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

11/17/2025

OBITUARY FOR
Patricia (Madore) Balan

It comes with great sadness and great respect that the family of Patricia Madore Balan, 73, announces the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother on the afternoon of November 12, 2025. Pat lived with significant pain for more than 20 years, yet she faced every day with strength and determination. We take comfort in knowing she is now at peace, pain-free, and watching over her family from above.
Pat was born on February 1, 1952, the only child of Wilfred and Helen “Ladouceur” Madore of Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada. Her family came to Butte when Wilfred, a miner, found work here—planning to stay only six months or maybe a year. Butte quickly became their permanent home, the place where Pat grew up, built her life, and ultimately chose to stay for the rest of her days.
One of the most special parts of Pat’s life was the time she spent at her parents’ antique shop, Copper City Antiques, on Montana Street. Anyone who knew the family remembers the shop well—its treasures, its stories, and the unique character it brought to the neighborhood. Those memories remained close to Pat throughout her life.
Pat attended school in Butte and worked various jobs until she found her true calling at the Rahn House, where she spent 14½ years doing what she loved most: helping people. During that time, she formed deep, lifelong friendships. She had four women she lovingly referred to as her “sister friends”—Robbie Knight, Susan Chavez, Linda Raiha, and Rosie Holodnick. Their bond and support meant the world to her. Susan’s passing in 2023 was a loss Pat felt deeply.
Pat married twice during her life. Though both marriages eventually ended, she remained close friends with her second husband, Pete Balan, and valued the lasting friendship they continued to share. In a note she left behind, Pat wrote that Pete was the love of her life, a truth her family honors with great respect.
Animals were a huge part of Pat’s life. She loved them deeply—often jokingly asking why people didn’t bring horses and cows inside during the winter. Her heart dog, Koda, was her constant companion, and the family takes comfort knowing they are reunited now.
Christmas was Pat’s favorite holiday. She loved opening her home to family and spoiling everyone with gifts. As the family grew, the mountain of presents under the tree seemed to grow right along with it—though somehow the number of seats in the living room never did. The front room would fill from wall to wall with gifts, and every year furniture had to be rearranged just to squeeze everyone inside. Those Christmas mornings remain some of the family’s most cherished memories.
Pat’s greatest pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. She was blessed with three terrific children: Cory West and his wife Karrie, Laura West, and Scott Balan and his wife Ashley. Her grandchildren were the light of her life: Shyanne West, Parris West, Cory West Jr., Cody West and Kooper West (“The Twins”), Christian Shock, Aiden Roach, Keagan Roach, and Marcus Balan.
In her final years, Pat met several special Nurses and CNA’s who cared for her with compassion and kindness. She wanted them to know how important they were to her, and her family extends heartfelt thanks to each of them.
Patricia will be remembered for her giving spirit, her loyalty, her traditions, and the deep affection she held for her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. She will be terribly missed by everyone who knew.

Cremation has taken place, and she is now at rest.
Funeral services will be held on November 21, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church,
329 W. Mercury Street, Butte, MT 59701.
Visitation will take place from 10:00–11:00 a.m., with the Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 a.m.
A reception will follow at the Knights of Columbus located at 224 W Park St, Butte, MT 59701.

11/10/2025

OBITUARY FOR
GAYLENE GRANT, 92
November 22, 1932 -- November 8, 2025

Gaylene (Lemieux) Grant passed away peacefully on November 8,2025, surrounded by her family at her son and daughter-in-law's home after an extended illness.

Born on November 22,1932 to Margaret (Crowley) Lemieux and Joseph Alfred Lemieux. Gaylene attended local Butte schools. After high school, she attended Saint Mary College in Xavier, Kansas and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences. Upon returning to Montana, Gaylene
taught school at Fratt Memorial School in Billings, MT for numerous years. When she returned home to Butte, Gaylene worked at Pioneer Concrete and Fuel in Butte as a bookkeeper and dispatcher.

In 1962 she married James D. Grant who preceded her in death in 1979. They became parents to two children Lori (Grant) Martinich and Jay Grant. The family enjoyed camping and fishing. One of her greatest joys was deep sea fishing for Salmon off the Washington State coast.

In her later years she enjoyed gardening. She became skilled in growing raspberries, rhubarb, lettuce, potatoes, cucumbers, and zucchini including one very large albino zucchini. The fruits of her Iabor were enjoyed by the entire neighborhood, family and friends. Mom made the world's best Raspberry Pie!

Gaylene is survived by her daughter Lori Martinich and son Jay (Carlene) Grant; grandchildren Joe (Courtney) Martinich, Jordan and Justin Buhl (Ashlyne Hand), Seth Grant, Trey Grant (Rylee Gonzales), Mayce Grant (Jenna Walker) and Jae Kristie Grant; great grandchildren Hallie Martinich, Jade Martinich, Oaks B. Grant and Mila Jo Grant, as well as a niece and two nephews and their respective spouses in Washington State.

Gaylene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her brother, Donald Lemieux, sister-in-law Peggy, as well as a niece and nephew.

A special thanks to Carlene Grant for bringing Mom into her home and taking such great care of her. The family would also like to thank Honeybee Hospice, and especially Rylee Gonzales and Kiara Kindt for their exceptional love and care. Thank you to Father Patrick Beretta for his blessings and concern for our mother and family. Lastly, thank you to Elaine Ryan, Mary McMahon and JoAnn McCarthy for their ongoing visits and support and for bringing awesome homemade treats.

Gaylene's remains were cremated and private interment will be conducted by the family. Services will take place on Saturday, November 15,2025, beginning with visitation at St. Patrick's Church at 1O:00 A.M. followed by Mass of the Resurrection at ll:0OA.M. A reception will follow at Star Lanes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Our Lady of the Rockies Foundation. The family has been cared for by Wayrynen Richards Funeral Home.

11/06/2025

OBITUARY FOR
ARLENE MARIE (POWELL) WELSH

Fighting the good fight until the end, Arlene Marie (Powell) Welsh entered into eternal life on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

Arlene was born on December 21, 1937—the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year. She always said it wasn’t fair that everyone had a longer birthday than she did, and complained that always being chilled was the result of leaving the hospital in frigid temperatures.
Raised on Butte’s Anaconda Road with her parents Jean and Elmer Powell, older sister Dolores, and grandmother Bridget, they were a foursome with bonds tighter than any rope dropping buckets into the mines. She attended St. Mary’s School and was a 1955 graduate of Girl’s Central High School. Admittedly, if there was something to be tried, she tried.

Following high school, Ar headed to Seattle University with many of her classmates. During Christmas break of her first year, she met the love of her life, Hughie Welsh, and decided that one year in Seattle was enough. Hughie and Arlene were married in St. Mary’s Catholic Church on August 17, 1957, and welcomed their first child, Geri Lynn, the following summer. Dan joined the family 2 years later. After Dan started school, Arlene decided it was time to return to college, and enrolled at Western Montana College. To not interrupt family life, she only attended summer school, commuting to Dillon for 3 summers. She began her teaching career in 1968 as a substitute teacher, taking on elementary grade levels and Special Education. Her compassion for students of all levels led her to a twenty-three year career teaching at Butte Sheltered Workshop. When she “retired” in 2001, boredom set in after she insulated her attic and painted Geri’s wrought iron fence, so it was back to the classroom as a substitute teacher for fourteen years. “Retiring” again in 2015, her teacher blood remained so she volunteered reading to the kindergarten classes at Emerson for another five years. At age 83, she retired for the last time.
Most people can talk about the wonderful cook their mother was, and the wonderful family dinners that she prepared. Arlene professed that she was not a cook, nor baker! She taught us everything she knew about meal prep, and that was to make reservations in advance and have your favorite restaurant on speed dial. She was, however, excellent at ceramics and made many decorations that her friends cherish. Hand her a crochet needle and a pattern, and you had the most beautiful hand-crafted Arlene masterpiece. She loved sitting down with her extra hot mocha, no whipped cream, and playing word games like Sudoku, Crypto Quote, the daily crossword and kept at least 50 games of Words with Friends going with Geri.

Arlene and Hughie loved their time together. Hughie’s involvement with softball in the 60’s and 70’s led Arlene to be the consummate “softball wife”. Dozens of boxes of softballs would be delivered to their house each year. Teams ordering new uniforms would have them sent to A. Welsh because she was home to accept the deliveries and teams knew that she would iron the uniforms before they picked them up. It wasn’t anything unusual to have bases, ball and bats dotting the living room floor. Many softball nights were spent at the fields of Clark’s Park and the Armory fields (or as she called them, the Dust Bowl). Hughie and Ar and spent several years attending Spring Training in the Phoenix area. They would sit for hours mapping out the best game times to see two games in a day. After Hughie passed in 2013, Arlene didn’t slow down. With Geri, Dennis, and Kyla she traveled to a Paul McCartney concert, New York, Boston, Ireland, Seattle, Spokane, the Caribbean, and crossed the Arctic Circle in Alaska. She found comfort visiting Dan and his family in Gardnerville, NV and Kyla in Troy MT. She never had anything planned when she got a call asking, “Hey, Mom! Whatcha doing this weekend?”, and kept her suitcase handy.

Arlene led a beautiful, full life, and leaves behind many who loved the heck out of her—her daughter, rock, and best-friend Geri Grose, her son Dan Welsh of Gardnerville, NV, who wasn’t afraid to keep her on her toes, favorite son-in-law and best-guy Dennis Grose, favorite daughter-in-law Francis Welsh, trusting her to finish raising Dan, grandson and keeper of the truck Brad Welsh of Lake Tapps, WA, granddaughter and partner in everything Kyla Grose, and Rachel Hampton (Aaron) mother of her great-children Cameron, Hannah and Addison. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Bud Atchison, her best friend and cousin, Marna Lehman of Bellevue, WA, sisters-in-law Darlene Welsh and Janet Welsh, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will feel the void.
Hughie will be welcoming Arlene with open arms, alongside her parents, sister Dolores (who passed four days before Arlene), her grandparents, seven aunts and uncles, Hughie’s family, and many cousins and friends.
The staff at Big Sky Senior Living, Dr. Shennelle Schoenfeld and nurse Carla Stanghill, Father Patrick Beretta, and Nurse Virginia from Honey Bee Hospice are to be commended and thanked for their assistance in making Arlene comfortable in her final hours. With an abundance of patience, John Hossfeld filled his calendar meeting with the family.
In keeping with her tradition of being a helper and teacher, memorials are suggested to the Butte Emergency Food Bank, Butte Central Education Fund or BSW.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 14, 2025 at 11 am, with visitation beginning at 10 am in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 329 W. Mercury St, Butte, MT. Internment of ashes will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

11/03/2025

IN LOVING MEMORY OF
CHRISTOPHER MICHAEL DESHAZO
January 30, 1976 – October 28, 2025

Christopher Michael DeShazo, affectionately known as “Chrissy Bugs” or “Handsome,” was born on January 30, 1976, in Butte, Montana, to Marcia (Crowley) DeShazo and the late Ken DeShazo.

Chris attended Emerson Grade School, East Junior High, and graduated with the Butte High School Class of 1995. During his school years, he played football, made countless friends, and was always surrounded by laughter. His beautiful smile, quick wit, and warm, loving personality made him a lifelong friend to many. You couldn’t ask for a sweeter, more loyal, or more protective soul.

After high school, Chris attended a trade school in Arizona for diesel mechanics before beginning work with O’Keefe Drilling in Winnemucca, Nevada, as a driller’s helper. There, he worked proudly alongside his uncle Jim and cousins Matt and Mike — a job he truly enjoyed, made even more meaningful by sharing it with family.

In 2000, Chris suffered injuries from a tragic accident that left him impaired and unable to continue working. But that never stopped him from living fully. His spirit remained strong, his heart open, and his presence a gift to everyone he met.

Chris loved playing pool—his famous bank shot was legendary—and he enjoyed riding his bike, playing folf, going for rides, collecting treasures, picking up cans, visiting with friends and family, and helping out on any project he could. He had an uncanny ability to find joy in the simple things and to bring that joy to others.

Even after his accident, Chris’s light never dimmed. He remained a strong, kindhearted, and generous soul who believed in helping everyone he met. There was never a stranger to Chris—only friends he hadn’t yet made. His giving nature led him to open his home to those in need, often offering shelter to the homeless.

Above all, Chris loved his family, his animals, and his loyal companion, Rowdy, his German Shepherd. His life serves as a reminder to be kind to everyone we meet, as each of us carries unseen chapters.

Chris was preceded in death by his father, Ken DeShazo; grandparents Vi and Dick DeShazo, and Elmer and Marie Crowley; uncles Ernie and Mike DeShazo and Larry Crowley; aunts Judy Kelly, Darlene Hale, and Carol Jean Wickham; and cousins Jimmy Anderson and Sara Crowley.

He is survived by his loving mother, Marcia DeShazo; brothers Brad and Kenny DeShazo; sister Ashley DeShazo; daughter Mistyn Price; grandsons Kash and Dane; and granddaughter Catalina, expected to arrive soon. He also leaves behind his beloved nieces and nephews—Hannah Jo, Maddie, Brandon, Vi, Trinity, Kenny, Gracelynn and Christopher.

Chris’s extended family includes many cherished aunts and uncles: Marie (Crowley) and Jim Hislop, Dave Crowley, Robert Crowley, Bernice (Crowley) Castle, Susie (Hoar) Crowley, Karen (DeShazo) Andersen, Melanie (DeShazo) House, Lori Duran, Donnie DeShazo, Rick DeShazo, and Johnny Crowley—his cousin, best friend, and brother in every way.

He also leaves behind a large and loving family of cousins, including Heidi Harmon, Sunny Harmon, Justin DeShazo, Dave DeShazo, Peggy DeShazo, and Buffy DeShazo, Jessica Maxey, Allison and Jake Andersen, Sara Duran, Martha Yochim, Mikey DeShazo, Angel and Aaron House, Michelle Kenworthy, Matt Hislop, Mike Hislop, Miranda Santos, Marcus Crowley, Theda Crawford, Shelley Salcido, and Roger Crowley—as well as many more too numerous to name, all of whom loved him deeply.

Chris touched the lives of so many, and his absence leaves an irreplaceable void. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.

A private family interment will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025, followed by a public Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m. at the East Side Athletic Club.

An account has been established at Opportunity Bank to help defray costs associated with the tragic accident involving both Johnny and Chris.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have shown such kindness, love, and support during this difficult time.

11/03/2025

OBITUARY FOR
DOLORES JEAN (POWELL) ATCHISON
1934—2025

Surrounded by her family and sustained by her unwavering Catholic faith, Dolores Jean (Powell) Atchison entered into God’s Eternal Kingdom on Friday, October 24, 2025.

Dolores was born to Elmer and Jean (Douris) Powell on July 16, 1934 and raised on Butte’s Anaconda Road. She attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from Girl’s Central High School in 1952.

Following graduation, she went to work for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in Butte and for a short time, in Great Falls. Upon moving back to Butte, she met “Bud the Baker”, a kind gentleman that lived across the alley. After dating for a short time, “Bud the Baker” proposed to Dolores, and they married in a small ceremony in 1969. She became Dolores Atchison, and “Bud the Baker” became Uncle Bud.

You could say that Dolores and Bud enjoyed bowling, but that would be an understatement. Her passion for bowling began in 1964 when she joined a league at the old Butte YMCA lanes. Dolores bowled the first 700 Series for a woman in Butte’s bowling history on February 15, 1985. She entered the Women’s State Bowling Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Butte Women’s Bowling Hall of Fame. A pillar of support for the Butte bowling community, Dolores devoted countless hours at local tournaments and enjoyed being secretary of her leagues, doing all calculations by hand, before computers were introduced. She and Bud traveled the United States bowling in many state and national tournaments around the country, but her favorite was teaming as a doubles partner with her niece, Geri, for the National Tournament in Reno in 1988. She was over the moon excited when her great-niece, Kyla, started bowling several years ago.

Although Dolores didn’t have children of her own, she was like a second mother to her sister Arlene’s, children Geri and Dan, and a “best-aunt” to Geri’s daughter Kyla. Her nickname “Orsie” came from Geri not being able to spit out Dolores. Kyla would get excited when going to visit, and at a very young age coined the combination of Dolores and Orsie into Dolorsie. No matter the name, she was loved.

Welcoming Dolores onto God’s Kingdom were her parents, Elmer and Jean Powell, brother-in-law Hugh Welsh, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Dolores and Dr. William Fleming, Bud’s daughter Cheri (children George, Gina, Finley and Daniel).
She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Bud Atchison, who lovingly cared for her in her later years, her sister Arlene Welsh, niece Geri Grose (Dennis), nephew Dan Welsh (Francis), great nieces Kyla Grose, Rachel (Aaron) Hampton (Cameron, Hannah and Addison), and great-nephew Brad Welsh, Bud’s son Mike (Tenlee) Atchison (Dylan and Ashley), in-laws David and Elaine Atchison and Diane and Gerry Herrigon.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caring team at Big Sky Senior Living, Trek Healthcare and Honey Bee Hospice for their compassion and support during Dolores’ final years. Special thanks to her niece and nephew, Geri and Dennis for their tireless love, understanding, and help with whatever was needed.

Memorial services will be conducted Monday, November 24, 2025 at 1 PM in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home with Deacon Berni McCarthy officiating. Entombment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials in Dolores’ name are requested to the Butte Youth Bowling Association for scholarships.

10/31/2025

OBITUARY FOR
SALLY (MCPHERSON) HARRINGTON

Ms. Sally J. (McPherson) Harrington passed away peacefully Saturday, October 4, 2025 at her home in Portland Oregon after a short illness.
Born April 3, 1948 to John and Kathryn (Dolly) McPherson, her early life was spent in Butte Montana. Sally attended St. John Elementary School, and graduated from Girls Central High School in 1966. Following graduation, she attended the Elderkin Beauty School. In 1968 Sally and Jack Harrington were married. They were blessed with three children, Shannon, Jon, and Jolene.
In her younger years, Sally played softball and created beautiful ceramics. Sally will always be remembered for her wicked sense of humor, infectious laugh, her love of music and for always, always spoiling the children in her life.
In 1978 Sally bravely relocated herself and her small children to Portland, Oregon. There she embarked on a successful career as Property Manager for a residential Real Estate Company, eventually rising to Vice President. Sally was honored to have worked with the Oregon legislature to pass several Landlord Tenant Laws.
Sally’s greatest accomplishment in life was raising her three children as a single mother. She was extraordinarily proud of each of her children. She felt truly blessed to be grandmother to her three beautiful granddaughters.
Sally was preceded in death by her parents, John and Dolly McPherson, her twin brother Ronnie, brothers Don (Mac) McPherson, Dave McPherson, her niece Jennifer Olsen and brother-in-law Lee Seccomb. She is survived by her three children, Shannon (Mike) Fiaschetti, Jon Harrington, Jolene Harrington, granddaughters, Olivia, Sophia, and Maya Harrington, sisters, Sandi Seccomb and Sue MacPherson, sister-in-law Cathy Cashell-McPherson, brother-in-law Don Olsen and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to express our gratitude to the amazing nurses and support staff from Tenderly Hospice in Tigard, OR. We will be forever grateful for the kindness, compassion and respect shown Sally.
Services for Sally will be held in Butte, MT Spring 2026. Donations in Sally’s honor can be made to Tenderly Hospice 7150 SW Hampton St. #200 Tigard, OR 97223.

10/30/2025

OBITUARY FOR
RICHARD PAUL WHITE
July 3,1957 - October 26, 2025

Richard “Rich” White passed away at his home in La Porte, Indiana on October 26, 2025, after a brave battle with prostate cancer. His wife, Paulina, was by his side.
Rich was born on July 3, 1957, in Butte, Montana, to Frank and Iris White. One of thirteen children, he grew up in a big, close family where laughter and fun were part of everyday life. The White house was never quiet, and Rich was usually at the center of it all, keeping everyone laughing.
He attended Butte schools and graduated from Butte High in 1975. In 1977, he married Pam Haxby-Cote, and together they had two children, Heather and Andy. Though they later divorced, they remained friends.
Rich lived in several states over the years including Montana, Washington, Oregon, Nebraska, and finally Indiana. Along the way, he met the love of his life, Paulina, in La Pine, Oregon. They married in October 2009 and shared many years of love, laughter, and adventure.
Rich loved being outdoors, especially horseback riding, hunting, fishing, golfing and skiing. His sense of humor was quick and clever, and he had a natural gift for making people laugh. Whether it was a one-liner, a story from his younger days, or an impersonation, Rich had a way of turning any moment into a funny one.
Rich is survived by his wife Paulina; his children Heather (Jeff) Choquette and Andy (Laura) White; stepdaughters Jasmine (Ken) Brooks and Heather Peck; grandchildren Ashley and Adam Choquette, Sam Misplon, Amelia and Xander Fincher, Abigayle and Isabella Brooks, and Andrew Christian; and great-grandchildren Colby Misplon, Daisy Veronesi, and Sebastian Richards.
He is also survived by his brothers John (Peggy), Jim (Shelly), and Ron (Melody) White; his sisters Donna Campanella, Elaine (Rod) Holm, Cheryl Collins, Bev (John) Orr, and Debbie (Colton) Beard; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Iris; brothers Frank and Bill; sister in-law Rose White, Sisters Arlene White and Judy Wulf, brother-in-laws John Wulf and Larry Campanella; and nephews Billy White, Larry Campanella Jr., and Wayne White.
At Rich’s request, a celebration of life will be held in the summer of 2026, his style, which means plenty of laughter, stories, good food, and fun. An official date will be announced at a later time.

10/29/2025

OBITUARY FOR
Pete Hallquist Sr
March 26, 1956-October 21, 2025
Pete Hallquist Sr passed away peacefully at home in the comfort of his son and wife.
He was born on March 26th 1956 in Miles City MT to Norman Hallquist and Elizabeth Gross.
He is survived by his wife Lynn Hallquist, his son Pete Hallquist Jr, daughter Nicole Hallquist, their mother Diane Kimmel of Billings MT and his three sisters. Pete had a loving extended family: stepdaughter Kendra (Randy) Walter of Post Falls ID, stepdaughter Shelby (Kobie) Morley and granddaughter Madison of Helena MT, stepson Dalton (Taeler) Gensch and granddaughter Rory of Boise ID.
Pete graduated from Anaconda High School in June of 1971. He earned an Automotive Technician diploma from the Wyoming Technical Institute in December of 1974. While taking his auto mechanic courses he successfully completed a written exam on internal combustion engine overhaul which earned him a Doctor of Motors Student Citation.
Pete was owner of P & M Transmission where he specialized in “new & used jeep parts, off-road suspension specialists, shackle reverse systems, suspension lifts, differential specialists and exhaust systems.” His business grew to where he could fix anything on cars. He would often diagnose what was wrong with a car just by listening to it run. He was well known as an expert mechanic who fixed countless cars for people in the Butte/Anaconda community.
Not only was Pete an expert mechanic, he was skilled at remodeling houses. He did the carpentry, plumbing and electrical work for his home with Lynn. He was a perfectionist in any work he did. His motto was “do it right the first time so you don’t have to fix it a second time”.
Pete was one of the founding members of the Continental 4-Wheel Drive Association started in January 2006.
Pete was very nostalgic an “American Graffiti” kind of guy. He loved the happy days of the 60s era especially the music and cars. The list of the cars he has worked on is endless. Some of his favorites were Chevelle, El Camino, Impala and Novas.
Back in 1994 he bought 2 International Harvesters from a beloved relative and sealed the deal with a handshake and a smile.
Pete and Lynn were together for 10 years then married on June 30th 2022 at the historic Madison County Courthouse in Virginia City.
They often traveled throughout MT ID and WA visiting family and soaking in hot springs along the way. Some memorable experiences are the music concerts they attended of their favorite 70s 80s musicians
Pete always described his son Pete Jr as “his right-hand man” in his business. He taught him every trade skill he knew whether it was mechanics, welding or body work.
Pete was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. Every year he and his son spent their spare time hunting and fishing. They had a favorite hunting spot in the Bernice area for deer and elk. They frequently went fishing and camping at East Fork and Storm Lake.
Pete will always be remembered for his passion of storytelling. He is truly missed by his family and multitude of friends.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating Pete’s life will be held on Friday November 7th at 11:00 am at Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home 1800 Florence Ave in Butte MT. Reception following services will be in the Community Center.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Butte Food Bank or BSW Thrift Store.

10/29/2025

OBITUARY FOR
JAMES EDWARD “JIM” DODD SR.

James (Jim) Edward Dodd Senior was born September 2nd, 1954, and passed away October 16th, 2025. He passed away in his home early in the morning. He is greeted in Heaven by many family members. First to hug him will be his loving mother Vera Atkins, his sister Deanie Campbell and brother-in-law Buddy Campbell, sister Virgie Dodd, sister Toni Dodd Parker, sister Teri Dodd Holland and brother-in-law Ron Holland, and his son Jimmy Dodd.
His surviving children are Misty Dodd, Corey Dodd, Crystal Keene Duffey, and Charlie Keene. His grandchildren are Jennika Woodbury, Jacob Dodd, Cody Dodd, Aziza Merino, Hailey Wigen, Kaley Dodd Aislynn, Teaira and Taylyn. And Jim had many great grandbabies! His surviving nieces and nephews include Ron Holland, Cheri Holland, and Tina Campbell Kearney who will all miss their loving Uncle Jim. He also leaves behind his youngest sister Lisa Atkins. And his amazing support and best friend Julie Lynch-Franklin.
He passed away at the age of 71 after living a very full life of hunting, fishing, camping, and any outdoor activity that allowed him to share a cold bud light with his buddies. He loved his family, especially all his grandbabies, and he loved being around a good group of people. Many strangers turned into friends either while he was bartending or just sharing a drink at his favorite bar. He will be greatly missed by anyone who had the opportunity to meet and get to know this wonderful man.
We will be having a celebration of life to raise a cold one to Jim sometime in the spring so that all family members will be able to attend. The date and location will be determined.
*Love you Buddy* (JLF)
Fly high with the eagles you loved!!(HJW)
You are so missed Jimmy, Dad, Pops, and Grandpa!!

10/23/2025

OBITUARY FOR
GREGORY ALLEN “GREG” GOLLEHON

In loving memory of Gregory Allen (Greg) Gollehon who passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025 at the age of 76. The family would like to personally thank Megan Maloney, RN who went above and beyond to make him so extremely comfortable during his final hours.

Greg was born in Great Falls, MT to Hal B. and Donna M. Gollehon on February 18, 1949. He received his schooling in Conrad, MT and graduated from Conrad High School in 1967. He then went on to earn a BA degree in Business Administration from Eastern Montana College in Billings in 1972.

Greg accepted his first professional job offer from Montana Power in Butte in September of 1972. He spent the next 30 years working for the Power and its subsidiaries Tetragenics and Touch America.

In May of 1973, he married Sally Elsner in Billings. They spent their entire married life in Butte where they raised their two sons Darren and Brian.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Doug, his sisters-in-law Jane Elsner Billman and Mary Ann Elsner Heyer and his brother-in-law Charles Billman. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sally, his son Darren (Corina) of Billings and their children Kylie and Brady and his son Brian (Melissa) of East Helena and their children Connor, Hailey and Madelyn. Greg is also survived by his long-time friends Don Davis and Keith Kovash and the other members of the YMCA “Iron Club”, which was formed in the early 1970’s. He was extremely proud to be a member of the club and cherished the times they spent together.

Greg had a special saying “Every Day is a Holiday” which he used often (maybe too often) and it will live on with his family and friends forever. Ironically, he passed away on an actual holiday – Columbus Day.

Cremation has taken place by Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home. A celebration of Greg’s life will take place next summer for his family and friends.

Rest in Peace Greg!! EVERY DAY IS A HOLIDAY!!

Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home

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