Lucille Irene Edwards, 98, died Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, at Daniels Memorial Healthcare Center in Scobey. She was born in Riverside on April 13, 1924, to Alphonsine and Joseph Legare, the 11th of 13 children. The family moved to Flaxville when she was only six months old. She received all 12 years of schooling in Flaxville, graduating in 1943. She worked in the Daniels County Treasurer’s office in Scobey until she married her high school sweetheart, Alvin Edwards, in 1945. The couple had two children, Russell and Peggy Sue.

Almyra Lynn “Myra” Gray-Hawk, 50, of Poplar died Dec. 20, 2022. She was born on Feb. 14, 1972, to Keva Spotted Bird and Frederick Lemay. She was then adopted and raised by Carol Spotted Bird and Benjamin GrayHawk. She attended Brockton High School where she was a cheerleader ad played basketball. She enjoyed playing dice, cards, and her word puzzles. She really enjoyed visiting family and friends. She met Edwin and, in 1990, daughter Evangeline GrayHawk was born. She later met and married Loren Boadle and, in 1997, daughter Laney Boadle was born. Later on in life, she worked as a cook at Brockton School. She is survived by her daughters, Evangeline Runs-Through of Frazer and Laney Boadle of Poplar; husband, Richard Melbourne of Poplar; adopted daughter, Laureen Combs; siblings, Amber White Bear, Troy Fast Horse, Errol, Ronald, Jennifer, Wilma, Ronnie and Joseph YellowHammer, Mary Ellen Frislie, Jolene GrayHawk, Melda GrayHawk, Justin GrayHawk,

Julie Ann Azar, 59, of Williston, N.D., passed away at Mercy Medical Center in Williston, peacefully, surrounded by her family. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Williston is assisting the family. Friends may sign the on-line register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com. Her funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, at the Lutheran Brethren Church in Williston. Pastor Ron Erickson will officiate. Cremation will follow the service. Inurnment will be in the spring of 2023 at the Vida Cemetery in Vida, Mont. A family service open to the public will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, in the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home Chapel in Williston. Friends may call at the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and at the church on Friday one hour prior to services. Julie Ann (Olson) Azar was born on Feb. 19, 1963, in Wolf Point, Mont., to Lawrence and Annie Olson. She was raised on her family farm in Vida, Mont. There, she attended Southview School and then Wolf Point High School. As the youngest of her nine siblings, she was surrounded by affection from her large family. In 1981, she moved to Williston, N.D., to attend beautician school. There, she met and then married the love of her life, Randy Azar, on April 7, 1989. Together, they would often visit her family farm in Vida. Julie and Randy were blessed with two children — first a son named Adrian in May of 1990 and then a daughter named Sarah who was Julie’s birthday present in 1995. The love Julie received from her family was multiplied when she had children of her own. Julie’s caring personality made her an amazing mother. She worked from home so that she could care for her children and her aging parents. Throughout her life, Julie was always caring and looking out for others. Julie had a beauty salon in her home which had many dedicated clients. She made many lifelong friends through hairdressing. She enjoyed conversing with her clients and sharing stories. She was always ready to listen. Her love also extended to animals, to both in the wild and to her pets at home. Throughout her life, she had many cats and dogs, treating each as family. In recent years, she enjoyed traveling and birdwatching with her son, Adrian. They made many trips together across Montana and North Dakota, checking off all of the new places they had been. Julie was also very fond of shopping, especially for antiques. During her travels, she loved to look around at antique stores and to reminisce about items from her past. She had a liking for vintage cake plates and glassware. She also had a passion for home decorating. She loved to rearrange and decorate to each season, especially for holidays and parties. She enjoyed hosting gatherings and being surrounded by family and friends. This past fall, she made a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Norway to see the country where her grandparents were from. There, she was fortunate enough to visit her ancestral farm and meet her relatives who still call it home. One year ago, she was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. She was a warrior to the end and didn’t let her diagnosis defeat her. She faced it bravely and made the most of her time by spending it with loved ones and sharing in new experiences. Throughout her trials, her faith remained strong, looking to God for strength. Julie had the brightest laughter, the warmest hugs and made new friends everywhere she went. She never hesitated to reach out to others who were in need. Despite her diagnosis, she was constantly thinking of others. Her kindness inspired all of those around her. Although Julie’s life was not as long as some, she lived deeply with the time that she had. She showed a vast devotion to her family, friends and God. Her passion for life shined incandescently which drew others into her friendship. On Dec. 23, 2022, Julie was called to her heavenly home. Julie is survived by her husband, Randy Azar; her children, Adrian Azar and Sarah Azar; her sisters, Ruth (Milo) Borg of Sidney, Mont., Norma Pawlowski of Billings, Mont., Edna (John) Niccolls of Spokane, Wash., Connie Buxbaum of Ronan, Mont., Jo Ann Olson of Wolf Point, Mont., and Donna (Dennis) Torres of New Town, N.D.; sisters-in-law, Margaret (Roger) Kalisiak, Shirley Azar and Karen Ellingson; and her many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Annie Olson; her brother, Robert Olson; and her sister, Diana Lawson. In lieu of flowers, Julie has requested donations be sent to Kaidra’s Good Vibe Tribe, which supports brain cancer warriors. Checks can be sent to 1621 20th Ave West, Williston, ND 58801 or donations on the website: kaidrasgoodvibetribe. org. (Paid Obituary)

Virgil Lee Toavs, 85, passed away at his home in Apache Junction, Ariz., Dec. 23, 2022. He was born Dec. 1, 1937, to Robert and Avis Toavs in Wolf Point, Mont. After high school, he spent four years in the Navy. He is survived by his wife, Marlene Boysun; three children, Terrance Toavs, Sheila Miller and Stacy Albus; six grandchildren, Trevor Toavs, Hannah Toavs, Kaitlyn Miller, Aiden Albus, Walker Albus and Cooper Albus. One grandson, Thomas Miller, preceded him in death. Upon retirement, he pursued the art of woodworking, sculpting many beautiful and useful pieces. He shared the skill by teaching others including grandchildren. Cremation has taken place with memorial services to be scheduled at a later date. (Paid Obituary)

Michael Charles Birdsbill Sr., 79, of Wolf Point died Dec. 17, 2022. He was the first-born child to Michael and Loverty Clancy- Birdsbill. In his youth, he was an avid hunter and provider for his family. Whenever his father saw him walking towards the river, his family knew he would return with wild game for his mother to cook. He was a hard worker throughout his life and, by this, he instilled in his children and his grandson Harlin Burshia who he raised as his own. He worked many hard jobs, from picking rocks to bucking bails. Back in the 1970s, he relocated and moved his family to Los Angeles, Calif., to attend school to learn a mechanic’s trade. Upon returning home, he worked for Francis Mugley crushing gravel. He was also a carpenter for Fort Peck Housing and later he and his brother Vernon Birdsbill and Leroy Douglas started BB& D Construction. This was the trade he loved and found his niche. He taught his grandson to follow in his footsteps by teaching him how to snap a chalk line straight and to pound a nail. He was a gentle soul who showed compassion and love to everyone he came across. He would meet you with a big smile, a handshake and always cared about how you were doing. His compassion he had led him to come into the jails to speak and pray for the inmates. He gave his life to the Lord and was a firm believer in the Lord. In 1996, he lost his wife, Sylvia. He married Elizabeth Ratt-Birdsbill in 2006. By this union, they became a large, blended family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia Archdale- Birdsbill; and brothers, Verdell, Alan, Anthony and Royce Birdsbill. He is survived by his children, Christy Birdsbill and Michael Birdsbill Jr.; grandson he raised, Harlin Burshia; Diana, Gloria, Charlotte, Pauline, Janelle, Colin and Alvin; brothers, Vernon “Dooney” Birdsbill and Darrell Birdsbill; sisters, Shirley Saldo, Dorreen “Osta” Birdsbill, Jessica Birdsbill, Vanchon “Annie” Birdsbill, Kathy Birdsbill, Patsy Birdsbill and Gloria Birdsbill; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held on Friday, Dec. 23, at Blue Sky Ministries. Interment followed at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.