Anthony 'Tony' J. Browning, 59, died Jan. 8, 2026, in Great Falls. The funeral service will be announced at a later date pending the completion of the arrangements with Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point.

Arlon Chapman Sr., 66, died Jan. 9, 2026, in Poplar. The funeral service will be announced at a later date pending the completion of the arrangements with Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point.

Jerreth Jaymz Shawl, 31, of Wolf Point died Jan. 1, 2026. He was born Dec. 26, 1994. He was a kind, loving person, full of good humor and good medicine. He showed his love through his actions, actively showing up for his family, friends and community. He was a social genius, knowing what to say, when to give a hug and how to make you laugh. Growing up, he wandered around Wolf Point with cousins, raising cane at the parks or basketball courts until the street lights came on. He wandered through town with a bag of seeds, fountain sodas from Cenex, a basketball and music with his cousins. He came into the Sundance circle when he was 12 and was active until his mother died in 2020. He went to Wolf Point High School until his junior year when he transferred to Poplar, before coming back to Wolf Point and graduating in 2013. He played sports recreationally — basketball, softball and volleyball. He was a part of the 2011 Class B Wolf Point Wolves basketball championship team. He played volleyball in the open gym leagues in Poplar and Wolf Point. He played in Big Sky State Games in Billings where he was able to score a few medals. He became a volleyball MOA this past year and helped serve surrounding communities through officiating volleyball. After high school, he worked with the tribe's Head Start program. He started as an assistant cook for two months before moving into the classroom, where he worked for seven years as a teachers’ aide and then was trusted to step into the role of lead teacher when needed. He served roughly 130 children in the Wolf Point community over seven years before working in the admin office as the family service coordinator for Wolf Point and Frazer where he continued to work with area families and advocate for their children. In his off-time, he would play board games with family and/or playing Fortnite online. He was a proud supporter of his nieces and nephews, following them in sports and getting rowdy with the refs when he had to put his “uncle” hat on. He also loved to read and build Lego sets. He was a big fan of Harry Potter lore and always let people know his house was Ravenclaw. He loved pro basketball and followed the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. He also cheered on the Denver Broncos and made sure everyone knew his favorite college team, Go Griz! He loved to travel and mark stuff and places off his bucket lists. He is survived by his grandfather, Donald “Duck” Shawl of Wolf Point; mother, Carrie Shawl of Frazer; father figure, Justin (Marcy) Doney of Havre; and siblings, Jazmyn, Tazz, Charles and Russell Doney, all of Havre, Mahala Shawl of Simi Valley, Calif., Journey Stiffarm of Wolf Point, Jaymee and Arlene Riley of New Mexico, Ebony Lindsay of San Diego, Calif., Chante’ Japp of Wolf Point, Patsy Ricker of Great Falls and Shannon Lindsay of San Diego, Calif. He was preceded in death by his mother, Peggy Ricker; father, James “Kipp” Stiffarm; brothers, Danny Lindsay Jr., Arlan and Aaron Ricker Sr.; and stepsister, Janica Whitetail. A wake will be held Friday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m. at the Wolf Point Community Hall. His funeral service will be held Saturday, Jan. 10, at 11 a.m. at the Wolf Point Community Hall. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.

Stephen R. Valkenburg, age 72, passed away on De. 26, 2025. He was born on Sept. 19, 1953. He began his life in San Francisco, Calif., with his parents Cleo B. Camrud (Belcher) and Renald P. Valkenburg and spent much of his early life growing up in Wolf Point, Mont. Steve lived a life shaped by adventure, hard work and deep connections with people. He loved road trips and turning ordinary moments into memorable adventures. His favorite pastime was fishing, especially for Walleye and he took great joy in sharing that love with others. He was always willing to teach anyone who wanted to learn how to fish, often while telling one of his many “fish tales,” some of which were true… and some a bit questionable. Steve worked much of his life in the oil field, a career that took him to many different places. No matter where work led him, he always chose to return to Casper, Wyo., where he made his home and built lasting friendships, many of whom he considered family. Known for his big laugh and even bigger heart, it was often said that Steve would give anyone the shirt off his back. He was deeply dedicated to his work and had a difficult time retiring, often finding new jobs because he simply liked staying busy and being useful. That same spirit showed in his willingness to help others whenever and wherever he could. He never hesitated to show up when help was needed and believed strongly in giving back. Steve shared a love of music with his daughters always playing “name that song” on road trips and taking them to classic rock concerts over the years — experiences that became cherished memories and lasting bonds. Steve loved his family. He cherished time spent visiting his daughters, grandchildren, sisters, nieces and nephews and took great pride in each of them. He also held a special place in his heart for the Alvarado family, whom he loved dearly and considered family. Steve is survived by his children: Melissa (Eric) Alvarez of Abilene, Texas; Katie (Jason) Wiedrich of Rapid City, S.D.; and Stephany (Isaac) Aanenson of Rapid City, S.D. He was a proud grandfather to Savannah, Grayson, Christian, Avyn, Sam, Charlie, Lucas, Mara and Gordon. He is also survived by his sisters, Ann Baker of Great Falls, Mont. Patricia Whitright of Wolf Point, Mont., and Terry (Hal) Marchbanks of Lindon, Utah, along with many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Steve will be remembered for his generosity, his stories, his laughter and the way he made people feel welcome wherever he went. His legacy of kindness, hard work, music and fishing adventure lives on through all who knew and loved him. A celebration of life will be held Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at North Casper Clubhouse, 1032 East L Street, Casper, Wyo. (Paid Obituary)

Arthur Brown III died Dec. 26, 2025 in Poplar. The funeral service will be announced at a later date pending the completion of the arrangements with Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point.

Jade Ryan, 40, died Dec. 25, 2025, in Billings. Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point was entrusted with the arrangements.

Vernon “Dooney” Birdsbill Sr., 84, died Jan. 5, 2026, in Wolf Point. His funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12, at the Blue Sky Ministries in Wolf Point. Interment will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point was entrusted with the arrangements.

Donna Mae Ricker, 76, died Dec. 15, 2025, in Grand Forks, N.D. She was born April 27, 1949, on the Fort Peck Reservation, the youngest child born to the union of Helen LeCaine and Joseph Ricker. She was a proud Hunkpapa Lakota woman who cherished her heritage. She served as a bridge to the past for her family, faithfully sharing her family’s stories and history with her children, grandchildren and nephews. Her life was a powerful testament to redemption, resilience and the transforming power of God. The Bible speaks of those who are “more than conquerors” and this described her perfectly. She faced life’s profound challenges with strength and refused to let them define her. Instead, she became an Overcomer. She turned her life around, emerging as a woman of deep faith and strength. She loved to share His goodness with others, testifying to the liberty that only God can give. In her restored life, she poured her heart into being a devoted mother, particularly to Jodahana Deserly, with whom she made her home in Devils Lake, N.D. She is survived by her children: Jodahana Deserly of Devils Lake, N.D., Brian Ames Ricker Alexander of Dallas, Texas, Danielle Ricker, Jimmy Bobbit, Ladahna Mae Jones of Chicago, Ill., and Richard Aubery of Pismo Beach, Calif.; brothers, Ronald Ricker of Wolf Point and Tommy Christian of Poplar; sister, Lori Japp; and numerous grandchildren She was preceded in death by sons, Burton Deserly and Joseph Jones III; sisters, Peggy, Betty, Tweety and Barbara; and her brother, Arnold. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 30, at the Wolf Point Community Hall. Burial was at King Memorial Cemetery in Wolf Point. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.

Roberta Joan “Bobbie” Boyd, 93, died Dec. 15, 2025, at Billings Clinic in Billings. She was born June 18, 1932, in Wolf Point, the eldest of eight children born to Helen Sparks and George A. Boyd, Jr. She was raised on the family ranch 15 miles north of Brockton and attended school in Brockton and often stayed with her paternal grandmother, Nellie Blackdog Boyd, who lived closer to town. After graduating from Brockton High School in 1951, she attended college in Bozeman, earning a degree in nursing. While working at the Wolf Point hospital, she met future husband, Emory Emerson. They married in September 1953 and, from this union, they had four children: Roxanne, Roy, Eugene and Robert. They made their home in Brockton until their divorce in 1965. She and the children traveled and lived a nomadic life. They visited many states, among them California, Arizona, Utah, Oregon and Washington. She worked in various jobs throughout those years using her expertise as an experienced seamstress and talented cook/ baker to teach — teaching seemed to be her forte throughout her life. In her later years, children fully grown, she returned to further her education at Montana State University Northern in Havre, receiving her RN degree. She nursed in Havre and Malta after graduation. She worked at A& S Industries as an occupational health nurse until their closure. She went on to work at Kicking Horse Job Corps in Ronan, teaching the nursing students until she retired. She inherited her renowned father’s artistic talent. She painted and won awards and used different mediums. Her rocks with nature and animals being coveted by the lucky owners. She painted until her failing eyesight caused her to set her brush down. She was a proficient crafter and made stuffed bears and dolls for her grandchildren as well as being a skilled seamstress sewing clothing for her daughter, Roxanne, and school shirts for the boys, much to their chagrin. Following once again in her father’s footsteps, she became a cattle rancher and her son Roy was her steadfast partner in the venture. She lived in the beautiful mountains of Moiese, before moving home to Poplar and, finally, north of Brockton, with her beloved Herefords. In her final years, she enjoyed simple living: overseeing the running of the ranch, cooking and baking for her son and friends. She enjoyed chatting on the phone with her family and friends and was an avid watcher of bull riding. She was preceded in death by her brothers, George Jr., Eugene and Daryl; and her sisters, Winona and Judy. She is survived by her children, Roxanne of Idaho, Roy Emerson Sr. of Brockton, Eugene Emerson of Oregon and Robert Emerson of Alaska; brothers, Lionel Boyd and Terry Boyd; sister, Patricia Menz; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 29, at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel. Interment was at Brockton Riverview Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.

Rocky Garfield, 63, of Terry died Dec. 8, 2025. He was born Aug. 20, 1962, to Ernest Garfield and Nancy Gladys Comeslast. He met longtime partner Catherine Wilson in April 2009 — this is when their friendship blossomed. He would sit in the backyard and play his cheap flute. After he was playing that cheap flute, he got good at it. So, a very good one was bought and he fell in love with it. While living in Lansing, Tenn., the idea of starting Spirit Wind was born. Spirit Wind did performances at schools, libraries, scout troops, private events and local pow-wows. Rocky would play the flutes and Catherine would play the drums. He just loved the children. They had Boy Scouts come to their house and camp for four days. They would show them how to make dream catchers, chokers, many other things and played Native games. Then, the couple decided to come back to Montana. He wanted to be with his family, but life was cut short. He is survived by his sister, Winnifred “Winnie” Schafer; brothers, Randy lambert of Philadelphia and Ernest Comeslast; son, Noah Breckenridge; and soulmate, Catherine Wilson. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Vera Jean Comeslast and Glory Overby; and brother, Kenny Comeslast. A viewing was held Monday, Dec. 29. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.