Jerreth Jaymz Shawl, 31, of Wolf Point died Jan. 1, 2026. He was born Dec. 26, 1994. He was a kind, loving person, full of good humor and good medicine. He showed his love through his actions, actively showing up for his family, friends and community. He was a social genius, knowing what to say, when to give a hug and how to make you laugh. Growing up, he wandered around Wolf Point with cousins, raising cane at the parks or basketball courts until the street lights came on. He wandered through town with a bag of seeds, fountain sodas from Cenex, a basketball and music with his cousins. He came into the Sundance circle when he was 12 and was active until his mother died in 2020. He went to Wolf Point High School until his junior year when he transferred to Poplar, before coming back to Wolf Point and graduating in 2013. He played sports recreationally — basketball, softball and volleyball. He was a part of the 2011 Class B Wolf Point Wolves basketball championship team. He played volleyball in the open gym leagues in Poplar and Wolf Point. He played in Big Sky State Games in Billings where he was able to score a few medals. He became a volleyball MOA this past year and helped serve surrounding communities through officiating volleyball. After high school, he worked with the tribe's Head Start program. He started as an assistant cook for two months before moving into the classroom, where he worked for seven years as a teachers’ aide and then was trusted to step into the role of lead teacher when needed. He served roughly 130 children in the Wolf Point community over seven years before working in the admin office as the family service coordinator for Wolf Point and Frazer where he continued to work with area families and advocate for their children. In his off-time, he would play board games with family and/or playing Fortnite online. He was a proud supporter of his nieces and nephews, following them in sports and getting rowdy with the refs when he had to put his “uncle” hat on. He also loved to read and build Lego sets. He was a big fan of Harry Potter lore and always let people know his house was Ravenclaw. He loved pro basketball and followed the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. He also cheered on the Denver Broncos and made sure everyone knew his favorite college team, Go Griz! He loved to travel and mark stuff and places off his bucket lists. He is survived by his grandfather, Donald “Duck” Shawl of Wolf Point; mother, Carrie Shawl of Frazer; father figure, Justin (Marcy) Doney of Havre; and siblings, Jazmyn, Tazz, Charles and Russell Doney, all of Havre, Mahala Shawl of Simi Valley, Calif., Journey Stiffarm of Wolf Point, Jaymee and Arlene Riley of New Mexico, Ebony Lindsay of San Diego, Calif., Chante’ Japp of Wolf Point, Patsy Ricker of Great Falls and Shannon Lindsay of San Diego, Calif. He was preceded in death by his mother, Peggy Ricker; father, James “Kipp” Stiffarm; brothers, Danny Lindsay Jr., Arlan and Aaron Ricker Sr.; and stepsister, Janica Whitetail. A wake will be held Friday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m. at the Wolf Point Community Hall. His funeral service will be held Saturday, Jan. 10, at 11 a.m. at the Wolf Point Community Hall. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.

Stephen R. Valkenburg, age 72, passed away on De. 26, 2025. He was born on Sept. 19, 1953. He began his life in San Francisco, Calif., with his parents Cleo B. Camrud (Belcher) and Renald P. Valkenburg and spent much of his early life growing up in Wolf Point, Mont. Steve lived a life shaped by adventure, hard work and deep connections with people. He loved road trips and turning ordinary moments into memorable adventures. His favorite pastime was fishing, especially for Walleye and he took great joy in sharing that love with others. He was always willing to teach anyone who wanted to learn how to fish, often while telling one of his many “fish tales,” some of which were true… and some a bit questionable. Steve worked much of his life in the oil field, a career that took him to many different places. No matter where work led him, he always chose to return to Casper, Wyo., where he made his home and built lasting friendships, many of whom he considered family. Known for his big laugh and even bigger heart, it was often said that Steve would give anyone the shirt off his back. He was deeply dedicated to his work and had a difficult time retiring, often finding new jobs because he simply liked staying busy and being useful. That same spirit showed in his willingness to help others whenever and wherever he could. He never hesitated to show up when help was needed and believed strongly in giving back. Steve shared a love of music with his daughters always playing “name that song” on road trips and taking them to classic rock concerts over the years — experiences that became cherished memories and lasting bonds. Steve loved his family. He cherished time spent visiting his daughters, grandchildren, sisters, nieces and nephews and took great pride in each of them. He also held a special place in his heart for the Alvarado family, whom he loved dearly and considered family. Steve is survived by his children: Melissa (Eric) Alvarez of Abilene, Texas; Katie (Jason) Wiedrich of Rapid City, S.D.; and Stephany (Isaac) Aanenson of Rapid City, S.D. He was a proud grandfather to Savannah, Grayson, Christian, Avyn, Sam, Charlie, Lucas, Mara and Gordon. He is also survived by his sisters, Ann Baker of Great Falls, Mont. Patricia Whitright of Wolf Point, Mont., and Terry (Hal) Marchbanks of Lindon, Utah, along with many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Steve will be remembered for his generosity, his stories, his laughter and the way he made people feel welcome wherever he went. His legacy of kindness, hard work, music and fishing adventure lives on through all who knew and loved him. A celebration of life will be held Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at North Casper Clubhouse, 1032 East L Street, Casper, Wyo. (Paid Obituary)