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Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home, 1800 Florence Avenue, Butte, MT (2025)

08/27/2025

OBITUARY FOR
Elsie Pearl (Balbi) Yates

Elsie Pearl (Balbi) Yates was born on November 14, 1944, in Dillon, Montana, to Frank E. Balbi and Pearl Elaine Briggs. She grew up surrounded by a large and loving family.

On July 14, 1961, she married Thomas Wilbur Robbins, and together they raised six children: Cecil Esson, Baby Robbins (deceased), Thomas Wilbur, Billy Charles, Florie Marie, George, and Kelly Lyn. Thomas passed away in 1975.

In 1979, Elsie married Robert George “Rowdy” Yates. Together, Elsie and Rowdy shared a passion for creating and growing businesses. They opened Elsie’s Ceramic Barn in Cardwell, later expanded into Whitehall, and went on to operate the Sunlight Café. Eventually, they purchased and renovated the Black Bear Inn in Thompson Falls, where they built a restaurant, deli, hotel, and bar. After Rowdy’s passing in 1991, Elsie sold the Black Bear and later purchased the Wildhorse Bar in Plains, which she eventually sold before retiring.

Elsie enjoyed working with the public and had a gift for bringing people together. She was known as a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend. Those who knew her will always remember her warmth, generosity, and the deep love she had for her family and community.

Elsie passed away on August 20, 2025. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, and her beloved husbands.

No formal memorial service will be held. A Celebration of Life is planned for September 27, 2025, for close friends and family. Those wishing to honor Elsie’s memory may do so by donating to a cause close to their heart.

08/20/2025

OBITUARY FOR
LOUELLA MARIE WALTON AXTELL

Louella Marie Walton Axtell passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at her home in Butte. She was born in Omaha, Nebraska Tuesday, July 28, 1942 to Charles and Myrtle (Harding) Walton. She attended schools in Omaha and graduated high school in 1960. Following high school she attended beauty school.

Louella married Kirby Kay Axtell on May 11, 1963 in Longmont, Colorado and together they had two children, Wilard Charles who was named after both his grandfathers and Renee’ Antoinette and they only used her full name when she was in trouble. In 1977 the family moved to Butte, Montana where they call home. Louella lost Kirby on September 23, 2013 after 50 years of marriage.

Louella “Lou” worked as a waitress at the Flying J and Perkins until she was called to raise her grandkids, Zach and April, which she took great pride in. She adored all her grandkids and loved them all unconditionally. Lou was involved in Alano for teens, The Butte Vigilante Petticoat Patrol and the Red Hat Society. She loved all the outing with the Red Hatters and had a closet full of apparel which she loved dressing for every dinner or convention. She was also a member of the Saturday Night Widowers Group. Lou was always on the go with her best pal, Chaz, her adored yorkie. Lou spent many winters in San Tan Valley, Arizona and came home every Summer with a golden tan.

Lou is survived by her children Will Axtell of Deer Lodge, Renee’ and tony Vialpando of Butte, brothers and sisters-in-law, Tom (Sharon) Walton of Sand Point, Idaho, Kathy and Gary Cooper of Bennett, Idaho, Patrick (Greg) Walton of Tacoma, WA, grandchildren: Eric, Chance (Julie), Jessica, Zach, April, Jorey, Duke, Charlie, Andre, Peggy and Jaydee, great-grandchildren: Mercedes, Kirby, Kailee, Aston, Jaxson, Zander, Macy, Meggie Lou, Miliana and Jaycee. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews that she loved so much.

Special thanks go out to Tom and Sharon, Kathy, Pat, Zach, Jorey and Chance and Julie. You all helped make things so easy. Thank you to Inhabit Hospice, Dr. Lynch and Dr. Silva.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be conducted Friday, August 22nd at 11 am in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home with Father Patrick Beretta officiating. A reception will follow in Wayrynen-Richards Community Center.

Mama, your fight is over and you can rest on the beach and breath the cool air and we can write each other stories.

08/19/2025

OBITUARY FOR
MARLENE LOUISE CARRIGER

January 27, 1936 - August 16th, 2025.

Marlene Louise Carriger, 89, a Butte America native passed away peacefully on August 17th, 2025. She was born in Butte, Montana, on January 27, 1936, the youngest of four children of Loyd and Emma Bertrand.

Marlene was best known for her sharp wit, age old quips, take-charge spirit, and the way she loved her family fiercely. She brought humor, warmth and fire into every room she entered, leaving an impression on all who knew her.

She is survived by her three children, Rick, Dave, and Lori Carriger, as well as 10 beloved grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren who will miss her as fiercely as she loved them.

Marlene is reunited in eternal rest with the love of her life, her late husband, Clark Carriger — “the only man she ever loved.” Her family takes comfort in knowing they are together once again.

A remembrance to celebrate both the lives of Marlene and Clark Carriger will be announced at a later date.

08/19/2025

OBITUARY FOR
CHRISTINE VENUS BURTON
June 20, 1977 – August 17, 2025

Christine (Christy) Venus Burton, 48, a bright light in so many people’s lives, passed away peacefully at home in Butte, MT on August 17, 2025, from an extended illness. Christy was born on June 20th, 1977 in Deer Lodge, Montana to Jenny and Gordon Jay Burton.
She graduated in 1996 from Butte High School. Christy had many interests in life and one that brought her so much pleasure was photography. She had a wonderful photographic sense and learned how to enhance her images with photoshop, making her photos look like oil paintings. She always travelled with a sidekick; you would never see her without her dog. She has had cats of all kinds including one named “Piglet” that even used to nurse on her ear. She had a love for horses from a young age and belonged to the Boots and Lace equestrian club where she ran barrels with her horse “Dehlie” and participated in parades, and O-Mok-See. She always had a love for horses and later progressed to her love of riding her Harley Davidson. She became a member of the Tenacious Dames Riding Club that is based in Montana.
Christy had a strong work ethic and was always an avid learner. She never lacked for a job and gained many skills throughout her life. She worked at a nursery, bartended, and went to truck driving school. She held numerous semi-truck driving jobs to include Schwans, Fed-Ex; and Hoffman Construction. At Hoffman’s she drove one of their septic trucks; her favorite truck was a Kenworth, which she nicknamed Eleanor. She loved driving truck and often talked about it after she had to give it up.
In 1997, Christy welcomed her son, Liam Doran into the world while married to Kristopher Doran. Christy was very proud watching Liam grow up into a wonderful young man. Liam and Samara gave Christy two of her best gifts life can offer, her grandchildren, Emberlyn and Everett. Christy had the most amazing eyes and beautiful smile. Emberlyn and Everett made her eyes sparkle and she would grin ear to ear every time she saw them.
Christy met the love of her life and true soul mate Mike Franich, while bartending in Butte. It took little time to realize they never wanted to be apart. On May 20, 2018, they pledged their hearts and promised before God to always take care of one another. All who crossed their path knew what true love looked like. Christy was welcomed into Mike’s family and her light and laughter shone through making her so easy to love. She loved wholeheartedly and Mike was truly devoted to her. Through her illness, he never faltered. He ensured she had all she needed when she couldn’t care for herself. She fought through her illness with Mike at her side, until she no longer could. She left this world as a warrior with a heart of gold straight into the arms of Jesus. She will be sorely missed by her friends and family. She is free, she has earned her wings and we are breathing easier knowing we have her in Heaven looking over us.
Christy is survived by her son Liam Doran, daughter-in-law Samara Brunet Doran, their children Emberlyn and Everett Doran; the love of her life, Mike Franich; Mike's son, her stepson, Cruz Franich, his mom, Michele Franich, Stepmom, Sharon Talkington; sister-in-law Candace Burton; sister and brother-in-law Kimberly Franich and Jason Murphy; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. She was especially close to her cousin Terri who travelled every week to be by her side during the last three months.
Christy was preceded in death by her father, Gordon Jay Burton; mother Jenny Twohy; Step-father, Owen Talkington; her special dad, Michael T. Franich; brother Gordon Eugene Burton; grandparents, Gene and Betty Burton; and grandparents, Eugene and Carolyn Sue Richeson.
The family would like to give special thanks for the amazing care and support provided by Stillwater Hospice and to all of the personal care assistants from Montana Homecare.
Cremation has taken place. Church services are planned for September 13, 2025, 10:00 a.m., at the Assembly of God church in Whitehall, MT with graveside services at Fish Creek Cemetery and Celebration of Life to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: the Stillwater Hospice in Butte, MT, the Association of Fronto Temporal Dementia (AFTD), and to the Christian Motorcyclists Association of Montana.

08/18/2025

WILLIAMS--Roderick David “Dave” Williams passed away June 30, 2025. A Celebration of life and reception will be conducted Saturday, August 23rd at Homestake Lodge beginning at 11 AM. To donate in memory of Dave, visit www.milehighnordic.org. His full obituary can be read at www.wayrynen-richards.com.

08/13/2025

OBITUARY FOR
STEPHEN JAY DANZA
October 10, 1956 – August 4, 2025

Stephen Jay Danza of Anaconda, Montana, passed away suddenly on Monday, August 4, 2025, at the age of 68. Born October 10, 1956, in Brooklyn, New York, to Albert Frank Danza and Shirley Danza (Milstein), Stephen graduated from Canarsie High School in 1974.

Stephen worked in the film industry in New York and Los Angeles as a location manager and assistant director, contributing to television commercials and films including Running on Empty, Q&A, The Family Business, and January Man.

He lived in New York City; Calabasas, California; and North Merrick, New York, before settling in Anaconda, Montana, where he spent the last six years.

Stephen had a love of skiing; cycling; cooking; gardening; road trips; racquetball; and the New York Yankees. His favorite place was the serene beauty of the Tetons and the magical champagne powder skiing of Grand Targhee.

He is survived by his cherished sons, David Louis Danza (Melissa) of Rutland, Massachusetts, and Alexander Jordan Danza of Emeryville, California; his grandson, Owen Ross Danza, son of David and Melissa; and his partner, Maria Munson of Anaconda, Montana.

He is also survived by his sister, Joan Roth; his nieces, Lisa Dowd and Emily Montuori; his many grandnieces and grandnephews; and countless friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Shirley Danza, and his niece, Amy Dreste.

The family will hold a private scattering of his ashes in accordance with Stephen’s wishes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Teton Regional Land Trust in Driggs, Idaho, to help protect the natural beauty of the Teton Valley, a place Stephen loved dearly.

08/12/2025

OBITUARY FOR
H. R. “FRED” BUDD

H. R. “Fred” Budd passed away Saturday, August 9, 2025 at his home in Butte with his lovely wife Karen and family by his side. He was born in Butte Wednesday, March 27, 1940 to Fred Fobes, and Irene (Heard) Budd.

Fred attended Butte schools including the Emerson Grade School and Butte High School. He served his country in the United States Army from 1956-1959 and following his honorable discharge, returned to Butte where he worked as an electrician for the Montana Power Company for over 30 years.

Fred married three times. First to Marlene Cutler, then to Pauline Dennehy, and on August 30, 2014 he married Karen Smith Wenger in Carson City, Nevada. He was a longtime member of B.P.O.E. #240, Butte Elks Lodge, coached Longfellow Little League Baseball and Emerson Football, and enjoyed playing handball, and fantasy football, riding with friends and family on his Harley Davidson Motorcycle, and the annual trips to Lake Tahoe with his wife Karen.

Fred was a true American patriot, honored to serve his country and proud of his family’s military heritage. He was a generous man who enjoyed donating to organizations that supported the military, first responders, veterans, and other non-profits devoted to the care of the less fortunate, and especially youth organizations.

Fred is survived by his wife, Karen Budd of Butte, daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Ed Shea of Nampa, Idaho, sons and daughters-in-law, Fred and Laurie Budd of Eaton, Colorado and Michael and Ara Budd of Winnemucca, Nevada, grandchildren, Alena and Joe Sheire and their children Mason and Rowan, Terra Shea, Bryan and Jessica Budd and their children Braedyn and Brooklyn, Brandi Meier, Jacob and Mattison Budd and their children Blake, Payden and Wyatt, Brittany and Darius Luciano and their children Avery, Sawyer, Charley and Evie, Logan Budd, Joshua Budd and Timothy Budd. Other survivors include his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dennis and Darlene Smith, Karen’s children and their families: Marc and Julie Wenger and their children, Chera and Cody Cunningham and their three children: Kayleigh, Keaton and Kamryn, Josh Wenger, Steve and Cassandra Wenger, Sara and John Jaksha and their children Lily, Kylie and Paisley and Taylor Shapiro. Also surviving is his granddaughter, Katelyn McKinnon as well as several nieces and nephews. Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Irene, his sister, Betty Driscoll, his son, Kenneth D. Budd, daughter, Debby McKinnon, and first wife, Marlene Budd.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be conducted at a later date and will be announced.

08/08/2025

OBITUARY FOR
PATRICK ALLEN O'CONNOR

Patrick Allen O’Connor passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 6, 2025 at Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital. He was 80 years old. Pat was born on May 8, 1945 in Philipsburg, MT to Robert and Elsie (who divorced early). Pat and his siblings were raised in Butte by their single mother until her death in 1957. They were then raised by their grandparents Melvin and Bertha Kristensen. Pat graduated from Butte High in 1963 and then joined the U.S. Navy where he served on the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier from 1963-1966. While he was in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, he was exposed to Agent Orange. Pat married Marsha in 1971 and they had two children Patrick and Kellie. They were married for 20 years. Pat was a lifelong worker from a very early age. After the Navy, he worked for Intermountain Transportation at the Bus Depot in Butte for many years until he went back to school in his 40’s and got his AA in Accounting from Mt. Tech and his Bachelors in Business from Eastern WA University in Spokane. After graduation, he tried many occupations and finally found a love of car sales, a career he maintained until he retired in 2012. Through the years, Pat moved around a little including to Spokane, WA, Gresham, OR and Portland, OR, but found his way back to his beloved MT in 2009.
Pat is preceded in death by his son Patrick, mom Elsie, and ex-wife Marsha. He is survived by his daughter Kellie, son-in-law Ryan, granddaughter Abbie as well as his siblings Dan, Sharon, Kathleen & Gene, Dan & Randy and many other family and friends. Pat was a devoted family man, he loved talking to people and he was an avid reader.
The memorial service for Pat will be held at Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home in Butte at 1pm on Friday, August 15th (1800 Florence Ave.). Entombment with military honors will follow in Mountain View Cemetery and a reception will be held back at Wayrynen-Richards Community Center.

08/07/2025

OBITUARY FOR
LEONARD WILLIAM HOSCHEID III

Leonard William “Lenny” Hoscheid III passed away Monday, August 4, 2025 in a Missoula hospital following a four-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born in Anaconda on Wednesday, March 18, 1959 to Leonard W. and Iris (Strand) Hoscheid. Lenny attended Anaconda schools and graduated from Anaconda High School in 1977. He enlisted in the military after high school serving a total of twenty-two years between the Air Force and the Army National Guard and was honorably discharged.
He worked several jobs including Hoscheid Masonry, the Montana State Prison, and the prison in Spokane, Washington. He also drove truck in Texas and North Dakota.
Lenny married Daisy Jane Bayhon on August 8, 2019 in the Philippines and together they made their home in Anaconda.
As a husband, he was my rock, my partner in crime, and my greatest supporter. Together we navigated the ups and downs of life, creating memories filled with laughter, love, and adventure. His love for our children was immeasurable; he cherished every moment spent with them, guiding them with wisdom and warmth, inspiring them to be the best versions of themselves.
Lenny had a very adventurous spirit and traveled many places in his life time.
He had a very strong will to live and fought his many medical issues to be able to spend as much time with his family as possible.
Lenny enjoyed spending time outdoors where he found peace and sanctuary, whether it be in the woods camping, hunting, getting firewood for his family or scouting out the next best spot to go hunting. In the evening times, you could find Lenny catching up on the recent NASCAR race standings or checking to see which place his favorite racer was at in the Alaskan Iditarod or cheering on the underdog in the boxing match that he was watching.
Lenny was very passionate about his Harley-Davidson. He enjoyed spending nice days on the open road and finding a hot springs to soak in at the end of his ride. He attended the Sturgis Rally two times.
Lenny was bold and stuck behind what he believed. Out of all the choices in his life that he made, the bravest of all was making the choice to stop medical treatment. Knowing that he can be at peace after his life on earth and his family can remember him thriving and living. Lenny’s strength and resilience will always be remembered. He was dearly loved and will be forever in our hearts.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Hoscheid of Anaconda, his sons, Harley William Hoscheid, Leonard William Hoscheid IV and his daughter Tiffany Hoscheid, his Grandchildren Paisley and Peipar, his mother, Iris Hoscheid, his brother and sisters and their spouses: Lorene and John Wolfe of Anaconda, Timothy and Cindy Hoscheid of Great Falls and Vera Hoscheid of Anaconda. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles. He is preceded in death by his father, Leonard William Hoscheid Jr. and his brothers, Daniel and Stephen Hoscheid.
Cremation has taken place. Private family services are planned. Memorials in honor of Lenny may be made to St. Patrick House, 501 W. Alder, Missoula MT 59802.

08/07/2025

OBITUARY MATERIAL
FOR
GLADYS JEAN (JORGENSEN) BRINTON
Age 89 of Butte, Montana

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Gladys Brinton who left us on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 in Butte, Montana.

Gladie was born on Tuesday, February 11, 1936 to her parents Lenard and Katherine Jorgensen in Anaconda, Montana.

She attended grade school and high school in Anaconda. In grade school she met the love of her life, Floyd A. Brinton. They were married on July 15, 1956 and recently celebrated their 69th anniversary.

In her younger years she worked at the family business, Brintons Shop, in Anaconda. In 1968 Floyd and Gladie moved to Butte where they remained. She became the Women’s Apparel Manager at F. W. Woolworth in Butte. Years later, she opened her own business, Brinton’s Fashion. It was a great success!

Gladie made lots of wonderful friends throughout her life. She enjoyed crafting and being a member of the Gallus Frame Red Hats group. Her laugh was infectious and well known by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 69 years, Floyd, sons and daughters-in-law, Floyd L. and Julie Brinton of Butte and Andrew W. and Sherry Brinton of Columbia Falls, MT, grandchildren: Floyd R. Brinton (Bryant) of Washington DC, Hannah (Carlin) Andersen of Missoula, MT and Baylee Brinton of Columbia Falls, MT. Great-grandchildren include Espen and Nora Anderson of Missoula, a niece and nephews.

Cremation has taken place and private family services will take place.

08/05/2025

OBITUARY FOR
John Edmund “Ed” Harrington

John Edmund “Ed” Harrington passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, at the Southwest Montana Veterans Home in Butte, Montana. Ed was born on March 26, 1943, to Michael J. and Frances H. (Walsh) Harrington. He graduated from Butte High School and proudly served in the United States Navy. He married Vina Kingston in Butte, and together they raised four children, later divorcing amicably while maintaining a strong friendship.
Ed enjoyed a lengthy career as an electrician, starting with the Anaconda Company and later working for Montana Resources until his retirement, after which he briefly returned to the workforce at Walmart. Ed was a passionate fisherman and bird hunter, and he relished dining out. Driving the team bus for Butte Central Athletics was another activity he cherished. He very much enjoyed watching professional wrestling entertainment on television - a hobby he began with his late grandmother.
Ed is survived by his children: Daniel (Valarie) Harrington, Shawn (Peggy) Harrington, Teri (Ted) Zanto, and Lorie (Josh) Lovshin. Surviving grandchildren include: Abbi (Bill) Cicero, James (Tracy) Price, Christian Price, Adam Roesch, Eli Toone, Jessiah Harrington, Halen Toone, Johnny, Sadie, and Kyle Harrington, Whitney (Matt) Harrison, Tifani (Ryan) Burke, Sydnee Zanto, Logan Harrington, and Brayden and Ivy Lovshin. Great-grandchildren include: Meghan Cicero, Cortana Price, Brooks, Madeline, and Baker Burke, Isla Harrington, and Junie Harrison. Also surviving are his former wife and friend Vina Dugan, sisters Jean Harrington and Mary Kallman, and many nephews, nieces, and great friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister and brother-in-law, (Mary Jo and Al Patton).
Cremation has taken place. On Saturday, August 9th, visitation begins at 11:00 am with a funeral mass at 12:00 noon at St. Ann Catholic Church in Butte. Reception to follow in St. Ann’s Hall. A celebration of his life and interment of ashes at Holy Cross Cemetery in Butte will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to Camp Mak-A-Dream, Butte Central, Special Olympics or any other charity of your choosing.

08/05/2025

OBITUARY FOR
DONNA JEWEL ANDERSON

Donna Jewel Anderson passed away peacefully on Friday, August 1, 2025, at St. James Healthcare in Butte, Montana, after a courageous and unwavering battle with breast cancer. Born on a crisp autumn morning—Wednesday, October 2, 1968—in Everett, Washington, Donna was the beloved daughter of Darrell and Julia (Brixey) Anderson. She spent her formative years in the Buhl and Jerome areas of Idaho, where her vibrant spirit began to shine.
In her early twenties, Donna made Montana her home. From the beginning, she was a force of nature—never without work, often juggling multiple jobs with determination and grace. Her tireless work ethic was matched only by her warmth and generosity. Donna had a rare gift: she never met a stranger. Her ability to connect with others was effortless and genuine, often inviting new friends to dinner and forging bonds that lasted a lifetime. Her quick wit, infectious laughter, and unforgettable stories made her the kind of person who could light up any room. To know Donna was to know joy.
Donna spent over a decade working at the Montana Developmental Center in Boulder, where she met her soulmate, Doug Weisenberger. Together, they embraced the great outdoors—camping, trapping, and hunting—creating a tapestry of cherished memories. Though she didn’t graduate high school traditionally, Donna earned her GED and, in her thirties, put herself through college. She went on to serve as a certified surgical technologist at St. James Healthcare for more than 20 years, touching countless lives with her skill and compassion.
At 39, Donna welcomed her greatest blessing—her daughter, Danika Jewel. From that moment on, Donna’s world revolved around Danika. She poured her heart into motherhood, encouraging Danika to explore every opportunity and cheering her on with pride, especially during speed skating competitions in Calgary. Donna’s love was fierce, unwavering, and beautifully selfless. She built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure for the two of them.
Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Julia and Darrell Anderson, and her beloved partner, Doug Weisenberger. She is survived by her cherished daughter, Danika Jewel Carr; her stepmother, Vivian; her siblings, Roy, Randy, and Tawnia; and her dearest friends Ruth, DeAnn, and Dannette. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and friends who were touched by her kindness and spirit.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service to celebrate Donna’s life will be held on Friday, August 8th at 11:00 a.m. at Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home, with Deacon John Uggetti officiating. In lieu of flowers, a memorial savings account has been established for Danika. Please Venmo:-Danika

We will miss Donna more than words can express. Her radiant smile, generous heart, and unwavering positivity left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on—especially in her beloved daughter, who carries forward Donna’s love, strength, and joyful light. Her legacy will continue to shine through the lives she touched and the family she cherished most..

“I chose not to lose my mom, and instead to gain an angel. In my mind, my heart, and my life, she is still completely present to this day---and as wise, compassionate and stubborn as ever.” -Kevin Hart

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