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Alice Higgins
Alice Margaret Higgins passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2002 at the TLC Personal Care Home in Miles City, MT. She was born January 21, 1914 at Ismay, the daughter of Hans and Katherine (Egge) Anderson. Alice grew up and attended country school in Ismay. When she was a little girl, her family lived at the Cass place. Alice married Alba Higgins on September 15, 1933 in Baker. They lived on the Wheeler place until they purchased the family farm. To this union three children were born: Jessica, Ralph and Ethel. For many years, Alice and Alba raised pigs and cattle, she spent some time working at the Six Mile as well as giving children rides home. Through the years, Alice loved family and friends coming to visit, if someone passed by the house, they had to come in and have coffee and fried chicken. She enjoyed supporting the local sports teams also. Any school game that was taking place, you could be sure to see Alice there cheering them on—and if she couldn’t make it, she was right by the radio cheering! She liked to travel, especially to Ralph & Inga’s to see the kid’s and all the different places they lived throughout the States. Her family remembers that it was always fun to see the different colors of hair she would have. Alice didn’t let her age slow her down, as she took her first motorcycle ride at the age of 80. She was very involved throughout the years, belonging to the Royal Neighbors, Cowbells, and Eastern Star organizations. She found great interest with these groups. Other hobbies include crocheting, sewing, and playing whist, canasta & bingo. Alice’s family will miss her deeply. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Alba; a son, Ralph in August; a daughter, Jessica; a brother, Hans Anderson; a great-granddaughter, Jasmine Winkley; and a sister-in-law, Margaret Anderson. Alice is survived by a daughter, Ethel Winkley of Forsyth; daughter-in-law, Ingaborg Higgins of Plevna; two brothers: Clarence Anderson of Spokane, WA and Lloyde Anderson of Helena, MT; ten grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Prayer Service will be held on Sunday, Nov. 24, at 7:30 PM at the Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker. Visitation hours will begin Sunday from 9AM until 7PM. A Funeral Service will take place on Monday, Nov. 25, at 2 PM at the Ismay Community Church. Burial will follow at the Ismay Cemetery. Refreshments will be served following the graveside back at the church. Stevenson Funeral Homes, Inc. of Baker and Ekalaka are in charge of the arrangements. At the request of the Higgins family, in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to the American Cancer Society.
Dorothy Rilley
Dorothy J. Rilley, 91, of Ekalaka, went to be with the Lord on December 8, 2002 at the Dahl Memorial Healthcare in Ekalaka. She was born in Crawfordville, IN on July 26, 1911. Dorothy was the third child out of eight children born to Glenn and Genoa (Cochran) Hall. In May of 1912, the family moved to Montana. In 1915, they homesteaded. At the tender age of eight, she would harness a team of horses and work in fields with the men. She drove all types of horse drawn equipment. Dorothy milk cows for most of her life. She worked in restaurants in Terry and Ismay even though she preferred to be outdoors and working with large animals. While working in Ismay she met her future husband, Lester W. Rilley. They were married on July 3, 1928 in Miles City. To this union there were five children born, Eleanor, Robert, Bobbie (Bud), Floyd (Corkey) and Yvonne. They lived in Ismay until October 1928 when they moved to Coalwood, Montana. In July 1944 they bought the G.M. Sweeney ranch near Mill Iron where she lived until 1959 when she bought a house in Ekalaka. Dorothy was a member of the Mill Iron Community Club and worked hard with others to get the Mill Iron Hall built. She was also very active in the Ekalaka Senior Citizens Club. After moving to town she kept busy doing sewing for herself and others, making quilts that she gave to her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by parents; her husband, Lester; two brothers; five sisters; three sons, Robert, Bobbie (Bud), Floyd (Corkey); a grandson, Darwin; and a great-grandson, Jeremy. Dorothy is survived by two daughters: Eleanor Schweigert of Livingston and Yvonne (Dale) Horner of Ekalaka; a sister, Betty of Miles City; eleven grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; and two great great-grandchildren.
Visitation will begin Thursday, Dec. 12, from 2 PM until 7 PM at the Stevenson Funeral Chapel in Ekalaka. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, Dec. 13, at 2 PM at the St. Elizabeth Lutheran Church in Ekalaka. Burial will follow in the Beaverlodge Cemetery. Refreshments will be served back at the church after the graveside services. Stevenson Funeral Homes, Inc. of Baker and Ekalaka are in charge of the arrangements.
Helen Hughes
Helen H. Hughes “Soapy”, 76, of Ekalaka, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2003 at the Dahl Memorial Healthcare. She was born September 21, 1926 in Marmarth, ND, the daughter of Robley and Theo (Ekholm) Rushford. Helen grew up and attended school in Marmarth. She graduated high school and then enrolled into Chilicothe Business College in Chilicothe, MO. After a year of schooling, Helen moved to Michigan where she eventually married Donald F. Hughes on May 25, 1945 at Mt. Pleasant. When Donald finished his military service, they settled in Wyndotte, MI. They moved back to Marmarth in 1952 to purchase the Super-Valu Grocery Store. In 1961, they purchased the Ekalaka Super-Valu. Soon after, Helen purchased & operated the Mainline V-Store for years to come. They retired from the business in 1991. Helen was a very active and vibrant person throughout the years. She enjoyed her work immensely. Helen was very involved with the Eastern Star, Ladies Auxiliary, and Royal Neighbors. She loved to dance and sing and especially watching her grandchildren play sports. Helen is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Donald F. in 1999. She is survived by her son, Donald R. (Toni) Hughes of Ekalaka; her daughter, Deb (Jeff) Shaw of Miles City; her sister, Katherine Christensen of Baker; and her six grandchildren: Damian, Bryan, Chris & Allison Hughes, Tyrel Gentry, and Marlee Shaw.
Helen’s family has requested that Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 2525 6th Ave. N, Billings, MT 59101.
Graveside services will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 2 PM at the Beaverlodge Cemetery in Ekalaka.
Louis Jensen
Louis “Louie” Sofus Jensen, 79, of Baker, passed away Friday, February 7, 2003 at the Fallon Medical Complex. He was born August 27, 1923 in Baker, the son of Henry and Johanna (Anderson) Jensen. Louie as he was known always had a keen interest in agriculture. He grew up on the family homestead East of Baker. He moved to Jackson, WY briefly with his father Henry while Henry was working construction in the Jackson are. In 1941, Louie graduated from Jackson Wilson High School. Shortly thereafter, he and his father returned to the family farm. In February 1943, Louie answered our country’s call for service and entered the U.S. Army. While assigned with the 353 rd Search Light Battalion Automatic Anti Aircraft Weaponry, he landed on Omaha Beach with the Normandy Invasion. Louie crossed the whole of Europe while being involved in the Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe campaigns. The end of the war found the 353rd in Czechoslovakia. Louie was honorably discharged on October 23, 1945. He returned to the family farm and on January 25, 1948 he married the Loving Lillian Frieda Schell. To this union there were three children: Joanne, Carol, and Tim. Louie continued farming all his life but also on 1957 joined the Civil Service as an employee of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. He worked for the SCS for 28 years. His work with Government-assisted agriculture planning and improvement can be seen throughout the Little Beaver Soil Conservation District and includes his contributions. To the South Sandstone project West of Baker. He had a strong belief in helping the producer and aiding in whatever ways he could to achieve that. Louis had a keen interest in local history and enjoyed collecting artifacts related to it. One could always get “the tour” of his office that included antique bottles and Indian artifacts he had found. There are Indian artifacts donated by him in both the Fallon and Carter Co. Museums. By later life he had acquired and excellent collection of points from throughout the area. In 1985 he retired from the soil conservation service and experimented with the then new concept of No-Till farming on his own property. He also enjoyed cutting and polishing stone as a hobby during this period. Louie was someone you could always visit with and who would learn in detail the subjects that interested him most. In February of 1999, Louie’s wife of 51 years, Lillian, passed away from cancer. The following months were very difficult for him. Shortly later, health problems required the care of the Fallon County Nursing Home and later the Wibaux County Nursing where he was residing until his passing from heart failure. All family and friends who knew and loved him will always remember his strength of personality, honesty, and will to do what is right. We wish our loving best as he passes through the next door to another future.
Louie is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lillian; a brother, Earl; and a granddaughter, Jean Ellen Stuart. He is survived by two daughters: Joanne Stuart of Lewistown, MT and Carol (Ray) Elhard of Jamestown, ND; a son, Tim (Nancy) Jensen of Baker; a brother, Harold (Lillian) Jensen of Baker; and five grandchildren
Visitation will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 9 AM until 7 PM at the Stevenson Funeral Home. Funeral Services will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 11 AM at the First Baptist Church in Baker. Burial will follow in the Bonnievale Cemetery, Baker.
Donna G. Dingfelder
Donna Grace Dingfelder, 44, of Ekalaka passed away suddenly on Monday, March 24, 2003 doing what she loved the most, having coffee with friends and family. She was born on May 9th, 1958 the daughter of Clarence and Jean (O’Connor) Dingfelder in Bowman, North Dakota. She grew up and attended school in Bowman. Donna returned to the family ranch where she worked and had a special love for the animals, especially raising her bum lambs. She also had a real green thumb when it came to her gardening, mainly her tomatoes. In 2000, Donna moved to Ekalaka. She enjoyed stopping by the restaurant for a cup of coffee and to visit with friends. Donna liked taking care of different ones in town, cleaning houses and yards. In her spare time she liked listening to music on the radio, playing bingo and doing puzzle books. Donna was very active with the American Legion and VFW. Her special love was always shared with her nieces & nephews, whom she treated like her own. “Beartoven”, her dog was her special friend and companion. Donna is survived by her mother, Jean (Joseph) Padden of Camp Crook, SD; grandfather, Neil O’Connor of Ekalaka; six brothers: Bill Dingfelder of Camp Crook, Mike Pacetti & Ron (Nancy) Dingfelder both of Buffalo, SD; Neil Dingfelder of Sidney, MT, Fred Dingfelder of Huntington, CA, and George (Stephanie) Dingfelder of Manassa, CO; four sisters: Vivian (Tim) Pendergrass of Bowman, ND; Diane Douglas of Camp Crook; Irene (C.J.) Jacobs and Karen (Craig) Cheguis, both of Miles City; a brother-in-law, Keith Douglas; her special friends Jim Tom Padden & JoAnne Sterns; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts & uncles. Her father, Clarence Dingfelder and grandparents preceded her in death. At the request of Donna’s family, memorial contributions may be made to the Dahl Memorial Whirlpool Fund or the charity of one’s choice.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 28, 2003 at 1PM at the Ekalaka Bible Church with Pastor Wallace Fox officiating. Graveside services will be at the Fairview Cemetery in Camp Crook at 3PM followed by a reception at the Camp Crook Methodist Church. Visitation will begin on Thursday, March 27, 2003 from 2PM-7PM at the Stevenson Funeral Home in Ekalaka continuing on Friday, 9AM to 11AM. Stevenson Funeral Homes, Inc. of Baker & Ekalaka is in charge of the arrangements.
Patricia "Pat" Banning
Patricia “Pat” Olson Banning, 78, of Baker, passed away on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 at the Fallon Medical Complex in Baker. Pat was born on May 11th, 1924 in Lodgepole, South Dakota the daughter of Earl and Mabel (Chapman) Penor. She grew up and attended rural schools in the area and graduated from Bison High School in 1942. She married Henry Olson of Morristown, SD, on June 6, 1942. They traveled together while Henry was in the service until 1945, when he was discharged. Pat and her mother operated Jackson’s Café while Henry was overseas. Henry and Pat worked on a sheep ranch in 1947. Then Henry took a job with R.C. Haynes in the John Deere Shop and Pat worked for the Morristown State Park for nine years after that. In 1959, she began working for the U.S. Post Office in Morristown—retiring after 30 years of service in 1987. In 1961, they bought a Grocery store. Pat operated the store and a roller rink for many years after. Henry passed away March 1, 1981. To this union three children were born: Debra Mae in 1959, Ronald Emil in 1960, and David Alan in 1962. Pat married Duane Banning of Baker in 1987. Duane passed away on January 19, 1996. She was a longtime member of the American Legion Auxillary and Past President Post #35 as well as Sarah’s Circle and Hospital Helper past-President. Pat has many recent fond memories of the time spent with her close friend, Harold. She will be missed by many friends and family. Pat is preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Henry and Duane; a sister, Barbara; and two brothers, Roy & Kenneth. She is survived by her three children: Debra (Bill) Kopetsky of Belle Fourche, SD; Ronald (Jay) Olson of Camino Island, WA and David Olson (Anita Stone) of Rapid City, SD; a brother, Ray Penor of Farmington, NM; two grandsons, Shane & Ty; Special Friend, Harold Jenrich of Baker; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Genell Peabody
Genell Odessa Peabody, age 60 of Ekalaka, passed at the family home near the Chalk Buttes area Southwest of Ekalaka of natural causes. Genell was born the daughter of Clinton and Noba (Griffith) Dunn on May 7, 1942 in Denton County, TX. She grew up and attended school in the Gainsville, TX area. Genell’s family came complete when she married Ronald Peabody on August 2,1971 in Madill, OK. Together, they made their home in Gainsville, TX and later moved to Oklahoma. During this time Genell worked as a CNA for various Hospitals and nursing homes. In 1986, Ron and Genell moved to Ekalaka where she has resided until her death. Genell continued to work as a CNA at the Dahl Memorial Nursing Home in Ekalaka. She loved her garden, quilting, crocheting, being outside, and small animals, most of all, Genell loved her husband, children, and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Genell is survived by her loving husband Ron, two sons Roger Skinner of Whitesboro, TX, Kenneth (Tammy) Skinner of Helena, MT; three daughters Deirdra (Bob) Miller of Baker, MT, Judy Trimmell of Kingston, TX, Leslie (Jon) Wimmer of Ekalaka, MT and her precious grandchildren Brandon, Jared, Brian, Michael, Bradley, Kacy, Lyndsay, Austin and Roger Lee also her great-grandchildren Mazzie Taylor, Alexis, Tyler, Shane. She was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation: Tuesday 11 am – 6pm at the Chapel of Stevenson Funeral Home in Ekalaka. Prayer Service: Tuesday 6pm at the Chapel of Stevenson Funeral Home in Ekalaka. Memorial Service: Wednesday, Dec. 4th at 2PM at the Sorrel Horse in Ekalaka.
Stevenson Funeral Home of Baker & Ekalaka is in charge of the arrangements.
Art Honstain
Art Honstain 62 of Baker, Montana formerly of Holliday, WI died Monday, Dec. 3, 2002 at the Fallon Medical Complex in Baker. No services are being planned at this time. Cremation has taken place. Stevenson-Mischel-Olson Baker is in charge of the arrangements.
Ronald A. Knipfer
Ronald A. Knipfer, age 60 of Baker passed away, Thursday, November 29, 2002 at his home following a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Ron was born the son of Oscar J. and Alice (Pennala) on December 15, 1941 at their home in Mill Iron, he was delivered by his grandmother. Ron grew up in the Mill Iron area and attended grade school in the Hilmont School and later graduated from High School in Baker. Following his graduation, Ron returned to his parent’s ranch and started his career in agriculture. On December 5, 1970 Ron was united in marriage to Virginia Stark in Baker. To this marriage, two daughters were born Debbie and Dixie. Together Ron and Gini moved to the current ranch they owned and operated. In May of 1976, Ron accepted the Lord as his savior. Each day, he would read a portion of the Bible and through out his life, Ron read it twice. Ron was a member and Trustee of the Ekalaka Bible Church, and an active member and leader of different 4-H clubs. He enjoyed his dogs, the outdoors, but most of all Ron loved and enjoyed his wife, children and grandchildren.
Ron is survived by his wife, Gini, two daughters Debbie Gibson and her husband Brian of Baker, and Dixie Knipfer of Dickinson, ND, and two grandchildren, Ronnie and Marie Gibson. He is also survived by his sister Charlene Mehling and her husband Frank of Willard as well as his nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be on Tuesday, December 3, 2002 at 11:00 AM at the Ekalaka Bible Church in Ekalaka. Burial will be in the family lot of the Beaver Lodge Cemetery in Ekalaka. A Prayer Service will be Monday, December 2, 2002 at 7:00 PM at the Chapel of Stevenson’s Funeral Home in Baker. Visitation will be on Monday from 1:00 until 9:00 PM in the Chapel of Stevenson’s Funeral Home in Baker.
Stevensons Funeral Home in Baker and Ekalaka is in charge of the arrangements.
Alice Wiseman
Alice Marie Wiseman, 94, of Baker, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2002 at the Fallon Medical Complex. She was born April 11, 1908 at St. Martins, Quebec, Canada, the daughter of Octave and Auxilia Parent (Parent). Alice’s father passed away while she was young. Her mother then married Octave’s brother, Louis, who became their father and helped raise the family. The family moved to Webster Community in 1914. Alice grew up and attended country schools and eventually finished her schooling in Baker. She spent time working for Granger’s in her early years before marriage and then returned to work after the children were raised. On October 6, 1928 she married Earl Wiseman at the Baker Community Church parsonage. Early on they moved around the state as Earl worked with the drilling companies and pipelines. Her family will say that she always knew how to make a home filled with love where ever they lived. In 1942, they made their permanent home in Baker. Earl passed away in 1971. She was proud of her involvement with the Eastern Star. Alice was a supportive, caring person. She was a good friend and caregiver. Alice had a zest for life right up until her death. Often, she could be seen driving around in her car—seemingly busy and on a mission. Truth is, she made it a point to make her visits to different friends and family. She will be missed her family and friends. Alice is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Earl; sons, Dalbert and Jim; a daughter, Alice Faye; brothers, Alex and Albert Parent; and sisters, Blanche Lewis, Rosie Hughes and Aurore Baker. She is survived by a son, Russell (Agnes) Wiseman of Grand Junction, CO; a daughter, Leona (Lloyd) Irvine of Billings, MT; a daughter-in-law, Lorraine Wiseman of Baker; two brothers: James Parent of Benton City, WA and George (Annette) Parent of Post Falls, ID; three sisters: Beatrice Siring of Baker; Sister Annette Parent and Sister Jeanette Parent of Spokane, WA; twelve grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Rosary will be held on Thursday, Dec. 19, at 7 PM at the Stevenson Chapel in Baker. Funeral Services will take place on Friday, Dec. 20, at 11 AM at the St. John’s Catholic Church, Baker. Burial will be at the Bonnievale Cemetery. A reception will be held back at the church following the graveside rites.
Margaret Noftsker
Margaret E. Noftsker, 84 of Baker passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2002 at the Fallon Medical Complex in Baker. She was born March 27, 1918 at Wells, MN, the daughter of Herman and Lena Boeck Drager. She grew up and attended schools in Wells. Margaret worked at the poultry plant in Wells. On May 28, 1938 she was married to Raymond Noftsker at Algona, Iowa. In the fall of 1939, the family moved to Baker where they farmed and later purchased Ray’s grandfather’s farm south of Baker. Together Margaret and Ray raised their family and farmed until 1950 when they moved into Baker. They have made Baker their home since. Margaret enjoyed embroidery, taking rides through the country and going out to eat. She was very proud of her flowers, raising the most beautiful tulips, bachelor buttons, sweet peas and her purple clematis vine that grew along her home. But most of all she enjoyed spending time and taking walks with her grandchildren. She was a member of the Baker Wesleyan Church where she taught Bible School and Sunday School. Survivors include her beloved husband, Ray of Baker; a daughter, Carol (Larry) Austin, Baker; a sister Violet Ignowski, Waseca, MN; 8 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son Roger in 1987; a daughter, Delores Goodman in 2001; two brothers: Edgar and Clarence Drager and a sister, Sally Meyer. A Prayer Service will be held 7:00 pm Friday, December 6, 2002 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 am Saturday, December 7, 2002 at the First Baptist Church in Baker. Interment will follow in the Bonnievale Cemetery in Baker.
