Vera Paulson, age 97, passed away on Aug. 23, 2022, at the Eastern Montana Veteran’s Home in Glendive, Mont. Vera, the fourth of six children born to Andrew and Johanna Christopherson, was born on May 7, 1925, in Poplar, Mont. She grew up on the family farm and attended Longview School through the eighth grade. She continued staying on the farm until her marriage to John Paulson on Dec. 11, 1960. Following their marriage, they made their home in Wolf Point, Mont. John worked for Roosevelt County Road Department and Vera worked at the Sherman Hotel restaurant as a waitress. John passed away in 1980 from cancer. Vera continued waitressing until retiring at the age of 70. Vera’s passion were her beautiful flowers in her yard. She welcomed friends, neighbors and family for a treat of ice cream or baked goodies. She enjoyed her many visits from nieces, nephews and all little ones as much as we all enjoyed her. Vera was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; siblings, Olive Murphy (Vance), Irene Vraa (Orrie), Paul Christopherson, Elsie Tolan (Victor) and Russell Christopherson (Ann); nephews, Dennis Tolan and Bruce Christopherson; and niece, Karen Lavoy. She is survived by nieces, Darlene Ellertson (Rich) of Great Falls, Mont., Lenora Stephenson (Larry) of Circle, Mont., and Elaine Moen (Phil) of Havre, Mont.; nephews, Duane Vraa (Ann) of Shelby, Mont., and Darryl Tolan (Noreen) of Glendive, Mont.; niece-in-law, Peggy Tolan of Omaha, Neb.; and numerous extended families. A graveside service will be held on Friday, Sept. 9, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Greenwood Cemetery in Wolf Point. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www. stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice. A special thank you to the Eastern Montana Veterans Home, hospice program, medical facilities and Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home for Vera’s wonderful care. (Paid Obituary)

Hazel L. Pickthorn Toavs, 95, died July 27, 2022. She was born April 5, 1927, to Lewis and Elsie Pickthorn in Bainville. She had three brothers, Chet, Lyle, Gayle, and one sister, Gloria. She attended grade school in Bainville, then moved to Wolf Point where she met and married Frank Toavs in 1947. They had two sons, Garry and Michael. In 1949, they moved to Saint Ignatius where they ranched until retirement in 1986. On the ranch they raised cattle chickens and had a trout pond. She enjoyed gardening and had blue ribbon flower and vegetable gardens as well as orchards. On their ranch, they were self-sufficient long before being self-sufficient was cool. She was a strong Christian woman. Her faith was important to her. She was very active in the churches they attended in Saint Ignatius, Ronan, Arlee and Bigfork. ShHe was involved in women’s ministry. Most recently, she attended Adventure Church in Kalispell. After retiring from ranching, they moved to Bigfork and resided there since. After Frank’s death seven years ago, she remained in their home until recently. She was an avid reader and continued gardening and caring for her own lawn even up to this summer. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially the “littles.” She is survived by eight grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 21 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her two brothers, sister, and husband, Frank.