Sean Adam Bighorn, Dakota name “Sutaya Was’te” (Firmly Good), Nakoda name “Takes the Horse” Tasunka Kin Icu, 34, of Wolf Point died June 5, 2022, at his home. He was born Sept. 14, 1987, to Roxann and Spike Bighorn. He spent his formative years living in Brockton and attended Barbara Gilligan Elementary School and Brockton High School until his senior year. He then transferred to Poplar High School, where he graduated in 2007. Although he suffered from a genetic heart condition, it didn’t stop him from living a normal childhood — “hanging out” with his friends and cousins and tagging along with his older brother, Quinn, to all of his sporting events and activities. He was everyone’s “little brother” and was given the nickname “Smoke Dogg” due to a childhood incident while driving around town on a go-kart whose engine was on fire, leaving a cloud of smoke in its wake — completely unbeknownst to the driver. Along with his love and fierce loyalty to his family, he had other interesting “hobbies” — basketball and powwows, darts and pool league. He was a renowned powwow singer and traveled the region attending every powwow he possible could during the summers. His primary singing group was Soldier Hill and he made lifelong friends through his singing and traveling with this group. Although his heart condition made it difficult for him to participate in basketball like he wanted, he took great joy in the few times he did take the court. He loved to regal his friends with stories (some of them “tall tales”) of when he was on the court “poppin’ 3s” and “breakin’ ankles” just like his brother did. He lived his basketball dreams vicariously through the play of his brother and other family members. He will be remembered for his infectious personality. He quite possibly was the friendliest person anyone came into contact with, making friends wherever he went and had great loyalty to his friends and relatives. He loved the Oakland Raiders and Gonzaga Bulldogs. At the time of his death, he was employed as a desk clerk at the Homestead Inn in Wolf Point. He is survived by his mother, Roxann Smith (Robert); father, Spike Bighorn (Stephanie); sisters, Raven and Willow Bighorn; step-brothers, Raymond and Jordan; and grandparents, Alpheus Bighorn Jr., Gloria Chopper, Ray Smith, Dwight and Virginia Birdwell, Julie Bemer (Merle), Carol Bemer, Louise Ell, Ernestine Youpee and Marty Dillon. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Quinn. His funeral service was held Saturday, June 11, at American Legion Park in Poplar. Interment was at Riverview Cemetery in Brockton. Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel assisted with the arrangements.

Lillian Mae (Tlustosch) Webster, 96, died Nov. 30, 2021, at Hosanna Assisted Living Home of Great Falls, Mont. She was born Sept. 18, 1925, in Dagmar, Mont., to William and Edna Tlustosch, the oldest of three girls. After the death of her mother at a young age, she was raised by her father and his second wife, Mary, whom she recognized as her mom, and gained another sister and a brother. At 18, she set out to Washington to find her way, working in TB sanitariums and as a “Rosie the Riveter” building military planes. While in Tacoma, Wash., her childhood sweetheart, Wayne Webster, came calling and they were married June 9, 1945. The happy couple returned to the Webster family farm outside of Froid, Mont., and welcomed daughter Georgia June 14, 1946, and son Wayne June 29, 1947. Lillian worked alongside her family on the farm, becoming a snowbirds in Arizona in the late 1960s, until Wayne’s death Jan. 15, 1975. Without her husband, Arizona was not the same and she returned only once, staying on the farm, caring for her mother-in-law Ethel Webster until she moved to Great Falls, Mont., in 1987 to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren. In Great Falls, Lillian found a calling as a live-in caretaker for the elderly and developed friendships with the women she cared for and their families. Lillian had a lifelong passion for reading and gardening and it was best to keep her far from a book or plant if she was needed anywhere else. She also loved to paint and would take her little RV out to find new scenery, sometimes getting lost in

Ramona Miller Stout, 75, died May 22, 2022. Ramona was born on Oct. 8, 1946, to John and Kathryn Miller of Froid, Mont. She was very outgoing in contrast to her parents and brothers. On the playground, she excelled and, since girls at the time were not involved in recess sports, she played with the boys. She could run faster than any of the boys in her class and was stronger than many as well. It was a brave lad indeed who tried to take away her marbles. Later in high school, she was part of the first girls’ track team. In one dual meet, Ramona scored 80 points and the opposing team had 50. As a high school senior, she placed at a national AAU track meet. She also played girls’ basketball at the University of Kansas (before girls’ basketball was recognized as a varsity sport) and later organized competitive girls’ basketball and track when she taught high school in Montana. She was also an artist. Most of the artwork in school was hers. She later painted mostly natural scenes as a hobby. She taught herself to play the guitar and formed a singing duo with a neighbor girl. She graduated from the University of Kansas and taught biology and physical education at the high school level in Westby, Lewistown and Huntley Project. In each of these schools, she also coached girls’ basketball and track. In 1978, Ramona married Greg Stout, a farmer and businessman in Huntley Project. After finishing a master’s degree in school administration, she became the first lay principal of Billings Central Catholic High School. She later served as school superintendent at Huntley Project and Manhattan. In 2001, she earned a doctorate in education from Montana State University. She retired in 2004, but then took a part-time job working on the accreditation of Montana public schools. She was also a board member of the Southern Montana Resource Council and an active member of the Manhattan Rotary Club. Along with husband Greg, Ramona traveled to the high school and college graduations of her nieces and nephews and to visit her mother and father, two brothers and Greg’s children and families. In the late 2000s, Ramona started to have some memory lapses. A trip to a specialist confirmed a traumatic brain injury. With the support of Greg, she was able to remain independent until becoming a resident of a long-term care facility in 2015. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Kathryn; and by her husband, Greg. She is survived by her brothers, Loren and Tim; and husband Greg’s children, Sheryl and Bill. Ramona lived a life of uncompromising integrity and service to others. She will be missed. Visitation was held at 11 a.m., with a Funeral Mass at 12 noon with reception after on Wednesday, June 1, at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral in Billings. A graveside service followed at Ballantine Cemetery in Ballantine. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares. com. (Paid Obituary)

James 'Jim' Noel Moore, 76, died Sunday, May 15, 2022, at his home. He was born Nov. 16, 1945, to Noel and Helen (Scott) Moore in Vancouver, Wash. He joined brothers, Joe and Harry, and sister, Jackie. After high school, he enlisted in the Army in January 1965 and was promoted to sergeant in Vietnam in December 1966. After being honorably discharged in 1967, he moved back to Bainville. On May 6, 1966, he married Barbara Coulston. To this union, two sons were born, Jeff and Jason. After moving many times, they finally settled in Sidney. He was a “jack of all trades” and worked many different jobs from diesel mechanic to truck driver. In 1998, he and Jeff started a trucking company, J. Moore Enterprises. After Jim retired, he drove truck for many area farmers. He was a very giving person and always took care of everyone else before himself. He was very devoted to giving to many different charities, especially St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and the Humane Society. For most of his life, he always had a dog or two, usually a springer spaniel as those were his favorite. No matter where he went, he always took his dogs with him. He loved the outdoors. He especially loved hunting and fishing. When Jim lived in western Montana, he looked forward to the annual hunting trips when his sons, grandsons and family friends would come out. Sturgis rallies were one of his favorite getaways. It was a place he could do or say anything and get away with it. He will be remembered for his caring ways, his witty sense of humor and his “Hold on now, let’s just wait a minute” way of life. He is survived by his children, Jeff Moore of Savage, Jason Moore of Phoenix, Ariz.; seven grandchildren; brother, Joe Moore of Waddington, N.Y.; and sister, Jackie Miller of Austin, Texas. He was preceded in death by his brother, Harry Moore. Services were held Friday May 20, at the Faith Fellowship Baptist Church in Bainville with Bryce Romo officiating.

John Duane Manning, 87, Homestead died Jan. 30, 2022, at his son's home in Worden. He was born to William Manning Sr. and Gladys (Mork) Manning on Aug. 16, 1934, at the family ranch in Homestead, joining his sister Dorothy two years his senior. His family was part of the Assiniboine/Sioux Fort Peck Tribe. He was raised on the family ranch west of Homestead and was educated in Medicine Lake. He joined the Army and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash. His time in the military was his only absence from the Manning family ranch. He married JoAnn Lizotte of Froid on Dec. 8, 1971. To this union, two children were born, John William “JW” and Jolynn Anastasia Manning. He enjoyed bronc riding and loved rodeos attending the NFR rodeos in Oklahoma and later in Las Vegas. Many trips were made to rodeos where he instilled the love of the sport to his son. John and JoAnn later divorced. He lived out his days at the family ranch near Homestead until failing health when he went to stay with his son in Worden. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Julie Ann, from a previous marriage. He is survived by his son, John William 'JW' Manning of Worden; daughter, Jolynn Anastasia Voth of Sharon Springs, Kansas; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services were held Saturday, May 14, at the Medicine Lake Fire Hall with interment at the Big Lake (Homestead) Cemetery.

A memorial service for Bonnie Kaye Panasuk, 65 of Culbertson, Mont., was held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 12, 2022, at The Church of Grace and Peace, Culbertson, Mont., with Pastor Ross Reinhiller officiating. Services are under the care of the Fulkerson-Stevenson Funeral Home of Sidney, Mont. Remembrances, condolences and pictures may be shared with the family at www.fulkersons. com. Bonnie passed away Sunday, May 8, 2022, at Sanford Hospital, Bismarck, N.D. In lieu of flowers, Bonnie and her family ask that you make a donation to the Roosevelt Medical Health Foundation. This can be done by calling Roosevelt Medical Center and contacting Jaimee Green at 406-787-6401. Bonnie Kaye Panasuk, age 65, left this earth on May 8, 2022. She was born June 18, 1956 to parents Arthur (Pete) and Mildred Rath. She had one sister, Sharon, and one brother, Randy. Bonnie was raised in Elgin, N.D., where her family farmed. In her early years, she could be found milking cows and working summer fallow. Even as a young girl, she could outwork the boys and had a passion for all things play and adventure. She married Kevin Grosz in 1973 and, shortly thereafter, they welcomed their beloved daughter, Jennifer Grosz, to their family. The family moved to, Ansbach, Germany, where they welcomed their only son, Dustin Grosz. Becoming a mother was one of her greatest joys and those early years ‘raising her children’ were some of her favorite memories. There are so many pictures, stories and even ‘special’ outfits that are now donned by her great-grandchildren. As a young mother with a fun-loving spirit, she reserved a significant place in her heart for this period of her life. After their return to the United States, she attended college in Dickinson, N.D., at Dickinson State University where she graduated with her associate degree. The family then moved to Bismarck, N.D., to be closer to their families. This allowed her to spend time at the family farm and with her parents, whom she loved whole heartedly. Her warm demeanor, intelligence and attention to details were put to good use when she opened her own bookkeeping business. She was a woman ahead of her time, balancing her young family and operating a thriving business. In true Bonnie fashion, she forged her own path and had many adoring clients that spanned over the 30 years that her business was thriving. One of the greatest tragedies in Bonnie’s life happened when her daughter Jennifer experienced a traumatic brain injury while at dance class. Bonnie courageously cared for her daughter as a primary caregiver and devoted mother for many years. Her attention to detail carried over to the care of her daughter. The devotion and commitment that she showed her after this tragedy were rare traits that not many people have. In the early 2000s, Bonnie decided that she needed a change and that rural lake life suited her and moved to one of favorite places at Fort Peck, Mont. She made many lifelong friends and had so many days of fishing and hunting that she documented in her journal. Fourth of July on the lake for many years are some of her most special memories for her entire family. Thanksgiving 2004, Bonnie met her present husband Zane Panasuk, whom she dated for two years and they married on June 2, 2006. Bonnie and Zane lived primarily on the Centennial Ranch north of Culbertson. Zane and Bonnie still enjoyed many wonderful Thursdays and weekends at the lake. Bonnie shared an amazing love for both the lake and the ranch. She loved having her grandkids at the farm riding 4-wheelers, hunting and gardening. After working at the ranch, she would take the grandkids to the lake for fishing, boating and relaxation. Bonnie also had a great love for animals, the cattle on the ranch and especially her dogs, first Peter and then Abby. Her love for everyone and every animal only showed how much love she had to give. Bonnie was always an amazing friend and was generous with her time and devoted many hours of her time to giving to the church and the children of the community. In 2019, Bonnie was diagnosed with lung cancer and fought a courageous battle. Bonnie loved the staff at the Sidney Cancer Center and appreciated the care that they gave her through her fight, never allowing her to give up her hope and faith. Bonnie loved being a mother and making sure to care of her husband, grandkids, parents, nieces, nephews, friends, church family and children that she took her last breath on Mother’s Day. Grateful for having shared in Bonnie’s life are her husband, Zane Panasuk, her children, Dustin (Bobbie) Grosz of Sisters, Ore., Cary Cochran, Sheridan (Dan) Cotrell of Red Lodge, Mont., and Jericho Panasuk of Los Angeles, Calif.; her grandchildren, Britny (Brock), Tyler (Megan), Brianna (Grant), Brooke, Ashley, Kaia, Carmen, Rylee, Madelynn, Zane, Tommy and Ava; her great-grandchildren, Keenan, Sydnee, Cristian, Adelynn and Jocelynn; parents, Arthur (Mildred) Rath; sister, Sharon (Gene) Schmitz; brother, Randy (Velecia) Rath; and many nieces and nephews. Bonnie was preceded in death by her daughter, Jennifer Grosz; and father and mother-in-law, Willie (Donna) Panasuk. (Paid Obituary)

Marla Jane Murray, 71, of Bridger died April 20, 2022. She grew up in Culbertson, where she met Chester Murray her surviving spouse of 53 years of marriage. Together, they had three daughters, Susan Fassler, Becky Harper and Melanie Murray. That lineage led to 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Growing up, her two favorite things were her grandmother Violet Olson and her horse, Penny. She had a gift when it came to connecting with people and everyone left feeling special from her in some way. She had a heart of compassion combined with forgiveness that enabled her to see the good in family, friends and the community around her. She worked hard all her life and was at work at the time of her death in a tragic fire. That loss will be felt by all, but if she could leave any legacy it would be Love the Lord and those around you. She was predeceased by her parents, Melvin Olson and Barbara Olson; and her brother James Olson. She is survived by her daughters, Susan Fassler, Becky Harper and Melanie Murray; and her sisters, Donna Sitter, Beverly Davidson and Julia Kempf. A funeral service was held Saturday, April 30, at the Bridger Elementary School.