2010-2019 MT, Compiled by James W. Blankenship jkblank1(at)sbcglobal.net

Big Horn

+2016, Hardin, Big Horn Co., MT, Obituary

The Billings Gazette, (MT) - October 31, 2016

Dorcas M. Halverson was a 70 [] year resident of Hardin, a native of Wichita, Kansas, daughter of Harry Craig and Jo(eseph) (Blankenship ) Ellis.

Sister of Lucille (Ellis) Gordon. She married Gordon E. Halverson in 1946 (died May 17, 1995). She moved to Hardin to own and operate the Big Horn Motel and Campground and teach in the Hardin and Crow Agency schools. Dorcas was a graduate of Eastern Montana College. She was a member of First Congregational Church, Hardin; a MT-WYO UCC Conference delegate; National Audubon Society; El Porvenir Nicaragua supporter; Big Horn County Historical Society; Hardin Friends of the Library; Am. Found. for Suicide Prevention, MT Chapter; and various quilt circles.

She is survived by: Eric Halverson (Catherine Card), Billings; Lark Ross (Dennis), Enumclaw, Wash.; Sally Schnadelbach (Larry), Mandeville, La.; and Kris Halverson (Catherine Handler), Arlington, Texas; three grandchildren: Vanessa Ross (Shams) Mir, Leawood, Kansas; Matthew (Ashley) Ross, Cody, Wyo.; and Beret Halverson (Paul Kramer), Montpelier, Vt.; great-grandchild: Stieg Ross Mir.

No services are planned. After cremation, burial will be in North Dakota Veterans Cemetery at Fort Abraham Lincoln, Mandan, ND.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2017, Hardin, Big Horn Co., MT, Obituary

The Billings Gazette, (MT) - January 16, 2017

Michael Lee Daniels, 34, of Hardin, passed to the other camp Jan. 13, 2017, at Big Horn County Memorial Hospital. Michael was born Nov. 1, 1982, in Wolf Point, the son of Roy W. Daniels and Debbie L. Scott.

Michael was an enrolled member of the Fort Peck Sioux tribe and descendant of the Crow Tribe. He traveled and lived throughout Indian Country with his mother, older brother Randy and younger sister Cyndi, receiving his early education in Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota and Utah.

Mike married Leslie A. Minear on Nov. 5, 2015, and lived in Sisseton, S.D., and Hardin.

Mike was known for his compassionate heart and seeing the best in others, even when they couldn't see it in themselves. He was always willing to lend a hand or an ear to those in need. Many frequently mentioned his great big hugs that, "could make it seem like the world was right again."

Michael enjoyed music, both listening to and play bass guitar, as well as being outdoors. Mike could often be found fishing the rivers, creeks and ponds throughout the Big Horn County area, usually with a canine companion in tow. He also enjoyed making trips to spend time with family and friends. He cherished his many relationships and was deeply loved by his family.

Michael was preceded in death by his Grandparents Sylvia A. Carter and Gilbert W. Scott Jr., Mabel and Randolph Daniels, uncle Alan Daniels, and cousin Jason Big Horn.

Survivors include his wife, Leslie, his parents Roy Daniels and Debbie Scott- (Vernon) Hill, his siblings Randy (Nova) Daniels, Cyndi Shields, Heather Daniels (John) Griffith, Roy Big Horn, Kristin Big Horn, Ashley Lewis, Misty Daniels, and Robert Daniels. His aunts are Marchelle Nelson Scott, Clarice Spang, June (Walter) Clark, Florence (Jerome) First, Helen (Fred) Big Horn. His uncles are Greg Carter, Dennis Wilson, Gilbert Scott III, Chris Scott Sr., Kent McCurdy and Nate Blankenship. His cousins included Calvin Carter, Daniel Curley, Shari and Bobby Daniels, Jeneen, Terry, Lydon, and Kirk Spang, Kristin, Kim, Richard and Ervin Clark, Debra Lee, Gale and Amy Headdress, Cheryl Big Horn-Savior, Summer, April, Amber, Autumn, Tawny, Misty and Al Abella, among many others. He will also be missed by his niece Amelia and nephew David.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017, with interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Blaine

+2016, Chinook, Blaine Co., MT, Obituary

Published in Great Falls Tribune on July 3, 2016

Maybelle "May" Elizabeth (Slonaker) Gertson, 83, died peacefully on Sunday, June 19, 2016, at the Sweet Home in Chinook. May was born in Chinook on November 12, 1932, the eighth child of George Elmer and Bessie Slonaker.

Raised on the homestead north of Zurich and later in Paradise Valley, May attended elementary school at Zurich and graduated a proud member of Chinook High School's class of 1949. In January of 1951, she married John R. Rusch, and they had three children. May was married to Walter Gertson for nine years, and they had one daughter.

Over the years, May had many different jobs, including retail sales, food service, and child care. She especially enjoyed the time she spent serving in the Jesuit House at Gonzaga University, where she made many friends. Later in her life, May worked in the Meadowlark and Chinook High School libraries; she loved all the students, many of whom called her "Grandma May."

May loved her family fiercely and was proud of all her "grands." She made a point to attend their many concerts, plays, and sporting events. When she couldn't be in the stands, May listened to Sugarbeeter sports on KRYK. She was also an avid fan of Griz football. She loved music, movies, traveling, playing cards and board games, riding motorcycles, watching "Dancing with the Stars," and spending time with her family and friends. She also loved Facebook and frequently commented on and liked the posts and pictures of her friends and relatives.

A gifted artist, May dabbled in oil painting and made beautiful ceramic figurines. In addition to crocheting and sewing, she taught herself to knit while living in Alaska and made several knitted jackets with intricate designs. She made jewelry, doll houses complete with furnishings, and entertained her grandchildren by making crafts with them. Grandma May was just a lot of fun.

May was preceded in death by her parents, George and Bessie Slonaker, and her siblings and their spouses, Fred (Agnes) Slonaker, Don (Mildred) Slonaker, Margaret (Cliff) Pridgeon, Les Slonaker, Leland "Fat" (Eva) Slonaker, Eleanor Blevins, Olive (Dale) Sheppard, and by an infant daughter. Her brother-in-law, Lee Blevins, died on June 23, 2016.

She is survived by her children, Nancy (Brent) Schellin and Alana (John) Blankenship of Chinook, John (Valerie) Rusch, of Everett, Washington, and Peggy (Ken) Sammons of Spokane, Washington, as well as her 18 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Her 29th great-grandchild is due in July, and she was looking forward to welcoming three great-great grandchildren this summer and early fall. May is also survived by her sister-in-law, Inez Slonaker of Great Falls, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at the Chinook Alliance Church on Monday, July 18th at 10:00 a.m. At her request, May's ashes will be spread near the Slonaker homestead in north Blaine County.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Broadwater

2011, Townsend, Broadwater Co., MT, Obituary

Independent Record (Helena, MT) - October 4, 2011

Wilma Mae Houston Poirier passed away Oct. 1, 2011, at the Broadwater Health Center in Townsend. Wilma Poirier was born in Townsend on Dec. 10, 1920, to Harry Houston and Vada Brisbin Houston.

She grew up with her sisters, Arlene Modeen, Beryl Price and Minnie Francis; and her brother, Lewis Houston. Wilma married Charles (Pete) Poirier on Dec. 2, 1944. They made their homes in Helena, Townsend, White Sulphur Springs, Chinook, Malta and retired in Townsend. She played a big part in her church and home. She sang in the church choir.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Vada Houston; her husband, Charles Poirier; her brother, Lewis Houston; and sisters, Arlene Modeen and Minnie Francis.

She is survived by her daughter, Lois (Frank) Madsen of Helena; and son, James Poirier of Townsend; her sister, Beryle Price of Spokane, Wash.; granddaughter, Tammi (David) Blankenship of Helena; grandsons, Theodore Madsen of Helena, JayDee Poirier and Louie Poirier both of Twin Bridges; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be Wednesday, Oct. 5, in Townsend at the Methodist Church. Graveside committal will follow at Deep Creek Cemetery. A reception will follow graveside committal at the church. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Methodist Church or the Broadwater Medical Center in Townsend or to a charity of choice. Connors Funeral Home assisted the family with the services.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Cascade

2012, Great Falls, Cascade Co., MT, Obituary

Published in Great Falls Tribune on December 27, 2012

Agnes (Woods) Kuglin, 87, of Great Falls, a retired bank teller for U.S. Bank and supervisor/owner of West Central Grocery Store, died of natural causes Tuesday, Dec. 25, at a local hospital.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Kuglin.

Survivors include her daughters, Donna Myers, Carol Droz, Patty Bailey and Bobbie Treis all of Great Falls and Kay Blankenship of Rensselear, Ind.; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation is noon-4 p.m. Friday at Schnider Funeral Home and one hour prior to the vigil, which is 7 p.m. Friday at St. Joseph's Chapel. A funeral liturgy is 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph's, with burial to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Carbon

+2010, Joliet, Carbon Co., MT, Obituary

The Billings Gazette, (MT) - September 6, 2011

Clifton Glee Hensley went home to Jesus with family holding him and being by his side on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011. Clifton was born to Joseph and Ara Hensley in Gillette, Wyo., July 10, 1918.

He moved to Oklahoma later in his childhood. In his youth he played high school football when leather helmets were still worn. He also enjoyed wrestling and boxing. He enjoyed the out-of-doors, hunting and fishing. He married "his jewel," Oleta Blankenship, on Feb. 11, 1941. He always teased, saying he married her for her long legs and Southern pecan pie. They were married for 63 years when Oleta passed away. Clifton was a pilot in WWII and was a flight instructor during the war. After the birth of their first child, Clifton's dream was to take his family back to the West, where he was born. Clifton, wife and son, Lee moved to Cody, Wyo., where he worked for Husky Oil Refinery. Clifton worked in the oil industry all his life. He was driving an oil tanker by the time he was 12 to help support his family. He ended his career in Billings, retiring from Conoco Oil Refinery as an operator. He was proud to be one of the original 49ers. After his retirement, Clifton and Oleta bought a little cabin in Red Lodge and shared many wonderful memories with their children and grandchildren. They, also, loved to go camping. Their favorite camping spot was Island Lake in the Beartooth Mountains. Clifton was an active Christian, faithfully attending the Billings Church of Christ where he served as an elder for some time. He was never afraid to share his faith with anyone and no one was ever a stranger to him. Papa, we love you! Thanks for being the most loving Grandfather. We will never forget your piggy back rides, or our walks and adventures at the cabin. Rest with Chief Keeokuk ... soar like the eagles and enjoy your new wings.

Clifton is survived by his son, Lee Hensley of Casper, Wyo., his daughter, Colleen Fishbaugh (George) of Thermopolis, Wyo., his grandson Shawn Fishbaugh, his grandson Lanny Hensley (Tracy), his granddaughter Colette Webber (Robert), his granddaughter Amber Nichols(WiII), his granddaughter Trista Limo and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Oleta, his mother and father, his brother and two sisters.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Hensley, Oleta, 83, 24 Apr 1920 - 05 Oct 2003, Billings, Yellowstone, MT, MT-516-40-1441

Custer

2013, Miles City, Custer Co., MT, Obituary

The Billings Gazette, (MT) - July 12, 2013

Deceased Name: Echo Aurora Donnelly

Echo Aurora Donnelly, infant daughter of Brian Donnelly and Roper Blankenship, passed away on July 10, 2013, at the Holy Rosary Health Center in Miles City.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 15, at 10 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Dawson

2010, Glendive, Dawson Co., MT, Obituary

The Billings Gazette, (MT) - January 2, 2010,

Francine Guelff, age 85, of Glendive, passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at Glendive Medical Center Extended Care in Glendive. Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Friday, January 1, 2010 at the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, January 1, 2010 in the Chapel of the Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home in Glendive. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 2, 2010 in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glendive with Father Joseph Ponessa officiating. Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Francine was born on October 24, 1924 in rural Dawson County the daughter of Ammon and Anna (Dietz) Chupp. She was raised in Bloomfield graduating from Dawson County High School in Glendive. In 1942, Francine received her teaching certificate from Montana State University-Billings in Billings, Montana. She taught for a time in various country schools. Francine married Bob Guelff on August 23, 1943 in Wibaux, Montana. The couple lived for a time in Kentucky and Tennessee, while Bob was in training prior to deployment overseas. Upon Bob's deployment to the European Theater, Francine returned to Glendive. After his return from the war Bob and his Dad established the Guelff & Son Lumber Yard, where Francine was a bookkeeper. Francine and Bob also had a ranch where they raised Hereford cattle. The couple worked side by side haying and operating the ranch. After their semi retirement they enjoyed traveling in their motor home to Arizona and Florida. Francine sang in the Sacred Heart Choir for many years. She was active in a bridge club and walked everyday with a group of ladies. Francine also enjoyed her Avon route.

Francine was preceded in death by her husband, Bob in 2006; her parents; her sister Audrey and her grandson, Reid in 1996.

Survivors include her daughters, Connie Ripley and her husband Ty, Bev Hellman and her husband Bob, all of Glendive, Marilyn Adams and her husband Vince of Coon Rapids, Minnesota and Dawn Nagle and her husband Butch of Circle, Montana; ten grandchildren, Stacey (Roger) Derks, Penny (Chad) Maher, Blayne (Shanon) Hellman, Jamie Blankenship , Faye Adams, Kristie (Mike) Jorgenson, Lindsey (Chris) Kubal, Clay Nagle, Troy Nagle and Shelbey Nagle; ten great grandchildren, Chloe Derks, Carter Derks, Paityn Maher, Demyrie Maher, Bergen Maher, Kade Hellman, Kaylyn Hellman, Hayes Blankenship , Boone Blankenship and Sierra Nagle; one brother, Gene Chupp of Imnaha, Oregon; two sisters, Ella Mae Pisk of Kalispell, Montana and Melva Lee Mika of Rainier, Washington.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2018, Glendive, Dawson Co., MT, Obituary

http://www.starherald.com/obits/karlene-marie-burbach/article_90c984ff-aefa-5579-8ab6-ff570b2479e6.html

Karlene Marie Burbach, age 77, passed away on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the Glendive Medical Center in Glendive, Montana. She was born February 18, 1940, the first of four children, to Carl & Marie Deines Hass on the family farm north of Bayard, Nebraska.

Karlene Marie Burbach excelled academically and graduated from Minatare High School. On June 23, 1957, Karlene married Roger Lee Burbach. To their union, two sons were born, Terry and Gregory. Karlene and Roger began their farming life together in Minatare and moved their family to Montana in 1970 to continue to farm. Roger passed away in 1998 and Karlene retired from farming in 2001. In 2008, Karlene married Don Blankenship, continuing to live on her farm site, until her passing.

Karlene was very talented musically and taught piano lessons. Karlene performed as the vocalist for a popular local country western band, the Lost Beets, that she and Roger had formed in Nebraska. Karlene had worked at Brown Bean in Nebraska, Vivian’s Hobby Shop in Glendive and the Feedlot in Fallon and was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Fallon. She had a quick wit, enjoyed collecting her family’s Russian heritage information, taking care of her animals and visiting over a cup of coffee. Karlene’s family, especially her grandchildren and her great grandchildren were the delight of her life.

Karlene was preceded in death by her first husband Roger, her parents, and brothers-in-law Russell Burbach and Clark Irion.

She is survived by her husband Don Blankenship of Glendive, her sons, Terry (Bonnie) Burbach of Fallon, Greg (Naomi) Burbach of Glendive, her grandchildren Daniel (Stephanie) Burbach, Taylor (Ashley) Burbach, Amanda (Bobby) Hopper, Jordan (Jenna) Burbach, great grandchildren are Sigmund, Korra, Mason, Charley, Hudson, and extended family, stepson Mark (Aimee) Blankenship and grandchildren Carson and Russel of Billings. Her surviving siblings are Wayne (Patricia) Haas of Glendive, Steven (Marsha) Haas of Bend, Oregon, Lorraine Irion of Billings, in-laws of Nebraska, Ralph & Jeanetta Burbach, Joan Burbach and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, February 10, 2018 at the Silha Funeral Home in Glendive, Montana with Reverend Greg Lucido officiating. Interment will follow in Dawson Memorial Cemetery in Glendive.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Donald E. Blankenship – b.01Sep1944 – Glendive, MT: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K1QD-PXJ

Relatives - Clarice Blankenship, Mark J. Blankenship, Noel C. Blankenship, Paul E. Blankenship.

Deer Lodge

2015, Anaconda, Deer Lodge Co., MT, Obituary

Published in Great Falls Tribune on Aug. 4, 2015

Philip Arthur Strommen of Anaconda passed away peacefully on July 31, 2015, at Village Health Care Center in Missoula. Philip was born May 21, 1944, the third of four children of Edwin and Phyllis Strommen.

During his younger years in Opportunity, Phil attended the old Beaver Dam School. The family moved to Anaconda in 1954, where Phil graduated from Anaconda High with the class of 1962 and several of his life-long close friends. He attended the University of Montana, working summers at the timber mill in Bonner and with the Flathead Forest Service. He graduated from U of M in 1967 with a degree in business administration/accounting.

After graduation, Phil worked for the US Treasury department as a bank examiner, auditing banks in the Boise, Idaho area. He was drafted into the army and went to Viet Nam in mid-1968, where he was unfortunately exposed to Agent Orange. During one of his leaves he traveled to Sydney, Australia, one of his most memorable experiences. Phil came home from Viet Nam a changed person, with a better understanding towards those who protested the war.

Phil returned to his job as a bank examiner in Billings and later Great Falls. In 1979 Phil went to work for Cascade County as chief accountant and later fiscal officer. In 1973 he returned to the U of M, earning his master's degree in business administration. He was then employed by the State of Montana as an auditor for local governments, cities and towns in western Montana.

In 2004 Phil retired, in part due to health issues. In 2008 he moved to Village Health Care Center in Missoula, where he could be closer to family. Phil and his family will forever be grateful to the caring and loving staff at the Village, who became his good friends and second family. Phil was a gentle soul with a kind heart and a dry sense of humor. He was highly intelligent and touched the lives of everyone who spent time with him.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Phyllis.

He is survived by siblings Ellen Strommen of Missoula, Edwin A Strommen of Anaconda, and Karen Dwyer of Thompson Falls. His nieces and nephews dearly love their Uncle Phil: Georgia (Steve) Hamel, Edwin O Strommen, Andrew Strommen, Edward J. Dwyer, Dale (Amy) Strommen, Rebecca (Matt) Blankenship, Denise Dein, and Timothy Dwyer, in addition to ten great nieces and nephews, and four great great nieces and nephews. Rest in peace, Uncle Phil.

Funeral Services will be held at the Hope Lutheran Church, Anaconda, on Saturday, August 08, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Following the luncheon, interment with full military honors will take place at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Flathead

+2011, Bigfork, Flathead Co., MT, Obituary

Daily Inter Lake (Kalispell, MT) - December 24, 2011

Harley B. Blankenship, 74, a 10-year resident of Bigfork, passed away after a courageous battle with complications due to leukemia on Dec. 13, 2011. Harley was born in Yakima, Wash., on Dec. 8, 1937, to Harold and Catherine Blankenship.

He graduated from Tulelake High School in 1955 and proceeded to Oregon State University, where he not only earned a bachelor's degree in science, but met his wife of 49 years, Diana. Shortly after college, Harley earned the rank of captain in the United States Army. He subsequently went on to serve as a highway patrolman for the state of Oregon. He started his career in 1965 at the Segal Company in Los Angeles as an actuarial consultant. He moved on to the Screen Actors Guild in 1983, serving as their pension and health plan administrator. In 1989, Harley took his expertise to the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plans where he served as executive administrative director. He ultimately retired in 2009, serving as special administrative consultant to the Motion Picture Industry Pension and Health Plans. To that end, Harley was involved for many years with the Motion Picture and Television Fund as director of their annual Heartbeat of Hollywood Golf Tournament, which helps provide health care for those associated with the entertainment industry. Harley, however, was happiest riding his Harley Davidson about Montana with his wife, Diana, and playing with his grandchildren. Harley was not only often described as a gentleman, but the gentlest of men.

Harley is survived by his wife, Diana, daughters, Cynthia Lightfoot and Christine Bajari, sons-in-law, Steve Lightfoot and Mark Bajari, and grandchildren, Stephen, Owen, Audrey, Emma and Forrest.

Services are pending and will be held early summer 2012.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2018, Bigfork, Flathead Co., MT, Obituary

Bigfork Eagle (MT) - September 25, 2018

Karen Kay (Blankenship) Epperly passed away peacefully On Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018, surrounded by her loving family at Immanuel Lutheran Skilled Nursing Facility. Kay was born in Bozeman on Aug. 13, 1940, to Vern and Laura Belle Blankenship.

Grammy Kay died the way she lived, with great courage and toughness. She was 78 years old. Her childhood was spent in the Gallatin Valley, graduating from Bozeman High School in 1958. Later that summer she married the love of her life, William Ross Epperly, on Aug. 31. They were married almost 60 years before Bill's passing in June of last year.

Grammy Kay overcame much in her later years. She had a 26-year battle with rheumatoid arthritis in which there was not a single period of remission. Yet her spirit was indomitable. She did as much as she could do and never complained. As other medical issues piled up, Grammy lost much of her functional status. This was limiting in some of her great loves. She could no longer hike in Glacier Park, nor could she go for long runs or do as much around her home. But through this physical decline she never lost her spirit for life and her passion for living.

It goes without say that Grammy Kay was beloved by her family. Her creative cooking was something everyone anticipated because she very seldom used a recipe and it would turn out delicious. As a result, we always looked forward to something new and different but fabulous. Grammy Kay also was an incredible baker, often including the grandkids in the process, allowing them to fully engage in every step.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her brother Richard, and her parents Vern and Laura Belle.

Kay is survived by her four children, Joanie Bowen and her husband Bruce of Polson, Jeff Epperly and his wife Kyra of Kalispell, Jim Epperly and his wife Heather of Bigfork, and Julie Epperly and her husband Jeff Dohn of Missoula. Kay is also survived by her 10 grandchildren, Keegan Bowen, Hattie Bowen, Emma Epperly, Ezra Epperly, Evan Epperly, Anders Epperly, Isak Epperly, Jake Arledge, Ellie Arledge and Aden Dohn.

A celebration of life will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 30, Buffalo Hill Golf Club.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2017, Columbia Falls, Flathead Co., MT, Obituary

Hungry Horse News (Columbia Falls, MT) - April 5, 2017

John Phillip Blankenship, a very loyal friend and colleague left us unexpectedly while traveling in Holland visiting some friends he met in Cuba. He was born and raised in Montana which always had a special place in his heart even as he came to love the Bay Area. For many years he challenged his friends in amusing ways we often enjoyed enormously.

As a young man he went to Cornell to study architecture and ended up in Peru on an archeology dig. In between he studied at UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara and then finished his architectural studies at UCLA. His architectural career included working at several prominent architectural firms in the bay area. He was involved in the architectural community including serving as president of the Berkeley Design Advocates.

A relentless culture vulture, he was always on the cutting edge of what was happening in the arts. He traveled widely with great enthusiasm for new experiences and always brought back great photos and stories and a bottle of wine to share.

In honor of his last wishes his ashes will be scattered in Glacier National Park. John we miss you greatly!

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

John Phillip Blankenship – b.06Nov1947 - Columbia Falls, MT: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K1Z8-X19

2015, Kalispell, Flathead Co., MT, Obituary

Daily Inter Lake (Kalispell, MT) - October 5, 2015

Colleen C. Fisher Wood McNeil, 79, passed away peacefully on Sept. 25, 2015, after a long illness at Brendan House, Kalispell. She was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, on Feb. 15, 1936. She was born to Halton and Cicely Fisher.

At age 2, the family moved to Whitefish. Colleen spent all of her years in Washington, Alaska and Montana. In her younger years, in addition to being a wonder homemaker, mother, grandmother and friend, she helped with Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Mom grew up in a home filled with music. She had a beautiful voice, and loved to sing. She played the clarinet in her high school band, and especially loved marching in the parades. She greatly enjoyed bowling, fishing, sewing and, most of all, baking. Mom made the best cinnamon rolls ever.

In her later years, she loved getting on her computer. She spent a great deal of time gathering as much of the family genealogy information as she could find. Mom was smart as a whip. She enjoyed watching every episode of "Jeopardy" with her husband Harold, who teasingly called her "The English Scholar," as there were hardly any questions which she could not answer. She loved history, and enjoyed watching old movies and documentaries surrounding World War II. Mom shared many stories of growing up in Whitefish. She would say, "Times sure have changed. Things weren't so hectic then; you actually knew your neighbors, and people seemed to care much more than they do now."

Mom had so very many great qualities, she shared, and passed down to her children, and family. Mom had an amazing sense of humor, and would keep us all in stitches. She would say "Now, turn off the lights, when you're not using them." "Always make your beds." "Practice your cooking, until you get it right, it just takes practice," and would share her story of making her very first pie crust at the age of 12 all day long until she got it right. She never gave up anything, no matter the task at hand — which was something she also passed along. Mom told us to make pots of stuff, as it would go much further, thus never to be wasteful. And to go out in the brisk air, as it will make you feel better. And most importantly, to always plan ahead. She taught us so many lessons in her life, and gave us so many wonderful memories and love that will be forever cherished. Her legacy will continue to live on.

Mom's favorite time of year was fall, with the changing colors of the trees, the brisk air, and the beauty surrounding us. Thus it is a great blessing, she was able to go home peacefully in her favorite time of year.

She was preceded in death by husbands, Jacque H. Wood and James P. McNeil; her loving parents, Halton and Cicely Fisher; brother Joe Fisher and wife Elberta Fisher Moser; brother Dale Fisher and wife Caroline Fisher; nephew Ted Fisher; and niece Judy Fisher Hanson.

She is survived by her husband Harold Oney; brother Rod Fisher and wife Carie; daughter Shelley Dodot of Columbia Falls; and son Patrick McNeil and wife Colette of Whitefish; grandchildren, Brandi Howell and husband Karl, and their children, Christopher, Kymberly, Colton and Kamarhi; Summer Blankenship and her children, Zakary, Gage and Cole; Britnie Corbett and husband Shawn and their children, Blake, Jaxon and Addyson; Jerry Johnson; and Kaleena McNeil and her children Gracie and Braydon; She is also survived by her nieces and nephews (Joe Fisher family) Lolita Lee, Terry Stauffer, Tony Fisher, Bonnie Dueno, Coral Harter, Clark Fisher, Daniel Fisher, Julie Fisher Koster; (Dale Fisher family) Jeri Barz and Gary Fisher; (Rod Fisher family) Gail White, Ivy Merriot, Zo Bergen and Tommy Fisher.

A private memorial for family and close friends to honor and celebrate her life will be held at 3 p.m. on Oct. 10 at the Oney and McNeil residence, with a meal to follow.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2016, Kalispell, Flathead Co., MT, Obituary

Daily Inter Lake (Kalispell, MT) - August 21, 2016

Alice Engel passed away Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2016, of natural causes, at the age of 88. Alice was born to her parents Nora Carlile and Emery Hommel in Indianapolis, on Jan. 27, 1928.

Growing up, she was accompanied by two older sisters, Evelyn and Dolores. These three sisters shared a bond that would last a lifetime. After graduating from Shortridge High School in 1947, Alice accepted a scholarship to attend nursing school at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. During nursing school, she met several other women with whom she would remain friends for the rest of her life. She graduated in 1951 as a registered nurse.

After graduation she married Linc Engel. They moved to Billings and Great Falls where Linc was transferred for work. They had three boys, Jeff, Jerry and Jay. Alice found nursing work in each of these towns before the family decided to move to Kalispell in 1967; they later divorced.

Alice worked at Dr. Allison's office as a registered nurse for 18 years; many local people would remember her as their nurse. She also worked at Immanuel Lutheran Home on the weekends, which showed she thoroughly enjoyed her work in the medical field. She loved raising her three boys in the Flathead Valley and watching their lives unfold.

The joy in Alice's life during her later years involved watching her grandchildren grow. She spent much of her time after retirement at her son Jay and his wife Lynn's home with their son Jordan. Alice was very close to Lynn, who, through the care she gave, became the daughter Alice never had.

She was preceded by her parents and two sisters.

She is survived by her three sons, Jeff, Jerry, and Jay and wife Lynn; six grandchildren, Alissa and husband Brian Blankenship , Kyle and wife Kaylene, Hannah, Cavin and wife Elle, Emily, and Jordan, and two great-grandchildren, Kenzie and Myla.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2017, Kalispell, Flathead Co., MT, Obituary

Bigfork Eagle (MT) - July 4, 2017

William Ross Epperly passed away peacefully at home on June 29, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. "Papa" Bill died as he lived with great character and compassion. Pancreatic Cancer was his battle these past several months eventually succumbing to the disease after being diagnosed in late February. He was born in Billings on Jan. 3, 1938 to Les and Evelyn Epperly.

Bill’s childhood was spent in Miles City and Butte. His love for athletics began at an early age as he played a variety of sports as a youngster. He later became a multi-sport star for Butte High School graduating in 1956. Bill then went on to Montana State University and played basketball for the Bobcats While in school, he met and married the love of his life Karen Kay Blankenship. Their loving and loyal marriage began on Aug. 31, 1958 and lasted almost 60 years.

After finishing college, Bill enlisted in the Army in 1961 and finished his military career as a First Lieutenant in 1963. He then began his teaching and coaching career in Forsyth. Just three years later in 1966, he moved his family to Kalispell where he taught and coached at Flathead High School. But then in 1971, he took the opportunity to become a head basketball coach by taking a teaching position in Lewistown at Fergus High School. Five years later, Bill returned to his roots by moving his family to Butte as he ventured into the college ranks becoming the head basketball coach and athletic director for Montana Tech. Coming full circle, Bill moved his family back to Kalispell in 1979. He returned to Flathead High School teaching business classes and coaching basketball and track for the Braves.

Bill retired from teaching in 1993. However, He never stopped coaching. He continued to coach basketball around the valley spending several years as an assistant coach in the boys and girls programs in Bigfork. He also coached "travel" ball teams, taking advantage of the opportunity to coach his grandchildren as they began their athletic endeavors. In addition, Bill returned to coaching track as an assistant coach for the Braves track program until this past spring. It goes without saying, he dedicated much of his time to the youth of the Flathead Valley.

Bill was inducted into the Montana Coaches Hall of Fame in 1990, the Kalispell Legends Wall of Fame in 2005 and, more recently, was inducted into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in June of 2017.

Bill was a loving family man. Known as "Papa" to his children and grandchildren, he actively mentored them, setting a great example of character and conduct. "Papa" and Grammy Kay were "road warriors" as they traveled to support their 10 grandchildren in their activities around the state. Bill enjoyed camping, fishing and hiking in Glacier National Park. In his later years, Bill loved golfing with family and friends especially being a part of the golfing "angels" with Walshy, Scalfy, Sider and Geno.

Bill is survived by his wife Kay and their four children: Joanie Bowen and her husband Bruce of Polson, Jeff Epperly and his wife Kyra of Kalispell, Jim Epperly and his wife Heather of Bigfork, and Julie Epperly and her husband Jeff Dohn of Missoula. Bill is also survived by his 10 grandchildren: Keegan Bowen, Hattie Bowen, Emma Epperly, Ezra Epperly, Evan Epperly, Anders Epperly, Isak Epperly, Jake Arledge, Ellie Arledge and Aden Dohn.

A private service will be held at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 11 at 2 p.m. An open reception honoring Bill's life will be held at Buffalo Hill Golf Course from 4 to 7 p.m.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Karen Kay Epperly – b.01Aug1938 – Kalispell, MT: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K17R-971

2019, Kalispell, Flathead Co., MT, Obituary

Daily Inter Lake (Kalispell, MT) - November 13, 2019

Section: Obituaries

Theresa Evelyn Vincent, 62, of Kalispell, after fighting a long battle with cancer, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Monday, Oct. 21, 2019. She was born on July 17, 1957, in Maine

Theresa graduated from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin with a bachelor's in art history in 1999, where she spent a decade only taking one or two classes per semester, working more than a full-time job, raising her children, and completing each course with hard work and dedication. She knew at this pace it would take many years of sacrifice to achieve her dream of graduating with a college education … and she did it!

In 2001, Theresa moved from Texas to Montana where her entire intent in life was to set goals, achieve them, and share her inspiration of doing so with those around her with love and positive energy. After moving to Kalispell, Theresa met Rich Vincent Jr. who was instantly smitten by her kind spirit and beauty. They soon realized they were true soulmates. Marrying three years later, Theresa and Rich moved to Augusta, Montana, where they built their very first home together — their first dream and adventure!

After six years in Augusta, Rich and Theresa made their way back west of the Rockies to be closer to family. It is here in Kalispell where Theresa rediscovered her love for art and dove head first into a new venture. Theresa became a local artisan for Montana Marie. Her decorations, knitting and art can be found in households all over the valley and beyond.

Through their journey together, Theresa and Rich were hard working and dedicated to building a wonderful life full of love, laughter, family, and pushing each other to continue achieving their goals and reach their dreams. From fishing, camping, local artistry and sharing the beauty of Montana with all of their children, grandchildren, family and friends, there was never a dull moment.

In sickness and in health, 'til death did they part. They never once let each other down. Theresa's inspiration of truly living a life of positive energy and love has, and will always, be felt by so many lives she has touched. There is no other soul on this earth quite like hers. She will forever be in our hearts, minds, souls, and in the butterflies that fly around us for eternity. May God bless her soul, family, and friends forever more.

Theresa was preceded in death by her mother, Norma Bowen.

Theresa is survived by her husband, Rich Vincent Jr., daughter Jayme Schreiner, son Jared Broman, stepson Kyle Bagley, brother John Hedden, sister Dixie Soules, mother-in-law Marcey Seymour, father-in-law Richard Vincent Sr., sisters-in-law Stacey Vincent and Kelsie Root, Grandpa Jake, grandchildren Maddy Smith, Shelby Blankenship, Kassidy Fuller, Kaylee Fuller and Brody Broman, and many extended family and friends.

Remember always to dream big, love those around you, and live every day like it is your last because someone is counting on you to do so. Fly, butterfly, fly …

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2011, Whitefish, Flathead Co., MT, Obituary

Independent Record (Helena, MT) - May 10, 2011

Beverly Joyce Blankenship, 87, passed away on May 9, 2011, at The Springs at Whitefish, in Whitefish.

Beverly is survived by her children, Ellen Wesolovski, of West Glacier, John Blankenship of Berkley, Calif., Tom Blankenship of Helena, and her brother, Bruce Getter of Whitefish.

Private family services are pending at this time. Arrangements entrusted to Austin Funeral Home.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2011, Whitefish, Flathead Co., MT, Obituary

https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=71730083

Beverly Joyce Blankenship, 87, a sweet and gentle spirit, joined Our Lord on May 9, 2011. Beverly had been residing at The Springs Assisted Living facility in Whitefish, having battled with dementia for the past few years. Beverly was the first of four children born to Glenn and Ruth (Kittleson) Getter in Cut Bank on Oct. 30, 1923. She was followed by her three brothers.

After graduating from high school in Cut Bank in 1941, she spent one year at Northern Montana College. She remarked that it was not much fun at college because there were no boys; they were all off to war. On Aug. 8, 1945, Beverly married Ray Blankenship of Whitefish. She and Ray continued to live in Cut Bank for the next 20 years, with the exception of one Korean War year in Tacoma, Wash., near her favorite aunt and uncle, Tom and Millie Martin. In Glacier County, they built their business and family, which quickly expanded to four children. Beverly was a wonderful mother active in the Saddle Club, Eastern Star, PEO, Presbyterian Church and Girl Scouts.

In her younger years, she worked at various jobs, including Glacier Production, Glenn Getter Trucking and the Great Northern Railroad, and later for Union Oil Company.

Several years after her divorce from Ray in 1963, she remarried and moved to Helena. Combining two families proved too difficult, and she was soon on her own again, by this time in Helena, "the big city." A very gregarious and easygoing woman, she found work with Morrison-Maierle, Architects and Engineers, The American Lung Association and The American Federal Savings Bank, from which she eventually retired. In her later years, her youngest daughter provided her with her only two grandchildren, from whom she got much satisfaction.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn & Ruth Getter; daughter Terry; and brothers Ralph and Tom.

Survivors include her brother of Whitefish; two sons; a daughter; two grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Whitefish, Flathead Co., MT, Fatally shot by Idaho trooper

Whitefish Pilot (MT) - June 14, 2013

Deceased Name: Alexander Mandarino: Whitefish man fatally shot by Idaho trooper

The man shot and killed near Lookout Pass in Idaho following a struggle over a gun with an Idaho sheriff's deputy on June 12 has been identified as a 26-year-old Whitefish man. According to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office, Alexander Mandarino was fatally shot around noon about two miles west of the Montana-Idaho state line on Interstate 90.

Mandarino is a 2005 graduate of Whitefish High School and attended the University of Montana. His parents, Monte Mandarino and Laura Blankenship, live in Whitefish. Idaho officers were dispatched to check on an orange Toyota Scion that was parked peculiarly in an eastbound turnout with the front tires off the pavement. A Shoshone County deputy arrived at the scene with the Idaho State Police officer, and while talking to Mandarino, the two officers saw he had a handgun. A struggle reportedly ensued, and the Idaho State Police officer shot Mandarino. It is unknown how long the struggle lasted or how many shots were fired.

Mandarino was transported to Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg, Idaho, where he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. Neither officer was injured, and both are now on administrative leave. An autopsy was performed on Mandarino. Toxicology tests could take up to two months, officials said.

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office is seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident. They are asked to call 208-446-1300.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2013, Whitefish, Flathead Co., MT, Obituary

The Spokesman-Review, (Spokane, WA) - July 7, 2013

Deceased Name: Obituary: Mandarino, Alexander Latour

Alexander Latour Mandarino, Our dear, sweet boy Alex Mandarino was taken from us on Wednesday, June 12th 2013. Anyone who knew him was touched by his sweetness, wit, gentle nature, humor, compassion, and unique character. He loved conversation and was always willing to engage with anyone and everyone. Born in Kalispell, Alex graduated from Whitefish High School in 2005 and studied film making at the Los Angeles Film School. He attended Fresh Life Church and had a passion for writing, film, reading, food and animals.

He is survived by his mother Laura Blakenship, father Monte Mandarino, mama Dana Mandarino, brother Grant Mandarino, and sisters Christy Blankenship, Sarah Sibbert, and Katie Blankenship. There are no words to express our love for Alex and he will remain in our hearts and thoughts forever.

A celebration of his life was held at Fresh Life Church in Kalispell on his birthday, Wednesday, June 19th at 6pm.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2013, Whitefish, Flathead Co., MT, Death

http://www.dailyinterlake.com/news/local_montana/article_bd6df520-d433-11e2-b3c8-0019bb2963f4.html

An Idaho State Police officer shot and killed a Whitefish motorist Wednesday near Lookout Pass as a sheriff’s deputy struggled with the man over a gun. Alexander L. Mandarino, 26, was killed in the incident around noon Wednesday on Interstate 90 about two miles west of the Montana-Idaho state line.

Mandarino was the son of Monte Mandarino and Laura Blankenship, both longtime Whitefish residents. He was a 2005 Whitefish High School graduate and had attended the University of Montana.

Kootenai County Sheriff’s Lt. Stu Miller said Shoshone County dispatch received a call to check on an orange Toyota Scion with Flathead County license plates that was parked peculiarly in an eastbound turnout with the front tires off the pavement.

A Shoshone County deputy arrived at the scene with the Idaho State Police officer, and while talking to Mandarino, the two officers saw he had a handgun, Miller said. During a struggle to take the gun, the Idaho State Police officer shot Mandarino. Miller said it’s unknown how long the struggle lasted or how many shots were fired.

Mandarino was rushed to Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg, Idaho, where he was pronounced dead soon after arrival. Neither law officer was injured. Both are now on administrative leave.

Phil Edholm, Lookout Pass president and chief executive officer, was heading to Wallace, Idaho, from Lookout Pass around the time of the shooting. Edholm said as he was passing the turnout, he noticed a man being questioned while standing between a state trooper and a sheriff’s deputy. Investigators were on the scene for several hours Wednesday. The multi-agency Critical Investigation Team is handling the investigation, and the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office is the lead agency.

An autopsy was performed Thursday afternoon but results are not yet available. Toxicology results will not be available for six to eight weeks. Miller asked that anyone traveling along Interstate 90 who witnessed the incident contact the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office at (208) 446-1300.

Miller said law-enforcement checks on vehicles are fairly common since drivers traveling I-90 frequently stop in the turnouts to sleep.

By Bobby Atkinson/Shoshone News Press

+2017, Whitefish, Flathead Co., MT, Obituary

Bigfork Eagle (MT) - August 5, 2017

Bruce E. Getter passed away on July 30, 2017, at his home in Whitefish. Bruce was born in Cut Bank on March 4, 1937, the youngest of four children of Glenn and Ruth Getter.

He was raised in Cut Bank along with his brothers Ralph and Tom, and his sister Beverly Blankenship. After graduating high school, he attended the University of Montana. Bruce was a lifetime Shriner and a member of the Elks Lodge.

Bruce had three significant life phases. His first phase was his life's work with Getter Trucking. Bruce started working at age 15 and eventually joined his brothers Ralph and Tom, and later his nephew Bill, as principal owners and partners in Getting Trucking, Inc. Getter Trucking was a major oilfield rig mover and heavy hauling trucking company. Bruce was known as an artist with a rig-up truck. As the company grew, Bruce lived and worked in many places including Roundup, Gillette, Wyoming, and Williston, North Dakota. The Getters sold their company in 1989.

Bruce began his second life phase in Spokane where he made many friends and worked out of his office in the Paulson Building. While living in Spokane, Bruce built his forever home on Whitefish Lake and moved there permanently in 1997. This began his third phase with many friends and family around Montana, Wyoming and Washington.

Bruce was the last of the Getter siblings and is survived by his nieces and nephews, Nancy Walker of Liberty Lake, Washington, Bill Getter of Sheridan, Wyoming, Tom Blankenship of Helena, Ellen Wesolovski of West Glacier, and Alan Getter, Cindy Brooks and Brenda Foy, all of Casper, Wyoming. He is also survived by many great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins.

Bruce impacted many lives during all of the phases of his life and will be missed. A service will be held at 2 p.m. Sept. 25 at Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Flathead Co., SSDI, http://ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/ssdi.cgi ,

Blankenship, Beverly Joyce 87, 30Oct1923 - 09May2011, West Glacier, Flathead, MT, MT-516-24-1981

Gallatin

2016, Bozeman, Gallatin Co., MT, Obituary

Published in Bozeman Daily Chronicle on Sept. 8, 2016

Neal Christensen died on Sept. 5, 2016, from metastatic prostate cancer. Neal was born on Easter Sunday, April 16, 1933, in New Albany, Indiana, the only child of Henry and Pat Christensen.

Neal was an athlete, a soldier, a teacher, a coach, a principal, a counselor, a father, and a husband.

Most of Neal's childhood was spent in Chicago. At the age of fourteen his parents moved to Jackson, Michigan, where Neal attended St. Mary's High School for his sophomore and junior years. In 1950, his parents moved to the suburb of Elmhurst in the Chicago area where Neal attended Immaculate Conception High School, graduating in 1951. Throughout his high school years, Neal excelled as a football and basketball player, receiving many awards, including selection as an all-conference football player and honorable mention as an Illinois all-state basketball player. In addressing Neal's talent as a football and basketball player, local sportswriters variously referred to him as "nifty Neal Christensen" and "the flashy point maker," with one writer declaring that "Adjectives cannot describe the sensational play of halfback Neal Christensen" in the last football game of Neal's senior year.

Upon graduation from high school, Neal received a football scholarship to Michigan State University where he played for three years. In 1954, he transferred on scholarship to Montana State University and played for the Bobcats for two years. He graduated from MSU in 1956 with a degree in Health and Physical Education.

Neal married Peggy Blankenship in 1955. They had three treasured daughters: Lori, Sheri, and Debbie. They later divorced. In 1973, Neal married Marsha Sears and became a loving stepfather to her daughter, Kyna. Neal and Marsha enjoyed 43 years of companionship filled with deep love, affection, and devotion. Theirs was a beautiful love story.

Neal served as an officer in the military for fourteen years, including two years on active duty and twelve years with the Army Reserve and Montana Army National Guard. He started his career as a tank platoon leader and finished as Company Commander of Tank Company of the Montana Army National Guard, 163rd Armored Calvary. He retired with the rank of Captain.

Neal was head basketball coach at Holy Rosary High School in Bozeman from 1958 to 1960, and at Billings Central from 1960 to 1963. In 1963, Neal left coaching to become a counselor. He attended graduate school at Montana State University and received his master's degree in Counseling in 1964. He was school counselor for the Columbus, Park City, and Rapelje guidance co-op from 1964 to 1967. In 1967 he was hired as counselor at the Montana State University-Billings counseling center. In 1976, Neal was hired as the State Supervisor of Guidance and Counseling for the Montana Office of Public Instruction, a position he held until 1981. In that year, he became the counselor at Mountain View School, the detention center for court-adjudicated female minors in Helena. He served as Mountain View's counselor for six years and as its principal for seven years. In 1994, Neal was hired as a school counselor at Helena High School. Neal finished his forty-year career in education there, retiring in 1998.

Neal remained an avid athlete all his life, playing competitive handball for sixty-three years, winning many local tournaments and several Montana doubles state handball championships. He played his last handball game at the age of eighty-one. He was, in his own words, an addicted "gym rat" and a "sports junkie" with an encyclopedic recall of baseball, basketball, and football trivia which he shared with anyone who would listen.

As an atheist, Neal's outlook on life was that it should be lived meaningfully and with purpose. But also not too seriously. Neal laughed easily and had a fetching sense of humor that brought the light of laughter to others. Most of all, Neal lived in the moment, knowing that is all we really have.

In his last days Neal remained grateful for the love and support of those closest to him: his wife, Marsha, and his children, Lori, Sheri, Debbie, and Kyna. He was also grateful for the dedicated medical care he received from Doctors Ken May, Steffen May, and Joan Spannering. He was especially grateful for the care he received from Doctor Kathryn Borgenicht and the entire Hospice of Bozeman Health staff who worked so tirelessly and compassionately to ease his suffering in the last month of his life.

Neal is survived by his wife of 43 years, Marsha; his three daughters, Lori Christensen, Sheri Rogers, and Debbie Johnson-West (Charlie West); his stepdaughter, Kyna Bighorn (Channon); six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Ron (Bobi) Mellor, John (Ellen) Mellor, and Tom (Maryann) Mellor.

He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Bill Rogers.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Hill

2014, Havre, Hill Co., MT, Obituary

Published in Great Falls Tribune on Jan. 22, 2014

Geneva Mae Austin was born Jan. 25, 1932 in Hillsboro, ND to William Kimmel and Esle (Smith) Kimmel. She passed away surrounded by family on Jan. 12, 2014, of natural causes at her home.

On Sept. 2, 1950, she married the love of her life John "Jack" Austin. They were married on roller skates at the Civic Center in Great Falls. Jack and Gen resided at the former Gary Cooper ranch south of Cascade. They moved to West Glacier and had a post and pole yard, but later came to reside in Havre, buying a wrecking yard and later turning it into Bitterroot Rentals east of Havre.

Geneva was a lady of many talents. She was a loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother to many other than just her own family. She enjoyed skating, traveling, baking/cooking, collecting roosters, sewing, gardening and her animals. Her grandchildren remember Grandma always having a house full of animals of wide variety. Geneva bowled in the Thursday Morning AM bowling league for more than 20 years. Geneva took great pride in being a grandma. She would attend all the grandkids' and later the great-grandkids' sporting events and other activities, always showing her support.

Geneva was greeted at Heaven's gate by her husband, John; her son, Pat Austin; and her parents Bill and Elsie Kimmel also her father and mother in-law Jim & Adha Austin.

She is survived by her daughter, Penny (Ed) Olson of Great Falls; brother Gordon Kimmel of Great Falls; brother in-law Richard Austin of California and sister in-law Peggy Barker of Texas; grandchildren Ashlee Olson, Billie Olson and Paul (LeAnn) Olson of Great Falls, Lisa Grant of Texas, Tera (Chad) Verploegen, Kyle Austin, Katie (Jody) Motichka, Thomas (Haley McLain) Kline and Jonathon Austin, all of Havre, and; great-grandchildren, Carmen Olson, Marco and Abbie Olson, Britney Blankenship of Great Falls, Haley and Kayla Jones of Texas, Quintin Kallenberger, Kyley, Jeralynn, Elyssa and Daceen Verploegen, Madison and Nathan Motichka; nephew Rick Kimmel of Great Falls; niece Krissy (Bob) Hardin of Fairfield; and daughter-in-law Kim Purkett of Havre; and her friends at Thursday Bowling as well as many special lifelong friends in the community of Havre and along with many great friends and family in Great Falls. She was a special lady and will be greatly missed.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Lewis and Clark

2010, Helena, Lewis and Clark Co., MT Obituary

Independent Record (Helena, MT) - February 8, 2010,

Paul M. Kirkland, 62, of Helena died peacefully Monday afternoon surrounded by family and friends. Our beloved Paul battled a long and increasingly difficult illness, and we rejoice that he is now well and happy in God's love. We know his dad and "Grandma Peggy" were waiting for him with open arms. Paul was born in Helena on Nov. 25, 1947, to Robert A. and Barbara Holter Kirkland. Paul grew up in Helena as did his mother and grandfather before him, graduating from Helena High School. Paul's large, extended family and wide circle of friends were especially dear to him, and he loved picnics in the mountains with all of them. If you needed help, friend or stranger, he'd be there to do whatever he possibly could. He was a Red Cross CPR instructor and also worked Red Cross Disasters in his younger years. He drove the Helena Foster Grandparents' bus and Helena City Bus. He went on to become a professional over-the-road driver with over 2 million accident-free miles, earning him recognition from "GEARS" Magazine. Paul's interests were Montana history, photography, black powder guns and shooting, archery, and long drives in the mountains with his dog, Jack, who misses him very much.

Paul was endlessly delighted and proud of his children and grandchildren: Bill, and grandson, Zyik, of Fort Collins, Colo.; Dawna (Don) Pace; and Becky Kirkland of Helena; stepson, Trevor (Kerry) Walters; and grandsons, Garrett, Bobby and Sam of Twin Bridges. There were always stories, discoveries, and adventures to be shared with his nieces and nephews: Trever (Angie) Kirkland and son, Derrick, Travis Kirkland, Stephanie (Nick) Van Dyke, Maren Kirkland, Chanda Kirkland, Conner Kirkland, all of Helena, and Cy Keener of Phoenix.

His dad, Bob Kirkland, preceded Paul in death.

He is survived by his mother, Bar; sister, Maren Keener; and brothers, Chris (Linda), Stu (Linda), Aub (Janet) and Rob (Cook), all of Helena. His cousins and extended family are many and were important to him. He is survived, too, by close friends, Tom Blankenship , Les Cope, Jack Gehring and Chuck Jezick.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2011, Helena, Lewis and Clark Co., MT, Obituary

Independent Record (Helena, MT) - July 17, 2011

Donna Stevens Doney, in the presence of her loved ones, slipped away quietly at St. Peter's Hospital on July 14, 2011, following a courageous, three-year battle with lung cancer. Donna was born in Little Falls, Minn., on June 4, 1951, to Arlene and Ken Hanig.

She was raised and educated in Kalispell and later in Deer Lodge where she graduated from Powell County High School in 1970. She then attended Eastern Montana College in Billings and eventually settled in Helena. Early in her career she worked for the Helena branch of the Federal Reserve Bank and also for USF&G Insurance. She then worked for the city of Helena Parking Division, and the state of Montana Department of Agriculture. At the time of her death she was employed as an investigator for the state of Montana Consumer Protection Services.

In 1972 she met her first husband, Dennis (Chuck) Stevens who was a sergeant in the Army at the time. They were married at St. Mary's Catholic Community in Helena and were then stationed for the next four years in Fort Hood, Texas, where their two sons were born. Following his discharge they returned to Helena where they remained together until Chuck's death in 1991. She later met Tom Doney, and they were married in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, in September 2000. He has remained her partner in life until her passing this week. Donna was a social person who enjoyed her work, her family and having fun including movies, music, dancing, gaming and "Mama Mia." She will be greatly missed by so many people, including all her family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Tom Doney; her sons and daughters-in-law, Greg and Mandy Stevens and Brian and Lorie Stevens; stepchildren, Johnell (Dave) Sedlock and April (Nikia) Greene, all of Helena and Jennifer Doney of Missoula. Grandchildren include Riley, Dylan, Hunter and Hannah Stevens, Mason and Taylor Green, Alex and Brooke Sedlock and Alexis Clark. She is also survived by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Diane (Keith) Blankenship, Doreen Ellis, Patty King (Tom McNeal), Paula Hanig (Joe Schendel) and Susan Gendreau (Jack) Wolcott; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Chuck Stevens; both of her parents, Arlene and Ken Hanig; and brother-in-law, Craig King.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 20, at Anderson, Stevenson, Wilke Funeral Home, with burial to follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2019, Helena, Lewis and Clark Co., MT, Obituary

Independent Record (Helena, MT) - March 17, 2019

Peter (Pete) Horton, 80. He was born to Henry D. and Katherine R. (Hart) Horton on March 25, 1938 in Butte, MT. He passed away at his home in Helena in the early morning hours of February 19, 2019 with his wife Debbie and caregiver Lisa at his side. He was years old.

Pete spent his early years in Butte until WWII broke out and his parents moved to Grand Rapids, MN where his father worked in Duluth ship yards. While in Grand Rapids, Sister Karen and twin sisters Margrette and Kathryn joined the family. After the war the family followed their dream to return to Montana first living in Sheridan, MT for a year and then moving to Butte. Pete attended Hawthorne Grade School and graduated from Butte High School in 1956. That fall found Pete enrolled at Montana Tech where he majored in general studies, football and as he said "too much fun." That spring, he began working summers for the Forest Service serving in the Deer Lodge and Helena National Forests for several years.

Pete transferred to Montana State University in Bozeman where he met and married Adona Samuels in July 1960 in Helena, MT. While living in Bozeman their first daughter Leslie was born. Pete earned his BA in Agricultural Education and Science from MSU in the spring of 1962. The summer of 1962 found the family moving to White Sulphur Springs, MT where Pete began a 39 year career of teaching He taught both junior and senior high classes. He was active in the Jaycee's, the restoration of the historic "Castle Mansion" and church choir. Daughters Stacy and Sonvje joined the family.

The summer of 1970 Pete received his MA in Geology, Chemistry and Math from Idaho State University and the family moved to Helena where Pete began teaching at the Helena Junior High. Pete also taught woodworking through Adult Education for 13 years and guitar lessons for 8 years. In the summers he and friend Bill Dotter ran the Rattlesnake Brothers Construction Co. doing building and remodeling in the Helena area.

In 1983 Pete married Debbie Burke and gained another daughter Kitty and three sons, Shawn, Scott and Kyle.

Pete retired from the Helena School District in the spring of 1993 and began to remodel a cabin that they purchased in Elliston, MT. He spent many days building, watching birds and relaxing in the country. In 1995 Pete resumed his teaching habit joining the Construction Technology Department at the Helena College of Technology. He enjoyed building the "trade" houses and teaching skills to many students. He loved the job.

Pete retired from teaching in 2003 and returned to working on the cabin. In 2005 he found the warm weather and rock piles of Arizona. They purchased a small home in Bouse, AZ where Pete spent 13 winters pursuing rock hounding, jewelry design, silversmithing, and enjoying the desert wildflowers and birds.

Pete was a man of many interests and talents. He played guitar, piano and other instruments as well as sang. Along with friend Woody he followed Jazz and Bluegrass music festivals throughout the northwest He created beautiful stained glass art, he was a carpenter and fine wood worker, a dedicated bird watcher and wildflower admirer and loved soaring in an airplane. He continued to increase his varied education until he passed.

Pete was a member of the Helena Mineral Society and the Helena Audubon Society.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Katherine Horton and his sister Karen Dillon.

Pete is survived by his wife Debbie, daughters Leslie Horton Sheeley, Stacy (J.T.) Wheeler, Sonny (Scott) Kuhr, sisters Margrette (Bob) Akers, and Kate Blankenship. Step children Shawn (Audry) Burke, Kitty (Billy) Thomas, Scott (Tammy) Burke and Kyle Burke. Grandchildren Briana (Jake) Stecks, Adonis (Caitlin) Sheeley, Chad (Cindy) Sheeley, Jack Wheeler, Sam Wheeler, Megan Kuhr, A.J. Kuhr, Samantha Burke, Cheyenne Burke, Jordon Tabbert, Kyle Thomas, Darin Burke, Cristin Burke, Malina Scott, Cadence Burke and Dylan Burke. Great grandchildren Audri Sheeley, Kord Sheeley, Henry Sheeley, mother in law Marge Shandy and sister in law and brother in law Lin and Jim Quigley. He was also survived by lifelong friends, Lisle Wood, David (Susie) Marshall and Ethel Dickman.

A celebration of Pete's life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 2:00 pm, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena, MT. We certainly will miss you Papa!

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2019, Helena, Lewis and Clark Co., MT, Obituary

Independent Record (Helena, MT) - September 22, 2019

Russell G. (Rusty) McDonald (aka "Dut" ) was called home by God on September 13, 2019, at the age of 73, after a long battle with a Parkinson-like disease, along with a disease called Binswanger. At the time of his death he lived in Helena where he was born and raised.

Russ was a man of the highest integrity, the kindest, most giving and gentlest man. Everyone who knew Russ loved him and called him a friend. He was born to L. C. (Red) and Helen Marguerite (Lattin) McDonald on November 6, 1945. He grew up around 6th and Main and attended Central School, Helena Jr. High, and Helena high school, graduating in 1964. Russ attended the University of Montana, Montana State University and graduated from Eastern Montana College in Billings.

In 1969 he married Shari and they had two wonderful children, Jennifer and Brian. In 1988 they divorced and in 1990 Russ married his current wife and best friend Mary Ellen Blankenship. They were married in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the famous Chapel of Loretto. Shortly after that wedding they had their wedding blessed by Father Mavsar at St. Cyril Catholic Church in East Helena.

Russ served in the National Guard at Fort Harrison for several years. He worked for the State of Montana as the Vocational Education Accountant from 1972 to 1976. He left there to go into the bicycle business and owned The Other Bike Shop with his friend and partner Lee Skiftun.

In 1976, he went to work for the Montana Department of Transportation in the Right of Way Bureau where he met his wife Mary Ellen. Russ and Mary Ellen became friends enjoying discussions about topics they'd read in the Psychology Today magazine, both having a subscription to at the time.

While at the Department of Transportation, Russ moved up the ladder to become Assistant to the Personnel Division Administrator, and was later promoted to Administrator of the Program Develop Division where he stayed until he retired in 2006. Because he wasn't quite ready to retire, he went to work for a short time at O'Reilly Auto Parts in Helena from December 2006 until December 2007. Being a car enthusiast, this job was one he truly loved. In recent years he became a member of Clan Donald USA, North Pacific Region. He was especially proud of his Scottish heritage. For a short time he was a member of the Helena Mineral Society.

Among his favorite hobbies were American cars, so he acquired a 1950 Ford to restore (but the Ford Thunderbird was his all-time favorite). He didn't fully accomplish restoring the 1950 because of his illness. Russ went on to enjoy being a member of the Helena Street Rodders and acquired many new friends there. In his younger years, he considered himself the luckiest kid in town because his Dad was in the used car business.

Russ got to drive some of the greatest cars of the 50's and 60's at that time. He considered riding bicycles and his Harley motor cycles as a favorite hobby. He took up the guitar and harmonica adding music to his list of hobbies. Russ had learned to play the trumpet while in high school, so when the New Horizon Concert Band was formed in Helena in 2011 he dusted off a trumpet and joined. He thoroughly enjoyed being part of the band. He grew up with a love of trains and had several model trains, his favorite being the Lionel.

Russ became proficient in carpentry work finishing the basement in their home and built a large shed to accommodate hay storage for their horses. Russ was a great mechanic and could fix anything he set his mind to. He was like a walking dictionary and could tell you the definition of almost any word, he was a brilliant man. His dry sense of humor left some scratching their heads but most laughing. Russ loved Monty Python, SCTV and Steve Martin.

He is preceded in death by his parents Red McDonald and Helen (McDonald) Walker.

Russ is survived by his wife Mary Ellen, brother Randy McDonald (Deb), daughter Jennifer Sokoloff (Greg), Brian McDonald (Tyra), and four beautiful granddaughters, Eliza and Emily McDonald, Lucy and Sylvie Sokoloff.

A Mass is scheduled for 12:10 pm, Wednesday, September 25, 2019, at Saint Mary Catholic Community followed by a Burial at Resurrection Cemetery, 3685 N. Montana Ave.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Missoula

+2012, Missoula, Missoula Co., MT, Obituary

Missoulian (Missoula, MT) - October 26, 2012

Bonnie Edith Gambill, 95, of Missoula went to be with her loving Savior on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and in the arms of her beloved husband of 73 years, Glenn Gambill. She was born on March 4, 1917, in Manes, Mo., to J. R. and Lenna Blankenship.

As a young girl she worked on the family farm. On Sept. 25, 1939, she married Glen Edward Gambill, the love of her life. She gave birth to her only child, Anna May Gambill, in 1941. Bonnie devoted her life to caring for her husband and daughter and she was very proud of her grandson, Gregg Baker. In 2007, Bonnie and Glen moved to Montana to be near her family and she made many wonderful friends at the Village Senior Residence in Missoula where she was residing. A loving wife, mother and grandmother, she also took great care of her church family and friends in Missouri. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, gardening and reading her Bible.

Survivors include her husband Glen Gambill; daughter Ann Baker; son-in-law John Baker; grandson Gregg Baker; granddaughter Lisa Baker; great-granddaughter Kaleigh Christopher and her special adopted Robertson family of Ava, Mo.

Visitation will be on Friday from noon to 1 p.m. with funeral services to follow at 1 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home. Pastor Cory Gangle will be officiating the services. Burial will follow at Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2014, Missoula, Missoula Co., MT, Obituary

http://missoulian.com/news/local/obituaries/madeline-betty-blankenship/article_f89a9d15-5d24-5044-8f6a-e531ab32294e.html December 31, 2014 12:00 am

Madeleine “Betty” Blankenship passed away Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2014, in Missoula. She was born Oct. 3, 1921, and was the eldest of three daughters of Roger and Madeleine Waite in Burlingame, California.

She graduated from Lowell High School in San Francisco in 1939, and attended Stanford University from the fall of 1939 until 1941. In 1941, her father was transferred to Atlanta for business and the family became Southerners. While in Georgia, she decided to take flying lessons in hopes of joining the Women Airforce Service Pilots. Betty met her husband, William “Buck” Blankenship of Missoula at her sister’s (Midge) wedding in Georgia. Buck was an army officer stationed in Alabama scheduled to go overseas immediately after the wedding. They had a romance through much correspondence and met again in Montana. They married in Missoula in May 1947. Their daughter, Barbara Lee, was born in September 1948, and Buck tragically passed away from a war-related illness in May 1949.

Betty, with her family’s help, raised her daughter as a single working mom. Betty began her career at home as a secretary of the Missoula Hereford Association. In 1952, Betty took a full-time job as secretary with the Missoula County Republican Committee. In 1953, Betty started her almost 30-year career at the University of Montana. She was initially hired by the History and Political Science Department and moved on to the College of Arts and Sciences. In 1959, Betty moved to the School of Law and worked with deans Robert Sullivan and Jack Mudd, retiring in 1982 to enjoy “all those things retired people do.”

Betty spent her retirement years traveling, playing golf, skiing, quilting, volunteering and enjoying her home, family and friends in Missoula and at Flathead Lake. She was an active member of Soroptimist International Missoula and especially enjoyed sharing many outdoor activities with the "Hippie Mothers," her special friends and the Ladies of the Lake quilters. Betty did all these things with great gusto. She had an adventuresome spirit and challenged and taught her daughter, nieces and nephews to live life to the fullest. She was the keeper of traditions and memories, even taking over the role of “Queen of the Dancing Blue Flame,” lighting every celebratory pie on fire with good Early Times bourbon. She served London Fogs every Christmas and served “green slime” on hot summer afternoons. On the Fourth of July, she made her famous American flag cake. She was the holder of babies, and a knitter of blankets and hats. She loved to quilt, enjoyed live theater and the symphony. She liked dessert and raspberries.

Betty was a no-nonsense kind of gal and ruled the roost with an iron hand. But under that sometimes gruff exterior lived a lady who was kind and gave her time generously to the community. She will be missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Lee Blankenship of Auburn, Washington; and her two sisters, Barbara Sokoloski of Missoula and Marjorie Bird Watters of Paradise Valley, Arizona. She is also survived by her nephews, Don (Michelle) Sokoloski, Tommy (Kristin) Bird, Roger (Cindy) Bird, Robert Bird and John Sokoloski; and her nieces, Anne (Bruce) Maxwell and Madeleine (Jim) O’Malley; along with many great-nieces and great-nephews.

A memorial service will be held at the Springs of Missoula on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 2:30 p.m.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2015, Missoula, Missoula CO., MT, Obituary

Missoulian, (Missoula, MT) Date: May 21, 2015

Glen E. Gambill, 98, of Missoula, went to be with his loving savior and beloved wife, Bonnie, on Monday, May 18, 2015. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Glen was born April 29, 1917, in Welch, Oklahoma, to Addie Mae Jennings Gambill and John W. Gambill. On Sept. 25, 1939, he married Bonnie E. Blankenship, the love of his life.

Glen called for his beloved wife of 73 years, Bonnie E. Gambill, who preceded him in death in October 2012. Bonnie was from Manes, Missouri. They had one child, Ann Baker. Glen was very proud of their grandson, Gregg Baker.

Glen was in the Civilian Conservation Corps and began working for the U. S. Forest Service in Missouri. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, 6th Marine Corps Division, 29th Regiment, Special Weapons Company and served on the front lines in the South Pacific, Melanesia, Micronesia, Orient. He was a 37 mm gunner, gun commander, scout and sniper, and instructor on special weapons, maps, etc. Their division had 80 percent casualties in their battles. He was very proud of his commendation from the White House, signed by Harry S. Truman.

After his discharge, he returned to Missouri and went back to work for the Forest Service. He worked for them until he retired in Ava, Missouri. In 2007, Bonnie and Glen moved to Montana to be near their family. Glen made friends everywhere he went. He made many wonderful friends at the Village Senior Residence and the Village Health Care Center.

Survivors include his daughter, Ann Baker; grandson, Gregg Baker; granddaughter, Lisa Baker; great-granddaughter, Kaleigh Christopher; John Baker; and special adopted Robertson family of Ava, Missouri.

A funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, May 22, at Garden City Funeral Home. Pastor Cory Gangle will be officiating the service. Burial will follow at Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2016, Missoula, Missoula Co., MT, Obituary

Published in Great Falls Tribune on Oct. 5, 2016

David James Hartz, 59, passed away on September 28 surrounded by his sisters and friends, at the Community Medical Center ICU after a short illness. He was born October 23, 1956 to Lorraine and Chester Hartz of Fairfield Montana.

David attended Fairfield schools and graduated high school in 1976. After high school, He lived and worked in Havre. He attended Northern Montana College and worked in home health care. He moved to Great Falls and attended College of Great Falls where he earned an Associates degree. He worked in home health care and sold Watkins products.

David married Viola Blankenship on July 3, 1996 at First English Lutheran Church in Great Falls, Montana. Viola passed away during 1998. David moved to Missoula in 2004. He called the move a restart. While living there he worked for The Cracker Barrel and the Missoula County School District.

David made friends easily and it was not unusual to see 3 or 4 on his trips around town. He joined Bullet Gym and through coaching from Mike Casey, hard work and better diet, David lost over 100 pounds and overcame Type 2 diabetes. He was one of few to achieve that milestone. David loved sports, mainly baseball and became an avid Osprey fan. He was also a huge fan of Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. In addition he liked to cook and this year he won several ribbons for his cooking entries at the Western Montana Fair. He was hoping to become a cook or develop a small home-based baking business.

David was preceded in death by his parents Chester and Lorraine Hartz and his wife Viola.

David is survived by his sisters Judy Hartz of Missoula, Elaine Ryan (Dennis) of Missoula, brothers Charles Hartz (Vicki) of Fargo North Dakota and Jack Hartz (Lynn) of Anchorage Alaska, 4 nephews, 2 nieces, 2 grandnieces and 4 grandnephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on October 23, at University Congregational Church, 405 University Avenue, in Missoula. Please bring a favorite picture or story to share. Cremation and Burial Society of the Rockies of Missoula are providing cremation arrangements.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Viola L. Hartz – b.17Oct1935 - Great Falls, MT: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K1QF-6YG

Relatives - David J. Hartz.

http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mtteton/1988ObituariesFF.html

Hartz, Viola L., (Asplund), 1935-10-17, Chicago, Il/Great Falls, FST, Sep 10 1998

1940 Census, Ward 17, Chicago City, Cook Co., IL,

Frieda Lindemann 65, F, Sweden Head,

Albert Lindemann 35, M, IL, Son,

Eric Asplund 33, M, IL, SonL,

Lillian Asplund 32, F, IL, Dau,

Viola Asplund 04, F, IL, GDau,

John Bohen 51, M, Holland Lodger,

https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KWBW-GZH

Park

2011, Livingston, Park Co., MT, Obituary

Published in Bozeman Daily Chronicle on November 9, 2011

Cathy Lee Blankenship, 45, of Livingston, passed away on Oct. 27, 2011. She was born Jan. 26, 1966, in Tucson, Ariz., to Bill and Jan (Skeens) Homea.

She loved being a mother to her two children, Teresa and Sarah, always providing a clean home. She also enjoyed being a grandmother. On Jan. 4, 2011, Cathy married her longtime boyfriend, Jeff Blankenship, in Sara Vista, Ariz.

She is survived by her husband, Jeff; daughters, Teresa and Sarah; and grandchildren, Aiden, Brenden, and Karlii.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at Dokken-Nelson Sunset Chapel.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Ravalli

+2015, Corvallis, Ravalli Co., MT, Obituary

The Wenatchee World, (WA) Date: July 9, 2015

James R. Blankenship II, 61, of Corvallis, MT, passed away Friday, July 3, 2015 at his home. He was born August 25, 1953, in Los Angeles, CA, the son of the late James R. and Noline D. Blankenship.

Jim grew up in California, where his father was a California Highway Patrolman. After moving several times during his childhood, Jim graduated from Enterprise High School in Redding, CA in 1971. Jim moved to Pullman, WA to attend Washington State University. While at WSU, Jim started as a resident firefighter with the Pullman Fire Department. In 1976, Jim moved to Wenatchee, WA to join the Wenatchee Fire Department, where he obtained the rank of Battalion Chief. On June 23, 1979, he married Rhea L. Delaney in Wenatchee, WA. In 1987, they moved to Graham, WA, where Jim was Fire Chief for Pierce County Fire District 21, until his retirement in 1993. Jim later worked for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources in wildland fire and recreation management. In 2004, Jim moved to Montana to work for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation in wildland fire training, prevention and investigations.

Jim is survived by his wife of 36 years, Rhea; his son, James and fiance;e, Kristen of Spokane, WA; his sisters, Jane Winning and husband, Bob Winter of Chowchilla, CA, Jan and husband, Ron Geib of Oakdale, CA; two nieces and three nephews.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, July 13, 2015 at 2:00 p.m., at the Performing Arts Center at Hamilton High School, 327 Fairgrounds Rd, Hamilton, MT.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

CA, Birth Index, http://www.vitalsearch-ca.com/

Blankenship, James Robert - M, b.1953/08/25 – Dooley - Los Angeles

2018, Darby, Ravalli Co., MT, Obituary

Ravalli Republic (MT) - June 20, 2018

Edward Lee Brickey, 78 of Darby passed away Friday, June 15, at the Kootenai Hospital in Coeur d’Alene, [Kootenai Co.,] Idaho, from complications of Lung Cancer Surgery. He was born December 27, 1939, in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, to the late Luther L. and C. Louise Brickey.

Ed attended Garfield High School in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. He entered the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, California. Ed married Mary Beth Blankenship in 1960. He spent his career in production and construction mining. He was a member and past president of the Colorado Uranium Workers Committee and co-chairman of the Western States RECA Reform Coalition.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Dorothy Brickey-Foutch.

Surviving include his wife, Mary Brickey, of Darby; sons, Edward D. (Jackie) Brickey of Corvallis, William L. (Angela) Brickey of Arlington, Washington, Wayne S. Brickey of Darby and Craig L. (Mary Ann) Brickey of Darby; sister, Katherine G. Kearns of Kentucky; brother, Glen S. Brickey of Colorado; 12 grandkids and 16 great grandkids.

A graveside service will be held at noon on Saturday, June 23,at Lone Pine Cemetery in Darby, with Military honors presented by the U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Corps League – Bitterroot Detachment and the Hamilton American Legion.

A memorial service will follow the graveside service at 2 p.m. Saturday, at the Darby First Baptist Church with Pastor Bob Lokker officiating. The pallbearers are Kyle Brickey, Garrett Brickey, Wyatt Brickey, Preston Brickey, Todd Caulfield and Breanna Brickey. Honorary pallbearer is Zac McMordie.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Maryanne Brickey – b.19Jan1942 – Darby, MT: https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K5LQ-RT1

Relatives - Clara Louise Brickey, Edward L. Brickey, Sally A. Holderness.

+2013, Hamilton, Ravalli Co., MT, Obituary

Missoulian (Missoula, MT) - March 17, 2013

Hattie Ellon "Bobbie" Roberts Ralls, 64, of Hamilton passed away Saturday, March 9, 2013, at her home of natural causes. She was born Feb. 20, 1949, the daughter of Dallas and Jenny (Dillard) Roberts.

Bobbie graduated from Montpelier High School in Montpelier, Ind. She enlisted into the U.S. Navy and served as a hospital corpsman third class until her honorable discharge in 1969. Bobbie married Ted Ralls Sr. and they later divorced. She worked at Kmart for a number of years and was also a caregiver at Sapphire Lutheran Homes and for Ravalli Services. Bobbie was an avid rock hound and she loved going to Crystal Park and Philipsburg digging for sapphires and garnets.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Wanda Blankenship.

She is survived by her ex-husband, Ted Ralls Sr. of Victor; two sons, Ted Ralls of Hamilton and Tom Ralls of Piedmont, S.D.; two granddaughters; two grandsons; and brothers and sisters, Dallas Roberts Jr., of Woonsocket, R.I., Rosemary Coleman of Loogootee, Ind., William Roberts of Indianapolis, Ind., Pama Winters of Montpelier, May Ramseyer of Shelbyville, Ind., Charles Roberts of Centerville, Ind., Margaret Gray of Anderson, Ind., James Stump of Marysville, Ohio, Martha Jackson of Markle, Ind., and Ruby Knight of Hartford City, Ind.

Services will be held at 5 p.m., Saturday, March 23 at the Daly-Leach Chapel with a reception following in the funeral home's community room.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2019, Hamilton, Ravalli Co., MT, Obituary

Missoulian (Missoula, MT) - October 13, 2019

Leland "Lee" Kenneth Yockey, 83, passed away on Sept. 28, 2019, at Marcus Daly Hospice, in Hamilton. Lee was born on July 30, 1936, in Coffeyville, Kansas, the son of Russell Kenneth and Gwendolyn (Norbury) Yockey.

Lee was the oldest of five children.When he was 3, his family moved to South Bend, Indiana. Lee loved family, basketball, golf and Notre Dame football. As a young boy, he would sneak beyond the fence during Notre Dame practices, and legendary head coach Frank Leahy would send him home. Finally, his persistence won out, and he was allowed to watch the practices. His love for the Irish never wavered. When he was 9 years old, he began his love of golf as a caddie in South Bend, learning the finer points of the game by observation. Lee attended South Bend Central High School, and his basketball team won the 1953 Indiana State Championship. The nickname beside his senior picture in his yearbook was "Mr. Basketball." One of his fondest memories was playing defense against NBA Hall of Famer, Oscar Robertson. Lee was one of the best defensive players on his team; however, he often laughed that he was outplayed by Oscar. Most people were.

Lee played basketball for Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. After his freshman year he enlisted in the Marine Corps. It was peacetime and he was stationed in Japan and Okinawa. During those years he was a member of the Marine Corps basketball team and traveled to many locations around the world. After discharge he returned to Ball State and met and fell in love with Judy King. Lee and Judy were married on Aug. 20, 1961, and they started their life together in Indianapolis, Indiana, where Lee worked for a finance company. After two years he accepted a position with a bank in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and remained there for 10 years. Both sons, David and Greg, were born during that time. A position became available in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and the family relocated to the East for six years. While there they took a train trip to Butte, where Judy's brother and his family lived and where her parents had retired. The Yockeys fell in love with the West and began job searches which resulted in the closest to Montana they could find, Moab, Utah. Six years later, in 1985, Lee applied for a commercial lending position at Farmers State Bank. He was hired and the family made their forever home in Hamilton. He had found a bank whose philosophy and culture aligned with his, and his years with Farmers State Bank were the most fulfilling professional years of his life. Lee was direct, competitive, but compassionate in his dealings with people; he truly enjoyed his relationships with customers and co-workers. He served as President, CEO and Chairman of the Board. He also served on the board of directors of the Montana Bankers Association and was a member of the Hamilton Golf Club.

Lee cherished his family. He was a loving husband, father and "Papa." One of his greatest attributes was being a mentor to his family. If there were issues to be addressed he would listen, and after the discussion was over he would give his opinion, often so simple and wise.

Lee was preceded in death by his son, Lt. Col. David Leland Yockey.

He is survived by his wife, Judy, of Hamilton; his son, Greg Yockey and his wife, Amy, of Hamilton; five grandchildren, Kyle Yockey of Texas, Ryan Yockey of Utah, and Megan Yockey, Kellen Yockey and Quinn Yockey, all of Hamilton; sisters, Marilyn Yockey of Ohio and Marlene Blankenship of Indiana; brothers, Larry Yockey of California and Lowell Yockey of Indiana.

A celebration of life will be held Oct. 17, 2019, at 4 pm, at Daly-Leach Memorial Chapel in Hamilton.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2019, Victor, Ravalli Co., MT, Obituary

Missoulian (Missoula, MT) - October 9, 2019

Virginia (Ginny, Gin) Daisy Hamilton, 89, of Victor, passed away Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at Valley View Estates of natural causes. She was born Sept. 28, 1930, in Missoula to Clarence and Marie Newton.

She grew up in Missoula and was educated in the Missoula Public Schools. She married Darrel Atwood in May of 1950 and had two daughters, Lorrie Kent (Michael) of Victor and Jerry Blankenship of California. Virginia spent 25 years in the Bitterroot Valley helping her husband farm and raising her family.

Virginia and Martin (Spike) Hamilton started their life together in 1975 until his death in 1995; he was the light of her life. In May of 1998 Virginia married Alcie Manning and moved to Texas until his death in April 2006. She moved back to Montana spending time with her family.

Virginia is preceded in death by her father and mother and sisters Anita and Lillian.

She is survived by sisters Mary Shelton and Vi Boots; brother Clarence Newton; her daughters; five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 7405 Mullan Rd. on Friday, Oct. 11.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Roosevelt

2018, Froid, Roosevelt Co., MT, Obituary

Sidney Herald (MT) - December 8, 2018

Adam F Wade, 43, of Froid, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, at the Sidney Health Center. He was born on Dec. 31, 1974, in St. Albens, Vt., the son of Francis Joseph and Nancy Ann (Dragoon) Wade III.

At an early age, the family moved to California and then Washington where Adam grew up and attended schools. In 2004, Adam moved to Rangely, Colo., where he attended the Law Enforcement Academy at CNCC. After graduation in 2005, Adam started out as a jailer at the Rio Blanco Sheriff's Office. He worked his way up to patrol, then traffic officer. He later became a sergeant on the RBSO. On June 3, 2009, Adam married Cindy Lou Blankenship in Las Vegas, Nev. In 2013, they moved to Culbertson where he was a scale officer. Later, Adam became a patrol motor carrie officer for the Department of Transportation. Adam took a medical retirement in 2018 with the rank of corporal.

Adam loved planning surprise road trips for him and Cindy Lou, favorite destinations were Vegas, Cripple Creek, and Deadwood, as was going to rodeos. Adam was a very loving and giving husband. He loved his dogs and cats. He is gone but not forgotten. Adam often put others first, strong believer in paying it forward. He beat the cancer and donated his corneas to help two people receive the wonderful gift of sight and his body donated to MSU in Bozeman to help medical students learn more. Always thinking of and giving to others even in death. His memory will live on; he's with the Angels now. RIP, your watch is ended and we have it from here my darling HERO husband.

Adam was preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving him are: his wife, Cindy Lou Wade, Froid; sons, Clinton "Cowboy" Baker, Houston, Texas, Keith Wade, Washington; daughters, Destiny Baker (Joe) Birdsell, Arlington, Va., and Cassie Wade, Washington; brother, Aaron Wade, Anderson, Calif; sister, Karen Wade, Washington; five grandchildren, Sebastian, Anna Michelle, Allyson, Nevaeh, Austin; one great-granddaughter, Athena.

Celebration of Life will be held at 1 pm, Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018, at the Froid Community Center, Froid. Fulkerson-Stevenson Funeral Home.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Sanders

2015, Prospect Creek, Sanders Co., MT, Obituary

Missoulian (Missoula, MT) Date: February 4, 2015

Edward Vincent Dwyer passed away at his home on Friday, Jan. 30, 2015. Ed was born to Helen (Jendresen) and Horace J. Dwyer on March 1, 1946, the fifth of 10 children.

Ed kept the nuns on high alert at St. Paul Elementary School in Anaconda. He attended Anaconda High School and graduated from Sentinel High School after moving to Missoula in his senior year. He took classes at the University of Montana and later at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo.

In November 1968, Ed and Karen Strommen were married in Anaconda. While raising their four children, the couple lived briefly in Missoula, Arlee, St. Ignatius and Pablo before settling on Prospect Creek outside of Thompson Falls. Ed worked at a wide variety of jobs, but was most content when he could be his own boss. Ed and Karen divorced amicably in 1992, remaining good friends. Ed's later years were spent enjoying his land and his life every day, watching the wildlife and playing guitar.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tim; and sister-in-law, Donna.

He loved his four children dearly and was tearfully proud of Ed J. Dwyer of Thompson Falls, Becky (Matt) Blankenship and Denise Dein of Spokane and Tim Dwyer of San Diego; and his cherished granddaughter, Sydney Paige Sanford of Spokane. Ed's surviving brothers include Dave Dwyer of Missoula, Pat (Young Hee) Dwyer of Seattle and Bill Dwyer of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Sisters are Ruth Ann Kelly of Reno, Nevada, Marilou Lewis of Missoula, Michelle (Peter) Beese of El Dorado Hills, California, Denise (Tom) Tuin of San Diego and Katie O'Dwyer of Missoula. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and their children; and friend, Karen.

A celebration of Ed's life will be held later this year.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Wibaux

+2013, Wibaux, Wibaux Co., MT, Obituary

http://www.silvernale-silhafuneralhome.com/

Robert “Bob” Blankenship, age 76, passed away on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at the Wibaux County Nursing Home in Wibaux.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Glendive, Montana with Reverend Ray Willis officiating.

Bob was born in Sheridan Wyoming on March 15, 1936. His parents Jess and Gladys Blankenship engaged in ranching in the Busby region of Rosebud Creek. As the time drew near for Bob to be born, there was a terrible snowstorm. His father drove the team as hard as they could go to get to the hospital in time. Bob’s entry into the world was very difficult for him and his mom, but everything turned out well. The team of horses survived too, but they had given their hearts to the job and were never the same.

Three years later a little sister Mary Lee joined the family and about the same time, they moved to a new location on the south fork of Reno Creek in Bighorn County, near the foothills of the Wolf Mountains. All that was there to greet them was a small log cabin and an old buffalo sleeping in the shade. Bob and Mary Lee grew up knowing horses and cattle and the life that revolved around them.

With their mother they rode horseback to a small one room schoolhouse which their mother taught. They went to high school in Hardin Montana. Bob graduated in 1954 then returned to ranching in business with his parents. He married Bobbi Hall on December 14, 1963 in Hardin Montana. Back in those days, babies were delivered by a stork, who visited them with five squirmy little bundles over the next thirteen years.

In 1972 they purchased the Ben and Betty Brownfield ranch south of Glendive. There they continued raising the boisterous brood, Hereford cattle and Morgan horses. Like so many cattlemen, Bob’s Big Day every year was Bull Buying Day. He found the cattle from North Dakota breeders, the Tachenko brothers, to be a very successful cross with his cows and returned every year to bid on these beautiful promising two year olds. His other great love was his Morgan mare Mickey Midnight and did he love her. He also really enjoyed working cattle with his cousins Bud, Johnny and Bill Blankenship, cowboy friends Marvin Ley and many neighbors who traded work back and forth.

In 2005 Bob suffered a stroke that ended his active career. He became a resident of Wibaux County Nursing Home until he passed away on January 9, 2013. Bob was a member of the First Baptist Church in Glendive, Montana Stockgrowers, and R-CALF, a cattleman’s association. In the years of his residency at Wibaux County Nursing home he made many friends among the staff, past and present. Their loving attention, professional services and overall care for Bob was remarkable and touching.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Jess and Gladys Blankenship.

Bob is survived by his wife of forty-nine years Bobbi; his children, Sally (Jim) of Bozeman Montana, Johnna Blankenship of Santa Rosa, New Mexico, Virginia (Paul) Power of Billings Montana, Jesse (Jaclyn) of Glendive and Robin (Lucas) of Wibaux; 12 grandchildren; one great – grandson; his sister, Mary Lee Flanagan (Mike) of Dayton, Wyoming and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

Yellowstone

+2010, Billings, Yellowstone Co., MT, Obituary

The Billings Gazette, (MT) - April 23, 2010,

Yvonne "Bonnie" Fisk Porter, age 93, passed away Saturday, April 17, 2010, at the Billings Clinic. Bonnie was born Jan. 5, 1917, in Wray, Colo., the eldest daughter of Clinton B. and Ethel Fisk. She grew up in Greybull, Wyo., the daughter of a jeweler. As a seamstress, hat designer and milliner, her mother gave Bonnie her artistic and creative side. In spite of the Great Depression, due to Bonnie's hard work, she was privileged to attain a college degree in education. It was at the University of Wyoming in Laramie where she met a handsome, debonair guy she swore she'd never date again, Grant Chapin Porter, of Lovell, Wyo. They were married in 1938. Bonnie taught in Shell, Wyo., at the "Little Stone School," while Grant finished his degree. After his graduation, she joined him in farming and ranching enterprises in Kane, the Pryor Mountains and Washoe, near Red lodge.

In their first year together in Kane, Grant contracted typhoid fever, and was incoherent and delirious for months. Bonnie helped love him back to health. It was on those ranches that the city girl learned to ride horses, deal with animal husbandry, and learn to "cowboy up." She canned meat, fish and vegetables, chased chickens for slaughter, planted gardens, and learned to love the peace and solace of country living. Making a house a home in creative ways, she bloomed where planted, never complaining about moving or circumstances.

They had three children: Lanning, Clinton and Janet, who grew up in those secure surroundings. Bonnie and Grant began building a summer home near Red Lodge in 1947. They hand-hewn the logs, gathered foundation and fireplace rocks, and worked together to create a beautiful peaceful gathering place for family and friends. Bonnie made sure that the light switches were low enough for their small kids to reach, and insisted that windows were large and went to the floor for them to view the forest, its animals and nature.

The cabin remains a monument to great work ethics and love of family and friends; a place for laughter, fun and rest. The Porters moved to Billings from Washoe in 1950, and again, worked together to build their own beautiful home, where Bonnie lived until her passing. She had confidence that she could accomplish anything she truly desired — and she did! Bonnie operated a private kindergarten, bringing quality early education to several hundreds of children during the next 33 years. She had great pleasure in seeing the wonderful successes and adventures of her "graduates." When she encountered them later in life and heard, "Mrs. Porter, you haven't changed a bit," she said to herself, "Oh no, I hope I didn't look like this when I was in my 30s and 40s!"

Bonnie owned antique shops in Billings, Red Lodge and Laurel. She acquired personal collections of wonderful antiques, quilts, art and collectibles. She was a pioneer in the antique business and sought out artist friends wherever she went. She exposed her children to cultural events, fine music, art shows, and concerts. Bonnie was 5-foot-2, eyes of blue, feisty, and full of vim. She had never met a stranger; she was full of advice, and quick-witted. Her sense of humor moved her through many trials and tribulations. She never complained about circumstances and overcame illness and injuries with true grit and determination. She was honest and true, altruistic to a fault, giving, gracious and loving. She endured gracefully to the end.

She was a sports enthusiast and self-appointed cheerleader for the UT Jazz. She could talk sports, players and coaches with the best of 'em. She proudly told stories about her being the high school pep squad leader, being thrown to the top of the pyramid and other cheerleading feats. She was a great dancer and comedian. She loved to travel and was fortunate to travel to many foreign countries. She was a good sport as she traveled, never complaining, always awestruck, and loved all cultures. Being an active member of her community was also important to Bonnie and she helped save many of Billings' landmarks and buildings. She was a member of the Chapter AS, PEO. From 1986 to '87, she served a mission in Arcadia, Calif., for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Grant passed away in 1979. Bonnie was also preceded in death by her two younger sisters, Doreen (Korell) of Billings and Leora (Grimes) of Citrus Heights, Calif.

She is survived by her sons, Lanning M. Porter (Gail) of Sandy, Utah, Clinton C. Porter of Red Lodge, and her daughter Janet E. Blankenship (Tom) of Billings; 15 grandchildren and a whole bunch of great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and their children; "adopted daughter," Janet Olson (Dick); co-cheerleader for the UT Jazz, Georgia Blank; and friends too numerous to mention. Bonnie walked into heaven Saturday, a good and faithful servant of her Lord.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, April 23, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3595 Monad Road. Interment services will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 24, in the Lovell Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2013, Billings, Yellowstone Co., MT, Obituary

The Billings Gazette, (MT) - May 10, 2013

Geraldine Florence (Bolton) Holmgren, age 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 5, 2013, at Swedish Medical Center in Denver, as a result of a massive stroke. Mom was born on Nov. 15, 1925, in the "little brick sheriff's house" next to the courthouse in Columbus, the daughter of Sheriff Thomas and Esta (Pearsall) Bolton.

She lived in Columbus until her father was appointed U.S. Marshal in 1928, and the family moved to Billings. Jerry was the youngest of four siblings: Dorothy, Ed and Ted. Her father died when Jerry was 12. Mom attended McKinley, Lincoln and Billings Senior High, where she graduated in 1944. Jerry was a tomboy who spent many hours riding horses all around Billings and sharing her time with her dog, Buddy. In high school, she participated in sports, including basketball, volleyball and softball. Jerry was inducted into the Montana Women's Softball Hall of Fame in 2010. Her happiest, freeing moments were riding around in her 1931 Model A Ford Coupe. During high school, Jerry's mother became very ill, so she would run home from school each day to care for her. At age 17, Jerry felt very sad and lost when her mother passed away. She worked very hard thereafter at various jobs.

After high school graduation, Jerry moved to Seattle to work proudly for Boeing as a "Rosie the Riveter" in order to support the WWII war effort. She continued her entire life to be a proud American patriot. Returning to Billings, Jerry married Bill Blankenship in 1945. After moving to California with Bill, she was dedicated to raising their three children: Tom, Donna and Don.

When she and Bill divorced, Jerry returned to Billings. In 1949, Jerry married Harold Scovill, whom she met while employed at Meadow Gold Dairy, where Harold, a chemist, developed ice cream flavors. They enjoyed getting together with many friends and family members to play cards and bowl. Some of their best times and cherished memories were at their cabin near the "swinging bridge" on the Rosebud River near Absarokee. One of Jerry's hobbies was raising Chihuahuas and traveling to dog shows, where her dogs often took top honors. Harold passed away after 23 years of wonderful marriage.

In 1974, Jerry married Herbert Holmgren. They enjoyed fishing, traveling to Arizona and participating in events in Columbus, where they resided. Jerry worked for Stillwater County Sheriff Gene Brown until retiring in 1976. When Herbert passed away in 2004,

Jerry returned to Billings. Jerry knew so much about Billings history and, amazingly, could recall and recite facts about people and places in Billings, such as who lived where, names and locations of businesses, what people did and where they went! Until her passing, she and many of her high school friends continued to stay in contact and got together on regular occasions. She kept current with friends and family the good old-fashioned way … by writing cards and letters, phone calls and personal visits! She and daughter Donna made sure that Jerry's friends were included in activities and most often were taxis for so many. Jerry was a fabulous artist and loved to read. She kept up with current events and could fervently argue politics with "the best of 'em." She was extremely generous, giving support and funds to numerous nonprofits; she loved music and could rapidly recall lyrics to many, many songs. She and Donna rode many a-mile singing in the car. Mom was a very talented writer and kept a daily diary most of her life. She loved to travel and, last fall, returned from a dream trip to Hawaii to see Pearl Harbor, and took her first helicopter ride, flying over a live volcano.

Jerry is survived by sons Tom (Janet) Blankenship, Don (Connie) Blankenship; and daughter Donna Blankenship; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, May 13, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave., with viewing from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 12.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

2014, Billings, Yellowstone Co., MT, Obituary

The Billings Gazette, (MT) Date: November 3, 2014

Gary Hein, former "Mr. Montana" in weightlifting, passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 74.

A Billings resident his entire life, an avid fisherman and exercise enthusiast, Gary loved the great outdoors (and cold beer). Gary worked for many years for local beer distributors and retired from Ryan Wholesale Grocerers after 20 years.

Gary Hein is survived by his wife, Sandy (McLean) Hein; step-daughters, Julie Tansey, Janell Blankenship; brother, Russell (Barb) Hein; nieces, nephews and six grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Mary Hein; brothers, Robert, Herbert and Marvin; and sisters, Mildred, Louise and Phyllis.

A graveside service is planned for 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, at Mountview Cemetery.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2016, Billings, Yellowstone Co., MT, Funeral

The Billings Gazette, (MT) - February 14, 2016

Richard "Whitey" Blankenship, 77 [1939], passed away Friday, Feb. 12, 2016, at his home in Billings.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Feb. 16, at New Hope Church of the Nazarene.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com

+2016, Billings, Yellowstone Co., MT, Obituary

http://billingsgazette.com/lifestyles/announcements/obituaries/richard-d-whitey-blankenship/article_35633187-24f0-5c48-9345-7807f83e481f.html

Richard D. “Whitey" Blankenship, 77, went home to be with the Lord on Feb. 12, 2016.

Whitey loved Montana and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He always looked forward to his annual bird and deer hunting trips with his sons, grandsons, nephews, and friends.

Whitey worked in the construction industry as a contractor, heavy equipment operator and truck driver. He was known for his exceptional skills as an operator and driver, passing those skills and his experience down to his sons and nephews. Whitey was also an outstanding mechanic, able to repair anything in order to keep the operation going. He had a knack for solving problems in the field and an unwavering standard demanding that all work be done right. As a loyal and trustworthy man, Whitey's legacy in the industry will not be forgotten.

Whitey was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and daughter Lisa.

Whitey leaves behind his loving wife, Mary, of 40 years; his sons, Jim, Dave, Larry, Rick, Bob, and daughter Rhonda; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, and nieces.

Memorial service at 2 p.m., Feb. 16 at New Hope Church of the Nazarene.

Richard D. Blankenship – b.08Apr1938 - Park City, MT: https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QJW4-BR9V

Relatives - Mary E. Blankenship, Mary Blakenship, Rhonda M. Blankenship, Rhonda Mae Blankenship.

+2010, Laurel, Yellowstone Co., MT, Obituary

The Billings Gazette, (MT) - April 13, 2010,

Samuel "Sam" Jansma, 70, died April 11, 2010, at St. Vincent Hospital. He was born March 11, 1940, in Billings, to William and Katherine (Blankenship) Jansma. He grew up in Billings on the family dairy farm and graduated from Senior High in 1958. He then met his sweetheart and future wife of 48 years, Frankie Nielsen; to this union, three children were born. He farmed for many years, recently retiring from Western Sugar. Sam had an amazing love for his six grandchildren; they were all close to him and adored him dearly. He was an avid bowler and was to be inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame in May of this year. If you couldn't find him at the bowling alley, you would fine him in the garden, where he spent a lot of his time. He will be truly missed, but forever loved and always in our hearts.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Dwayne.

He is survived by his wife, Frankie; children Kathy (Mike) Jennings of Knoxville, Tenn., Steve (Shelly) Jansma of Laurel, Jana (Brad) Graff of Baltic, S.D.; grandchildren Kristin Voss, Elizabeth Jennings, Tyler Jansma, Sara Jansma, Niklas Graff, Bryson Graff and brother Dave (Ella) Jansma; six nieces and nephews, many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 15, at the United Methodist Church Laurel.

From: Diane Renfrow dhrenfrow(at)yahoo.com