Bruce Garrett Mahlen, 71, of Shoshoni, Wyo., died March 26, 2026. Born on Jan. 16, 1955, to Ernest and Evelyn Mahlen, he grew up with a competitive spirit that defined his life. He was a man who worked hard so he could play harder. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat Guidry-Mahlen, who died in 2010. He was a devoted father to his children, Scott Mahlen, Jason Mahlen, Wendy Nordtome, Kayla Mahlen and Summer Laven, and a proud grandfather to all of his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a presence you always felt when he was around. He was always a man testing his luck at the local casino playing keno, almost always leaving with a win and a funny story. If it wasn’t keno, it was most often a game of pool or bowling in his younger years. He loved cards and

Cheryl Lynn Sutherland, 65, died March 31, 2026, at the Billings Clinic in Billings. She was given her beloved nickname, “Boo Bear” from her older brother Richard when she was an infant. She was given her Dakota name, Waha’canka Duta Wi (Red Shield Woman). She was born Dec. 5, 1960, in Poplar to Richard “Dicky” Sutherland and Louise Ell. She was enrolled in Rocky Boy, but Poplar is where she called home. She loved both reservations as many of her beloved relatives resided in both. She in early years she followed her parents to California until they moved back home to Montana. She later moved with her father to Rocky Boy. They later moved to Columbia Falls, later moving back with her mother to Fort Peck Reservation. Together with her siblings, they lived at the Glasgow Air Force Base where she continued her schooling. In the years to follow, she married and divorced Jerry Small and, together, they had a son, Terrell. Grandma Louise raised him as her own. She continued on her own path and met Alfred Walking Eagle and, together, had Seneca, whom her uncle Walkie and aunt Rose Sutherland raised in Rocky Boy. She later met Frank Martell and had their sons, Cale and Brandon. They parted their ways, and she later met Bernard Noel Youpee. Together, they had their daughters, Britney and Marlene. Years later, she met Robert Brown and they had their sons, Richard and Zachary. Throughout her life, she wore several hats; she worked as a geographical seismic surveyor, firefighting camp crew, housekeeper for the Rocky Boy Tribal Health, net maker for A& S Industries and Fort Peck Tribes Daycare worker. But above all, her most cherished role was helping raise her grandchildren. She was a woman of strong

Marlin John “Porgie” Jackson, Ta’Wamni Oda’, “Many Eagles,” 53, died March 26, 2026, in Billings — the same day his younger brother, Miles J. Jackson Sr., died six years earlier. He was born Sept. 7, 1972, to Reginald Hotomanie and Mary Sue Jackson in Wolf Point. We know he was greeted in heaven by family and friends with overwhelming joy and happiness. He was raised in Frazer and attended Frazer Public Schools, graduating in 1992. He had a deep passion for sports and excelled in everything he set his mind to. He mentored countless young athletes, inspiring them to believe in themselves and guiding them with patience and love. He proudly coached the Frazer Bearcubs elementary, middle school and high school basketball, track and football teams, as well as coaching traveling basketball teams — sharing his time, knowledge and heart with the youth. An outstanding athlete himself, he went to state for javelin during his junior and senior years, taking third place in 1992. His record throw of 178’10” still stands today — a record he proudly claimed would “never be broken.” After high school, he attended University of Jamestown for a short period in North Dakota, often talking about his dream of playing in the Major Leagues. In the years that followed, he came close to that dream, earning recognition as one of the greatest softball players around — fierce, fast and competitive. Traveling across the rez and the state, he and his “softball family” brought home many tournament titles, MVP awards, Pendleton coats/blankets and star quilts. He also carried on the family tradition of Wild Horse Racing, competing alongside his brothers and supporting his nephews as a coach and mentor. He proudly called his uncles “the original O.G.s” — ‘Jackson, Inc.’ for life. He enjoyed hunting and fishing any chance he got. He enjoyed fixing things and making different contraptions. Throughout his life, he held many jobs and excelled in all of them. He worked

Donald “Alan” Stanford, 73, died in Billings, Mont., on Dec. 3, 2025. A lifelong resident of Culbertson, he was born Oct. 12, 1952, to Greel and Hazel Stanford. As the youngest of six children, he grew up with a deep connection to his family and his hometown. After graduating from Culbertson High School, he became a man of many trades. He spent much of his life behind the wheel of a truck or working with his hands as a carpenter. Those who knew him best knew where to find him when the workday was done: either on the back of a Harley Davidson or enjoying a cold drink and a good story at the local bar. His passion for motorcycles was sparked early on when his siblings gifted him his first bike — a gesture that fueled a lifelong love for the road. When he wasn’t riding, he was almost certainly with a dog. He rarely went through life without a loyal canine companion by his side. He is survived by his siblings, Irene Johnson of Culbertson and Mike Stanford of Costa Rica. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert, John and Ed Stanford. There will be a spreading of ashes at Charley Creek on April 18, 2026, at 11 a.m.

Christopher Michael Granbois (Bighorn), 54, died March 30, 2026, in Billings. He was born on March 17, 1972, in Wolf Point to Erna Granbois and Dean Bighorn. He lived in Poplar until 1976 when he moved to Miles City with his mother. He lived there until 1978 and attended kindergarten in there. He moved back and lived in Poplar until 1992. He attended elementary school through high school in Poplar. He graduated from Poplar High School in 1991. He moved to Buffalo, Nev., in 1992. While in Buffalo, he worked at the Navel Park and attended the Ford Asset Program in Niagara Falls to become a Ford Master Mechanic. He graduated from this program in 1995. He worked as a Master Mechanic at the Rainbow Ford dealership for several years. During this time, he met and married Tin Krilokowski and his first daughter, Heather, was born. He moved to Wyoming in 1997 where he worked for Ford dealerships in Powell and Casper. He made his home in Casper with his wife and three children until

Virginia Clancy, 83, of Wolf Point died April 5, 2026. Services are pending at this time.

Sharon Kay (Robinson) Rudolph, 83, died Jan. 17, 2026. She was born Oct. 30, 1943, to Leo and Gladys Robinson. She grew up on the family farm in Bainville alongside her siblings, Gloria, Robert and Edward. She loved the outdoors and spent much of her childhood surrounded by horses, dogs, cats and other farm animals. She attended Bainville School and graduated in 1961. After graduating, she moved to Glasgow, where she met Ricardo. They married and moved to Puerto Rico, where their son, Ricky, was born in 1964. Their daughter, Malinda, was born in 1970 while the family was living in Poulsbo, Wash. In 1986, she moved back home to the family farm in Bainville. She reconnected with her classmate Leslie and they married in 1990. Together, they enjoyed many years spending time with family and friends and spoiling their grandchildren. Throughout her life, she served her community and family in countless meaningful ways. She worked as a classroom volunteer, elementary library assistant, supply clerk at the Bremerton Naval Shipyard, kindergarten aide and school janitor. She was also deeply involved in her church, serving as a Sunday school teacher and coordinator, a vacation Bible school director and a dedicated volunteer. She contributed to the Bainville community by writing several columns for the local newspaper, helping organize community events and serving on the Bainville Cemetery Committee. She had a deep love for reading all types of books and read so many throughout her life that she could have filled her own library. She also enjoyed sewing and crafting, lovingly creating quilts and blankets for family members and friends. One of her greatest joys was coloring and crafting with her grandchildren. She was a passionate sports fan who loved watching or listening to baseball, football, basketball and softball. She was a lifelong fan of the

Dorothy Stepper, 97, of Glasgow died Sunday evening, March 15, 2026. She was born May 3, 1928, to Katherine and Gilbert Sweeting in Wolf Point. She attended Grand Prairie School (a one-room schoolhouse) and graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1946. She went to beauty school in Minneapolis, Minn., with lifelong friend Ruby Elison. They attended beauty school during the day and then worked at an ice cream shop until midnight to keep a roof over their heads and food in their bellies. After she returned to Montana, she worked in a salon and then was able to buy her own beauty salon. In late 1948, she met “a tall handsome man,” Lester Stepper. They were married on April 30, 1949, in Wolf Point. In 1954, they moved to Glasgow where they built their house. They did all the work themselves, even using a wheelbarrow and cement mixer to pour the basement floor. A few years later, children Daniel, Kristy and LeAnn were adopted to make their family complete. Her life was dedicated to her family. She had a deep Christian faith and was active in her church. She also loved quilting with the church ladies. She volunteered many hours at Valley View giving perms and cutting hair for its

Charles “Charlie” Pribbernow, 65, of Poplar died March 24, 2026, at St. Vincent Regional Hospital in Billings. He was born Oct. 31, 1960, to Anna Pribbernow and Clarence Pribbernow in Poplar. He was educated a few years in Glasgow and then relocated to Poplar, where he finished school up until his 16th year of age. He then begun working at the age of 16 for a garbage truck crew and worked various jobs at A& S, firefighting crew and the oilfield is where he found steady work as a derrick hand on both the drilling and service rigs. He really enjoyed hunting with family and friends, brush walking or cruising the hills looking for that trophy. He also had a good craft in artwork and enjoyed tinkering around on the keno machine, root digging and also loved taking care of his yard and all his plants. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Chelsea Pribbernow; brothers, Barry, Ventura and Curtis Belgard; and sisters; Karen Raviscioni

Vernita Romaine Perry Buckles, 83, died March 20, 2026, at Billings Clinic. She was born Aug. 3, 1942, to Frank and Lavina Perry of Fort Kipp. She graduated from Brockton High School in 1961, marking the beginning of her journey into a vibrant and fulfilling life. She then pursued higher education at Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute and NAIS College, where she earned her associate’s degree, laying a solid foundation for her future endeavors. Shortly after her studies, she married Donald Jordan Buckles. From this union came three children: Allen William Buckles, Michelle Rae Buckles and Donelle Kay Buckles. While she was expecting her youngest daughter, she embarked on a professional journey, joining the Fort Peck Tribes Head Start Program as its bookkeeper. This role became more that just a job for her. It was a calling that she embraced in her unwavering dedication for an impressive 41 years before retiring. In her retirement, she discovered a newfound passion as a Tupperware saleswoman, a role that brought her immense joy and satisfaction. This endeavor not only kept her actively engaged but also allowed her to connect with others in her community. She played a significant role in nurturing and raising not just her grandchildren but also in supporting her granddaughters as they navigated the journey of parenthood. During her retirement, she devoted her time to babysitting her great-grandchildren, creating a loving environment where laughter and cherished memories flourished. She cherished basketball and her eyes would light up with joy whenever she watched her grandchildren and great-grandchildren play, their laughter and enthusiasm bringing her happiness. But her heart always held a special place for Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns. Basketball was more than just a pastime for her — it was