Dahl Funeral Chapel http://dahlfuneralchapel.com en Mary Ellen Ryan [09/07/1928 - 06/11/2013] Mary Ellen Ryan was born September 7, 1928, in Minneapolis, MN, and died June 11, 2013, in Billings, MT. She was preceded in death by parents Thomas J. Ryan, Sr, and Ella M. (Wyman) Ryan. She is survived by brother, Thomas J. Ryan, Jr., Farmers Branch, TX; nieces, nephew and spouses, Anne (Jack) Gauer, Billings, MT; Kathy (Dan) Sullivan and Jim Ryan, Omaha, NE; Julie (Rob) Ryan-Silva, Silver Spring, MD; 8 great nieces and nephews, Danny, Eileen, John and Bobby Sullivan; Jon and Shannon Gauer; and Isabel and Bobby Ryan-Silva. Mary grew up in Minneapolis, attended Southwest High School, earned a Bachelor's degree in home economics from the College of St Catherine in St. Paul, MN, and a Master's degree in economics from the University of Minnesota in St. Paul. She worked at Pillsbury and did research in agricultural economics at the University of Minnesota and at the University of Montana in Bozeman. Mary retired to southern California and then split her time between California and Red Lodge, MT. She loved to travel and loved the outdoors. She especially enjoyed snow skiing, camping, hiking and the camaraderie of sharing those activities with friends. She took extended trips to visit family and friends around the country, and planned special trips with great nieces and nephews to share with them her joy of traveling. When her health prevented her from traveling, Mary became interested in NFL football and old movies and enjoyed Chinese food and chocolate. Cremation will take place and Mary’s ashes will be buried in Resurrection Cemetery in Minneapolis. A family memorial service will take place July 20, 2013 in Minneapolis. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com A gathering of friends will take place Monday, June 17 from 3-4 p.m. in the Activity Room at SweetWater Retirement Community, 3140 SweetWater Dr. off 32nd St. W.

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]]> Alzina Marie Rukavina [05/26/1920 - 06/03/2013] Alzina Marie Rukavina, 93, passed away on June 3, 2013 at Laurel Health and Rehabilitation Center in Laurel, Montana. Born in Red Lodge, MT on May 26, 1920 to Harry and Sofia (Lane) Smith, Marie grew up and attended school in Carbon County. On April 16, 1949 she married Peter J. Rukavina. Marie was the proud mother of two sons; Gary Saarela, and Douglas Rukavina, both of which have preceded her in death. Marie enjoyed cooking, crocheting, and most of all, spending time with her family. She was an active member of Bridger Methodist Church. She is survived by her grandchildren, Tina Rukavina of Denver CO, Anna Marie (Steve) Schafer of Elko NV, Wendy (Roy) Peterson of Helena MT, Pete (Cortney) Saarela, Shane (Peggy) Saarela; step-grandchildren, Mark (Jacqueline) Gangstad of Livingston MT, Candic (Tod) Stimac of Colstrip MT, Tracy (Dennis) Healy of Yakima WA, Terri DeRudder, and Sandy Ruppecht of TX; and 19 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

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]]> Charles A. Hurt [11/26/1926 - 06/02/2013] Charles A. Hurt, 86, of Roundup, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2013. Chuck was born in Crescent, Oklahoma the son of Charlie and Mary Lou (Roberts) Hurt. He attended schools in Oklahoma, graduating from high school in Woodward. In July of 1945, Chuck joined the U.S. Army and served in the Pacific Theater. In 1947 he was honorably discharged. For a short time, Chuck farmed before going to work for Continental Oil Company, where he was employed for 25 years. After his retirement, he purchased a business in Roundup. In 1957, Chuck met and married his beloved Daisy Bartlett. They have been companions ever since. Golfing, fishing, hunting and camping were his hobbies and he enjoyed each one to the fullest. After he sold his business in Roundup, Chuck went back to work for Conoco as an inspector where he traveled to various states during that employment before retiring for a second time. He was preceded in death by his parents and his step-mother, Iva. He leaves behind his loving wife Daisy; son Charles and Nancy; three grandchildren: Kelly and Skyler Sander, Cara (Morey) Hutchison, Charles (Chuckie) and Kasie Hurt; five great-grandchildren: Katon Mackey, Jake Sander, Kade and Mattie Hutchison, Harper Hurt as well as several brothers and sisters-in-law. Chuck was a loving, devoted husband, father and grandfather.

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]]> Chris Dickey [06/19/1956 - 06/02/2013] Christopher John Dickey, 56, passed away on June 2, 2013, after a very determined battle against cancer and complications of surgery. Chris was happiest exploring the Montana hills, forest and streams with his dad, “OB” Dickey. Chris has fond memories of growing up in Billings with his three sisters Carol, Cheryl and Mary. He was also blessed with lifelong friendships with his “brothers”, Greg Rush, Scott Armstrong, Tom Schlenker, Jerry Olson and Scott Jordan, graduates of West High, class of 74. Chris was a construction superintendent, with Fisher Construction for 22 years. He received the Billings Architectural Association’s Hardhat Award for outstanding work on the Ronald McDonald House addition in 2001. He has worked for the Department of Labor as an OSHA Compliance Officer from August 25, 2002 to June 1, 2012. Chris is survived by his wife, Therese, children, Erin and John Dickey, father, Oliver “OB” Dickey, Cheryl (John) Struthers, Mary Dickey. He was preceded in death by his mother Betty Dickey and sister Carol Devore.

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]]> Callie DeVries [09/02/1945 - 06/02/2013] Callie DeVries, our darling daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, niece and friend left us on June 2, 2013 to meet her Heavenly Father and join her husband for a long awaited dance following an extended fight with cancer. Callie was born in Berkeley California on September 02, 1945 to Jernell “Jay” Victor and Marie Bither. She was raised in Walnut Creek where she helped her Dad work on the ranch and her Mom in the orchard. Her love for horses started before she could walk and as a young girl she was on horseback as often as possible, even skipping school to go riding. She attended Clayton Valley High in Concord and maintained many of those friendships. As a young girl, Callie also had a love for skating. She started with roller skates until her Uncle Jack bought her a pair of ice skates. She took lessons at a local ice rink. Her coach would often take her to Berkeley to skate on the weekends which was really a treat when Peggy Fleming was training there. Her love of horses drew her to Montana where she decided to plant her roots. She started showing horses, earning many awards and ribbons for her showmanship. Even when she rode on the cows, you could see her perfect form shining through. She met Gary DeVries in 1984 when he told her that she had a “nice mane” and asked her to dance. She was smitten with the way he glided her across the dance floor and they were married on April 5, 1986. They started their life together in Molt where they built a house, a barn and a life full of dreams. At that time, they spent many of their days off in the mountains camping and fly fishing. In 1993 they moved to Bridger to a place where the “river runs through it”, so they could fish anytime they wanted to, which was maybe twice. They shared their dreams and their love for the ranch life. She attended her 35th High School Reunion with her husband, Gary, in 1998. They enjoyed their time so much that many of those friends came to visit them at their ranch here in Montana. They loved the rare times they were able to see their longtime friend, Bruce Hauser and his band, Sawmill Creek. They volunteered many years for the Bridger Youth Rodeo and supported Jonnie Jonckowski and Angel Horses in their efforts to rescue horses. Callie took great pride and joy in her stewardship of the land and animals that God placed in her care. She had met many friends in the surrounding communities and neighboring ranches. Even after losing her husband and best friend, she managed to carry on those dreams. . Callie is preceded in death by her husband Gary, both of her parents Jay and Marie Bither. She is survived by her children Chad (Linda) Caldwell, Greg Caldwell, Callie (Tony) Kenyon, her husband’s parents Bruce and Lillian DeVries; her brother Jernell (Linda) Bither, her sisters-in law Shelley (John) Wold and Tracey (Jim) Schreiner; her grandchildren Tyler, Alexia and Shayna Caldwell, Tylene and Kalee Moore and her little "Biscuit," Tristan Kenyon; and the many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Callie also leaves behind many friends she has gathered from her childhood and ranching. Callie will be missed by all members of "The Crew" and their families: The Loynings, McDowells, Olsens, Pfiefers, Knightons, Petersons, Kafkas, Baumanns, Halls, Murrays, and her childhood friend Cordia Dominguez. We will miss you cowgirl!!!

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]]> Richard "Bud" Fisher [12/23/1918 - 05/31/2013] Richard "Bud" Stevens Fisher was born on December 23, 1918 in Sheridan, WY to Agnes Stevens Fisher and Richard Thomas Fisher. He passed away in Billings, MT on May 31, 2013. Bud married Wilma Sherod on September 12, 1939. They had two children Richard and Peggy. Bud held many jobs throughout his life and they moved around a lot when the children were younger. They finally settled down on a ranch at Fly Creek and stayed there until retirement and then they made their home in Worden, MT. Bud was well known around the cafes and coffee shops of the area and was loved by man. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Roger, his son, Richard, and his son-in-law, Lyle Ellison. He is survived by his wife of 74 years, his daughter Peggy Ellison, eight grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

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]]> Helen Haugan [06/12/1940 - 05/27/2013] Helen Haugan, 72, died Monday, May 27, 2013 at RiverStone Hospice House. She was born on June 12, 1940 to Clementine and Adam Schutzman in Fromberg, MT. Helen attended Fromberg schools where she met Arthur Haugan, Sr. and the two wed on May 20, 1961. The couple had two children, Arthur, Jr. and Chad. Helen was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Art, of 38 years. She is survived by sons, Art, Jr. (Chris) and Chad; brother, Fred (Rose) Schutzman; and many nieces, nephews and very dear friends. The family would like to thank the Marquis Grand Park Assisted Living and RIverStone Hospice teams for their wonderful care of mom.

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]]> Betty Jane Miller [04/22/1922 - 05/19/2013] Betty Jane Miller, 91, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2013, at Sweetwater Retirement Community in Billings. Betty was born April 22, 1922 in Bayard, Iowa, the daughter of John and Hettie Ocheltree. She graduated from Business College in Des Moines, Iowa. In May of 1943 Betty Married Burt Miller in Huntsville, Alabama. They made their home in Southern California when Burt was discharged from the Army. Betty loved to golf and to travel. In her later years she developed a passion for politics, as anyone who knew her can attest to. She moved to Huntley, Montana, in 1994. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Burt; daughter, Janice Kaye; and brother, Jack Ocheltree. She is survived by her daughter, Michele (Louie) Burt of Huntley; granddaughter, Kerri Jane Tokarski of Lakewood, Colorado; granddaughter, Bridgette (Dale) Heil of Huntley; and 7 great grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff and friends at Sweetwater and the great care given by Riverstone Health Hospice.

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]]> Ronald J. Di Liberti [01/19/1953 - 05/11/2013] Ronald Joseph Di Liberti of Mossyrock, WA formerly of Roundup, MT passed away on May 11, 2013, at the age of 60. Born in Toledo, OH, Ron lived in numerous states and his service in the US Army during the Vietnam War took him to foreign countries as well. In 1988 he was married to Christine Virginia Munro in Yelm, WA. A self taught tool, die maker and machinist, Ron loved wood working, horseback riding, and fishing. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. A man of many talents, a wonderful husband and father, he will be remembered for his knack to light up the room. He is preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Lucille Eleanor (Finlay) Di Liberti. Ron is survived by his wife Christine of Mossyrock, WA; children: Leila (Lee) of North Dakota, Bradley (Rebecca) of Utah, Mariah (Anthony) of Missouri; their families and 5 grand children. Ron will be laid to rest in the Yellowstone County Veterans Cemetery in Laurel, MT. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel and memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com

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]]> Richard "Dick" Roebling [09/13/1935 - 05/10/2013] Richard “Dick” Roebling 77, passed away May 10, 2013 at his home. Dick was born on September 13, 1935 in Sheridan, Wyoming to Louise and Robert Roebling. He grew up in the Kirby area and graduated from Busby High School. He worked various jobs throughout his early life enjoying his last two cowboy jobs the most, working for the Farley Ranch and McRae’s Greenleaf Land and Livestock. In 1987 Dick and his wife Delores purchased the Kirby Saloon, retiring from there in 2001, moving back to the ranch and then to Shepherd three years ago. In his younger years, Dick loved to cowboy hard, rodeo hard and play harder. In his later years he enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening and playing with his grandchildren. In 1965 he married Delores Becker-Kukes and her 5 children. Their son Richard Dean was born a year later. Dick was previously married to Doris Greenfield and to this union his daughter Corrine and son Tracy were born. He is survived by his wife Delores, daughters Carrie Mullin (Kim), Diana Perkins (Phil), Marilyn Watson (Lyle), Corrine Duncan (Rich), sons Andy Kukes (Gayla), Leeroy Kukes, and Tracy Roebling(Kris), sister Almira Briggs, many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Theron, son Richard Dean and granddaughter Nina.

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