In Memoriam September - October 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 September and October 2025. For obituaries that appeared in January, see the Dec. 21 edition. For February and March, see Dec. 23. For April and May 2025, see Dec. 30. For June, see Jan. 3. For July, see Jan. 7. For August, see Jan. 9.

September 2025

David B. McNay

David was born on December 22, 1933 in Anaconda, Montana, and graduated from Anaconda High School in 1951. He worked as a machinist for the Anaconda smelter for 30 years, then worked for Montana Power for 15 years until he retired in 1998. David married Darlene Bock, the love of his life, on August 28, 1955. Their daughter Katrina was born in 1959, followed by their son Loren in 1962. David loved the outdoors, and enjoyed hunting, camping, and spending time at their log cabin at Georgetown Lake. He was a kind, generous, and caring man who would always lend a hand if it was needed. David always enjoyed time with his family and friends and was known to be the life of the party. He and Darlene moved from Colstrip to Helena in 2019 to be closer to the family and friends he enjoyed spending time with.

Noreen (Pat) O’Leary McCumber

Pat was born to Michael F. and Lucille Johnson O’Leary in 1938. She spent most of her early life in Anaconda, graduating from Anaconda Senior High School in 1956,where she enjoyed many activities, to include being a cheerleader. After high school, Pat attended MSU in Billings, graduating in 1958.  Pat later became a grade school teacher. Her kindness and compassion touched many children’s lives in Anaconda, Billings, and Bozeman. When Pat moved to Delaware, she became the Director of Preschool at the Newark, Delaware YMCA. Pat was passionate about taking care of others and volunteered with many organizations, including Meals on Wheels in Pennsylvania. She was the hospitality co-chair for the LPGA McDonald’s Tournament for nearly 17 years, beginning in 1987, and served as the hospitality chair at Stonegate’s Retirement Center.

Lynn Curley Boyce

Lynn was born in 1936 in Anaconda, MT, the only child of Peter J. Curley and Rosella (Scanlon) Curley. She was raised in Anaconda and graduated from Anaconda High School. Following graduation, Lynn earned a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Montana, Western. She then went on to get her MA in English and eventually an endorsement in Special Education from the University of Montana. She taught school in Anaconda, MT for 35 years, teaching everything from Kindergarten through High School, Special Ed, Art, and Music.  When asked about her favorite subject or grade that she taught, she would always say she loved them all. Lynn was a consummate pianist and enjoyed accompanying students at music festivals, as well as plays, and the Anaconda Choral Society.  As a child, she lived across the street from St. Paul’s School, where the Nuns were her first Piano teachers.

Darlene Martha Hargus

In her early years, Darlene worked at her parents business, the Anaconda Bar, and later operated a laundromat in town. She also served briefly as a police officer in California. While her career path was diverse, her true purpose was found in the way she cared for others. She was the rock of her family, offering steady support, wisdom, and unconditional love to everyone around her. Darlene was known for her gentle routines and joyful spirit. She cherished mornings spent tending to her raspberry bushes and cutting bread to feed the birds in her backyard. She always kept a plant on her windowsill, which she lovingly sang to, firmly believing that “talking to plants is what helps them grow.” Her home was filled with warmth, and she loved sitting by the window, either in the kitchen or living room, soaking in the simple beauty of life.

William Charles “Bill” Willing

In 1966, Bill began college at the University of Montana, where he joined Phi Delta Theta fraternity. More interested in adventure than academics, he used a 30-day flight pass to travel across the country with a girlfriend who was a flight attendant. When his grades dropped, his father left him a note: “Time to join the Army, son.” Bill enlisted in 1969 as an infantryman at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and was later accepted into the Warrant Officer Candidate Helicopter Flight Program at Fort Walters, Texas. He completed advanced helicopter training at Fort Rucker, Alabama, and was assigned in April 1970 to the 170th Assault Helicopter Company, flying missions for Special Forces in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Bill flew 512 combat missions before being honorably discharged in 1971. He became one of the Montana National Guard’s most highly decorated Vietnam combat veterans. Among his many awards, he was most proud of the Silver Star for valor in combat, the Distinguished Flying Cross for aviation achievement, the Bronze Star for heroic or meritorious service, the Air Medal for heroism in flight, and the Purple Heart, awarded five times for combat wounds.

John (Yonko) Thomson

John was born June 16, 1928, the third of four children to Alexander (Scottie) Thomson and Ann (Laslovich) Thomson. The family lived in a small house on Ash Street in the Goosetown area of Anaconda near many family relatives and friends. He attended St. Peter’s school from first grade through high school graduation. Following graduation, John attended Carroll College in Helena, MT on a football scholarship before leaving to join the Air Force where he served for four years, much of that time at Fairchild Airforce Base in Spokane, WA. He then returned to Anaconda, where he lived for the remainder of his life. He worked at the Anaconda smelter for a short time before joining the Deer Lodge County Road Department, where he worked as a construction equipment operator and then city-county road supervisor until retiring in 1989.

Lemont P. “Monty” Ward

Lemont P. “Monty” Ward passed away June 23, 2025 at his home in Anaconda. He was born Oct. 15, 1958 to Elnora and Chuck Ward. Monty served in the Navy. He worked at Montana State Hospital, where he really enjoyed his coworkers and his job as a psych tech. He was getting ready to retire in October. He loved football; his favorite team was the Green Bay Packers.

John Robert “Bob” Matosich

Bob was an avid outdoorsman spending countless hours fishing and hunting with family and friends. He passed the love of the outdoors onto his children and grandchildren. Bob’s handling of the days catch or hunts rewards were second to none. His canned salmon is a dish that friends and family ask for specifically. Bob was a teacher and coach that touched countless lives. He spent time at each school in the district finishing his teaching career at Anaconda High School. He coached youth sports at all levels while his children participated. Bob also coached high school sports, including football, volleyball, girls basketball, and his personal favorite­ track and field, where he was named Montana Coaches Association Coach of the Year. Bob also coached the Anaconda A’s American Legion baseball team for many years. Washoe Park and Mitchell Stadium are better facilities because of Bob’s hard work and ability to get things done with minimal cost and maximum friend and community effort.

Jackie Dale Ivankovich

Always regarding his own life a charmed one, Jackie was the third of five sons born to Helen and Mike Ivankovich. Growing up on Maple Street, Jackie experienced the iconic childhood of a regular Anaconda kid. One block away from Saint Paul’s playground and four from the Commons, in a neighborhood full of free-range kids, he played marbles and baseball and worked on old cars. A 1965 graduate of Anaconda High School, Jackie attended “The School of Mines” and Northern Montana College before dutifully volunteering for the draft in 1968. Upon his return from overseas, he worked as a construction laborer for almost ten years. Seeking less seasonal employment, Jackie was hired by The United States Post Office where he carried mail for the next thirty-four years. Jackie loved old music, old cars and old friends. His unwavering optimism and an appetite for risk prompted him to buy a business after the “Hill” closed and to use his high school ’57 Chevy for a family sedan. He liked games of chance and was quite sure he would win the lottery. Early in his married life, Jackie even went so far as to purchase a house in the heart of McGinleyville, five blocks from his parents, but only two from his in-laws: though his older brother lived one block away, just in case.

Lynette Jean Williams

After graduating from Anaconda High School, she began her employment with Anaconda Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement, eventually retiring after 43 years as head dispatcher. Lynette’s life was defined by her devotion to her faith, family and friends. She was a beautiful peaceful presence with an empathic and sympathetic ear. She delighted in bringing her siblings, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews together for celebrations and learning new things especially about Jesus Christ our lord, ever endeavoring to expand her faith. She also enjoyed crafting and quilting which is how she met the love of her life, Tom Williams of Butte MT. They were happily married in 2001.

Kathleen “Kathy” Marie Bleile

Kathy began her career in the medical field at just 18 years old, working for Dr. Kargacin. She later became a phone operator at Warm Springs and went on to dedicate more than 40 years to Anaconda Community Hospital and Dr. Garrels’ office as an insurance clerk and office manager. Along the way, she formed countless treasured friendships with coworkers who became like family. Through her friend Peggy Buettner Simkins, Kathy met the love of her life, John Bleile. At Frank and Cookie Bizjak’s wedding reception in 1967, John proposed, and on July 13, 1968, they were married at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Anaconda. Together they built a life filled with love, faith, and devotion. In May 1969, they welcomed their daughter Michele Kathleen (Shelly), followed by their son Shawn Patrick in November 1970. Kathy loved being a mother above all else, cheering from the car, honking the horn or the from the bleachers, teaching her children faith and resilience, and holding her family at the center of everything she did. When the smelter closed and John had to travel for work, Kathy held down the fort at home, often donning her infamous purple muumuu while chauffeuring kids at all hours.

Ruth Caecilia Glenn Connor

Her first job was for Henry Lussy at the Washoe Theater as an usherette, then she became a switchboard operator for St. Anne Hospital. After high school, she attended the Butte Business College, but before she finished, they hired her as a secretary! Not long after that, she started work at the old Daly Bank (Wells Fargo), first as a bookkeeper, then a teller, then a secretary. She learned to be efficient on computers in the late 80s and rose to become secretary to the president of the bank and eventually was the Human Resources Manager. Even in retirement Ruth stayed busy. She opened a secretarial and notary service in her home and also began work for the Anaconda Catholic Community as a funeral planner and sacristan. She worked beyond turning 86! But life wasn’t all work. In high school she played piano and cello and worked on the yearbook. Ruth married Bernard Connor in 1949 and raised three children: Bernard Jr., who married Robin Bodeen; Elizabeth (Betty) who married George Arrigotti; and Stephen who married Angie Morin Arreguin. Ruth was a steady companion and help to her parents until their passing. She sang for years in the church choir and served on many boards including Rotana, Chamber of Commerce, and Legion of Mary. A lifelong learner, she frequently attended classes at Montana Tech, the Adult Continuing Education classes put on by Frank Moreni, and Toastmasters.

October 2025

Mari Gallagher Bender

Mari was born to Edward and Helen (Grubich) Gallagher on May 4, 1954, in the small, bustling town of Anaconda, Montana. She was raised with her siblings, Mickey, Ed, and Deb, in what she described as an idyllic childhood. Growing up in the working-class neighborhood of Goosetown, she was incredibly proud of her Anaconda roots as well as her Irish and Croatian heritage. Mari attended school at St Peters and Anaconda Central High School, graduating in the class of 1972. She went on to pursue an education degree at East Montana College in Billings. But as Mari told her kids too many times to count, “It all comes back to Anaconda…” While returning home in the summer of 1974, she would meet Bruce Bender, the Music Minister at St Peter’s Catholic Church. They would fall deeply in love. Jokingly dubbed “The Lutheran Psalm Singer” by Mari’s father, Big Ed, Bruce would quickly endear himself to the whole Gallagher family. They were married on July 24, 1977, in the very church in which they met. Together they would share 48 years of love, laughter, and friendship.

Harold “Lee” Snow

Lee was the younger brother to Doris as they were raised on the ACM Ranches where their father Harold managed.  Lee grew up in the Anaconda area fishing, hunting and doing all things outdoors with his father, uncles and Tarkalson cousins.  He had a passion for mechanics & restoration of cars (which he passed down to his son Mark), guns and fixing things with his hands.  He attended school in Anaconda and upon graduation worked on the Butte, Anaconda & Pacific Railroad.  During his school years, he would walk his sweetheart Margaret back and forth to school and married her after graduation.   They welcomed their only child Mark in 1958.  In 1952, Lee was drafted to serve in the Korean War under the US Army.  He served during the final year of the war and returned to the states as a reserve.  Upon returning from Korea, Lee continued his profession of engineering at the local railroad for the next 30 + years.   

Vernon Charles “Ted” Cook

Ted was born on June 6, 1935, in Hamilton, Montana, to the late Virginia Cook, and was lovingly raised by his grandmother, Emma Cook. Growing up surrounded by animals, he developed a deep love for them—something that stayed with him throughout his life. After graduating high school, Ted proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in Chicago. Following his service, he moved to Anaconda, where fate stepped in one night during a routine shift as a taxi driver. It was then that Joan Puccinelli stepped into his cab—and from that ride forward, the story of their 65-year love began. They shared 65 wonderful years of marriage and raised five children. Ted worked briefly at the smelter before building a long and fulfilling career with the Anaconda Railroad, from which he retired. But his most important and proudest job was being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Debbie Darlene Fergerson Meloy

Debbie was the daughter of Arthur and Mariella Fergerson. She was born on July 4, 1958 in Anaconda, MT. Debbie lived her entire life in Anaconda and never wanted to be anywhere else. She graduated from Anaconda High School in 1976. She went on to work various jobs in Anaconda including Osco Drug, Anaconda Job Corp, Copper Bowl Cafe, and the WATCh Program. Debbie married Tim Meloy in December 1978. They raised two children, Shanda and T.C., before they later divorced. Debbie then spent the remainder of her years with her partner Steve Tuss. Debbie and Steve enjoyed bowling, horseshoes, camping, and many other activities and adventures together. Debbie spent many summers with her grandchildren, Ian and Jase, who would visit from Arizona. They enjoyed camping at the Big Hole, four-wheeling in the mountains, trips to Crystal Park, and just spending time together.

Sheila Vanisko

A loving and caring woman, Sheila found joy in the simple pleasures of life; especially being with family, her faith and Sunday drives around the local area. Those who knew her well will forever remember her as one of the kindest people to have ever graced their lives. Sheila’s kindness, gentle nature, and deep love for her family will remain in our hearts always. She will be dearly missed by her family, but her memory will live on in their hearts.

Ronald Erwin Peterson

A proud veteran and patriot, Big Pete served two tours of duty in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and later served two years stateside in the Navy Reserves. He loved his country & fellow veterans deeply and was honored to have served them faithfully. He would often get teared up when speaking of those who died for their country. In 1969, he fulfilled a promise made years earlier when he teasingly told a young girl of twelve, “I’m going to marry you, Bobbie Jean!”—a claim that made her scream, kick him in the shins and yell back “I wouldn’t marry you if you were the last man on earth!” True to his words, he did marry her, and together they built a love story that lasted a total of 62 wonderful years. Together, they were blessed with six children—five sons and one daughter—, and through all the ups and downs of life, their love remained strong, steady and full of laughter & faith until his final day. 

William “Lee” Jacobson

Lee accomplished many things in his 76 years. He was a passionate advocate for all things related to the western lifestyle. An avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and a ride in the hills, whether it be on horseback or four wheels. He was on the board of directors for First Security Bank for a time, a member of the Stockgrowers Association, as well as school board trustee for the Deer Lodge School District. Lee was a proud member of the Masons, Shiners, and Jesters organizations. Along with growing certified seed potatoes, he also raised Simmental Cattle on the family ranch before transitioning to Angus/ Gelbvieh cattle. He even had a stint raising Suffolk/ Rambouillet sheep well into his retirement. With the sheep came the livestock guardian dogs, which just might have been his favorite part of the sheep business. 

Robert B. “Bobby” Barclay

Bobby was born in Jamestown, North Dakota, on January 19, 1940, to Kreston and June (Burner) Barclay. He moved to Anaconda as a small child with his parents and siblings, becoming one of nine children in a close-knit family. He graduated from Anaconda High School in 1958 and began his career driving a taxi in Anaconda. Bobby later went to work for the Montana State Liquor Store, eventually becoming the manager and, later, the owner when the store became privately owned. Bobby had a lifelong love of sports—especially his hometown Anaconda Copperheads, the New England Patriots, and the Boston Red Sox. He also enjoyed playing cribbage and poker with friends and was known to have fun trying his luck on the machines at local casinos. He was a proud member of Hope Lutheran Church and the Anaconda BPOE.

John Markland

John Markland was born to parents, Ivan and Eleanor Markland on July 26, 1954, in Anaconda, MT. He passed away on October 10, 2025, in his apartment at 400 Oak Street in Anaconda. He was the oldest of 3 children. John attended St. Joseph grade school and graduated from Anaconda Senior High School in 1972. After graduating he was in sales and delivery for quite a few years, working at Roach and Smith, Sheehan Majestic and Schwans. John moved to California in the 80’s where he worked as an underground miner for Homestake Mining and later for Barrick mining in Carlin, NV where he retired and then moved to Anaconda. John enjoyed many hobbies and sports growing up. He started making lifelong friends in kindergarten. He loved time spent reminiscing with Timmy, Danny and Henry, to name a few, laughing about all the funny things they did growing up. He was proud of his athletic accomplishments throughout school. He was an Oakland A’s and a Raiders fan, and he loved music. John had a special place in his heart for dogs and the homeless.

Masako Yamaguchi Stewart

She was born on May 18, 1937 in Japan. In 1958 she met Sgt Cyrus (Cy) Stewart while working as a waitress at a small USAF Base near her home. In 1960 they married and she came to the United States to begin her life as a devoted wife and mother. She was an excellent cook, gardner, and seamstress. She was cherished by all that knew her. She will be remembered for her smile, kind heart, and gentleness. They celebrated their 65 wedding anniversary on May 18th of this year.

Barbara Jean (Young) Kelsey

Barb was born in Sacramento, California on December 10, 1951 to Janet Richards and Evert Young and joined her older sister Cheryl. From an early age Barb was an animal lover. There was always a dog at her side and a horse that needed to be ridden. Barb enjoyed Montana’s beauty and grandeur on the back of a horse. Professionally, Barb chose nursing. For over 30 years Barb worked at the Montana State Hospital with a focus on the challenging Forensic unit. She was a compassionate, caring and dedicated nurse, with the perfect gently sarcastic sense of humor that put even the most disturbed patients at ease in her presence. Her daily work and kindness truly made a difference to staff and patients alike. Barb completed her nursing career at the V.A. Clinic in Anaconda where she was proud to serve those that have served us.