Stephen Sharlow Smith
1915 - 2010
Stephen Sharlow Smith passed away Fridy, Oct. 8, in Dillon following an extended illness.
Stephen was born in Denton on Oct. 17, 1915, to Percival and Rose (Sharlow) Smith. Following his schooling in Denton, he attended college at Intermountain in Helena, Dakota Wesleyan in Mitchell, S.D., and Polytechnic in Blacksburg, Pa.
In November 1942, he was inducted into the United States Army through Fort Meyer, Va., and shipped out to France on Christmas Day in 1944, as part of a 21-man gas generation unit. Following his discharge, he returned to Montana, assuming responsibilities of the family farm south of Denton.
In July 1953, Stephen married Margaret Gustavson of Molltrop, Sweden, and together they raised four children, Margareta, Maryann, Peter and Stanley.
Stephen gave generously of his time, to his family as well as the community. He was an active member of the Denton Community Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge, American Legion and Lions Club. After purchasing the printing press and type from the Denton Recorder, in his spare time he provided printing services to people in the area.
Stephen loved life, he loved his family, and he treasured his friends. So long as chores were done, he was always ready to go camping, on a picnic, or take a road trip. He was a Montanan through and through.
A student of history, he was rarely seen without a book or a newspaper, and always made time for the daily news. While in Helena, he worked as a docent for the Montana Historical Society.
After retiring from the farm, Stephen and Margaret moved first to Denton, then to Helena for a number of years, and finally to Dillon in 2004. Even at the end of his life, he never lost respect for others, or his incredible sense of humor.
Stephen was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Dorothy, Jane and Claire; and his brother, Billy.
In addition his wife of 58 years, Margaret, he is survived by his children, Margareta (Larry) Knopik, Dillon; Maryann Seilstad, Helena; Peter (Lola) Smith, Lavinia; and Stanley (Laura) Smith, Pennsylvania; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
In accordance with Stephen's wishes, cremation has taken place.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 27, at 1 p.m., at the Denton Community Methodist Church. Interment of ashes will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery in Denton.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brundage Funeral Home, Dillon, and Cloyd Funeral Home, Lewistown.
He will be missed.
Evelyn Odneal
1927 - 2010
Evelyn Harrison Odneal, 83, of Bozeman, passed away Oct. 14, at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital.
Evelyn was born in Butte on May 20, 1927, the daughter of Hollis C. and Ramona D. Harrison.
She grew up on the Harrison Ranch in the Grasshopper Valley until her family moved to Bozeman in 1937.
Evelyn graduated from Gallatin County High School in 1945, and Montana State College in 1949, with a bachelor’s of science degree in home economics.
Evelyn married Billy Odneal on Aug. 15, 1949, and they became the proud parents of four daughters.
She spent the next 37 years supporting Billy during his outstanding military career, and was a nurturing, loving mother who devoted herself to their well-being.
Evelyn spent many hours volunteering with several organizations including Girl Scouts of America, American Red Cross, hospitals, schools, and military service organizations.
One of her favorite places to spend the day was in her beautiful, prize winning garden.
Evelyn loved to cook, bake, and sew for her family and friends, and spent countless hours entertaining her beloved grandchildren.
She was a loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and neighbor. She will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Billy; her parents, and her brother-in-laws, Al Wiedenmeyer and Jack Odneal.
She is survived by her daughters, Ann Odneal, Holly (Steve) O’Toole, Katy Odneal, and Marilee(Dana) Schmidt; nine grandchildren, Joshua Shurman, Dan Faught, Mark (Tami) O’Toole, Erin (Sam) Ortega, Ben, Devon, and Ryan Conroy, Lindsey (Travis) Schmidt-Bowman, and Dillon Schmidt; three great granddaughters, Olivia Schmidt, Abby O’Toole, and Stella Ortega; sister, Shirley Wiedenmeyer; and three nieces, Wendy Wiedenmeyer, Connie (Tom) Kamerman, and Shelly (Bill) Bacon.
Evelyn and Billy will be interred together at Arlington National Cemetery in August 2011. At her request, no services will be held. If desired, memorials may be made to the Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter. Arrangements are by Dokken- Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com
Robert Bersuder, Jr.
1951 - 2010
Robert Bersuder, Jr., was killed in a vehicular accident on July 20. He was born in New Orleans, La., on Dec. 19, 1951. He came home from the hospital in the loving arms of his mother, Ramona, protected by his father, Robert Bersuder, Sr., and to the delight of his older sister, Jude.
Robert loved the West Coast, and resided in California and Hawaii. Later in life he was called to the mountains of Colorado.
Robert was a strikingly handsome man with a kind and very compassionate soul. He loved life, his parents, family, friends, and especially his daughters.
He will be clearly missed by all whose lives he touched, but especially by his daughters, Lauren, London, England; Chezlani, Oahu, Hi.; and Victoria, New Orleans, La.; and his sister, Jude Bersuder David, Dillon.
A memorial service was held for family and friends on Saturday, Sept. 25, at the Lakeview Christian Center in New Orleans. His ashes were spread at sea.
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