Ryan Cherokee Spotted Bird, “Sun Ka Wakan Hdeska” Spotted Horse, 29, of Brockton died Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022. He was born July 28, 1993, to Adrian and Shannon in Billings. He joined brother Austin Ray to complete their family of four. The family moved to Norman, Okla., just before his first birthday, allowing him to become acquainted with his southern family. He loved fishing with his brother and dad, riding bikes around Norman, skateboarding and playing with his cousins. He attended preschool through 11th grade in Poplar. He played baseball, football, basketball, cross country and track. He graduated high school from Riverside Indian School in Anadarko, Okla., in May 2012. After graduation, he moved to New Mexico to live near his father. He attended Job Corps, worked as a security guard and enjoyed working out and running to keep himself in shape. He loved being outside and the warm climate in New Mexico suited him well. After moving back to Montana, he attended Fort Peck Community College and worked in construction. He was a shy, quiet child who was very orderly and meticulous with his toys, cars and figures all lined up perfectly. He paid close attention to details and was always building elaborate structures and crashing them down with cars to build more. He adored his brother and was often seen a his “shadow.” He and Austin competed in the Roosevelt County talent show one summer and Ryan took first place. He had special friendships that lasted through high school and beyond with Joe and Taylor Buckles. There were many sleepovers with boys camped out on the living room floor. The boys would laugh and wrestle late into the night. The trio spent time shooting hoops, hanging out, hunting and playing in youth tournaments. Madison was his very special sister and he often referred to her as his best friend. They played games online together, sent each other silly Snapchats and enjoyed spending time together. Most of all, he loved spending time with and helping his Papa Chuck. He is survived by his father, Adrian (Marjorie); mother, Shannon (Tommy); sister, Madison; brother, Austin; and grandfather, Brad. Funeral services were held Friday, Oct. 7, at the Brockton Cultural Center. Burial was at the Fort Kipp Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.

Gerald Boots Jackson Sr., “Togahe Giya” First to Fly, 72 of Poplar died Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. He was born June 24, 1950, in Poplar to George Grant “Kao” Jackson and Gertrude Louise “Tootie” Bushman Clark. On May 15, 1993, he married Shirley June Jackson they resided in Poplar. Through their union, they combined their children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He served in the Army and had many careers throughout his lifetime. He was a police officer, director of fish and game, SORNA officer, housing commissioner and tribal executive board member. He enjoyed visiting and spending time with family and friends. He forever had a story and would make everyone laugh with him. He enjoyed his card family, playing many games of Contract and Poker. He is survived by his wife, Shirley June Jackson; siblings, Ron Jackson, Calvin Clark, Coleen Clark and Lanette Clark; daughter, Leigh An Jackson; sons, Gerald Jackson and Ivan Witford; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Kermit Clark, Ethel “Pie” Jackson, Judy and Cayin Rodriguez, George “Rusty” Jackson, Mitchell Clark and Roland Clark; sons, Joshua Jackson and Wade White Eagle; and daughter, Adrienne “Annie” Jackson. A four-day feed was held Monday, Oct. 17, with cremation to follow. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.

Dennis Elgen, 88, of Culbertson died Oct. 13, 2022, in his home. He was born the second of three sons to Phillip and Inger Elgen on Feb. 26, 1934. He grew up in Grey Cliff. His love of flying started around the age of 5. He achieved his pilot’s license at the age of 16 in Big Timber. After his time away in the Army, he went to aeronautics school in Tulsa, Okla, with his new bride, Olga, in 1957. They were blessed with six daughters, 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He had many talents and a love of many things. Teaching many to fly, fabricating his own tools, woodworking, baking cookies, sewing, fishing, hunting and he enjoyed photography, as well. He was known to many for his love of airplanes and flying. He served on the school board and was also active in his church. He had a strong patriotic love for his country. He is survived by his wife, Olga; daughters, Debbie Lombardo, Kathie Elgen, Karen Sather, Dixie Berwick, Lori Jasper and Linda Hinds. His celebration of life was held Monday, Oct. 17, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Culbertson. Rev. Gretchen Wagner officiated. Burial will be at a later date in Big Timber.

Carla Sue (Coffey) Will, 75, died Sept. 24, 2022, in Billings. She was born Feb. 11, 1947, in Scobey to Berniece Nadine (Norman) Coffey and Ernest (Chic) Somers. She was later adopted by Mel Coffey when Berniece remarried in August 1961. She attended and graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1965. She then attended Carroll College in Helena for a bachelor's in elementary education and finished her degree at Montana State University in Bozeman in 1969. She started her teaching career at Crow Agency, where she met her husband Arden Ray Will (the night janitor at the time for the elementary school). They later married July 3, 1976, in Wolf Point. Together, they resided in the Indian Health Services Housing for six years where many friendships were formed. On Feb. 24, 1978, their son, Jess Elliot Will, was born and family life began. In July 1982, they found their perfect forever home in Hardin. There, they also lived with her mother, Berniece. The fall of 1986, she continued her teaching career in Hardin as a third-grade teacher, where she had 20 years of service. On March 27, 1988, a surprise birth of Alex Jordan Will added to the family. Together, she and Arden built a wonderful and full life in Hardin. They were regarded as a home full of love, shelter and food for anyone in the community. She always had a sharing and caring heart. She loved many things, such as playing the piano, reading a good book and having a conversation with an old friend, but nothing brought her more joy than her grandchildren. She is survived by her sons, Jess Elliot Will of Grand Forks, N.D., and Alex Jordan Will of East Helena; two grandchildren; half-brother, Terry Vincent of Barra Mansa, Brazil. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arden Ray Will. Her wish was to be cremated and placed in the Yellowstone National Veterans Cemetery in Laurel with her husband, which will be honored privately. A celebration of life was held Sunday, Oct. 16, at the First Congregational Church in Hardin.

On Sept. 29, 2022, David P. Block, a beloved husband and father, passed away. He was 71. Born in Great Bend, Kansas, to Jack and Francis Block, the family traveled with father’s calls to service in the ministry, finally making a home in Wolf Point, Mont., in 1969. Dave then went to Northern Montana College in Havre and finished his schooling at what is now the MSU-B automotive program in Billings. He began a career as an automotive mechanic that took him back to Roosevelt County where his three children were born. After working and living for many years, he stumbled upon a little redhead that changed his life. Annie and Dave were married for 23 years, combining their lives and their hearts in loving companionship. Always an athlete, Dave spent quality time fishing, golfing and playing softball. He was always reaching for that “biggest fish”, “hole-inone” and “ANOTHER home run!” Dave has always been described as a gentle giant. Quiet and kind, he commanded the room, just by walking in the door. His Domino opponents would probably be giving him a hard time for winning so much! In 2019, he retired after 30 years with the automotive industry and accepted a seasonal position with the Corps of Engineers at Fort Peck Dam. He always said it was the job of his dreams and enjoyed it immensely. They were the happiest three years of his life. Dave embraced his retirement as a BBQ master, spent hours in his woodshop listening to old rock and roll and the Beatles and enjoyed time and family at the cabin on Fort Peck Lake until brain cancer forced him to resign and begin the cancer battle. His newest and furriest friend, Buddy, his lap warmer and backyard security guard, made these last steps as comfortable as he could, never leaving Dave’s side. He is survived by his wife, Annie; siblings, Kathy (Hamburger) of Oklahoma, Jim of Texas, Tim of Missouri; children, Dana (Dania) of Billings, David of Wolf Point and Danielle (Scot) of Billings; step-children, Angela (Curt) and Sally (Sean); and grandchildren, Shelbi, Bridgit, Gage, Noah, Canin, Scotlyn and Declyn. Memorial services will be held on Fort Peck Lake in the spring, with details to follow.

Lelamae Bridges Westland Chamberlain, 101, died Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, at the Faith Home in Wolf Point. She was born April 5, 1921, in Maroa, Ill., the daughter of Lillian Mae (Short) and Jerry Lester Bridges. Jerry was employed building box cars for the railroad so consequently the family traveled where ever the contracts were let such as Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Iowa. In the spring of 1930, the family moved to Montana to work for Jerry’s older brother, Shirley, who managed a horse ranch owned by Chappel Brothers Corporation. There, Lelamae and her younger brother, Clyde Maxy grew up part of a “family” of cowboys who remained her big brothers for many years. She graduated from Frazer High School in 1939. She later married Robert Westland and sons Robert Clyde and William Lee Westland were born. In 1947, she married Kenneth Doran “Buzz” Chamberlain and they welcomed Jerry Earl into their lives. When she wasn’t helping out at Clyde’s ranch, she held various jobs including Bryan’s, The Herald-News and the Roosevelt County Treasurer’s Office. She also volunteered at several places including the Senior Center and the thrift shop as well as her church. She was a very talented gardener, knitter and crocheter. Several years ago, she admired a baby sweater that one of her friends had made and asked for the pattern. When the friend declined to share it, Lelamae bought a sweater from her and was able to copy it. From that pattern, she created many sweaters for family members and friends. She later passed the pattern on to her daughter- in-law who has kept up the tradition. She was preceded in death by her brother, Clyde; sons, Bobby and Billy; and grandchildren, Michael and Heather. She is survived by her son, Jerry; six grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Memorial services for Lelamae and her grandchildren Heather and Michael were held Oct. 8, at the First Presbyterian Church in Wolf Point. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.