Arlon Lee Chapman Sr., “Chief” Hehaka Maza, 66, of Poplar died at Poplar Community Hospital on Jan. 9, 2026. He was born Oct. 20, 1959, to Raymond Buckles and Minerva Chapman. His early years were spent between Crow Hill, Fort Totten, and Devil’s Lake, N.D., with his grandfather Grover Cleveland, whom he had a close bond with because Grover passed on the traditions for Chief to give to the next generation. He always left others with a life lesson that they didn’t know that they needed. He also spent two years in Chicago, Ill., and two years in Moline, Ill., with his family. Before returning to Poplar, his first child Donavan Herman was born in Devil’s Lake. Upon his return to Poplar, he had Arlon Jr., Dustin Jackson, Arlonda, Brian, Arthur, Philip, Jacey and Francesca Valendez. He stayed close friends with all of the mothers of his children because his children were the joys of his life. His life accomplishments include acquiring his GED, a welding certificate and working at the Williston Herald, but being a crew boss as a hot shot seasonal firefighter was his greatest endeavor. He would tell amazing stories to his friends and children about his time as a hot shot and traveling all over the western United States. He loved camping at powwows, telling stories, playing pool, making diamond willow canes, beading and fishing. He could often be found by following the river to any one of his numerous fishing spots along the bank of the Poplar and Missouri rivers. He is survived by his sons, Donavan Herman, Arlon Chapman Jr., Dustin Jackson, Arthur Chapman and Philip Chapman; adopted son, Paul “Grandson” Brien; daughters, Arlonda Chapman, Jacey Chapman and Francesca Valendez; adopted daughter, Luane Brien; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; lifelong friend, Anita Brien; sisters, Becky Simmons, Marva Chapman, Monita Chapman, Shannon Chapman and Lynette Shields; and brothers, Dana Mireau, Dana Buckles, Hank Buckles and Kevin Mitchell. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Francine Buckles, Karen Buckles, Cissy Buckles, Kelly Chapman, Raymond Buckles Jr., Conrad Buckles, Roger Buckles, and Frank Buckles; and son, Brian Chapman. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 20, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment was at Poplar City Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point was entrusted with the arrangements.

Dr. Lawrence Robert Palazzo, 92, of Glasgow died at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow on Dec. 17, 2025. He was born in Bronx, N.Y., to Mary and Sal Palazzo where he was raised with his sister. He attended elementary public school and went on to be accepted into The Bronx High School of Science where he graduated. He attended NYU and medical school in Bologna, Italy. He met Rosalie after high school and immediately fell in love. They were married on June 26, 1954, and had four children over the next 10 years. They settled in Yonkers, N.Y., until the move to Glasgow in 1981. His specialty was OB/GYN and, over his career, he delivered about 3,000 babies. He was always honest and frank when addressing others and the confidence and grace he exuded drew people to him. He had a full time practice and was the director of FMDH, a member of the Knights of Columbus, lifetime member of the American Medical Association, president of the Montana Medical Association, to mention a few. Survivors include four children, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren with one on the way. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalie; and sister, Katherine. Funeral Mass was at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21, followed by burial at Highland Cemetery in Glasgow.

James 'Jim' Lee Hanks, 67, of Wolf Point died Jan. 15, 2026, at his home in Wolf Point. He was born on April 1, 1958, in Wolf Point, the second of four children born to Frank and Lorraine Hanks. He was raised on the family farm and ranch south of Wolf Point. He grew up riding his Welsh pony, Champ, across the countryside alongside his older brother, Gary, who was on his own Welsh pony, Skunk. They often rode to the Balder Ranch, which Jim would someday come to own. Years later, Velma Balder would laugh about their “tow heads” coming over the hills. Jim attended school in Vida and Wolf Point. He was only 15 when his dad broke his back and it became his responsibility to care for the farm and ranch. Jim was given a work permit to leave school early to take on this responsibility. That was the start of his farming and ranching career that spanned over 50 years. He never lost his love of the land or a straight, new fence line. He later had the privilege of watching his sons continue the legacy as fourth generation farmers and ranchers. In 1976, Jim graduated from WPHS and continued to farm and ranch with his beloved father, Frank. The two of them had been known to make stops at Harry’s and you always knew Jim was there when you heard his laugh. In 1980, Jim and future wife, Cindy, began a relationship. As Jim loved hunting and guns, he wanted Cindy to go with him. After chasing deer around for most of a day, he told her that she couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn. Later, he decided to actually have her try and she, unfortunately, proved him right. In September of 1987, Jim and Cindy Forsness were married after Jim had learned of his younger brother Linder’s imminent wedding and wanted to beat him to the punch. Three children were born to this union and they were Jim’s favorite humans. Jim loved fireworks and had been known to use them to wake up a sleeping kid or add some sparkle to their shower. He saw or spoke to his children daily. He was very proud of their accomplishments, especially their college education. Jim is survived by his wife, Cindy; daughter, Shandy (Trent) Moran; son, Jes (Cassidy) Hanks; son, Hayden Hanks; grandchildren, Maddox and Walker Moran; and his siblings, Gary Hanks of Chinook, Mont., Kathy (Hanks) Forsness of Dickinson, N.D., and Linder Hanks of Wolf Point, Mont. Funeral services for Jim will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel, with interment to follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point and a luncheon at Harry’s Nite Club. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements. (Paid Obituary)

Della Kay Brown, 65, died Jan. 7, 2026, in Billings. She was born May 24, 1960, in Poplar to Delmar Brown and Florence Youngman. She was a woman whose heart knew no limits. She was deeply compassionate and opened her home and her life to anyone in need. She raised many children and loved them all as her own, never turning away someone who needed care, comfort or a place to belong. Her love was shown through her actions: a warm meal, a bed to sleep in, a listening ear or giving her last dollar if it meant helping someone else. She loved adventures and long drives out in the country, cruising, hunting with her brother Dennis and mom and spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her children, Jasy Brown, Danelle Dragswolf, Dellaine Darnell and Ira Darnell Jr.; sister, Nadine Richards; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; the father of her children, Ira Darnell Sr.; and special companion, Robert Brien, of 35 years. She was preceded in death by her brother, Dennis Red Boy; and her grandson, Andrew Jaymes. A wake was held Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center. Funeral services will be on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 11 a.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will follow at Box Elder Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point was entrusted with the arrangements.

Frances Bighorn, 80, died Jan. 15, 2026, at NEMHS Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point. A vigil will be held on Sunday, Jan. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m. at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Chelsea Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.

Danielle Casterline, 33, died Jan. 15, 2026, in Wolf Point. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m. at the Gospel Fellowship Church. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.

Shirley Ann Edwards, 86, of Whitetail died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Billings. She was born July 23, 1939, in Scobey to Edward and Evelyn Duval. She grew up in Flaxville, graduating valedictorian in 1957 from Flaxville High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Frank Edwards, in 1959. The couple began their life farming and living in the house that Frank lived in as a child, north of Madoc. They had two children, Craig Steven (died in July 1978) and Grant Allan. She enjoyed gardening, her flowers and entertaining family and friends. She loved to cook and bake, especially pies for special functions and for her family and friends. For 43 years, she worked at Wolfe-Daniels Agency in Scobey. She enjoyed the work and her fellow employees. She was a member of the Catholic Church, working at various functions through her life. After retiring in 2023, she started doing things that she had not had time for when working, especially reading a good book and crocheting or embroidering. She was preceded in death by a brother, Gary Duval. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Frank; son, Grant; two granddaughters; two great-grandchildren; and sister, Denise of Redmond, Ore. A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, Jan. 24, at 11 a.m. in St. Philip Bonitus Catholic Church in Scobey.

Vernon “Doonie” Birdsbill Sr., 84, died Jan. 5, 2026, in Wolf Point. He leaves behind legacy, love and faith. He was born in Elbow Woods, N.D., to Mabel Newman and Charlie Birdsbill. He was raised by Fanny Birdsbill Benson. He went to Pierre and Flandreau Boarding Schools in South Dakota. As a freshman, he became a track champion and earned top honors. After high school, he helped his aunt with gardening, then on to the farm and ranch jobs. He left Twin Buttes at the age of 18 and came to Wolf Point for awhile before going to Washington, where he met the mother of his five children. He later moved to Wolf Point where his Birdsbill family had roots and formed lasting bonds and friendships. In 1990, he met Mary Clancy. His life took a profound turn when he and Mary became Christians. They married in 1991 and were together until her death in 2014. He found love again with Cindy Douglas and they spent eight years together. They loved to travel and had many trips where they shared their faith with everyone they met. Saturdays were his haven where he spent fellowship with his Pastor Kenny and brothers in faith, cheering on professional fights and cooking delicious meals for all of them. Known for his humor, he left an indelible mark on everyone he met. He worked at Fort Peck

Della Brown, 65, died Jan. 7, 2026, in Billings. The funeral service will be announced at a later date pending the completion of the arrangements with Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point.

Tony Pedersen, 75, died Jan. 4, 2026, in Alaska. He was born in Plentywood on May 27, 1950, to Clearence and Milly Pedersen. He and Karen Kurokawa were married in November 1974 and had five children, Tomi, Toni, James, Luke and Jiro. He was a Viet Nam War veteran, diesel mechanic and long-haul truck driver. He was preceded in death by a son, Jimmy; three sisters, Conny, Karen and Faith; and a brother, Art. He is survived by seven children, Tony, Tomi, Toni, Luke, Jiro, Brandy and Jody; a brother, Danny; and many nieces and nephews in Plentywood. Services are planned sometime in the summer in Plentywood.