Obituaries

2022

Our beloved Paul Arthur Downing, of Billings, passed away on Thursday, Aug, 18, 2022.

Paul was born in 1937 in Sacramento, California. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in botany. He served in the United States Army Reserve, specializing in military intelligence and psychological operations. Paul later went on to study forestry and joined the L.A. County...

2022

Philip James Ganson, son of William and Florence Ganson of Terry, and youngest brother to Bill and Bob, passed away on Aug. 13, 2022.

Upon his Terry High School graduation, Phil enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving from 1952 to 1956, based at San Antonio, Texas (Kelly Field). His overseas assignment was with 6913th Radio...

2022

One wonders how some people do what they do. Dan Eddleman is one of those people. He was blessed to be born a cowboy with horse sense like few others. He was on the cover of the Quarter Horse Journal’s 10th Anniversary Edition, when he was only 5. Some of that gift was passed down from his mother Jimmie...

2022

John was born in Hardin, Montana, on July 18, 1926, to George and Mari Reichel. He attended elementary school in Laurel, graduated high school from Belfry and attended MSU. He graduated with BS and MS degrees in Agricultural Economics.

At MSU, he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, Alpha Zeta honorary Ag fraternity and Septimviri,...

2022

Freda Evans, age 83, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Wyndstone Assisted Living in Billings. Freda was born to Oswald and Otille Hennig in Borowo, Poland, and immigrated to Germany at age 7. Her courage and determination saw her through the hardships endured living in war-torn Germany. The family then immigrated to Canada when she was 15. The...

Jan 1, 2022

Karen Lynn Kraske Melius

Karen was born to Louise and Emil Kraske on Sept. 10, 1941, in Billings. Sadly, her parents passed early in her life, leaving Karen and her “womb mate” Kendall and older brothers Dick and Don to live with their grandparents.

She attended Kate Fratt Memorial and graduated from Central...

Dec 31, 2021

William “Bill” Mankin

February 12, 1930 – December 31, 2021

William “Bill” E. Mankin left this world on December 31, 2021, at the age of 91, having lived a very full life, with his wife by his side.

William E. “Bill” Mankin was born February 12, 1930, in Upton, Wyoming, to...

Dec 30, 2021

Jack Lawson

Jack Lawson, 93, of Billings, passed away on Dec. 30, 2021, with his longtime partner, Joan Crum; his beloved dog Topper; and Kitty by his side.

Jack was born in 1928 to parents Thomas and Eleanor Lawson of Poplar, where they operated a dryland wheat farm, which is still in operation...

Dec 30, 2021

Jerry Knutson

Jerry Knutson, 75, of Billings, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, at RiverStone Health Hospice Home.

The son of Gerald and Beatrice Knutson, Jerry was born May 30, 1946, in Baker. He grew up on a farm (which he loved dearly) near Webster, Montana. ...

Dec 28, 2021

Isabel Ann Chism Frederick

Isabel Ann Chism Frederick was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, cousin, coworker and friend. Isabel was fiercely independent, tough as nails, a superb seamstress and an expert gardener. Most of all, she was the best mom and grandmother any of us could have hoped to have.

Isabel was born...

Dec 25, 2021

Richard McDonnell Schiltz

Richard McDonnell Schiltz, age 75, died peacefully on Dec. 25, 2021, after a long illness.

He was born in Billings on March 6, 1946, to the late John McHale and Edna McDonnell Schiltz. He grew up on Highland Park Drive. The area was bordered by Tony’s Supermarket, Lisa Field, the...

Dec 21, 2021

Barbara Ellen Condie

We lost our mother and grandmother, Barbara Ellen Condie, age 88, on Dec. 21, 2021. Barbara was born on Nov. 11, 1933, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, the daughter of Thomas and Panzey Blackwell. She grew up in the small coal mining town of Superior, Wyoming, and graduated from Superior High School in...

Dec 19, 2021

Horace “Ed” Edward Hudson Sr.

On Sunday, December 19, 2021, Horace “Ed” Edward Hudson Sr., went home to be with his Lord and Savior while in the hospital recovering from a recent accident. Ed was 82 years old.

Ed was born in Lancaster, South Carolina, on March 28, 1939. He was the middle...

Dec 17, 2021

Raymond “Ray” Dietz

Raymond “Ray” Dietz passed away December 17th of 2021, after a short illness, non-covid related. He was surrounded by his grandchildren and holding the hand of the love of his life, Patty. He was born in Hesper, Montana on October 15th, 1936, to Jake and Caroline (Tintzman) Dietz. He was the second...

Dec 16, 2021

James ‘Jim’ LeRoy Meader

James “Jim” LeRoy Meader was born in Billings on Aug. 8, 1931, to Amelia and Archie Meader. He passed away on Dec. 16, 2021, at the age of 90 years young.

Jim attended McKinley Elementary School, Lincoln Junior High, and graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1950. Jim...

Dec 14, 2021

Lester John Bertsch was born to Ted and Hilda Bertsch on Sept. 11, 1935. He was born and raised on the family farm outside of Mott, North Dakota.

He and Marilyn were married in 1957 and had two children, Todd and Kimberlee. Lester served in the army during the Korean War and spent most of his working...

Dec 13, 2021

Edwin J. Kehm

Edwin J. Kehm, 92, of Billings, passed away on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021.

He was born on May 18, 1929, in Laurel, to John and Molly (Weil) Kehm. A graduate of the class of 1949, he worked as a railroad clerk for Burlington Northern Railroad. After graduation, Edwin married Julia...

Dec 12, 2021

Pius George Schmalz

Pius George Schmalz, 82, passed away at his home on December 12, 2021, as a result of natural causes. This ended a seven-year battle with cancer and, more recently, the grief of losing his lifelong sweetheart and partner, Amy.

He was born March 16, 1939, to George Schmalz Junior and...

Dec 11, 2021

Robert ‘Rob’ Anderson

Robert Anderson entered this world 65 years ago in Torrington, Wyoming, son of Gene and Marge Anderson. He has completed his time with us and has joined his family members in heaven on Dec. 11, 2021.

Rob lived the majority of his life in Billings, raising his children and becoming...

Dec 11, 2021

In Loving Memory of

Barbara Ann Rexford

On Dec. 11, 2021, our beloved Barb “Barbie Ann” Rexford passed peacefully into the loving arms of our Lord Jesus. Barb fought a short, but very courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Throughout this struggle, Barb remained hopeful, upbeat and faithful to her Lord. She was very...