Obituaries

Oct 30, 2024

Wanda Betty (Schuler) Hofferber, aged 91, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2024, in Billings, MT. She was born on December 16, 1933, in Linton, ND. Mother of four children, grandmother to 13 great-grandmother to 24, and great-great-grandmother to one.

Wanda was married on January 6, 1951, to Charles Hofferber, in Billings. They raised their children in...

Oct 24, 2024

It is with immense sadness that the family of Les “Ace” Allan Bayers, 66, is announcing his passing on Oct. 24, 2024, surrounded by his children and loved ones.

He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his children: Taryn Kokkeler, Chelsey DeWitt, Randee (Jesse) Wells, Christopher (Miranda) Brown, Jenna (Shane) Bayers; grandchildren: Bayley, Devin, Roxy, Zaidyn,...

Oct 22, 2024

After a courageous battle with cancer, Barry Dean Brekhus, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, mentor and friend, passed away peacefully on Oct. 22, 2024, with his loving wife, Bobbie, by his side.

We would like to extend a special thank you to all the doctors and nurses and caregivers at Billings Clinic who guided us...

Oct 22, 2024

Raymond Wallace Kunkel peacefully passed away on Oct. 22, 2024, at St. Vincent Healthcare.

Ray was born on Sept. 1, 1940, in Billings, to Rudolph and Evelyn Kunkel.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Kunkel, whom he was married to for 62 years; his sons, Perry and Cal (Mandy); daughter Heather Graf (Kevin);...

Oct 21, 2024

June Kratochvil, 93, passed peacefully on Oct. 21, 2024, while surrounded by family, at her home in Billings. She was a longtime resident of Pompeys Pillar before moving to Billings in 1992. June was born on June 23, 1931, in Pompeys Pillar, the fifth child to Remi and Etta Mae Strobbe.

On Nov. 16, 1950, June married...

Oct 18, 2024

Cynthia “Cindy” Lynne Van Maren passed away on October 18, 2024, succumbing to injuries from a fall two weeks earlier. Cindy was born in Casper, Wyoming, on January 26, 1953, the middle of seven children born to N.P. Van Maren, Jr. and Juanita Beamish Van Maren. The day Cindy was born, two other baby girls were as well. For...

Oct 13, 2024

Joyce Bird, 81, of Billings, passed away Sunday morning, Oct. 13, 2024, at her home, with her family present.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Bird; her sisters, Martha Bowman, Lorraine Anderson, Betty Mullenberg and Donna Lane; and brother Chuck Overturf.

She is survived by her sons, Larry (Wanda) Bird and Darin...

Oct 10, 2024

Earlene Davis, age 83, passed away at St. Vincent Hospital on Oct. 10, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Earlene was a truly good and forgiving person with a wonderful sense of humor. She lived a life of enthusiasm for her family, golf and an ever-increasing number of new interests as she aged. Raising her daughters and being a...

Oct 10, 2024

Our mother, Alice Lorraine (Kern) Lambrecht passed away on Oct.10, 2024, much the same way she lived: peacefully and surrounded by family.

Mom was born in Mott, North Dakota, on April 11, 1931, to Russell and Albertina (Beehler) Kern. The family moved when Mom was a child to Miles City. After a few years, the family settled...

Oct 6, 2024

In Loving Memory of Caryle Janice Rio

April 17, 1939 – October 6, 2024

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Caryle Janice Rio, who left us peacefully on October 6, 2024, following complications from a heart valve replacement. Caryle was a beacon of warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and community....

Oct 5, 2024

Dale Laveen Weishaar, born to Richard and Esther Weishaar on July 30, 1948, passed away on Oct. 5. 2024, at St. Vincent Healthcare. He grew up in Laurel on his family’s farm. He married the love of his life, Janice Thompson, who preceded him in death by two years. They had one daughter, Gina Masella (husband Mike “Lucky” Masella),...

Oct 4, 2024

It is with heavy hearts the family of Joelle Lynn Keough, 44, announces her passing on Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Billings.

Joelle was born on May 12, 1980, to Mary Ellen (Toocheck) and Gary Edward Keough in Thornton, Colorado. Joelle was raised in Colorado with her older sister, Elizabeth Ann, and younger brother, Matthew Edward, until...

Oct 4, 2024

Anton “Tony” L. Schmidt, 96, passed away on Oct. 4, 2024, in Billings.

Tony was born on Sept. 12, 1928, in Mandan, North Dakota, to John and Julia Schmidt. He was the youngest of five and only boy to his four older sisters. He moved to Montana with his family in 1935. He moonlighted as both a...

Oct 3, 2024

George Wyse 89, passed away peacefully on October 3rd, 2024, from pneumonia complications, with family by his side.

He was born on May 26th, 1938, in Glendale, California, to parents Paulene and George. In his early years ,George and his older brother John made many memories and truly enjoyed the California coast.  As a graduate of Stanford...

Oct 2, 2024

Carol Ann Wallin Degnan passed away at home on Oct. 2, 2024, surrounded by her family. Carol embodied love, kindness and compassion. She lived her life from the heart, devoting herself to her loved ones. Her presence was a blessing to all who met her, and she will be greatly missed.

Carol was born on Sept. 29,...

Sep 30, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Randall Carthrae Rasmussen, a cherished father, grandfather and husband, who left us peacefully on Sept. 30, 2024. A dedicated chiropractor and a passionate artist, Randy touched the lives of many with his compassionate care and creative spirit.

An avid golfer, Randy found joy in the game...

Sep 30, 2024

BUTTE — Mrs. Ruth A. Matson passed away on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, shortly after celebrating her 88th birthday.

A lifelong resident of Butte, Ruth was born to Ruth N. and James T. Holland, on Sept. 27, 1936. She was baptized at Gold Hill Lutheran Church, attended local schools, and graduated from Butte High School in 1954....

Sep 30, 2024

Sharon Hinton Brand, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, Grammy, and great-grandmother, peacefully returned to the arms of the Lord, surrounded by her family who trust she is now embraced in His eternal grace and light.

Sharon was born on Dec. 13, 1950, in Whitehall, to Lois and Gene Hinton. She was joined by her brother Gary Hinton...

Sep 28, 2024

Our sweet girl Sydnee Rae Valentine left this earth on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at the age of 23.

Born to Jerry and Randi Valentine on May 9, 2001, Sydnee was the third of four siblings. Throughout her childhood, we knew she was something special. She had a talent for playing the violin. Over the course of...

Sep 27, 2024

Jeanne Arlene Zupan, 91, of Billings, passed away at home on Sept. 27, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Jeanne was born in Ely, Minnesota, to Francis and John Marinsek, on Sept. 6, 1933. Her time in Ely was filled with enjoyment of family and friends and the foundation of her Slovene heritage.

When asked what...