Obituaries

Oct 27, 2022

Vicki Lynn Hanchett DeLeo passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of Oct. 27, 2022, at the age of 74.

Vicki was born to John Hanchett and Marion Thelen Hanchett in Billings, Montana, on Sept. 29, 1948.

She grew up in Billings with her three brothers, two sisters and countless cousins. Vicki was known...

Oct 26, 2022

Juanita Rockstad went home to be with Jesus on Oct. 26, 2022. Juanita was born to Antonio and Louisa Riojas on Dec. 20, 1951, in Billings. She was born number 9 out of the 16 Riojas brothers and sisters. She grew up in Laurel.

Juanita was just 4 years old when she found the love of Jesus....

Oct 26, 2022

Roy Oliver passed away on Oct. 26, 2022, after a battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s for several years.

Roy Herman Oliver was born on Feb. 15, 1940, in Ekalaka, to Jerome and Gertrude Oliver. He joined two older sisters, Marie and Adrean, and an older brother, Jerry. The family moved to Miles City and Roy spent his...

Oct 22, 2022

Harlow Anders Christensen

Harlow Anders Christensen, 88, of Billings, passed away peacefully on Oct. 22, 2022, with his wife Ellatena “Tena,” daughters Paige and Kelly and niece Charlene “Chuckie” by his side. Harlow was born in Richardton, North Dakota, to Emma and Anders Christensen.

Harlow graduated from Senior High School in 1953. Harlow...

Oct 21, 2022

Janne Watson Hayden — dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and a friend of many — passed away on Oct. 21, 2022, at the age of 76, in Billings, Montana.

Janne was born to Roy and Mabel Dotson in Billings. While attending Billings Senior High School, she was a proud member of the Order of Eastern Star and Job’s...

Oct 20, 2022

On Oct. 20, 2022, Joseph D. Hoppman passed away suddenly at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he and his wife, Linda, lived for the past 12 years.

Joe was born to Joseph and Carmela Hoppman, Coventry, Rhode Island, on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 1948, which is maybe why he had such a huge generous heart. He...

Oct 16, 2022

David Crile Kisling, Sr., 89, of Billings, Montana, died in the early  hours of Oct. 16, 2022, with family gathered at his side.

Dave was born on Nov. 20, 1932, in Tyler, Texas, the youngest of James and Ruth Kisling’s four sons. He grew up in Texas and Oklahoma, graduating from Tulsa Central High School. He enlisted...

Oct 16, 2022

On Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022, Mary Regina Pavlish of Shepherd passed away peacefully in the home built by her husband, with family at her side. Her parents, Michael and Martha (Keefe) Tobin, immigrated to America from Newfoundland, Canada, in the 1920s. Born in Brooklyn on April 21, 1930, Mary spent most of her 92 years calling Montana home, but...

Oct 15, 2022

Ellen Evon Herminghaus “Bonnie”

Ellen Evon Herminghaus, Bonnie,” passed into the next life after 101 wonderful years! Born in Judith Gap, Montana, to Joseph and Sadie Redmond in 1921, Bonnie spent her youth on the homestead, herding cows and working in the garden with her brothers Jack and Danny, and sister Jane. In 1931, due...

Oct 15, 2022

Rogelio Ybanez, aka Roy, was 40 years old, born in California and lived there most of his life until 2020, when he decided to move to Montana to enjoy the outdoors life of fishing and hiking. He wanted to learn to hunt also. Roy was a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan since childhood. He was always a hardworking man and...

Oct 15, 2022

February 2nd is famous for three things: Groundhog Day; cold, snowy weather; and, in 1965, the birth of Kim Ring Ryan. Kim passed away in the arms of her beloved son, Joe, on Oct. 15, 2022, following an uphill battle with her health. She was the second born daughter of Ron and Chere Ring, and was later followed by...

Oct 12, 2022

Russel “Russ” A. Neuheardt passed away peacefully on Oct. 12, 2022, surrounded by family, at the age of 78 years old.

He was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, on Dec. 3, 1943, and was raised by his mother and stepfather, Elsie and Jack Doll. They moved to Billings when Russ was a child, where he lived the...

Oct 11, 2022

Ruth Reich, of Billings, born March 30,1924. Ruth was a graduate of Cosmetology Beauty School.  She will be remembered for her faithful love of the Lord and diligent work ethic. Ruth passed away Oct. 11, 2022.  She is survived by her daughter, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Oct 8, 2022

Margaret (Betty) Elizabeth (Hertel) Witzel, 88, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Oct. 8, 2022.

She was born on April 16, 1934, to Wilmer and Margaret (Bricker) Hertel in Lewistown, and raised in Moore. Betty grew up on a ranch that allowed her to experience life as a “tomboy,” carrying snakes in her pocket and...

Oct 8, 2022

Gina Cheyenne Navarro, 24, born on March 31, 1998, in Billings, passed away on Oct. 8, 2022.

Gina worked in construction, painting and accounts receivable. She loved her dogs — two French bulldogs named Myrah and Khaleesi. They were her babies. She was a lover of all animals and loved her family, hiking, camping, singing karaoke, reading...

Oct 7, 2022

Andrew Eugene Roller, 88, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Born Sept. 16, 1934, in Schefield, North Dakota, to Adam Roller and Rose Huschka Roller, he was the youngest of 10 children. Being a farm boy, Andrew had two loves growing up: his horse, Silver, and music. At the tender age...

Oct 6, 2022

Edwin Joseph “Joe” Cross, 81, of Billings, passed away on Oct. 6, 2022, in Billings, surrounded by family.

Joe was born in Gouverneur, New York, to Hazel and Harold Cross on Aug. 12, 1941. He grew up in Antwerp, New York, and graduated from Indian River High School in 1959, where he played on a championship-winning basketball...

Oct 5, 2022

T. Edward “Ed” Parks, 88, of Billings, passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 5, 2022.

Ed was born on Feb. 21, 1934, in Billings, to Leslie and Phyllis Parks. Ed worked his entire career as a pressman for the Billings Gazette. He was a longstanding member of  St. Thomas parish, the Knights of Columbus, the Elks...

Oct 4, 2022

Cammie was born on March 12, 1933, in Luray, Kansas. She was the daughter of Lily and Camille Albach. She graduated from Billings Business College in 1952. Cammie met her husband of 62 years, Arthur Bell, at a dance through mutual friends. Art and Cammie purchased their first home and resided there for over 60 years. They went on...

Sep 29, 2022

Clara L. Smith, age 82, died in Billings on Thursday, Sept, 29, 2022.

Born in Niagara Falls, New York, on May 19, 1940, to George and Lena (Wright) Luce, Clara spent the last decades of her life retired in Billings with her husband Ralph. While living in New York, she worked in the Kendall School cafeteria, and...