Rich E Miller, 76, of Terry, Mont., died suddenly June 13, 2025. Rich, a father, grandfather and great-grandfather, was born in Wolf Point, Mont., on Nov. 18, 1948, to Lynn and Thelma (Wilson) Miller. Rich grew up in Wolf Point, graduating from high school there in 1966. Soon afterward, Rich enlisted in the U.S. Army. After training in helicopter maintenance at Fort Eustis, Va., he deployed to Vietnam soon after Christmas that year. Assigned to the 498th Medical Air Ambulance Company, Rich served as a crew chief, earning a Bronze Star with “V” device, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, and the Air Medal with “V” device and four oakleaf clusters. In September 2024, Congress and the president awarded a Gold Medal to “Dustoff” pilots, crew chiefs, and medics who “served honorably during the Vietnam War aboard helicopter air ambulances.” Rich returned stateside in January 1968, serving out the remainder of his enlistment at Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia. There, he met and married Sharon Brown. Although the union did not last, it did result in the birth of their beloved daughter, Nicole Hope. Leaving the Army in 1969, Rich returned to Montana and attended the University of Montana, earning a BA in political science in 1973. Rich and Sharon then returned to Georgia, where daughter Nicole was born in May 1973. Rich worked for the Southern Railway until 1975, returning to Montana to assist in the family business, Lynn’s Bar in Helena, later that year. He began a long association with the Montana gaming industry in 1982, eventually becoming executive director of Montana’s Gaming Industry Association (GIA). Rich enjoyed a broad array of experiences. As a teenager, he helped farm for an uncle and a future Montana governor. Along with the G.I. Bill, work as a surveyor got him through college. He once even worked

Anna Louise “Peewee” Martell Syverson, 81, died June 23, 2025, at Billings Clinic Hospital. She was born on June 26, 1943, in Blair. She made her home in Culbertson, where she built a life full of love, laughter and hard work. She was the mother of Julie Finsaas Trudell and Rhonda Erickson, with whom she shared a unique and lasting bond. She especially enjoyed road-tripping with her daughters and spending long, meaningful phone calls — moments that brought her real joy. When she married Kenny Syverson, she welcomed five bonus children — Kent, Kevin, Kyle, Debbie and Pam Syverson — into her life. Her greatest joy was her family. A true jack-of-all-trades, she worked countless jobs throughout her life: waitressing, painting, cleaning and even roofing alongside her husband. There was no task too big or too small — she never turned down a job and was admired for her tireless work ethic and fierce determination. She had a wicked sense of humor, a radiant smile and a laugh that could light up any room. She never wanted to miss a thing — her energy was boundless and she greeted life with open arms. She loved to shop, find treasures at rummage sales and spent many joyful hours at the Culbertson Senior Center. A woman of deep faith, she

Ranae Jade DeMarrias, 12, died June 16, 2025, in Culbertson. She was born Nov. 21, 2012, to Butterfly DeMarrias in Wolf Point. She joined four older siblings, then later welcomed a baby sister. She was raised in Poplar. As a tiny toddler, she loved dancing and her first word was “hallelujah.” As a young girl, she always had a love for cats. She had a laugh that, if you heard it, you wouldn’t forget it. She loved eating hot chips and pickles with Kool-aid and climbing trees. As she got older, she found things that she loved to do such as joining cross-country, attending sweat and ceremony and going to Dakota class. She is survived by her mother, Butterfly DeMarrias; father, J.D. Bergie Jr., and Tony; brothers, Ronnie Lynn

Trivian T. Grainger, 77, died Monday, June 23, 2025, at Billings. She was born in Poplar on March 21, 1948, to Annie (Perry) White Eagle and Roscoe White Eagle. She was raised east of Fort Kipp in the area called Blair and attended schools in Brockton and Poplar. In 1965, she met Howard “Buddy” Grainger and, on Nov. 15, 1965, they were married. One month later, they had their marriage blessed in the Catholic Church, where they were both members. They had four children, Denise, Dawn, David and Daniel. Later, when their first grandson Adam was born, they adopted and raised him as their own. She began her career in October 1973 as a teacher’s aide for the Fort Peck Tribes HeadStart Program. Working with some of the best, she became lifelong friends with Dolly Boyd, Vivian Jones, Viola Wood and Cathy Wetsit. She continued to work and, in time, became a teacher for HeadStart until her retirement in June 1997. Of course, being home was not for her so, in August 1998, she went back to what she loved, teaching. She continued until her death. She spent 50 years and six months with the HeadStart program. No matter where she went, someone would come up to her and tell her she was their teacher. Through all these years, she has had so many priceless stories and fond memories to tell of all “her kids” she taught and coworkers. Not only was she dedicated to her family and career, but she was also a devout Catholic. Rain or shine, and though the most trying times, mom remained strong in her faith and went to Mass diligently. In her earlier years, she would sometimes assist with Mass as a Eucharist minister.

Violet Lucille Johnson, 91, of Glasgow, formerly of Fort Peck, died Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Valley View Nursing Home in Glasgow. She was born Aug. 26, 1933, to George and Lena Akkerman in Salem, S.D. In 1949, she married Wallace “Wally” Johnson. In 1954, they moved their young family to Fort Peck, where they would settle and raise their four children. She made many friendships in the Fort Peck community that would last decades as they often enjoyed the same crafts and talents. She planted

Jeffrey Ricker, 53, died June 29, 2025, in Billings. Funeral services are pending at this time under the direction of Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point.

Melody DeMarrais, 14, passed away on June 28, 2025, in Poplar. Funeral services are pending at this time under the direction of Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point.

Ashley Bigleggins died June 30, 2025, in Wolf Point. Funeral services are pending at this time under the direction of Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point.