Mikaela Jayde “Gumpy” Uchtman, 31, died July 25, 2026, in Billings. Born on May 4, 1995, in Wolf Point to Leon “Kerry” and Linette Uchtman, her story began in the beauty of the northern prairie. Her early years foretold the tenacity and compassion that would define her life. From a young age, she faced adversity in her education. She was told that learning would always be a struggle — that school might be too great a challenge for her. Undeterred by such predictions, she persevered with unmatched determination, attending Lustre grade and Lustre Christian High. With courage and relentless effort, she not only overcame every obstacle but ultimately graduated as valedictorian. Never one to stop learning, she later pursued online college courses, always reaching for new knowledge. She poured her heart into everything she did. She worked side-by-side with her father in the oil fields, was bookkeeper at Albertsons, the lumberyard and a local hospital and eventually found joy at the Frazer Post Office. Everywhere she went, she brightened others’ days with her infectious smile and boundless warmth. Her daily goal was simple: to lift the spirits of everyone she encountered. She was known for her exuberant greetings, her open-armed hospitality and her remarkable generosity — no one left her kitchen hungry and her celebratory meals during holidays welcomed anyone needing a place to belong. Gifted in countless ways, she was a talented

Keith Gordon Hagen, 67, died July 27, 2026, at Logan Health Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born on Jan. 26, 1959, in Wolf Point to Kerel and Maripat (Nerlin) Hagen. He joined a brother, Mark, and, later, two sisters, Ladona and Karla, completed the family. His parents were educators, leading to moves from Wolf Point, Billings and Columbia Falls before the family settling in the Flathead Valley in 1963. Keith and Mark were active boys who frequently found themselves in mischief. Keith usually dreamed up their next scheme, while Mark enthusiastically helped bring those plans to life. The family lived on a 40-acre hobby farm at the base of Columbia Mountain, complete with a creek, cows and horses — the ultimate playground for two adventurous brothers. Summers kept the boys especially busy working the land, from building and repairing fences and haying on the home place and additional leased ground. He found great joy in the outdoors. An avid hunter, he treasured time spent in Montana's mountains and fields, whether in pursuit of game or simply taking in the beauty of nature. He also loved riding horses in the backcountry with his family in Glacier National Park and the South Fork. On April 4, 1968, he was diagnosed with Type 1 juvenile diabetes, which he accepted with remarkable courage and resilience, rarely complaining and facing each day with a quiet determination. A natural student, he excelled academically and was involved in the speech and debate team, Youth Legislature, Boys State, National Honor Society, student rep and class offi cer during high school. He also played football for the Columbia Falls Wildcats, cherishing the games and the lifelong friendships he built on the field. Known as the witty one in the family, he possessed a quick sense of humor and a knack for delivering