Dahl Funeral Chapel http://dahlfuneralchapel.com en Allen Cole Snyder [11/19/1922 - 02/17/2012]
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]]> Gordon Plain Bull, Sr. [07/28/1936 - 02/14/2012] PRYOR -Gordon Plain Bull (Baapamakoo – Towering Sacred Plant ) 75, of Pryor passed away at Billings Clinic from a short illness on February 14, 2012, and met the love of his life and soul mate, Phyllis at the gates of heaven, on Valentine’s Day. Gordon was born on July 28, 1936, in Pryor, Montana, a son of Frank Plain Bull and Elsie Rides Horse. Gordon was raised by various family members including his grandfather Stanley Rides Horse, an aunt Marie Rides Horse, John and Elizabeth Smart Enemy and Edward Posey, Sr. and Josephine Whiteman. While living with Marie, the family moved from Pryor to Crow Agency, then to Billings and returning to his beloved Pryor to live “at the camps with other relatives.” He attended schools in Pryor and also attended Edgar High School. During his time in high school he enjoyed playing basketball. Gordon joined the U.S. Army (Airborne Division) in 1955 while still in high school as was the custom of many young men of the Pryor community. He was honorably discharged in 1957. Gordon married Phyllis Rock Above from 1968 till her death in 2006. Gordon later married Jacquelyn L. Stewart of Wyola. Gordon was a member of the Ties the Bundle Clan and a child of the Big Lodge Clan. He was adopted into the Tobacco Society by the late Inez (Andrew) Birdinground. He was a Daytime Society Drumstick Carrier, an owner of the Sacred Tobacco Lodge and a leader of religious sacred ceremonies. He was also a member of Pryor Faith Baptist Church. Gordon worked for the Great Western Sugar Factory; he worked for Pryor Schools as a Custodian /Bus Driver and retired at the age of 62. He was elected to serve on the Pryor School Board for 14 years. Due to his commitment to education, in October 2006, he was awarded the Marvin Heintz Gold Award by the Montana School Board Association for his extraordinary commitment to education. This award is given to school board members who attend and complete the certified trustee award program. Gordon was also appointed to the Montana Indian Caucus due to his vision and commitment to education. He held numerous positions for the Crow Tribe and was currently employed as a Cultural Advocate. Gordon’s enjoyment was singing and traveling to various pow-wows which included New York, Washington, D.C., Connecticut, California, Florida, Nevada, Wisconsin and Canada. He was proud of winning the champion singer at a pow-wow in Canada. Gordon was a renowned singer and was called upon many times to sing songs at give-aways, individual celebrations, and at the Crow Fair Parade Dance. He also enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play basketball. He was an avid fan for the Plenty Coups Warriors. Gordon leaves behind his children, Gordon Jr. “Gordy” of Indiana, Lyman (Appleen), Lilly (Dave) Jefferson and Julia “Seja” Plain Bull all of Pryor. Lonnie (Caryn) of Rocky Boy. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Jessica, Tasha (Allen) Stewart, Teanna and Sunny Rae, Lacey Marie, Leonard (Pumba), Jr., Lyndzee Jo, Lonnie, Jr. (Keno), Wesley, Nathaniel (Bulls Eye) and Rheannon (Cree Woman.) These were the nicknames Gordon called his grandchildren. Gordon is also survived by his adopted children: Julie (William) Hugs, Mike (Dawn) Stewart, Donya (Melville) Stops, Dana and Anita Old Coyote, Levi and Cheryl Yellowmule, Gordon and Bernadine Real Bird, Velma and the late Art Fitzpatrick, Albert and Becky Gros Ventre, Brian Blaine, Lawrence Pete Big Hair Jr., Blaine Fortner, Lance Gumps of Long Island, NY, Alice Crow and Bryan, Bob and Jackie McTaggert; family friend Kayrn (Rick) McGee. He is survived by sisters, Addlee Eckhart, Lavanna (Adrian) Bird, and Karmelita Plain Bull, Clara Big Lake, Charlotte Martell and Emma Richardson; a brother Alvie Plain Bull; his aunt, Leona Rides Horse; his uncle Larry (Gwen) Plain Bull; his sisters-in-law include: JoAnn and Maureen Rock Above, Belva (Oliver) Costa, and Alice (Grady) Hunts Arrow Adopted brothers and sisters: Gary (Luvenia) Rides Horse, Sonny Joe and Johnann Reed, Kevin and Carrie Old Coyote, Willis and Beth Ann Medicine Horse, Jolene White Clay, Martha Singer, Susie White Clay, Elsie (Kurt) LaForge, Russell and Benita Plain Feather, Joe and Candy Henry, Andrea, Barbara, Ernestine Birdinground, Eleanor (Fred) Smart Enemy, Edward Jr., Geneva, Channis, Jolene, Valeen and Carol Whiteman. We would like to thank the staff of Billings Clinic and also a special thanks to Forrest and Betsy LaRue & family for all their support and prayers. Thank you to everyone for all their prayers. Extended families include Plain Bull, and descendants of Buffalo Coat and Janet Wood tick. Our family is large. We have tried to include everyone, but if we have forgotten you, please understand that it was not on purpose.

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]]> Ramona J. Moralez [12/16/1927 - 02/13/2012] Our mother, Ramona Julia Moralez, 84, passed away Monday Feb 13, 2012 at Billings Health & Rehab with her family by her side. She was born December 16, 1927 in Salamanca, Guanajuato, Mexico. In 1958 she married Jose Moralez, who had gone to Mexico looking for a wife. Jose Moralez lived in Montana, USA. Our mother left her entire family, and immigrated to the USA arriving in Chicago on July 11, 1959. They then moved to Pompeys Pillar, MT where they lived for many years and raised their family. She was in 7th heaven when she had her first grandchild. She ended up moving to Lockwood to be closer to them. Mom would stay outside for hours with the grandkids because we didn't watch them well enough for her. She loved to sew and made quilts for everyone, everybody had a Gramma quilt. She loved to garden growing both vegetables and flowers. My favorite memory of her is waking up to loud Mexican music on a Saturday morning. We would walk in the kitchen to see her rolling out tortillas and singing. When the kids got too rowdy she would throw a shoe at them and she seldom missed. We will all miss her very much and life will never be the same without her. Vaya Con Dios Madre Querida. She was preceded in death by her husband Jose Moratez and her granddaughter Cherice Moralez. She is survived by her children: John Moralez, Jessie Moralez Haydal (Dan) both of Billings; grandchildren: John Moralez, Danielle Haydal, Hans Haydal (Kendra), Corrina Haydal, Destmee Haydal; great-grandchildren: Nate Haydal and Logan Haydal.

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]]> Craig Michael Schwehr [11/07/1972 - 02/09/2012] A strong and quiet man left this world on the evening of February 9, 2012, leaving a void in the lives of those who loved him. The loss of him will be felt deeply in the communities of Lavina, Broadview, Roundup and Melstone, along with a sense of disbelief that the long battle has finally been lost. Craig Michael Schwehr came into this world on November 7, 1972 and soon captured all who met him with his easy smile and good-natured temperament. After living many places, Craig’s family settled in Melstone, Montana, a place that Craig came to consider his home town. Craig made quick friends everywhere he went and his friendly nature meant that he was always happy to go along with crazy stunts and practical jokes. He played basketball and developed a love of track and field, competing as a distance runner. Fate stepped in Craig’s senior year when his sister Karla set him up with Kelli Goffena for a prom date. This date was the start of a romance that led to marriage on August 1, 1993. Both Craig and Kelli were thrilled to welcome son Michael Craig on October 7, 1994 and daughter Madison Brooke on September 21, 1995. Craig relished the role of fatherhood and took seriously his task of raising his children well. In the spring of 1997, Craig’s life changed unexpectedly. What doctors thought might be a severe allergic reaction turned out to be Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This diagnosis was life-altering and marked the start of a fifteen year battle that Craig fought valiantly. Though the fight left him drained physically, Craig’s mental toughness was evident to those around him. Looking in the face of death more than once, Craig refused to subscribe to the fact that miracles were not possible, and let his love of life and family be his fuel for the fight. Even with a losing hand dealt to him, Craig continued to smile, and live and work. He had an unending love of the outdoors. He relished camping and fishing trips with his family, often spending more time baiting hooks than fishing himself. He could build a better campfire than most, and his love of cooking left many satisfied bellies after a meal. If a friend needed a hand, Craig was always eager to help. He especially liked to combine during harvest, and would look forward to the fall of every year. When a severe infection left Craig on dialysis, he gritted his teeth and forged ahead despite the toll it left on his body. In between dialysis sessions, Craig enrolled in MSU-Billings to complete his teaching degree in high school mathematics. He was enthusiastic to start his first teaching job as a Bronc at his alma mater, Melstone High School. His quiet demeanor and supportive nature won over his students, and they prospered. In his second year of teaching, Craig found his true passion and took over the Melstone track program. He spent countless hours working with his athletes, and counted their successes as some of his proudest moments. Craig knew that his time on this Earth was limited, and lived every day to the fullest. His goals were related to his family: to see his kids graduate and to support them and guide them to fulfill their utmost potential as students, athletes and citizens. He often preached the importance of working hard, and emphasized that trying one’s best was a far better goal than being the best. Even in his final months when his body was failing, Craig’s thoughts and attention turned to others. He worried about the people around him and how his illness affected his family. He did his best to be supportive, even when he himself needed care. Craig enjoyed listening to his kids’ ball games on-line, fussing over report cards and worried over burdening his family. He leaves behind his wife, Kelli and his two children Michael and Madison of Lavina; his dad Don Schwehr of Walla Walla, Washington; his mother Mary Lou Vaughan of San Angelo, Texas; his sister Karla (Shawn) MacCatherine of Billings; his brother Timothy (Sarah) of Sasebo, Japan; and brother Nicholas of Atlanta, Georgia. He also leaves behind a number of nieces, nephews and students who will be forever affected by the time spent with him.

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]]> Priscilla Terrett Beumee [11/29/1925 - 02/03/2012] Born in Miles City, Montana, Priscilla Dade Terrett grew up on the Terrett cattle ranch, 65 miles SE of Miles City, where she loved to help her father with ranch work. She met her husband, John Keith Beumee, at Billings Senior High School, where they graduated in the class of 1943. Priscilla raised two boys in Billings, Stephen Dulany Beumee, born 1945, and David Terrett Beumee, born 1951, before relocating to Denver with her husband in 1968. Priscilla was a genealogist, and belonged to Colorado Chapter, NSDAR, Miles Standish Chapter, Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, Magna Carta, Charlemange, and Jamestown Societies. She is survived by Stephen and Holly Beumee of McFadden, Wyoming, David and Barbara Beumee of Lafayette, Colorado, Morgan, Molly, Isaiah and Taylee Marie Beumee of Mills, Nebraska, and McCabe, Debbie, Kayla, Ariel, and Noah Beumee of Cheyenne, Wyoming.

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]]> Hal Rees [03/31/1937 - 02/03/2012] Hal Rees, 74, of Billings, went home to be with the Lord Friday, February 3, 2012. He was born March 31, 1937 in Logan, Utah to Simpson and Alta Rees. He was avid in sports during high school where he was an all state wrestler and played football. After graduation he enlisted in the USAF where he served in Vietnam and was honorably discharged after 13 years of service to our country. Hal earned his BA in Sociology. He lived in Lewiston, UT and Savanna, GA before settling in Billings. Hal did security for the LDS temple and was a pharmacy volunteer. He loved life and helping others. He was active in his church and loved doing service work in his retirement years. Hal loved sports which were a big part of his life. Hal was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Marilyn Rees, son, Tommy Rees and brother, Fay Rees. He is survived by son, David Rees; sisters, Trudy Glen and Joan Parker; brothers, Rulon and Kay Rees and Rex Bradshaw; and three grandchildren. The family would like to convey a special thank you to Hal’s church friends and neighbors for their friendship and help during his illness.

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]]> John McLean [04/06/1952 - 02/01/2012] John Lindley Douglas McLean was born April 6, 1952 in Sydney, Australia, to Margaret Beryl Douglas and Lindley Alwyn McLean. The eldest of seven children, John enjoyed mingling with neighborhood kids and visiting nearby Clovelly and Coogee Beaches along Sydney’s Eastern suburbs. At the age of ten, John’s family moved to Brisbane, Australia, where he gathered a strong network of friends, bonded by years of mischief, trips to the beach, rugby wounds and stealing pineapples from fruit trucks! John liked swimming from an early age, which led to involvement in the Marcoola Surf Lifesavers Club. He played an active role in the club’s early beginnings, serving as secretary for two years and club captain for four years. John encouraged and recruited both siblings and childhood friends to follow his lead. John had an interest in electronics and engineering. His dismantling of various household gadgets was the first of many experiments at how things were put together and how they worked! At the end of tenth grade, John was awarded an academic scholarship to attend Queensland University of Technology, where he pursued studies in this field. He graduated in 1977 with a certificate in Electrical Engineering. In 1978, he was inducted into the Australian Institute of Engineering Associates. He worked for Tritronics, LTD in Brisbane, and the Brisbane City Council Traffic Engineering Dept. John enjoyed rugby from an early age, playing on several teams throughout his youth, and later with the Billings Bulls Rugby Club. He was easily one of the best Props in MT. If you wanted to tackle him, you would have needed to bring a friend. . John met his wife, Patty MacLeod, while backpacking through Europe in 1980. He moved to Billings and they were married the following September. They celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this past Fall. Their family began with the births of Katie, followed by Allison, and Megan. John loved being a father and marveled at his little “ankle biters”! Girls perplexed him after growing up with mostly brothers, but he adapted and got used to dolls, Barbies and their “stuff” always under foot! He enjoyed watching tee-ball games, dance recitals, softball games, concerts and volleyball in addition to building snow kangaroos and various other activities. He was so proud of his girls. For 14 years, John and Patty owned and operated an electronics business in downtown Billings. In 1997, John began working at Conoco Phillips. John felt he was respected for his knowledge and abilities, and always appreciated it. He worked in several capacities but his current title was Instrumentation/ Electrical Planner & Reliability Resource. John was well liked at work, not only for his goofy accent, but also for the camaraderie he shared with co-workers. In addition to rugby, swimming, rafting and cycling, John loved to camp and fish. Some of his fondest memories included trips to various Montana Campgrounds with Patty, often joined by the girls and friends. He loved Camp Mimanagish on the Boulder River, as camper, chaperone or on work weekends. John was active in Mayflower Congregational Church, worked on Habitat for Humanity houses, participated in the Big Sky State Games, and rode for charity in the MS 150 Bicycle Ride. He and Patty loved to travel; going to Europe and Australia several times. John began the battle of his life, for his life, after an Appendix Cancer diagnosis in 2009. He tackled the disease head-on, bravely, and with hope, yet after two years of surgeries and grueling chemotherapy, the cancer continued to grow with no available treatment options. Time became valuable, so was spent camping, having family visit from Australia, and getting to know his friends and family just a little better. John outlived his prognosis by several months, which family, friends and medical personnel attribute to his strong heart and athleticism. His humor was present even in his final days. He wasn’t supposed to make it to Halloween, let alone Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, or Australia Day (Jan. 26), but he did. John left us on February 1, 2012. (As he used to say, “Pinch and a punch-white rabbits!”) John gave to others, and asked for nothing in return. He loved his family, from Billings to Canada to Australia and cherished his friends. His stories? Oh, the stories! His humor, laughter, sensitivity and wisdom will be sorely missed. He had a natural ability to engage people in conversation—even the shiest ones. Everyone remembered John-he made people feel worthwhile, without even trying. Survived by John are his wife, best friend and soul mate Patty; daughters Katie (Chris) Bennett, Allison McLean (fiancé Sam Kazmierski), & Megan McLean; his brothers, sisters and spouses: Kevin Mclean, Bruce (Lynn) McLean, Greg (Cathy) McLean, Cynthia (Les) Marshall, David (Peta) McLean, Fabianne (Jeff) Keilly; sister’s and brother’s in law, Susan MacLeod and David Holt, Cathy and Jack Hareland, Mark MacLeod; Mother in law, Jean MacLeod. He was loved by 20 nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, baby niece Abbie McLean, and father in law R.B.”Mac” MacLeod. Those wishing to honor John, can make donations to Riverstone Hospice, Mayflower Church (to be shared with Camp Mimanagish), the Billings Food Bank, or sent to the McLean family for the “Little Nippers” youth program at Marcoola Surf Lifesavers. Our infinite gratitude goes to Dr. Katie Hatch, Dr. Patrick Cobb, Frontier Cancer Center, Riverstone Hospice and ConocoPhillips. We were truly humbled during this journey, by all of you who walked beside us. Dearest “Yohann” (my love forever), father, brother, and friend: G’Day Mate! We’ll see you somewhere over the rainbow!

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]]> Emma T. Zawada [03/14/1915 - 01/29/2012] While surrounded by family and friends, Emma Teresa Zawada went to the Lord January 29, 2012. She was born March 14, 1915 in Miles City to John and Mary Kosty, the fourth of 6 children. The family worked their truck garden, raising fruit and produce in which they sold to the local and surrounding areas. In November of 1935 Emma married John Zawada. To their union 3 sons were born, Chris, John “Rich”, and James. Emma and John moved from Miles City to Billings in 1955. She was a homemaker and enjoyed raising flowers and vegetables. Emma was famous for her dill pickles. Her grandchildren could eat a whole quart before she could turn around. Emma welcomed all family and friends a place to stay and always insisted on feeding them. She always showed great hospitality. No one ever left hungry. Emma was an avid card player which brought her much joy; not many could beat her at cards. After having to leave her home she lived at Prairie Towers for 8 years in which she made many friends. She passed away at Diamond Willow Personal Care where she was a resident the last 11 months. Emma is preceded in death by her husband John; sister Eva and brothers, Chris, Vic and Ernie. She is survived by her sons, Chris (Jackie) of Deer Lodge, John of White Sulphur Springs, and Jim (Michelle) of Billings; sister, Katherine of Waterloo, Iowa; two granddaughters, three grandsons, three great-grand children, and one great-great-grandchild; many nieces and nephews that loved her very much. Emma was blessed to have a special friend and neighbor Nola Balich, who was always there for her.

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]]> Alex Mill [12/29/1916 - 01/29/2012] Alex Mill, 95, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2012 at his home in Bridger, Montana. He was born December 29, 1916 at Silesia, MT, a son of Henry and Marie (Reichert) Mill. He was baptized January 25, 1917 and confirmed in the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. On February 26, 1938, Alex married Elmanda (Mandy) Thormahlen. Survivors include: sons, LeRoy (Rena) Mill, Bruce (Michele) Mill and Rick (Kim) Mill; daughters, Dora (Ernie) Hergett, Diana (Gordy) Aisenbrey and Lynne (Lyle) Mitchell; 16 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Alex was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ed, Dave (infant), Fred, Rhiney, David and Henry; sisters, Mary Thormahlen, Mabel Royce, Elizabeth Conrad, Amelia Miller, Anna Weigel, and Katie (infant); wife Elmanda, and grandson Russell Aisenbrey. Dad liked to play cards, fish, and gardening. Special thanks to Pastor Shupe, Beartooth Hospice, family and friends, and Diana and Gordy for taking Dad into their home these last 5 years.

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]]> Francis "Ray" Logan [01/29/1919 - 01/29/2012] Francis Raymond Logan (Ray) passed away at St. John’s Fischer Cottage on January 29, 2012 on his 93rd birthday. He was born to Ed and Lillian Logan on January 29, 1919 in Fishtail, Montana. He was a great one for entertaining everyone with tales of his life. Ray graduated from Columbus High School in 1938. Ray often told tales of growing up during the Depression. Many tales involved swimming in the Yellowstone River or rabbit hunting for dinner in the hills. Ray earned a two year teaching certificate and taught one year in a country school near Cody, Wyoming before enlisting in the Navy. He was a Chief Electrician’s Mate in the Navy serving the majority of his time on the USS Haynes, an escort destroyer. He was in Hiroshima ten days after the bomb was dropped and told of the massive devastation. After the war, Ray completed his degree in Elementary Education. He ran Logan Grocery on Montana Avenue with his mother while working as a construction electrician at what is now Exxon Refinery. Ray’s Naval Reserve unit was called to active duty in Korea. He met Lois Coffin in San Francisco and they were married in Old St. Mary’s Church on October 6, 1951 after Ray’s return from duty. Ray and Lois returned to Billings where Ray went to work at the refinery for Carter Oil as an electrician where he worked until his retirement from Exxon Refinery in 1980. Ray and Lois built a home above North Park where they raised their children, Carl, Ed and Mary. A fourth daughter, Virginia, was born with Down Syndrome and lives in a group home. Ray was active in both Boy and Girl Scouting with his children. He was an active member of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Worker’s union. He was a long time member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church’s Holy Name Society. He also enjoyed volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul fixing small appliances. Ray was a staunch Democrat and shortly after meeting someone new would ask, “Are you a Democrat?” If someone answered “No”, he would still value the friendship, but lively conversations ensued. To Ray, there were no strangers, just friends he hadn’t met. Ray enjoyed taking the family fishing and camping on the Boulder River. After his retirement, Ray fished the Big Horn River every Wednesday for a number of years. Ice cream, watermelon and root beer floats were always a hit with Ray. No picnic was complete without one of these. Going ahead of Ray were his wife, Lois, his three sisters, Bernice Lesnik, Jean Gullett and Claire Smith, and his older brother Luke who was killed in WWII. Also predeceasing Ray was his grandson, Jeff Logan. Ray is survived by two sons, Carl Logan and his wife Vonnie of Amery, WI and Ed Logan and his wife Lee Ann of Billings, and two daughters, Mary Graden and her husband Clint of Moscow, ID, and Virginia Logan of Glendive and a special niece Kathie Dupay and her husband Dave of Stillwater, MN. Ray is also survived by 3 grandsons, four granddaughters, five great-grandsons and five great-granddaughters, numerous nieces and nephews and special neighbors, Zach and Susan Cooper and their children. Memorials may be made to the St. John’s Lutheran Foundation, attention the Activities Department, 3940 Rimrock Road, Billings, MT 59102. The family wishes to thank all the staff and residents of St. John’s Lutheran homes who made Ray’s final years enjoyable and memorable. We already miss you Grandpa Ray! Happy 93rd!

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