In Memoriam – January 2025

As is our tradition, we are taking a look back at the lives of the people we have lost in the past year, beginning with obituaries that appeared in January of 2025. 

Linda Isaacs

Although Linda had some great loves in her life, she finally married her soul mate, Jack Isaacs on October 12, 2002 in Idaho. Linda & Jack enjoyed traveling, playing cards & fishing. Linda enjoyed kayaking, playing cards (especially cribbage), sewing and going on trips, especially her occasional “wild” trips to Cabo with her amazing friends. She also never missed an episode of survivor. But what she loved most was spending time with her family and friends. 

Donald Wayne Simpson

After overcoming his own addiction demons, at age 28 he began attending college at Chemekta Community College, then transferred to Western Oregon State University where he graduated with a BS in Sociology. He worked in the Chemical Dependency field for 37 years helping others overcome addictions. He was President of the MAADAC (Montana Association of Addiction Counselors) for two years, serving on the board for a total of six years. His last professional position, prior to his retirement, was counseling in the Montana Drug Treatment Courts in Butte, MT. Don was passionate about helping others overcome the stranglehold of addiction, and he always felt that he had been pulled out of his own addictions and called by God to help others do the same, for the rest of his life.

Kristopher “Kris” Vauthier

Kris was a dedicated police officer for the Anaconda Police Department for almost 12 years. Here is where he found his true calling, working for the police department was more than just a job for Kris.  Over the years, he built strong bonds with his colleagues, who became more than coworkers, they became a second family. Kris was always worried about all of his fellow officers.  Even on his days off or on vacation he always made sure they all knew that they could call him day or night.  He took pride in what he did and impacted his community through his work.  Kris helped the community not only by keeping the streets safe, but he was also the lead officer in setting up “Active Shooter” training at different facilities.  Not only did he want to keep the streets safe but he also wanted to make sure everyone else knew how to keep themselves safe if they were ever in a situation.  

Stanley G. Beaudette

Stan and family enjoyed many of the outdoor activities Anaconda had to offer, including hunting, camping, hiking, skiing, teaching the boys to ride motorcycles, and eventually riding 4-wheelers.  They owned a small motorhome, a Honda 90, and an old boat which was great for fishing and was just good enough for pulling a kid on water skis.  August was the best month of the year because most of the month was spent on vacation camping, fishing, and hiking – a week at Minor Lake in the Big Hole, a week at Clark Canyon outside Dillon, and a week at Canyon Ferry outside Helena. Sitting around the camp fire in the evenings was a favorite part of the day. Stan and Sandi were avid sports fans of the community. They would attend high school basketball games for 50 years, regular fixtures in the stands in their typical seats. They were also season ticket holders for the UM Griz football team, cheering the team intently and following them to the championship game in Chatanooga.

Darlene Francis Roberts

Bob and Darlene had many adventures together. They loved to go for long rides around the lake and surrounding areas, engage in general hell raising, attend barbecues and family reunions, and hang out with friends and family. She also loved photography, making home movies, baking beautiful cakes, working on “story books” with grandson Casey, painting with granddaughter Kali, or baking treats and making wonderful ceramic gifts for friends and family. On many Friday nights she could be found at Phillips Ceramics, painting ceramics with her friends, sisters, nieces, daughter and eventually her grand-daughter Kali. She loved to visit, laugh and swap stories while she cleaned and painted her “ceramics”. Darlene won several awards for her painting skills. Her friends affectionately referred to her as the “Queen of Glitter,” and she was always fond of saying everything could use more “shimmers.”

Tana Dawn Hartmann

Tana’s life was defined by her compassion and commitment to others, especially through her long, impactful career in healthcare. She began her career in nursing, working tirelessly in settings ranging from clinics to operating rooms, leaving a positive impact on everyone she cared for. While juggling work and raising her children, Tana worked diligently to earn her Master’s degree in Nurse Practitioning at Gonzaga University. For the next 20+ years, Tana dedicated herself to providing exceptional care to the veterans of her community as the primary provider at the Anaconda VA. Her empathy, listening skills, and calm demeanor under pressure made her not only an exceptional nurse but also an amazing mother. Her strong-willed nature and determination led her to achieve many goals, and she encouraged those around her to set high expectations, doing everything she could to help them, as well. Tana was knowledgeable, detail oriented, and calm under pressure. She loved sharing her knowledge, and she passed on her expertise by teaching future nurses and nurse practitioners at Weber State University and Gonzaga University, even taking on the challenge of becoming a preceptor for Gonzaga students.

Margaret “Marge” Lucille Powell Liedle

Margaret also better known as Marge or Maggie was born south of Chinook Mt. on 7-17-1930. She and her 12 siblings were raised in a tiny 2-bedroom house on a big ranch in Cow creek. Starting from an early age Marge learned how to hold her own. She and her siblings had to walk 2 miles just for school, explaining that she only had to kill 2 or 3 rattlesnakes along the way. Her highest education was the 8th grade, and she was very proud of that. Some of her passions were fishing, playing cards, music and cooking for her family. One of her fondest memories was her dad teaching her to play the fiddle at the early age of 3. Music was her passion. While growing up she learned to play many different instruments but always seemed to favor the guitar and the fiddle. She was so very talented, and it brought her so much joy to play and sing her music. She was an avid member of the Montana fiddler’s association and remained until her passing.

Shirley Ann Manson

During the time of raising a family and throughout her career, Shirley worked in banking in both the Anaconda and Butte communities. She was a loyal and valued employee with her hardworking, no-nonsense, get the job done approach. In 1996, she played a key role helping to build from the ground-up what is now First Montana Bank in Butte and establish and support the branches in Anaconda. We smile remembering her opening our accounts in a trailer on the empty lot of a yet to be built bank. 

Retirement brought Shirley and Dwayne yet more adventures, starting with several travel trailers of different shapes and sizes that graced their driveway.  The trailers were always fully appointed with all the necessities, which along with classic country music accompanied them on their journeys to 41 states. Extended time was spent in Arizona soaking up the winter sunshine, making new friends, and traversing the golf courses.  Together they played over 60 different courses and more fun ensued when they embarked on cruises to Alaska and Mexico.

Kristi DeShae Pflug

Born June 4, 1970, in Lubbock, Texas, to Jackie and Kathy Hipp, Kristi was a National Merit Scholar and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1988. She earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and French (Summa Cum Laude) from Baylor University and later completed a Master’s in Forestry at the University of Montana, where she co-authored a peer-reviewed scientific journal article. Kristi married Jeffrey Pflug in 1997, and together they raised two sons, Sequoia and Denali, whom she homeschooled through high school. A devout Christian, Kristi participated in mission trips to Mongolia, the Netherlands, and Siberia shortly after the fall of the USSR, using her multilingual skills to build God’s Kingdom. She loved animals, especially dogs and horses, and took pride in restoring her family’s 1911 Craftsman home.

Randy Schalk

Randy and his six siblings grew up on Hickory Street in Anaconda, Montana. An athletic crew spent their time outdoors jumping bicycles, building and racing go-carts, fishing, motorcycling, sledding in the winter, and playing football in the front yard or on the street. Randy, his brothers, and the Moodry boys made up the Hickory Street gang. The group lived on the edge and drove their neighbors and parents crazy with their daredevil antics (Evil Knievel was their idol). After graduating from Anaconda High, Randy attended the Billings Vo-tech, married his high school sweetheart (Helen Charney), and moved to Kent, Washington. Randy and Helen later divorced. Randy worked as a precision aluminum cutter in Washington and later as a tile layer, where his artistic skills were in high demand. A skilled craftsman, Randy did numerous remodeling projects for family and friends. His specialty was bathrooms, where he could incorporate his artistic vision. He eventually convinced his brother Boone to assist him in these projects, providing additional hands.

Donna Marie (Valentini) Sullivan

The lifelong friendships that Donna and Jim cultivated were unwavering. They made everyone feel like family. There was always a kiss on the cheek, an invitation to sit down, have a beer, and chat—no matter the time or place. Donna treated everyone like one of her own, and we all felt part of something truly special. Their circle of friends was filled with genuine love, and distance or time away never changed that—when you picked up the phone or walked through the door, it was as if no time had passed at all. Donna also had a passion for hosting. She devoted many years to her PEO group and loved being the one to host, ensuring everything—from the table setting to the decorations—was just perfect. She took immense pride in making her home beautiful and sharing it with others. No matter the occasion, Donna always looked impeccable, whether she was dressed for an event or in her comfiest pajamas; she always looked put together with her red lipstick on.

Timothy J. Furshong

In the mid-1970s, Tim moved to Salt Lake City, where he would live for the next fifteen years. There, Tim worked at Olympus Cove Antiques, where he had the opportunity to grow in his lifelong passion and gift for antiques. Especially fine glassware. Tim moved back to Montana in 1990 to care for his terminally ill mother, who died in early 1991. Tim stayed in the Helena area the rest of his life and made his living in gardening, landscaping, antique collecting and sales, house painting, and smoke and mold remediation. He had a wonderful interest in and knowledge of flowers and plants.

Albert Messer

Al strongly believed in the community of Anaconda and he quickly began his lifelong objective to do all he could for his family and Anaconda. Al was the consummate advocate. For fifty plus years Al worked tirelessly to advance whichever project was needed at that time. He was an active member in the Anaconda Catholic Community, Kiwanis, American Legion, Knights of Columbus, 5th Degree Honor Guard and Elks. His community involvement would take him through the Mitchell Stadium Track project, The Anaconda Chamber Red Bus, Wayne Estes Tournaments and ensuring all that needed had bicycles! During his time in Anaconda he would see many accolades come his way as well, such as Montana State Small Business Person of the Year and many other acknowledgments.

Mladen Babich

Born in Bileća, Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mladen’s remarkable journey began amidst the challenges of World War II. Drafted at the tender age of 15, he served with the Chetnik forces, bravely helping to rescue downed American airmen during the conflict—a testament to his enduring spirit and commitment to freedom. After being honorably discharged, he studied photography and opened his own photography studio in Mostar. In 1956, Mladen escaped the hardships of post-war Yugoslavia, seeking asylum in Austria before choosing the United States as his new home. He arrived in New York with little more than hope in his heart, determined to build a better life. From his first job with Eastman Kodak to eventually settling in Anaconda, Montana, Mladen embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm. He proudly became a U.S. citizen in 1961, cherishing the freedoms and values of his adopted country.

Mike Scanlon

Mike was a born in Atlanta, Georgia, was raised on Windermere, Florida and a longtime resident of Sulphur, Louisiana. He was a graduate of the University of New Mexico, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering. He served as an engineer at the local plants of Olin Chemical and Bridgestone/Firestone. In his spare time Mike was an avid reader and fisherman, activities he enjoyed his entire life. He had a home in Montana he would retreat to for the enjoyment of fishing. Also, as a young man he was a champion skeet shooter and an excellent water skier, and later acted as a Ham Radio Operator.

Lafell Duran Loveland

He was born Lafell Duran Reber on May 2, 1951, in Henderson, Nevada to Lafell Reber and Norma Adams, and has an older brother, Gordon, and an older sister, Patricia.  Throughout his life, he was known for his sense of humor and his teasing nature. His mother and father divorced in 1961, and his mother married Russell Loveland in August 1962.  Russell adopted Lafell Duran, and taught him many things about hunting, fishing, and horseback riding – things he loved and became his favorite pastimes in adulthood.  Through adoption, Lafell gained additional sisters and brothers, Diane, Riss, Scott, and Janet.

Julie Marie Gagnon (Crncevich)

Julie was known for her vibrant personality, often described as the life of the party. She had a passion for gambling, golfing, and traveling, with Maui holding a special place in her heart. Julie cherished her flower garden and found joy in taking care of her house plants. Her love for cheeseburgers and spaghetti was matched only by her affinity for music, particularly the works of Paul Simon, Jelly Roll, Jim Croce, and Chris Stapleton. As a fine art consultant, Julie made a significant impact in her field, blending her artistic eye with her business acumen. A proud Christian, she lived by the motto, “Someone Loves You to the Moon and Back,” a guiding principle that reflected her caring nature and deep love for her family.

Robert W. Lampe

Robert attended schools in Anaconda, and graduated from Anaconda Senior High School in 1967. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy where he served aboard the U.S.S. St. Paul from 1967 to 1971. He later joined the National Guard and served 20 years with the Guard.

Doris Elaine Sando

Doris was born and raised in Billings, Montana and after graduation from high school became an accomplished graphic artist working for two different “mad men” advertising agencies until her retirement in 1985. Doris was an avid gardener and especially enjoyed digging around in her fancy iris beds well into her mid-80’s before it became too physically demanding. Doris was also a very talented seamstress and made her many nieces and nephews outfits of such quality that we’re pretty sure most are still being passed down to the next 5 generations!

Patty Grinolds Skakles

Patty Grinolds was born in Butte, Montana on Aug. 24, 1951 to Jack and Darlene Grinolds, third child of six, Judy, Sandy, Patty, Johnny, Dan and Dale. She loved her siblings, especially her day-to-day talks with Sandy. But most of all she loved her two children Duane and Chelle, and added to that her beautiful grandkids Amanda, Alexis, Justine and Dustin, and her beautiful great-grandkids Eliana, Amara, Madison and Gunnar, and added to that Rachel and Ella and Kizah, and Amanda’s husband Francisco and Justine’s husband Bryce. Patty loved life, fun, the outdoors (Sun), and hard work. If she ever told you she loved you, she meant it. She spoke and lived the truth. She was simple and beautiful. She would say to all of you, “Don’t cry ‘cause it’s over, smile ‘cause it happened.”

Jerry Edward Lindquist

He attended Whittier, Butte High, and graduated from Montana Tech in Mineral Dressing Engineering, 1973.  He married JoAnn Lorello and they had 3 children together. Daughter Molly died at birth. Among his happiest days was seeing son Ed graduate from Montana Tech and daughter Tiffany graduate from the College of Great Falls.  Jerry worked construction and mining in most western states, Africa, and Alaska.

Royce “Dusty” Skocilich

Dusty had a true passion for hunting, keeping logs of the hunting adventures of the cabin in Minnesota gulch, on rolls of paper towels. Occasionally guiding other lost hunters, but was never “lost” himself, just took the long way around. In order to secure the best hunting camp in the fall, we started in the summer. His summers were also filled with softball; from hitting the Daly gym from the home plate at the commons, to coaching Harriet League at the Embassy, then playing co-ed and Old Ozzie at the CYM Complex (that he helped build), to finishing his love for softball by coaching his grandchildren. Dusty became better known as “PAPA” in 2001, when he welcomed two out of his ten grandchildren. He taught them everything he knew; from walking, riding a bike, shooting a gun, using a chainsaw, to building a house. And what he didn’t know you didn’t need to know.