Gene Pena, 92, of Vida died Jan. 19, 2021, at his home in Vida. He lived in Vida with his family for the last 23 years. He was born in Chicago, Ill., to Diego and Nadine Pena on Nov. 28, 1928. He had three brothers, including his older brother Lawrence and younger brothers Carl and Victor. He spent his youth in Savage and later moved back to Chicago, where he attended high school. He was a veteran of the Army and worked various jobs including truck driving and construction. He would later become a mechanic, and owned his own trucking company in Billings. He later served as chief of police in Terry, served as undersheriff of Prairie County and was a private investigator in Montana and Nevada. He has been married to Dianna Herbster for 49 years. They have a daughter, Gina, and a son, David. He was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Anne’s Community Church in Vida. He was very proud to be a member of the Knights of Columbus and was honored to serve time as a Grand Knight. He remained very active in the church throughout his life. Throughout his life, he had many interests including hunting, fishing, camping and traveling. He enjoyed walking and usually was accompanied by one of his dogs, including a German Shepherd named Dutchess who was his favorite. He enjoyed watching sports with his family and was especially a fan of boxing. He was preceded in death by his three brothers. He is survived by his wife, Dianna; daughter, Gina Pena; and son, David Pena. Services have not been scheduled. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Connie Crowe-Smith Connie Jean Crowe-Smith, 61, of Riverside died Dec. 15, 2020, in Riverside. She was born Dec. 22, 1958, to Nelson James Crowe and Elizabeth Ruby Red Boy at Poplar Community Hospital. She spent her life in Poplar attending school, living life and eventually marrying her best friend, Eddy O. Smith Sr., on Jan. 27, 1979. In 1982, they moved to Riverside where they’ve resided since. Their first son Edward Orval, Jr was born Dec. 15, 1980. Son Dustin William was born Jan. 10, 1985. They joined their older sister, Carrie Lee. She worked for many years with the BIA, then switched employment to the Fort Peck Tribes. She retired when health issues got to be too much. Connie, Eddy, sister Edna and brother Mike and sisterin- law Lovena were awesome bowlers in their heyday, winning many trophies in tournaments. She enjoyed crocheting at one time, creating many beautiful projects. Most notably was a huge blanket for her son, Eddy Jr., with a huge four-leaf clover in the middle for their beloved Boston Celtics. She and her family enjoyed all sitting down to watch the Celtics play and cheer. She thoroughly enjoyed when friends would show up to visit and reminisce. She hosted many holidays and birthdays in her home. During the summers, the family could all be found down at the river fishing and enjoying family time with Mom Bette. She was preceded in death by husband, Eddy O. Sr.; eldest son, Eddy O. Jr.; an infant son; brother, Charlie Crazy Bull; and sister, Francine Lemay. She is survived by numerous grandchildren; daughter, Carrie Lou Pribbernow; step-father, Cyril E. Iron Ring; best friend and sister, Debbie Scott Hill of Hardin; and sisters, Delores Crowe and Dolly Crowe. A funeral service for her and her son, Dustin, was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment followed at the Smith Family Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Dustin, 'Baby,' 'Brother,' William Smith Sr., 35, died Jan. 13, 2021. He was born Jan. 10, 1985, to Eddy O. Smith Sr. and Connie Crowe-Smith in Williston N.D. He grew up and attended school in Poplar, graduating from Poplar High School in May 2003. During his high school years, he played basketball, which he greatly enjoyed, getting pointers from his personal coach, his brother, Ed. Playing basketball is where he acquired the nickname 'Baby.' Although he didn't run cross country, he could always be found at home running many miles on the dirt roads. In his boyhood years, he was quite the daredevil. One time, he climbed onto the top of the trailerhouse and dove into a snow bank at the daring of his brothers. Another time, he came into the house all excited with the 'treasure' he and a friend had found. To the horror of the moms, they each had a handful of baby hairless mice which they had to promptly go and dispose of. He attended Fort Peck Community College, where he received certificates in building trades. He eventually began work with the Fort Peck Housing Authority, where he earned many certificates in various areas of training, of which he was very proud. He married Amber Black Dog July 7, 2012. From this union, Dustin Jr. was born on Feb. 26, 2010, followed by Dillinger who was born Dec. 20, 2012. They later divorced, but remained friends. He later met Butterfly De-Marrias and, together, they had their daughter, DeShaunti Louise, on Nov. 2, 2018. He enjoyed doing various activities and fishing with all his children. He made many friends in his short life and never had a bad word for anyone. Always laid back and willing to visit, he was a mean barbecue cook, cooking outside on the wood grill even when it was raining. If his brother Eddy wanted grilled food, Dustin would be out there firing up the grill, even in the winter. Tragic events that led to his losing full use of his hands led to his depression, but he always greeted family and friends with a hug and “hi” when they showed up. He is survived by his sons, Dustin Jr. and Dillinger; his sons’ mother, Amber; daughter, DeShaunti; his daughter’s mother, Butterfly; grandmother, Louise Smith; and sister, Carrie Pribbernow. A funeral service for him and his mother was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment followed at the Smith Family Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements.