Frontier Funeral Home

08/29/2025

🖤 Tomorrow is National Grief Awareness Day — a reminder that grief is a journey, not a timeline. Whether your loss was recent or years ago, your feelings are valid. Grief can be quiet or loud, heavy or hidden—but it deserves to be acknowledged, supported, and honored.

At Frontier Funeral Home, we walk alongside families through some of life’s hardest moments. Today, we encourage you to check in with someone who may be grieving. Sometimes the smallest gesture can bring the most comfort. If you're grieving, you're not alone. We're here for you.�

08/22/2025

Planning ahead can ease emotional and financial burdens. If you’ve ever wondered what preplanning involves, we’re here to answer your questions—no pressure, just conversation. Give us a call at (406) 466-2581 or visit us online at https://www.frontierfuneralhome.com.

08/15/2025

"What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." – Helen Keller

Thinking of all those we've loved and lost today. ❤️

08/09/2025

Karen Kelly

Karen LeRue Kelly, 77, of Choteau was known for her outgoing personality and love of life. She was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, wife, horse enthusiast/aficionado, and true force of nature, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025 after a valiant battle with dementia. She lived a life many of us wish we could.

Born in Great Falls the second of five children, and the only girl of Frank and Shirley Kelly. Karen's larger than life personality granted her many friends and always labelled her as the life of the party. She never met a stranger and frequently started up conversations with folks she chanced to meet. As a proud Choteau Bulldog, she could often be found racing her black and white pinto horse Jingles down the banks of the highway running towards the mountains she adored. If not galloping on horseback out of town or riding with her dad, she most definitely could be found drag racing in the shortest mini skirt she could find.

After graduation from Choteau High School in 1966 she worked as a Nursing Assistant in Great Falls before getting married and moving to Texas in 1968. Karen worked predominantly as a dental hygienist, enjoying the daily interactions with patients and staff. She is known most recently as the "Insurance Lady" at Pioneer Insurance, always enjoying talking with customers and meeting for coffee. She met several of her closest friends while working all of these careers.

Words can't describe the passion and tenacity that Karen brought to everything she set her mind to. She will always be remembered for her rambunctious personality and her love for horses. She was the consummate larger-than-life person that made everyone smile. We couldn't have asked for a more vibrant, loving Mother and Grandma, and will miss her every single day. Her memory will continue to live on in her girls, grandkids, and everyone who loved her.

Even though Karen was a force of nature, she adored her two daughters, Deandra and Candi, raising them to be strong, independent women who share her love for animals. After a long wait and their pursuit of careers, Karen finally became an awesome Gramma to Chad and Cadyn, whom she spoiled completely! She loved introducing them to the mountains of Montana and sharing her love for animals.

Mom's animals were always part of our family. Her beloved horses, Jingles, Buffet, Cricket, Spotlite shaped our lives irrevocably and will be forever remembered with every pinto or paint picture or art work she left behind. Other treasured animals included Freckles, Sadie, Fudge, Smokey, Callie, Sammy, TopCat, and many others that included childhood wildlife pets, a ferret, and any wild animal that she could get to eat out of her hands.

Karen loved being involved in community activities! She worked with her Mother in the Hospital Auxiliary and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Choteau. She also held the title of "Team Gramma" for Chad and Cadyn's basketball teams as she was the loudest voice cheering in the stands. She also loved sewing and crafting, making many cherished memories for her family and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Shirley Kelly; and her older brother, Terry. She is survived by her brothers, Lonnie (Pam) Kelly, Tim (Sheree) Kelly and Rod (Deb) Kelly; her daughters, Deandra (Fred Frontino) Jones and Candi (John McKee) Jones; sister-in-law, Ginny Kelly; her grandkids, Chad and Cadyn Brill; numerous loved nieces and nephews; honorary family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 2 pm at Frontier Funeral Home, Choteau, MT with viewing at 1 pm. Interment will follow at Choteau Cemetery, where all are welcome to join.

Friends, family, and anyone who loved Karen can decide if they would like to send flowers or make a donation in her name to honor her love of animals.

● Bright Eyes Animal Shelter (https://brighteyesanimalshelter.org/) in Choteau, MT

● 1 Horse at a Time Draft Horse Rescue (1horseatatime.com) in Corvalis, MT

View Karen Kelly's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/08/2025

Have you ever leaned on someone during a hard time? Tag a friend or loved one who has been your rock through grief. Let them know how much they mean to you today.

08/01/2025

Writing a eulogy can feel overwhelming—how do you sum up a life in just a few minutes? If you're facing that task, here are a few tips that might help:

Tips for Writing a Meaningful Eulogy:
-Speak from the heart – Share what made them special to you.
-Keep it personal – Include stories, not just achievements.
-Be honest, but kind – Celebrate their life authentically.
-Add a touch of humor – Light moments can comfort others.
-Keep it focused – 5–7 minutes is a good length.

07/28/2025

Barry Wilson

Barry Wilson, 86, was called home to heaven by his Lord and Savior on July 23, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family and the memories of a life well-lived.

Born on July 12, 1939, to Robert and Lillian Wilson, Barry spent his life chasing sunrises in the mountains, telling tall tales with a twinkle in his eye, and keeping everyone just a little bit on their toes. He married the love of his life, Eva Singer, on April 19, 1958, and together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and two awesome children who carry his grit and wit forward.

Barry worked as a salesman for Westinghouse, later shifting gears-literally and figuratively-to drive truck for Sun Sand and Gravel and United Materials. Whether behind the wheel or around a campfire, Barry was a storyteller, a teacher, and a man whose life was as steady as it was adventurous.

He loved hunting, fishing, and absolutely anything to do with the mountains. He was a die-hard Miami Dolphins fan (even when it was hard to be), and a devoted admirer of John Wayne-firm in his belief that a man ought to stand tall and say what he means. Each Christmas the gifts were not torn into until Barry had opened his Bible and read to us about the birth of Christ. As a charter member of Faith Bible Church in Fairfield, MT and a deacon of many years, Barry's favorite Bible verse, Romans 10:9, guided his faith: "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

He was the kind of man who'd shake his head when you did something foolish-but never made you feel like you couldn't try again. And somewhere out there, a fish and game warden in Florida is still wondering how a one-winged duck managed to keep flying in circles-just one of many mysteries Barry took with him.

Proceeding Barry in death are his parents, Robert and Lillian; and brother Carl Wilson.

Barry leaves behind wife, Eva Wilson; son, Barry "Lee" (Cheryl) Wilson of Murray, KY; daughter, Diane (Randy) Teeter of Fairfield, MT; sister, Trudy Wilson of Johnstown, PA; sister-in-law, Donna Wilson of Lakeland, FL; 3 Grandchildren, Laura, Jeremy, and Evan; and six Great Grandchildren.

Barry Wilson was one of a kind. His stories, his stubborn streak, his love for the wild, and the strength of his quiet faith will be missed beyond measure.

A private family gathering will be held to honor Barry's life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, do something Barry would've loved: tell a joke, bait a hook, or take the long road through the mountains.

Condolences to the family may be shared at www.frontierfuneralhome.com

View Barry Wilson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/25/2025

Sorting through a loved one’s possessions after their death can be overwhelming. One way to make the task easier is to invite close friends or family members to help you. While you may be tempted to tackle the task on your own, friends can provide emotional support and encouragement.

Who’s your support system? Give them a shoutout in the comments below.

07/18/2025

Funeral traditions are more than rituals—they are expressions of love, respect, and remembrance. They help us say goodbye, bring comfort to grieving hearts, and connect us to our heritage and community.

Here are just a few meaningful traditions we’ve helped families incorporate:

-Candlelight vigils – A peaceful way to reflect and remember with soft light and silence.
-Favorite songs or live music – Personal touches like a loved one’s favorite hymn or tune can bring powerful memories to life.
-Flower rituals – From laying a single rose to surrounding the casket in blooms, flowers often symbolize love, peace, or spiritual beliefs.
-Readings and prayers – Whether religious or personal, words spoken from the heart bring comfort and closure.
-Symbolic releases – Releasing doves, butterflies, or balloons can represent letting go or celebrating the spirit of a loved one.

At Frontier Funeral Home, we work closely with each family to honor cultural, religious, and personal traditions—from the most time-honored to the beautifully unique.

Have you experienced a tradition that meant a lot to you? Share it in the comments—we’d love to hear how others have honored their loved ones.

07/12/2025

"Liz" Smock

Jennie Elizabeth "Liz" Smock, 38, passed away on July 5, 2025, in Augusta, Montana. Born July 9, 1986, in Weston, West Virginia, to Robert Putnam and Jenny Rose, Liz was a loving wife, devoted mother, and a kind soul who brought light and laughter into the lives of those around her.

Liz earned her GED and worked various jobs throughout the Augusta area in her younger years. She married David Smock on August 7, 2004, and together they raised five wonderful children. Liz devoted herself fully to her family, finding joy in motherhood and creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and adventure.

She had a deep love for the outdoors and found peace in nature-camping under the stars and exploring the mountains with her family were some of her favorite pastimes. She was known for her spontaneous spirit, taking silly pictures, and heading out for late-night drives with David just to feel the world quiet down.

Liz was the kind of person who always showed up-with a listening ear, a soft word, or a big hug. She had a heart full of love and a soul that carried both strength and tenderness. Though she faced deep personal struggles, she tried every day to pour love into the world around her.

Liz is preceded in death by her father, Robert Putnam and brother, Caleb Putnam.

Her passing leaves an ache that cannot be measured. She is survived by her husband, David Smock; their five beloved children, Jedadiah, Henry, Lincoln, Lilly and Nina; her mother, Jenny Rose; sisters, Rachel Hoff (Ogden, UT), Leah Workman (Augusta, MT), Sarah Peterson (Cheyenne, WY), Rebekah Neal (Augusta, MT), Lydia Runstrom (Soap Lake, WA); brother, Joshua Putnam (Augusta, MT); and many other family members and friends who will forever carry her memory.

A Visitation will be held at Frontier Funeral Home on Saturday, July 12th from 6-8pm. Graveside will be held at the Augusta Cemetery on Sunday, July 13th at 6:00 PM, with a Memorial Service to follow at the Round-up Barn.

View Jennie Smock's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

07/11/2025

Planning ahead can ease the emotional and financial stress your loved ones may face in the future. By taking a little time today to note your wishes, you give your family the gift of clarity and peace of mind when they need it most.

At Frontier Funeral Home, we’re here to help you create a simple, thoughtful plan that reflects your values and wishes.

-Review your options
-Write down your decisions
-Ensure your family has a clear path forward

Let’s make a difficult day a little easier for those you love. Call us at (406) 466-2581 to schedule a time to talk.

07/09/2025

Thearon Staddon

Thearon Staddon was born in Missoula, Montana, June 7, 1945, to Harold and Rosa Staddon. He had two older siblings: a brother, Jack, who passed away May 11, 2005 and a sister, Joyce, who now lives in Loveland, Colorado.

He attended Adventist elementary schools in Billings, Montana and Loveland, Colorado on the campus of Campion Academy where he graduated in 1964. Pacific Union College in Northern California was his choice for college. There, in the fall of 1965, he met a beautiful girl who worked in the music department. She agreed to accompany him on the piano while he played violin for special music at a church plant.

She has continued to accompany him with his violin or cello until his recent sickness. In music and in life, Sharon and Thearon have remained inseparable for over 57 years. God blessed them with two sons, Jack and Jeff, five grandchildren, and an Eritrean daughter who lives with her husband and two children in Australia.

Thearon pastored churches in various states, including Minnesota, Nebraska, Alaska, Kansas, and Montana. He spent four years working with ADRA in Sudan, where he directed a refugee program, feeding infants and small children.

He was loved by his family and will be deeply missed, but we are thankful for God's promises and we look forward to the day Christ returns, and we are reunited with our dear father, grandfather, husband, brother, and friend.

Condolences to the family may be shared at www.frontierfuneralhome.com

View Thearon Staddon's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.