Whitted Funeral Chapel (Cut Bank) Obituaries

About Whitted Funeral Chapel (Cut Bank)

Whitted Funeral Chapel, located at 130 6th Avenue SE, Cut Bank, MT, 59427, is a trusted and compassionate funeral home serving the community of Cut Bank and surrounding areas. With a long history of providing exceptional funeral services, Whitted Funeral Chapel has established itself as a pillar of support for families during their most difficult times.

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At Whitted Funeral Chapel, the team understands that losing a loved one is one of life's most challenging experiences. That's why they are dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care to each family they serve. Their experienced staff takes the time to listen to your needs, answer your questions, and guide you through the funeral planning process with kindness and understanding.

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Recent Funeral Home Obituaries

Frederick S. Greco - September 22, 1960 - April 08, 2022

Departed: 04/08/2022 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Frederick Scott Greco, 61, of Cut Bank, passed away at Great Falls Benefis Peace Hospice on Friday, April 8, 2022, after a brave, five-year long battle with colon cancer.

A Celebration of Life for Fred will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 2 p.m. at the Joe Meagher Memorial Civic Center in Cut Bank.

“Fred was such a loving and gregarious person that you just couldn’t help loving him the minute you met him. He was truly one-of-a-kind, and he will be missed by so many…He gave so much to others, but the very best of himself was the treasure he shared only with his family whom he deeply loved,” shared a friend who knew Fred well.

Fred was born in Browning and graduated from Browning High School in 1979. During high school he put a lot of enthusiasm into playing football and enjoyed being mentored by his coach, Marvin Anderson.  After high school he attended DeVry University and graduated in 1982 with a degree in Computer Installation and Repair. Fred’s parents, Angelo and Eleanor Greco, operated Greco Bakery and Restaurant in Browning and Cut Bank from the time he was a child, so Fred grew up learning to cook and bake.

In 1988, Fred found the friend and life partner that had been missing in his otherwise full life. Fred and Jamie Adams were married in October of 1990. Their family became complete when their son, Brandon, was born in 1992.  Fred absolutely loved being a father and sharing his enthusiasm for life with his son.

When his father retired, Fred decided to change course and incorporate his love of people into a position as the Advertising Manager for the Cut Bank Pioneer Press.  He enjoyed the opportunity to use his creativity and outgoing personality in this position.  In 1999 he ventured into what Fred always jokingly referred to as “his prison days,” accepting a position as Intake Officer and Warehouse Manager at Crossroads Correctional Center.  Fred’s positive attitude and fair treatment of others served him well during this time.

In 2001 Fred was privileged to begin serving the people of the local communities through his position at Cut Bank Job Service.  He was promoted to Job Service Manager three years ago and retired last December after working for the State of Montana for 20 years.

Fred volunteered his time serving on the Glacier Community Health Center Board and the Glacier County Port Authority Board among other entities over the years. Another cause that he was passionate about was working with the young people at the 4-H Food Booth during the Four-County Marias Fair for over 25 years.  Fred loved working with these young people and understood firsthand how the skills of customer service, teamwork, community service and leadership made those young people more prepared to enter the work force as adults.

Fred was a spiritual person and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Aug. 7, 1990. His firm faith in Jehovah being a loving, kind God who promises a resurrection to an earth that has been restored to paradise conditions was a comfort throughout his illness. Fred’s Bible-based belief contributed to his calm, happy and generous nature which he was so happy to share with everyone that had the privilege of knowing him.

Fred is survived by his wife of 31 years, Jamie; his son, Brandon Greco; uncle, Harvey (Kenda) Hawkins; mother-in-law, Varvarra Adams; three sisters-in-law and their families; and numerous cousins.  He is preceded by his parents, Angelo and Eleanor Greco; his paternal grandparents, Domenico and Maria Greco; maternal grandparents, Fred and Helen Hawkins; and cousin, Jeff Hawkins.

Memorials may be made to Great Falls Benefis Peace Hospice, 1101-26th St. South, Great Falls, MT 59405; or Marias Fair 4-H Food Booth, c/o MSU Extension-Pondera Co., 20 4th Ave SW, Conrad, MT 59425.

Fred’s family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Martin; the team of kind and caring nurses at Sletten Cancer Institute; and all the amazing nurses, employees and volunteers that took such loving care of him at Benefis Peace Hospice.

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Dennis R. Howell - September 16, 1945 - April 05, 2022

Departed: 04/05/2022 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Dennis Rodger Howell passed away peacefully on April 5th, 2022, surrounded by his family at Benefis Hospital in Great Falls.

Dennis was born on September 16, 1945, to Edwin and Florence Howell in Shelby and his early childhood was spent in Kevin. After the death of his father, Dennis along with his mom and brother, Pat, moved to Cut Bank when Florence remarried.

From early on, Dennis knew he wanted to drive truck and after graduating in 1963 from Cut Bank High School that is what he did until retiring.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Christine; sons, Brian (Becky) and Dave (Tommi); brother, Pat (Debbie); 7 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Edwin; mother, Florence Wiley; and stepfather, Robert Wiley.

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Jennie Lee Maston - March 03, 1921 - March 27, 2022

Departed: 03/27/2022 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Jennie Lee Flaget was born in Ethridge on March 3, 1921, to John Olson Flaget and Guri (Gina) Boe Flaget.  She died March 27, 2022, 24 days after her 101st birthday anniversary.

Funeral services will be Thursday, March 31, at 1:00pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Reception at the church will follow burial in Crown Hill Cemetery.

Jennie’s parents migrated to the United States in the early 1900s from Norway.  They didn’t come to the U. S. together; instead, they met in Minnesota where she was visiting her sister and he came to work at that farm.  As they followed John’s jobs across Minnesota, North Dakota and Montana, Gina Flaget bore 10 children of which Jennie was number six.

Jennie started school in that tiny town of Ethridge at the age of five and eventually her parents moved to the Cut Bank area.  In her musings about her life, she said that she met Marvin Johnson when she was 14 years old at a country dance.  That may sound young to us now, but in those days of large families, 14 was not as young as today’s 14-year-old. She had lived through the poverty of the Great Depression and understood the value of work.  When she was fifteen and her freshman year of high school completed, Marvin asked her to marry him.  She said she told him that he would have to get permission from her parents.  He immediately strolled out to the garden to ask permission and they gave their blessing.  On a trip to Havre for parts soon after his proposal, they stopped in Chester on the way in July of 1936 and said their vows in front of her brother Johnnie and Marvin’s brother Warden.  Starting with very little, they built a family and life together - from a small Seville farm to a large cattle ranch north of Duck Lake and Goose Lake.

On New Year's Eve 1938, Jennie had her first child, Gerald.  She welcomed motherhood and she learned to cook, clean and help on the farm.  Soon, she and Marvin added Neil, Nancy, and Ralph and that seemed to complete the family - until those children started adding more to her family through marriage and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In 1972 she got up one morning in February to discover she had lost the love of her life when Marvin quietly died on their ranch of his dreams.  She, being the strong woman she was, quietly moved to Cut Bank, and bought a house and left the ranch for sons to run.  She bought a gift store on Main Street in town and soon was meeting the people of town as she helped them pick the gifts they came to buy.  Thus, she learned about town life, and she became a member of card clubs, social groups and the Lutheran Church.

On a visit to her daughter Nancy’s, she met an old friend that she and Marvin had known from their days of farming and ranching.  She and Gordon Maston renewed their friendship and soon he was making trips to Cut Bank to see her.  In March of 1979, they married in the Lutheran Church in Cut Bank and made their home together in Cut Bank.  Her life with Gordon was completely different from the farm/ranch life she experienced in her first marriage.  She and Gordon traveled, they hosted many friends in their home; they played every kind of card game they could find to learn; they joined the Sons of Norway; and participated in activities there; they learned to square dance; and he built a special room in their house so Jennie could paint.  He took her to painting lessons, a reunion of over 1200 of her family in Norway, camping, visiting relatives and cruises everywhere.  She lost Gordon in June of 1996.

Jennie loved to play cards and worked at winning.  She didn’t like to lose and felt no remorse as she won your last dime or penny.  Her talents were many.  She sang as she baked when she felt no one was listening.  She wrote poetry.  She painted with oils and watercolors and did pencil art.  She could quilt by hand and made many beauties to share with family.  She was a master of all kinds of needles, threads and yarns.  There wasn’t a craft she could not learn and coming from a family of 10 creative people, it was a constant competition to see who could bring the next craft that brought out the “ooos” and “aaahhhs” of the family get togethers.   She learned early in marriage how to make breads, the best cinnamon rolls ever, bake all the cakes, cookies and pies that she set on the table for dinners and desserts.  Her favorite description was “yummy” and this culinary art was also a family competition amongst her sisters and sisters-in-law.  Family gatherings were calorie rich.

Jennie was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Johnnie and Ole Flaget; sisters, Mollie Gibson, Josie Brekke, Elsie Ward, Cliela Presnell and Helen Johnson; son Neil Johnson; great-grandson, Brenden Johnson; and great-great grandsons Tyler Elliott and Chamomile Gonzales-McCord.

Jennie is survived by brother, Carl Flaget; sister, Mary Leonard; sons, Gerald “Jerry” (Liane) Johnson, and Ralph (Raenell) Johnson; daughter, Nancy (Don) Kraft; daughter-in-law, Jetta Johnson; grandsons, Scott (Phyllis) Johnson, Neil -JR-(Jennifer) Johnson, Bret (Lyndie) Kraft, Thane (Nancy) Johnson, Jeff (Jennifer) Kraft, Shawn (Ami) Kraft, Roman (Carrie) Johnson; granddaughters, Jeri Johnson Elliott, Barbara Johnson, and Raylee (Blaine) Suta; many beloved great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

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Sidney G. Brandon - June 01, 1947 - March 14, 2022

Departed: 03/14/2022 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Sidney Gordon Brandon (74) of Cut Bank MT passed away peacefully with family by his side March 14, 2022 in Cut Bank Montana.    Funeral service will be held June 25, 2022, at 2:00 pm at Prairie Peace Lutheran Church in Cut Bank.

Sid was born June 1, 1947, to Gordon and Esther Brandon in Billings, Montana. He grew up on a farm north of Cut Bank.  After graduating from Cut Bank High School in 1967, he attended Northrup Institute of Technology, earning his BS in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering.  Following college, Sid was commissioned into the United States Navy and served for 5 years.

In 1979 Sidney married Kristen Lewis in Billings, Montana.  They had 42 wonderful years together.  They raised their 2 daughters on a farm and ranch in Cut Bank. He truly loved this life.  Sid had a passion for aviation which remained with him his whole life     He always had an airplane he was working on.  He loved to fly and share his knowledge with others.   He was a flight instructor and spent many years as an aerial applicator.

Sidney had another love, his deep faith which helped him during his journey with cancer.  He was always willing to share God’s message, a prayer, or one of his Gideon Bibles he always kept in his vest.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Esther and Gordon Brandon. He is survived by his wife Kristen Brandon; daughters Katie (Scott) Anderson and Samantha (Noah) Pyle; four grandsons Braden and Jack Anderson, Gabriel and Thomas Pyle; sisters Nancy (Ron) Deming and Jane Erikisson; and brother Curt (DeeAnn) Brandon; brother-in-laws Mark(Joyce) Lewis, Miles (Diana) Lewis; sister-in-laws Karen Kraus and Susie (Ted) Browning; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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Norma Rose Croft - July 15, 1927 - February 22, 2022

Departed: 02/22/2022 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Norma Rose (Dingeldein) Croft of Cut Bank (1946-2016) and more recently of Great Falls, MT passed away quietly in her apartment on 2/22/22 of renal failure at the age of 94 years and 222 days. Her life began in The Bronx, New York City, New York on July 15, 1927, the only child of George and Julia (Wagner) Dingeldein. She attended PS 34 through all elementary and junior high grades and was her class valedictorian. Graduation from all-girls Walton High School in 1945 prepared her for a life-long love of learning. Her education continued in Monroe Secretarial School where she graduated from an accelerated program of accounting and office practices in Sept 1945. Norma went back to school to study accounting at Flathead Valley Community College in 1971 and took correspondence courses in other subjects from University of Nebraska. William S (Bill) Croft proposed by telegram upon his honorable discharge from the U. S. Navy and he and Norma were married October 12, 1945 in Tacoma, WA. When they renewed their vows on their 50th anniversary, both agreed they'd do it again every 50 years. They started married life living in the Croft Hotel in Tacoma and moved to Cut Bank in January of 1946 where Bill worked on rigs in the oilfield. Their children were all born and educated in Cut Bank.  Lee B Croft was born in 1946, Jerry G Croft was born in 1947, Wayne S Croft joined the family in 1953 and finally a girl! Nancy J Croft was welcomed by all in 1963. After Nancy started grade school, Norma went to work as Office Manager of the Pioneer Press newspaper where she worked until Croft Petroleum needed an Office Manager and she stayed employed there, working in the family business, until her retirement in 1987. Outside of work, Norma filled her time with community service. She was in the start-up of Cut Bank Woman's Club and held many offices, including their scholarship chairman and birthday calendar chair and President of District VII in 1970-72, building friendships through Garden and Literature club. Norma loved to play cards and knew more than 100 ways to play solitaire. Bridge Clubs, Pinochle Groups, bowling leagues kept her active and socially engaged.  She taught Sunday School and volunteered in many capacities at St Paul Lutheran Church where she sang in their choir for nearly 60 years. Norma was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, chairing the Voice of Democracy scholarship program for many years. She served as Secretary for the Historical Society. Enjoying crafts of every type kept her knitting, crocheting and sewing, while passing those skills to her following generations. She volunteered in the HOST reading program as well as America Reads in Cut Bank School system. Norma and Bill were involved in the start-up of Cut Bank's Good Sam RV club called the Glacier Penguins. She was a beloved sister of P.E.O. Chapter M. Hobbies of interest included: fishing, snowmobiling, reading, boating, RVing, traveling, puzzles and crafts of every kind, gardening, rowing and she called "Grandchildren and great-grandchildren" her favorite "Special Interests." Norma and Bill built a life they loved together in Cut Bank and at Ashley Lake. In the 1980s they began spending their winters "on the road" in the RV while enjoying extended stays with Lee's family in Arizona and Wayne's family in Texas. The couple enjoyed this lifestyle until Bill's death from pulmonary fibrosis in November 2003. She was a woman of great faith and believed in "doing your best and leaving the rest to God." Norma was preceded in death by her parents, George (1968) and Julia (1983) Dingeldein. Bill and Norma are survived by their children Lee Croft and wife Lesley Hoyt-Croft of Phoenix, AZ, Jerry and wife Diana (Dudley) Croft of Cut Bank, MT, Wayne and wife Judy (Pluenneke) Croft of Corpus Christi, Tx and Nancy and Bob (her favorite son-in-law) Jacobson of Cut Bank, MT. The Crofts are survived by their beloved grandchildren Cathy Croft Schade (and Richard) of Morton, WA; Christopher W. Croft of Phoenix, AZ; William J. (and Rhonda) Croft of Spokane, WA, Jessica Croft (and Todd Bailey) of Moscow, ID; Tyler (and Sarah Conaway) Croft of Great Falls, MT; Michael (and Claire Molenaar) Croft of Missoula, MT; Hayden Croft of North Hollywood, CA; Jordan Croft of Rosamond, CA; Daniel (and Alyxandra Hopkins) Croft of Houston, TX.. The great-grandchildren, Josi Gloria, Sunny Kirchner Daze, Azalyn Croft, Ayana Croft, Elisabeth Croft, Christopher J. Croft, Iris Bailey, Cora Bailey, and baby Caroline Croft were all said to be worth the 94-year wait! (Caroline was born 8 days before Norma's death.) Great-Great granddaughter Bonnie Daze rounds out the 5th generation of Norma's descendants. Norma will be missed by many, but especially her best friend, Gloria Hedge, who has been an incomparable companion and correspondent for more than 80 years! Norma is survived by nieces Christine (& Larry) Childers (NC,) and Melanie (& Jim) Dempsey (VA) and nephews Hugo (& Carolyn) Croft (CA) and Kelly (& Kathy) Croft (FL.) Norma's instructions to you are this, from a newspaper clipping she’d saved for many, many years: To Remember Me (by Robert Test www.livingbank.org) At a certain moment a doctor will determine that my brain has ceased to function and that, for all intents and purposes, my life has stopped. When that happens, do not attempt to instill artificial life into my body by the use of a machine And don’t call this my “deathbed.” Call it my “bed of life,” and let my body be taken from it to help others lead fuller lives. Give my sight to a man who has never seen a sunrise, a baby’s face or love in the eyes of a woman. Give my heart to a person whose own heart has caused nothing but endless days of pain. Give my blood to the teenager who has been pulled from the wreckage of his car, so that he might live to see his grandchildren play. Give my kidneys to one who depends on a machine to exist from week to week. Take my bones, every muscle, every fiber and nerve in my body and find a way to make a crippled child walk. Explore every corner of my brain. Take my cells, if necessary, and let them grow so that someday a speechless boy will shout at the crack of a bat and a deaf girl will hear the sound of rain against her windows. Burn what is left of me and scatter the ashes to the winds to help the flowers grow. Give my sins to the devil. Give my soul to God. If, by chance, you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you.  If you do all I have asked, I will live forever. Cremation has taken place and her ashes co-mingled with her husband’s. A memorial service is planned for July 7th at St Paul Lutheran Church in Cut Bank with an imposition of ashes ceremony for family at a later date. Please consider supporting Alzheimer’s Association or make donations to St Paul Lutheran church or a local shelter for children or animals.

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Cathy Halverson - March 16, 1945 - February 20, 2022

Departed: 02/20/2022 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Catherine “Cathy” Marie Halverson passed unexpectedly the morning of February 20, 2022. Per her request cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held May 6, 2022 at 2pm at the Cut Bank Baptist Church with Pastor Don McIlvain officiating. Burial will held May 7 at 1pm in Big Sandy Cemetery.

Cathy is preceded in death by her husband, Allen Halverson, Jr.; parents, Andrew and Edith Templet; Aunt Gertrude Cox; sisters, Betty Hood and Bertha Cross; and brothers, Jim Templet and John Templet.

Survivors include her children, Hector Halverson, Trina (Greg) Kennedy; grandchildren, Sadie (Gabe) Wilder, Hunter, Alexis, Rocq, and Keenan Kennedy; great grandchildren, Allen Wilder and one due in July 2022; and brother, Bill Templet.

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Edward Monroe - September 24, 1941 - February 05, 2022

Departed: 02/05/2022 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Edward R. Monroe, of Valier, passed away February 5, 2022 at the Glacier Care Center in Cut Bank. He was born September 24, 1941 to Paul and Mabel Monroe. He was raised on the family farm SE of Valier. He attended school in Valier and graduated from Valier High School. After graduation he worked on the farm milking cows, raised pigs, drove tractor, and combine.

He married Jane Getts in 1975. They had 2 daughters, Chere and Marry. Ed and Jane were later divorced. Ed worked for Glenn Habets in Kevin until he became disabled.

He will be missed by his many friends in Valier. He was well known at the Panther, the Senior Center, Library, and Froggies.

He is survived in death by his daughters, Chere (Dean) Killyan and Marry Monroe; his grandchildren, Matthew, Shandy, and Darrah; his great granddaughter, Ellodie; and his sisters, Helen (Joe) Suta and Evelyn Mero.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Glen; and brother-in-law, Don.

Vigil will be held Thursday, February 10, at 6pm. Funeral mass will be Friday, February 11, at 10am. Both services will be held at St Francis Catholic Church in Valier.

If unable to attend the Memorial Mass, Click on link below SERVICE to watch live zoom service.

The Zoom will begin at approx 9:50am on Fri, Feb 11.

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Lyle D. Gerrard - March 06, 1951 - February 04, 2022

Departed: 02/04/2022 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Lyle Douglas Gerard, 70, passed away on February 3, 2022 in Cut Bank due to complications of diabetes.

Lyle was born on March 6, 1951 in Cut Bank to James and Marjorie Gerard. Lyle graduated from Cut Bank High School in 1969. He then moved to California after high school and lived most of his life in the San Francisco/San Jose area. He worked in Silicon Valley for pharmaceutical companies but decided to leave California. He then moved to Billings around 2009 and worked for All American Pharmaceutical in Billings for several years before retiring and moving to Cut Bank.

Lyle loved to entertain and was well known for his excellent cooking and decorating. He loved cowboy boots and had a large knick knack collection of them along with other western items. He was also an artist and an excellent piano player. He was a gentle gracious man with a great sense of humor and was highly intuitive and intelligent. He was generous and one could always count on Lyle if you needed someone to talk to. Lyle lost a leg in about 2016 due to complications from diabetes, but he always maintained a positive attitude.

Lyle is preceded in death by both of his parents, James Sr. and Marjorie Gerard; brothers, James Gerard Jr. and Shawn Running Crane. He is survived by brother, Gary Gerard of Billings; sisters, Mary Ann Gerard, Judy Gerard, and Gae Gerard all of Cut Bank, Barbara Mitchell of Garden Valley, CA, Elaine Gerard of Spokane, WA, Lisa Gerard and Anita (Gerard) Reichert both of Billings, and Janet Nielson of Great Falls.

Cremation has taken place but no services are planned at this time. A memorial is being planned later this spring or summer.

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Shirley Mae Combs - April 11, 1935 - January 10, 2022

Departed: 01/10/2022 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Shirley Mae (Mead) Combs, of Cut Bank, passed on January 10, 2022 in Great Falls.

There will be a time to celebrate Shirley’s life on February 5, at 2:00pm at The Den in Cut Bank. At later date her cremains will be spread in the Hysham Hills.

She was born April 11, 1935 in Huntley, MT to Paul and Harriet (Keeler) Mead. Shirley graduated from Hysham High School in 1953. She married Lt Col James W. Lankford in Las Vegas in 1965. Shirley worked as a waitress, at a local bowling alley, a terminal clerk for a major trucking company, and on dude ranches.

She married Rodger Combs in 1986 in Shelby and they moved to Cut Bank. Shirley was a cleaner at The Den in Cut Bank for 30 years. Her co-workers affectionally called her “The Sarg”.

Shirley was a member of the Polson Order of Eastern Star and Kalispell Church of God.  She was a den mother, leader coach, and 1 of 2 women to work at the district level of the Boy Scouts of America.

Shirley enjoyed bowling where she was secretary/treasurer for the Senior Bowling League for many years. She enjoyed gardening, tomato bucket gardening, playing solitaire, grew beautiful peonies, and made the best homemade jam from her rhubarb patch.

In her younger years, Shirley liked her cocktails and road trips with Margo Meyer and Tippy (Tom Trizinski) Burtch. Her and Rodger liked to go camping and did so until his death. She looked forward to Saturday morning coffee and visits at The Den with Keith. Shirley loved to dance and always dressed fashionable. She loved to watch birds and fed many a stray cat and named them all.

She is preceded in death by spouses, James Lankford and Rodger Combs; son, Wayne Lankford; stepson, John Combs; parents; grandparents; many aunts and uncles; her dogs, Penney and Nick; her cat, Casper; and many good friends.

Survivors include daughter-in-law, Deborah Lankford of Geraldine; grandson, Phillip Norton of Fort Benton; granddaughter, Kimberly (George) and great grandson, Michael Cobler both of Geraldine; stepson, Tony Combs of Shelby; stepdaughter, Vivian Combs of Texas; special friend that was like a daughter, Tippy (Tom Trizinski) Burtch; her cat, Buddy; all her co-workers from The Den; and many friends.

A special thank you to EMT Curtis Harper and Nick Bradford and staff of Logan Health Cut Bank and Benefis, Rich Murack at In-Line Chiropractic, special kindness shown by Paul Mandel, Rod Cline, Roy and Eloise Nollcamper, Debbie Kennedy, Keith Leys, Shane Hegle, Tom Cottongin, and Wade Jacobsen.

Memorials can be made to Quailwings Rescue in Cut Bank.

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Daniel J. Murphy - August 09, 1951 - January 04, 2022

Departed: 01/04/2022 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Daniel Joseph “Danny” Murphy, 70, passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.

A prayer vigil will be held on Sunday, January 16, at 8 p.m. Funeral Mass on Monday, January 17, at 11 a.m. Both services will be at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Cut Bank.

Born in Cut Bank on August 9, 1951, Danny was the eldest of Jack and Mary Kaye (Kalbfleisch) Murphy’s nine children. He attended St. Margaret’s Catholic School through the eighth grade and graduated from Cut Bank High School in 1970. He enjoyed competing in sports and excelled in cross country, track, and wrestling. Danny was also a proud Eagle Scout. After high school, Danny attended Carroll College in Helena, earning an accounting degree in 1974. He remained a lifelong (some might say rabid) fan of both his alma mater’s and Notre Dame’s football teams.

After finishing school, Danny returned to Cut Bank, where he was a well-known and involved community member. He spent most of his career with Croft Petroleum. He was also a bookkeeper for local businesses and other community organizations. Outside of work, Danny served as a volunteer fireman, was a member of the Cut Bank Elks Club and the Knights of Columbus, was the announcer for the annual Cut Bank Invitational, and volunteered with, among other organizations, the Boy Scouts of America. A man of faith, Danny remained an active parishioner at St. Margaret’s until his passing and maintained a special bond with Father Tim.

Throughout his life, Danny was an avid outdoorsman: he enjoyed hiking in Glacier Park, biking, skiing, and especially rafting/kayaking on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. He also loved spending time with his wife and family at their cabin in Essex and playing cribbage with family and friends.

The most important thing in Danny’s life was his family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and cousin.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Michelle; sons, Sean (Antoinette) and Ryan (Amaris); daughter, Alyssa; grandchildren, Sofia, Victoria, Beck, Tate, and Lincoln; siblings, Jan (Rob), Tim, Tom (Carol), Sallie, Sherrie, Mary Pat, Todd (Charmaine), and Joe (Janell); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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Richard Herschman - December 15, 1938 - January 04, 2022

Departed: 01/04/2022 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: On the morning of Jan. 4th, 2022 Richard Herschman was reunited with the love of his life, his wife Lynne. He passed away peacefully of a broken heart at Logan Health in Cut Bank.

Dick was born Dec 15th 1938 to Antone and Ann Herschman on the family farm in the Mission Valley. He was raised and graduated high school in the Valley.

After high school he joined the Army. He was stationed at McGregor Range in New Mexico, where he worked with Ajax defense missiles.

In July 1960, he came back to Montana, and on July 9th, he married his sweetheart, Lynne Davis, in Polson. Soon after the wedding, Dick and Lynne moved to El Paso Texas, where he finished his stint in the Army. After leaving El Paso, they moved to Stockton, Ca. where he went to work for PG&E. A few years later, they moved back to the Mission Valley and took over the farm from his patents, where they continued to raise sheep.

They later sold the farm and moved to Polson, where Dick worked at the plywood mill. He then worked at the Gambles store until 1974, when the family moved to Cut Bank. He worked with his brother, Herb, in construction, until going to work for Union Oil. He ran the gas plant at the Reagan Camp until his retirement.

Dick was always active in his kid's lives. Whether it was being a baseball coach and umpire, to scouts, or football, he was at every event.

Dick had an amazing green thumb, and many in the community were blessed with his famous tomato plants. He was also an avid fisherman. Especially after retiring, a lot of time was spent on the boat in the water. He joins his fishing buddies, Big Guns, Walter B, Jess, Danny, Jerry, Mac, and Dave.

After 83 days apart, Dick is reunited with his wife of 61years, Lynne. He is also preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cheri; son, Michael; sister, June; and brothers, Herb and Marlin.

Survivors include his son, Chris (Sabine) of Germany; daughter, Ann (Glen)Gorman of Cut Bank; grandchildren, Steven (Manuela), Daniel, Jennifer (Markus), all of Germany, Tim (Tia) of Lewiston, Jordon of Cut Bank, Joshua and Seth of Albuquerque.

great grandchildren, Leni, Nick, Noah and Dottie Quinn all of Germany.

A reception will be held Sat, January 15th at 3:00pm at the Moose Lodge in Cut Bank.

A celebration of life for both Dick and Lynne will be held this summer when family and friends can all come together.

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Roger E. Biniek - September 10, 1945 - January 01, 2022

Departed: 01/01/2022 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Roger Edward Biniek. 76, passed on January 1. 2022 from complications of Parkinson’s disease.  Even though he was taken from this world too soon, his sense of humor and love of fishing, especially fishing stories, will provide all who knew him wonderful memories.

Roger was born in Missoula to Edward J. and Blanche R. Biniek.  He graduated from the University of Montana with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Welfare.  Following his return from Vietnam, he earned his master’s degree in Education majoring in Guidance and Counseling.  After working as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, he returned to the University of Montana and earned his school psychology credentials.

Roger served in the U.S. Army.  He had one tour of duty in Vietnam.  His job was running convoys.    When he was honorably discharged, he had earned the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

Roger worked as a School Psychologist for 31 years.  As an employee of the Big Sky Special Needs Cooperative, he worked in schools in Shelby, Cut Bank, Sunburst, Galata, Valier, and Heart Butte.  It was during his first year as a school psychologist he met the love of his life, Nancy Young.  They were married for 43 years.  Together they had 2 children:  Russell and Sarah.  He was a devoted parent and attended the activities his children participated in.

Roger had passions for gardening, especially growing his 14 Early Girl tomato plants, fishing for walleye, tying his own flies and hunting.  Following his retirement, he took up watercolor and oil painting.  He was a regular in Bill Hannah’s adult education art class for many years.  He had a constant companion in RC, Russell’s golden retriever.

Roger is survived by his wife, Nancy; son, Russell; daughter, Sarah; sister, Elaine Custer; brother-in-law, Jim Young; nieces, Cathy (Alan) Powell and Anastasia Young; nephews, Brian Custer and Scott Young; great niece, Ashley (Cater) McGrath; and great nephew, Tyler Powell.

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Betty Jean Grimm - October 15, 1929 - December 01, 2021

Departed: 12/01/2021 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Betty Jean (Fugle) Grimm left this earth surrounded by her loved ones and joined her Heavenly Father on December 1st, 2021. Betty was born on October 15th, 1929 in Cut Bank, the oldest of 7 children born to Donald P. and Eva Fugle. She was raised on the family farm, attended Meadowbrook School from kindergarten - 8th Grade, and graduated from Cut Bank High School in 1948. Betty went on to attend Northern Montana College and became a nurse’s aide in 1952. In 1954, she attended Montana State University to further her education, graduating in 1956 from Northern Montana College as a Licensed Practical Nurse. While in Bozeman, Betty met and fell in love with Robert Grimm, who was in the US Navy. The two married at St. Margaret’s Catholic Parish in Cut Bank, and then left for San Diego, where Betty worked as an LPN for Mercy Hospital. They moved back to Cut Bank just after the birth of their first child. She continued her work as an LPN at the Cut Bank Memorial Hospital, Glacier Rest Home, and Glacier County Memorial Center. In all, her nursing career spanned 47 years!

Betty and Bob raised their kids in Cut Bank, and she loved everything about this community, especially any sports her grandkids were involved in. Betty loved gardening, canning, growing flowers, square-dancing, attending bingo nights, and watching the birds in the trees outside her window. Anyone who came to visit Betty at home had the opportunity to see the pride she had in her family and community as she shared album after album of family pictures and newspaper articles of community events.

During her retirement, Betty spent countless hours volunteering at the church after school program for kids, helping people at the visitor’s center, and serving at the food pantry. Betty was proud to be part of the VFW Auxiliary and the Eagle’s club in Cut Bank. Her favorite memories include her family and her early life on the Fugle Farm.

Betty is survived by her husband of almost 65 years, Robert Grimm; her 6 children, Ken (Sharon) Grimm, Diane Grimm, Laurie Grimm, Kay Grimm, Nancy (John) Lourenco, and Jeannie (Ryan) Jones; 9 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald P and Eva Fugle; siblings, Donald J Fugle, Gloria Quenzer, twin brothers, Melvin and Milo Fugle, Norman Fugle, Shirley Halverson; nephew, Donald Halverson; and niece, Pam Halverson.

Viewing will be held at Asper Funeral Home, 130 6th Ave SE in Cut Bank on Monday, December 13th from 4pm-5pm for family, and from 5pm to 7pm for friends. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 14th at 11am, graveside service to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. Lunch to follow at St. Margaret’s Catholic Parish.

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Allen D. Svalstad - October 14, 1938 - November 18, 2021

Departed: 11/18/2021 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Allen Dean Svalstad, 83, of Cut Bank, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2021.

He was born October 14,1938 in Vermillion, South Dakota to Alvin and Inez Svalstad. In 1956, Allen’s family travelled to Gold Coast, Africa where his father taught at Takoradi Technical Institute on a Fulbright teaching grant. During that time the Gold Coast gained independence from England and became Ghana. They returned to the states in 1957 and Allen went on to graduate from high school in Pierre, South Dakota in 1959. Subsequently, Allen attended Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota for 1 year, then completed his Bachelor Degree in Education at Mankato State University in Mankato, Minnesota. After graduation he became a teacher at Manley, Iowa, later he sold pictures nationwide and worked in the oil fields in Gillette, Wyoming.

Allen met the love of his life, Jane Elizabeth Campbell, while working for the Glacier Reporter in Browning when she brought in an article for the newspaper. They were married in Thompson Falls, Montana on August 24, 1974. In October of 1978, they brought home Daniel, their true pride and joy. Allen went on to earn his Master Degree in Education from Utah State University in the mid 1980’s. For 35 years, Allen was the school librarian for Browning Public Schools, which included Hutterite Colony outreach.

Allen enjoyed camping and especially loved hunting with his son, Danny. He was an avid reader, especially of old westerns and had a great love for Edgar Allen Poe. He was a tremendous Cut Bank Wolves sports enthusiast. He rarely missed a game and was famous for wearing his wolf-head cap! He also loved eating out at the Village Restaurant where he had many friends.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Inez; infant brother, David; and his beloved wife, Jane. He is survived by two sisters, Dawn (Charles) Berger and Linda (Terrance) Young, both of Helena; one brother, Robin (Debbie) Svalstad of El Cajon, CA; his son, Daniel (Rebekah) Svalstad of Cut Bank along with two granddaughters, Taylor Head of Chinook and Caitlin Lane of Cut Bank; one great-granddaughter, Scarlette, of Cut Bank.

Memorial services will be Thursday, December 2, at 1pm at Whitted Funeral Chapel in Shelby. A reception at the Shelby Senior Center will follow the service.

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Gloria J. Siebrecht - December 27, 1940 - November 14, 2021

Departed: 11/14/2021 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Gloria Jean Siebrecht, 80, passed on November 14, 2021. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Gloria was born December 27, 1940, in Columbia Falls, MT. Her parents were James Baily Schnee and Marie Van De Rite.  Gloria was the youngest of 6 children. Gloria met Odell and was married February 27, 1959 and made Cut Bank their home.  They were blessed with two sons.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian church where she served as an elder, choir member, women’s circles, and Sunday school teacher.

Gloria was an amateur paleontologists and volunteer for the Museum of the Rockies.  She discovered the Avisaurus Gloriae which was named for her.

She loved to build puzzles and had one on her table at all times.  She also enjoyed golfing, camping, boating, water skiing and snowmobiling.  Odell and Gloria enjoyed going south for the winter in their retired years.

Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, James Schnee and Marie Kenyon, stepdad, Otis “Doc” Kenyon; brothers J.B. Schnee, Harley Schnee; sisters Shirley Asbury, Idabelle Bittner, Betty Loyette Cummings; twin great granddaughters, Amelia and Adelyn Jensen.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years Odell Siebrecht; sons Jerald (Lorrie) Siebrecht, Jeffery Siebrecht; 8 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be given to the Great Falls Rescue Mission in her name.

A memorial service will be held December 11th at 1:00 p.m. at the Cut Bank Community Bible Church.

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Kent "Skip" Richter - September 07, 1944 - November 06, 2021

Departed: 11/06/2021 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: On the morning of November 6, 2021 Kent passed away peacefully in his sleep at home. He was born September 7, 1944 to Frank and June Richter. He was known to many as “Skip”. He graduated from Cut Bank High School and joined the Air Force. He was a Vietnam Vet.

He married Marcia, his wife of 39 years, and added two daughters, Mary and Delight, to his family. Later grandsons, Kelly Walter Albright and Glenn Frances Albright.

He was a great ranch foreman, diesel mechanic and welder. He worked many years for Montana Power/Northwest Energy where he finally retired.

He is survived by his sister, Wanda (Darrell) Grossman; his brothers, Frank (Ann) Richter and Alan (Diane) Richter; nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

A more inclusive obituary will be published in Spring 2022 when his ashes are spread at the Celebration of Life.

The family asks any donations in his name be made to one of his favorite charities, the Great Falls Rescue Mission.

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Scott T. Murray - August 18, 1959 - October 28, 2021

Departed: 10/28/2021 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Scott Thomas Murray, a beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on October 28, 2021 at the age of 62 years old.

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Ben Askelson - January 28, 1926 - October 18, 2021

Departed: 10/18/2021 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Benjamin Oscar Askelson passed away Monday night, 18 October 2021.

A private family internment with Military Honors will be held at the graveside at Cut Bank’s Crown Hill Cemetery on Saturday, 30 October 2021 at 2:00 pm.  Please join the family in celebrating Ben’s life at a luncheon at the Moose Lodge, 9 W Main Cut Bank, MT at 3:00 pm.

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Benjamin Oscar Askelson - January 28, 1926 - October 18, 2021

Departed: 10/18/2021 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Benjamin Oscar Askelson passed away Monday night, 18 October 2021.  He was born on 28 January 1926 in Scobey, MT, the sixth of nine children by Olga Josephine (Olsen) Askelson and Oscar Bert Askelson.  He spent his early years growing up in Whitetail, MT and moved to Tacoma, WA in 1942 when he was 16 to finish high school and live with his older brothers that were immediately called away to WWII.  His character development started early, as he worked the docks from midnight to 7am and attended high school during the day.  He always said the teachers would ask him why he kept falling asleep in class and he would tell them he was tired. They wanted to talk to his parent or guardian, but he told them he lived alone.  After that he said the teachers were always nice to him and gave him good grades.

He started work for the Great Northern Railroad in Nashua, MT and worked for a few months before he enlisted in the United States Army in May of 1944 and served with the 3rd Army in WWII in the liberation of Pilsen, Czechoslovakia.  He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and was ultimately mustered out of the Army in December 1946 as a Tech 4 (sergeant).   He subsequently served 3 more years in the Montana National Guard.

From 1946-1949 he attended the University of Washington in Seattle studying electrical engineering, but ran out of money and had to quit two (2) quarters short of getting his degree. He went back to work for the railroad in Brockton, MT.  He met Irene Lillian Solberg there and took Irene and her sister out for milkshakes. They married on 4 October 1952 and recently celebrated their 69th anniversary.  They lived in Brockton for five years, where Ben was the agent working for the Great Northern Railroad. They moved to Cut Bank, MT where they have lived in the family home for 64 years and raised their five children. He worked as a telegrapher and depot agent for Great Northern and then Burlington Northern Railroads.

He had a profound and lasting influence on his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and community. He was a very humble man and was embarrassed when anyone praised him. Ben enjoyed wood working and his family has many treasures of his exceptional talents. Ben could fix anything and was often called upon by his children to help with projects.  Ben would do anything for anyone and was once described by his old friend, Dewey Milbrandt, as being “too damn nice for his own good”. Ben loved music and often had it loudly playing as he napped, and his greatest joy was dancing with Irene. He loved spending time with family camping and last waterskied when he was 65. He always had a kind word for everyone and a listening ear, even when his hearing aids were not very effective. Ben loved playing cards and taught his family to play cribbage and pinochle.  His grandchildren and great-grandchildren always looked forward to those games when they came to visit him.  Many people even stopped into the Wash-a-Way just to play a quick game of cribbage. He supported his community as a member of the Sons of Norway, VFW, American Legion, and a lifetime member of the Moose and St. Paul Lutheran Church.  Ben had a deep but quiet faith.  He was well loved and he loved well.

He is survived by his wife Irene; two sons, Michael (Cindy) and Ronald (Rosanne); two daughters, Debra (Dick Gannon), and Cindy (Robert Roske); daughter-in-law, Lisa; nineteen grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Opal (Dick) Shields, Olive (Dib) Adeline, and Vivian (Glen) Christiansen; five brothers, George (Marion), Ray (Delight) , Edward (Eileen), Joseph (Sharon), and Robert (Jill); his son, Roger (Lisa); son-in-law, William Newman (Debra); grandsons, Ray and Lance Newman; and great-grandson, Carter Roske-Zahm.

The family would like to specifically thank the Logan Health staff for their care and compassion and the community for their support at this time.

A private family internment with Military Honors will be held at the graveside at Cut Bank’s Crown Hill Cemetery on Saturday, 30 October 2021 at 2:00 pm.  Please join the family in celebrating Ben’s life at a luncheon at the Moose Lodge, 9 W Main Cut Bank, MT at 3:00 pm.  Please leave a message of condolence for the family at www.asperfh.com. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

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Henry A. Jacobsen - February 16, 1925 - October 15, 2021

Departed: 10/15/2021 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Henry Andrew Jacobsen, 96, passed on October 15, 2021.

Henry was born February 16, 1925, son of Anton and Rufina (Van Doorne) Jacobsen, at the homestead north of Cut Bank close to the Canadian Border.

Henry lived in the Red River Community and enjoyed pranking the neighbors during Halloween. Glacier County was home his entire life except while serving in the United States Army in 1945.

Henry’s first job was setting up bowling pins at the city bowling alley. He finished his bowling years at the age of 93 on the “Squeaky Hips” league.

Henry also enjoyed playing card games of Pitch, pinochle and many other games.

Henry’s community Service included ASCS Board member, Farmers Union Board, Stockgrowers Association. He was very supportive of the 4-H Program while his kids and grandkids were active. Henry was one of the first Certified Artificial Insemination Technicians for local ranchers and helped to sponsor classes for local ranchers to learn AI and herd improvement. In 1972 received Farmers Home Administration Family of the Year Award. Henry served as an usher at St. Margaret’s church for so many years we lost count.

During the Christmas Season later in his life, along Highway 2, west of Cut Bank, Henry would decorate his “Mini Hobby Farm” that he built, with Christmas lights for all to enjoy. This display was featured in the Montana Magazine and is currently located at the Glacier Co. Historical Museum.

Survived by wife of 67 years, Lee; children, Janice Berezay and her children, Jason (Julie), Cody (Shelly), Dacia (Andrew), Angela (Mitch), Martin (Patty) and their children, Jaime (Sean), Jacki (Barry), Wade (Jaclyn), Barbara (Ronald) Kerouac and their children, Jake (Ashley), Chas (Kalesita), Luke (Jaclyn), and Deborah and her several grand dogs to babysit over the years; daughter-in-law, Kathy and children, Jessica (Nate), Benjamin (Kylie), 31 great grandchildren and another one expected in March.

Each of the twelve grandchildren were gifted a heifer calf from their grandfather when they were born to begin their own herd.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother, Carl; sisters, Esther, Lorraine, Belva; youngest brother, Raymond; son, Steve; and son-in-law, Don.

Henry was a stalwart soul of honor and integrity. He taught by example and was very patient.

“Thank you, Dad for always being there for us.” He will be missed.

Services will be held later. Henry requested joint services with his wife to be held at the time of Lee’s passing.

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Lynne Herschman - May 26, 1939 - October 14, 2021

Departed: 10/14/2021 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Berna Lynne Herschman 82 of Cut Bank passed away October 14th at the hospice house in Great Falls after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

A memorial service will be held Thursday Oct 21st at 10:00am at the Catholic church in Cut Bank.

Lynne was born May 26th 1939 to Roger and Marge Davis in Polson. She was raised in Polson and graduated high school there.

On July 9th, she married the love of her life, Richard Herschman. Together they had four children, Chris, Cheri, Ann Marie, and Michael. They were happily married for over 61 years.

Soon after marriage, they moved to El Paso Tx, where Dick was stationed in the army. They also lived in Stockton California, before moving back to the Mission Valley. They took over Dick's parent's farm where they raised sheep. Lynne always had a soft spot for the bum lambs, and would bring them in the house to care for them. They then moved to Polson, where she worked at the hospital as a receptionist.

In 1974 the Family moved to Cut Bank. Lynne worked for many years at Memorial Hospital, for Dr. Jones, and as a substitute teacher.

An avid card player, she was in a pinochle group for over 30 years with lifelong friends.

Lynne is preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Cheri; and son, Michael.

Survivors include, her husband of 61 years, Richard; son, Chris (Sabine) of Germany, and Ann Marie (Glen) of Cut Bank; grandkids, Steven (Manuela), Daniel, and Jennifer (Markus) all of Germany, Tim (Tia) of Lewistown, Jordon of Cut Bank, Joshua and Seth of Albuquerque; great grandkids, Leni, Nick, Noah, and Dottie, all of Germany; and her brothe,r Marc Davis (Jo Ann) of Virginia. "AND DON'T CALL ME BERNA"

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Roger "Rod" Hibbs - November 29, 1934 - October 11, 2021

Departed: 10/11/2021 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Roger Adair Hibbs peacefully passed away in the arms of his loving spouse, Caen Bly and his son, Rodney Hibbs, at the Logan Medical Centre in Cutbank on Monday, October 11, 2021. Roger was 86 years of age at the time of his passing.

Roger is survived by his sons, Bob (Tonia) Hibbs, Wayne (Charlotta) Hibbs, and Rodney (Shawna) Hibbs; sister, Janice Smith; stepchildren, Shane (Tina) Bly, Cody(Carolyn) Bly and TJ Gladstone.

Extended family include grandsons, Will (Danielle) Hibbs, Jesse (Melanie) Hibbs, Lee (Crystal) Hibbs, Cole Hibbs, Kyle (Julia) Bly, Dymon Skalski, Jesse (Chelsia) Orosz, Wade and Justin Eiskant; granddaughters, Jodi and Kendall Hibbs, Bobbi-Gail Hibbs, Danni (Dillon) Story, Mackenzie and Hunter Nichols, Janelle (James) Bly, Shayla (Eric) Sorrenson, and Jessica Eiskant; and 15 great grandchildren.

Roger was preceded by his parents, Oliver and Grace Hibbs; first wife, Joyce Hibbs; brother, Jimmy Hibbs; and sister, Annice Stricklan.

Roger was loved by many and will be dearly missed, especially by those in the rodeo world, ranching community, cattle companies, and local golfers and especially those at the annual Cowboy Classic Golf Tournament.

Roger was a tough cowboy taken too soon by a massive stroke. As a Parkinson’s survivor and to support our local Montana Friends, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation. Please contact Virgil Sweeney, Operations Director, at virgil@nwpf.org or 206.748.9482.

Roger’s celebration of life will be held in June 2022. Date and location will be posted at later time.

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Jean C. Gilbert - April 02, 1940 - October 11, 2021

Departed: 10/11/2021 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Jean Carole Gilbert passed away Monday, October 11, 2021 following complications from a stroke she suffered in August. Jean was born April 2, 1940 to Alexander (Bill) and Edna McRae in Cut Bank. Jean met her husband Jarden when he moved to Montana to work on the oil rigs. They were married on January 22, 1957 in Cut Bank. They lived in Arkansas a short time after they were married but returned to Cut Bank. Together they had five children, Eddie, Joanne, Mark, Dean and Dave. Jean was a homemaker and always made home cooked meals, many that included fresh bread.

Jean enjoyed sewing clothing for herself and her family. She also shared her knowledge and helped the Girl Scouts learn sewing skills. Jean was also a Cub Scout leader for several years. She took pride in growing a beautiful flower garden. Many summer days, she could be found in her front yard tending to her flowers. They had many pets over the years, and Jean especially loved the companionship of the family dogs. The family also has fond memories of the family loading up in the car and going to picnic in Glacier National Park. Her strength and endurance as a mother was put to the test. Mark was in a serious car accident in 1978, Eddie took his own life in 1979 and a short six months later Dean also died, in a car accident. One can only imagine the extent of her broken heart. She carried on with the help of her faith, wine, cheesecake and the love of and for her family. Jean later went to work at the Point Drive Inn and enjoyed visiting and serving the customers. She especially enjoyed the camaraderie with her bosses/co-workers, Connie and Angie. I think the friendships she formed and the fun she had at work helped to heal her broken heart.

Jean’s spirits were further boosted when she confirmed her faith and joined the Catholic Church in 2005. Prayer and meditation seemed to bring her some peace of mind. Health issues later slowed Jean down, but she loved her family and enjoyed sitting and visiting with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. As her health deteriorated, David was a loving caretaker for his mom. It brings us peace knowing that Jean is no longer in pain. It’s easy to imagine that she is enjoying all of the amazing variety of flowers in the Garden while Jarden and she reunite and make up for lost time with their sons.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Joanne Gilbert; sons, Mark (Nancy) Gilbert and David Gilbert; grandchildren, Jennifer (Mike) Way, Courtney (Andrew) Hanson, and Nicholas Gilbert; greatgrandchildren, Abby Oswald, Isabella and Haylee Wenzl and Russell, Grant and Drew Hanson; brothers, Richard (Lindy) McRae and Robert (Jean) McRae; numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother and father; brother, Ronnie McRae; a nephew; her husband, Jarden Gilbert, and her beloved sons, Edward Jarden Gilbert and Carl Dean Gilbert.

Jean was loved and will be missed by many.

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Elroy A. Eberhardt - May 25, 1933 - October 11, 2021

Departed: 10/11/2021 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: Elroy Alfred Eberhardt, 88 passed Monday October 11, 2021.

Elroy was born May 25, 1933 in Peeksville, WI to Arthur “Ed” and Edna Eberhardt.

Elroy was drafted in July of 1953 to the Army at Fort Riley and eventually stationed at Fort Richardson in Alaska. He earned the National Defense Service Medal along with Expert Rifle Badge while in service.  After he was honorably discharged in April of 1956 he worked in the logging and construction industry.

Elroy married Anna Mae Herbst on November 3, 1957 in Park Falls, WI.  From this union they had 3 children Sharon, Gail, and Gary.  In 1970 they moved from West Point, IA to Cut Bank, MT to join his brother Norman in his construction business.  Eventually he formed his own construction company, Elroy’s Construction.  His construction took him all over the state.

Elroy and his family built their cabin near Snow Slip in 1972.  Family and friends enjoyed many holidays and time there over the years until they sold it.  Elroy enjoyed snowmobiling and his love of it spilled over to his family.  Elroy spent a fair share of his earlier years snowmobiling with friends and family.

He enjoyed buying equipment from auctions so that he could redesign the equipment for his use.  Over the years he bought and sold many items.  Elroy spent time in his shop “re-inventing the wheel”, he always had a project going.  He was a faithful member of the local “coffee club”.  Elroy could often be found sharing his stories from when they lived in Iowa, construction jobs, and the many snowmobiling adventures.  When he wasn’t sharing stories, he could often be found listening to a good polka.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Anna Mae; daughter, Gail (Tom) Strader; grandchildren, TJ Strader, Jamie (Tom) Seifert, Brittany Hotchkiss, and Stephanie (Rodney) Hunter; great-grandchildren, Blake Seifert, Lexi Stubbs and Cameron Strader.

Elroy is preceded in death by his parents; his children, Gary and Sharon; and siblings, Carl, Mildred, and Norman.

Graveside services with military honors will be Saturday, October 23 at 2 pm at the Crown Hill Cemetery.  Luncheon to follow at the Garden of Eat In.

Cards can be sent to the family at PO Box 1561 Cut Bank, MT 59427. If unable to attend, watch live service at following Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84794561866?pwd=Uy8vdWR1YnJXMk9uMWhnSFR0WmNiUT09

Zoom service will start at approx 1:50pm on Oct 23, 2021.

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Cherye Lee Peterson - January 05, 1938 - October 07, 2021

Departed: 10/07/2021 (Cut Bank)

Obituary Preview: In Idaho Falls, Idaho on January 5,1938 a beautiful perfect baby girl was born to Paul and Re Ella Dredge

She was soon joined by sister, DeeAnn, and brother, Kay Devier (predeceased). The family continued to live in Shelly and Idaho where Cherye lived an idyllic life and loved it as she played in the irrigation ditches, fields and grandmother’s gardens.  The second world war was raging and in the battle of Okinawa her life changed forever.  Her father was killed but she always hoped he would come home.

Her mother shortly thereafter married Clarence Foster who was stationed in the area and the family moved to California.  Not long after the move to California the family was joined by another sister, Brenda. Both sisters still live in California.  She attended school in California and graduated from North Hollywood High.  She earned some academic awards, applied to and was accepted at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.  She studied Art and received a BA Degree in fine arts. It was a time of boyfriends, dances, concerts, art exhibits, assemblies and picnics up the canyon.

At BYU she met Kenneth D. Peterson from Montana, they fell in love and were married for time and eternity in the Cardston, Alberta, Canada Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They have been married for more than (62) sixty-two years and have (7) seven wonderful children, Thais(predeceased), Colleen, Nicole, Lynette, Kasia, Jason(predeceased) and Kirk. She has 16 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Although she was basically a shy person, she has always been a fierce advocate and champion of her offspring. She knew when to reign them in and when to give them their freedom.

After graduation she took the courageous route of heroes by taking on the hardest jobs in life, being a mother, wife, and grandmother, and was successful.  She loved to paint and became an amazing artist and interior decorator. She took after her mother and was an avid bowler. In her earlier years she was a regular volleyball player at the Billings YMCA. She always filled her home with plants which she took care of religiously.

Her grand kids loved her dearly.  She was the kind of grandma who would slide down the stairs on cardboard, float the canals or sit down and watch a movie with them.  She had a special love for little babies, little children and little animals. She would always stop to admire babies and tell their mother how beautiful her baby was.

When the Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was dedicated in Billings, she became a Temple worker and worked there for 16 years.  She enjoyed the service she gave to those who came to the Temple and her association with all of those that she worked with there.  She made many friends over those years.  Throughout her life she held many positions of service in the Church.

This Spring (2021) she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer.  She was cared for at home until the end. She said she wanted to die at home. She was taken care of until the care was beyond the ability of the persons at home and then she was taken to the hospital in Cut Bank on the 7th of October 2021 and passed away peacefully at 4 p.m. only hours later, that same day.

Funeral services in celebration of her life will be held October 23,2021 at 11:00 a.m. in Billings at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints Monad Chapel 3595 Monad Rd., Billings, MT.  A luncheon will be served following.

Condolences to www.asperfh.com.

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Funeral Services Offered

Whitted Funeral Chapel offers a range of funeral services designed to meet the unique needs of each family. From traditional funeral ceremonies to cremation services, memorial gatherings, and graveside burials, their experienced team will work with you to create a meaningful and memorable tribute to your loved one. They also provide assistance with obituaries, death certificates, and other necessary paperwork.

Personalized Funeral Planning

The team at Whitted Funeral Chapel believes that every life is unique and deserves to be celebrated in a way that reflects the individual's personality, interests, and accomplishments. They offer personalized funeral planning services that allow families to customize every aspect of the funeral ceremony, from music and flowers to eulogies and special mementos.

Cremation Services

Whitted Funeral Chapel also provides cremation services for families who prefer this option. Their state-of-the-art crematory ensures that the cremation process is carried out with dignity and respect. They offer various cremation packages, including direct cremation, cremation with a memorial service, and cremation with a traditional funeral ceremony.

Facilities and Amenities

The funeral home's facilities are designed to provide a comfortable and peaceful atmosphere for families and friends to gather. The chapel features ample seating, beautiful stained-glass windows, and a serene ambiance that fosters reflection and remembrance. Additionally, Whitted Funeral Chapel offers convenient parking, wheelchair accessibility, and a warm reception area where families can greet guests.

Community Involvement

Whitted Funeral Chapel is deeply committed to the Cut Bank community and actively participates in local events and charities. They believe in giving back to the community that has supported them over the years and strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those around them.

Why Choose Whitted Funeral Chapel?

Families choose Whitted Funeral Chapel because of their reputation for excellence, compassion, and personalized service. By entrusting your loved one's farewell ceremony to Whitted Funeral Chapel, you can be assured that every detail will be carefully attended to, allowing you to focus on celebrating their life and cherishing memories with family and friends.

In conclusion, Whitted Funeral Chapel (Cut Bank) is a trusted partner for families navigating the difficult process of saying goodbye to a loved one. With their commitment to compassionate care, personalized service, and attention to detail, they have earned their place as a respected leader in the funeral industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an obituary?

An obituary is a written notice that announces the death of a person, typically including their name, age, date of birth and death, and other biographical information. It may also include details about their life, accomplishments, and surviving family members.

What is the purpose of an obituary?

The primary purpose of an obituary is to inform friends, family, and community members of a person's passing and to provide information about funeral or memorial services. It also serves as a way to honor and celebrate the life of the deceased.

Who typically writes an obituary?

In most cases, the family of the deceased or a close friend writes the obituary. Funeral homes or mortuaries may also assist with writing and publishing obituaries.

What information should be included in an obituary?

A typical obituary includes the person's name, age, date of birth and death, place of residence, occupation, education, military service, hobbies, and surviving family members. It may also include information about funeral or memorial services.

How long should an obituary be?

The length of an obituary can vary depending on the publication or online platform. Typically, it ranges from a few sentences to several paragraphs.

Can I include photos or other media in an obituary?

Yes, many online obituary platforms and some print publications allow you to include photos, videos, or other multimedia elements to enhance the tribute.

How do I submit an obituary to a newspaper or online platform?

Contact the newspaper or online platform directly for submission guidelines. They may have specific requirements for format, length, and content.

Is there a cost associated with publishing an obituary?

Yes, there may be a fee for publishing an obituary in a newspaper or online platform. The cost varies depending on the publication or platform.

Can I write my own obituary in advance?

Yes, it's becoming more common for people to write their own obituaries in advance. This can be a therapeutic exercise and ensure that your life story is told accurately.

What is a death notice?

A death notice is a brief announcement of a person's passing, typically including only the basic facts such as name, age, and date of death. It's often used when a full obituary is not possible or desired.

What is the difference between an obituary and a eulogy?

An obituary is a written notice announcing a person's death and providing biographical information. A eulogy is a speech or written tribute delivered at a funeral or memorial service to celebrate the person's life.

Can I include humor or personal anecdotes in an obituary?

Absolutely! An obituary should reflect the personality and spirit of the deceased. Including humorous stories or personal anecdotes can help capture their essence and make the tribute more engaging.

How do I handle sensitive or difficult information in an obituary?

If there are sensitive issues or complicated relationships involved, it's essential to approach the situation with tact and compassion. Consider consulting with other family members or a trusted advisor for guidance.

Can I update or correct an obituary after it's been published?

It depends on the publication or online platform. Some may allow corrections or updates, while others may not. Be sure to check their policies before submitting the obituary.

How long does it take for an obituary to be published?

The timeframe varies depending on the publication or online platform. Online platforms may publish immediately, while print newspapers may take several days to a week.

Can I request changes to an existing obituary template?

If you're using a funeral home or online platform's template, you may be able to request changes. However, some templates may be fixed, so it's best to check with the provider beforehand.

What if I want to keep the obituary private or limited to certain individuals?

Sometimes families prefer to keep the obituary private due to personal reasons. Many online platforms offer options for private or restricted access to ensure that only intended individuals can view the tribute.

Can I include charitable donations or memorial funds in an obituary?

Yes! Many families choose to include information about charitable donations or memorial funds in lieu of flowers. This can be a meaningful way to honor the deceased and support a worthy cause.

How do I ensure accuracy when writing an obituary?

To ensure accuracy, verify dates, names, and other important details with reliable sources such as birth certificates, passports, or other official documents.

Can I write an obituary for someone who has passed away without any immediate family?

If there are no immediate family members available to write an obituary, friends, caregivers, or other individuals close to the deceased may take on this responsibility.

What if I'm struggling to write an obituary due to grief or emotional distress?

If you're finding it difficult to write an obituary due to emotional distress, consider reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional counselor for support. You may also want to take breaks and come back to the task when you feel more composed.

Can I use social media to share an obituary?

Yes! Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter can be effective ways to share an obituary with a wider audience. You can also use online memorial websites specifically designed for sharing tributes and condolences.

How long will an online obituary remain available?

The duration varies depending on the online platform. Some platforms may archive obituaries indefinitely, while others may remove them after a certain period. Be sure to check their policies before submitting the obituary.

Can I create a digital archive of an obituary for future generations?

Yes! Many online platforms offer options for creating digital archives of obituaries. You can also save a copy of the obituary as a PDF or print it out for safekeeping.

Are there any specific guidelines for writing an obituary for someone who was cremated?

No specific guidelines exist for writing an obituary for someone who was cremated. However, you may want to include information about any memorial services or scattering ceremonies planned in their honor.

Can I include quotes, poems, or lyrics in an obituary?

Absolutely! Including meaningful quotes, poems, or lyrics can add depth and personality to the tribute. Choose pieces that resonate with the deceased's personality or interests.