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John E. Duffy
John E. Duffy, 82 of Billings, died Monday evening, May 31, 1999, at his home. He was born at Florence on March 2, 1917, the son of John J. and Susan F. (Jenkins) Duffy, descendants of pioneer and homestead families in the Bitterroot Valley.
John grew up in the valley, attending Florence-Carlton schools and the University of Montana. He was a career federal employee, having worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps, Internal Revenue Service, Reconstruction Finance Corporation, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. After retiring in 1978, he formed Contractual and Consulting Services for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of Justice, and several Indian tribes. He also prepared income tax reports throughout his career.
John and Camille Bement were married
in 1952. John's interests were his family, friends, home, and photography. He was also proud of being personally acquainted with many Indian leaders throughout the United States.
Survivors include his wife and his daughters, Linda Duffy-Glassman of Oregon and Leona Keltner of Washington. Special thanks to friends and the special staff at Big Sky Hospice.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, June 3, at Michelotti, Sawyers & Nordquist. Memorials may be sent to Big Sky Hospice, P.O. Box 35033, Billings, MT 59107-5033.
Edith V. Engelhardt
Edith V. Engelhardt, 90, of Billings, died Sunday morning, May 30, 1999, at her home after a brief but valiant battle with cancer.
The daughter of Samuel and Mary Bale, Edith was born Sept. 25, 1908, at Ollie.
She married
Roy W. Engelhardt in Minot, N.D., Feb. 10, 1934. The first years of their marriage they lived in many communities as Roy worked construction. In September 1946 they moved their family to Billings.
Edith was a tolerant, non-judgmental person with a special sense of humor and a sparkle in her eye. She enjoyed all types of handy work including quilting and crocheting, and flower gardening, but hated weeding.
She was a member of the First Congregation Church since 1947. Edith was a registered bridge player and belonged to the National Bridge Association. She enjoyed playing duplicate bridge, pinochle, and cribbage at the Senior Citizens and Elks. Edith was often paired with new inexperienced players because she was a good trainer with an easygoing manner, she understood bridge was just a game.
Survivors include three children and their spouses, Janice and Howard Hesemann of Marion, Iowa, Nancy and Geoffrey Wilson of Superior, and Roy and Sharon Engelhardt; two sisters, Katherine Miotke of Spokane, Wash., and Winnifred Iverson of Dickinson, N.D.; a half-brother, Clair Bearfield of Valley City, N.D.; six grandchildren, Shane and Patricia Wilson, Kern Wilson, Ty Wilson, Teal Wilson, Chris and Tracy Engelhardt and Cale Engelhardt; and one great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband.
Visitation will begin 4 p.m. Thursday. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Michelotti, Sawyers & Nordquist Mortuary with interment in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to Big Sky Hospice, Intermountain Children's Home, or First Congregational Church.
Joan Lillian Fjare
BIG TIMBER - Joan Lillian Fjare, 77, of Big Timber, went to be with her Lord Monday, May 31, 1999, at Pioneer Medical Center after a valiant battle with cancer. Joan was born at Bedford, England on Sept. 2, 1921, the eldest daughter of Edward and Lillian (Barber) Markham. She attended school in Bedford and Leigh-on-Sea.
As a young woman, she worked as a secretary/bookkeeper at the Cumberland Hotel in London. During this time she survived the nighttime bombings of the city during World War II. In 1942, she joined the Women's Auxiliary Territorial Service (Women's Army) in England and was assigned to the Claims Commission as a secretary to military attorneys. During that time she met, and on Oct. 24, 1943, married
Charles Monroe Thomae, an American soldier serving at Royston. In February 1945 she and infant daughter, Pat, sailed with other war brides and children to the United States. After Chuck was discharged from the Army, the family moved to Montana where they ranched in the Bozeman and Livingston area. They later divorced.
On Sept. 18, 1951, Joan became a proud citizen of the United States. For many years she served as clerk for the Mill Creek Flat School District. As a 4-H leader of the Paradise Experimenters, she enjoyed working with youngsters teaching, encouraging and helping with projects. In December 1963 she began work as secretary/bookkeeper for Park Electric Cooperative, a job she enjoyed for 8 years. On June 12, 1971, she married
Kenneth Fjare. They made their home on the family ranch near Melville. The couple were active members of the Melville community and the Melville Lutheran Church. Joan was a member of the Melville Ladies' Aide. Joan deeply loved her family. She enjoyed knitting, and her family and friends have been warmed by her exquisite handwork.
Kenneth passed away on Feb. 17, 1987. Joan moved to Big Timber. She enjoyed traveling both in the United States and overseas. She made several trips with her children to England, Norway, and last spring fulfilled a lifetime dream of making a trip to New Zealand and Australia. Joan was very active with the Big Timber Senior Citizens. She served on the board of directors, played in the band, and was instrumental in organizing the renovation of the Hospitality House. She had recently been honored as Senior Citizen of the Year. She was also a member of the Sons of Norway and the Republican Women.
Joan was a woman of great faith in the Lord, a lady of patience and courage in adversity - especially during her battle with cancer.
She is survived by three daughters: Pat and Larry Hansen, Avon, Marilyn Perkins, Deer Park, Wis., and Heather Fjare, Fort Collins, Colo.; three sons: Paul E. and Sandy Thomae, Laurel, Monte and Cheri Fjare, Big Timber, and Mark and Kathryn Fjare, Absarokee; 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; step-mother, Doris Markham, England; and sister, Sandra Markham. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Yvonne, and husband, Kenneth.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at Big Timber Lutheran Church with Pastor Jim Holmlund officiating the services. Interment will follow in Mountain View cemetery. Lowry Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to Hearts and Hands Hospice of Big Timber, Big Timber Hospitality House, Senior Citizens Center or Melville Lutheran Church.
Rex Gorder
MENIFEE, Calif. - Graveside services for Rex Gorder, 40, formerly of Sidney, Mont., are at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 2, 1999, at the Sidney cemetery.
Rex was born on July 23, 1958, in Sidney, the son of Homer and Aimee (Todd) Gorder. At an early age, Rex was diagnosed with Down's Syndrome. At the age of 5, Rex went to live in Boulder, Mont. Rex was a special child, always happy and smiling. Then in the early '70s he was moved to California. Rex's caregiver was Audrey Johnson until 1998 when he went to live with another caregiver, Gloria Fransico. Rex was always loved and enjoyed the other clients and the time spent on their special outings.
Rex died on Sunday, April 18, 1999, at the Menifee Valley Medical Center in Menifee.
Surviving him are: his brother, Tod and his wife, Susan of Sidney; three nephews, Shane and wife, Lisa, of Sidney, Cody of Clyde Park, Mont., and Jeremy of Sidney; two great-nephews, Brennan and Brady; and two great-nieces, Adryan and Jalyssa.
Rex was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Scott.
Janna Lee Rogers
Janna Lee Rogers, age 36 of Billings, went home to be with her Lord, May 29, 1999, due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident in Billings.
Janna Lee Rogers was born Saturday, Sept. 1, 1962, in Great Falls. She attended schools in Cut Bank, Shelby, Fairview, and Billings. After attending college at MSU in Billings, she pursued a career in music, which was her true passion, but found herself successful in other areas in media and advertising. Janna had a great love for life, her friends, and especially her family.
She loved to be outdoors, enjoyed shopping, loved to read, and her sarcastic sense of humor made everyone's day seem much brighter. A rebel in her own world, she would not let anything stop her from reaching her dreams. She was determined to be successful in life; and although she did not consider herself a great success, she did not realize how successful she was in the ways she touched people's lives. Her birth was God's miracle and her death God's mystery.
She was many different things to each of us that she knew, loved and cherished in her lifetime here.
Today we honor all those things that she was to each of us, and return her to our Heavenly Father, who knows and understands both her and us and the innermost intentions of our hearts, as no other can.
Thank you, Lord, for the time that you gave us with her here.
We will each retain and treasure our memories of her time with us and entrust her soul to your loving care.
Amen
Janna is survived by her son, Rocky Ward Jr., of Billings, Levi Ward of Billings; mother and stepfather, Ferne and John Whalen of Bridger; father and stepmother, Hiram and Lorri Rogers of Billings; a sister, Debbie Greenwalt (Chip) of Overgaard, Ariz.; stepsister, Lorri Rogers of Reno, Nev., Melody Jungels (Darnell) of Miles City; stepbrothers, Chris Whalen (Sarah) of Narita, Japan, and Karl Dean Rogers (Deborah) of Billings; and three nephews, Tony, Wally and Rusty. She is also survived by Rocky Ward Sr. (Lynn) of Molt, Steve Orrico of Billings, and many special friends too numerous to mention.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 1999, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Michelotti, Sawyers & Nordquist Mortuary in Billings. Memorial service will be held on Friday, June 4, 1999, at 10 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Bridger with Father Richard Osterman officiating. Interment will follow in the family lot in the Bridger cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge the arrangements.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Janna Rogers Memorial Trust Account for her son, Rocky Ward Jr.'s education which has been set up by the Billings Broadcasters and it can be sent to First Citizens Bank, 2812 First Ave. N., Billings, Mont. 59101.
Hazel V. Rowland
LAUREL - Hazel V. Rowland, 86, of Laurel died Monday, May 31, 1999, at Western Manor. Cremation has been held and a memorial will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Cremation or Funeral Gallery, 8th St. W. and St. Johns in Billings.
She was born in Heyburn, Idaho, a daughter of Claude and Edna Nelson Hathaway. When she was 12, Hazel and her father moved to California where she married
Robert Rowland in 1933. She was a hairdresser in a beauty salon for 20 years. Her husband Robert died in 1971 and in 1973 she moved to Billings to be near her daughter.
Survivors include her daughter, Sally (John) Bach of Laurel; daughter-in-law, Donna Rowland of Chicago; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Clyde Hathaway of California and Bill Dayley of Boise, Idaho. Hazel was also preceded in death by her parents; her son, Marvin Rowland; a brother, Ellis; and a sister, Rose.
Arrangements were made by Cremation or Funeral Gallery.
In Loving Memory of Our Dad
James W. Shaw
James "Jim" W. Shaw, lifelong resident of Billings, passed away Saturday, May 29, at the age of 70. His children were at his side.
The son of Hazel (Martin) and Edward Shaw, Mr. Shaw graduated from Billings Senior High in 1946 and enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was honorably discharged in 1949. Mr. Shaw married
Katherine M. Buckner, July 2, 1954. He retired from AT & T in 1986 after 33 years of service. He is survived by three children and two grandchildren. Interment will be in the Veterans Columbarium at Mountview cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to Big Sky Hospice with whose support we were able to help our Dad pass peacefully from this world to the next. Our sincere thanks and appreciation to those of you who sent flowers and remember Dad fondly.
Michelotti, Sawyers & Nordquist has charge of arrangements.
Jay Wesley Sheets
OMAHA, Neb. - Jay was born Dec. 7, 1923, in Livingston, Mont. He was the son of Alma and Glen Sheets. He attended schools in the Laurel, Mont., area. He entered the Air Force in November 1942 and served as a ball turret gunner on a B-24 bomber in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged in September 1945 as a staff sergeant.
Jay married
Helen McDowell in December 1946. Together they had three daughters and one son.
Jay worked at the Farmers Union Refinery, farmed at Reed Point, Mont., and drove long-haul truck for many different companies. He loved to drive the semi-trucks. He was also a "fix-it" man and his specialties were engine repair, electrical work and wiring.
In 1987, he married
Betty Dailey in Omaha and resided there until his death Jan. 20, 1999.
Jay was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; son, Scott Sheets; and daughter Jayellen Sheets Allen. He is survived by his wife, Betty and her family; daughters, Laurie (Carl) Holmquist of Fowler, Colo., and Barbara (Steve) Johnson of Homer, Alaska; sister, Delores Mallgrem of Olympia, Wash., and half-sister, Donna Sheets Wagner of Laurel; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Graveside services with interment of cremains will be on Friday, June 4, 1999, at 10 a.m. at Mountview cemetery in Billings.
Lucie K. Ziller
Lucie K. Ziller, 86 of Billings, died Saturday, May 29, 1999, at Western Manor Nursing Home.
The daughter of August and Bertha Krohn, Lucie was born June 20, 1912, in Quickborn, Germany. She came with her family to the US in 1925, settling in Grand Island Neb. She married
Frank Ziller, April 28, 1931. He preceded her in death, June 10, 1990.
Lucie had worked at City Drug and Artificial Ice. She enjoyed gardening, golfing, bridge, bowling, and traveling, having traveled to Australia, Tasmania, and Germany. She was a past president of the City Women's Bowling League and a member of the Bowling Hall of Fame. She also served as treasurer of AARP and on the board of directors.
Survivors include her son, Bob Ziller of New Richmond, Wis., and her daughter, Joan Nessan of Billings; six grandchildren, Kayna Popnoe, Neal Ziller, Audrey Ziller, Carl Ziller, Mark Hayden and Lynda Gallaher; and five great-grandchildren, Rachael, Jacob, Sarah, Zack and Jason.
Cremation has taken place. Private family services are planned. In her love of life, she wanted to be remembered in life.
Memorials may be made to the Elks Club Memorial Fund. Michelotti, Sawyers & Nordquist has charge of arrangements.
Steven Roger Rieger
Steven Roger Rieger, 27, passed away on June 21, 1999, in Billings, from a drowning as a result of an auto accident in Powell, Wyo. A loving husband, son, brother, uncle and a great friend to many, Steve was born on March 9, 1972, in Billings, the son of Roger and Sharon (Hein) Rieger.
He graduated from Billings West High School in 1990 and received a degree in Business Education from MSU-Billings in 1995.
On Sept. 20, 1997, he married
the friend he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, Lisa Baum.
Steve was employed by the United States Postal Service since 1993, first as a mail handler, clerk, then in 1996 he became a letter carrier. He was very active in volunteering for the Jerry Lewis Telethon and the Letter Carrier Food Drive. Steve loved his job and the people he worked with.
He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Emma Rieger and Esther Hein, and his grandfather, Henry Rieger. He is survived by his wife, Lisa; his parents, Roger and Sharon Rieger; sisters, Pam (Carter) Schaff of Billings and Shelly (Garret) Hawkins of Seoul, Korea. He also left behind two nieces and one nephew, Kendra and Sara Schaff and Seth Hawkins whom he was very proud of. Also survived by his grandfather, Saunder Hein, and many aunts and uncles and cousins.
Steve was involved in numerous activities. His passion was playing softball, in which he had the opportunity to play for the Hudson's men's team and the American Linen co-ed team. He also enjoyed bowling with his friends, THE CLUB on Wednesdays and with his wife on Thursdays. Many friends have been gained through his love of sports. Nobody will ever forget his one-liners. He had so much laughter to give and was friends with all those whom he came in contact with. You will always be loved.
Till we meet again. Goodbye Clownboy!
Visitation will be 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 25, at Michelotti, Sawyers & Nordquist. Funeral Service will be held Saturday, June 26, at Mayflower Congregational Church at 3 p.m.
Kathleen (Tiny) Lydania Ricker
POPLAR - Our beloved mother, Kathleen (Tiny) Lydania Ricker of Poplar, 53, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 13, 1999.
Kathleen (Tiny) was born on July 24, 1946, to Ida Ricker Walking Eagle. She was raised by her grandparents, Ted and Mildred Ricker. She grew up and attended schools in Poplar, graduating from Poplar High School. She attended Clinton Job Corps Center in Clinton, Iowa, graduating with a business certificate. She used these skills throughout her working career. She worked for the Fort Peck Housing Authority and Indian Health Service. She was employed for the last 17 years of her working career by the Fort Peck Tribal Health Department, retiring in 1995 due to health reasons.
Tiny enjoyed doing crafts, crossword puzzles, reading and sewing. She was a very giving person, always willing to lend a hand to help someone. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren, Theron, Taime, Shawna, and Alex, all of whom, she treasured.
Kathleen (Tiny) is survived by two daughters, Lydania (Dwayne) Hagadone of Poplar and Stacey Pipe (Ross) of Billings; four grandchildren, Theron and Shawna Hagadone, Taime Lanchbury, and Alex Malstrom; four nieces, whom she raised as her own, Jeri Ann Fast Horse, Charlene (Charley) Walking Eagle, Jackie P. and Jonna Spotted Bird, all of Poplar; three special friends, whom she considered her sisters, Nancy Burshia and Debbie Johnson of Poplar, and Darlene Fourstar of Wolf Point; four sisters, Patsy Two Bulls, Junia Spotted Bird of Poplar, Debbie Walking Eagle of Nebraska, and Irene Walking Eagle of Alabama; three brothers, Donald and George Walking Eagle of Poplar, and Alfred Walking Eagle of Colorado. Numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive her.
Funeral services are on Friday, April 16, 1999, at 10 a.m. at the Lindsey Memorial Presbyterian Church in Poplar. There will be a viewing at the Church on Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with a family service at 7 p.m. Burial will be at the Poplar City cemetery. Rev. Loren Robinson of Pine Ridge, S.D., officiating. Clayton Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
