Julie Ann Howard, 77, of Circle died Dec. 25, 2021, in Circle. She was born to Ed and Blanche Elverud of Circle on Nov. 11, 1944. She attended school in Circle, graduating as valedictorian of her high school class in 1962. While in school, she developed a love of music, learning to play the piano and the baritone saxophone and it was that “barisax” that led her to Westmar College in Iowa on a music scholarship. While in college, she met her first husband, Vern Dockter, and together their journeys led her to Illinois, where, as a licensed teacher, she taught Spanish from 1966 through 1969. After a move to Denver, Colo., she earned a master’s degree in library science and earned the title of “Mom” on April 12, 1971, welcoming twins, Angela and Jeff Dockter, into the world. She returned to Circle in 1974 after a divorce. In 1976, she married Robert “Bob” Thorgaard of Circle. She became a step-mother to Bob’s three children and, together, they welcomed eight grandchildren into the family during their 15-year marriage that ended with Bob’s death in 1991. A long-time friendship culminated in a marriage to John Albert “Bub” Howard on July 4, 1993. Soon after, they welcomed two grandchildren into the family while he farmed and she worked for Circle Insurance Agency, where she sold insurance until her retirement. In retirement, she devoted her time to playing the piano on Sundays at the Evangelical Church in Circle, serving on the board of the Circle Chamber of Commerce, and starting many numerous quilting projects that produced many beautiful quilts. She is survived by her husband, Bub Howard; brother, Ed Elverud; and two children, Angela Harris and Jeff Dockter; two step-children and numerous grandchildren. A celebration of life was held at the Evangelical Church in Circle on Sunday, Jan. 9.

Thomas J. Flynn Jr., “Tom-Thumb”, 38, of Wolf Point died Dec. 27, 2021, in Wolf Point. He was born Aug. 18, 1983, in Poplar to Thomas “Jimmy” Flynn Sr. and Jeri L. Ferguson. He loved to family barbecues, going to powwows, fishing trips, playing with his children and, most of the all, spending time with family. He had many friends. He could always be seen hanging with friends, was always willing to lend a helping hand in any way he could, or was a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear. He was a very friendly, tender-hearted person. He had many hopes and dreams he wanted to achieve, but, due to a traumatic head injury, they remained just that, hopes and dreams. He is survived by his children, Azariah, Madison, Brandon, Quentin, Justin, Promise, Triston, Tom-Tom and Tiana Cree; brothers, Anthony Flynn, George Flynn and Deacon Magnum; and sisters, Paige Flynn, Doran Flynn. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 10, at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel. Interment was at Oswego Catholic Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.

Florence Marie Loves Him, 57, of Poplar died Jan. 4, 2022, at Poplar Hospital. She was born to Laverne Loves Him Dec. 2, 1964. She loved to drive around and listen to music. She was a CNA for Poplar and Wolf Point hospitals. She met Edward ‘Eddie” Welch and they had three children together, Terrance, Tyrone and Glenda. They raised Alexis Wounded Face as their own. They later separate, but remained best friends until his death. She later married Roy Snell. She is survived by her mother, Laverne LovesHim; one grandson; two sons, Terrance and Tyrone; adopted daughter, Alexis Wounded Face; sisters, Margaret, Zelda, Georgie Anna; and two brothers,, Gene and Raymond. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Glenda; sister, Rebecca LovesHim; stepdad, Darrell Youngman; friend, Eddie Welch; and granddaughters, Charlynn and Brooklynn. A wake will be held on Thursday, Jan. 13, at 7 p.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will follow at St. Ann’s Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.

Darlene Fern Longee, 83, of Poplar died Dec. 20, 2021, at Billings Clinic. She was born Oct. 26, 1938, to Ethel Buckles and Ernest Longee at the Poplar Hospital in Poplar. She grew up in the Riverside and Poplar areas. She was loving and caring person, even if she didn’t always show it. Shne worked as a nursing assistance and CNA most of her adult life, in Glasgow, Poplar and Wolf Point. She retired in 1994 from Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point. She lived at Faith Lutheran Home since November 2020. Later in her life, she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her savior. She took Christianity very seriously. She attended Danny Lindsay’s church for many years. Some of the things that she loved was reading her Bible, having and going to Bible study, watching old western movies and game shows and doing crossword puzzles. She also loved taking care of all her houseplants. She is survived by her son, Lee Blackhoop Jr. of Poplar; daughters, Elizabeth Blackhoop of Poplar, Pauline Cody of Laurel, Francine Boxer of Fort Kipp and Brandy Longee of Poplar; brothers, Lawrence Longee of Toppenish, Wash., and Maynard Longee of Poplar; half-sister, Joy Whitehawk of Havre; and numerous grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister, Diane Longee; brothers, Ernest John Longee, Arthur and Russell Longee, and Melvin (Dennis) Scott; daughter, Lori Ellen Blackhoop; sons, Rodney and Brian Blackhoop; and grandchildren, Ryan Buckles, Brent and Paul Morales. Funeral services were held Jan. 3 at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Poplar. Interment followed at Poplar City Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.

Trey Marcus Paul Fourstar, “Wachaga Yuza” (Carries the Sweetgrass), 21, died Dec. 25, 2021, in Williston, N.D. He was born on June 9, 2000, to Honey Bernard Redboy and Victor Fourstar Jr. in Wolf Point. He grew up in a house of four in Wolf Point on the west end of town with his older brothers, Chad and Brad Fourstar. Growing up with his brother’s outgoing ways and their participation in sports paved a path for his participation in sports throughout high school. His love of basketball started at a young age. He traveled to numerous places for tournaments with his best friend/ brother, Joseph Williamson. He also developed a love for cross-country that spanned from junior high to college. He joined Montana Youth Corps his sophomore year of high school and graduated from MYC in June 2017. He worked for Agland during high school. This is where he grew a love for his work family. His special friend was Sophie Rasmussen, whom he married. He later found work with Key Energy. He was a hard worker and was a positive role model to many. He touched many lives during the little time we had with him. He was a direct decedent of Chief Redstone, Hunga Iya Sha, of the Wadopena, Canoe Paddler Board of the Assiniboine Nation. He was given a Lakota name by the late chief Leonard Crow Dog at a young age and was given the Assiniboine name “Wachaga Yuza” (Carries the Sweet Grass) by the Assiniboine Medicine Lodge Society. He is survived by mother, Honey (Don) RedBoy; grandmothers, Rebecca Douglas, Lennie (Mike) Peters, Lori (Ted) Sampson, Pam (Mark) Keoke, Sandy Bernard, Jackie (Tom) Adams and Tina Bernard; brothers, Camarillo (Brittany) Burshia, Matthew Shawl and Jayde Fourstar; grandmother, Carol Demarrias; and brothers, Bradly Fourstar, Chad Fourstar and Brandon Hapa. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 4, at the Wolf Point High School. Interment followed at Riverside Catholic Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.

Elouise “Elly” Florence Burshia, “Humble Lakota Woman,” 62, died Dec. 29, 2021, in Poplar. She was born on Nov. 10, 1959, in Poplar to Mary Recette and Aloysius James Burshia Jr. She attended schools in Culbertson, Glasgow, Poplar and Brockton. She also went to college in Billings to become an accountant. She enjoyed making patch quilts and she loved her cats and her favorite dog. She worked at the Brockton senior site and Brockton School in the cafeteria until her health forced her to quit. She was married to Donald Weinberger by Pastor David Boyd. Shey is survived by her son, Joshua James Burshia; granddaughters, Kenicea Burshia, Angela Antoinette Carrillo; 11 grandchildren; and sisters, Carolyn Adams, Roxann Smith, Brenda Eder and Joanne Clark of Worrenton, Ore. Her funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 10, at the Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. Interment will follow at the Riverview Cemetery in Brockton. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.