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Nellie Grosz
Nellie Bea Blaylock Grosz 'Grandma Bea', age 76, of Billings, Montana passed away on Friday, July 4th, 2008 at St. Vincent's Hospital, due to complications of a massive stroke.
Nellie was born on November 3, 1931 in Ridge, Montana, the daughter of John and Midred (Crinklaw) Blaylock. She was raised on a ranch in Ridge, Montana. She spent her childhood working, taking care of her sister JoAnne, and riding horses. She graduated High School in 1949. Nellie married
Don Gatlin in 1950, and had three beautiful children; Rick Gatlin, Rhonda Gatlin, and Randy Gatlin. She later made a new life in Billings. She attended Cosmetology School and married
Vern Grosz and they were together over 20 years.
It always meant more for her to give than receive. She was a bright spot in her family's lives. Nellie Bea, created a beautiful sanctuary in her back yard. You could always find her there with her hands dirty and a smile on her face. She planted a garden every year and her flowers were amazing! Nellie's children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren played a huge part in her life. They all entertained her in many ways. She cared for both of her great grandchildren on many occasions. She attended all of Iyana's dance competitions. She loved to watch Landry in gymnastics, as well as, discover new things in her yard. She never missed an opportunity to spend time with family members and any of her great friends. She was an incredibly hard working woman! No job was too big for her to tackle. Her pastimes were playing pool or cards at the VFW, gardening, reading, dancing, sewing, crocheting, cooking, canning, and loving. She left her mark on this world. She was loved by so many and will be deeply missed.
Nellie is survived by her children: Rick Gatlin of Broadus, MT; Rhonda Gatlin of Billings, MT; her sisters: Doris Quaring of Broadus, MT; and JoAnne Trom of Tulsa, OK; her grandchildren: Mohria & Bill Fawcett, Brandon & Tahnee Gatlin, Chad Gatlin, and Courtney Gatlin; her great grandchildren: Iyana Monet Fawcett and Landry Don Gatlin; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her Mother and Father, her dear son Randy, a sister Ethel Graham, and half-brother Bob Wilson.
A celebration of Nellie's life will be held on Friday July 11th, at 5:00 PM at the Billings Heights VFW. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Broadus, MT. A reception will follow at the 'Montana' in the red velvet room.
Should friends desire, memorial donations can be mailed to: Rick Gatlin, P.O. Box 441, Broadus, MT 59317.
Margaret Fillafer
Margaret Florence Fillafer, age 86, of Angela passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at the ranch.
Margaret was born in Meyers, Montana on December 20, 1921 to Llewellyn and Perley 'Pearl' (Watson) Morgan and moved to Miles City at a young age. She attended schools in Miles City and graduated from Custer County High School in 1943. Margaret lived in Wellington, Kansas with her Aunt Ollie who was court reporter. Margaret cooked and did proof reading for her aunt. Later on, Margaret returned to Miles City where she met Ralph Fillafer and the two were married
on June 26, 1954 in Miles City, Montana. They lived at the ranch north of Miles City until the time of her death.
Margaret enjoyed gardening, cooking, playing the piano, singing and coming to town to get her hair fixed. She also had her dogs and cats throughout life that she loved especially her dog Zero. Margaret had a kind spirit and loved people. She always had a compliment for everyone.
Margaret is survived by her husband Ralph Fillafer of Angela, MT; her son, Curtis (June Nelson) Fillafer and her daughter, Nancy Fillafer all of Miles City, MT; two grandsons: Mike and Jason; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Thelma (Walt) Sprandel; brothers: John Morgan, Lew Morgan and Claude Morgan.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 7, 2008 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot in the Custer County cemetery.
If desired memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 900 Palmer Street, Miles City, MT 59301 or to the charity of ones choice.
Philip Woitkielewicz
Philip John Woitkielewicz, age 59, of Miles City passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2008 at his home in Miles City after a long battle with cancer.
Philip was born on August 26, 1948 in Ironwood, Michigan, the son of John Chester and Jean Catherine (Valenti) Woitkielewicz. He grew up in Big Bend, Wisconsin with three sisters and his parents. He moved to Miles City in 1968 after graduating from high school to attend Miles Community College and work on a ranch. He then joined the Army in 1969 where he met his wife of almost 39 years. He was honorably discharged in 1971. Together they began their family in Miles City, Montana. He worked as an engineer at the VA hospital for 24 years. He spent his retirement with friends and family. He was an active member of the Eagles Club. He enjoyed working with his wife and sons in his meat processing shop during hunting season when he wasn't hunting with his buddies from Wisconsin.
Right up to the end he looked forward to Larry bringing him his list of drivers from NASCAR. Nobody got between Phil and the TV during race time. He took pride in his tomato, cucumbers and peppers he grew every year but never ate. He looked forward to every October when his childhood buddy from Wisconsin came to go hunting. A recent visit from Skumper was one of the last things on his agenda. Phil always took charge when he didn't think you were doing it right he would let you know in his playful teasing way.
He liked lemon meringue pie, mind tease games on the computer, sitting in his back yard and he always had a candle burning. His hobbies were watching NASCAR racing with Larry at Sullys, and gardening.
Philip left behind his wife Holly, three children: John (Shawna), Tammy (Eric) and Robert; five grandchildren: Chase, Shandon, Bryce Elton, Kaytlin and Megan; two sisters in Colorado, numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Tony Hardey.
A vigil service will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 9, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran's cemetery with full military honors provided by VFW Post 1579.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Holy Rosary Hospice.
Conrad "Connie" Berg
Conrad 'Connie' Berg, age 80, of Billings formerly of Miles City, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, November 6, 2008 in Billings.
Connie was born June 9, 1928, in Miles City, to George T. and Lorette Aldrich Berg. He attended Custer County High School and then enlisted in the US Navy where he served for five years. During that time he married
the love of his life, Jeanne Charron, from Seneca, South Dakota, then a nurse in Miles City. Connie worked as a US Postal Carrier for thirty-two years and in various local businesses, founded Berg Realty, served as county commissioner, and built a home for his family. He was an active member of Sacred Heart parish and an avid supporter of Sacred Heart School. Connie and Jeanne moved to Billings in 2000 where they have spent the last eight years enjoying the friends they had from Miles City along with the new friends they made in Billings, as members of St. Pius parish.
Connie is preceded in death by his mother and father, and sister Barbara Akerly. He is survived by his wife Jeanne of Billings, their ten children, thirty-one grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
The children are Reverend Stephen Berg of Fort Worth, TX; Lori (and husband Dave Gillette) of Miles City; Joseph (and wife Rachel Berg) of Belfair, WA; Christine (and husband Robert Ulrich) of Billings, MT; Mary Beth Nickens of Spokane, WA; Barbara (and husband Doug Foote) of Lolo, MT; Dorothy (and husband Brad Owens) of Missoula, MT; Connie Jo (and husband Todd Dulaney) of Great Falls, MT; Megan (and husband Lawrence King) of Missoula, MT; Matthew Berg of Billings, MT. The grandchildren are Christopher (and wife Kellianne Gillette), Timothy Gillette; Ann (and husband Stephen Dypiangco); David (and wife Mary Gillette) Katherine, Daniel, Mary, Laura and Sarah Gillette; Johanna, Elizabeth, Emma, Abby, Meg, and Conrad Berg; Tatiana, James and Thomas Ulrich; Lindsey Nickens; Betsy (and husband Jesse Elliott); Jake and Olivia Foote; Tyler, Drew and Jay Owens; Rachel, Celeste, and Tony Dulaney; Sean, Jackson and Beau King. The great grandchildren are Brian Gillette; Haven, Tallulah and Delilah Nickens; Trevor Dulaney; and Sarah Gillette.
Connie was a generous man who deeply loved God, his family, and his country. He was a carpenter, handyman, teacher and friend. He will truly be missed.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 10, 2008 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City with the family receiving friends from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will be held on Monday, November 10, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City. Rite of Committal will follow in the family lot in the Calvary cemetery.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Sacred Heart School.
Dee Pahnish
Dee Adrian Buchanan Pahnish, age 85 of Miles City, Montana, passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at Holy Rosary Health Center in Miles City, Montana.
Dee was born in Wilson, Oklahoma to William Bryan Buchanan and Alma Jewel (Cornell) Buchanan on November 28, 1922. Dee was raised in Wilson, Oklahoma where she graduated from Ardmore High School in 1941. She was attending Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma when World War II began. Army bases were being built to train soldiers and they needed civilian personnel. Dee then went to work at Fort Howze in Gainesville, Texas, in the Finance Office, Accounting Section.
Dee met Floyd Pahnish at Fort Howze. They were married
on September 19, 1945. Dee and Floyd began their married
life in Bozeman, Montana where Floyd resumed his education at M.S. U. Floyd's studies took them to Moscow, Idaho, and then to Corvallis, Oregon. They then returned to Tucson and stayed until 1964. During this time their two children were born. They returned to Montana in 1964 when Floyd accepted a job as Superintendent of Fort Keogh Range & Livestock Research Station at Miles City. That began their many years in Montana.
While the children were growing up, Dee was a stay-at-home mom. She later returned to college and earned an Associate of Arts degree from Miles City Community College in 1985. Dee also became an IRS Enrolled Agent and worked as an Income Tax Preparer for several years.
Dee's interests over the years included family and friends, church activities, furthering her education and extension club as well as other organizations.
Dee is survived by her son Clark F. Pahnish and his wife Brenda of Portland, Oregon, and daughter Lori K. Pahnish McCoy and husband Kyle of Miles City, Montana. Grandchildren, Brandon C. Pahnish, Keeara McCoy and Kyra McCoy, sisters-in-law, Mildred Pahnish Decker of Boise, Idaho, Hilda Buchanan, of Norman, Oklahoma and Rochelle Buchanan Harroun of Diamondhead, Mississippi, and numerous nieces and nephews. Dee was preceded in death by her husband, O. Floyd Pahnish in 1998, and brothers, Lloyd K. Buchanan in 1964 and Lindal G. Buchanan in 2003.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 7, 2008 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County cemetery in Miles City.
Opal L. Purkett
Opal Louise Purkett, age 86, of Forsyth passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at the Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth.
Opal was born October 9, 1922 the daughter of Mark and Ethel (Fawcett) Eayrs in Opheim, Montana. She was raised on the family farm and attended schools in Opheim and Glasgow.
She was united in marriage to Jim Purkett on June 17, 1940. To this union two boys, James Duane and Wayne Darwin were born. Together they raised their children in Forsyth. Opal spent her time taking care of her boys and truly enjoyed attending their activities and being a stay at home mom.
They later divorced and Opal went to work at the Forsyth Elementary School Cafeteria and then onto the Rosebud Health Care Center where she retired.
Opal was active in the community and was a member of the VFW Auxiliary. She had a zest for life and loved to laugh. She also loved working in her flower and vegetable gardens, baking, cooking, crocheting, babies, dancing and time spent with family and friends. She liked music and would entertain her grandchildren and the Nursing Home residents and staff with her singing and yodeling. She liked to follow her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren's sporting events whether it be attending, listening to the broadcast on the radio or taking clippings out of the newspaper.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her two sons, Duane and Darwin; her brothers Chet, Bob, Dutch and Chuck Eayrs; her sisters, Maxine Rasmussen and Blanche Thomas; her sister-in-law Mary Eayrs; brothers-in-law Oren Thomas and Clarence Rasmussen; niece Joyce Hutton and her dear friends Kay and Benny Berdahl.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law Nancy Purkett of Forsyth; her grandchildren, Darin (Kristine) Purkett of Forsyth, Darci (Donald) Saeman of Glendive, David Schafer and Dan Schafer of San Antonio, Texas, Danae (Rian) Pinkerton of Forsyth, Dalen (Wendy) Purkett of Livingston, Christopher Purkett and BreAnn Beals of Missoula and Josh (Amber) Purkett of San Antonio, Texas; her great grandchildren, Darien, Dalaney, Dannon, Joshua, Dawson, Danner, Davin, Daley, Damon, Daysa, Decker and Addyson. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Gladys Christopherson
Gladys Christopherson, age 96 of Miles City, Montana, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2008 at the Holy Rosary Extended Care in Miles City.
Gladys was born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota on September 28, 1912, the daughter of Charles and Ida (Garis) Rudsenski. She was raised and attended schools in Fergus Falls and graduated from Fergus Falls High School. In 1932, she married
Novin Christopherson in Fergus Falls. To this union two daughters were born, Sharon and Marilyn. The family moved to Miles City in 1947, and Gladys has resided there ever since. She worked at J.C. Penny's and Woolworths for a number of years.
Gladys was a member of the First Lutheran Church Lutheran Ladies Aide and the Ash Creek Home Demonstration Club, and was an avid Bridge and Tripoli player. She also enjoyed rock hunting and was a member of the Agate Club. Gladys had excellent sewing skills and loved to refinish furniture and paint. Fresh baked cookies were always available at her home for when friends stopped in for coffee. Gladys also loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughters; Sharon and her husband Joe McDonald of Ronan, MT and Marilyn and her husband Bob Dickson of Miles City, her grandchildren; Tim, Terry (Paula), Tracie and Tom (Theresa) McDonald, David (Collette), Mark (Rebecca), Stephen (Cheryl), Michael (Kathy), Anita (Chad) Otterness, Brian, and Jon Harris, Ron (Cindy) and Lori Dickson and Jane (Dennis) Pluhar, thirty-four great grandchildren, eight great great grandchildren, and a sister Helen Halverson of Boise. She was preceded in death by her husband Norvin; three brothers: George, Ralph and Roy; two sisters, Margaret and Elsie and a step-brother, Tommy.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2008 with family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 3, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will be at a later date in the family lot of the Custer County cemetery.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the First Lutheran Church for kitchen remodeling or to the charity of one's choice.
Darlene J. Malone
Darlene J. Malone, 59, of Gilbert, AZ, formerly of Miles City, passed away early Wed. morning, October 15, 2008 after many years of fighting the effects of a brain tumor.
Darlene was born on Jan. 18, 1949 in Miles City, the second daughter of Elmer and Viola (Pasicznyk) Meidinger. She grew up in Kinsey where she attended 1st through 8th grade, then graduated from Custer County High School in 1967, and continued her education at Miles City Junior College, where she received her 2 year teaching certificate.
After two years of teaching country schools, at Garland and Twin Buttes, Darlene and Walter Malone were married
on August 28, 1971 at the First United Methodist Church in Miles City. They lived in Miles City the first years of their life together, where Darlene worked at McDonald's Clothing Store and also began her career as an 'Avon Lady'. Her daughter Karrie and son Craig were born during this time.
In January 1980, Walter's career as a pilot for Big Sky Airlines took them to Billings, Montana, where they resided for several years. During this time, Darlene continued selling Avon door to door, enjoying the visits with her neighbors even though it was made difficult by her seizures.
In November 1989, Darlene and Walter moved to Arizona where Walter became a pilot for America West out of Phoenix. They moved to Gilbert shortly after and have resided there since. Darlene worked as a Nanny until her weakened right arm could no longer hold a baby.
Darlene loved music and played both the piano and guitar by ear, starting at an early age accompanying the 'Meidinger sisters'. She also sang in the church choir, but her love was mainly in country music.
At the age of 16 Darlene joined the United Methodist Church in Miles City with her family and was baptized. She was a faithful follower of Jesus and attended Sunday worship services as long as she was able.
She loved animals, especially cats. There was always at least one cat and one dog in the family home at all times. Darlene will be remembered as a prankster in her childhood and as a friendly and loving person throughout her life. She faced life head on and accepted whatever it gave her.
Her survivors include her husband of 37 years, Walter Malone, daughter Karrie Malone of Queen Creek, AZ, son Craig Malone of Gilbert, AZ, and a 2 year old granddaughter Alyssa Handy of Queen Creek, AZ. She is also survived by her parents, Elmer & Viola Meidinger of Miles City, MT, sisters: Donna (Les) Hirsch of Miles City, MT, Dolores (Rick) Willson of Miles City, MT, Carol (Tom) Winchell of Glendive, MT and Cindy (Garth) Anderson of Blue Springs, MO, and one brother, Chris Meidinger (Andrea Senrud) of Miles City, MT, her sister-in-law Mary Lou (Jack) Deibel of Miles City, MT, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and many special friends.
Darlene was preceded in death by her grandparents, her in-laws, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Gilbert, AZ on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 1:00 pm. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2008 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the local arrangements.
Shirley Bickle Schell
Shirley Bickle Schell, age 73, of Terry passed away on Friday, October 10, 2008 at the Prairie County Health Care in Terry.
Shirley was born in Wibaux, Montana on April 15, 1935 to Emery and Margaret Rose (Beckman) Beeler. She was raised and attended schools in Wibaux where she graduated from High School. Following graduation, she worked at the Stockman and various other businesses in Wibaux. Shirley married
Hal Bickle and together they built and operated the Plevna Bar. In 1976, they owned and operated the Roy Rogers Bar in Terry until 1987 when she retired. Hal passed away in 1985. Shirley married
Tony Schell in 1987. She then became a cook at the Terry School and truly loved the kids. She worked there until ill health forced her to finally retire.
Shirley loved gardening, hunting, fishing, playing cards, dancing and spending time with her family and friends.
Shirley is survived by husband, Tony Schell of Terry, MT; four daughters: Shelley Revell of Casper, WY; Ruth (Tom) Rakes of Glendive, MT; Lorrie Pearce (Craig Dalakow) of Miles City, MT; and Lea Johnson (Don) Green River, WY; a step daughter, Toni (Andrew) Garlic of Colorado Springs, CO; two step sons: Craig Schell of Terry, MT; and Jay (Michelle) Schell of Eagon, MN; her grandchildren: Stacey, Jeremy, Joel, Jennifer, Jenessa, Josh, Paige, and Mackenzie. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Hal Bickle, two brothers: Elmer and Robert 'Bob', and a sister, Viola Cowee.
Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2008 at Stevenson Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Stevenson Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Prairie County cemetery in Terry.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Prairie County Health Center.
Wayne David Mackey Sr.
Wayne David Mackey Sr., age 72, of Miles City passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2008 at the Holy Rosary Health Care Center in Miles City.
Wayne was born in New Berg, New York on February 13, 1936, the son of Beulah (Beck) and Harry Mackey Sr. He grew up and attended schools in New York and at the age of 18, he moved to Alaska where he lived for 25 years. While in Alaska, Wayne enjoyed flying and guiding as a Bush Pilot. He then moved to Washington where he lived until 2005, when he moved to Miles City. Wayne worked in construction and operated a taxidermy business and retail archery shop.
Wayne is survived by his wife Chris Mackey of Miles City, MT; two sons: Wayne Mackey Jr. of Miles City, MT; and Brian Mackey of Anacortes, WA; two daughters: Christina McCarthy of Yakima, WA; Renee Mackey of Anchorage, AK; two brothers: Harry Mackey Jr. of Dalhart, TX; and Larry Mackey of Anchorage, AK; eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Jeffery Mackey; a daughter Ginger Mackey; and a sister Boots Campbell.
At Wayne's request, no services are planned. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of ones choice.
