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Edgar 'Deacon' Riley
JORDAN - Edgar "Deacon" Riley, age 85 of Jordan, passed away on Aug. 18, 1998, at the Garfield County Health Center in Jordan.
Edgar was born in Nash, Okla., on Oct. 13, 1912, to Robert R. Riley and Edna Vannoy Riley. His parents traveled to Montana in 1913 when Edgar was an infant and eventually homesteaded in the Blackfoot area of Garfield County. He started school at the Eagles Nest school and graduated from Garfield County High School in 1930. Edgar was married
to Murriel Kramer for 63 years until her death in 1996.
Edgar moved with his family to Jordan where his parents operated a dairy. As a young man he worked many jobs, as a cowboy on the big horse roundups, in the rodeos, and for area ranches and local merchants. He and Mert lived on a small ranch west of Jordan where they raised four children. Edgar eventually went into business in Jordan and later in Roundup. They lived in Roundup for 10 years. He and Mert returned to his lifelong ambition in 1959 when he purchased a ranch on the Big Dry. Edgar and Mert retired in 1986 and moved to Jordan. They were active members of the Presbyterian Church.
Edgar was preceded in death by his wife, Mert, and by a brother, Moyne Riley. Edgar is survived by his four children, Robert Riley of Florence, Ariz., Donna Riley of Miles City, Gary Riley of Ventura, Calif., and Larry Riley of Missoula; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Herschel Riley of Jordan and a sister, Faye Ziegele of Hood River, Ore.
Funeral services will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Jordan on Saturday, Aug. 22, 1998, at 10 a.m. Edgar will be interred at the Pioneer cemetery following services. Visitation will be at the Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Jordan from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21, 1998. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Jordan is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Jordan Ambulance Service or the Garfield County Health Center.
Elizabeth Schield
Elizabeth Schield was born in Billings on Dec. 27, 1914, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Helzer. She received her education at the Shiloh School in Billings, moving to Silesia with her family in 1933. Elizabeth returned to Billings in 1938 and on April 14, 1940, married
Jack Schield in Laurel. Together they began their family and farmed west of Billings until 1943 when they moved to town.
Mrs. Schield passed away Tuesday evening, Aug. 18, 1998, at the Cedar Wood Villa in Red Lodge. She had lived for 83 years, enjoying her family and grandchildren, as well as time spent sewing, quilting and raising flowers.
Elizabeth is survived by three sons, Jacob "Jack" of Dillon, Kenney of Gig Harbor, Wash., and Tim of Littleton, Colo.; two grandchildren, Natalie Loyd of Phoenix, Ariz., and Scott Schield of Missoula; a sister, Marie LaMotte of Billings; a brother, George Helzer of Billings; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1994, four sisters and three brothers.
Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Pilgrim Congregational Church with interment to follow at Mountview cemetery. Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice. Smith Downtown Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Oscar H. Biegel
HARLOWTON - Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Oscar H. Biegel, 70, of Harlowton, passed away at Wheatland Memorial Hospital, Aug. 18, 1998, after a five-year valiant battle with cancer. He never, ever, complained and kept his terrific sense of humor throughout the whole ordeal. Oscar will be greatly missed by so many.
Oscar was born in Harlowton on Jan. 13, 1928, the son of Oscar H. Biegel Sr. and Marie L. Beauchot Biegel. He graduated from Harlowton High School in 1946. Upon high school graduation, Oscar enlisted in the U.S. Army and served his country in Korea. In 1949, he married
his high school sweetheart, Jeanne Thibadeau. In 1952, Oscar graduated from the University of Montana School of Pharmacy. He then returned to Harlowton to be a pharmacist in the Staley Drug Store. Oscar later operated the business until his 1995 retirement.
Oscar was very active in community affairs, including six years as a city councilman before being elected mayor and serving 18 years in that position. During that time, Oscar was appointed to the State Board of Directors of the League of Cities and Towns. He put forth so much effort in making his home town a better place to live!
Oscar also served his term as president of the Harlowton Kiwanis Club as well as being a member for 39 years. He belonged to the Chamber of Commerce, the VFW Post 1551, the Wheatland Post 15 American Legion, and was a member of the Montana and American Pharmaceutical Associations. Oscar was very proud to be recently honored as the Grand Marshall of the Fourth of July Parade celebrations.
Oscar was an active member of Saint Joseph's Catholic Church, and was active in Harlowton schools as he and Jeanne's five children progressed through their education and all the extra-curricular activities. He worked with the swim team and coached Little League Baseball. Oscar also enjoyed traveling, camping, hunting, and fishing with his family, watching his grandchildren's athletic events, playing the piano, visiting and playing cards with his friends, and running his Post and Pole Company.
Oscar is survived by his wife, Jeanne, and his five children and five grandchildren: daughter, Linda Cotton, her husband, Ty, and their children Gina, Tyler, and Adam of Cascade; daughter, Debbie of Bozeman; daughter, Lori Richardson, and her husband, Jay of Salt Lake City, Utah; son, Dr. David Biegel and his fiancÈe, Shannon Manley of Bozeman; son, Dr. Kevin Biegel, his wife, Sue, and children, Shaina and Taylor of Billings. He was preceded in death by his sister, Donna, and his parents.
Oscar's loving memory will be kept alive by his family and friends as they recall the wonderful times spent with him. Oscar was a good-natured, patient, and loving husband, father and grandfather, who had the love and respect of all his family, friends and community. Oscar loved life and lived each day to its fullest! He is leaving behind a legacy of incredible accomplishments and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A Vigil Prayer Service will be held Thursday evening, Aug. 20, at Perkins Funeral Hone in Harlowton at 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Aug. 21, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Harlowton at 2 p.m. Following the graveside services, there will be a gathering of friends and family at the Harlowton Youth Center.
Memorials in Oscar's name may be sent to the Wheatland Memorial Hospital in Harlowton or the Northern Rockies Cancer Center in Billings.
Walter Knopp
SIDNEY - Walter Knopp, 80, died Wednesday, Aug. 19, 1998, at the Sidney Health Center.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Lonsdale United Methodist Church in Sidney with interment in the Sidney cemetery. Fulkerson Funeral Home of Sidney is in charge.
Skyler Angelo Aitken
Skyler Angelo Aitken, stillborn infant son of Nichol Aitken of Billings, passed away Aug. 4, 1998, at St. Vincent Hospital.
Besides his mother, he is survived by his grandmother, Darlene Teran and stepfather, Vincent Feely of Billings; his grandfather, Billy Dan Aitken of Conroe, Texas; great-grandfather, Albert Teran; two uncles, Mathew Feely and Gregory Feely, and aunt, Hannah Feely, all of Billings.
Private family services will be held at a later date. Smith Downtown Chapel in charge of arrangements.
Mildred D. Sather
Mildred D. Sather, age 83, of Billings, passed away Monday, Aug. 17, 1998, at Eagle Cliff Manor surrounded by her family.
She was born at Northwood, N.D., on March 26, 1915, the daughter of Anton and Ruth (Lowe) Dahl. She was raised and educated at Northwood.
In 1940, she moved to Billings and was married
to Grover O. Sather. Mildred worked at Vaughn-Ragsdale Co. for 25 years.
Mildred enjoyed raising flowers, gardening and working in her yard. She liked being with her many friends and enjoyed traveling. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mildred was a member of the American Lutheran Church.
Survivors include a daughter and her husband, Marilyn and Bill Anderson of Greeley, Colo.; a sister, Edna Gensrich of Worden; three grandchildren, Steve and wife, Jeanine and Susan and husband, Bill Rye of Billings, and Scott and wife, Suzette Blehm of Greeley; five great-grandchildren, Zachary and Jacob Blehm, Christopher and Emily Rye and Madison Paige Blehm; and a special friend, Jeanette Moe of Billings. Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Grover, on Feb. 16, 1984.
Funeral services pending at Smith's Downtown Chapel.
Elinor Ruth Johnson
POLSON - Elinor Ruth Johnson, 86, formerly of Red Lodge, died Monday, Aug. 17, 1998, at her home in Polson of cancer.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the Grogan Funeral Chapel in Polson.
Quentin L. Big Medicine
DUNMORE - Quentin L. Big Medicine, 43, of Dunmore, passed away near his home. He was last seen July 19, 1996.
He was born Oct. 22, 1952, in Crow Agency, a son of Lorenzo Mountain Sheep and Maxine Big Medicine. He was raised in the Dunmore area by Edward and Florida House Big Medicine and attended school in Hardin, graduating from Hardin High School in 1972. He later attended Brigham Young University and Eastern Montana College, graduating in 1975 with a degree in psychology and a minor in business administration. He worked for the Crow Tribe and four years at the Sarpy Creek Mine.
Quentin was active in Tribal affairs, serving the Crow Tribal committee instrumental in establishing the Lodge Grass Clinic and later the new Indian Health Service Hospital. He was a member of the Tobacco Society, Black Lodge Daytime Ceremonial Dancers, was Keeper of the Black Lodge District Tailfeathers and Pipe. He was a Crow Traditionalist, was a Sundancer and participated in sweat Lodges, the Native American Church and the Dunmore LDS Chapel. He received many prizes for his parading outfits and his beadwork.
Survivors include a brother, Lorenzo Mountain Sheep Jr. of Dunmore; a half-brother, Loren Old Bear of Lodge Grass; a sister, Marjean Big Hair of Crow Agency; his adopted mother, Marietta Big Medicine of Dunmore; Silas Big Medicine, whom he raised as a son; his special aunts, Ethel Big Medicine of Dunmore and Donna Dawes of Crow Agency; his uncle, Merle Big Medicine of Dunmore; his Tobacco Society mother, Elizabeth Door of Crow Agency; an adopted sister, Linda Bulltail of Crow Agency; three adopted Tobacco Society brothers, Donald, Garrett and Garland Door; numerous cousins he claimed as brothers and sisters, as well as many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday in the Dunmore LDS Chapel. Interment will follow in the Crow Agency cemetery. Bullis Mortuary of Hardin is entrusted with the arrangements.
Bernice T. Hallam
Bernice T. Hallam passed away Sunday morning, Aug. 16, 1998, in Billings.
Bernice was born in Dawson County on June 29, 1915, the daughter of Oscar J. and Selma Peterson. In 1935, she married
William Stuart. Mr. Stuart died in 1948. In 1959, she married
Glen Hallam. He passed away in 1970.
Survivors include a son, Dewey G. Stuart of Detroit; a daughter adopted and raised by her parents, Norma Marshall of Glendive; a brother, Allan T. Peterson of Spokane, Wash.; two sisters, Mrs. Percy (Doris) Stene of Great Falls and Mrs. Herbert (Gladys) Boehm of Wenatchee, Wash.; two grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; and several step-great-great-grandchildren, She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Sanford, Leo and Arnold.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, at the Smith West Chapel, 304 34th St. W. The urn will be placed in the Terrace Gardens Columbarium following the service. Smith West Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Emma Mary Cotter
Emma M. Cotter, 75, of Billings, passed away Thursday, Aug. 13, 1998, at Billings Deaconess Hospital. She was born Jan. 9, 1923, in Red Lodge, the oldest of five children born to Joe and Mary Uzelac.
She attended Red Lodge schools and graduated from high school in 1940. She also attended college in Bozeman and Billings Business College.
In 1945, Emma married
Dr. Samuel G. Cotter in Red Lodge. They resided in Bozeman and Brookfield, Ill., while Sam attended college. They returned to Billings in 1953, where they had resided since.
Emma was primarily employed as a secretary with oil and gas companies in Billings. She loved being a homemaker and mother. She especially enjoyed cooking and sharing recipes with family and friends. She was a longtime member of the Croatian Fraternal Union and St. Pius X Catholic Church.
She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Sam; her son, James J. and his fiancČe, Joan Santos; her daughter, Mary Jo Woods (Ernie); one grandson, Lucas, who was her pride and joy; her brother, Tom Uzelac (Vera); her sister, Dorothy Uzelac of Red Lodge; one uncle, two aunts, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, James and Joseph.
Emma's warmth, friendship, and generosity were felt by all who knew her. She will be missed and loved always.
Cremation has taken place. A vigil service will be held 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at Michelotti, Sawyers & Nordquist Alderson Chapel. A memorial mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17, at St. Pius X Church with rite of committal in Mountview cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the St. Pius X Church Building Fund, 18th St. W. and Broadwater Ave., Billings, MT 59102, or the charity of one's choice.
Jessica Marie Fink
RAYMOND - The Funeral Liturgy for Jessica Marie Fink will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday. Father Benjamin Lobo will celebrate the liturgy at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Plentywood; interment will be in Plentywood cemetery. A public vigil rite will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the church. Jessica, 10, was killed Wednesday morning, Aug. 12, 1998, in a motor vehicle accident on Highway 16 north of Raymond.
Jessica was born at Plentywood, Feb. 26, 1988, the youngest of three daughters of Terry and Janet (Johnson) Fink; since she was born, she has been her mom's little angel, and always will be, and has grown to become her dad's partner, as well. The family lives and farms north of Raymond, and Jessica was to begin fifth grade this month in Plentywood.
A vibrant, intensely loving young woman, she ended even brief conversations with a hug and "I love you" . . . she loved everyone, and everyone loved her. She loved to give people things; often drawings from her gifted pen, or special things that were precious to her . . . even more so when she gave them away! She loved animals, especially her horse, "Midnight Star," and all her cats: her family remembers that she named just about every cat she ever saw! She collected Teddy Bears, especially "Polly," a special bear that went just about everywhere with her for many years.
She loved sports, wanted to be a football player, excelled in bowling, basketball and softball, and was sometimes nearly able to outrun her big sisters, even if her cap was on backwards! Ready for fifth grade, she was a straight "A" student who was crushed when she got a "B" in first grade. Always inquisitive about everything, she read constantly, questioned everything, and never quit . . . whatever she was doing she stuck it through, no matter what.
She wanted to be a beautician, a veterinarian, or develop her talent as an artist into a career. She was baptized at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, was an acolyte, and involved in CCD, and had received her first communion May 5, 1996. She touched the lives of everyone who knew her.
She is survived by her parents, Terry and Janet Fink, her two big sisters, Amy and Stephanie, all at home on the family farm north of Raymond; by her paternal grandparents, Harry and Louise Fink of Raymond and Minton, Saskatchewan; her maternal grandmother, Marie Johnson of Plentywood; her maternal great-grandmother, Leona Corth of Lewistown; and by aunt and uncle, Ron and Barb of Raymond, cousins, John of Billings and Tracy Bromberg of Raymond; uncles and aunts, Todd and Crystal Johnson of Plentywood, and Larry and Donna Johnson, and cousins, Christine and Dale Johnson, all of Hartford, Mich. Jessica was preceded in death by her grandparents, Clayton Corth and George Ray Johnson, great-grandmas, Ida Pulvermacher and Josie Fink.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood has charge of arrangements.
Bessie May Huffman
GLENDIVE - Bessie May Huffman, 79, formerly of Richey, died Wednesday, Aug. 12, 1998, at the Glendive Medical Center.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the First Congregational United Church of Christ with interment in the Dawson Memorial cemetery, both in Glendive. Silvernale-Silha Funeral Home of Glendive is in charge.
Alberta A. Fick
Alberta A. Fick, 83, of Billings died Aug. 12, 1998. She was born Aug. 10, 1915, in Ewing, Neb., the daughter of Mabel (Chace) and George Pond. Alberta was united in marriage to Edward A. Fick in Stanton, Neb., on Jan. 31, 1939. They had lived in Stafford, Neb., prior to moving to Billings in 1949.
Alberta was proud of her homemade bread and Christmas candy she made to give to family and friends. She always enjoyed helping children with their projects in 4-H.
Survivors include her son, Richard E. and wife, Diana Fick; daughter, Sandie and husband, Bill Quesenberry; and grandchildren, Kymmberly Stark, Eddie Fick, Jacqueline Fick, Maureen Quast, Rod Quesenberry, Bill Quesenberry Jr.; and nine great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, 1998, at Dahl Funeral Chapel with interment to follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Family Services or charity of one's choice.
When we think of love, we think of you: a wife, mother, and grandmother who was always there for us.
Ellsworth Bernard Hastings
BOZEMAN - Ellsworth Bernard Hastings, of 416 S. Sixth Ave. in Bozeman, died Wednesday morning at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital. He was born Aug. 9, 1910, in Billings, where he graduated from high school. He received his BS at Montana State College in 1933 and moved to Glendive to work for the Rural Rehabilitation Corp. There, he met Kirsten Walseth and they married
in Missoula on May 4, 1935.
After working in Polson for two years, they returned to Bozeman for two more years of grad school and an MS in entomology in 1939. Joining the faculty as an assistant professor, Ellsworth rose to state entomologist, a full professorship and acting head of the zoology and entomology department before retiring in 1972. He was a member of the Elks Club and Rotary, serving as president in 1957. He avidly pursued his love of fly fishing, hunting, and gardening.
Ellsworth was preceded in death by his wife, Kirsten, and brother, Douglas of Billings. He is survived by two daughters, Sandra Hastings of Freeland, Wash., Lynn Kirk and son-in-law, Dwight Kirk of Apple Valley, Minn.; and a son, Col. Eric Hastings, USMC (ret.) and daughter-in-law, Jean (Schauer) Hastings of Bozeman. He also had four grandsons: Sean and Darrin Kirk of Apple Valley, Maj. Chris Hastings, USMC of Albuquerque, N.M., and 1st Lt. Keely Hastings USMC; grand-daughter-in-law, Shannon (Betancourt) Hastings and great-granddaughter, Sierra Hastings of Okinawa, Japan.
A memorial service will be held at Dahl Funeral Chapel on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 2 p.m. A reception immediately follows at the Hastings family home, 416 S. Sixth. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest any donations be considered for the Bozeman City Library or Hospice of your choice.
