Orvis Nelson, 87, of rural Homestead, died at the Roosevelt Memorial Nursing Home Monday, May 18, 2020, in Culbertson. He was born south of Watford City, N.D., to Eddie and Irene Nelson on Feb. 25, 1933. Just a few months after he was born, the family moved to rural Homestead. He attended most of his grade school at Central Consolidated, graduated high school from Medicine Lake and attended Concordia College for two years before entering the U.S. Army. He spent two years of active duty during the Korean Conflict and received an honorary discharge in 1953. He farmed part-time with his father and worked fulltime in Williston, N.D., driving Gamble Robinson’s grocery delivery truck delivering to stores in northeast Montana. While working in Williston, he met Lois on a blind date. They were married in June 1958 and soon moved home to farm full-time. After her death in August 2019, he missed her dearly. He was very proud of his service to this country and, once home on the farm for good, he became very active in Legion Post 49 in Homestead. As Post Commander, he organized many trips to the 49th Parallel Days with Canadian Service Men and Women. He was the “Master Card Party Organizer” and there were many card parties and games of cards played. Being involved in community was very important to him. He served as the chair of the Medicine Lake School board during the time the school was being rebuilt after a fire. He served on the NEMONT board for 27 years. Other organizations included the Froid Credit Union, Farmers Elevator in Homestead, Northeast Montana Threshers Association and church and parish councils. He also purchased bags of groceries and delivered them to families in need. He organized bus trips to the Medora Musical for the elderly. He was one of the first to offer his land into the Block Management Program. He never missed a benefit in the area where he always made some kind of donation, and he would go to the nursing home and give haircuts. He took pride in using his hands to build many beautiful woodworking projects which he donated to various places. Being a Norwegian is not a privilege everyone gets. He was proud of his heritage and seldom missed the opportunity to attend the Norsk Hostfest in Minot, N.D. The most enjoyable times in his life were visiting with people. He set up areas on the farm where hunters could camp just so he had someone to visit with. He would chase down hunters in the field to say hello and welcome them to the area. In later years, he and Lois loved to travel but could not go anywhere without scheduling time on the trip to stop and visit friends and family. He never missed a concert or music event the children were in and sang in a group called the Homestead Legionnaires who performed at many area events, such as the Faye Crush variety show. They sang at countless funerals and never turned down a request to do so. Some memorable trips included the trips to Moville, Iowa, to sell cattle. This was an annual event where he and some of his most cherished friends had the opportunity to spend time together. He organized a fishing trip to Besnard Lake, Sask., 27 years in a row. He loved to see his children and grandchildren experience camping and catching big fish. All were welcome, so almost always the children or grandchildren had friends with them. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lois; and brother, Rudale. He is survived by daughter, Kimberly; sons, Dale and Dean; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. His graveside service was held Saturday, May 23, at the Big Lake Cemetery, rural Homestead. Pastor Johnette Grefe officiated. Military rites followed. There will be a celebration of life tentatively set for June 28, at the family farm.

Colleen Shumway, 64, died April 29, 2020, of complications from COPD at her home in Billings. She was born in Wolf Point on Jan. 12, 1956. She was the second child of four born to Jack and Barb Shumway. She was raised on the family farm northwest of Wolf Point. She and her siblings helped with the farm work but enjoyed playing and riding horseback over the hills and prairies. Their only rule was to be in the yard by dark. A few months after graduating from Wolf Point High School, she moved to Billings. After trying different jobs, she moved back to Wolf Point. She worked for Roosevelt County in the land department and then for Roger Wimmer at Roosevelt County Abstract. From there, she had the opportunity to become a petroleum landman. Monte Sandvick and Dave Mork were her mentors and became lifelong friends. She searched hundreds of titles in eastern Montana and western North Dakota. After Colleen's daughter, Callan, was born they both made those trips to various court houses all over the area. Everyone in those areas was well acquainted with Callan and her favorite doll, Betsy. The life on the road led her to meet Bruce Chappell. At every opportunity, she went home to the farm to ride horseback. She loved riding and helping her dad gather cattle. She never missed Christmas, branding or Stampede. After Callan was born, she brought her to all of these occasions so that she would get to experience them. In 1986, she moved to Billings and remained there until her death. She maintained many lifelong friendships around Wolf Point, but also with the many people she met along the way. She never met a stranger. She was kind, giving and truly loved people. She is survived by daughter, Callan Nagy; one grandson; mother, Barb Shumway; brother, Mark Shumway; and sisters, Cheryl Pearson and Dawn Shumway. She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Shumway, and her love, Bruce Chappell.

Helen Marie Lizotte, 82, died at Riverstone Hospice in Billings on May 16, 2020. She was born Dec. 11, 1937, to Stephen and Bertha Lizotte in Belcourt, N.D. Her family moved to Poplar when her father found work at the Ault Ranch. That is where she met and married Raymond Hagadone. They had two children, Douglas Wayne and Julie Ann. After their divorce, she moved with her small children to Billings to begin a new life for them. She went to work for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, starting in an entry level position. Because of her integrity and incredible work ethic, she moved up the ranks and, in 1987, retired as the administrative officer for the Fort Peck Tribes and first female acting superintendent of a reservation in the state of Montana. After retirement, she moved to Hardin to be near her mother. It was while living in Hardin that she met David Conroy. She and David had only 14 years together, but those years were filled with love, happiness and adventure. She gained a whole new family through David and many happy memories were made at brandings, large annual camping events in the Snowies, gatherings at the Lodge Compound in the Pryor Mountains and wintering in Quartzsite, Ariz. After David’s death Jan. 1, 2014, she finally gave in to repeated requests and agreed to move to Billings to be closer to family. She made it clear, however, that she would not be giving up her independent ways. Everyone who knew her was keenly aware of her incredible strength and fierce independence; she remained so until the last five months of her life when cancer refused to loosen its ugly grip. Survivors include daughter, Julie Bare; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and bonus children, Marlo Conroy, Kirk Conroy and Tara Hope. She was preceded in death by her son, Doug; life partner, David Conroy and brothers Raymond, Larry and Patrick. A private family burial is planned.