The Billings Gazette from Billings, Montana • 16

Wednesday, April 2, 2008 OBITUARIES Billings Gazette BILLINGS Claire B. Draper, 87 Milton Reich, 76 STATE AND AREA DEATHS Boulder: Lowell Johnston, 90 Browning: Michaela Shae White Grass, 15 Butte: Brandi K. Smiley, 34; Darinka Badovinac, 95; Inez Johns, 88; Joan Dugdale, 72; Nancy Daly, 62 Clinton: Vernon G. Gover, 67 Dillon: Keith Peters, 70 Glendive: Charles Egge Great Falls: Dale Marxer, 82; Dennis Smerker, 63; Floyd Suek, 67; Lewis Savik, 97; Lillian Dove, 94; Barbara Martin, 70; Dale Marxer, 82; Jean Cranmore, 76; Luella Merriman, 73 Hamilton: Robert Reyner Havre: Annette M. Fox, 70; Edna Richter, 84 Helena: Alice Morse, 86; Jerry K.

Largis; Rose Gross-Moe, 90; Clarence Stenerson, 71; Ruth E. Chisholm Libby: Richard D. Taylor, 57 Kalispell: Frances Cantrel Lame Deer: Wahlena Limpy Cook, 41 Lovell, Mary Catherine Peters, 89 Miles City: Amy VanCleave, 87 Missoula: Constance D. Morris, 56; Richard Vick, 86; Gloria Gaspard, 79; K. Arline Everard, 95; Karen Kempel Jones, 64; Margaret A.

Hoiland, 55; Mary E. Ward; Virginia Lichtenheld, 89; Wilmer Carlsen, 91 Plains: Mary J. Longpre Polson: Gini Mitchell Red Lodge: Tirzah White, 20 Shelby: Byron S. Wigen, 92 Sheridan: Juanita Armstrong, 93; Mildred Moren, 88 Stevensville: Franklin R. Stevens, 66; Vivian E.

Wood, 89 Story, Margaret Grady, 69 Wolf Point: Robert Sullivan, 80 How to submit Obituaries For obituary information, call 406-657-1241 or 800-543-2505 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday- Friday; 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The deadline is 4 p.m. for next day publication. Obituaries can be e- mailed to gazette.com, mailed to Obituary Billings Gazette, PO Box 36300, Billings, MT 59107, faxed to 406-657-1208 or brought to the Billings Gazette, 401 N. Broadway, after 1 p.m. weekdays.

All obituaries require verification from a funeral home, so please include the funeral home name and phone number. The cost for obituaries is $19 per column inch. Free obituaries are also available; please inquire as to guidelines. All obituaries are edited to conform to AP Style. Obituaries and photos are edited to a standard format.

If you have a special request for the obituary or photo, please inform The Gazette in advance. Obituaries are also posted under the "News" tab on www.billings gazette.com, where visitors can read and submit memories to individual Guest Books. Scam Alert: The Billings Gazette will not call for a credit card number after the obituary has run in the paper. OR Funeral Gallery A Full Service Mortuary Absaroka Beartooth Columbariums Jerry Nordquist Sharon Brown 29 St. Billings 254-2414 EQUALL Duane, 68, Memorial 2pm Wed-Church of FEARS Edna, 86, of Billings Cremation.

No memorial is planned.2 REICH Milton, 76, of Billings Memorial 11am Friday-Trinity Lutheran.4 GRADY Margaret, 69, Story Cremation. Memorial to be held later. 2 Flowers Gainans 245-6434 1-800-755-7576 gainans.com Joel Woodenlegs LAME DEER Joel Woodenlegs, 53, died Sunday, March 30,2008, at the Lame Deer Health Center, due to heart failure. Traditional wake services will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 3, at Tommy's Creek Ranch in Lame Deer.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 4, at the Allen Rowland gymnasium in Lame Deer. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Forsyth is in charge. Smith Funeral Chapels and Crematory Serving Billings Area for 110 Years Complete Funeral, Crematory and Cemetery Pre-Arrangements with Cremation Niches, Lawn Crypts and Mausoleum. Reception Facilities Available TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS IN BILLINGS eralchapels.com SMITH WEST CHAPEL Adjacent to Terrace Gardens Cemetery 304 34TH ST.

W. 245-6427 4 Blocks N. of Central on 34th St. W. CUMMINGS Earl 76, of Billings.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 2, at Grace Baptist Church, located at 3616 Broadwater Ave. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Thermopolis, Wyo. Visitation will begin 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, at Smith's West Chapel, located at 304 34th St.

West and prior to services. Memorials can be made to Grace Baptist OSTERMILLER Lillian, 89, of Billings. Funeral service 2 p.m. Thursday, April 3, at Smith West Chapel, with interment at Sunset Memorial SMITH DOWNTOWN CHAPEL 925 S. 27th 245-6427 EVANS Arminda J.

"Army," 85, of Billings. Cremation will take place at Smith's Crematory. No services are VALLIE Nancy Lee, 62, of Billings. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 3, at Atonement Lutheran Church, located at 407 Wicks Lane.

Cremation has taken place. Memorials can be sent to charity of JACKSON Fred 0., 97, of Billings. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Friday, April 4, at the First Congregational Church, located at 310 N. 27th St.

Cremation has taken place. Burial of the urn will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials can be made to the First Congregational Church, or Big Sky Hospice, PO Box 35033 Billings, MT HOFF James 74, of Billings. Cremation.

Memorial service 10 a.m. Friday, April 4, at Smith Downtown ELLIOTT Myrtle 92, of Forsyth, formerly of Billings. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at American Lutheran Church, located at 5 Lewis Ave. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will begin Friday, April 4, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Smith's Downtown Chapel, 925 S. 27th and prior to services Saturday. Memorials to charity of SMITH FUNERAL CHAPEL LAUREL 315 E. 3rd.

628-6858 STANFORD Christina C. (Sharbono), 76, of Laurel. Service, 10 a.m. Thursday, April 3, at First Baptist Church, Laurel. Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, April 2, at Smith Funeral Chapel-Laurel, and one hour before services at church. Interment: Laurel Cemetery. Memorials: Big Sky Hospice or charity of SMITH OLCOTT CHAPEL RED LODGE 201 N. Broadway 446-1121 Graveside services for Elizabeth Shirley, 4 44, and her daughter, Tirzah White, 20, both of Red Lodge, will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, 3, the Red Lodge Cemetery.

A memorial fund has established at the First Interstate Bank in Red SMITH FUNERALCHAPEL COLUMBUS 35 N. Diamond St. 628-6858 To share memories or send condolences In Our Care please go to www.dahifuneralchapel.com. Dahl Funeral Cremation Service Billings BEALL Martha, 89. Funeral service at 1 p.m.

on Dahl Chapel. Interment in Belfry Cemetery. Memorials: American Red Cross, 245-3512, 702 Central Billings, MT 59102. 4 Bozeman LaBLANCE Joseph, 87, of Bozeman. Memorial Mass 11 a.m.

Thursday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Great Falls. 3 ANDERSON Roberta, of Bozeman. Graveside 11 a.m. Friday, Sunset Hills Cemetery, Meet 10:45 a.m.

at Dahl Funeral Chapel. 4 Billings Bozeman Red Lodge 10 Yellowstone 300 Highland 708 S. McGillen (406) 248-8807 (406) 506-5298 (406) 446-1800 Mary Catherine Peters LOVELL, Wyo. Mary Catherine (Kenner) Peters, 89, died Sunday, March 30, 2008, at New Horizons Care Center in Lovell. A viewing will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Thursday, April 3, at the Atwood Family Chapel in Greybull. Graveside funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. at the Hillside Cemetery in Greybull. Wahlena Limpy Cook LAME DEER Wahlena Limpy Cook, 41, died Saturday March 29, 2008. Wake services will be at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, April 2, at the 1 Lame Deer Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. NAC meeting will follow at Mary Jane's residence. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 3, at the Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Rosebud Creek Family Cemetery.

Bullis Mortuary is in charge. Robert Sullivan Robert "Sully" E. Sullivan, 80, of Wolf Point, died Sunday, March 30, 2008, at Northeast Montana Health Services, due to congestive heart failure. Viewing will be after 11 a.m. Thursday, April 3, at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point, followed by the services at 1 p.m., which will include time for storytelling.

Cremation will follow with inurnment in the Veterans Circle at Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. Ms Michelotti Sawyers Mortuary and Crematory Serving All Faiths With Dignity since 1956. Continuous Family Ownership for 2 generations. 1001 Alderson Ave. 406-252-3417 DIEDE Helen 86, of Billings.

Cremation. Memorial service 11 a.m., Wednesday, April 2, at First Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to First Congregational Church or the charity of one's DRAPER Claire 87, of Billings. Cremation. Celebration of life memorial service, 11 a.m.

Saturday, April 5, at Lillis Chapel: at Mission Ridge, 3840 Rimrock Road. Memorials, Help for Homeless Pets, Humane Society or any other pet-related SELECTED Independent FUNERAL HOMES www.michelottisawyers.com Bullis-Mortuary Eastern Montana Crematory Hardin, MT 406-665-1207 MAE WY Stice INVITATION A 1ask putti MELVILLE Funeral service for Lois Melville will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, April 3, at the Hardin First Congregational Church. Interment will follow in the Hardin Fairview 1 COOK Wakes services for Wahlena Limpy Cook will be held 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 2, at the Lame Deer Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday, at the Catholic Church. Interment will follow in the Rosebud Creek Family GILLESPIE Prayer services for Shawn Gillespie will be held 4 p.m. Thursday, April 3, at the Bullis Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m.

Friday, at the Bullis Funeral Sincere, Appreciation and To Jeanette's many good friends who appreciated her gifts, talents and humor, to her kind caregivers at the Billings Clinic and Aspen Meadows and to all who wished her well during her long confinement, our (deepest gratitude. Words are not enough. Remember the good things. the family of Jeanette Verge Her Mom her sister Carol, and brother in Jeff Kirkland Arthur D. 'Bud' Miles Arthur D.

LIVINGSTON Arthur D. "Bud" Miles passed away peacefully in his home Wednesday, March 19, 2008. Bud was born in Livingston, July 7, 1921, to Daniel N. Miles and Janie (Tervol) Miles. His grandfather A.W.

Miles and his father Dan Miles both played integral parts in Livingston's early business, political and civic life. After graduating from Park High, Bud attended MSU, then attended and graduated from Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts. In 1943, Bud went into ranching with his father. That same year he married the love of his life, Lucille McMurry. He was totally devoted to Lucille and depended greatly on her.

They raised four children: Dan, Sam, Jim and Bonnie. In 1952, Bud bought his own ranch from his father's holdings. Over the next several decades, he developed his own strain of cattle and studied books from all over the world on soil, grasses and range management. He worked extensively to improve the soil and the grass and, above all, he developed his own ideas. His style of ranching was unique, from the electric fences he used to control grazing to his fleet of army vehicles that he acquired to operate a ranch that had little level ground.

Anyone who rode with him knew what a trip it was to ride with Bud in the hills! Bud loved what he did, claiming he never worked a day in his life. He enjoyed working with and mentoring young people and had much opportunity to do that on the ranch. When he was 47, Bud took up skiing to relieve stress and enjoyed the sport for several decades, claiming it cured his arthritis. He and Lucille were avid supporters of local concert associations and plays. Bud enjoyed music and movies (especially the musicals and the old movies).

He was an active mem- Lillian Staley Ostermiller Lillian Staley Lillian Staley Ostermiller, 89, passed away on March 30, 2008. Lillian was born May 24, 1918, in Ballantine, to Eva Elizabeth (Ruff) and George Staley. She was the oldest of five children. The family eventually moved and farmed west of Billings, where Lillian attended Elder Grove Elementary School on Hesper Road. She married Harold Ostermiller in 1940, and they had three children.

Lillian and Harold enjoyed square dancing, their children's school activities and socializing with friends and family. Lillian is best remembered for her cooking abilities, green thumb and love of flowers, and her quick wit and humor. She was no stranger no hard work and was an extremely dedicated and wonderful grandmother. ber of the Club and Bozeman Bud was speaker, a man. He strength of Gallatin Valley Dinner Livingston and Toastmasters.

a rancher, a writer, a scholar and a gentlehad deep integrity, character and a gentle JIM HOFF James 'Jim' T. Hoff James "Jim" T. Hoff, 74, formerly of Bridger, passed away of natural causes at his home, Sunday, March 30, 2008. Jim was born in Miles City on Nov. 20, 1933, one of three children born to Theodore and Katherine Hoff.

He grew up in Billings, and eventually spent most of his adult life at his home near Bridger. As an avid sports enthusiast, he excelled in handball, college football and minor league baseball. His keen sense of rhythm led him to play the drums for local bands, and he also enjoyed dancing. His education at Eastern Montana College was interrupted when he joined the Army during the Korean War. After returning home, Jim chose to become a police officer.

Throughout his 20-plus years on the Billings Police Force, Jim was well respected by his fellow officers for his hard work and dedication. He was known by many for his tough but fair attitude. He was very soft at heart but rarely showed it. While working on the police force, he moved to Bridger with his wife and children. His dedication to both his career and family demanded a daily commute to and from Billings.

While Jim took utmost pride in his career as a police officer, he also enjoyed cooking and especially reading. The Bridger Library knew him well, as he frequently read a western or mystery novel in just half of a day. With his contagious laugh and unique sense of humor, he related well to his favorite movie, "Grumpy Old Men" and actor John Wayne. After he retired, you could usually find him in the morning drinking coffee with his close friends from Bridger. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Phyllis.

He is survived by his sister, Louise (Don) Ross; son William Hoff; daughters Kristen (Mark) Allgauer and Konni Hoff; two nephews and a niece; as well as former wife Wilma. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, April 4, at the Smith Downtown Chapel, 925 S. 27th in Billings. Donations can be sent to the James T.

Hoff memorial, Billings Police PO Box 1554, Billings, MT 59103. Earl W. Cummings Cummings, he lived in Kansas until he was 19 years of age, when he went to Wall, S.D., with the wheat harvesters. It was there he met Mary Francis, who became his wife on June 5, W. Cummings, 76, of went home to be with the Saturday, March 29, 2008.

Jan. 24, 1932, in Mayetta, Raymond and Minnie EARL CUMMINGS EARL CUMMINGS Earl Billings, Lord on Born to 1955. He worked briefly for the Wall Drug store. A resident of Billings for many years, he worked as a welder, driller's helper and mechanic, and was a longtime member of Grace Baptist Church of Billings. He is survived by his wife, Mary; one daughter, Dee Dee (Jim) Potter of Billings; two grandsons, Charlie and Daniel Potter; four sisters, Connie Gregg of Clearwater, Rose (Bennie) Soathoff of Lawrence, Ruth Ann (Joey) Sunseri of Desota, Cathy (Charles) Merchant of Chunchula, two brothers, Raymond (Carol) Cummings of Tyler, Texas, and Ronald Cummings of Chandler, Texas; and two adopted brothers, Frank (Lillie) Mueller and Harold (Lavina) Fels; along with numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Memorials may be designated to Grace Baptist Church. Services will be held at Grace Baptist Church, 3616 Broadwater Ave. in Billings, at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Thermopolis, Wyo. The family wishes to express a special thanks to our loving Pastor Richard Miller and wife Candy.

Smith Funeral Chapels are in charge of arrangements. Lois Helen Melville HARDIN Lois Helen Melville, 87, died Saturday, March 30, 2008, at the Big Horn County Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 3r, at the First Congregational Church in Hardin. Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery.

Bullis Mortuary of Hardin is in charge. sense of humor that remained intact to his last days. He spoke at range meetings around the country, sharing his innovative ideas and wrote for numerous publications BUD. over several MILES decades. In turn, many articles have been written about him, most recently an article about Lucille and Bud in the 2008 spring publication of Range Magazine.

Bud didn't believe in retirement, so with the help of son Dan and good friends and neighbors, he was able to continue ranching until his health declined in the last few months. Even then, he continued his writing and assimilating ideas he had gathered and innovated over the years. His family cared for him at home in his last weeks. Arthur was preceded in death by his father and mother; sister Betty Jane Dietz; son Sam Miles and stepmother Elsie Miles. He is survived by his wife, Lucille; children Dan (Rita) Miles of Livingston, James Miles of Nashville, Bonnie (Lee) Harry of Dillon; half-brother Milo (Donna) Miles of Cambridge, stepbrother Stan (Kate) Todd of Livingston; grandchildren Ben Miles of San Francisco and Lisa (Tim) Lin of San Jose, great-grandchildren Claire and Chris Lin; two nieces and several grandnieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date when the grass is greener. Surviving are her children, Wayne (Edna) Ostermiller of Longview, Dirk Ostermiller of Billings and Karen (Scott) Galbraith of Bothell, four grandchildren, Holly (Ted) Davis, William Galbraith, Susan Galbraith and Colton Ostermiller; two loving sisters, Helen Blackford and Evelyn (Harry) Funk; sister-in-law Mary Staley; and many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Harold; and brothers Harry and George Staley. Visitations will begin Wednesday afternoon, April 2, at Smith West Chapel, 304 34th St. West.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 3, at the Smith West Chapel, with interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. On the record Organizational meeting notices received by noon will be published in the next morning's Gazette. Call 657-1469. WEDNESDAY ORGANIZATIONS At a.m.: Yellowstone County Democrats at McCormick Cafe, 2419 Montana; Business Network International at Billings Hotel, 1223 Mullowney At 9:30 a.m.: English classes at Lincoln Center, 415 N.

30th At 11 a.m.: Friends of the Library on third floor, Parmly Billings Library At noon: Billings Heights Exchange Club at Fuddrucker's in Heights; International Credit Association at War Bonnet; Billings West Rotary Club at Hilton Garden Inn; Zonta Club at McCormick Cafe, 2419 Montana At 5:15 p.m.: Yellowstone River Pa.ks Association at 2409 Second Avis. N. At 5:30 p.m.: Big Sky Sculpture Council in Suite 2003A, 1242 N. 28th At 7 p.m.: Billings Chess Club at Billings Clinic conference center; Hooter Peaks Skiers at Village Inn Pizza, 2048 Grand; Billings Coin Club at Montana Power Hospitality Room, 20th St. W.

and Monad; Beartooth Nordic and Hiking Club in Community Room, Big Bear, 2618 King Ave. Billings Rod and Gun Club at clubhouse; Montana People's Action at Friendship House, 3123 Eighth Ave. Yellowstone Valley Sky Sailors at Valley Credit Union; American Legion Post 52 at 1540 Broadwater; Billings Youth Soccer Association at Boys and Girls Club At 7:30 p.m.: Billings Community Band at Senior High School band room; YSA at First Methodist Church; Fraternal Order of the Eagles Auxiliary at 526 Laurie At 8 p.m.: Silhouettes round dancing at South Park Senior Citizens Center; Loyal Order of Moose at 131 Calhoun; Billings Motorcycle Club at Knights of Columbus Hall NOTE: Closed meetings are for those seeking help only. At open meetings, those seeking help may bring support people or the public may come for more information about the group. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS GROUPS: At 6:30 a.m.: Brown Baggers Closed at St.

Stephen's Episcopal Church, 13th St. W. and Crawford BUD. At noon: Closed Sunlight of the Spirit at First Christian Church, 522 N. 29th; Closed at 848 Main, Suite Closed Downtown at 17 N.

31st; Open 204 Group at 17 N. 31st; Closed at 2439 Grand; Brown Baggers Closed at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 13th St. W. and Crawford; Closed at 1801 Broadwater At 5:45 p.m.: Open at Deering Clinic, 123 S.

27th, north entrance At 6 p.m.: Open Big Book study at 510 Cook; Closed Men's at 1801 Broadwater At 6:30 p.m.: Closed Gap to Recovery at Peace Lutheran Church, 1301 Ave. At 6:45 p.m.: Closed Step Study at 2439 Grand At 7 p.m.: Memorial Youth Group Open Teens and Young Adults at 315 S. Closed at 1801 Broadwater; Open Carrying the Message at Bethel Baptist Church, Jackson and Clevenger At 7:30 p.m.: Open Recovery Group at 103 N. 24th At 8 p.m.: Closed Downtown at 17 N. 31st; Open Speakers meeting 204 Group at 17 N.

31st; Open at 2604 Phyllis; Closed at 2439 Grand; H.O.W. Group at 2024 Third Ave. Open at 510 Cook AL-ANON GROUPS: At 10 a.m.: Al -Anon at 510 Cook At 5:45 p.m.: Newcomers at Deering Clinic conference room north door, 123 S. 27th At 8 p.m.: Al-Anon at 2439 Grand NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS GROUPS: At 6 p.m.: New Freedom Group at 2757 Phyllis Circle At 8 p.m.: Solution Seekers at 17 N. 31st, rear entrance BIRTHS Joel T.

Long Pavilion at St. Vincent Healthcare: Girl Carrie Sherburn and David Francis, Billings Boys Corrinda ingle and Anthony Ontiveros, Billings Catherine and Brad Stecher, Billings Billings Clinic Family Birth Center: Girl Jennifer Haugsdal, Billings.