Vera Jean Longee, 63, of Poplar died June 29, 2026, at the Poplar Hospital. She was born Aug. 8, 1962, to Samuel R. Longee Sr. and Patricia K. Menz in Culbertson. She grew up in Brockton, where she could be found running between her mother’s house and her grandparents’ home. She attended various elementary schools and graduated from Poplar High School in 1980. She loved to participate in volleyball while in high school. She worked various jobs throughout her life, A& S Industries, H& S Quick Stop and cook at the Poplar School, which she enjoyed the most. She attended Fort Peck Community College where she worked towards a degree in law. She married Greg Gourneau Sr. and, through this union, they had three sons, Greg Jr., Zach and Tyrone. They later divorced. She was a very active lady, hence the nickname “Beez.” She never let any obstacle stop her. She lost the ability to speak, but still served 10 years in the volunteer fire department. During this time in the fire department, she served in different officer roles and won Fireman of the Year. She loved to bake and every family gathering was required that she make her famous buns. She was very handy and had the ability to figure out a problem and fix it. She enjoyed working on different projects around the house, even if she was electrocuted in the process. She loved and cherished spending time with family, her sons and especially the time she got to spend with her grandson. She will be remembered for how caring she was towards people, how she was always willing to open her house to others, how she treated her sons’ friends like they were her own and her mischievous laugh. She is survived by her sons, Greg Gourneau and Zach Gourneau; a grandson; sisters, Linda Christiansen, Dore Menz, Twilia Redeagle and Lorena Youngman; brothers, Richard Longee, Samuel Longee Jr. and Anton Longee; and mother, Patricia Menz. She was preceded in death by her youngest son, Tyrone P. Gourneau; and sister, Toni Greybull. Her funeral was held Tuesday, July 7, at the Assembly of God church in Poplar. Burial was at Riverview Cemetery in Brockton.

Irene Josephine (Rensvold) Toavs, 99, of Wolf Point died June 25, 2026. She was born Aug. 20, 1926, the seventh of eight children to Arthur and Josie (Felberg) Rensvold. She was born and raised on a farm about 15 miles north of Wolf Point. She attended Dryfork country school and graduated in 1945 from Wolf Point High School. John was the love of her life from the time she was 6 years old when she first saw him at the wedding of his brother and her sister. When John returned home from the military, he and Irene began dating. They were married and moved a few miles from their childhood homes where they farmed and ranched together for 68 years. During their time together, they truly enjoyed their family and an active and full life and were deeply connected to the land and the community. She spent her life embracing the values of faith, family, hard work and kindness. Through changing seasons and generations, the farm remained the center of family life and a place filled with love, laughter and treasured memories. She was a devoted member of First Lutheran Church. Her faith was an important part of her life and guided her in her service to her family and community. Her greatest joy was her family. She loved attending all activities the kids were involved in, gathering with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great- great- grandchildren, creating memories that will be cherished for generations. She also enjoyed playing games, reading, sewing and gardening. Whether tending flowers, stitching something special, sharing a good book, cooking delicious meals for the family, baking the best pies ever or enjoying time with loved ones, she found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She is survived by her children, Cathy Madison, John A. Toavs Jr., Cheryl Ryan and Kay Lovelace; 13 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John A. Toavs; three great-grandchildren, Zoey Kay Marie York, Enzo Ray Rucinsky and Finn Alexander Rucinsky; and seven siblings. She was the last surviving member of her high school class of 1945. A celebration of life service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point on Aug. 1 at 10 a.m.