Obituaries

Jan 21, 2020

This is more than an obituary; this is a love story that began in 1952 and lasted for 68 years. Merilyn passed away in her sleep early in the morning on Friday, Jan. 17, 2020. She and Bill were married on Aug. 14, 1953, a marriage that lasted for 66-plus years.

Merilyn was born July 20, 1932,...

Jan 19, 2020

Alan Lee Schlepp left this world on Jan 17, 2020, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by loved ones. In the days and weeks prior, he visited with friends and family members from across the country.

He was born in Conrad to Willard and Virginia on Nov. 22, 1954. His small town upbringing formed him into...

Jan 17, 2020

James Patrick Baumgardner, our wildly wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, known for his big heart and big laugh, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 15, 2020, after a long illness, which he fought like the warrior he was. He was surrounded by his wife and children, which is exactly how he wanted it.

Jim...

Jan 15, 2020

Early in 2019, Bebe asked to have another Christmas with all of her children in one place. They made it happen last month in San Diego. After a fun week with her children and their spouses, some grandchildren and sun, Bebe returned to Billings and, that first night, tucked into bed and went to see her Lord.

...

Jan 15, 2020

Kathy Burke Novak passed away at home on January 14, 2020, surrounded by her loving husband and family members after an extended illness.

Born on November 16, 1958, the third daughter and middle child of Jack and Nancy Burke, Kathy embodied a true zest for life and found love and joy in all that each day offered....

Jan 14, 2020

Pamela Jean (McCafferty) Crisp, 51, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020, with her family by her side.

Pamela was born on June 10, 1968, in Billings, to Sedrick and Nola McCafferty. Pamela graduated from Billings West High in 1986 and went on to earn her BSBA at MSUB. She became co-owner of Better Property Management,...

Jan 14, 2020

Ruth was born on Sept. 30, 1923, in Okemah, Oklahoma, to A.M. and Ruby Fox. She was the youngest of three children: a sister, Jean, and brother Hershel. he family soon moved west, where Ruth graduated head of her class at Live Oak Union High School, Live Oak, California. After taking an additional business course, Ruth went to work...

Jan 12, 2020

Dr. Morvia Thomas Helmer, 94, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020.

Tom was born on June 14, 1925, to Walter and Bertha Helmer in Prospect, New York, and was the youngest of seven children. He graduated from Holland Patent Central School in 1943. After graduating, Tom volunteered for the Ski Troops and entered the service in...

Jan 11, 2020

On Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020, Emma Marie Brown, loving wife and mother, passed away at the age of 62.

She was born in San Jose, California, on Dec. 5, 1957. Emma grew up in Sunnyvale, California, and graduated from St. Francis High School in Mountain View before settling in Billings in 1979.

Emma was very...

Jan 10, 2020

Casey Jolene Burrows, of Billings, died peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on Jan. 8, 2020.

Casey was born on Aug. 16, 2001, to Travis and Beverly Burrows in Murrieta, California. She moved with her family to Montana in 2003, residing in Cut Bank and Conrad before moving to Billings in 2014. Casey attended Billings...

Jan 8, 2020

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona - Shari VanDelinder went to heaven to join her beloved husband Curt on Dec. 14, 2019, at 50 years old. Her strong body and unequaled spirit finally succumbed to a litany of medical challenges that would have taken a lesser person long ago.

She was born on June 5, 1969, in Williston, North Dakota. She...

Jan 8, 2020

On Dec. 26, 2019, our beloved matriarch, Audrey Rose Nelles followed the Star of Bethlehem into the gates of heaven and the welcoming arms of her Lord and Savior.

Audrey was born Audrey Rose Tuma on Sept. 10, 1924, in Cutbank. She attended a one-room schoolhouse in her elementary years and The Ursaline Academy in Great Falls...

Jan 7, 2020

Kenneth "Kenny" Calvin Rambold passed away peacefully on Jan. 5, 2020, surrounded by his beloved family.

Kenny was born on Feb. 29, 1928 (yes, he was a leap year baby), to Pete and Margaret Rambold, in Billings. He grew up during the Depression; his mother later moved to California to earn a better living. At that time,...

Jan 7, 2020

Pauline (Burton) Powers, 84, of Billings, passed away on Friday, Jan. 3, 2020. She was born on Oct. 27, 1935, to Clyde Burton and Lorene McLean Burton.

Pauline lived her life for her family. She was a gentle soul with a smile that would light up the world. She will be greatly missed by all who loved...

Jan 6, 2020

Dave passed away Dec. 31, 2019, at St. Vincent Healthcare, following a long illness.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children Peter (Debra) and Gretchen.

Dave was born on July 10, 1935, and grew up in Helena, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Otto Klein. He attended Dartmouth College (skiing for the freshman team),...

Jan 6, 2020

At 98, Mary Violet (Loudon) Carey completed her earthly journey on Jan. 6, 2020, and quietly departed to be with those loved ones who have gone before her.

Mary was born in Circle on April 28, 1921, the fifth child of Chester and Hazel Loudon. Along with five other siblings, she spent her youth and school years...

Jan 5, 2020

Janet Elaine Dunlop, born Sept. 13, 1933, in Minot, North Dakota, to John and Ebba Leraas, passed away on Dec. 31, 2019, in Billings, surrounded by family.

A 1951 graduate of Minot High School, she earned a bachelor's degree in English from Minot State Teacher's College and a master's in special education from Eastern Montana College. She...

Jan 3, 2020

Rose Ann Grammens, 90, of Custer, passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, at TenderNest Assisted Living in Billings.

The daughter of Joseph and Angela Ponessa, Rose's given name was Anna Rosa. She was born Feb. 14, 1930, in Billings. She grew up in Bighorn, where she attended grades one through eight. She graduated from Custer High...

Jan 3, 2020

Arthur Louis Knudtson, 88, passed away on Dec. 31, 2019, at Parkview Health Care in Billings.

He was born on Oct. 2, 1931, in Hawley, Minnesota, to Laura and Albert Knudtson. He graduated from Moorhead High School in Moorhead, Minnesota, in 1950. He attended Interstate Business College in Fargo, North Dakota. In 1953, Arthur enlisted in the...

Jan 2, 2020

Robert James Patterson, of Billings, Montana, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of December 31, 2019, while lovingly surrounded by family.

Bob embarked on life in Billings on January 20, 1947, and was the first son of second-generation Montanans William and Marie Patterson, and eventual big brother/partner-in-crime to Monty Patterson. He was born...