Obituaries

Jul 20, 2023

Laura was born on April 25, 1927, at the family home east of Lavina. She was the fifth of eight children born to Lawrence and Olga Helmey. Laura passed away on July 20, 2023, in Billings.

Laura graduated from Lavina High School in 1945. She then attended education classes at Billings Normal School for six weeks until...

Jul 17, 2023

Patricia “Theresa” Forney passed away Monday, July 17, 2023. Originally from St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, she died at St. John’s United in Billings, having been a resident in Montana for 45-plus years. She was the widow of “Sam” Forney (who passed in 2013). Theresa was born on Feb. 11, 1936, in Newfoundland, Canada, to “Lizzy” Nolan. She met Sam...

Jul 14, 2023

Al Swanson, 89, of Billings, passed away peacefully into heaven on July 14, 2023. He was born in Billings on October 29, 1933, to Alvin and Mabelle Swanson at Deaconess Hospital and loved his childhood in Billings. He and older sister Sue cherished their Montana heritage. He loved hunting, fishing, skiing, pack trips, hiking and camping in Montana's wilderness...

Jul 14, 2023

We are sad to announce that the world has been deprived of a real-life superhero. Seth Kenneth Chelini passed away in Billings, Montana, on July 14, 2023, due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was 40 years old and is survived by his parents, John and Pati; siblings Andrea and Sydney; son Sonny Kenneth (Shannen); daughter Grace...

Jul 12, 2023

Michael “Mike” George Jablin was born on Nov. 16, 1936, in Rock Springs, Wyoming, and passed away on July 12, 2023, at the age of 86.

He grew up in Superior, Wyoming, a coal-mining town near Rock Springs. He graduated from Superior High School in 1954, and was very proud of his hardworking family background. Encouraged by...

Jul 11, 2023

Elizabeth Ann Hull passed away on July 11, 2023, surrounded by her loving family, due to a rapidly progressive degenerative neurologic disease.

Elizabeth was born on Feb. 2, 1948, in Columbus, to John and Pearl Rouane. Elizabeth’s humble life began on Joe Hill Creek in a three-room house, later moving to Shane Creek. Most of her grade...

Jul 7, 2023

It was September 5th, 1961, in the picturesque town of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, when the newly released hit songs of Patsy Cline’s “I Fall to Pieces” and Roy Orbison’s “Crying” was playing on the radio as a mother gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby girl, Pamela Kay Bonrud.

Diane moved her and her children...

Jul 7, 2023

Tamera “Tami” Sue Noble, 63, went to be with her Lord and Savior, on Friday, July 7, 2023.

Tami was born on Feb. 7, 1960, in Billings, to David and Joyce Drake. In her younger years, she could be found being lovingly teased by her big brother, Gary, learning many recipes that she would pass down from...

Jul 7, 2023

A true gentleman, Don Martin Glynn, of Billings, passed away on July 7, 2023. Don was born on Aug. 9, 1932, in Lewistown, to Val and Atha Mae Martin Glynn. His early years were spent in Harlowton until the eighth grade, when his family moved to Bozeman. Don played basketball, football, legion baseball, and ran track while in high...

Jul 7, 2023

After a full and enriching life, Marilyn Floberg slipped peacefully into heaven on July 7, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Marilyn Joyce Hunter was born on Feb. 6, 1932, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Roland and Helen (Severtson) Hunter. An only child, she grew up in a loving home with her parents and grandmother in North Fargo....

Jul 4, 2023

Arnold Koch, age 89, of Billings, peacefully passed away on July 4, 2023. Arnold was born on March 5, 1934, in Buffalo County, South Dakota. Arnold married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Colleen Murphy in 1953 and celebrated 65 years together. Shortly after getting married, they moved to Billings to raise their family. Arnold was...

Jul 4, 2023

In Loving Memory: Remembering the Life of Clifford Thomsen (1919-2023)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Cliff Thomsen, a remarkable individual whose journey through life touched the hearts of many. Born in 1919, he embarked on a life that would be marked by resilience, courage, and an unwavering love of...

Jul 3, 2023

Lauri Streets Poppler was born to her loving parents Glenn and Jackie Streets on July 13, 1957.  Lauri lived in Billings all of her life and was a true Montana girl.

On Sept. 2, 2004, she married the love of her life, Blaine Poppler. Lauri and Blaine met in high school and she loved him ever since....

Jul 3, 2023

There are no words. Our sweet Everett left us on July 3, 2023. He brought us the most joy and love the last week that we have ever known.

Dear Everett, Mom and Dad love you so very much. You were tiny but mighty. You will always be our best boy.

No matter what life...

Jun 29, 2023

Linda Grace Erlenbush, 76, of Billings, was born in Big Timber on March 2, 1947, to Sherman and Ann Hofferber (Eaton). Linda passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2023.

Linda’s birth name was Sharan Grace Eaton, but many knew her as “Toddy.” Linda moved to Billings when she was young and met Gene Erlenbush through her brother...

Jun 27, 2023

On June 27, 2023, we lost Anne K. Dietrich, Mom, Grannie Annie, at the age of 94.

Anne was born a year before the Great Depression on Oct. 14, 1928. She outlived nearly every member of her generation.

She was born in her grandparents’ home in Fairview, Montana. She was a child of an agricultural...

Jun 27, 2023

R.A. “Ribs” Mikelson, beloved husband and uncle, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on June 27, 2023 after a short illness.  He was faithful, dependable, and calm-mannered.  You would often see him smile and hear a little chuckle.  He had a love for the mountains in Montana and Wyoming, and he will be remembered for his...

Jun 26, 2023

In Loving Memory

John Irving Elsey

(December 25, 1940 — June 26, 2023)

John Irving Elsey, a loving husband, devoted father, cherished grandfather and esteemed engineer, peacefully passed away on June 26, 2023. Born on Dec. 25, 1940, in Charleston, South Carolina, John was the beloved son of John Leroy and Aurelia Regan...

Jun 26, 2023

Lana Lee Larsen (Regnier), daughter of Donald and Elizabeth (Kister) Regnier, was born in Billings, Montana, on June 11, 1944. She went to join her family on June 26, 2023, at the age of 79.

Lana married Duane Larsen on Feb. 1, 1964. After attempting to honeymoon in Minnesota, a snowstorm interrupted the trip and they stayed...

Jun 25, 2023

Sara Gross grew up east of Billings and graduated from Huntley Project High School. Her bright and inquisitive mind, paired with her curiosity about dinosaurs led her to pursue a geology degree, which she completed at Rocky Mountain College. An artistic person, Sara painted in vivid colors and created beautiful, lasting memories with her talent as a classical pianist....