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Doris Jean Smelcer Stephens
Doris Jean Smelcer Stephens, a long time resident of Miles City, died in Sun City, Arizona on Sunday, March 18, 2012.
Jean, as she preferred to be called, was born on Sept. 21, 1931, in Baker City, Ore., the daughter of Clifford and Catherine Smelcer. She attended school at St. Francis Academy and graduated after 11 years of school in 1948. She married
William G. Stephens in Baker City on Dec. 31, 1950, at St. Francis De Sales Cathedral.
She moved to Montana with her husband, Bill, in 1951 and raised her family there. They lived in Hardin, Sidney and Miles City.
In 1992, they established a residence in Sun City, Ariz., and divided their time between Montana, Oregon and Arizona until 1998, after which they went between Baker City and Sun City until the time of her death.
She was active in many women’s organizations that included the Montana Home Demonstrations Club in Hardin, was a Life Member of the Miles City Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and served as president of the Montana Chapter for the Federation of the Christian Women. She also was involved, for many years, with Artex Craft Paints and enjoyed painting with and selling those products.
In retirement, she enjoyed traveling around the country with the Arizona Telephone Family Campers and had many friends in that group.
Most important to her was her family. She was always thinking of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was her way to always be on the watch for that special item that would be a perfect little gift for any of them, no matter what time of year it was.
She is survived by her husband, William G. Stephens; her brother-in-law, Donald Stephens; brother, Clifford Smelcer; sister, Lillian Smelcer Ellingson; son, W. Kraig Stephens; daughter, Karen Stephens; seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Sunny, Tiffany, Tonya, Michael, Zachary and Stephani; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Friday, March 30, 2012, at St Frances Cathedral in Baker City. The Cathedral, where she was baptized, had First Communion, Confirmation and was married
, was beloved to her and she was exceedingly happy when it was recently restored to it’s original beauty. She always considered Baker City as her home town and it will be her final resting place in the Mount Hope cemetery.
Sara "Sally" Flynn Bradt
Sara Flynn Bradt, known to family and friends as Sally, died Saturday, March 10, 2012.
She was born and raised in Miles City and sang the Montana state song in praise of her home state. Raised in a loving family, she had one sister and four brothers.
She moved to Washington, D.C., in the 1930s and worked for the Civil Service Commission.
She met and married
her husband, Joseph V. Bradt. The couple lived in Falls Church and during World War II became full time residents of Northern Virginia.
Mrs. Bradt was Roman Catholic and attended St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church, Va.
She was a devoted mother and is survived by her four children: Joe P. Bradt of Clover, S.C., Connie Baker of Cincinnati, Ohio, Peggy Kenney of Jeffersonton, Va., and Libby Anthony of Melbourne, Australia. She was a proud grandmother who had six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Her husband, Joseph V. Bradt, preceded her in death in 1998.
A memorial Catholic Mass will be at St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church on Saturday, March 24, 2012, at noon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations can be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Myrtle "Myrt" Toohey
Myrtle “Myrt” Toohey, 77, of Gillette, Wyo., former Miles City resident, died Monday, March 19, 2012, in her home of sudden cardiac arrest.
She was born July 3, 1934, in Portland, N.D., the daughter of Charles Abner and Mattie Emma Caudill Gould. From there the family moved north of Boyes, near Hay Creek. In 1940, the family moved into Broadus, then to Miles City in 1944 and back to Broadus.
On Oct. 22, 1955, she and Joseph L. Toohey were married
. They moved to Seeley Lake, then back to Broadus for a couple of years and onward to Wyoming. After a couple of months in Sundance, Wyo., they moved to Moorcroft, Wyo., in 1959 where they resided for almost 10 years. Mrs. Toohey loved her time there, raising her three young daughters and selling Avon. This enabled her to get out of the house and become acquainted with the women and families of the community.
In 1968, the family moved to Gillette, Wyo., where she resided until her death.
Music was very important to her and it brought her much joy. She had a beautiful voice and in her younger years she sang for a few local country bands in Montana and Wyoming. She played the acoustic guitar, mandolin and made a serious attempt at the ukelin. When she wasn’t singing she loved to dance.
She had big gardens and was an amazing cook, making everything from scratch. To this day, to their dismay, her daughters attempt her recipes without obtaining “like Mom’s” success.
Mrs. Toohey also was a very good artist. In her early years she would pencil beautiful vintage models, dressing them in swim suits she designed. Later she did many wonderful oil paintings of landscapes and still lifes. She had a heart of gold and loved unconditionally. She enjoyed her children and grandchildren immensely. Her humble nature and strong faith in God made her a true treasure to her family.
Her survivors include her husband, Joe, of 56 years; a sister, Georgia (Stanley) Damm of Broadus; a brother, Gordon (Nancy) Gould; two daughters, Vanda (Curtis) Cathey and Gwyn (Mike) Martinson, both of Gillette; a son, Matt Toohey of Billings; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; young sisters, Virginia and Montana Belle Gould, Frances Mitchell; infant brother, Daniel; daughter, Lana Toohey; and grandson, Devin Lara.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 24, 2012, in the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus with Pastor Gordon Harper of Vineyard Christian Fellowship officiating. Burial will follow in the Valley View cemetery at Broadus.
Gillette Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials and condolences may be sent in Mrs. Toohey’s name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. Fifth St., Gillette, WY 82716.
Geoffrey Michael "Geoff" Chadwick
Geoffrey Michael “Geoff” Chadwick, 66, of Miles City died Sunday, March 18, 2012, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mr. Chadwick was born Nov. 19, 1949, in Los Angeles, Calif., the son of Robert and Smilka Kruly Chadwick. He attended school in Scottsdale, Ariz., where he graduated from Judson High School in 1963. While in school, he was a member of the Rodeo Team.
He ranched and farmed most of his life and was a professional long haul driver. He traveled the Western United States as a long haul driver from the late 70s through the 80s and will be remembered by his rig with its array of antennas.
Mr. Chadwick was the Town Constable in Joliet and in the late 70s he was an EMT Emergency Medical Technician).
In 1971, he and Sandra Shugart were married
.
He leaves a lifetime of friends in Montana, Washington, Idaho, California, Arizona and Canada. Mr. Chadwick, described as five foot nineteen, often said if he turned sideways and stuck out his tongue he made a darn fine zipper.
His many stories from a lifetime of driving in the western United States and Canada will be fondly remembered as well his unparalleled skill at finding bargains. He was a lifetime member of Trout Unlimited and was a Ham Radio Operator (N7DYX).
His survivors include his wife: Sandra Chadwick of Miles City; two daughters: Georgie Gruble of Riverside, Calif., and Melba Batch of Port Oxford, Ore.; two grandsons: Johnny Gruble of Riverside, and Axal Batch of Port Oxford; an aunt: Ann Larson of San Marcos, Calif.; and a cousin: Karen Stephenson of Sun City, Ariz.
An open house will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2012, and Sunday, March 25, 2012, at the Chadwick’s residence 23 miles down the Moon Creek Road. Everyone is invited.
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Alma "Tudy" Lucenda Peters
Heaven opened its doors on March 16 2012 to Alma Peters, 87. Tudy was born November 19, 1924 to Alma Lucinda Russell and Wesley Benjamin. She was raised in Center, ND.
Tudy married
Raymond Peters and from that union came their sons Gordon and Gary Peters. Tudy and Ray taught school in one room schools and ranched in the Miles City and Broadus areas.
Tudy spent her golden years living between Miles City and Colstrip doing what she loved best, visiting with people and writing songs.
Tudy is survived by her sons Gordon and his sons Jim (Twila), John (Tina), Justin (Marcie), Jacob (Andrea) and Jesse (Kayla); Gary (Jayne) and their daughters Vicki (Mike) and Stephanni (Darren); and 20 great-grandchildren.
Tudy is preceded in death by her parents, grandson Jamie, daughter-in-law Kathy, sisters and brothers.
Tudy’s family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Billings Health & Rehab for all they have done to make Tudy’s last days comfortable.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be at a later date. Please no flowers.
Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery.
Dianne Louise Donnelly
Dianne Louise Donnelly, 56, died in a house fire during the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 14, 2012.
She was born July 10, 1955, in Miles City, the first of eight children born to Albert and Louise Donnelly. She had a happy childhood, as she enjoyed her role as everyone’s big sister while she attended Sacred Heart Elementary School. She grew into a lovely young lady, graduating from Sacred Heart High School in 1973, then attending Miles Community College and the University of Montana in Missoula. She achieved noteworthy academic success at U of M, earning a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in political science.
She held a variety of jobs, including working at Dairy Queen and A & W in the Miles City Plaza as a teenager, the Park Theater while writing her master’s degree thesis, and for the State of Montana in Helena after completing her master’s degree.
In 1988, she found her career calling, as what was originally expected to be a seasonal summer job with the National Park Service in Boston, Mass., became a 20-year term of service as a park ranger.
She enjoyed giving historic tours of Boston’s Freedom Trail until her retirement in 2008, especially when those tours included visitors from her home state of Montana, or best of all, from Miles City itself.
She led a rich life as an adult, traveling widely throughout the United States, as well as Ireland and the United Kingdom. She immersed herself in culture, constantly reading, attending concerts and the theater, and was always up for a movie, particularly if it was a great musical. She participated in community theater herself, taking roles in Miles City Barn Players’ productions of “Hello Dolly” and “Camelot.” She also enjoyed relaxing in front of the TV, and her brothers can recall countless nights staying up to visit with Dianne while watching M*A*S*H or Johnny Carson after the evening news.
One of the things that family and friends will most remember about her was her keen sense of thoughtfulness and etiquette. It seemed that no holiday ever passed without a card or letter from her — Christmas or Easter, Halloween or Groundhog Day, the Fourth of July or St. Patrick’s Day — a card from her always arrived, along with a detailed letter about her latest news. She also truly lived her Catholic faith, attending Mass regularly, and standing as Godmother to several children, an honorary role that she took very seriously and did her best to live up to as an example for her Godchildren.
Although she had loved her life in Boston, her heart never left her hometown, and she returned to Miles City after her retirement to live with her family. Due to growing heath issues that would remain with her for the rest of her life, she remained in the care of her brothers and their families. During her last few years, she lived first with her brother Conan’s family, and then with her brother Brian and his family. The tragic fire that claimed her life also took Brian, as he stayed faithful to his mission of caring for his big sister to the very end, losing his own life as he attempted to rescue her.
She was preceded in death by her father, Albert Donnelly; her sister, Karen Donnelly; and her brother, Daniel Donnelly. She was joined in death by her brother, Brian; and is survived by her mother, Louise Donnelly of Miles City; and her brothers, Kevin (Lori) Donnelly of Miles City; Conan (Jeannette) Donnelly also of Miles City; Daren Donnelly of Missoula; and Sean (Kelby) Donnelly of Great Falls.
Visitation will begin on Sunday, March 18, 2012, at 1 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. A vigil service will be Sunday at 7 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, March 19, 2012, at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary cemetery.
Brian Joseph Donnelly
Brian Joseph Donnelly, 51, died on Wednesday, March 14, while trying to rescue his sister, Dianne, from a house fire that broke out rapidly at 3 a.m.
Mr. Donnelly was born Dec. 21, 1960, to Albert and Louise Donnelly in Miles City, where he was raised and graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1979. He attended college at Wahpeton and Northern Montana College, studying industrial arts education.
He had a life-long love of cars, even taking apart engines (without permission) at an early age. He had an inventive mind, building a go-kart and even a submarine out of scraps with childhood friends. This interest eventually led to him opening a collision repair shop for a short time in Miles City. He also enjoyed building his own hot rods, collecting cars and fine-tuning them.
With his enthusiastic and friendly nature, he enjoyed his long career as a home improvement salesman.
Most of all, Mr Donnelly was a family man. His generosity and humorous outlook made him especially lovable. He devoted himself to helping others, and listened compassionately to all in need of a friend. His children will remember him as always striving to be the best father he could be. He was also said to be like a second father to family friends who had lost their own fathers at an early age, spending time with them and encouraging them with his words and example.
He is survived by his wife, Laura; his sons Andrew, Brian and Brandon; his mother, Louise Donnelly; and his brothers, Kevin, Conan, Daren and Sean.
He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Donnelly; and his sisters, Karen and Dianne Donnelly; and brother, Daniel Donnelly.
Visitation will begin on Sunday, March 18, 2012, at 1 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. A vigil service will be Sunday at 7 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, March 19, 2012, at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Calvary cemetery.
Richard "Mike" Hostman
Funeral services for Richard “Mike” Hostman, 52, of Miles City, were held Monday afternoon, March 27, 2006, in the Bullis-Graves Memorial Chapel at Miles City. Cremation followed in the Bullis Graves Eastern Montana Crematory. Private inurnment is planned for the Custer County cemetery.
Mr. Hostman died Thursday March 23, 2006, at the St. Vincent Hospital, following complications associated with heart surgery.
Born Sept. 3, 1953, in Oregon City, OR, he was a son of Richard and Dorothy McCunn Hostman. He grew up and received his education in Molalla, Ore.
Following his education, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in the Pacific theater, receiving his honorable discharge in 1976.
He and Jacque Pulse were married
on Dec. 3, 1973, in Rosebud County, Washington, and the couple made their home in the Forsyth-Miles City area.
He was a nuclear startup technician, who worked for the power plant in Colstrip and traveled extensively throughout the United States from 1987 through 2004 with his
trade.
Mr. Hostman was currently employed by Bumper-to-Bumper in Miles City.
He loved the outdoors, especially when he could fish. He was the family photographer, always capturing them at the most unexpected times. Mr. Hostman enjoyed electronics, in particular his computer, building, maintaining and operating numerous units. In his spare time, he built model cars and military models of all types. His passion was that of being a “Master Chef.”
His survivors include his parents of Oregon; his children, Adrian (Nikki) Hostman, Angela (Alan) Dodge, Lee and Cody Hostman, all of Miles City, and Erika (Michael) Billedeaux and Jessica (Joey) Culver of Glendive; his sister, Cindy Hostman and brother, Bradley Hostman of Oregon; and eight grandchildren.
His wife, Jacque, and his brother, Willie, preceded Mr. Hostman in death.
Rita McMillan
Rita L. McMillan, 81, of Miles City died Thursday, March 23, 2006, at the Friendship Villa in Miles City.
Mrs. McMillan was born on May 10, 1924, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brogan. She attended grade school in New York where she also graduated from high school.
She went on to attend New York City College where she graduated with her accounting degree.
She worked in New York where she met her husband-to-be, Roland McMillan. They were married
in 1950 and shortly after, moved their family to Miles City.
Mrs. McMillan was a homemaker while her children were young, and went to work for Stallard and Associates, where she was employed for more than 30 years before retiring in the mid 1990s.
She loved to travel to New York and throughout the United States.
Her survivors include her sons, Bill McMillan and Jim McMillan, both of Miles City; four brothers, Donald Brogan of Verona, Va., Bob Brogan of Queens, N.Y., Gerard Brogan of Long Island, N.Y., and Edward Brogan of New Jersey; and one granddaughter, Heather McMillan of San Diego, Calif.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roland in 1990; her son, Ed in 1980; her parents; and two brothers, Joseph and Bill.
A Vigil Service will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 26, 2006, at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, March 27, 2006, at 10 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the Custer County cemetery.
If friends desire, memorials may be made in Mrs. McMillan’s name to the charity of one’s choice.
