In Memoriam – June 2025

As is our tradition, we are taking a look back at the lives of the people we have lost in the past year, continuing with obituaries that appeared in June 2025. For January, see the Dec. 21, 2025 edition. For February and March, see Dec. 23. For April and May 2025, see Dec. 30.

John Leo Sladich

When he retired in 1998 he started his final job with the ALDC Parks and Recreation and continued there until he was persuaded to retire in January of 2024 for health reasons. John Leo wasn’t a 9 to 5, Monday through Friday employee while he worked for Parks and Recreation. As Director of Parks and Recreation he worked 24/7 all days of the week. His dedication was unmatched and he could be found checking on the pool and doing maintenance at night and on the weekends. He plowed the walking trails and city streets around the Commons and other parks on a daily basis if there was snow on the ground. He had a great relationship with his employees and the public. John Leo was also a member of the Anaconda Catholic Community where he shared his culinary skills by helping prepare the traditional Passover dinner and soup and bread meals during lent. He was a member of the Anaconda Hibernians and the Anaconda Gun Club. In his younger years he shot trap, reloaded bullets and attended gun shows throughout the state. He also had a great love for dogs although he never had one of his own.

Mary Ann Kindle

Mary Ann was the beloved daughter of Robert and Katherine Schofield. She grew up in Anaconda, Montana and was the oldest of the three sisters, Rosemarie Hull and Judeykay Schofield. She graduated from High School in 1966 and then received her Bachelor’s degree at Montana State University.  She began her teaching career in the small town of Logan where she taught multiple grades.  She then went back to school at the University of Montana and obtained her certificate in teaching special education.  She taught special education at Hawthorne and Broadwater School.  She loved teaching and went above and beyond helping kids in and out of school. During her college years she worked in Glacier National Park at St Mary’s.  She was blessed to be surrounded by Gods country and loved to hike.

Ronald “Rocky” Smith

Born on November 25, 1963, Rocky grew up in Opportunity, Montana, where he formed lasting friendships that endured throughout his life. He earned an Engineering Degree from MT Tech and later completed an MBA at the U of M. His professional journey concluded as Plant Manager at the General Pacific wallboard plant near Lovell, Wyoming. Rocky was deeply devoted to his children, Jori and Zachary, and granddaughter Emery. He traveled frequently to support school events and created cherished memories through snowmobiling and white-water rafting adventures. In the months before his diagnosis, Rocky met LeAnna, whom he described as a “wonderful partner with incredible compatibility.” Together, they faced the challenges of illness with unwavering faith and love.

Joyce Ann Garrels

Born in Butte, Joyce (Murphy) was the oldest of eight children and raised on a ranch in Browns Gulch. She had a lifelong love of horses, hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, and everything outdoors. Joyce graduated from Butte Central High School in 1971. She went on to run her own horse ranch and riding arena in Anaconda with her husband of 39 years, Dr. Lloyd Garrels. Joyce enjoyed Pink Gloves Boxing and yoga and was exceptionally knowledgeable about exercise science and nutrition. She was a life-long learner, always seeking ways to improve her health and the well-being of everyone around her. She loved spending time with family and friends and is remembered by many for making every gathering more fun – especially if cooking, kids, or karaoke were involved. Always holding strong to her Butte roots, Joyce was both tough and kind. She was a thoughtful and devoted mother, grandma, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. We miss her stories, laughter, iconic style, and smile that lit up every room she entered.

Anthony Lawrence “Tony” Askins

Born on February 9, 1956, Tony was a true jack of all trades-always ready to fix, build, or lend a helping hand. He took great pride in his work as a contractor and was known for his skill, dedication, and strong work ethic. A proud Navy veteran, Tony served his country with honor and carried that same sense of commitment into every aspect of his life. Tony was an outdoorsman at heart. He loved hunting, fishing, and camping – anything that brought him closer to nature and the people he loved. Above all, he cherished his grandchildren, who brought endless joy to his life. He was also proud of the dogs he raised and cared for over the years. He was a beloved member of the Big Sky RV Park community, known for being the best host and for the special friendships he formed there, especially with Roland and Kelly.

Esther Mae Drescher

With profound love and gratitude, we announce the passing of Esther Mae Drescher, who lived a remarkable 95 years, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and love. Esther lived a long and full life defined by her unwavering love for family. She was born on May 14, 1930, at her family home on 1 Alder Street. On May 17, 1947, Esther married Carl J. Drescher, and they remained together for 68 years. She was the beloved matriarch of ten children, twelve grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Mary Helen Corrigan

Mary Helen Corrigan, 75, passed away on April 1, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Mary Helen was born in Anaconda on May 20, 1949 to Carl and Esther Drescher. She was the second oldest of 10 children. Mary Helen was a life-long Anaconda resident. She attended Catholic school, graduating from Anaconda Central in 1967. Mary Helen learned early what it meant to survive and persevere. Life presented her with many trials-loss, hardship, solitude-but she carried them with grace. She raised 3 children in a prideful home. She loved her family and she loved her grandchildren. Mary Helen cherished many titles in her life, but her favorite title was Grandma.

Maggie Gill

All her friends called her “Maggie”, and her sister Monica called her “Magoo”. She was born September 15, 1953 in Lewiston Idaho to Leonard and Sara Powell. She grew up in Clarkston, Washington and graduated from Clarkston High School in 1972. Sara remarried to Raymond Elmer Gill who adopted Maggie. After high school, she lived in California before moving to Bellingham Washington. She moved in with her BEST friends Sue and Clyde. Sue got her first job at Alaskan Silver and Ivory. She made jewelry and played as much as she worked. She thought it was the best job ever. Sue and Clyde made many wonderful lasting friendships. After that fun time ended Maggie went to Alaska to work on a fish processing vessel. She spent five years doing that, coming back to Bellingham during the breaks. 

John Bingham “Bing” Cain

Bing’s early working years were in the mines for Cominco and at Maiden Rock.  He managed a shop that retreaded the largest tires on earth in Great Falls.  After a short period of time in Helena, he moved his family back to Deer Lodge working for the Milwaukee Railroad as a carman, then as a machinist until its closure.  He then worked as a machinist for the Butte, Anaconda and Pacific Railroad in Anaconda. Lastly, he was the machinist at Warm Springs until his retirement.  Bing was a proud member of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers.  He held numerous offices throughout his 35 plus years of membership.  He was a very proud Machinist!   A bleeding heart Democrat, he was always true to both the Union and the Party.  He volunteered for numerous functions to better mankind.    

Grant Marshall Kopp

A proud graduate of Anaconda High School in 1999, Grant was known for his warm spirit and infectious laughter. Grant laughed with his whole heart. He had a natural talent for woodworking, a hobby that allowed him to express his creativity and share his craftsmanship with friends and family. His many friends, will remember him as a kind, loving, and funny individual who had an incredible ability to make those around him feel valued and loved.

David William Noroian

David was raised in Blythe, California and spent much of his youth working on Nish Noroian Farms, developing a strong work ethic through agriculture. He was very close with his uncle, who played a significant role in his upbringing and development. Surfing was a beloved activity in free time. In high school, David met his high school sweetheart, Phyllis Tuchfarber, whom he married at the age of 19. Together, they had one son, John. Seeking to carve his own path, David decided to leave farm life and pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions. Though he ventured away from the farm; agriculture and produce sales/ distribution remained a significant part of his work and identity throughout his life.  He loved business and was very good at negotiating with others.  

Lanell Emilee Benner

She enjoyed crossword puzzles, with partially completed crossword books tucked into baskets or drawers around her home. Along with a group of other ladies, she made baby blankets for the local hospital so that families could bring their newborns home wrapped in love. Her work as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Anaconda nursing home was marked by compassion and care, and many of her coworkers became close friends. After retiring from the nursing home, Lanell worked in the housekeeping department of some of the local motels. Above all, Lanell cherished her family. Her children, stepchildren, children-in-laws, and grandchildren carry treasured memories of the many ways she made them feel loved and seen. The early childhood memories of many of her grandchildren are filled with Granny as she helped to take care of them while their parents were working.

Lynda Hetherington Rettig

Lynda lived a life woven with adventure, creativity, and deep love. Her vast travels took her across continents and cultures;  India, Africa, Europe, China, Russia,  Peru, Australia and New Zealand. Each experience enriched her understanding and deepened her appreciation for the world’s diverse beauty. Lynda was a realtor in California for many years. She was artistic and loved  transforming ordinary materials into meaningful art, to reflect her gentle and imaginative heart. Her laughter, wisdom and insatiable curiosity shaped the lives of family and friends alike.

Christina Bozlee Sistrunk

Christina grew up in Anaconda, Montana, and enjoyed all that the mountains had to offer by hiking/backpacking, canoeing, hunting, camping & fishing.  She married the boy next door, Josh Miller, and started her family in the same setting.  They had two daughters, Morgan and Faith.  The four of them relocated to Big Timber, Montana, for work and after a time, they went their separate ways but Josh and his family remained close to her heart.  She moved to Plentywood, Montana, and started working in the oil field where she met, fell in love and soon married Sammy Sistrunk and they were to add her son, James, and Stepdaughter Mackenzie, to her life.  The family relocated to Vossburg, Mississippi, leaving behind the things she enjoyed while being in Montana but was able to take a break from working outside of home and concentrate on being a Mom and also a Grandma.

Luella Jean (Lu) Hoge

In 1983, Lu graduated from California State University Sacramento and in 1988 she got her CPA. She worked for the Sacramento County Assessor’s Office until she retired in 2001.  She was proud of her CPA and her work. She and her spouse filled their lives with work, home, family and friends.  There were trips (Hawaii, Italy, visiting family and friends) and special occasions to be observed.  In 2011 they began travelling by RV visiting far flung family and friends, National Parks, and any place they took a whim to.   After her retirement, Lu took up Texas Hold’em Poker.  She began playing tournaments and in 2013 she became the Nevada State Ladies Poker Champ.  She played in the WSOP Seniors Tournament in 2016 and 2017 and brought back winnings in 2017.