Paul “Sonny” Jay Manis
1914 - 2011
Paul ‘Sonny’ Jay Manis, 97, of Big Timber, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 23.
Paul was born Jan. 12, 1914, in Big Timber, to Tom and Ethel Manis.
Paul grew up on Otter Creek, and attended school in Big Timber where he graduated from Sweet Grass County High School in 1930.
He worked for Leo Cremer on his ranch, and helped with rodeo stock.
On June 30, 1940, Paul married Adeline Sylvia Bergholm in Bozeman. Shortly thereafter they moved to Manhattan, where Paul worked for Dr. Heetderks on his ranch.
After having their first child, Dixie, they moved to a ranch in Harrison where Paul raised cattle and sheep. While in Harrison, Juanita was born.
Paul enjoyed hunting and working rodeos as a pick-up man, and occasionally did some team roping. He was also the local brand inspector, and traveled to several markets to assist other brand inspectors.
In 1960 the Manis family moved to Shelby, where Paul worked full time for the Livestock Commission as a state brand inspector.
Two years later he was transferred to Dillon, where he continued his work as a brand inspector until his retirement in 1979. Paul truly enjoyed his work.
After his retirement, Paul and Adeline returned to Big Timber. He weighed livestock at the Big Timber yard and scale for several years.
Paul enjoyed welding, and made over 350 branding irons.
Paul was preceded in death in 2003 by his wife of almost 63 years, Adeline; and in 2011 by his great-grandson, Gregg Hokanson.
He is survived by his daughters, Dixie (Alfred) Hokanson, Norris, and Juanita (Dick) Posten, Corvallis; five grandchildren, Tim (Susan) Hokanson, Norris, Kevin Hokanson, Sheridan, Keith (Ann) Hokanson, Norris, Shawn (Heidy) Grossman, Placerville, Calif., and Tamara Grossman, Las Vegas, Nev.; six great-grandchildren, Katie (Cory) Burtchett, Hailey, Josie, Gavin, Kassidy and Joree Hokanson; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Tuesday at the Big Timber Evangelical Church, with interment following at Mountain View Cemetery.
Memorials in Paul’s name may be made to the Big Timber Community Food Bank or any Montana food bank.
Arrangements by Stenberg Funeral Home.
Kenneth Irving Rolandson
1930 - 2011
Ken Rolandson of Dillon passed away on the morning of Aug. 28 due to complications of Alzheimer’s. He was 80 years old.
Kenneth Irving Rolandson was born on Oct. 30, 1930, in St. Paul, Minn., to Knute and Inga Rolandson.
Growing up in rural Minnesota, he led an exciting childhood filled with encounters with small-town personalities, and other events such as sitting around the town radio during much of World War II. A true slice of Americana, it was filled with the kinds of stories that populate Ken Burns documentaries, or the non-fiction of Tom Brokaw.
He met his wife of 58 years, Jean Rolandson, not long before they were married, on Jully 26, 1952. With their four children – Mary, Richard, Nancy and Michael – they migrated from Minnesota to Townsend, and Watford City, N.D., respectively, where Ken owned and operated John Deere businesses. It was this life that brought the Rolandsons to Dillon in 1971, and anyone who met Ken would more than likely know that his store, Rolandson Equipment, was where you could purchase all of your implement needs.
It was this infectious love for conversation that best characterized Ken’s bubbling and cheerful personality. Be it at John Deere, Big Sky Motors, Safeway, or a town function, one could always count on him striking up a conversation, whether you were a friend of many years, or just passing through town. From complimenting your looks, to reminiscing at length about his grandchildren, he never let silence fill the room. Until his final months, this locquaciousness remained, adding a bright spot to the days of the residents of, and visitors to, Renaissance alike.
The majority of his life was spent in the company of family and friends, particularly in Montana and Minnesota, but also through the country. Wintering in Florida, Ken and Jean were avid tennis fans, as well as bridge players, and they passed this love of game, sport and travel along to their children and grandchildren.
Often seen tending the lawn of his and Jean’s immaculate home, Ken would always greet you with a wave and smile before immersing himself in the newspaper or one of his many coffee table books. Later in life, he traveled the world from his living room, and one could be sure that the next time you saw him, he would share an anecdote or two about his daily findings.
He was proceeded in death by his wife, Jean, and son, Michael.
He is survived by his brother, Arlo Rolandson; sister, Lori (Robert) Hotvet; daughters, Mary (Shafi)
Shafaieh and Nancy (Darren) Daignault; son, Richard Rolandson; and nine grandchildren
Cremation has already taken place, and per Ken’s request no services will be held.
Memorials made be made to the Barrett Hospital and HealthCare Hospice.
Betty Lou Tolson
1943 - 2011
Betty Lou Tolson, long time resident of the Lima area, passed away peacefully on May 16, at her home, from complications of a stroke.
Betty was born in Watertown, S.D., on Sept. 18, 1943, to Alfred E. Wheelborg and Iona Marion Keller Wheelborg. She grew up in Escondido, Calif., where she graduated from Vista High School.
In 1961 Betty married her first love, Jimmie Dale Lee. During their marriage they had three children together, and later divorced. Betty had another son, Donald E. Branin.
She later found the love of her life, Thomas O. Tolson, with whom she shared the last 35 years of her life. Tom and his three sons joined Betty and her children, forming a large, loving family.
Betty lived her life for her family and friends. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, and always put the needs of her family first. She was a great cook who loved to entertain. Holidays and big celebrations with her was nothing to be missed. She was a very talented crafter and also loved to crochet.
Through her years she became a great carpenter as well. Through the help of family and friends, she was able to build her dream homes.
One of her favorite things to do was gather around the patio table and enjoy a game of cards or dice with family anf friends, while everyone shared stories and laughter.
During her years in Quartzsite, Ariz., Betty and her husband built their own RV park from the ground up. They rented out to the dear snowbird friends who came back to join them for the winter year after year.
Betty Lou is survived by her devoted and beloved husband, Thomas Tolson; her children, David Lee and wife Monica, Dwayne Lee and wife Raiza, Denise Lee, Donnie Branin, Troy Tolson, Destry Tolson and Josh Tolson and wife Esther; grandchildren, Stephen Higley and wife Katrina, Jonathan Scollard, Tevyn, Christian and Dylan Branin, Onna Marie Lee, Corrina and Morgan Tolson; great-grandchildren, Thomas and Trinity Higley, Tayven Scollard, and another one on the way; her brothers and sisters, Beverly and Bill dickey, Dean and Deana Wheelborg, and Dennis and Rosalyn Wheelborg. She also leaves behind her beloved dog, Susie, as well as many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters.
Betty was the glue that held the family together, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and remain forever in our hearts.
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