends in “Red Devil” country. 

In 1988 she moved to Casper, Wyo. to work for Texaco (formerly Getty Oil Co.) It was here that she met the love of her life, Andrew Wirth. They were married on July 6, 1991 and moved to Houston, Texas shortly after their wedding. Enjoying the warmer climate, new places to explore, Jean was most happy to have found an exercise center that had Jazzercise. “Jazzin’ Jean” couldn’t get enough of this aerobic dance activity and often went to class twice a day. 

Jean and Andy returned to Montana in 1998, making their home in East Helena. Enjoying time with her grandkids, traveling the state to attend country music concerts, she also was happy to be a member of the St. Cyril & Methodius Parish. She joined Crossroads Fitness Center which provided a variety of exercise opportunities and a wonderful group of friends that she loved spending time with each day. 

In 2013 Jean was diagnosed with lung cancer. Battling the disease for three years, it took its toll on her body and her mind. Hospitalized on December 9th, she was called to her heavenly home on December 12th. 

Jean is preceded in death by her son, parents, and brother Robert “Bob” Evans. 

She is survived and will be missed dearly by her husband, Andy; her children, Cynthia (Greg) Thornquist, Russell (Jacki) McCarvel, and Angela (Tom) Boos; sisters, Joan Ator and Mary (Joe) Tropila;  grandchildren, Halstyn and Kienan Stief, McLain Thornquist, Robert and Conor McCarvel and Jackson and Lauryn Boos; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and many wonderful friends. 

The family is extremely grateful to Dr. Weiner and his compassionate staff at the Cancer Treatment Center for caring for Jean these last three years. We thank all of them for making her smile and keeping her spirits happy during a difficult time in her life!

Viewing will be at 11 a.m. with the Mass of the Resurrection to be celebrated at 12 p.m. on Monday, December 19 at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, 120 W. Riggs Street in East Helena.  A snack reception will follow the Mass in the fellowship hall of the church. Interment will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 23 at Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials to the Robert G. McCarvel Memorial Scholarship at Montana State University in Billings at 1500 University Dr., Billings, MT 59101 or the Cancer Treatment Center at St. Peter’s Hospital, 2475 E. Broadway St., Helena, MT 59601.  Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Jean.

Evelyn L. Lewis passed away from natural causes on Wednesday, December 14, 2016 in Nampa, Idaho. 

Evelyn was born on April 17, 1930 to John and Otillia (Herrmann) Reiner. She lived in Crane, Mont. and attended Midway Country School. We later moved to Savage and went to school there. She was confirmed at Savage Lutheran Church in 1946. Our family moved to Glendive in 1947 and she worked at various jobs. She met Gayle Lewis and they were married on July 24, 1956 in Sidney. Evelyn also lived in Tioga, N.D., Williston and Plentywood.  She worked at the El Rancho motel for 3.5 years until moving back to Glendive in 1969. 

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; 4 brothers; 2 sisters; and a grandson, Bradley Jon Losleben. 

She is survived by her two daughters, Delma Reiner and Sharon Lewis of Nampa, Idaho; her two sons, Dean (Carolyn) Lewis of Nampa and Paul of Billings. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 2 great-granddaughters; Alexa Lynn and Olivia Dawn. 

Evelyn will be cremated and buried with her parents in Savage Riverview Cemetery. 

Sharon Elizabeth Lowry, 78, daughter of Fred and Irene Bolton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 18, at Canyon Creek Memory Care in Billings. 

Sharon was born in Minot, N.D. on June 13, 1938. She spent her childhood in Sherwood, N.D. and graduated from Sherwood High School in 1956. In high school, Sharon was a cheerleader and worked part-time at the local café. After graduating from high school, Sharon attended and graduated from Minot State Teachers College in 1958 - she was also a cheerleader at Minot State. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Montana in 1980.  Sharon began a decades-long teaching career in 1958 as a fourth-grade teacher at Plentywood Elementary School in Plentywood. From 1958 through 2012, she taught elementary school in seven consecutive decades encompassing a 54-year timeframe in Plentywood, Glendive and Great Falls.

Sharon was independent, somewhat unique and forward thinking for her generation, initially forging her own career path as a young female in the 1950s and 1960s before marrying and starting a family. While teaching at Plentywood Elementary School in the 1960s, Sharon met her husband, Robert (Bob) Lowry III. After marrying in 1966, Bob and Sharon had four kids: twins Robert IV and Jeanie in 1967, Michael in 1968, and Jonathan in 1981. Sharon dedicated the majority of her time in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s raising her children and attending their athletic and music events. When raising her children, she was an iconic homemaker, selflessly putting the needs of her family ahead of her own, cooking remarkable meals and baking delicious desserts, while ensuring the needs of her husband and children were always met. 

Sharon was an avid reader and loved animals. Throughout the decades she owned and cared for countless dogs, cats and birds, and often stated if not for her career in education, she would have become a veterinarian. She was vibrant and energetic and kept herself in phenomenal physical condition, walking two miles every day.  When the weather cooperated, you would find Sharon in her yard and tending to her garden, always surrounded by her pets.

Throughout the years, Sharon dedicated her life to raising her kids, taking care of her family, caring for her pets and teaching her students. Her life was admirably defined by her love for her family, her pets and the students she taught. 

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Irene Bolton, and her husband, Robert Lowry III.  

She is survived by her brothers, Fred Bolton and Tom Bolton; son, Robert Lowry IV; daughter, Jeanie (Lowry) Pierce; son, Michael Lowry; son, Jonathan Lowry; and grandchildren, Janeigh Lowry and Robert Lowry V. 

A private service for the family will be held.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in memoriam are welcomed at the website: RobertLowryMemorialFund.com or at the Robert Lowry Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 16554, Missoula, MT 59808.

Helen J. Dye, age 74, of Seymour, Tenn. passed away Monday, December 19, 2016 at the family home.

Before moving to Tenn., Helen for many years handled parts for autos and agricultural equipment in Glendive. She loved gardening, “digging in the dirt”, and everything Tennessee. She loved crocheting, especially Christmas bells and scenes. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lester D. & Irma L. Hutchison; sister, Donna Mack; and grandson, Gabriel Dye. 

Survivors include her husband, Robert “Bob” Dye; sons, Gary (Kelly) Dye of Williston, N.D. and Ronald “Ron” and partner Sue Smith of Helena; grandchildren, Amber & Chad Long of Glendive, Aaron Dye of Grand Forks, N.D., and Megan Dye of Williston, N.D.; great-grandchildren, Annabell Dye, Makenna Dye, Hailee Long and Hanna Long; brothers & sisters-in-law, Jim & Merilynn Hutchison of Palm Springs, Calif. and David & Helen Hutchison of Lewiston, Mont.; Sister, Marilyn K. Lutter of Lubbock, Texas; as well as many nieces, nephews and other family. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Thompson Cancer Survival Center, 1915 White Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37919. As per Helen’s wishes no services are scheduled at this time. A Celebration of Life may be held at a later date. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.

Kenneth Fred Johnson passed away on December 18, 2016 in Helena at the age of 91. 

Funeral services for Ken were held at Big Sky Funeral Home in East Helena on December 23. Burial followed at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Helena, with full military honors.

Kenny was born in Frederic, Wis. to Fred and Agnes Johnson on January 15, 1925. He attended high school in Grantsburg, Wis., graduating in 1942. At the age of 21, Ken was asked by his country to serve in the U.S. Army, where he found his calling as an Electronics Technician during the last year of World War II. After leaving the service, he worked as a technician for Bell Telephone Company in many different locations, including Glendive in the 1950s and 1960s, Helena, and Sandy, Utah, before retiring to Rio Rancho, N.M.

Ken met his wife Hazel Morel while working in Glendive. They were married on March 5, 1960. This year they had celebrated their 56th Anniversary.

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Hazel; sons, Gary Johnson of Albuquerque, N.M. and Douglas Johnson of Helena; sister, Shirley; brother-in-law, Dan; grandson Kevin; and one great-grandson.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Agnes; his sister, Elsie; and his son, David Fred Johnson.

Ken enjoyed life greatly, and cared deeply for everyone around him. He especially liked being a boy scout leader, where he affected many young lives in the Glendive area, and he loved learning how to pilot a plane

Expressions of sympathy may be added to the tribute wall at www.helenafunerals.com, and may be sent to the family c/o Gary Johnson, 12899 Central Ave. NE, Apt. 300, Crest Ridge Apartments, Albuquerque NM 87123.

John Henry Patrick Moerman, age 86, of Glendive passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at his home in Glendive. 

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church in Glendive with Reverend Avis Anderson officiating. Interment will be held at the Wibaux Cemetery in Wibaux  at a later date. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

John was born on April 27, 1930 in Glendive to Anton “Tony” and Martha (Halsbergan) Moerman. He was raised and educated in Wibaux and graduated high school with the class of 1949. He stayed on the family ranch north of Wibaux by Blue Mountain where he farmed and ranched until he retired and sold the farm in 1995. In 1958, John married Irene Wittenberg, and to this union three children were born; Doug, Sonya and Christine. This marriage later ended in divorce. On June 6, 1998, John married Cheryl Holden in Billings. The couple resided in Huntley until 2005, when they moved to Glendive and have resided there since.

When John was young, he liked model airplanes. Throughout his life he enjoyed ranch work, feeding cows and fixing fences. He never liked to throw anything away, because anything that creates a shadow has value.

John was preceded in death by his parents.

John is survived by his wife, Cheryl of Glendive; his children, Doug (Karen) Moerman of Sidney, Sonya Lam of Midlothian, Va., and Christine Moerman of Chesterfield, Va.; grandchildren, Amanda DeMasters of Middleburg Heights, Ohio, and Anthony Moerman of Shelby, Mont.; Cheryl’s children, Ric (Jan) Holden of Glendive, Janell (Mick) McCaslin of Salt Lake City, Utah, Rod (Dale) Holden of Denver, Colo., and Jodi (Matt) Welch of Belgrade; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step grandchildren, and step great-grandchildren.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at:www.silhafuneralhomes.com.