Vinson Ray “Vinnie” Cooper, 31, of Poplar died May 27, 2024. He was born to Kimberly Rose Bushman (Shields) on May 25, 1993, in Helena. He was a graduate of Poplar High School. He grew up as the youngest of four siblings and was the prankster of the family. He had a great sense of humor and would always try to make a joke even through the hard times, trying to see the positive in every situation. You could depend on him to be there if you needed a joke, laugh or a little bit of tough love to get you up and going again because he always saw the best in people. He resided for a short time in Arizona where he worked for a restoration company and enjoyed his time riding horses and working cattle. He loved animals, riding horses, fishing and spending time with his friends and family. His favorite holiday was the Fourth of July and he was known for his inventive use of fireworks and always experimenting with something. He is survived by his mother, Kimberly Bushman (Shields) and husband Ron Bushman; brothers, Michael and Jesse; sisters, Antoinette, Holly and Glorie; grandparents, Michael Cooper Sr., Jeff and Judi Webster. Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 12, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will follow at Chelsea Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point assisted with the arrangements.

Kenneth Youngquist, 94, of Circle died June 16, 2024. Services are pending at this time under the direction of Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home.

Bernard J. Long, 90, of Wolf Point died May 31, 2024, in Billings at St. Vincent Hospital. He was born Nov. 14, 1933, in Big Beaver, Sask., Canada, to Bruce and Dora (Lotz) Long, the fifth child of eight children. He attended school in Canada until the family moved to Redstone and continued his education there. He worked on Charlie Grant’s farm until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 1954 where he turned 21 in boot camp. He was stationed in Guam for part of his service. He served a total of eight years between active duty and the reserves. He was honorably discharged on Dec. 28, 1962. In 1957, he met Janice Pauline Dassonville. After a yearlong courtship, they were married on Jan. 16, 1959, at the First Lutheran Church in Frazer. In their early years of marriage, he provided for the family working various jobs (farming, Glasgow Air Force Base and road construction work) before settling on a little farm on the river bottom near Wolf Point. They raised seven children and had a large part in the raising of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He, Janice and the children worked long hard hours building their farm/ranch. During these 57 years at the farm, they raised chickens, pigs, cows, hay, oats, barley and wheat. The farm evolved from a little house with no indoor plumbing down a little dirt trail in the brush to a “good” gravel road that welcomed family, friends and strangers who shortly became friends. When he wasn’t working from sun up until sun down, he loved to play cards, camp, fish, take airplane rides and take road trips with his children. He was proceeded in death by brothers, Wes Long, Howard Long and Leonard Long; sister, Helen Long Mueller; and son, Michael Ray Long. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Janice Long; children, Doug Long, Doreen Long Sansaver, Kathy Rutherford, Steven Long, Terri Sansaver, David Long; sisters, Marion Holman and Donelda Peterson; brother, Gene Long; 14 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Saturday, June 8, at the Immaculate Conception Church in Wolf Point. Burial was at the Long Family Cemetery near Wolf Point. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point assisted with the arrangements.

Eli Miles Jones, 35, of Brockton died May 15, 2024, at Billings Clinic. He was born Oct. 10, 1988, to Jena Lone Bear and Ben Running Bear Sr. in Poplar. He was known to all who knew him as the “Big Cheese.” He was fun loving, a comedian, a good person to be around when you’re feeling down. He was very respectful and did his best to help whenever he could. Before his accident, he loved to dance and sing. He was the life of the party, the one who started it off. He had this contagious laugh and a smile that lit up a room. Survivors include his parents, Jena (Gary) Lone Bear; his other mother, Luella Montclair; brothers, Gregory III and Nicholas Haumpy, Quentin Running Bear, Ben Running Bear, Jr., Tanner Montclair and Trint Montclair; and sisters, Breanna Martinez of Colorado, Winnifred Haumpy and Chelsea Montclair. Funeral services were held Friday, June 7, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment followed at Riverview Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point assisted with the arrangements.

Jacob “Jake” Allen Senner, 39, died May 29, 2024, in the grain fields he so deeply loved. Born on July 14, 1984, in Miles City, he was the son of Terry and Kathy (King) Senner. From a young age, he thrived on the farm alongside his best friend, his dad. His curiosity and eagerness to learn how things operated were often heard through his stream of questions. This deep appreciation for the land and the ability to work with love and passion carried over into everything he did. After graduating from Richey High School in 2002, he helped his dad on the farm and started paving his way into the oil industry in the offseason. His diligence and expertise quickly led him to a role in oilfield production in the Bakken and evolved into a flowback consultant in West Texas. In 2007, one year after taking over the family farm, he met Tia Morasko. With her, his eyes were opened to a world he didn't know existed. They married New Years Eve 2011, a date he was sure not to forget, and a date they shared in celebration with the Morasko grandparents. The two shared a life filled with laughter, adventure and an abundance of love for one another. They renewed their vows in the beaches of Puerto Morelos and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, committing their love three times amongst friends. He developed a love for the finer things in life while developing a fond love of traveling and experiencing the world with Tia. They explored the streets of Italy and England, multiple beaches and throughout the badlands from the seats of their Harleys. Their travels were always filled with a quest to find the best local restaurant and savor the subtle differences between each bourbon they tasted, often in the company of new friends they made along the way. He had a gift for turning strangers into lifelong friends, staying in touch with many over the years. Along with all their adventures, his proudest accomplishment was the fields of blooming wheat, peas and lentils he grew with Tia, a testament to their hard work and shared dreams. He was well known by his community as a kind and gentle soul, always ready to lend a helping hand, a respected farmer and a brother to many. His genuine care for others was demonstrated when he would pause his own operations to put others interest first. Whether working the farm and oilfields or simply sharing a beer on a field with neighbors admiring the beautiful crop, his big smile, infectious personality and gentle demeanor brought joy and comfort to those around him. He is survived by his wife of 12 years; grandmother, Mary White of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; mother, Kathy Senner of Richey; and sisters, Onya Winhofer of Richey and Tye Koonce. A celebration of life was held Tuesday, June 4, at the Cottonwood Country Club in Glendive.

Violet Elaine Siljenberg, 35, of Wolf Point died Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point. She was born on Jan. 26, 1989, to Kelly and Lena Siljenberg. Her birthday she lovingly shared with her daughter, Kadence Mae. She grew up at family residence seven miles outside of Wolf Point, near Windy Hill. She attended Frontier Elementary School, along with four siblings. Her loyalty and devotion to her family will never be forgotten. When she was 16, she met Lance Grandchamp. Born to this union, was a daughter, Kadence. They remained together for three years. Around the age of 20, she met Milo Adams. They had two boys, Kingston Magik and Kastle Major. Her kindness, generosity and compassion for others in the face of adversity speaks to the type of person she was — a quality that shines just as brightly in her children. She was always happy to see family and friends, always with a warm smile and big hug. She laughed often and had a great sense of humor. In her last days, she was the best version of herself in spirit, a beam of hope. Speaking of her aspirations of a brighter life and gratitude of the one she lived. Even when she was sick, she was still telling memorable stories and enjoyed much laughter. She is survived by three children, Kadence Mae Grandchamp, Kingston Magik Adams and Kastle Major Adams; father, Kelly Siljenberg; sisters, Dusti Siljenberg and Dayle Garfield; and grandfather, Larry Siljenberg. She was preceded in death by her sister, Kelli Siljenberg; and brother, Lewis Siljenberg. Funeral services were held Tuesday, June 11, at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. Burial was at Chicken Hill Cemetery in Wolf Point. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point assisted with the arrangements.

Vinson Ray Cooper, 31, of Poplar died May 27, 2024. Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 12, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will follow at Chelsea Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point assisted with the arrangements.

Patricia Pipe, 82, of Wolf Point died May 25, 2024, at Faith Lutheran Home. She was born March 18, 1942, to Jerome and Mabel (Redstone) Fourstar. She will partly be remembered for work in her chosen profession. She made a decision to further her education while raising her family earning a bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Montana College in Billings and a master’s degree in education administration from the University of North Dakota - Grand Forks, N.D. She went on to become a certified teacher which led her to teaching positions following her husband’s career starting at Pretty Eagle School in St. Xavier; then on to Crown Point, N.M.; Fort Yates, N.D.; Aneth, Utah; Lower Brule, S.D.; and finally settling on her home reservation with a position in Poplar. However, what most will remember her for is the person she was as a teacher who cared for her community while walking her daily faith’s journey. As a devoted Christian, she shared her love for Jesus with people she met over the years. Her grandchildren and children remember her taking them to church at least three times a week. Her dedication to her beliefs showed in her profession as well. She treated every one of her students and coworkers with compassion. She taught for 26 years at Poplar Public Schools and loved being part of many students’ lives. Some of her fondest recollections were bumping into former students in the community saying “Hello, Mrs. Pipe, remember me you helped me learn to read better.” Over the years, family and friends learned she was also there for support however she could. Her faith was always a calming force for relatives and friends during their turbulent times. Many in the community can recall how she took the time to visit and offer prayers or assist with electric bills, water bills, rent, auto repairs parts, tires or often just share a meal. She loved to cook and learn new recipes and would often show up at church potlucks with two or three dishes and a pie or cake.

Elyse “Lee” Matejovsky, 92, of Hope, Idaho, died on June 2, 2024, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. The eldest child of Thelma (Herting) and Leo Durkin, Lee was born in 1931 in Wolf Point, Mont. When she was three years old, the family moved to Renton, Wash., where she lived until age 15. There, she developed a lifelong love of gardening, classical music and fine art. On returning to Wolf Point, Lee roomed with Hazel Neutgens while working at the Sweet Shop Café. She met Charles Matejovsky soon after he returned from military service in Korea. They married in 1949 and moved to his family homestead northeast of Wolf Point, where they stayed for several years before moving into town to be closer to schools. In the early 1960s, the family moved to a farm just east of Wolf Point. During the winter months, Lee helped Chuck draw plans and finish the interiors of their rental homes. Lee was active in the Wolf Point business community. She was a talented seamstress with a keen eye for color, fabric and fashion. In March of 1963, she, Florence Lenz and Mary Rowan opened a ladies’ dress shop called the Classic Shop. Traveling to Minneapolis, Minn., to choose clothing for the next season topped Lee’s list of favorite things to do. After they sold the shop in the late 1960s, she opened and operated a fabric store called the Fabric Boutique. As a business owner, Lee became an active member of the Wolf Point Chamber of Commerce. She was also active on the county and state political front. In 1980, she helped Ted Schwinden with his successful gubernatorial campaign. In August 1983, he appointed her to the Women in Employment Advisory Council for the state of Montana. She also worked for several years with the U.S. Census Bureau, interviewing people on the Fort Peck Reservation. In 1992, she was elected to the Roosevelt County Commission, becoming the first-ever female to serve as commissioner there. Lee had an unusually fine voice. She loved to sing and often sang the blues as she

Skyla Whitehawk, 45, of Wolf Point died May 22, 2024, in Poplar. She and her twin Starla (Murphy) were born July 23, 1978, in Wolf Point to Valerie White Hawk and Duane White Hawk. She went to school in Poplar, Wolf Point, and Wahpeton, N.D. She was married to Brian Weston Sr. for many years. They had four children, Taylee, Breann, Taylor and Angel Weston. They divorced. She then met Adam TheBoy Sr. They had two children, Adam the Boy Jr. and Adan The Boy, all of Wolf Point. She loved working in housekeeping and cooking. She loved meeting new people and making friends, having fun and making someone laugh with her jokes. She loved coloring, crosswords, and spending as much time with her grandchildren. She loved to cruise and listen to her favorite songs. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Starla Murphy and Tosha White Hawk; and daughter, Angel Weston. She is survived by sisters, Donna BigLeggins of Williston,