Sgt. Michael Ellerton, 31, died July 1, 2025, in Culbertson. Funeral services will be held Monday, July 14, at 10 a.m. at the Richland County Fairgrounds Event Center in Sidney. Burial will be at Hillside Cemetery in Culbertson. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.

Anna Louise “Peewee” Martell Syverson, 81, died June 23, 2025, at Billings Clinic Hospital. She was born on June 26, 1943, in Blair. She made her home in Culbertson, where she built a life full of love, laughter and hard work. She was the mother of Julie Finsaas Trudell and Rhonda Erickson, with whom she shared a unique and lasting bond. She especially enjoyed road-tripping with her daughters and spending long, meaningful phone calls — moments that brought her real joy. When she married Kenny Syverson, she welcomed five bonus children — Kent, Kevin, Kyle, Debbie and Pam Syverson — into her life. Her greatest joy was her family. A true jack-of-all-trades, she worked countless jobs throughout her life: waitressing, painting, cleaning and even roofing alongside her husband. There was no task too big or too small — she never turned down a job and was admired for her tireless work ethic and fierce determination. She had a wicked sense of humor, a radiant smile and a laugh that could light up any room. She never wanted to miss a thing — her energy was boundless and she greeted life with open arms. She loved to shop, find treasures at rummage sales and spent many joyful hours at the Culbertson Senior Center. A woman of deep faith, she Anna Syverson

Trivian T. Grainger, 77, died Monday, June 23, 2025, at Billings. She was born in Poplar on March 21, 1948, to Annie (Perry) White Eagle and Roscoe White Eagle. She was raised east of Fort Kipp in the area called Blair and attended schools in Brockton and Poplar. In 1965, she met Howard “Buddy” Grainger and, on Nov. 15, 1965, they were married. One month later, they had their marriage blessed in the Catholic Church, where they were both members. They had four children, Denise, Dawn, David and Daniel. Later, when their first grandson Adam was born, they adopted and raised him as their own. She began her career in October 1973 as a teacher’s aide for the Fort Peck Tribes HeadStart Program. Working with some of the best, she became lifelong friends with Dolly Boyd, Vivian Jones, Viola Wood and Cathy Wetsit. She continued to work and, in time, became a teacher for HeadStart until her retirement in June 1997. Of course, being home was not for her so, in August 1998, she went back to what she loved, teaching. She continued until her death. She spent 50 years and six months with the HeadStart program. No matter where she went, someone would come up to her and tell her she was their teacher. Through all these years, she has had so many priceless stories and fond memories to tell of all “her kids” she taught and coworkers. Not only was she dedicated to her family and career, but she was also a devout Catholic. Rain or shine, and though the most trying times, mom

Ranae Jade DeMarrias, 12, died June 16, 2025, in Culbertson. She was born Nov. 21, 2012, to Butterfly DeMarrias in Wolf Point. She joined four older siblings, then later welcomed a baby sister. She was raised in Poplar. As a tiny toddler, she loved dancing and her first word was “hallelujah.” As a young girl, she always had a love for cats. She had a laugh that, if you heard it, you wouldn’t forget it. She loved eating hot chips and pickles with Kool-aid and climbing trees. As she got older, she found things that she loved to do such as joining cross-country, attending sweat and ceremony and going to Dakota class. She is survived by her mother, Butterfly DeMarrias; father, J.D. Bergie Jr., and Tony; brothers, Ronnie Lynn and Charles Lynn; sisters, Francesca Ranae, Rikki Kruiz and Deshaunti Louise; many siblings on her paternal side; and both her paternal and maternal grandparents. Funeral services were held Thursday, June 26, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment was at the Poplar City Cemetery under the direction of Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point.

Ryan Allen Burshia, 31, of Fargo, N.D., died June 12, 2025, at Roosevelt Medical Center in Culbertson. He was born Oct. 9, 1993, to William Burshia Sr. and Janel (Buck Elk) Little Light. He attended school in Culbertson from kindergarten to his senior year. After graduation, he attended Fort Peck Community College in Poplar. He attended for half a year, before working off and on for his uncle Wendell “Chico” Martell in construction and other odd jobs. He met girlfriend Francine “Fran” WhiteShield and moved to Fargo, N.D., working at Wal-Mart and various restaurants. He also traveled often with his cousin Wayne Sayetsitty Jr., making friends wherever he traveled. In his short, life he accomplished a lot. He was home for a visit at the time of his death. He made a big impact on the lives of people who had the privilege of knowing him. With his kind heart and quiet caring nature, he always had a smile on his face and was always willing to help those in need. He will be remembered for these qualities.

Theresa Marie Four Bear, 66, of Brockton died June 17, 2025, in Billings. She was born Oct. 20, 1958, to Pearl and Ervin Four Bear in Poplar. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and cherished her time with her grandchildren, Kai’anna, Kai’ella and Kyzae’ah, listening to music and cruising. She loved to laugh and joke around. In addition to being a homemaker and running a daycare, she also worked at A& S Industries. She met Harold Red Eagle Sr. in the early 1970s and they had six children, Kimberly, Isaac, Phillip, Harold Jr., Mandy and Natalie. They later separated. In 1990, she met Ray Jones, and they remained together for 35 years until her death. She is survived by her companion, Ray Jones; daughter, Natalie Red Eagle; sister, Irene Evenson; brother, Dennis Four Bear; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Mya Longknife that she and Ray raised. She was preceded in death by her children, Kim, Isaac,

Ranae Jade DeMarrias, 12, died June 16, 2025, in Culbertson. A wake was held Wednesday, June 25, at 7 p.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 26, at 11 a.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will be at the Poplar City Cemetery under the direction of Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point.

Ranae DeMarrias, 12, died June 16, 2025, in Culbertson. Funeral services are pending at this time under the direction of Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point.

Ryan Allen Burshia, 31, died June 12, 2025, at Roosevelt Medical Center in Culbertson. A wake will be held Thursday, June 19, at 7 p.m. at the James Black Dog Center in Fort Kipp. Funeral services will be Friday, June 20, at 2 p.m. at the James Black Dog Center. Interment will be at the Fort Kipp Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point was entrusted with the arrangements.