Obituaries

Delbert L. Block   HUSON — Delbert L. Block, 85, passed into the presence of his living Lord & Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023.  He left his physical body, and his spirit entered the eternal presence of Jesus.  He had numerous aches and ailments but never complained of any pain and he peacefully passed away at home.  Delbert began his long career for John Deere dealerships by working at Davies Equipment in Ronan where he worked for 12 years. During that time Del helped run the store and helped so many ranchers and farmers all over western Montana.  We affectionately called him “Western Montana’s Parts Peddler,” ...

RONAN — Richard LeeRoy Johnson of Ronan, passed away, unexpectedly, on Oct. 10, 2023.   Richard was born in Laramie, Wyoming, on Oct. 6, 1970. He attended his early elementary school years in Long Beach, California, and then returned to Walden, Colorado, where he attended until high school. As ...

POLSON — Henry John “HJ” Pieper, age 76, died at home with his family on Oct. 12, 2023. He was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Emil John and Zina Madaline Pieper. Henry graduated from Ronan High School in 1966, joining the US Army and serving in Vietnam the years of 1966-1969. He was empl...

POLSON — Our dear wife, mother, sister, Nana and friend, Cheryl Rodden Maldonado, 68, of Polson, passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side on Oct. 16, 2023, following a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Cheryl was born in Oakdale, California, on Jan. 19, 1955, to Grace Marie a...

POLSON — Travis Scott Green, known as Moz to many, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 14, 2022, at the age of 54, in his home in Polson, MT.  Born Oct. 18, 1968 to Barbara and Eli Green, Moz grew up in Phoenix, AZ with his sister, Wendi, and their many friends. After graduating from Gerard Cathol...

WASHINGTON — Gene D. Jorgenson, 74, of Stanfield, Oregon, passed away on Sept. 17, 2023, in Kennewick, Washington. Gene and his twin brother, Jerry, were born on Aug. 17, 1949, in Hettinger, North Dakota, to James R. Jorgenson and E. Margaret Cummings Jorgenson. He moved to Arlee, as an infant and late...

Polson — Nieves Dubuque died surrounded by her children on Nov. 6, 2022. She was 74. She was born in Suncallo, Bolivia, on June 2, 1948, daughter of Ventura Siñani Aruquepa and Anasta Atto Ramos. She had 10 siblings. She moved from Bolivia to Washington, D.C. and made a life with her husband ...

POLSON — Ione Lois Fitzpatrick passed away on Sept. 20, 2023, in Polson. Ione was born on Aug. 10, 1934, in Sidney to Louis E. and Mabel L. Pollard. She was the second of three children. She attended Newlor School, five miles from Sidney, Montana, through the 7th grade. The family moved to Columbia Fal...

CHARLO — We are sad to announce the passing of Claude C. Smith, “Old Man.” He passed away on Sept. 9, 2023, at the age of 60, after a courageous battle with cancer and surrounded by his family. He was born on Nov. 4, 1962, in Ronan to Gerald and Lorelie (Pollard) Smith. Claude loved his ...

ARLEE —Our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and uncle passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sept. 16, 2023. Paul was born on Dec. 13, 1947, in Tampa, Florida, to Betty and Tom Philips. Paul, his brother Tom, and sister Anne were raised on Air Force bases around the US and...