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Richard Vaughn Burton Courchene
WOLF POINT – Richard Vaughn Burton Courchene, died on Saturday, May 20, at the Deaconess Hospital in Billings from heart complications, with his daughters by his side.
Richard, one of eight children, was born on Feb. 24, 1942, to Virginia and David Courchene. He is survived by four daughters, Michelle Willson of Miles City, Angela Miller of Missoula, Christine Courchene of Helena, and Elizabeth Courchene of Wolf Point; one son, Chief Petty Officer Patrick Courchene with the U.S. Navy; five brothers, Phillip of Tacoma, Wash., Greg of Browning and Jeri, Kevin and Curtis of Wolf Point; one sister, Davida of Wolf Point; numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Following high school he attended barber school in Dallas and operated his own shop in Glasgow. He went on to Northern Montana College of Havre and acquired a Masters Degree in Psychology. Richard had a debonair sense of humor which was insurmountable. He had many business contacts in Helena, Denver, and Washington, DC. He was much sought after as a grant proposal writer and had on many occasions to speak before the Senate Appropriations Committee in DC.
He was known for his love of nature, music, and was an accomplished blues as well as Spanish-style guitarist. He had a smooth vocal presentation especially with love ballads. Richard was also a talented sketch artist. His legacy was to insert yourself into a project and give it your all and see it through to the end.
Visitations was held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, May 22, at the Clayton Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point with a vigil service at 5:15. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 23, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wolf Point with Rev. Fr. Steve Zabrocki officiating. Interment will be in the Courchene cemetery.
Hallie Lee Elliston
BASIN, Wyo. – Hallie Lee Elliston, 61, died May 24, 2000, in Billings of natural causes.
Cremation has been held. Private memorial services and inurnment will be held at a later date.
Dorothy Chapman Gilbert
Dorothy Chapman Gilbert, 70 of Roundup, died Tuesday, May 23, 2000, at St. Vincent Hospital.
The daughter of Edwin and Irene Machin, Dorothy was born March 27, 1930, in Washington, D.C. She married
Charles Gilbert in Washington, November 15, 1958. They moved to Roundup in 1990.
Survivors include her husband, Charles of Roundup; three daughters, Judi Funk and her husband, David of Kalispell, Mary Andrews and her husband, Dan of Merritt Island, Fla., and Annette Schaefer and her husband, Frederick of Clovis, N.M., and eight grandchildren, Brittany Funk, Jessica, Matthew, Nathan and Edwin Andrews and Ashley, Jarrett and Shawna Schaefer.
Prayer services will be 7 p.m. Friday at St. Nicholas Orthodox church. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church with interment at Holy Cross cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Nicholas Orthodox Church.
Michelotti, Sawyers & Nordquist has charge of arrangements.
Jerry Hart
MILES CITY – Jerry Hart, 39, died Tuesday, May 23, 2000, at the Deaconess Medical Center in Billings as a result of a bike accident.
Visitation will begin Friday. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 27, in the chapel of Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the family lot in the Custer County cemetery.
Norma Jane Meissel
SIDNEY – Norma Jane Meissel, 67, died Wednesday, May 24, 2000, at the Sidney Health Center after a long battle with congestive heart failure.
Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 27, at the Fulkerson Memorial Chapel. Interment will be in the Richland Memorial Park.
C. E. ‘Elmer’ Pangburn
LEWISTOWN – C. E. “Elmer” Pangburn, 93, died Wednesday, May 24, 2000, in a Lewistown nursing home of natural causes.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, in the Assembly of God Church in Jordan, with interment to follow in the Pioneer cemetery. The Cloyd Funeral Home of Lewistown is in charge.
Donald L. Puckett
BRUNSWICK, Ga. – Donald L. Puckett, 84, of Brunswick, passed away at his daughter’s residence on Wednesday, after an extended illness. He had been a resident of Brunswick since 1993, coming from Billings, Mont. He was a retired salesman. He was a Mason and a Shriner. He was an inventor and had three of his inventions patented. He spent five years in the U.S. Navy as a Chief Pharmacist Mate and was a World War II veteran.
Mr. Puckett is survived by a daughter, Niki Schmauch of Brunswick; two sons, Gary Puckett and Donald L. Puckett Jr. of Seattle, Wash.; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Glynn Rose Funeral Home is in charge of services.
Kenneth Isaac Red Elk
Spotted Eagle
CAMDEN, Ind. – On Monday, May 22, 2000, the eldest member of the Rides The White Horse Clan passed into the spirit world. Kenneth Isaac Red Elk, 69, a member of the Fort Peck Tribes, passed away at his residence in Camden, Ind., after a lengthy illness.
Kenneth was born Feb. 18, 1931, a son of Herman Red Elk and Maggie Iron Cloud. He grew up in the Chelsea area west of Poplar in the old ways, hunting for wild game for food and riding horseback. He was also a champion grass dancer in his younger days, learning the old style from the late Otto Browning. After Kenneth graduated from Poplar High School in 1949, he followed in the footsteps of his older brothers, Gerald and Herman, and older sister, Viola, and joined the service. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on June 31, 1949. He came from a family of traditional veterans and had in his possession a rattle of the Chante Tinza - Brave Hearts, which belonged to his brothers, Gerald and Herman. Kenneth dedicated 28 years of his life to the Armed Forces, serving in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. When he was honorably discharged on July 7, 1977, Kenneth received the highest rank an enlisted man can acquire, Chief Master Sargeant/ E-9.
Following his successful military career, Kenneth settled in Camden, Ind., and began a second one as one of the few licensed Native American auctioneers. His popularity in his community was evident as he was elected to the Carroll County Council for six years as a Democrat in a heavy Republican district. He also served as Carroll County Auditor for four years.
Kenneth married
Priscilla Crane on Nov. 17, 1951. To this marriage was born a son, Keith Red Elk of Douglasville, Ga., two daughters, Carrie and Kristen Red Elk of Rochester, N.Y.
On Feb. 20, 1964, Kenneth married
Linda L. Brown in Delphi, Ind. To this union was born a son, Keene Red Elk, who lives in Camden, Ind.
Kenneth was a member of the Camden United Methodist Church, Camden Lions Club, American Legion Crazy Bull Post 54 of Poplar, Air Force Assn., Air Force Sgts. Assn., Grisson Air Force Base Chiefs Group.
Kenneth returned home to the Fort Peck Reservation to take part in the Rides The White Horse Clan family reunions held every two years to learn more about the traditions and cultures of the Sioux people and to dance traditional during the summer celebrations. His love of the ways of the pow wow took him into the southeast United States, where he became well-known among the pow wow circuit along with his son, Keith.
The Rides The White Horse Clan is made up of the Red Elk families who were the sons and daughters of Herman Red Elk and Maggie Iron Cloud. Most of the families now reside across the nation and return home every other summer to renew their family ties. As the eldest, surviving son of Herman and Maggie, Kenneth was looked up to with respect by his younger relatives, and his soft spoken ways and quiet strength will be greatly missed.
Kenneth is survived by his wife Linda; sons, Keith and Keene; daughter, Kristen; grandchildren, Sharayah Red Elk, Mariah Red Elk and Micah Red Elk; and numerous relatives on and off the Port Peck Reservation. He was preceded in death by brothers, Gerald, Herman, Raymond, Obelle; sisters, Loretta Red Elk, Viola Red Elk Shields and Imogene Red Elk Gibbs, and daughter, Carrie. Services were held in Camden, Ind., on Thursday, May 25, at the Camden United Methodist Church. Local services are scheduled for this weekend in Poplar. A wake will be held Saturday, May 27, in the Cultural Center, with services at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 28. He will be buried at Chelsea cemetery with military graveside rites. Clayton Memorial Chapel is in charge of local arrangements.
Leona Schell
Our beloved mother Leona Schell, 84, went to be with Jesus May 22, 2000. She was born in Worden, Mont., Nov. 16, 1915, the daughter of Mary and Peter Herman.
She married
Emil Schell, a masonry contractor, and they shared a wonderful and full life together.
Her loving, giving heart was felt by all her family and those she touched. Her door was always open for those in need with loving kindness. Thank you, Mom, for being you. We have been blessed by it.
She was preceded in death by her husband; a son, Howard Dean Frank; a brother, Carl Herman, and a sister, Louise George.
Survivors include two sons, LaVane (Irene) Frank of Molt and George (Judy) Frank of Billings; a daughter, Marge Freeman of Billings; and four sisters, Elizabeth Becker, Helen Frank, Clara Roberts and Ann Allen; numerous nieces and nephews and her beloved Buffy. Mom also enjoyed and loved her 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren with deep devotion.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, at Faith Evangelical Church, 2932 Broadwater Ave., Billings.
Memorials may be made to Big Sky Hospice, P.O. Box 35033, Billings, MT 59107.
Vere Sipes
MISSOULA – Vere Sipes, 87, of Missoula, died Wednesday, May 24, 2000, at Community Medical Center.
Vere Sipes was born Feb. 3, 1913, in Ferrybank, Alberta, Can., the youngest child of Arthur Marcus Holben and Ada Marshall Holben. She lived in various places in western Montana and attended high school in Plains where her father was the town marshall. On Feb. 25, 1931, she married
Burton Sipes in Thompson Falls, and they moved to Oregon where he was a logging truck driver before returning to Montana and the itinerant life of a road construction worker. In 1936, they settled in Missoula.
“Honey”, as Burt had nicknamed her (and had everyone including her children using that name), was the consummate homemaker and caretaker. Her home was always immaculate and three large meals were prepared at exactly the same time each day. She insisted that her children were dressed appropriately at all times and if money was scarce, she was the one who went without. No one had a more caring wife or mother. If a stranger came to the door in need of a meal, she provided it. She taught respect for everyone and encouraged her children in every imaginable way, yet she was very quiet and introspective. She loved to listen to everyone.
She was a member of Royal Neighbors of America for most of her adult life and went through all of the chairs in that lodge. She enjoyed playing pinochle, whist and visiting with friends, but most of all her family was all she needed.
Burt died in 1983 after 52 years with Honey. She continued to live in their home, purchased in 1941, until 1994 when she moved to the “Village”.
She is survived by a sister, Flossie Payne of Missoula; her daughter, Sonja Skinner and companion, Bob Murchison of Hamilton; her son, Douglas and daughter-in-law, Penny of Billings; nine grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, one niece and two nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents and five siblings.
She has been cremated and private family graveside services will be held in Plains at a later date.
Honey, we will miss you. Give Dad a hug for us, and we well be with you again.
Mary Lucille Umstead
ROY – Mary Lucille Umstead, 83, of Roy, Mont., went to be with our Lord on the afternoon of May 24, 2000, at the Central Montana Skilled Nursing Center in Lewistown.
She was born into a loving family with one sibling, her brother, John, on July 7, 1916, to Charles and Louise Bishop. She was raised and educated in Roy. She then pursued a degree at Poly Technic Institute in Billings. In June of 1936, she married
Donald Walrod and they had four children: Deane, Delores, Shirley and Charles James. Her husband, Donald, passed away in 1945. On June 1, 1949, she married
LeRoy Umstead and they had five children: Mary, Kathleen, Patrick, Susanna and Deborah. LeRoy passed away in 1978.
Mary was a very loving mother raising nine children. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Sacred Heart Altar Society and a Girl Scout leader.
She is survived by Deane (Cheryl) Walrod of Hamilton, Delores (Arthur) Terpstra of Billings, Shirley (Duane) Lenning of Columbus, Charles James of Opportunity, Mary (Ken) Keith of Ft. Madison, Iowa, Kathleen (Jerry) LaFountain, Patrick (Marilyn) Umstead, Susanna (Las) LaFountain, all of Billings, and Deborah (Doug) Griffith of Grass Range. In addition, she is survived by 24 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Louise Bishop of Roy, her brother, John, and a grandson, Donnie Walrod.
Vigil services for Mary Lucille Umstead will be held at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Lewistown on Monday, May 29, at 5 p.m.
Funeral Liturgy will be at St. Leo’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, May 30, at 11 a.m. Burial will be at the Roy cemetery, with a reception to follow at the Roy High School.
Memorials are suggested to the Roy cemetery Association.
Creel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Eunice Webber
BUFFALO, Wyo. – Eunice Webber, 56, died Tuesday, May 23, 2000, at a long term care facility in Billings.
Viewing and visitation will be 1-10 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 28, from the Adams Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 27, from the Adams Funeral Home Chapel in Buffalo. Interment will be in Willow Grove cemetery.
Gary Anthony Williams
At 34 years of age, on Wednesday evening, May 24, 2000, Gary died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. Gary was born the son of Daniel and Laura (Glennon) Williams in Billings on Jan. 17, 1966. He graduated from Billings Central Catholic High School in 1984 and from Eastern Montana College in 1989 with a BS in Business Administration and Marketing Management.
On Sept. 12, 1992, Gary was united in marriage to Sheryl Jean Johnson at St. Patrick’s Co-Cathedral.
Gary worked for Heights-County Market from 1984 to 1997; since 1997, he has worked for Rimrock County Market as grocery department manager.
Gary enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, antiques, photography, bird watching, but especially spending time with his daughter, “Scooter”.
Gary is survived by his wife of eight years, Sheryl; his daughter, Sarah Jean both of the family home; his parents, Daniel and Laura; his brothers, Andrew (Elna) Thomas, Daniel (Lisa) Williams; sisters, Barbara (Bill) McNeely, Linda (Dwayne) Chilton; Sandra Williams; and mother and father-in-law, Darrell and Lois Johnson. Other survivors include many aunts, uncles and cousins; his nieces and nephews, Amanda, Alycyn and Alexis Thomas: Jeremy and Faith Williams; Jake, Samantha, Michael; and Ryan McNeely; Billy and Beau Chilton, all of whom Gary loved dearly and always made time for. Many called Gary their friend. Gary’s grandparents, Daniel E. Williams and Julia Ready Redfern and Leo Glennon and Laura Glennon, uncle, William B. Glennon and cousin, Billy Glennon preceded him in death.
At 7 p.m. on Monday, May 29, a Vigil service will be at St. Pius X Church and at 11a.m. Tuesday at St. Pius, a Funeral Mass will be held, with Rite of Committal in Holy Cross cemetery. Visitation will be at Dahl Funeral Chapel Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gary Williams Fund, c/o Sarah J. Williams, Norwest Bank, Attn: Jean Fangsrud, Box 80827. Billings, 59108.
John A. ‘Buzz’ Anderson
COLUMBUS – John A. “Buzz” Anderson, 85, of Columbus, died peacefully in his sleep at Beartooth Manor in Columbus on Tuesday, May 23, 2000.
He was born Oct. 22, 1914, in Luther, Mont., the oldest son of John and Iva Anderson. He attended school in Luther and Billings Senior and graduated at Red Lodge in 1932.
“Brother Buzz” spent his early years working for ranchers in Luther and helping with the family business. Buzz then went to work at the Benbow mine as a surface crew supervisor and ventured to Gardiner to work at the Jardine mine in the same capacity. The majority of his working years were spent with Beartooth Electric in their Columbus location. He started out as a lineman and spent his final years with them as their Columbus foreman.
Buzz married
Mable Brown on Oct. 2, 1938, in Absarokee, Mont. They were married
62 years.
Buzz is survived by his wife, Mable; sons, Gary and his wife, Vickie of Columbus, Douglas and his wife, Cathy of Welches, Ore.; one sister, Irene Arthun of Roscoe; one brother, Donald Anderson of Red Lodge; six grandchildren, Tracie, Jeffrey, Amy, Ashlee, Cactus and Cache; two great-grandchildren, Karissa and Kayla; numerous nieces and nephews; two sisters-in-law, Alice Brown of Laurel and Odweig Nicolaisen of Columbus.
He was preceded in death by an infant son, Bjarne, his parents and one sister, Virginia Babcock.
Funeral services will be 9 a.m. Saturday, May 27, at St. James Lutheran Church, Columbus. Interment will be in Mountainview cemetery. Smith Funeral Chapel-Columbus is in charge of arrangements.
