Lloyd Aspenlieder of Culbertson, Mont., passed away on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at the Roosevelt Medical Care Center in Culbertson, Mont. Lloyd was born in Oct. 9, 1935, in Estevan, Sask., Canada to Elizabeth Hochstein and John Aspenlieder. I was one of seven children. My family moved to Glendive in 1948 and were naturalized in 1953. I attended Sacred Heart Parochial School. When I was in sixth and seventh grades, I set pins at the bowling alley in Glendive. I was a bellhop at the Jordan Hotel in eighth and ninth grades. I spent 20 years in the Montana Army National Guard and retired as a captain. I married Shirley Mae Cady on June 1, 1957. Our son Alan was born Feb. 8, 1959, and son Jeffery was born May 10, 1960. We were foster parents to Eddie Roller, beginning in 1975. We moved to Culbertson from Glendive in 1959. I managed Miracle Gas propane plant. I operated the laundromat and laundry service, managed the Stockman Bar for two years and worked for Miller Oil Company for 25 years. I was a mail carrier for Bainville to and from Wolf Point route for nine years and caretaker for the Culbertson rest area for 30 years. I also mowed yards for many people. I was a member of the Culbertson Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Jaycees and the Culbertson Saddle Club. I served 20 years on the Culbertson Volunteer Fire Department. I was a member of the Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church, along with serving as a lector, Eucharistic minister and attended a two-year course to be a lay presider in the absence of a priest. I served on the parish council for 18 years and did maintenance of the church for many years. My passion was our Saddle Club Wagon Trains. I owned my wagon and several teams over the years. I enjoyed taking my grandchildren Scott, Nicole and Bryn on the trail rides. Kenneth Arneson let me ride in the wagon with him for as long as I was able. I was preceded in death by parents, John and Elizabeth Aspenlieder; brothers, Harvey Aspenlieder and Matt Aspenlieder; sisters, Viola Hanks and Lorraine Bishop; father-in-law, Vurr Cady; mother-in-law, Mickey Sampson; sister-in-law, Pat Kalloch; and brother-in-law, Ed Kalloch. I am survived by my wife, Shirley; sons, Alan (Raedelle), Jeff and Eddie (Mona) Roller; grandchildren, Scott (Heather), Nicole (Ted) and Bryn; great-grandchildren, Josie, Ally, Jorgen, Cannon, Blake and Benton; brothers, Edward Aspenlieder and Lawrence Aspenlieder; along with many nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass for Lloyd will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 10 a.m. (MST) at the Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Culbertson, Mont. Father Anietie Ukanide and Father Francis Schrieber will concelebrate the Mass. Vigil Service for Lloyd will be held at 7 p.m. (MST) at the Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Culbertson, Mont., on Friday, March 31, 2023. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed. You can view Lloyd’s service directly on his obituary page on our website www.fulkersons. com. 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. (Paid Obituary)

Monica Rose Martell-Walking Eagle, 67, of Poplar died March 15, 2023, at Poplar Community Hospital. She was born March 9, 1956, to Floyd Dominic Martell Sr. and Roberta Louise Martell in Blair. She grew up in Blair and attended Brockton School. As she grew, she loved to explore and experience living in different cities and states, but was always drawn back home to Poplar where she lived most of her life. She earned her high school equivalency diploma on May 28, 1976. She attended Police Academy in Bismarck, N.D., and was a certified nurse’s aide along with earning college credits. Throughout her life, she enjoyed working at A& S, Poplar Hospital, Spotted Bull, Poplar HeadStart and, while living in Denver, Colo., she worked as a secretary and CNA for Health Resources and Services Administration. During her employment, she earned many certificates, including most dedicated. Anyone who knew her knew she was a strong woman, outspoken with an amazing sense of humor and a heart of pure gold. She was always there for everyone and anyone. In her early 20s, she met her husband Alfred Walking Eagle Sr. She loved and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing bingo, playing machines and fishing. She had a passion for traditional dancing and wanted one day to own an all-buckskin dress so she could show off her dancing skills. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Floyd “Little Guy” Jr. Martell, Jack Martell and Lori Ann Martell; grandchildren, Samantha Headdress, Robert Pinkerton and Tyler Pinkerton; and great-granddaughter, Mahlani Lezard. She is survived by her husband, Alfred Walking Eagle Sr.; siblings, Betty Martell, Stanley Martell, Frank Martell, Sophia Youngman and Mildred Friedrich; children, Donovan Martell, Jessica Garcia-Garza, Roberta Not Afraid, Tonetta Cantrell, Alfred Walking Eagle, Buddy WalkingEagle, Jack Walking Eagle, Chili Walking Eagle, Ida Kicking Woman; and numerous grandchildren. Funeral services were held Friday, March 24, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment followed at Riverside Catholic Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.

James Allen “Jim” Nielsen, 76, of Plentywood died March 16, 2023, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. He was born Nov. 6, 1946, in Plentywood, the seventh of eight children born to N.P. and Vita Nielsen. He attended school in Westby through 9th grade, then the family moved to Plentywood, where he graduated from high school in 1964. He furthered his education at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., obtaining a bachelor of arts degree in December 1968 with a major in science and a minor in math. He enlisted in the Montana National Guard at the same time as he began his teaching career in Froid in 1969. While there, he taught math, science and coached girls’ basketball for nine years. He also served as acting principal for a short time. In 1978, he taught math and coached girls’ basketball in Outlook, then in 1979 started teaching math and computers and coached girls’ basketball at Plentywood High School. He retired from teaching in 1994. Jim worked part-time as an immigration inspector at the Raymond Port of Entry at the Montana/Canadian border for many years while teaching, then began working full-time at the border as a Customs and Border Protection examiner and later a supervisor, completing over 30 years by the time he retired in 2018. He married Charlotte Brekke of Antelope on Nov. 26, 1971. They have four children, Julie Kleinberg of Tolland, Conn., Greg Nielsen of New Orleans, La., Brenda Arnston of Maddock, N.D., and Jeffrey Nielsen of Sidney. He had numerous special interests that he pursued throughout his active life. He raised a large vegetable garden every summer at the family home in Plentywood. The produce raised was used to feed their family throughout the long winter and they generously donated to family and friends in the area. He also enjoyed keeping up the yard where he and Charlotte often entertained large groups of family and friends. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan and was able to attend a couple games in Minneapolis, Minn. Among his earlier special interests were collecting baseball cards, collecting brochures on the latest large farm tractors and the late 1960s Chevy Chevelle muscle cars (of which he owned two). From a young age, he had a passion for broadcasting sports. When shooting hoops with family members, he liked to call the play-byplay and would even create make-believe games to announce. This set the foundation for his career in sports broadcasting. He became known as “the voice of sports announcing” for northeast Montana and brought enthusiasm and impartiality to every broadcast. In 2022, he celebrated 35 years as a sports broadcaster for KATQ. He instilled many values in his family living by example. Whatever he did was done to the best of his ability and hard work, honesty and integrity were virtues held throughout his entire life. But, most importantly, his solid Christian faith guided his life and sustained him as he bravely faced his recent illness and challenges. Singing hymns was also deeply rooted in his upbringing and family reunions often ended with a group sing-along. He loved singing bass in church choirs over the years and was actively involved in various church functions. He was faithful about reading devotions and The Bible. Preceding him in death were his brother, Howard Nielsen; and sisters, Gloria Kallevig and Jane Taylor. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte; daughters, Julie and Brenda; sons, Greg and Jeffrey; 10 grandchildren; a great-grandchild who is due to arrive in May; brothers, Mark Nielsen of Lake Park, Minn., and Paul Nielsen of Rochester, N.Y.; sisters, Marie Ferkovich of Missoula and Karla West ofKalispell. Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 21, at the Plentywood High School gymnasium with Pastor Tammy Craker officiating. Interment was at Plentywood Memorial Cemetery.

James David Boyd, 30, of Poplar died Friday, March 3, 2023. He was born Aug. 11, 1992, in Williston, N.D. He attended Poplar Elementary School until third grade then spent the remainder of his school years at Culbertson School, graduating in 2011. He tried wrestling and basketball, but found a love for dancing. He was a traditional dancer for many years, but his love was to dance hiphop. During his four years of high school, he was involved in choir, men’s ensemble, mixed ensemble and regular choir. For a number of years, he was an avid fisher, fishing at Flathead Lake, Fort Peck Lake and the Missouri River. Another love of his was Christian rap. He would share his love of Christian rap music on Wednesday nights performing at the Assembly of God youth services. He loved the Lord and felt his calling was working with the youth. He was also an avid sports fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, Seattle Seahawks, Oregon Beavers, TCU Horned Frogs, San Diego Padres and the Las Vegas Golden Knights. He loved to watch his younger brother, Canaan, play football and was his biggest fan. Due to recent health issues, he was unable to watch Canaan play college football, but he was at home cheering him on. Several highlights of his life were attending an NBA basketball game to see his favorite player, Kobe Bryant. He went to Minnesota to see the Los Angeles Lakers play the Minnesota Timberwolves. In 2021, his uncle Samson took him to see his favorite NFL team Seattle Seahawks play the Tennessee Titans. Last year, he took a trip to Las Vegas, Nev., with his aunt Waynette and brothers, Maschil and Jay. The highlight of the trip was to see the Jabba Wockeez dance group. He is survived by his parents, Debra Boyd and Faron Hapa of Poplar; brothers, Canaan and David Boyd of Poplar, Habakkuk Boyd of Albuquerque, N.M., Donald Weinberger IV of Sidney, Maschil Boyd, Chance Boyd, Joseph Boyd and Joey Boyd, all of Poplar; sisters, Audrea Scott, Hannah Boyd and Gabby Boyd, all of Poplar, Madison Kidman of Albuquerque, N.M., and McKynzii Boyd of Poplar; and grandparents, Lyda Bears Tail of Mandaree, N.D., Margaret Hapa, Sharon Red Thunder, Kate Youpee, Millie Runs Through of Poplar, Jamie Youpee of Brockton. Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 14, at the Assembly of God Church in Poplar. Interment was at Poplar City Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel assisted with the arrangements.

James Michael “Jim” Simoneau, 70, of Medicine Lake died March 4, 2023, at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula. He was the fourth son of George and Laura (Kelly) Simoneau and was born at Roosevelt Hospital in Culbertson on Aug. 27, 1952. After graduating from Medicine Lake High School, he attended the University of Montana, graduating in December 1975, earning a bachelor of arts degree in business administration - finance. After working for several years with forest management for the State of Montana, he returned to Medicine Lake and worked for the Medicine Lake High School from 1981 until his retirement in 2017, many years as head custodian. He also was the golf instructor for several years at the high school. He was a kind and generous man, full of optimism and good cheer. One could not find a more humble and genteel person. He quickly made friends with anyone he met — making many of those individuals lifelong and dear friends. He was very attached to his phone and was often the one to call family members and friends to check how they were doing and ensure communication lines stayed open. He loved to play cards, especially pinochle and cribbage. He was an avid sports fan, especially playing golf and watching the Montana Grizzlies or the Pittsburg Steelers. He died with a blanket for each team comforting

David Allen Ruffatto, 82, of Sidney died at his home in Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023. He was born at home on June 13, 1940, in Brockton the sixth child of Antone “Tony” and Anna (Cuccia) Ruffatto. He joined two brothers and three sisters ranging in age from 21 to 8 years old. He always worked odd jobs, anything to make a few bucks. When he was 12 or 13, he made a deal with the owner of the hardware store. He wanted to make payments so he could order a gun. He would take in his cash for the store owner to hold on to and keep track of how close his total was to the prize. Once he made the final payment, he asked the owner to please order the gun. The gentleman said, “I knew you were going to make it, so I went ahead and ordered it” and pulled it out from under the counter. He graduated from Brockton High School in 1958 as salutatorian. He always joked that there were only two in his class. He received a full year scholarship to Carroll College in Helena. After college, he moved back to Brockton and worked at the elevator. He ordered a brand new 1961 Ford Starliner car, black on black. He lived on the highway across from the railroad tracks and saw the train come through with his car on it. He hot footed it to Wolf Point where he paid cash for his new ride. It also happened to be his 21st birthday. He met Karen Kirn in 1963 through mutual friends. He married Karen on June 26, 1965, and also purchased the Westland Station where he was working in 1965. They moved into the tiny house behind the station to start their married life. Their only child, daughter Diahn, was born in 1967. In 1969, he became route man for Wildwood Beverages and moved to Plentywood. His ability to read people, along with his social nature, allowed him to excel in this field. The year 1971 saw a change in ownership to Blue Rock, where he continued to be the top route man for many years. In 1980, he was promoted to branch manager and worked another two years. In 1982, he began his oilfield career as a pumper for Grace Petroleum. This job allowed him the freedom to do the things he loved and also take his dog, Rex, with him. Hunting arrowheads was one of his favorite pastimes. He had a great eight years with Grace, but alas the boom ended, and his wells were closed. Lance Averett called him in 1990 and said, “I hear you could use a job!” Next was a move to Sidney to become the area marketing manager for Blue Rock. Prior to the move to Sidney, 1989 brought Perry Boyer into the family. Dad still called him his first son and cared for him deeply the rest of his life. Along with shooting and looking for arrowheads, he loved to canoe and help friends with construction, electrical work and plumbing. He was a World War II history buff, loved Native American culture and wolves. He retired at the end of June 2006. He was ready for a new chapter and started working with metal. Over the years, this passion lead him to make gates, tables, wall décor, crosses, quilt holders, plant holders and even a name plaque. 2010 brought Ray Skogen to the family as his second son. In 2013, he took a tumble off scaffolding while working on a ceiling and landed on the cement. This resulted in a broken eye-socket, nose, femur and eight ribs in his back. It was a tough road, but he made it through with some lasting repercussions. He always like a good joke and was the ultimate storyteller. The day after his 82nd birthday, he was flown to Billings where he received the news that he needed a quadruple bypass. He decided there would be no surgery and said “I’ve lived a good life, I’m tired and I’m just going to ride this out.” He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen; and siblings, Pete Ruffatto, Jim Ruffatto, Marie Wilson, Grace Howe and Rose Thumm. Survivors include his daughter, Diahn Ruffatto. Memorial services were held Saturday, Feb. 25, at the Carpenter’s Church in Sidney with Pastor Gloria Buxbaum officiating.

Bradford Scott Johnson, 86, Plentywood died Feb. 11, 2023. He was born to Millard and Sigrid Johnson in Culbertson on Nov. 5, 1936. He was their first-born child and was raised in Poplar. He spent his early years following his father around the family farm. By age 17, he leased his own land and began his lifelong farming career. In high school, he participated in wrestling, football and band where he was known by his circle of friends as Scotty. Together, they also enjoyed swimming, ice skating, hunting, archery and fishing. He attended college at Northern Montana College in Havre where he met Delores Juliuson who captured and kept his heart. He courted her by mail as he traveled for naval training to Norman, Okla., and Memphis, Tenn. The young couple married and moved to Coronado, Calif., where he served in the Navy at the North Island Naval Base with the All Weather Fighter Squadron 3. Their first child, Torey, was born during their time in Coronado. Upon his release from the Navy, they returned to Montana and farming. During this period of time in Poplar, they added two more children to the family, Jody and Brad. In addition to farming, he also owned and ran the hardware store. Surrounded by family and friends, the days in Poplar were filled with snowmobiling, ice skating and swimming on the river, holiday celebrations and laughter. In 1975, the family moved to Plentywood where he spent the rest of his life. He became active in city government which ignited his passion for politics. Plentywood gained a proud Republican who loudly shared his views with the members of his coffee club, a good neighbor who enjoyed checking on his friends during his daily drives, a pilot who loved the excitement of aerial spraying and the satisfaction of instructing flight students, an adventurer who would land a plane anywhere to inspect a site and search for artifacts, a farmer who loved his land, and a grandfather who shared all of the above and more with his three grandsons. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary; sister, Vera; and son, Brad. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Delores; children Torey Houtz and Jody Paulson; three grandchildren; and sister, Florice Coiro. Per his wishes, no services are planned. A private celebration of life is pending.

Chastity Martha Merijah Black Dog, 37, died Feb. 2, 2023, in Wolf Point. She was born to William J. Black Dog and Elsie Lenore Dust Necklace on May 28, 1985, in Poplar. She lived most of her life in Fort Kipp and Brockton. She attended Brockton School and graduated in 2004. She attended Fort Peck Community College in Poplar and earned her CDL. She is survived by her children, Brooke, Jazmine, Justin, Marshall, Hiro and Rayna; parents, William and Mary Black Dog; fiancé, Dennis Takes Horse; brothers, Miccah Dust, Robert Ferguson, Isaac and Quentin Failing, Micheal and Jacob; adopted brother, Isak Rosales; adopted sisters, Jana Nygard, Loretta Brown and Veronica Severt; grandmothers, Roberta and Connie Bird, Della Thomas, Ceya and Lydia Long Hair, Arletta Black Dog, Dani Green, Peggy Ireland, Dina Diserly, Diana Diserly- Tuttle, Vernita Buckles, Leta Atkinson, Irene Wilkins, Janice White Eagle, Trivian Grainger, Pauline Lewis, Doris Walking Eagle, Missy Bear Cub, Ruth Necklace, Bernice Martin; grandfathers, Maynard Black Dog, Adrian Ireland, Archie Bear Cub, Duane Green, Sly Martin, Rusty Denny, Allie Myron, Rusty, and Kermit Walking Eagle, Frank Smith, , Marvin and Randy Birthmark; and great-grandfather, Arlie Diserly. She was preceded in death by her brother, Quannah M. Funeral services were held on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the James Black Dog Center. Interment followed at Fort Kipp Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.