In the early morning hours of June 3, 2021, Ray passed peacefully in his sleep after a brave battle with cancer. Ray was being cared for by Doris, his wife of 71 years, and Clint, his oldest son while also receiving hospice care which allowed him to remain in his home in Miles City. Ray was born at the family farm at Snowden, Mont., on July 5, 1930, to Martin and Frances (Bjelland) Halvorson. He joined grandparents, Ole and Amelia (Fierstein) Bjelland, Uncle John Halvorson, and siblings, Oliver, Millie, Ella and Louise. He would soon be joined by his little sisters, Margaret and Marilyn. Early life at the farm had Ray learning the values of family, hard work and good times. He also started to cultivate a lifelong love of horses and nature. He started his formal education at Fort Union, and continuing on to Bainville when they closed the old Mondak school. He drove the school bus carrying the other kids from Mondak and Snowden to Bainville while attending high school. During his late teen years, Ray worked for various farms and ranches around the Bainville area, especially during harvest when he contracted out with a team of horses and his dad’s hayrack to bring in the wheat. He had already started breaking horses to ride, an activity he enjoyed for the rest of his life. During a foray across the Snowden Bridge to a dance at “Dreamland,” south of Fairview, Ray met Doris Mae Seliger, his future wife. The buildings are still there but it is no longer called Dreamland and they no longer promote romance but sell fresh produce! Ray and Doris were married on June 28, 1949, beginning a long journey together. Ray worked for both the Romos and Wilsons while Doris began creating a home. They went to work for Ben Nordell at Mondak, living in a small travel trailer. It was hot in the summer and cold in the winter. They soon moved up to the McNary house on the ranch and Ray was soon promoted to ranch foreman, allowing them to move into the big Weinrich house where they soon welcomed Clint into the family with Clay joining in on the fun a few years later. Ray went to work for Bill Wilson in the early ‘60s, where he was fortunate to meet Wayne and Sue Grimsrud. He working for Charlie Johnson in Lambert. Every cloud has a silver lining though as their time in Lambert brought them to meet Kenneth and Kay Thornton, becoming lifelong friends also. Then providence struck as Bruce Randall, Sue Grimsrud’s father, suggested that Ray try to get on with the state highway department and then he could eventually get transferred back close to home in Culbertson. So in 1966, the household was packed up and moved to Opheim, Mont., where Ray learned how to plow 8’ drifts of snow! In 1967, the desired move to Culbertson was realized and Ray and Doris lived there for over 40 years. Many blistering summer days were spent on the asphalt and many cold, miserable nights were spent plowing snow. Sioux Pass was one of his “favorite” places! Ray continued to advance within the ranks of the highway department, eventually retiring as foreman in 1993. Ray formed multitudes of friendships along the way with co-workers in his 27 years with the state. Ray was active in the community, serving on the city council and was active in the volunteer fire department. He was a member of the Saddle Club for most of his years, helping run Frontier Days, the Wagon Train, steer ropings and O-Mok-sees. Ray helped out in a pinch one week and soon was trim job or if you needed a dingaling straightened out. Ray fulfilled his need of being active with horses, cattle and nature by helping many in the area with brandings and working cattle. If there was a chance of getting to rope a calf, he would be there! Many great times were had at various ranches … Wayne Grimsrud, Bob Traeger, Fred Thompson, Gerald Raaum, Ray Johnson, Shorty Atwood, Louie Vournas and, of course, the Romo Bros. to name a few. He also enjoyed parades, riding with family or driving Doc Reitzel’s black horses with McCann’s stagecoach. Rodeos were also a passion, traveling near and far, to watch. Ray and Doris also worked with Gene Foss on the Foss Cattle Drives, helping city slickers experience the life of a real cowboy. In 1995, with the death of his brother Oliver, Ray assumed ownership of his beloved badlands. He built fences, corrals and drilled wells, working on improving the old home place. He was very proud of the small herd of Herefords that he developed. In 2008, Ray and Doris decided it was time to downsize so an auction was held and they sold their Culbertson property, moving to Miles City, Mont. They proceeded to build their first “brand-new” house as they approached their ‘80’. Ray continued to stay active with his new shop and lots of yard work to do, even bringing young cedar saplings from the hills to plant in their new yard. Ray was proceeded in death by his parents, Martin and Frances Halvorson; and siblings, Oliver, Millie, Ella, Louise, Margaret and Marilyn. Ray is survived by his wife, Doris Mae (Seliger) Halvorson; sons, Clint (Mary) Halvorson and Clay (Carol) Halvorson; granddaughters, Amy (Mike) Quigley and Kara (Scotty Brown) Halvorson; and great-grandson Nyreece Halvorson. He is also survived by the multitudes of nephews and nieces from both the Halvorson and Seliger families who he loved and cared for as though they were his own children. Ray has requested that no service be held and his ashes be spread up on the top of the badlands down home. Stevenson and Sons of Miles City is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to stevensonandsons.com or 1717 Main St., Miles City, MT 59301. (Paid Obituary)

Tosha Joy White Hawk, 41, of Wolf Point died June 3, 2021, in Billings. She was born Oct. 29, 1979, to Valerie White Hawk and Duane White Hawk. She spent most of her life in Wolf Point, where she called home. She loved being with her friends. She liked cooking, listening to music and just being herself. She was always happy and loved joking around with others. She had five children with Melvin: Cherish White Hawk of Wolf Point, Jayla Lilley of Billings, Journee Lilley of Billings, Macey Lilley of Livingston and DaShaun Lilley of Anaconda; and two grandchildren. She had five sisters, Donna Bigleggins of Wolf Point, Dallas Whitebear of Poplar, Skyla WhiteHawk of Wolf Point, Miranda Scott of Wolf Point and Alexis Bigleggins of Frazer; one brother, Robert Birthmark of Poplar. She is survived by her siblings, Valerie White Hawk, Rose Morsette and Agnes Ward. She was preceded in death by her sister, Starla Murphy. Her funeral was held Thursday, June 10, at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. Interment was at King Memorial Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.

Llewellyn James Eagle, 67, of Wolf Point died June 4, 2021, at the Billings Clinic. He was born in Poplar on June 24, 1953, to Geraldine Eagle, but was raised by his grandparents Frank and Mary Eagle. He attended school in Poplar and also had attended Job Corps until he moved to California. He spent his teen years living in Newark, Fresno and Hayward, Calif. While residing in California, he worked in Sacramento and the Bay area as a certified welder and also a mechanic. In 1985, he was involved in a motor vehicle accident and later returned to Montana to be near his family. Prior to moving to California, he met Evelyn Hernandez in 1974 and, from this union, his son Joel was born. After he returned to Montana, he met Shelly Porras in 1991 and, from this union, came Cassandra “Sandy” and Llewellyn Jr. He raised Lisa Marie on his own. In his younger years, he enjoyed giving mechanical advice and working on cars, digging turnips/roots, going fishing and cruising. He had the best cooking skills and was locally “famous” for his homemade salsa and chili. He had a crazy sense of humor and was always joking and laughing. Some of his favorite TV shows were Maury and Steve Wilkos. His favorite of all was watching Nascar races, football and basketball. Some of his favorite teams include the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders and, of course, the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent the last few years of his life sitting on the couch watching his pride and joy “Rosie” and his grandson LewAnthony playing outside. He is survived by his children, Joel C. Adams of Spokane, Wash., Cassandra “Sandy,” Llewellyn Jr. “BobaLew” and Lisa Marie Eagle of Wolf Point; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by siblings, Edna R. Eagle, Kathleen Eagle-Forrest and Raymond Messelt. His funeral was held Friday, June 11, at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. Interment was at the Riverside Catholic Cemetery, south of Brockton. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.

Baylor Zay’n Spottedbird, infant son of J’lanie Moran and Dwain Spottedbird, died June 3, 2021, in Wolf Point. He was given the name “His Eagle Heart” by his uncle, Emerson Boyd and “Boy Who Flies With Eagles” which was given to him by Marty Reum. Baylor was seven months, but already had a special bond with his family and loved ones. He is survived by his parents, Dwain Spotted Bird and J’Lanie Moran; grandparents, Shane and Ida Moran and John and Jackie Spotted Bird; brother, Jayceon Spotted Bird; sisters, Brooklynn Bull Chief and D’Laine Spotted Bird; and grandmother, Colleen Moran Brien of Lodge Grass. He was preceded in death by his brother, Dwain;. A funeral service was held Saturday, June 12, at the Poplar Cultural Center in Poplar. Burial will be held at the Poplar City Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.

Kathleen Sansaver, 85, passed Nov. 21, 2020. A prayer service is scheduled at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Friday, June 18, at 5 p.m. A funeral service is scheduled at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church Saturday, June 19, at 11 a.m.

Curtis Dean “Curt” Standing, 62, died May 28, 2021, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was born on April 2, 1959, in Wolf Point, the fourth child of Arlene and Gifford Standing. In his early years, he grew up on the family homestead in Oswego. He was raised surrounded by family, usually visiting his cousins, aunts and uncles. He loved riding horses across the fields around the homestead with his siblings. When he was 12 years old, the family moved to Frazer, where he continued to go to school, until he graduated in 1978. During his time in Frazer, he enjoyed many things, including playing sports and hanging out with his many friends, especially the Jackson boys. They would go and participate in rodeos, riding broncs and junior bulls. He played basketball for the Frazer Bearcubs, playing all four years on the varsity team. After graduating high school, he joined the Army. After completing basic training, he decided to be a paratrooper, completing a total of 29 jumps. He would always recall many stories of his time in service. He was stationed in Europe and enjoyed the many friends he made while overseas. After returning home from the service, he worked various jobs, from being a farmhand to working at A& S Industries. He then went to work for Fort Peck Housing as a carpenter, working there nearly 20 years. He enjoyed many activities outside of work, such as going fishing, throwing horseshoes and spending time with family. His real passion was rodeo. He started off riding bareback horses for a few years until being asked to ride for a wild horse race team. After that, he was hooked. In the 1980s, he rode with his brothers, the Jacksons, winning numerous times. He then rode with multiple teams in the ‘90s and early 2000s, winning all along the way. He won many buckles, jackets and trophies. He was always an outgoing and hardworking man. He always had a story or anecdote to tell. He enjoyed life and his family. He was most proud of his children and grandchildren. He was always ready to help any family member or friend that needed it. He was preceded in death by his brother, Bernard Standing; sister, Sheila Standing; and son, TelRay Standing. He is survived by his sons, Brockie Standing of Frazer and Chans Standing of Oswego; daughter, Cyrenna Standing of Wolf Point; three grandchildren; and brother, Lowell Standing. His funeral was held Monday, June 14, at the Oswego Community Hall. Interment was at the Oswego Presbyterian Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Laurelle Lyn Green, 34, of Fort Kipp died May 28, 2021, in Brockton. The daughter of Dani Green, she was born Sept. 8, 1986, at the Poplar Hospital. She was given the Indian name “Holy Breath Woman” which was passed down to her by her grandmother Rozelda (Blackdog) Loans Arrow. She grew up mostly with her cousins, Thena Epps, Reannon BlackDogBear, Roger Running Bear Jr. and Edith Youpee in the Fort Kipp and Culbertson area. She attended school and graduated from the Brockton High School in Brockton. She worked various jobs, which included working as a clerk in the prosecutor’s office and at Tribal Express for the Fort Peck Tribes. She worked at Walmart in Williston, N.D., and at Albertsons in Wolf Point. She also worked at the Poplar Hospital as a CNA and dietary aide in the kitchen. Her most favorite place of employment was Sidney Sugars where she also received her CDL license. She was a very fun and loving person who enjoyed spending time with her daughters, Devyn, Daija, DeMya, Rosslyn and Royal and her son, Roman. Some of her favorite things to do were cruising around and hanging out with her friends and family. She had a smile that would light up the room when she walked in with a bright, loving personality. She is survived by her mother, Dani Green of Fort Kipp; children, Devyn Lizotte, Daija Lizotte, DeMya Lizotte, Rosslyn Russell, Roman Russell and Royal Russell; brother, Landis Green, of Brockton; and grandmother, Loretta Bearcub of Fort Kipp. She was preceded in death by her step-father, Eric Red-Bull. Her funeral was held Tuesday, June 15, at the James Black Dog Center in Fort Kipp. Interment was at Fort Kipp Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.

James “Jimmy” Welch, 70, of Wolf Point died June 6, 2021. He was born in Poplar on July 23, 1950, to Robert F. and Beatrice E. Welch. He loved to ride bulls and bronc ride and was an all-around cowboy. He took first place in many competitions and had numerous #1 belt buckles to show for it. He loved to make floats during Stampede with his family and placed first many times and had many ribbons. After his educational endeavors, he earned his degree in “doctor of motors.” He started working for the Ford automotive dealership in Wolf Point as auto mechanic for several years. He then started picking weeds for Fort Peck Housing Authority, working his way up to west end supervisor from Tule to Wiota. He most recently retired due to medical reasons after 33 years with FPHA. He married Cheryl Brunelle and, from that union, James, Eric and Robert John Welch were born. He then married Cindy Azure and was married for many years. They had one son, Chad, and one daughter, Jami. He also raised several grandsons as his own. He is married to Daphne Welch and they have two children, Aliyana and Gary. He immediately fell in love with them, which helped rejuvenate his spirit of life. He was unconditionally kind, loving, had a generous heart and never expected anything back from anyone. He was a father figure to many. He loved spending time visiting with his family. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He spent his free time hunting and cruising the countryside with his wife, Daphne; children; and grandchildren. He loved being outdoors in the presence of Mother Nature, listening to ole country music. He was preceded in death by his sons, Eric Welch and Robert John Welch; and siblings, Rose Welch Harden, Sarah Welch and Dennis Welch. He is survived by his wife, Daphne; siblings, Robert Welch, Edith Welch Bigleggins, Clara Welch, Louise Welch Strickland, Roxanne Welch and Carol Welch; children, James Welch, Chad Welch, Jami Walker, Aliyana Welch and Gary Welch; and six grandchildren. His funeral was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 16, at the Wolf Point Community Hall. Interment was at Greenwood Cemetery. (Paid Obituary)

Peter James Frederick, 70, died June 4, 2021, at his home outside of Nashua. He was born on Jan. 20, 1951, to Lewis and Hattie (Hinman) Frederick in Wolf Point. He attended and graduated school from Poplar. After graduation, he moved to Tucson, Ariz., where his brother Joe and his family lived. He worked at a paper factory and, as a joke, decided to bring all of his sisters back paper dresses. He moved back to Poplar and went straight to work at the Farmer’s Union Elevator in Poplar. He was there until it shut down for good. After that, he became a member of the janitorial staff for the Poplar Schools. During this time, he also was a volunteer EMT for the Poplar Hospital. He was also very active in the Poplar AAU Wrestling Club. He was a volunteer coach, as well as a referee for many years. He was briefly married to Delores Wynia, who he met through the hospital where she was a traveling nurse. They moved to Winner, S.D., where he worked as maintenance for the local hospital. After their divorce, he moved to his cousin Terry and Nora Zeiger’s mink farm outside of Nashua. Later, he and Danny Zeiger took over and ran it together. He didn’t have any children of his own, but he was active in the lives of his nieces and nephews. Later, he was very active in the lives of their children. You could almost always find “Uncle Pete” in the stands at every wrestling meet around the area. He loved to watch his relatives wrestle, especially nephew Jase Frederick and cousin Luke Zeiger. He also loved to read any kind of books he could get his hands on and going to the Fort Peck Theatre. He was preceded in death by his brothers, John, Leroy, Joseph, David, Mark, Samuel and Abraham Frederick; and sisters, Ruth Frederick and Martha Bridges. He is survived by his sisters, Esther Stuehm, Sarah Thompson and Mary Frederick. A memorial service was held Thursday, June 10, at the Church of the Nazarene in Poplar. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.