K&L Mortuaries - Ennis

04/09/2026

When a child loses someone important to them, the world can suddenly feel confusing and uncertain. Children often experience grief differently than adults, and they may struggle to understand or express what they’re feeling.

During times like these, patience, reassurance, and open conversation can make a meaningful difference. Letting children ask questions, share memories, and talk about their emotions can help them begin to process the loss in their own way.

If you’re looking for guidance on how to support a child who is grieving, you can learn more by visiting: https://www.funeralbasics.org/teaching-child-how-to-process-grief/fbclid=IwY2xjawQdnmdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFxVmlrSHEwazA3NW51Zllrc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvEGoL41ePg4rX4UyAX4IA9uaU_Mqh3ssfMmoQDxhkVhzGH2H75W0E7Nzcb_aem_a8hC_t5dfpCDSZrDXMdlvw

04/03/2026

On this Easter, we’re reminded that even after the most difficult seasons, light and peace can still be found. For those who are missing someone today, know that it’s okay to carry both love and loss at the same time. The memories we hold close continue to shape and stay with us.

Wishing you a quiet day of reflection, comfort, and connection. Wishing you and your loved ones a calm, joyful, and blessed Easter from everyone at K&L Mortuaries. 🌷🐣

03/25/2026

03/24/2026

Ramona L Durham

Ramona Lou Herrick Durham, age 96, passed away peacefully on 03/24/2026 surrounded by the love of her family and the mountains of the Madison Valley she cherished all her life.

Born to Frank and Minnie Criswell Herrick on 02/08/1930 in a one-room cabin just east of the Bear Creek Schoolhouse at Cameron, she grew up and spent her entire life on the family ranch between Bear Creek and Indian Creek knowing and loving the land. She married Pete Durham in 1950 and together they built a life on the ranch.

She was a woman of grit and grace. Dependable and loyal with the quiet strength that held her family together. She believed in hard work, honesty, and showing up for the people you love - values she passed down through example and the way she lived each day. She had a service heart and was a tremendously helpful community oriented person volunteering at her church, the Madison Valley Historical Museum, blood drives, elections, the cattle womens association, and her beloved Bear Creek Schoolhouse/Community Club where she attended school until fourth grade and organized pinochle parties every March. She also had a wickedly funny and sarcastic sense of humor of which her family has many hilarious stories.

She is survived by her four children: Wade (Nancy) Durham, Todd Durham, Lisa (Mitch) Jensen, and Zane (Cary) Durham; seven grandchildren: Ashley (Aaron) Koss, Teelan Durham, Tori Pierson, Darby Forister, Anna Forister, Kyle Leys, and Raith (Brooke) Durham; four great grandchildren: Lily Koss, Brett Koss, Pryce Pierson, and Quin Forister. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and a community that will feel her absence deeply. She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, her grandson Olin Durham, her sisters Ione Frisbie and June Ramer, and at 96 years old, most of her friends and extended family.

A service honoring her life will be held on Monday, March 30, at 11:00am at the First Presbyterian Church in Ennis Montana. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution be made in her name to either the Bear Creek Schoolhouse or the Madison Valley History Museum.

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the wonderful people and staffs at Home Park Assisted Living in Sheridan Montana and the Madison Valley Manor in Ennis Montana. Your jobs are hard and we appreciate the outstanding care and kindness she received these past two years at these facilities.

Donations can be made to:

Bear Creek Schoolhouse

checks should be made to: Cameron Community Club, 636 Bear Creek Lp, Cameron MT 59720.

History museum

Madison Valley History Association, PO Box 474, Ennis MT 59729.

View Ramona L Durham's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/17/2026

Today is a reminder to slow down and appreciate the traditions, stories, and connections that shape our lives — no matter our background. Whether you’re gathering with family, sharing a meal, or simply reflecting, we hope the day brings a moment of warmth and meaning. 💚

03/12/2026

Who’s part of your support circle? Whether it’s family, friends, or even a pet, we’d love to know what helps you through the hard days. Whether you need someone to talk to, ask questions about planning, or just want a listening ear—we're here, whenever you need us.

03/05/2026

Every life tells a story and we believe every funeral should, too. At K&L Mortuaries, we’re dedicated to creating unique, personalized services that truly honor the life being remembered.

Whether it’s incorporating favorite music, meaningful keepsakes, themed displays, special readings, or a celebration that reflects a loved one’s passions, we take the time to learn what made them who they were.

From traditional services to one-of-a-kind life celebrations, our team is here to help families create something heartfelt, memorable, and uniquely theirs. 💛

03/03/2026

Opal Joyce Held

Opal Joyce Held

October 23, 1930 - March 2, 2026

Opal Joyce Held, lovingly known as Joyce, was born on October 23, 1930, in Butte, Montana to Cecil & Leona Atkinson. She had two brothers and one sister, all deceased.

Joyce married her life long love, John "Jack" Held, and together they made their home in Whitehall, Montana. Their life was built on enduring love, partnership, and a deep commitment to each other and family.

She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and family was always her greatest joy.

She was a true and loyal friend.

On March 2, 2026, Joyce went to heaven to be with the Lord, leaving behind a legacy that will live on through the generations of family and friends she cherished.

She is survived by her two daughters and their husbands, Linda and Ron Schott, Paulette and Don Buhl; her four granddaughters and their husbands, Dulcie and David Clark, Shelbie, and Guy Croy, Aleisha and Christien Colvin, and Jackie and Scott Gingras; 13 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandsons.

Joyce was the last family survivor of her generation and holds a special place in the hearts of her many nieces and nephews.

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

No services are planned at this time.

Memorials can be made in her honor to Madison Manor in Ennis or Meadowlark Manor in Whitehall.

View Opal Joyce Held's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/26/2026

Some days are harder than others. Be kind to yourself today, and remember it’s okay to feel everything you're feeling.

02/16/2026

On Presidents Day, we pause to recognize the leadership and dedication that have helped shape our country. We’re grateful to serve our community with care and compassion every day.

02/13/2026

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re especially mindful of those who may be carrying extra weight in their hearts particularly those remembering a spouse or loved one. Love doesn’t end with loss; memories remain close and meaningful.

02/08/2026

Beverly Jeanne Whitman

Beverly Jeanne Whitman, age 84, passed away peacefully in the early hours of February 3, 2026, with her beloved husband, John, by her side. She was born on May 31, 1941, to Byron and Hazel Saunders in the Ennis Hotel on Main Street in Ennis, Montana. Beverly grew up alongside her brother, Raymon, in the close-knit community, always living in the downtown area surrounded by family and friends.

A 1959 graduate of Ennis High School, Beverly had dreams of becoming a teacher and enrolled at Western Montana College. That same year, her talent shone when she won the Montana Make It with Wool contest with the entry of a beautiful coat that Jackie Kennedy would have loved. Later that same summer Beverly traveled to visit a friend in Denver, Colorado, and while there, she missed the big Hebgen Lake earthquake back home! During her first year of college, she got re-acquainted with John Jay Whitman of West Yellowstone, and the two married on June 21, 1960. Their family grew throughout the 1960's with the birth of their son, Francis Jay, and daughters Brenda Marie, Nanette Jean, and Heather Lynn.

Beverly embraced the life of a wife and mother as the family moved for John's student teaching and early career assignments in Great Falls and Libby. In 1965, they settled in Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, where John served as a teacher and principal. Beverly thrived in the small community, raising a growing family, volunteering where needed and joining various clubs. She began working at the Yellowstone Research Library, where she helped for many years and also served as Treasurer on the board of the Yellowstone Association. She cherished family adventures, including downhill ski trips, camping, hiking, and canoeing. Later, Beverly and John purchased a historic property in Gardiner, Montana, where they built and ran a coffee/gift shop and bed-and-breakfast until John's retirement in 2003.

For the next 14 years, Beverly and John traveled the country in their motor home, wintering in southern Texas and spending summers at their Jack Creek home near Ennis. A woman of remarkable strength, Beverly lived with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) for over half her life with grace and resilience.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Byron and Hazel Saunders, and her brother, Raymon. She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, John Whitman; son, Jay (Stephanie); daughters, Brenda (Les), Nanette (Bruce), and Heather (Chris); seven grandsons; two granddaughters; one great-grandson and another grandbaby due this summer.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Madison Valley History Association in Beverly's memory. A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, February 14, with a graveside service at the Ennis Cemetery at 1:00 pm followed by a casual reception at 2:00 pm at Bynee's, 214 Main Street in Ennis. Beverly's warmth, courage, and love for her family and community will be deeply missed but forever cherished.

View Beverly Jeanne Whitman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.